Storage brands usually start with a standard model and wait a few years to launch a more premium version down the line, but not Samsung.

The Samsung 990 Pro has topped our best SSD for gaming guide for as long as I can remember, but now the Samsung 990 SSD has landed long after its premium predecessor. While bizarre, I'm appreciative to see any new drive hit the market. Especially one that provides speeds that aren't too far behind those of its Pro model, which has reached staggering prices in 2026 as a knock-on effect from the RAM Storage Crisis, which is still having its fun with pricing and availability of the best PS5 SSDs and PC drives alike.

I'm honestly thankful to see any new storage that's £212.19 / $269.99 (1TB) and £411.99 / $529.99 (2TB) launch prices have yet to be shaken up a notch. That being said, Samsung's newest 990 SSD shouldn't be your top choice if you're after the speediest drive, and if you can manage to find its Pro counterpart at a similar or cheaper price point, which is still achievable if you know where to look.

Design

There isn't anything that really separates this DRAM-less drive from others available today. Much like the Samsung 990 Pro SSD, this is your standard M.2 SSD with an all-black PCB and some Samsung branding pasted on top so you don't forget what drive you're inserting into your gaming rig.

I will note that this model is not yet available with a heatsink, so you don't get access to that swanky cyberpunk-looking red and black version which you can grab for the Pro model. However, both drives share the same M.2 2280 form factor, so nothing is stopping you from using it with this SSD, should you have one lying around.

Features

The 2TB Samsung 990 SD is a PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe M.2 drive available in 1TB and 2TB capacities that utilizes a DRAM-less design that's powered by Samsung's V-NAND and HMB (Host Memory Buffer) tech. It has a 400 endurance rating and comes with a 3 year warrantly. As a DRAM-less SSD, it's not intended to be as speedy as its Pro counterpart, but the line as to what speeds it's meant to be competing with gets a bit blurry.

The 2TB model I was provided with for this review states the drive provides read speeds up to 7,000 MB/s. That's all well and good, but meanwhile the official Samsung product page and marketing for the drive state it can achieve sequential read and write speeds up to 7,250 and 6,450 MB/s. I'm going to guess the sticker on the box that was provided to me ahead of release might be a little inaccurate, but I wanted to state it here in case the images of the provided box made matters a bit confusing.

Besides its speeds, the 990 is designed to be more efficient and power-savvy than previous models in the 990 lineup. Samsung exclaims that it provides "up to 38% improved performance per Watt" over the 990 Pro and that it can handle large files with ease. The drive and its data can also be managed by Samsung's Magician suite, the brand's proprietary software, which allows you to transfer data and track the health of the latest solid-state drive.

Performance

After spending some time with our CrystalDiskMark benchmarking tool, it was the box sticker that was closer to the mark for the 2TB capacity model, at least where my testing was concerned.

The Gen 4 drive managed to achieve an average 7,094.84 MB/s and 5,851.1 MB/s read and write speeds after being put through a series of four tests. This is not quite the 7,250 and 6,450 MB/s as found on the Samsung website and not enough to take the 990 Pro down a peg, but it's still pretty impressive. Let's not forget, the 990 Pro achieved 7,462MB/s reads and 6,877MB/s writes during our older review, so I'd assume this DRAM-less release would be far, far behind its more premium counterpart instead.

As always, speeds need to be put to practice, so I dug out some of my favorite PC games to see what the 990 was truly capable of. There's only so much that numbers on a screen can tell you. My favorite team-based hero shooter, Marvel Rivals, loaded up in an average of 38.13 seconds (over a period of three tests) from its launch menu to its start screen. I was pretty happy about that, as Season 9 just recently dropped and the sooner I can get into the game and work my way through the new battle pass, the better. In comparison, the game loaded to its start screen in 39.5 seconds from the onboard PNY CS1030 drive of my testing rig, so there was a tiny improvement - though it was not all that noticeable in practice.

Counter-Strike 2 loaded in an average of 26.80 seconds on the 990 SSD, which was a few seconds behind my rig's onboard PNY drive. It was a similar case for Dispatch, which loaded to its start screen at an average of 17.11 seconds compared to the PNY drive's 15.21 seconds. Of course, as I was using a stopwatch to time each game, it wasn't an exact science, so there should be a little margin of error to take into consideration. Either way, I had no issue bouncing into a variety of my go-to PC games practically as fast as I'm used to, and the SSD didn't falter or have any issues throughout the entirety of my testing time.

When it came to actually running Marvel Rivals off the 990 SSD, the drive continued to thrive. These days, there's a lot of on-screen clutter now that we've got characters like Jubilee setting off a barrage of fireworks and bright lights everywhere, so I was more concerned about my graphics card giving up the ghost than this SSD. Yet, after many hours of matches under my belt, Samsung's 990 kept chugging along just fine, and I didn't notice any dramatic difference whether I was rumaging through the various event screens or trying to get to the character select screen to select my main, Invisible Woman, as soon as possible.

During testing, I regrettably did not have a DC meter to check the temperature of the drive. Yet after a few check-ins throughout my time loading up games and spending far too many hours diving back in Marvel Rivals, Windows 11 informed me that the 990 SSD sat around the 48-degree mark.

Should you buy the Samsung 990 SSD?

Recommending SSDs in this day and age is tricky. While there are still plenty of impressive drives to go around, and the 2TB Samsung 990 counts as one of those in my eyes, but it's pricing leaves a little to be desired.

The Samsung 990 SSD launched for £411.99 / $529.99, which is a lot to pay for a little bit of extra storage. Especially when you consider that the 2TB 990 Pro originally launched for $309. That's a little over a $220 difference in just a few years, and without jynxing the situation, I fully expect the 990 SSD to rise from its $529.9 MSRP in the future if current SSD prices are anything to go by. (Thanks RAM Storage Crisis.)

That being said, as of the time of this review, its price thankfully hasn't shifted. This is where I'd usually recommend you grab it now before stock is all gobbled up and gone for good, but you can grab alternatives like the WD_Black SN7100 for just $289.99 at Amazon, and even the 2TB 990 Pro is down to $389.99 at Amazon.

If you're browsing retailers at a time when its Pro counterpart is bouncing between eye-watering prices, and yet the Samsung 990 SSD is still at its original price? Then I'd absolutely recommend you grab it to give your PC a boost. However, if luck is on your side and the same-capacity 990 Pro is the same price or even cheaper, you might as well still go for the more premium (and faster) option, even if the speed difference is only marginally higher than this DRAM-less drive.

How I tested the Samsung 990 SSD

As with all of the SSDs that come past my testing bench, I put the Samsung 990 through its paces by hooking it up to the M.2 drive of my testing PC, and running it through the benchmarking tool CrystalDiskMark. With it, I ran the drive through a series of four tests and calculated an average from those speeds. That average was then compared to its advertised on-the-box speeds. Additionally, I downloaded titles like Marvel Rivals, Counter-Strike 2, and Dispatch t via Steam and timed how long it took to load to their respective start screens and compared this to past SSDs that I've tested so far. To read more about the ways we test SSDs and the rest of our gaming tech, have a look at how we test SSDs and our hardware policy.

Check out our guides to the best SSDs for PS5, the best PS5 external hard drive, and the best Xbox Series X hard drive if your gaming platform of choice could use a little boost.

The momentum in the desktop CPU market has been going all AMD's way for years now, and while that's down to AMD for making the right choices, it's also been due to multiple missteps by Intel. I don't want to speak too soon, but Intel feels like it's turned over a new leaf in 2026, to the point where the competition could be about to get very fierce. Even the way Team Blue is getting its messaging across has shifted. AI is so far from its desktop CPU conversation; gamers are a priority, and there's been a brilliant refocusing on value for money. As someone who's really interested in the best CPU market, I'm daring to hope, but there's a lot still to prove.

I'm sure I don't need to fill you in on the PR and consumer nightmare that was the Raptor Lake refresh issues. I'm sure I don't need to talk to you about Intel's longstanding reluctance to support its motherboard sockets compared to AMD. And even if you didn't hear about the lacklustre price-to-performance of the first batch of Core Ultra CPUs at their launch, I'm sure you've been hesitant to grab one because of all the noise AMD's been making.

Intel's course correcting with two new flagship desktop processors this year. It's not calling them flagship products because neither of them has the number 9 in their name, but I'm calling them flagship because their reasonable price tags and refreshed attitude toward gamers feels like a statement of intent for where the brand wants to go. The Core Ultra 5 250K Plus stands as a budget option at $199 / £199, but its specs, performance, and remedies of past Intel CPU generations are nowhere close to the "budget" end of the scale.

Specs & Features

So, after one thoroughly whelming generation of processors on the LGA 1851 motherboard socket, we really weren't sure whether a follow-up was going to arrive. Rumors swirled that Intel was already finished with it before the Plus variants were announced. By all accounts, it looked ready to move straight onto the next "Lake". Thankfully, cooler heads prevailed, and we've seen this latest refreshed generation use the same motherboard socket as 2024. Intel now claims it's planning AMD-style support and longevity for its platforms, including Raptor Lake, but in a PC market this volatile due to AI-induced RAMflation, it all remains to be seen.

In other words, Intel has a lot of good faith to build up with consumers again. I certainly hope we see this platform get support into the future, because as I'll come onto, there's some really strong performance to be unlocked from it. I want to believe that Intel has turned a new leaf, but it's going to have to back up the talk with action if it wants to become the trusted CPU maker AMD has become known as.

It's certainly going to be hard to argue with a decade of AM4 support.

All of that is to say that the Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus uses the same motherboard socket as the original batch of Core Ultra products, but it's not one you can upgrade to if you have an Intel 12th, 13th, or 14th generation CPU/motherboard.

The 250K Plus might feel like a successor in name to the Intel Core Ultra 5 245K, but its specs land it somewhere between last gen's Ultra 5 and Intel Core Ultra 7 265K. It has 18 cores and 18 threads with a 5.3Ghz boost clock. That's up from last gen's Ultra 5 at 14 cores and threads at 5.2GHz, but just under the 265K at 20 cores and threads at 5.5GHz.

Considering the 265K retails for £269-£300 in the UK and roughly $300 in the US, and the 245K sells for ~$194 / ~£170, the new-gen model provides a serious price-to-performance boost and is clearly all about value for money. That's bold, because it's trying to beat AMD at its own game, but desperate times call for desperate measures.

There's a 30MB total cache on board, which isn't close to AMD's Ryzen 7 7800X3D, which offers a 96MB L3 cache - remember, this is the part of the CPU that the X3D options double up on to provide better gaming and content creation performance. Considering that chip is usually sold in the $350 range on a good day, you're getting some great value for money here with the 250K Plus.

The latest set of Intel processors doesn't have an answer for AMD's X3D architecture, but that doesn't mean they don't have other tricks up their sleeve. The Intel Binary Optimization Tool is a feature to watch. It's, I suppose, akin to DLSS in a way in that it's a subliminal software perk that goes hand in hand with the latest generation of hardware. There's no AI upscaling happening here though; the Binary Optimization Tool simply allows Intel's software to run games more efficiently on its hardware (in theory), which could lead to better performance overall in certain games.

The reason I say it's one to watch is that, like with DLSS, it is going to rely on compatibility within games on a software level. It's not like AMD's 3D V-cache where the hardware supplies performance boosts across the board because it's a result of architecture. It's still in its early phases, and I haven't heard a whole lot of noise about it since Intel launched the Core Ultra Plus chips. So far, looking at the list of games it can provide you boosts in, things are fairly thin.

To make matters more confusing, some games have compatibility with Intel's APO Optimization, but only some within that list (bolded ones) have compatibility with the Binary Optimization Tool.

• Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail
• League of Legends
• Serious Sam 4
• Shadow of the Tomb Raider
• Watch Dogs Legion
• Assassin's Creed Mirage
• Battlefield V
• Borderlands 3
• Cyberpunk 2077
• Far Cry 6
• Geekbench 6.3+
• Hitman 3
• Hogwarts Legacy
• Kerbal Space Program 2
• Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered
• Naraka: Bladepoint
• Remnant 2
• The Callisto Protocol
• Tiny Tina's Wonderlands
• World of Warships

Performance

Intel's desktop CPUs have never really had all that much trouble offering decent gaming and content creation performance, especially because they cram so many cores and threads in that there's always enough muscle within to handle even the heaviest lifting in demanding games.

The questions for me going into testing were more about thermal control, volatility, and a bit of bloody peace and quiet.

For context, I reviewed the Intel Core i5-3600K, which I loved. But then I moved on to the Intel Core i7-13700K and after that, the 14700K. While both of the Raptor Lake i7 chips booted out some really decent power, they were just a pain in the arse.

Thankfully, I didn't get hit with major volatility issues to the point of damaged CPUs or anything, but even with the BIOS updates to counter the issue, I was still getting the most annoying, random fan flare-ups because thermal control was just non-existent and voltages were doing whatever they felt like. This resulted in an irreversibly loud PC while working day-to-day, but manifested in random and very annoying frame stutters and dips while playing games. I also couldn't play games without the CPU riding a low of at least 70 degrees no matter the title, and that was with a full-sized NZXT AIO cooler.

I immediately noticed a massive difference with the Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus. Ambient temperatures were sitting in the mid 30s with an ambient power of 30-42W when idling or running my work applications. And even during this ludicrous heatwave-riddled summer in the UK, it's sitting at about 42 degrees when I'm working, and there are no random, annoying temperature spikes. Playing my go-to Hunt Showdown with a 14700K meant temps in the 70s and even 80s, but with the 250K Plus it's so steady in the high 50s and 60s with no trouble at all.

In this entire sitting of review tests, I've only seen a peak of 75 in one of Blender's benchmarks. For the most part it's still calm, cool, and collected under pressure and tends to sit in the 60s. That's all with the same thermal paste and NZXT Kraken Plus AIO cooler I was using with the 14700K, which shows you the serious performance boosts of this motherboard platform versus Raptor Lake.

Non-gaming benchmarks are pretty impressive. The Core Ultra 5 250K Plus demolishes the Ryzen 7 7800X3D in Blender. I haven't gone back to test that Ryzen CPU in the updated form of Cinebench, but compared to the AMD Ryzen 7 9700F I tested in the Quoted Tech Horizon, the 250K Plus does come out on top. Content creation is pretty great for the money then, even if these comparisons aren't exactly like-for-like because my testing rig is using a PNY RTX 5080 Slim, while the AMD reviews used a 7900 GRE and RX 9070 XT respectively.

The question I wanted to ask with gaming tests in this review was: could the latest Intel Core Ultra 5 keep up with an RTX 5080, to the point of negating the need for spending more on the Ultra 7 Plus. Honestly, while I haven't tested the more powerful 270K Plus yet, I'd argue the answer here is yes. While I'm sure there are better gaming performances to be netted, I think for $200 you're getting a really great 4K gaming processor here. The caveat to that is whether or not you're playing CPU-intensive games all the time. Let's look at some numbers.

In Total War: Warhammer 3's Battle benchmark, the Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus combined with the RTX 5080 scored 86fps, which is up from Quoted Tech's Ryzen 7 9700F score of 72fps, and up from the Ryzen 7 7800X3D's 53fps. Across the board, the Intel Core Ultra provided strong scores in Total War against comparable Ryzen chips, but that could be due to the better GPU used in these tests. In less formal testing, things are interesting because the Ryzen 7 7800X3D did pack some inexplicable performance boosts.

Cities: Skyline's community-made scenarios still fall in favor of AMD, despite Intel's updated architecture and a more powerful GPU. While these numbers aren't as set in stone as formal benchmarks, they're averages taken while playing the same sequences, and AMD wins it comfortably. In Planet Zoo, while the Ryzen 7 7800X3D scored an average of 95, the 250K Plus was a bit humbler at 78fps when operating a fully populated scenario at normal speed and 57fps when speeding up time and zooming into those busy areas of a park. Keep in mind the slowly ageing 7800X3D has ten fewer cores than Intel's latest Ultra 5.

I wouldn't argue these more modest scores are reasons not to opt for the Ultra 5, but it does show you that the X3D chips are capable of some really bold performances, especially since those numbers were recorded with an older GPU that's not got the oomph of the RTX 5080.

The only other gaming-based question I wanted to address was how the Binary Optimization Tool can impact things. I went into Shadow of the Tomb Raider and Cyberpunk for that, and compared my benchmarks with when it was turned off.

Unfortunately, in both the games I had access to that have support for this feature, I saw only tiny differences in benchmarking scores with and without Binary Optimization switched on. In Shadow of the Tomb Raider, I saw an increase by one solitary frame, and in Cyberpunk it actually decreased the benchmarking score by two. There is also the chance that I haven't managed to get it to work properly, because other sites have reported a 5% to 20% performance boost from it on average.

One more thing I will say as a general use note is that if you're planning to overclock your RAM with this CPU, maybe look elsewhere. I've paired the 250K Plus with some G.Skill performance memory that was provided by Intel to review both of its new chips with. I can see one XMP profile onboard which attempts to unlock 7200MT/s, but anytime I've attempted to boost past 4800MT/s with the 250K Plus I've been kicked back to the BIOS and told no. I'm sure with your motherboard and RAM, your mileage may vary. It's unlikely this is going to be an overclocker's first pick anyway, but it's worth keeping in mind.

Should you buy the Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus?

Intel has said that it plans to support its existing motherboard platforms from here on out, and although there are rumors around the next motherboard socket arriving, I'd be inclined to believe that Intel isn't going to go back on its word, especially since we all see how the momentum in the CPU market is drifting more and more in AMD's favor. Intel needs to provide long-term socket support to win back some good faith, but judging by its track record, it all remains to be seen. That's maybe one of the bigger question marks looming over the Intel Core Ultra Plus CPUs right now, but if you're willing to trust this new-age Intel culture, there isn't much preventing me from recommending the 250K Plus.

Because that's the real issue for Intel here. Putting the lacklustre launch of Core Ultra behind us, and ignoring the blip of Raptor Lake volatility, the problem with Intel in recent years hasn't been to do with poor CPUs. Sure maybe small upgrades for full prices haven't been the most inspiring thing, but it can't be disputed that this brand makes really good desktop processors. But excellent entries alone haven't been enough. AMD has been beating Team Blue through value for money, socket longevity, and innovative architectural developments.

You can't really just determine whether a CPU is worth investing in based on performance alone anymore, because AMD has it beat through years' worth of upgrade paths. If LGA 1851 is indeed a dead platform, then the insane value for money here is a small blip that'll fade into obscurity very quickly.

There's excellent gaming and content creation to be had here for the money, and the value is hard to argue with, even if X3D chips can offer you bolder frame rates in a wider suite of games. Binary Optimization is there to be built on, and I hope it becomes a feather in the brand's cap. Personally, I'm just happy with the genuine improvements that have been made to thermals and stability since the Raptor Lake refresh scandal.

I'd thoroughly recommend this processor for its price, and for many it's all the 4K power you're going to need for gaming, work, and content creation.

How I tested the Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus

I used the latest Core Ultra 5 in my own gaming PC for over a month before writing this review. In that time, I used it for all sorts of work, play, and creative tasks, but also undertook more formal benchmarking to put it through its paces.

I evaluated its performance through comparisons with spec-similar AMD chips, as well as price comparisons with the rest of the market. I also used my knowledge of the CPU market to make a thorough review for consumers to help them while making a buying decision.

For more on how we test gaming PCs, check out the full-length GamesRadar+ hardware policy.

You can also look up the best gaming PCs, the best graphics cards, and the best RAM for gaming.

It takes a moment to adjust to the fact I'm using a DualSense controller and my PS5 to play a Halo game – something which seemed like heresy only a few years ago. But from the moment I fire the iconic M6D Magnum pistol in Halo: Campaign Evolved, my muscle memory from years past kicks right back in. Navigating space cruiser Pillar of Autumn's rat's nest of corridors before crash-landing onto Installation 04 and mounting up in a warthog remains one of my favorite openings for a video game, and Halo Studios has recreated it with stunning accuracy.

Despite being a ground-up remake of the game that started it all for Halo (and arguably Xbox) 25 years ago, it's impressive not only how instantly familiar Halo: Campaign Evolved feels but also how well it holds up. But, after a full run of the campaign and its three new bonus missions, I can't help but feel that such a faithful approach might be to Halo: Campaign Evolved's detriment. It certainly looks the part, but there are so few flourishes that I also can't find many reasons to play it over what's come before.

Sacred Icon

Playing through the opening half of Halo: Campaign Evolved reminded me that The Pillar of Autumn through to Assault on the Control Room really is an all-timer sequence of levels. You get to see almost the whole gamut of Halo environments, from claustrophobic spaceships to lush landscapes, rugged canyons, and esoteric Forerunner facilities.

These have all been beautifully and vibrantly rendered in Unreal Engine 5. Levels like 343 Guilty Spark and The Library benefit greatly from some significant visual improvements. Advanced lighting, a ghostly knee-high fog, and plenty of Flood goop all add to the mysterious atmosphere of these ancient installations, break up the monotony, and even amp up the horror.

I also can't deny that such dedication to realism means Campaign Evolved lacks a certain charm compared to the polygonal and yet timeless look of its precursor. Even so, it's also much kinder on the eyes compared to the brightly lit and overly detailed Anniversary remaster in The Master Chief Collection.

The visuals for Halo: Campaign Evolved are where the most obvious changes to the original lie, though there are a few mechanical additions to bring the original up to modern Halo standards. Namely, Master Chief can use smart-link aiming with any weapon and is now allowed to sprint. I found that both can be safely ignored for a classic feel (there's even a Skull that fully disables sprinting if you hate it that much), with sprinting being a nice addition to simply get around some of the larger levels a bit faster. It hardly dictates the flow of combat with the only foes that really pushed me to sprint mid-combat being aggressive chargers like Hunters, energy sword Elites, and the hulking Pure Form Flood.

Although, I was a little disappointed to see health packs have been cut in favor of Chief regenerating health. This always felt like a nice separation between his Mark 5 and Mark 6 Mjolnir amor, with the latter appearing from Halo 2 onwards along with fully regenerating health – a reminder that Master Chief isn't quite so invincible that encouraged you to play a little more tactically rather than charging in like a barbarian.

With that said, going in guns blazing at all times on Normal difficulty is where Halo: Campaign Evolved really shines, feeling closer to the original game's Heroic difficulty. Measured aggression in the face of the Covenant and using every tool in Chief's arsenal means you can play more like Doomguy, strafing around and filling each enemy with lead or pistol-whipping them before charging to the next. And it’s still as satisfying as ever to perfectly Hail Mary a plasma grenade into a cluster of Grunts, sending them wailing and flying.

So, with the 2001 classic acting as such a solid foundation, it's practically impossible to not have a good time playing Halo: Campaign Evolved, at the very least. I was initially apprehensive that these relatively simple 25-year-old design principles just wouldn't hold up in a time of fast-paced movement shooters and vast open worlds. Surely such a basic feel would make for a terrible first impression for PS5 players who may have no idea what Halo even is, let alone never played it before. But I think it's this simplicity that makes it shine. As such a faithful remake of its forerunner, Halo: Campaign Evolved is a first-person shooter in its purest form.

Unnatural formation

The more I play Halo: Campaign Evolved the more I also realize that this commitment to faithfulness is a double-edged sword. How can a game titled "Campaign Evolved" claim to be an evolution if it sticks so closely to its source material?

Sprinting, regenerating health, and other modernizations are joined by minor tweaks to level design and dialogue, and an expanded arsenal. The Energy Sword, Sentinel Beam, and Wraith tank, all previously tantalizingly out of reach for Chief in the original, can now be wielded to great effect on the ring – they're even joined by the Needle Rifle, SMG, and Fuel Rod Gun, further fleshing out the already excellent weapon sandbox.

The Library, my least favorite level in Halo: Combat Evolved for its monotonous and labyrinthine structure, has been redesigned a little to trim the fat and inject a bit of variety to its vast halls. You go down instead of up now! That vastness certainly had its own appeal, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't glad that it's a considerably more intuitive place to navigate in Halo: Campaign Evolved. It still feels maze-like without you getting lost, providing a greater sense of momentum even as the incessant monitor orb Guilty Spark dawdles and spouts nonsense. But it's a crying shame that Cortana no longer tells him to "sod off" at the start of Two Betrayals.

The stunning scenery that is arguably one of the main draws of Halo: Campaign Evolved also comes at the cost of Unreal Engine 5 choppiness. I noticed that whenever there were lots of enemies on screen or plenty of particle effects going off at once, animation frame rates would noticeably plummet. Nothing game-breaking, but hardly what I'd expect from something that is so otherwise polished.

Hopping back into Halo: Combat Evolved via The Master Chief Collection made me realize that this remake's changes are unfortunately quite inconsequential. Halo Studios has imitated the original so well that there is little that Halo: Campaign Evolved does that makes it an essential play. Obviously, if you only have a PS5, then Halo: Campaign Evolved is your sole option – that's also ultimately who this game is for too – but I find it difficult to recommend to anyone else when The Master Chief Collection, and therefore the original Halo, is widely available.

I think we're just getting started

Of course, Halo Studios already thought about this and so Halo: Campaign Evolved also includes a new three-mission prequel campaign, Operation Meteorite. These bonus missions see Master Chief teaming up with his best non-AI pal and fan-favorite Sergeant Johnson to investigate a mysterious research vessel to hopefully learn the location of the heart of the Covenant.

To be blunt, these missions are quite unremarkable. Despite taking place one year prior to the main campaign, what transpires is of no real relevance whatsoever. It essentially just establishes that Johnson and Chief are two bros who like to kill aliens together and find themselves in an almost Rogue One-style plot-hole-that-didn't-need-explaining story. Narratively, these missions end up being more relevant to Halo 2's story, so Halo fans can do the Leonardo DiCaprio pointing meme while it flies right over the heads of PS5 greenhorns.

These missions are also the only place in all of Halo: Campaign Evolved where you'll get to use the Battle Rifle and fight Brutes. Couple that with the limp narrative and Operation Meteorite ends up feeling more like a chance to deploy some fan service in the form of mild banter between Chief and Johnson, who wears Chief's 1999 MacWorld demo Orion armor, while also testing some things for the surely inevitable Halo 2: Evolved – there's even a gondola section!

Halo Studios clearly has a lot of respect for Bungie's legacy but has also avoided doing anything particularly interesting or new with it. I would have liked to have seen more substantial structural changes to levels given that the developers aren't bound by the technical limitations of the original Xbox. That resulted in recycled environments and backtracking through levels, which are neatly woven into the narrative, but it feels like a wasted opportunity to leverage such modern technology and then not put your own spin on those classics.

However, after trying to go bold with Halo 4, Halo 5, and Halo Infinite and having to go back to the drawing board every time, I'm hardly surprised that this is how Halo: Campaign Evolved turned out. A modern recreation is certainly the safest option for Halo Studios and Xbox Game Studios, and it's a solid effort that resurrects what feels like a bygone era of single-player shooters. But, only because it copies the genre-defining Halo: Combat Evolved so closely. Why iterate on near-perfection? Yet, the promise of an evolved campaign experience, like Installation 04 itself, rings hollow, and I'm left wondering if playing it safe is really what Xbox should be aiming for with Halo right now.

Halo: Campaign Evolved was reviewed on PS5, with a code provided by the publisher.

Halo: Campaign Evolved is one of the best FPS games you can play this year, and if you're interested in the rest of the Halo series, take a look at our list of the best Halo games.

I’ve been looking forward to getting my Empire-loving mitts on the Lego Star Wars Imperial Star Destroyer (75394). Not only is the capital ship one of the most iconic vessels from the Original Trilogy, but its pair of playset predecessors are some of the best Lego set classics in their own right. You have to go all the way back to 2006’s set 6211 to witness Billund’s first iteration of this menacing triangular spacecraft, and what a marvelous effort it was for the time.

Jump to 2014, and Lego released set 75055, which was immediately considered the definitive offering. Due to the Star Destroyer’s rather simplistic, angular shape, you’d be hard-pressed to find a set that’s been around this long while physically changing so little. The very latest incarnation that I’m reviewing today might be the smallest of the bunch, but it also has the most pieces.

Although it isn’t named as such by Lego, this particular incarnation is evidently Devastator, which served as Darth Vader’s flagship in both Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and Episode IV: A New Hope before the Dark Lord of the Sith transitioned to the Super Star Destroyer Executor.

Evidence of this can be found in an information-panel sticker that features both R2-D2 and C-3PO, as well as the presence of a Commander Praji Minifigure, who tells Vader that the Death Star plans were not aboard the Tantive IV at the beginning of A New Hope. If this playset can get close to my glowing Dark Falcon (75389) review, it'll be impressive, most impressive. So, let’s crack open the box and get building to find out if Lego’s latest star destroyer is a resounding success or has failed me for the last time…

Lego Star Wars Imperial Star Destroyer (75394): Features

• 1,555 pieces
• 10+ age rating
• Seven minifigures

The Lego Star Wars Imperial Star Destroyer (75394) retails for $159.99 / £149.99 and hovers just below or just within Lego’s price-per-piece average (depending on where you look). Although the Star Destroyer has shrunk over time, it’s still one of Lego Star Wars’ most substantial playsets, beaten only by The Dark Falcon and the recently announced Offworld Sandcrawler and Mudhorn (75453).

Pieces don’t tell the whole story, but if you compare the Imperial Star Destroyer’s price point and 1,555 piece count to the Battle of Felucia Separatist MTT (75435), which has just 976 pieces and retails for $159.99 / £139.99, it starts to look like a decent deal. And the MTT isn't a one-off; several other medium-to-large playsets are similarly priced. I have also seen the Imperial Star Destroyer available with healthy discounts, so you should be able to pick it up for less if you’re patient.

Lego Star Wars Imperial Star Destroyer (75394): Build

• Four-hour build
• May prove too repetitive for younger builders
• 13 stickers

Putting together the Lego Star Wars Imperial Star Destroyer (75394) will be very familiar to anyone who’s built a Star Destroyer playset before, particularly the previous 2014 offering, which uses many of the same build techniques. You still build up the interior first, before applying a triangular Technic chassis, which houses the fold-out paneling.

The set comprises 1,555 pieces, split across 14 paper-bagged sections and took me just over four hours to put together. If you haven’t built a Star Destroyer playset before, it’s a fun experience. It’s rather unusual when building a large vessel to start by piecing together and detailing the interior almost immediately. You then move on to the framework of the rear, construct the carrying handle, and piece together the triangular chassis. I was particularly impressed with how hinged pieces are used to angle Technic pins so that they fit snugly into the slanted beams.

The engines and command bridge come next; the bridge is very similar to the 2014 model in that it relies on clips so that each panel faces outwards and is angled accordingly. You then move onto the huge side panels before progressing onto the surprisingly chunky top panel. The turret mechanism is virtually the same as the one on the 2014 Star Destroyer and is a classic case of: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Rather than an overly complicated Technic arrangement, the mechanism is built entirely with classic Lego pieces that simply slide back and forth to swivel each row of turrets in unison.

The difficulty of this build is roughly what you’d expect from a big Lego Star Wars ship. Some occasionally challenging Technic sections require a little bit of force to get each pin to slot in place, but most of the time is spent laying down large tiles. I find this process to be rather therapeutic, but the size and symmetrical nature of this playset means there’s a lot of repetition that will no doubt challenge the attention span of younger builders.

The monotone gray aesthetic does mean you have to pay attention, as it’s very easy to pick up the wrong tile length or accidentally place a piece a stud or two off position. As always, kudos to Lego for splitting the minifigures evenly across the build, so there’s always something for youngsters to play with while an adult helps out with the ship.

If you've read any of my Lego reviews before, you’ll know that I’m not a fan of stickers. This set has 13 stickers and while I’d still prefer more printed pieces in this price range, most of the stickers represent information panels, which are a necessity. I also like the inclusion of R2-D2 and C-3PO on one of the panels and the holographic information panels at the rear of the ship with schematics for both the Star Destroyer, a couple of TIE Fighters and what looks like a map of the system the ship is in orbit.

Lego Star Wars Imperial Star Destroyer (75394): Design

• Display worthy
• Full interior
• Plenty of playability

Lego’s shrinkflation has been well documented, so I wasn’t surprised when I learned that this would be the smallest Star Destroyer playset to date. However, it’s a good example of how a smaller set doesn’t have to compromise heavily on accuracy, features and playability.

This is quite simply the best-looking Star Destroyer playset Lego has ever created. It’s subtly flatter than the previous models, which is more accurate to the prototype, although the removable mid-section beneath the command bridge is still a bit too chunky, giving the ship a slightly stylized aesthetic. That said, it's still a playset that could sit alongside Lego models intended for display and it wouldn't look out of place.

A subtle design choice I particularly like is the decision to remove most of the dark-gray bricks that are dotted around the previous two models. The monotone finish is more in keeping with the Star Destroyers seen in the movies. And that's not the only change that's resulted in a cleaner finish...

Lego has completely hidden the carrying handle behind two hinged doors. It’s a simple touch, but a welcome one that delivers a sleeker aesthetic. Large playsets tend to be a little bit delicate, so I’m always pleased to find a sturdy handle that kids can use to swoop and swish the ship around.

Finally, the 2014 model has green flick-fire missiles, too, but the fluorescent rear of each missile is visible, which isn’t prototypical and creates a decidedly toyish look. In the new set, all but the tip of each missile is completely enclosed, with a simple Technic beam mechanism on each side, which you press down to fire the missiles. It’s a genius and simple solution that elevates the exterior greatly.

All of these changes have made for a more accurate, sleeker and overall tidier exterior that looks more like a display model than a playset, which is a huge compliment. My only complaints are that just three of the seven rear thrusters house clear blue cylindrical pieces to represent firing ion engines. And finally, a few rounded plates on the base would have made the ship glide along carpets more easily during play.

You’d think that the interior would really highlight the smaller scale, but this might just be my favorite Star Destroyer interior yet, with a couple of caveats. Getting to the interior requires gently removing the central structure beneath the bridge. This isn’t connected to anything, which can feel a little suspect, but I’ve found it to be solid enough and much more accessible for youngsters than having to remove pins or unclip pieces. The side flaps then simply fold out flat.

I’ve always thought that the interiors on the 2006 and 2014 models were a little sparse. You had more real estate for figures, but the detail was lacking. What I like about this latest model is that the interior feels busier. At the front you’ve got a bridge section and at the rear you’ve got a desk with an information pad and coffee cup, storage boxes, two large holographic panels, a holotable that represents an ensuing battle, and what looks like a medical station with a panel, a syringe and flap that houses a bacta tank. There’s plenty of room to position minifigures and overall I think this is a fantastic interior.

The only shortcoming is the front bridge section. It’s more cramped than the 2014 model and the only place where I feel the smaller size lets the ship down. Not only is it a bit of a squeeze to sit figures in the two available seats, but one seat isn’t even aligned with an information panel, which seems like a bit of an awkward oversight. Personally, I wish the designers had moved the wall that’s next to the seats back just two studs to create a little more room.

Seven minifigures are a good haul for a set of this size. Although he’s one of the most replicated characters in minifigure form, Darth Vader is my pick of the bunch. This variant was available via the now-discontinued Darth Vader Mech (75368) and can also be picked up via the new Darth Vader Bust (75439). He features what I think is the best face print to represent Sebastian Shaw’s unmasking during Return of the Jedi and is a premium offering with printed arms, legs, hips, and torso (front and back).

This Vader sports the traditional, stiff cape, although I do prefer the softer fabric that’s more prevalent nowadays; but that’s personal preference. As always, the helmet is exquisite – arguably the best helmet Lego has ever produced! It’s beautifully moulded and split into two pieces, so you can remove the helmet to reveal the bevor beneath.

Commander Praji is the only other named Minifigure, apart from the bonus Cal Kestis ‘fig’, who I’ll get to later. As with most imperial officers, there’s a limit to what Lego can do given the inherent simplicity of their uniforms. Praji has some decent sideburns going on in A New Hope, so it’s a shame these weren’t added to the face print; otherwise, you’ve got a simple officer’s hat and torso (front and back) printing.

Praji is one of three figures that are exclusive to this set, along with Cal Kestis and the Imperial Gunner. Only the latter’s female face print differs from other recent incarnations. This is a solid figure with leg, hip and torso (front and back) printing, along with a neat molded helmet with an Imperial emblem and some colored buttons.

The Imperial Navy Trooper is the weakest trooper minifigure. He only has torso (front and back) printing, but I do like the chinstrap on the dual face print and the molded helmet looks the part. The Imperial Crew Member Minifigure is also available in the Lego Death Star (75419), but other similar variants have been available before. He’s a low-key highlight, with torso (front and back), hip and leg printing, as well as a lovely face print that features a headset. Definitely this set’s understated gem.

And finally, the Stormtrooper minifigure might be one of the easiest troopers to come by, but it’s also one of my favorites. This one is a female variant, and while a non-articulating helmet is a frustration for some collectors, it has never bothered me. I love the way this figure looks. She has leg and torso printing (front and back). Arm and hip printing would be a welcome upgrade, but blank white spaces don’t detract from what is a top-tier trooper minifigure with a helmet mold that rivals even Vader’s.

Cal Kestis isn’t technically part of this Star Destroyer’s official Minifigure roster because he’s an exclusive figure in celebration of Lego Star Wars’ 25th anniversary. Seven anniversary figures were available in various sets, but Cal is one of the most sought-after due to being the beloved main protagonist from the Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Jedi: Survivor video games. This is also the very first time he’s been replicated in minifigure form. He’s dressed in his attire from the first game and features torso (front and back), hip, leg, foot and dual face printing, as well as a printed anniversary display base. He’s a great figure, but I do think it’s a shame he doesn’t come with his droid companion BD-1.

Should you buy the Lego Star Wars Imperial Star Destroyer (75394)?

In a Lego Star Wars galaxy of medium-sized playsets and evermore ambitious Ultimate Collector Series behemoths, I’m still very much of the opinion that a good-quality large playset is the sweet spot for many child and adult brick fanatics alike. And with the retirement of the Millennium Falcon (75257), the Lego Star Wars Imperial Star Destroyer (75394) is one of only two sets (available at the time of writing) that scratch that itch.

But as much as I love The Dark Falcon, the multi-verse-esque theme isn’t for everyone. I’m therefore over the moon (that’s no moon!) that this latest Star Destroyer is an absolute hit. The downsizing will anger some hardcore collectors, but it’s difficult to fault the execution. As far as I’m concerned, this is Lego’s best-looking Star Destroyer playset from the outside and inside. Sure, the command bridge interior is a little cramped, but this is the first Star Destroyer playset where the entire interior is interesting to look at.

If you already own a Star Destroyer playset – particularly the previous 2014 version – this is a refinement, not a major overhaul. But bar the aforementioned bridge and a slightly chunky midsection, I’m finding it hard to imagine how the formula could be improved upon at this scale.

To top everything off, you get a decent roster of seven minifigures. Some of the troopers are a little bit basic, but Darth Vader and that 25th-anniversary Cal Kestis are highlights. It’s hard to think of a Lego Star Wars capital ship that was a dud. Which reminds me, now the Imperial Star Destroyer is in the bag, can we have a follow-up to the Venator-Class Republic Attack Cruiser (8039) please, Lego?

Ratings

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How I tested the Lego Star Wars Imperial Star Destroyer (75394)

This review sample was provided by Lego.

My army of astromech droids and I built the Lego Star Wars Imperial Star Destroyer (75394) in six sittings, where it took just over four hours to build. It sat in my study for a couple of weeks so I could admire it and during the photo shoot, I made sure it was moved, swooshed and played with to test its durability as a toy.

I’ve been collecting Lego since the ‘90s, so you can bet your last galactic credit that I’m passionate about Billund’s bricks. And if there’s one thing I like just as much as Lego, it’s Star Wars, so the two together is a match made in Alderaan.

For more information on our procedure, take a look at how we test products.

For more collectibles, don't miss the best toys.

The Corsair Clipper Pro Mini 60 has a particularly interesting proposition. A 60% deck coming at a time when smaller form factors are falling a little out of favor, but one that holds a much lower price tag compared to the rest of the mainstream magnetic gaming market. A deck with more adjustable switch controls than most, but fewer keys to use them with.

After two weeks in hand, the Clipper is one of the best gaming keyboards you can pick up right now. Yes, that 60% form factor is going to limit its users to those who truly can get by on as few keys as possible, and its 8,000Hz polling rate isn't even going to be noticed by 99% of players. But its price, actually useful customization features, and light, fast typing feel, all come together to form a compelling alternative to the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Mini that's sat atop the 60% thrown for a little while now.

What I loved about the Corsair Clipper Pro Mini 60

Light, snappy switches

The Corsair Clipper Pro Mini 60 is the first to use the brand's MGX Hyperdrive Core magnetic switches. While Hall effect giants like the Corsair Vanguard Pro 96 opt for the MGX Hyperdrive V2, the newer Core clackers come with a minimum of 27g actuation force. Under the hands they've got far less resistance behind them compared to the Vanguard. This is a smooth, fast, slip down to the full extension of the switch rather than a thocky, potentially more satisfying (for some) actuation.

That can mean a less textured sound profile, with these lighter clacks in a smaller chassis popping with a slightly higher frequency than the deeper Vanguard.

Corsair Clipper Pro Mini 60 (MGX Hyperdrive Core):

Corsair Vanguard Pro 96 (MGX Hyperdrive):

However, it makes perfect sense for competitive play.

This is a 60%er designed to keep your high-ranked gameplay as fast as possible, and that's where the smoother stems come into their own. Dancing across these keys is a particularly nimble experience, but combine that with super short actuation points and barely a thought registers a keypress.

In typing tests I averaged 99 words per minute at 97% accuracy, that's higher than both my typical 95WPM and 95.5% accuracy.

Subtle but still interesting aesthetic

Larger Corsair keyboards can suffer from a shadowy all-black aesthetic relying only on LED lighting for a bit of visual flair. However, I've always found that smaller 60% and 65% Corsair decks manage to weave a little more interest into their designs. The Clipper doesn't have large panels of extra LED lights or logos strewn across its frame, but its simple two-tone gray accent keys certainly help it stand out without leaping off the desk.

Lighting is uniform even across longer legends, something very few gaming keyboards manage to nail. While the LEDs themselves come across more pastel in-person, compared to the bold colors of Logitech and Razer decks, they're plenty bright and functionally helpful when lighting up only dual-function keys.

Extra switch customization options

The best Hall effect keyboards typically share a set of features; customizable actuation points, multi-step inputs, and rapid trigger. All that's here, but Corsair has added a few neat little extras of its own.

Tap Lock allows for any hold command to act as a toggle while Smart Tap allows for different commands based on whether you're tapping or holding. The former is a nice addition to the arsenal, even though it's usually covered by in-game settings anyway. However, the latter came in particularly handy - more so than the four-step actuation options common on many magnetic decks.

While assigning multiple inputs to one keypress is faster, it's rarely a necessary aspect of my playstyle. Loading a grenade, throwing, and returning to the weapon wheel in one keypress is neat, but I actually found myself using Smart Tap features a lot more.

Assigning heal to a tap and opening up different healing options with a hold, or even just swapping between a main interaction key and a secondary one, all my controls feel a lot tighter together and far more organized. There's also no need to learn how far down a keypress I need to be to trigger my full list of commands.

The feature also helps in productivity scenarios, with directional inputs easily mapped to taps on the cluster of right-hand keys, somewhat removing some of the roadblocks of the 60% layout.

Actually, not a bad price

While some of Corsair's roster of keyboards can suffer a little brand tax, its Hall effect options are surprisingly some of the more competitively priced in its arsenal. The Clipper Pro Mini 60 doesn't deviate. At $99.99 / £89.99, it's significantly cheaper than the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini ($219.99 / £209.99) and Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Mini ($179.99 / £179.99). Even a look at the wider market puts Corsair in a favorable position.

It's not the cheapest on the market - Epomaker's AULA WIN68 sits at $49.99 / £49.99, you can grab an Attack Shark 65%-er for $59.99, and RK Royal Kludge and Redragon have the absolute bottom of the market at $30 - $40, but after that we've only really got Womier competing in the same $90-$100 price range. Options from Keychron, Asus, Razer, Nuphy, Logitech, and SteelSeries will all run you well over $100.

It's not the cheapest option out there, but for full-featured, mainstream gaming keyboards it's certainly on the right side of the numbers.

What to consider about the Corsair Clipper Pro Mini 60

Some crunch on the space bar

While the majority of the typing experience here is smooth and snappy there is a little crunch on the spacebar every so often. It's only noticeable when hit in the middle of the bar with a little more force, but could suggest further degradation with longer term use.

Adding a little lubrication to the top of the stabilizer bar housing doesn't massively help the problem, and with the bar itself mounted under the plastic housing it's a little tricky to dive in there for a quicker fix. It's not too harsh on the ears and I was able to temper my space bar use so as to not hit that louder clack pretty easily in testing.

Cheaper casing

This isn't exactly a slight against the Corsair Clipper, after all it's designed to be a lightweight, portable 60% keyboard and its pricing is certainly competitive. However, if you're after a more luxurious feeling keyboard there are sturdier cases out there.

This is a plastic construction, with a lighter, more hollow feel to it overall. That's purely aesthetic, though. The sound dampening is still top notch, and everything still feels nicely bouncy.

Should you buy the Corsair Clipper Pro Mini 60?

The Corsair Clipper Pro Mini 60 is among the cheapest mainstream gaming-branded magnetic gaming keyboards, and yet it still feels great in the hand (barring some space bar twinges), runs light and speedy for competitive play, and offers an extra set of switch customization tools over its competitors.

That means it's giving the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Mini something to think about. While my current top pick for the best 60% gaming keyboard does have its own way around the arrow-key problem, and adds a pretty slick joystick function, Corsair's Smart Tap feature provides the same fix while avoiding the echo problems of Sneki's offering. With a lower starting price, it's now my go-to recommendation for anyone after a more compact form factor.

How I tested the Corsair Clipper Pro Mini 60

I mainlined the Corsair Clipper Pro Mini 60 for two weeks, running the keyboard for all my daily gameplay, work, and everything in between. In that time I primarily played across Doom: The Dark Ages, High on Life 2, and Planet Coaster 2, with dedicated testing in CS2 and Apex Legends. I also completed three one-minute typing tests on TypingTest.com at the end of my testing period, taking the average of each test as my final result. For more information on how we test gaming keyboards, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

I'm also rounding up all the best wireless gaming keyboards as well as the best hot-swappable keyboards on the market.

Before today, Glorious was known for its gaming keyboards and had only tested the best gaming headset waters with its wired GHS Eternal and GHS Eternal RGB headsets. For its second release, the brand has gone with a more high-end approach with the new Glorious GHS Wireless InfinitePlay, which includes its InfinitePlay battery tech - a pair of two swappable batteries that can be charged on the pair's 'Base Station' accessory.

The $229.99 / £229.99 headset feels inspired by the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless with its battery tech, and yet it's far cheaper than its muse. Not to mention, it's one of the rare pairs that bundles dual Bluetooth and 2.4GHz audio into the mix, which is typically reserved for headsets closer to the $300 price mark. Yet, while it provides a wealth of high-end features in a cheaper package, the GHS Wireless InfinitePlay doesn't quite hit the mark as the best alternative to its swappable-battery friends.

Key specs

Design

For the brand's first wireless headset, I was expecting something that looked and felt more premium. That's not to say that I find the GHS InfinitePlay entirely repugnant, as I'm pretty privy to the curvature of its oval-shaped earcups and the sprinkling of orange popping out from the headband and the interior of the earcup cushions, but this headset feels pretty cheap once you have it in your hands.

The all-black plastic chassis doesn't feel sturdy and instead gives 'my first headset' vibes. At 360g, it's not too lightweight or anything, but there's an essence of cheapness that oozes from the pair. I should mention that during the almost a month I've had it in my possession, no part of it has broken or so much as chipped off, and I'm pretty clumsy. It's held up really well, and yet holding the pair by the plastic headband doesn't instill a lot of confidence that that will remain the case in the years to come.

One of my biggest icks for the headset is down to that right earcup. You have to put up with seeing the butt of the orange and gray battery pack sticking from it at all times. While other headsets like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless or the Stealth Pro II have their batteries entirely hidden from view, Glorious chose to have it on display 24/7, and I'm not personally a fan.

I think it doesn't help that the battery packs have an odd look to them. They're long, gray, and remind me of the battery of my old 3310 Nokia phone. On the positive side of things, its bottom half being permanently out in the open means you can swap it out without having to take the headset off, something that's a pretty difficult feat on the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni despite it being one of the best pairs I've tested to date.

Features

While I have grievances with the look of the headset and its swappable batteries, I'm a fan of its up to 85-hour playback. The entirety of the headset's name is built around its impressive lifespan and the compact InfinitePlay Base Station included with the pair.

Basically, this small square-shaped device is both a wireless 2.4GHz receiver and a charging station. While you have one battery within the headset itself, you can keep the other juiced up in the device. Glorious also included some little details in the Base Station that made me really appreciative on the accessibility side of things.

The 2.4GHz wireless dongle includes a small orange loop at the end, to make pulling it from the Base Station an easy feat. There's also a small rubber orange stopper on the underside which can be removed for what I assume to be cable management. As you've likely guessed, the butt of the additional battery also hangs out the bottom of the Base Station so you can easily push and pull it away when you need it.

While other charging docks are large and obtrusive to your desk space, this thing is really small and an ideal addition for those with little to no desk real estate. It can connect to your PC, PS5, or Switch 2 via an included USB-C cable, and a USB-A to USB-C adapter has been included in the box. Talking of connectivity options, you've also got wired and dual Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless at your fingertips with this pair.

You can toggle between them by pressing the source and Bluetooth selection button found on the right ear cup. It also plays host to a rotary knob that controls the volume and media controls, meanwhile, the rotary knob on the left cup powers the headset on and off and allows you to switch between profiles. There's also a mic mute button, which sits underneath it on the left side.

Performance

Testing the Glorious GHS Wireless InfinitePlay headset was a weird experience, in that it was so quiet that I had difficulty entirely making out what its angled 40 mm custom-tuned drivers were truly capable of.

At first, I thought it was a PS5 problem. Some headsets can be quiet on the console, as the 3D Audio settings can dampen the volume, but no matter how much tinkering I did, things remained on the quiet side. At least I can confirm this wasn't just a me problem, as during testing Glorious sent out an email noting they were aware of the issue and that it was "due to EU regulations," so hopefully a firmware update is on its way to help.

In the meantime, that still left me with a quiet pair and not much I could do about it. Though I could at least make out that the headset offers up a pretty evenly-leveled sound for its low, mid, and high range frequencies. I first tested the pair while playing Jaws Retro Rewind, an updated re-release of the 8-bit game based on the classic (and my personal favorite) '70s blockbuster. There's only around 3-4 tracks in the entire game, but the soundwaves for each track sounded nice and clear. With the pair set as high as it was capable of, there was no compression or warbling to the sound, even within the deepest bassy chiptune tones, and this carried over to titles like Doom Eternal and Marvel Rivals.

The only distortion that was audible in Mick Gordon's fantastic metal Doom Eternal score was found exactly where you'd want it to be, in the score itself. The riveting soundtrack that continues to unlock the inner metal fan within me at every listen sounded fantastic as I was crawling up broken elevator walls and blasting fire into zombie soldiers' faces, though I did yearn for it to be louder throughout the entirety of testing. It was a similar case with Marvel Rivals too, where while things were still too much on the quiet side for my liking, I still enjoyed what I could hear - and there were no audio disturbances or issues. Y'know, besides having to focus extra hard to make out the nearing Ultimate calls by enemy team members.

On PC, I naturally had a better time with things, as this headset seems more equipped for desktop. It was sadly still quiet, and even my quick tips and tricks for boosting the volume on Windows didn't do the trick. But it was at least a little louder than on PS5, which is what I was hoping for.

On its default out-of-the-box settings, I rolled up our usual testing games of choice, starting first with Counter-Strike 2. Just like on PS5, everything sounded evenly leveled, even including the typically very loud bullet sound effects. The sounds normally make me jump out of my seat as they always seem to be given more emphasis than any other sounds in the game, but the GHS Wireless InfinitePlay naturally mixed them nicely together.

Running Glorious Core, the brand's proprietary software, opened up more options to bring the audio to life. It didn't make things louder, as the 'volume booster' toggle was unfortunately disabled and strangely marked as "coming soon". Yet it did allow me to select from a list of pre-made audio presets, including one specifically designed for my favorite team-based hero shooter, Marvel Rivals.

During matches, I didn't notice a huge difference whether it was on or off, unfortunately. Not enough that I'd want to ensure it's selected every time I boot up the game. Though it did help moderately boost the sound of footsteps of characters that often like to flank me down (looking at you Spider-Man players), which was helpful. However, it would likely be even more helpful had the volume been better - the real crutch of why I'm not hugely on board with this headset. Season 9's infectious bassy beat on start-up at least sounded far nicer on PC through the cups.

During the entirety of my testing time, there was no moment when either battery pack started to drain, even when I got too caught up in the latest Marvel Rivals update. However, I wish it did naturally, as the GHS Wireless InfinitePlay has a neat feature in that the headset holds up to 3 hours of battery should you need it. I put this in practice with Marvel Rivals and removed the battery pack (which you can do without removing the headset), and just as advertised, the headset still remained on as normal. I can't really foresee this being needed, given that up to 85 hours per battery pack should be plenty for most players, but it's a neat inclusion nonetheless.

I was also impressed by the pair's microphone quality, despite despising the design of it. Its boom arm is a rigid piece of unadjustable plastic. That meant that whenever I was playing Marvel Rivals or Counter-Strike 2, the mic was also hanging in my peripheral vision, and I could do nothing about it. At least it sounded pretty great, which is the most important part.

As you can hear from the voice sample above, it adds a natural warmth to your voice that I didn't quite expect. This was on its complete default settings too, and with Glorious Core you can up the volume, add side-tone, and toggle unwanted noise pickup via its 'environment noise cancellation' on and off.

Should you buy the Glorious GHS Wireless InfinitePlay headset?

The Glorious GHS Wireless InfinitePlay is focused on its swappable battery tech experience at a cheaper price point than its pricier rivals, and there's no arguing against the fact that it achieves just that.

Like our current best headset pick, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni, you're getting two swappable batteries that provide up to 85 hours of playback. Not only that, but you only have to spend $229.99 / £229.99 for the privilege of no longer having to fuss around finding charging cables, instead of the $399.99 / £349.99 of the SteelSeries alternative. If that was all anyone was concerned about, I'd be fine recommending this headset instead. However, an impressive battery is only a plus if it comes in a pair that's actually worth having on your head for multiple hours at a time, and I don't feel that with Glorious's first wireless pair.

It's a comfortable headset, but its quiet sound, cheap-feeling form factor, and unattractive design make me feel far more comfortable recommending alternatives like the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro II or even the older SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless. Especially as the latter, as of writing, is far more regularly on sale and even dropped as low as $249.99 during July 2026, only a $20 difference, and yet it still provides one of the best (and perfectly loud) sounds on a headset to this day, and an accompanying Base Station that allows you to connect to multiple devices at once.

Should the Glorious GHS Wireless InfinitePlay ever get around its quiet volume woes and get some discounts in the future, it could be a handy alternative to those who can't quite afford SteelSeries' prized pairs. If and when that happens, I'll be sure to give it another look.

How I tested the Glorious GHS Wireless InfinitePlay headset

I had the Glorious GHS Wireless InfinitePlay headset in my possession for a little under a month, where it became my headset of choice while playing not just my PS5 and gaming PC, but my Nintendo Switch 2 and Steam Deck too. During that time, I threw a ton of titles its way, from Jaws Retro Rewind, Doom Eternal, and Marvel Rivals on the Sony console, to Counter-Strike 2, Marvel Rivals, Peak, and Dispatch on the PC.

Additionally, I used the pair while gaming on the go to check its comfort levels while adding to my eye-watering playtime for Pokemon Pokopia on the Nintendo Switch 2, alongside Rhythm Paradise Groove and Donkey Kong Bananza. When not gaming, I also used the pair while watching TV shows The Pitt and Rooster on Now TV, while using it intermittently while listening to bands like Boards of Canada, Placebo and the Deltatune OST on Spotify. For more information on how we test gaming headsets, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

Check out our best PS5 headset, best PC headset for gaming, and best Nintendo Switch headset guides to see how we rank the Glorious GHS Wireless InfinitePlay headset against the best cups on the market today.

Splatoon Raiders has some serious questions to answer. Can a series that became popular through an exclusively PvP experience really work as a solo game, despite dipping its toes into the ink via add-on modes previously? Moreover, can it work as an offline loot shooter of all things? Can that still feel like Splatoon? Although you'd be forgiven for betting a hundred squid against it, the answer to all of the above is "yes".

For reasons that are happily never explained, you find yourself working as a mechanic for the band Deep Cut from Splatoon 3. One injury-free crash later, you're all stranded on the Spirhalite Islands, which are littered with treasure. There are also lots and lots of Salmonids to fight while you're looking for it, and… that's all you need to know, really. The first 10 minutes or so are frustratingly stop-start, as the game constantly pushes tutorials in your face in case this is your first videogame, but once that's behind you the game flows nicely.

Raid raid don't tell me

This is a Nintendo loot shooter, with the emphasis usually on 'Nintendo' rather than 'loot shooter'. The fundamental idea of this being a solo entry in the genre is unusual in itself (and if you're confused about the game's marketing stressing the single-player nature while also cheerily pointing at multiplayer, I'll get to that in a bit). Unexpectedly perhaps, avatar customization isn't a huge aspect. You can, of course, tweak your Octoling or Inkling appearance to an extent, and there are a bunch of outfits to unlock, but you won't face a constant barrage of fashion choices.

Most levels take the form of either a mini explorable island, or a series of small battle arenas, the latter of which must be completed within a time limit. Both follow the basic Splatoon rules. You move faster while in squid form travelling through the ink fired from your own weapon, you can swim up inked vertical surfaces, submerging yourself in your ink slowly refills your tank, and enemy ink slows you down. There are various gadgets to equip, and a member of Deep Cut will accompany you with an ultimate attack to charge up – but nothing beats using the weapon in your hands to take out your foes. The satisfying pop-pop-pop-pop noise that you can somehow feel as ink builds up on an enemy until they burst is present and correct, and somehow, never gets old.

It's just as well that combat works well, because it makes up the majority of the experience. The dungeons (such as they are) are nothing but combat, and the islands send you off to defeat waves of enemies that protect shiny blue rocks you need to mine. It's simple, but never dull. In fact, while Splatoon Raiders works great as something to play for extended sessions, it also works perfectly for a more casual dipping in and out approach. Generally speaking, a single raid can be finished in five minutes or so, and the intensity of enemy waves means that it never feels overly brief.

Weapons don't exactly rain down upon you, but they drop often enough for you to be changing fairly regularly. The selection could have been better, though; once higher-level enemies start appearing in raids, anything that isn't rapid fire quickly becomes less and less viable. I was never a fan of the vaguely dirty-sounding Slosher in the first place, for example, and it's certainly not up to the task of dealing with intense waves of enemies here.

That said, Nintendo is keen to accommodate a wide variety of players. There are three difficulty levels to choose from, and you're allowed to bounce between them however you like. I found that the middle option was pretty much perfectly weighted, but if you're after a softer or more demanding experience, Nintendo has you covered.

You can play with up to three friends locally or online, but the philosophy primarily driving the multiplayer aspect of Splatoon Raiders is to treat it as another way to mitigate the difficulty. Before choosing to start a raid, you can select 'call for help' to trigger matchmaking, and up to three other players will join. At the end of the raid – whether successful or not – your merry group is disbanded. Similarly, once you reach a certain level you can choose to 'go help', and be randomly matched with somebody looking for a hand. Good luck keeping track of other players in the pastel-colored chaos once you're there, though.

This approach to matchmaking may rub some the wrong way, but I like it. The idea of people randomly, briefly coming together to overcome a tough challenge before they each disappear like Batman is a neat one (it's not entirely altruistic of course, choosing to 'go help' has extra rewards involved for success). In practice though, it's more of a lottery than it should be. Say what you like about SBMM (and I'm sure that you do), but it would come in handy for Splatoon Raiders. I've been on both sides of a situation where the 'help' that arrives is at a level significantly lower than the person calling for it.

Some very silly embargo restrictions prevent me from adequately discussing the experience after a certain point. What I can safely say, however, is that reaching character level 40-45 represents significant disruption to the flow of the game. There's no fundamental change to the experience, but the challenge gets something of a rocket boost around the time you're likely to reach this level. That suddenly means you'll need to grind XP in previously explored areas and multiplayer to an extent that wasn't required before. Upgrading and customizing weapons and gadgets is simple and effective enough to remain enjoyable, but ultimately, just a few more islands would have kept things consistent up until the end.

Splatoon Raiders was reviewed on Nintendo Switch 2, with a code provided by the publisher.

Grab a friend and hop into our best co-op games recommendations.

At around $600, the AOC GAMING Q27G4ZD is a superb little monitor, offering decent quality high dynamic range (HDR) and solid gaming performance. Rated up to 240Hz, 1440p, the Q27G4ZD slipped incredibly easily into the rest of my setup, becoming my portal into the world of Pragmata. I played through the whole game, with the only issue stemming from Linux conversing with the panel about said HDR.

For a budget brand like AOC, it's neat to see them diversifying the roster of gaming monitors into the upper-echelon range. $600 isn't anything to sneeze at, but the Q27G4ZD really impressed me with how low-key it is.

Design

I think for a $600 monitor, when I am in the process of connecting it to the base, the back, decorative ring shouldn't fall off. There's a definitive cheapness to the entire device, with its thin, harshly angled back not masking the small whining noise that came when the monitor was on. Once speakers were blaring or headphones went on, this wasn't as noticeable, but it was very much present.

As you'll begin to find as I discuss this monitor more, it just is a quiet soldier. It gets the job done, and isn't filled to the gills with frills. There are four USB-A ports, which connect over USB-B, rather than C, all situated underneath the monitor, but can easily be accessed thanks to the stand featuring a 90-degree swivel. This is a boon for those of us who sometimes like to go "TATE mode" when playing retro games. That said, it's just a very bog-standard monitor with very little fanfare.

Features

Playing through Pragmata was a real treat and a real stress test for the color on this monitor. Despite not getting HDR to work, the game was played with full ray tracing and path tracing turned on. Out of the box and with just a few minor tweaks to the brightness, the AOC GAMING Q27G4ZD showed off that game to the best of its ability that I had given it. I'm sure that it would have looked even better with HDR, but the QD-OLED panel allowed the clinical sci-fi areas to shine in their best light and popped with vivid colors.

I found a lot of the additional features these gaming monitors seem to pack in now a little on the useless side. I'm not an esport player, and also don't need a fake on-screen reticle from the monitor to interfere with the gaming side of things. Another feature to potentially steer clear of is AOC Game Color, which is a series of presets that all seem to lean into the saturated range a little too often.

Using the Switch 2 for HDR showed off some of what I'd been missing on PC, but using a Windows device confirmed that it's a serviceable monitor in HDR. For work-related usage, this would be one I'd steer clear of, as it's just not bright enough at 400 nits. To work and grade HDR, it's recommended to use 1000 nits at a minimum. As such, the short videos I recorded to test out editing in HDR on the monitor came out a little too off base in looks.

Speaking of HDR, much like the other AOC monitor I've reviewed, this is a nagging monitor. Every four hours, a warning to get the pixel refresh sorted popped up. AOC needs to take another look at this, as gaming sessions were continually interrupted by an irritating reminder.

Performance

As with most gaming panels at this point, the performance is just peachy. From 120Hz to 240Hz, the monitor never showed any obvious signs of latency or unresponsiveness. Going lower on consoles also didn't seem to introduce any issues that impacted gameplay. It's, again, that quiet soldier, never really rocking the boat.

Even on Linux, using CachyOS presented no issues outside of HDR. Again, with the QD-OLED behind it, those colors looked just fine to me, and when the corridors in Pragmata would gradient into darkness, it truly kept the atmosphere up. My current go-tos to test the pace of monitors, like TerraTech Legion and Tetris: The Grandmaster 4, showed this monitor off in its best light. For those needing performance but don't want to sacrifice how everything looks on the screen, AOC might have the panel for you.

Retro games via the MiSTer or SuperStation One looked generally good, despite a lack of black frame insertion. Everything played smoothly enough, with older games like Earthbound and Mother 3 in their element with the vibrancy from the monitor.

Again, in Pragmata, I was able to hit every shot and complete every puzzle without ever feeling as if the monitor was fighting against me. The way the AOC Q27G4ZD manages to melt away into the background, despite beaming directly into the eyes, is a good thing. It just never let me down in my time reviewing it.

Should you buy the AOC GAMING Q27G4ZD?

OLED monitors have, despite the world's ongoings, somehow managed to come down in price at a steady clip. AOC can feel like a bit of a crapshoot at times, but this particular QD-OLED-backed monitor can hang with the rest in its price range. While quite a few competing monitors might offer just a bit more in the feature side of things, not many will actively stay out of the way of the gaming time as this one does.

In 2026, getting a tech product that works as advertised and doesn't overreach is relatively rare in some sectors. AOC's Q27G4ZD is precisely that, and at $600, it isn't too shabby in the performance either.

Take a peek at the best monitors for PS5 if you're seeking console-flavored options.

Compact gaming tablets are few and far between; this is a niche within a mobile gaming niche after all. But, if the prices of the best gaming handhelds have you down and you're not quite ready to swap to one of the best gaming phones, they do represent a growing area of interest.

RedMagic turned its attention to this 9-inch market with the original Astra slab last year. That was a high-powered OLED device ready to take on both portable and, to an extent, console performance. Now it's back with a boosted Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, additional liquid cooling, a faster refresh rate... and a higher starting price, as is the way with most tech in 2026.

The RedMagic Astra 2 is a little marred by its predecessor's power. After all, most thumb-tappers and emulation systems won't need much more than the original Snapdragon 8 Elite just yet. Considering the price jump from a base $499 model to a 12GB / 256GB $749 version in 2026, those extra new additions to the overall experience are going to need to pull their weight.

RedMagic Astra 2 Performance

In its synthetic benchmarks, the RedMagic Astra 2 initially proves itself with slightly higher Wild Life Extreme and Solar Bay performance compared to its predecessor. First runs look good, with the RedMagic Astra 2 coming in roughly 1,000 points in the lead. I scored 7,212 in my first Wild Life Extreme test and 12,106 in the first Solar Bay run. Things get a little spicy after that, though.

Repeated runs brought those numbers way down, to the point where the system averaged 6,705 in Wild Life Extreme and 10,677 in Solar Bay (across all three runs), dropping it below the previous generation on the latter. That, while the system was growing noticeably hotter.

RedMagic states its new liquid cooling tech is an advancement on what came before, but it doesn't feel like it between the hands. More intensive runs like this quickly proved too uncomfortable to keep hold of, something I noticed with more demanding games like Call of Duty: Mobile as well. It looks pretty running across the back panel, but something seems to be awry here. After a cooldown, Solar Bay ran to a final score of 13,152.

I was curious, then, to see what the Wild Life Extreme Stress Test revealed. Without that liquid cooling enabled, the system showed a 43.9% stability score, with the final loop operating at less than half the performance of the first. With RedMagic's new system in full force, things ran a little smoother, jumping up to 65.7% stability. That's a good nod in the direction of the objectively neat liquid running across the back of the device, but sustained performance does drop from what I expected from the invigorated system.

What I loved about the RedMagic Astra 2

All about that display

The OLED panels RedMagic uses in its Android devices is among one of the more impressive I come across day to day. Its incredibly vivid sensibilities handle bright pops of color with a serious punch, keeping everything crisp and sharp in the process. The smaller screen keeps everything beautifully tight as well, with stringent color handling and razor sharp detailing.

It may be the same panel as we saw last year (albeit running at a faster 185Hz refresh rate) but it's certainly a screen to be proud of.

Compact form factor

I said it last year, and I'll say it again, the 9-inch design of the RedMagic Astra 2 gives it a fantastic feel in the hands, while still affording a nicely dense display space and keeping controls at your fingertips. On-screen buttons and thumbsticks feel easily reachable and weight is kept to a manageable 363g (slightly lighter than the original's 370g) to keep fatigue at bay.

It's the perfect size to combine a more immersive gaming and streaming experience than you'll find from a phone, without proving too unwieldy for either the hands or your bag.

Dual ports

There are two USB-C connections here, designed for charging and utilizing accessories at the same time. We've still got the beefier connection on the right side (frustratingly it's still off-center, so you'll be relying on Bluetooth for any mobile controllers you've got going on) as well as a new port on the lower lip.

Massive battery

Yes, larger 13-inch tablets will generally run with a 9,000-odd mAh battery, but more compact options typically stick at around 5,00mAh. That's why the 8,300mAh charge in the RedMagic Astra 2 stands so tall. This isn't a chunky device, but it's still sparring with some of the more endurance-focused tablets on the market.

In a week of more casual use (emulation gameplay, a few CoD Mobile rounds, YouTube sessions, and web browsing) I only needed to charge the tablet once. Considering my aging iPad Air needs to be plugged in every few nights, that's a win. Of course, this is straight out of the box - but the capacity of that charge means that, even with some degradation over time, you're still looking at an all-dayer here.

Of course, more demanding games are going to drain your system. I noticed a 20% drop during an hour or so of more intensive runs at full brightness.

Packed Game Space

RedMagic's Game Space software is where it keeps all its unique gaming-focused bonuses. Flipping the familiar red toggle automatically launches this completely separate system, but this is far more than a game launcher. Like its phones, RedMagic uses this space for all your saved gameplay, in-depth performance and control settings, and accessory connections. Dive a little deeper into plugins and you'll find options for additional rumble haptics, motion and gesture controls, specific enemy filters to improve visibility, and additional screen map modes.

There's a whole world of tweaks and adjustments to make your favorite games run better and, crucially, be more enjoyable here. But this is also where you'll find my second favorite software feature: Gravity X.

This is what changes the RedMagic Astra 2 from a gaming tablet to a potentially console-like experience. Connect the device to your monitor, pair up your keyboard, mouse, or controller, and you're essentially getting a "dockable" experience for big screen and on-the-go play.

What to consider about the RedMagic Astra 2

Hands still get in the way of speakers

This was a design concern I had with the original model, and it doesn't look like it's been rectified in the Astra 2. The speaker grills, while nice and powerful, are located on the top and bottom panels of the tablet. In portrait mode, that's fine, but in landscape mode, the natural resting position of the hands can often cover some or, when reaching towards the top of the screen) all of these little dots. That means audio quickly becomes muffled when that grip is adjusted.

Still no memory card slot

Like the Astra before it, the latest iteration still keeps that memory card slot at bay. That's a little frustrating for emulation purposes, or if you also need a tablet for everyday productivity and media markups. While mobile releases typically don't take up too much space, with a Genshin Impact download coming in at roughly 40GB right now, that 256GB version may start to struggle in the future. Your saved screenshots and video captures will all be contributing to that load, after all.

Some noticeable whine

Now this is one that seems to be new for the RedMagic Astra 2. The system displays a surprising amount of coil whine when running more demanding titles in higher settings. It's not necessarily loud enough to be audible when the speakers are cranked, but it's a considerable side effect when no audio is playing.

Should you buy the RedMagic Astra 2?

Even without the performance concerns, I'd be hesitant to recommend the RedMagic Astra 2 while the previous generation model is still around. You're looking at a hefty markup over the original price tag for a minor performance bump, a new cooling system that doesn't quite have the benefits you may expect, and a higher refresh rate display that the vast majority of games aren't equipped to deal with.

Unfortunately, the original RedMagic Astra is now unavailable in the US (the UK still has some stock left). That being the case, this is likely the definitive Android experience for now, especially with an additional cooler applied. After all, there's an incredible amount of power packed into this compact, sturdy chassis, hiding behind a gorgeous display. We're still talking about power that the vast majority of titles won't even stress. It's just a shame its costs have ballooned higher than its processing upgrades.

How I tested the RedMagic Astra 2

I used the RedMagic Astra 2 as my daily driver for mobile gaming, game streaming, emulation, YouTube, movies and TV shows for two weeks. I primarily played across my PSP collection, while spending a good amount of time in Call of Duty Mobile and sprinkling in a few Marvel Snap matches. I performed dedicated tests across 3D Mark's Wild Life Extreme and Solar Bay tests, running each one three times before taking a final score. I also ran two Wild Life Extreme Stress Tests. For more information on how we test gaming tablets check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

For more portable play options, check out the best gaming earbuds and best gaming laptops on the market.

I felt like I was experiencing deja vu with the Elegoo Jupiter 2. While it offers a litany of impressive advancements you often see in modern 3D printers, it also reminded me of old-school machines from when I first started testing way back when – in short, it can be picky. That means you'll need to lay in the groundwork first, and newcomers may want to steer clear as a result. However, you're in for a treat once all is said and done.

Elegoo Jupiter 2 features & design

As you may be able to tell from its sheer size, the Elegoo Jupiter 2 is all about volume – it has a build area of 302 × 162 × 300mm. That means it's a shoe-in if you want to print larger models, a lot of projects at once, or simply want to give yourself the option.

It's got many of the amenities you'd expect from a 3D printer in 2026 as well; there's a heated resin vat to keep the goods toasty even when temperatures drop outside and 16K resolution, not to mention automatic leveling. However, the cherry on top is a resin auto-fill/remove feature that reduces the mess of swapping out material.

Next, the design has gone from strength to strength. Something I like about recent Elegoo machines (like the Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2) is that they feel as though they belong in a sci-fi starship from the Alien universe, ready to churn out anything frontier colonists could need. That's certainly the case here thanks to a metal case with doors that swing outward. It's so much nicer than the usual plastic front or box lid, and I can see it being much less messy long-term.

Just one word of warning: this thing is incredibly heavy. Go careful when getting it into position.

Elegoo Jupiter 2 performance

If you want the maximum number of models being printed at once, or are printing out enormous projects, the Elegoo Jupiter 2 is an excellent choice. It can fit a small army of miniatures onto the build plate and has a sizeable volume for taller projects, so go wild.

Still, a word of caution: it'll take a while, especially if you choose particularly big models. This printer lacks the speed of predecessors like the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra 16K (90mm/h at maximum compared to the Ultra 16K's 150mm/h), and having tested a handful of faster machines in recent months, I noticed the difference. Sure, this isn't a problem per se. I suspect there's a technical reason for that more conservative pace too. But it's a little disappointing nonetheless.

Fortunately, the results are good enough to pave over any cracks. That 16K resolution is doing good work here, producing handsome prints you'll be proud to show off.

Getting to that point will require some patience, though. While it's crucial to have your settings dialled in and test prints finished with any 3D printer, I found it especially important here. This might not be the case for everyone, but in my experience, you can't get away with as much when it comes to the Jupiter 2. Whereas the likes of the Anycubic Photon P1 feel idiot-proof and allow for some margin of error, you must follow the letter of the law here. Yes, my choice of water-washable resin could be to blame, and environmental factors may have played their part as well (I was testing during a particularly strong heatwave, so maybe the material wasn't reacting as it normally would), but I experienced more failures with the Jupiter 2 than any other 3D printer I've tested recently. Things only started paying off once I really examined my settings under a microscope, and that sort of tweaking – not to mention the frustration of "arg, why isn't it working?!" – took me back to the old days.

Luckily, your patience is gonna be rewarded. Once you're locked in, you can produce everything from prop masks to a small army of wargaming models (for Malediction, say) at once. The high level of detail means you aren't compromising to achieve that aim, either.

And oh boy, but that resin auto-fill feature is fantastic. So long as your machine is level, it'll fill up the vat with as much resin as you need right off the bat. Once you're done, you can then click a button to suck most of it back up again. While it's incredibly handy at the best of times and avoids having resin just hanging around in the vat, I found this to be a life-saver during failures – it meant I didn't have to break out a funnel and messily try to pour away the resin so I could retrieve ill-fated prints. Throw in a camera for tracking progress remotely and a heated vat for the perfect garage or shed printer.

Should you buy the Elegoo Jupiter 2?

The Elegoo Jupiter 2 reminds me of old-school 3D printers; it's not as forgiving, so you'll need to make sure you've crossed the 'T's and dotted the 'I's in terms of settings. That said, it makes up for any fiddliness by offering an enviable volume and bringing modern advancements like a heated resin vat and a high-resolution screen to bear. The results are great.

However, I'd recommend it only for those who are already familiar with 3D printing – I think it'd be a bit of a headache for newcomers to figure out.

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How we tested the Elegoo Jupiter 2

This review was conducted using a sample from the manufacturer.

I spent two weeks printing off a variety of models with the Elegoo Jupiter 2 in my shed, ranging from smaller miniatures for D&D to larger terrain and monster models. This allowed me to see how it managed across a range of projects.

You can learn more about our process via the GamesRadar+ hardware policy.

I don't know about you, but after two generations of high-end graphics cards getting to ridiculous, gargantuan sizes, I was really optimistic when Jensen Huang revealed the RTX 5080 and 5090. Finally, I thought, some high-end GPUs that are going to be versatile enough to fit in even the smallest of PC builds. Board partners, however, did not take on Nvidia's FE inspirations, because chances are, if you're looking to buy one of the best graphics cards, you're still going to need a lot of room in your PC's case.

I've always been partial to a smaller gaming PC. My first build was an ITX system. I now have an mATX rig, but I feel I'm not the only one looking for a more versatile way of slotting an RTX 5080 into a smaller chassis these days. Brands like NZXT, Fractal Design, BeQuiet, Corsair, and more are all serving an increasing market demand for smaller PC builds with mATX cases, and although you can fit larger RTX 5080s inside them, you're going to limit space for case fans and generally make your life harder if you do.

That's why I was so excited about PNY's Slim RTX cards when they were revealed at CES at the start of the year. Finally, a third-party-made Nvidia GPU range that has the sizing versatility the Founders Editions promised. This range originally spanned the RTX 5070, 5070 Ti, and 5080, but it now seems there's a slimline RTX 5060 Ti out there too. Of course, since these are a niche play on the 50 Series GPUs and there are OC models available, pricing is likely to set you back more than MSRP, but is the increased versatility worth it?

Specs

The initial reaction from some might be to doubt that PNY's Slim GPUs are what they say they are, but if you look at the specs table, you'll see that everything in the 5080 is accounted for here. In fact, the model I'm testing is an overclocked version, so you'll actually see an improvement in the boost clock speed here despite its smaller footprint.

There has already been plenty said about the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080's reluctance to bump up beyond 16GB of VRAM, but in truth, from plenty of hands-on time with it through PC reviews and testing this GPU out, the faster GDDR7 VRAM still gives you plenty of room to gallop at 4K resolutions.

Elsewhere, there are enough cores for ray tracing and native performance that you're going to have all the power you need for 4K gaming. So what are you gaining here in the overclocked version - where is your money going?

Well, an overclocked GPU essentially means that it's pre-overclocked in the factory to unleash a bit of extra performance for you without you needing to do anything. Is it a performance bump you're going to notice? Probably not massively, to tell the truth, but when you're building a smaller rig and you don't want to compromise on performance because of that, an OC version is going to ensure you're getting every frame possible. It's really up to you if the extra money will be worth it.

The main question here, with a smaller board, is going to be about cooling, and that's going to put a lot of pressure on the design PNY has shot for.

Design & Features

I really like the approach PNY has taken with the slim model of the RTX 5080. It's pretty much exactly what it says on the tin. You're still getting a dual-slot GPU; it's as broad and almost as long as other high-end GPUs, but it's about half or two-thirds of the width of full-sized models. Before this, I was doing some retrospective testing on the Radeon RX 7900 XTX, and although I love that card for its native performance, its size was just utterly obnoxious to the point of it barely squeezing into my case alongside my fans. In fact, the bodywork of the fans and the GPU was such that they were actually touching.

I don't have that issue in an NZXT H3 Flow case with PNY's Slim 5080. Finally, it feels like a graphics card range that's been designed with my type of PC building in mind, and the ease of installing this thing felt like a fresh breeze on a hot summer's day.

Is the look of this GPU a bit of a plain Jane? I can't lie; yes. For how stylish smaller PCs can look, either with fishbowl mATX cases or with quirky ITX ones, you'd kind of hope that there were some aesthetic choices to be made with a slimline GPU, but I suppose beggars can't be choosers. It would be really, really nice if PNY decided to make a white version of its slim cards, just to give people a choice to match their rigs.

All in all, this isn't the card to go for if you're wanting a stylish gamer look inside your PC, but then again, I do like the no-nonsense feel PNY has gone for, and the somewhat retro, bold branding has some charm to it. Hey, at least it fits in the case and doesn't look cramped inside, right?

The important part is going to be thermals, which I'm glad to say PNY has clearly thought about. Instead of opting for a longer card with three fans, it's opted for a size of 300 x 150 x 40mm (11.8" x 5.9" x 1.6"), which makes it a bit shorter, but leaves room for two 120mm fans. You can also see inside the innards of the board that there's a vapor chamber that spans almost its entire length and width. There's plenty of scope for heat dissipation here.

Of course, beyond its full range of power courtesy of Nvidia's specs, it is going to feature the full bag of DLSS magic tricks. Improved on since launch, this now includes DLSS 4.5, Dynamic Multi-Frame Gen, and Ray Reconstruction. As is always the case, your mileage with these will vary based on the games that have compatibility with them. Of the games I've been testing out for this review, Crimson Desert and 007 First Light both have great settings menus with access to Dynamic MFG and the latest transformer models for DLSS. These definitely make an improvement over my latency issues with MFG, but there are still screen-tearing and fps choppiness issues, in Crimson Desert especially, that seem to appear when I'm using all of these in combination.

Either way, with an RTX 5080, you're going to have enough of a feature set to switch on Ray Tracing and full settings and toggle DLSS tools as needed. There's also a degree of futureproofing here, and I'd be surprised if whatever monstrosity DLSS 5 turns out to be, it wasn't included on 50 Series boards like this.

Performance

Besides this, I do have a lot of hands-on time with the RTX 5080, both inside the NZXT Player Three 5080 Edition and the latest Acer Predator Orion 7000. These are going to form the baseline for my testing out the PNY Slimline version of the card, because I think the question on everyone's mind is whether or not a smaller design, two larger fans as opposed to three, and less space inside for cooling will hamper an RTX 5080's gaming power.

To cut right to it, I'll say that that isn't the case. In comparison with the full-sized RTX 5080, you're not going to be losing out on frame rates here. Granted, I've tested these GPUs across three different systems and with varying CPUs, but for the most part, all three PCs are equipped for 4K gaming, and you're highly unlikely to beat-for-beat match any of their specs anyway, so if anything comparing across all three systems is going to give you a broader sense of typical performance for the 5080, versus PNY's smaller version.

Kicking things off, I want to talk about thermals. 3DMark's benchmarking tests can be a stern test for CPUs and GPUs when they get to their most demanding moments. I've seen graphics cards in the highest-end gaming PCs reach the mid-to-high 70s and CPUs reach boiling point, and yet the Slim RTX 5080 never surpassed 66 degrees. With two 120mm fans and that massive vapor chamber, I really don't think there's much to worry about here in terms of overheating due to a smaller footprint. I've kept a close eye on thermals while benchmarking, and I've never seen the GPU jump up to temperatures that concern me. As an added bonus, even when those larger fans are kicking up, I don't hear a lot of increased noise coming from my machine.

Then we come to the actual 3DMark benchmarking scores. In Time Spy, the slimline RTX 5080, combined with an Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus in this review, scored a very impressive 28,500. That beats both the NZXT Player Three and Acer Predator Orion 7000 versions, which scored 27,348 and 27,915, respectively. Granted, these scores were done over a year ago, so they were tested on older drivers. Even so, the CPUs paired with them were the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D and the original Intel Core Ultra 7 256KF, so matched against the latest Core Ultra 5, they should be up to the challenge.

Clearly, PNY's overclocking has pulled some extra performance out of the bag here. In our original review of the RTX 5080, that compares to a score of 32,416 in Time Spy, so maybe there is some better 5080 gaming performance out there in larger models, but these scores are all pretty close-knit - you're probably not going to notice massive differences in real-world gaming frame rates between them all.

Similarly, in Fire Strike and Steel Nomad, the PNY 5080 Slim scored 50,251 and 87.24, respectively. This beats the scores of the Acer Predator Orion (45,728 / 85.73) and our original 5080 review (43,878), but falls to the NZXT Player Three, which won in Fire Strike with a score of 55,985, but a Steel Nomad score of only 78.31. Across the board, the PNY 5080 is making a real case for itself as a strong version to go for.

Then we come to real-world gaming tests.

In the widget above, I've copied in some benchmarking figures from the PC reviews I've mentioned above to keep comparisons flowing. Again, I'd ask you to take note of the fact that these are all tested across different systems with different processors and what have you, but they should put to rest any doubts that a more compact form factor in the PNY RTX 5080 Slim is going to hamper your gaming benchmarks. This thing is every bit as effective at rendering games at high resolutions and frame rates as any of the other RTX 5080s I've gone hands-on with.

I think one of the things I'm taking away from those benchmarking figures is that across the board, the PNY RTX 5080 Slim outperformed the Acer Predator Orion, which is especially impressive given the processors used in each build. Maybe that speaks to Intel's latest generation of desktop CPUs more than it does the disparity in performance between the varying RTX 5080s, but it does show that, paired with the correct components, PNY's versatile set of slimline graphics cards is capable of being excellent in the 4K gaming trenches. Of course, I've been carrying out the PNY tests with updated drivers and DLSS wizardry compared to the review of Acer's flagship desktop rig, so that's also a caveat.

With those updated drivers comes access to enhanced multiframe gen trickery, which I'm now more open to since Dynamic Multi-Frame Gen arrived on the scene. I tested this in Crimson Desert and 007 First Light, and I found that the floaty, annoying latency that I was experiencing with MFG before was lessened to the point that it didn't bother me. I did notice a higher tendency for it to cause screen tearing, both with and without V-sync in the mix. I'd still like an enhanced form of Reflex at some point to really allow MFG to run free without latency issues, especially for lower-grade 50-series cards that rely on it.

In any case, you're not going to need to lean on DLSS as much with the RTX 5080 since it has a bit more native 4K power. I haven't recorded frame gen benchmarks for this review since we've looked into that in previous 5080 reviews, like PNY's larger OC model. But with gaming monitors getting faster and faster, just know that MFG is going to be your key to maxing out refresh rates as time goes on.

What's great about the 5080 compared to the 5070/Ti is that you can afford to play with Ray Tracing a lot more freely. From hands-on time with plenty of current-gen 4K GPUs, I'd highly recommend the freedom the RTX 5080 can give you if your budget allows. It's the one that makes those DLSS magic tricks feel like additional tools on your utility belt, not must-use features to get your desired frame rates.

In terms of building performance, the PNY RTX 5080 Slim couldn't be easier to use. I put it to work inside my NZXT H3 Flow case for this review (an mATX chassis), and I found it doesn't even need a support bracket to prop it up because its weight is distributed so cleanly.

Should you buy the PNY RTX 5080 OC Slim?

For anyone like me, who has dreams of building a powerhouse 4K gaming PC in a smaller case, without frame rate compromises, I cannot recommend the PNY RTX 5080 OC Slim more highly. This GPU is one of the easiest high-end cards I've built with, and its smaller footprint clearly doesn't mean you need to accept any frame rate hold-backs. From my hands-on testing, it's every bit as powerful as other full-sized RTX 5080 graphics cards; it's just lighter, more versatile and compatible with a wider range of cases, and it has a bit more of a no-nonsense look.

Of course, the price may be an issue since the entire range of PNY Slim cards is proving popular, and the OC model is the only one I can see in stock in the US and UK. If you can get the non-OC model to save yourself some money, I would point to that. On the other hand, I can't see any other board partner making this kind of lighter-weight, smaller form factor version of Nvidia's 50 Series products.

I'd argue that from a building standpoint, the versatility and safety of one of these Slim cards is worth it. The larger fans do their job from a thermal standpoint, and even the 5080 will likely squeeze itself into a quirky ITX case if you need it to. If you had dreams of affording an FE RTX 5080, you'll be all out of luck today, but PNY's Slimline options might just be the next best thing.

How I tested the PNY GeForce RTX 5080 OC Slim

I put the Slim model of the RTX 5080 to work inside my own gaming PC and have been using it as my daily driver for over a month now. In that time, I've used it for all of my gaming, spanning all sorts of gaming genres. I've also carried out more formal benchmarking and testing, like 3DMark's benchmarks, as well as tests in some of our favorite demanding games for PC testing.

I compared my results closely to the ones I found when reviewing other gaming PCs with RTX 5080s inside them, but also kept in mind that the results wouldn't be completely empirical due to driver updates and differing build discrepancies.

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

For more, read up on the best CPUs for gaming, the best RAM for gaming, and the best computer speakers.

The 2026 Razer Blade 18 is more of an iterative update on what came before, swapping out that Intel Core Ultra 275HX processor for a shiny new 290HX Plus model. Still, this is a machine that's keeping pace with the most powerful on the market - and doing it all in a premium, slimline chassis. Throw in a dual-mode 4K display that you'll either love or loathe, a sturdy battery life, and a solid deck of keys and you've got yourself a suitably expensive rig vying for best gaming laptop status.

I'll be primarily comparing the Razer Blade 18 against the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 (as our current go-to 18-incher) and MSI Raider A18 HX for some 4K insights (and as the most powerful gaming laptop I've tested so far). The Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX / RTX 5090 Scar I've had my hands on goes for $4,499.99, $900 less than the Blade, while the Raider packs an AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX3D and RTX 5090 for $5,609.99 - $210 more than Razer's.

Razer Blade 18 configurations

This being such a premium machine, the Razer Blade 18 sticks to the top end of the GPU market. That means you're choosing between RTX 5070 Ti, RTX 5080, and RTX 5090 flavors, paired up with Intel's 2026 Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus CPU. It's the processor that marks the biggest departure from last year's model, though the real-world performance upgrade is going to be minimal. That's why the price jump from $4,899 to $5,399 for an RTX 5090 model feels pretty squeaky.

Of course, with rising component costs everything is more expensive in 2026 - but when the previous generation model is still available (and starting at $3,499.99), it's worth sitting down with some priorities.

After all, this is the same dual UHD / FHD display with largely the same specs, and the same rock-solid chassis. RAM spans 32GB up to 128GB in the US (only 64GB in the UK), while 2TB and 1TB storage options are available as well.

Ports are bountiful, with both a Thunderbolt 5 and 4 at your disposal (though some kind of labelling system would have been appreciated), as well as three Type-As and an RJ45 for a wired connection.

Razer Blade 18 performance

Well, this is about as close any gaming laptop has got to threatening the MSI Raider A18 HX A9W's throne. The previously 'most powerful' gaming laptop I tested has come in neck and neck with the Razer Blade 18 from my RTX 5090 tests, and at times Sneki's in with a shot at gaining an edge.

MSI beat Razer in two out of my three 3D Mark tests (Fire Strike, the easier run, and Steel Nomad, the hardest and most true to life run). An early point for the Raider. Then we get to the in-game benchmarks, where the duo tie in FHD and UHD wins, with Razer taking the crown for QHD performance overall. That's a tie so far.

* With DLSS x4 generation enabled, the Razer Blade 18 averaged 172fps in Cyberpunk 2077 at 4K RT Ultra.

We can try and break that tie with CPU-only scores. The Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus scored 3,053 in its single core test and 20,387 in its multi core test. The first is good news for the Raider with its beefy AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX3D averaging around 3,186 in user tests. The second brings Razer right back into the race - AMD generally only musters a 20,220 position here.

The Razer Blade 18 has blown it out the park with its performance. This is a slimline chassis operating with half the RAM of the MSI Raider and still keeping pace with the monster.

That means we'll need to look deeper into the most important benchmarks; demanding QHD and UHD in-game runs and single core CPU performance.

Cyberpunk 2077 in RT: Ultra represents the biggest challenge in my test pool, and we're still pretty close here. The Razer Blade 18 ran at an average of 86fps in these conditions, with the MSI Raider eking ahead at 90fps. The script is flipped in 4K, with the Razer Blade 18 sitting at 60fps and the Raider dropping slightly to 59fps. These are both evenly matched machines.

Ultimately, then, it comes down to that single core performance. The Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus may be helping the Blade 18 keep its battery life in check, but it's not quite getting the machine over the line against the most powerful rig on the market.

What I loved about the Razer Blade 18

4K is a real luxury

You won't find too many 4K gaming laptops on the shelves right now, which is a little frustrating considering the RTX 5090 is the first mobile GPU I've seen that can actually natively tackle this kind of resolution in modern demanding games and DLSS 5 can get you there on lower cards as well.

Still, this is one of the few rigs I've tested in the last few years pushing that resolution up to a super crisp UHD+, and games look fantastic as a result. Doom: The Dark Ages is one of my favorites to run on these high-end panels, and every gnarly detail is offered up in incredible sharpness.

If you're spending big on immersive single-player content, this is a rare feature to keep an eye on. While other 4K rigs, like the MSI Raider A18 HX, opt for MiniLED panels, though, Razer has stuck with an IPS screen here. It's still got a card in its pocket, though, because at the flip of a switch (and a restart of the laptop), the Blade 18 can run in either 4K 240Hz or 1200p 440Hz.

It's a double edged sword as we'll see below, but it does give Razer a unique leg up against the competition. This is a unique party trick, allowing for both immersive solo ventures at full UHD+ resolution or faster competitive endeavours that prioritize sky-high framerates over visual detailing.

I did, however, encounter a few times when my refresh rate seemed to become locked to 60Hz in full 4K. A quick jump into Nvidia Control Panel could generally rectify the issue, though not always, and Synapse software didn't quite seem to catch up with the change once I'd made it. I've reached out to Razer regarding the issue, and will update here once I've heard back.

Big doesn't have to mean chunky

I feel like I say it every time a Razer laptop is on my desk but yes, this looks like a Razer Blade. Sneki hasn't deviated from the all-black CNC-milled aluminum chassis in years and it's not about to now. Being an 18-incher, this thing is still a lot wider than the Razer Blade 16 or Razer Blade 14 perched on my desk, but it's far from the cumbersome giants I usually have to wrestle with.

Measuring in at 1.1 inches thick with the lid closed, it's thinner than the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 and MSI Raider A18 (both 1.26-inches) while also maintaining a lighter weight. You're adding 3.1kg to your backpack, compared to Asus's 3.3kg waistline and MSI's 3.6kg heft.

That's still by no means at the lightest end of the market, an 18-inch gaming laptop isn't designed to be karted around, but it is slightly more portable than the chunkier beasts.

Impressive battery life

I can forgive gaming laptops for lacking battery life, and 18-inch powerhouses get an additional pass, but the Razer Blade 18 manages to perform surprisingly well without its charger close by. That's a relief, considering the chunky power brick shipped in the box.

I generally aim for a comfortable two-odd hours of gaming time on a larger 18-inch machine, with power and graphical settings whittled down to a playable state. The Blade 18 held up for just over three hours of Doom: The Dark Ages during testing, with about six hours of work (Chrome tabs, Spotify, and the odd image edit) achievable in a more balanced productivity setting.

For reference, the MSI Raider lasted for just over an hour when gaming and about three hours in productivity with full Eco Silent Mode and 50% screen brightness.

That's certainly a win for the efficiency-minded Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus.

Satisfying controls

With a full-sized keyboard and an expansive trackpad, the Blade 18 is outfitted with everything you need for both games and productivity - but it also feels fantastic.

1.5mm key travel and a 63g actuation force make for a nicely snappy set of switches with a firm base and energetic bounce. Of course, I'd expect a $5,000+ gaming laptop to offer a nice typing experience but it can't be taken for granted. The Asus ROG Strix Scar 18, for example, has a little more flex than I'd expect from this kind of price and the MSI Raider (despite its SteelSeries mechanical keys) is particularly wobbly.

While both its competitors do away with Razer's half-sized up/down arrow keys, then, it's by far the best option for those typing over longer periods.

What to consider about the Razer Blade 18

Price doesn't keep up with incremental update

The only major difference between the early 2025 Razer Blade 18 and this one is that processor. The Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus has stepped in and taken the reins from the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX CPU. That's a processor that averages out at 2,799 single-core and 17,783 multi-core on Geekbench 6. We're looking at a 9% increase in the former test, and a 14.6% increase in the second.

The problem is that overall 10% price increase. While it sits inline with CPU performance upgrades (though slightly higher than single-core performance uplift), the 275HX is unlikely to meaningfully downgrade your experience. These are very similar chips - you'll feel that RTX 5090 start to sag long before the CPU starts presenting problems.

Screen investment only makes sense for niche players

Back to that dual UHD+/FHD+ display, then. One can only assume it's adding to the final price tag, and potentially in no small way. Considering we're already paying a premium compared to last year's model, I'd argue the ability to swap down to high-speed 1200p isn't in the best interests of most players. It's only going to be the ultra-competitive among us who are unhappy with the kinds of framerates that RTX 5090 can spit out at full throttle, and only those players who will even be able to take advantage of the sky-high 440Hz refresh rate.

Considering Mini LED options are rife across the rest of the high-end 18-inch market, offering a boosted punch to colors and vibrancy compared to the Blade 18, I'd rather invest the cash in that panel type or keep it in my pocket.

Runs a little warmer than chunkier models

The Blade 18's slimline design comes with its own drawbacks as well. The machine becomes noticeably hot to the touch after around half an hour of intensive gaming. Poring over a sweltering keyboard in a heatwave isn't exactly my idea of comfort, even if thermals never climbed to a throttling level. Using the Blade 18's keyboard becomes a slightly sticky endeavour after a short while, by virtue of that more condensed unibody design.

Chunkier machines may be more difficult to transport but, as a desktop replacement, I'd take the extra vents and grills instead.

Should you buy the Razer Blade 18?

See, now this is why I love and hate Razer laptops. I can spend a thousand words talking about how great it looks, feels, and plays, and then ultimately have to say it's difficult to recommend.

Up there with the best Alienware laptops, these are some of the most expensive models on the market and the 2026 Blade 18 not only upcharges by $500 compared to last year's, its dual-mode display is adding potentially unnecessary costing into that final price. It's vastly more expensive than the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 and a good chunk of change costlier than larger 16-inch models.

And yet, in some lights, it's worth it.

The older model I mean, definitely buy the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX variant while it's still around.

This thing is packing just as much power as the MSI Raider A18 HX A9W, for slightly less cash than MSI's $5,609.99 MSRP. For your money you're getting the same performance, a faster UHD+ refresh rate, a far more premium build quality, an actually workable battery life, and a more compact form factor. That's pretty compelling.

It's not a decision without sacrifice; the Raider wins for its overall screen quality thanks to that Mini LED panel and it also adds an additional Thunderbolt 5 rather than reserving one USB-C for Thunderbolt 4. The final ace in MSI's deck is its SSD. It's one of the few gaming laptops packing a full Gen 5 drive.

Ultimately, if you're shopping in these upper echelons with your heart set on a machine that looks and feels like its price tag, Razer's going to be your best bet. If you just want 60fps QHD power on a larger, immersive 18-inch display, Asus still wins for overall value for money.

How I tested the Razer Blade 18

The Razer Blade 18 became my central control panel for a period of two weeks, with some testing overlapping the Acer Nitro 18 AI. In that time I used the machine for work, play, and everything in between, running Doom: The Dark Ages, High on Life 2, and Planet Coaster 2 for day to day sessions.

I used 3D Mark's Time Spy, Steel Nomad, and Fire Strike benchmarks with the Blade set to a Turbo performance setting while testing in-game across Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Total War: Three Kingdoms, Horizon Zero Dawn: Remastered, and Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p, 1600p, and UHD+ in each game's high and highest settings. Each test was completed three times, with the final result above representing an average of each run.

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

I've been testing plenty more of the best Razer laptops, as well as all the best Asus gaming laptops on the market. For something a little more reserved, though, check out the best gaming handhelds available.

After the extraordinary success of Oppenheimer – almost $1 billion at the box office, a huge Oscars haul – Christopher Nolan's next epic has been the subject of fevered anticipation. An adaptation of Homer's 3,000-year-old poem, The Odyssey is a foundational text that has inspired countless stories since. But far from a dusty old tale, Nolan's take on the material is modern mythological filmmaking of the highest order.

Much like his specific lens on superhero cinema, the war movie, the space movie, the heist movie, and myriad other genres, Nolan proves electifyingly adept with fantasy. Closer in spirit to the tactile horrors of Guillermo del Toro's monstrous oeuvre than the comforting whimsy of Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Odyssey's uncanny, earthy and frequently frightening renderings of the great monsters of myth (achieved via a seamless blend of practical and visual effects) are striking and unforgettable.

But at its heart, The Odyssey is about a journey home, and the cost of what it takes to get there. To this end, Nolan's thematically savvy script recontextualizes the famed Trojan Horse gambit and the siege of Troy through a thought-provoking modern lens; The Odyssey has more to say about our lives now than you might think.

Home(r) run

Following standout supporting turns in Interstellar and Oppenheimer, Matt Damon steps up to Nolan leading man here as Odysseus, the King of Ithaca. Told across chronologically disjointed timelines (naturally) over two decades, it chronicles Odysseus' crucial role at Troy, his catastrophic, decade-long journey home by sea, and the sorry state of affairs in Ithaca, where Odysseus' void has been filled by a snake pit of suitors out to wed his wife, Penelope (Anne Hathaway), and claim his throne.

Meanwhile, Odysseus' son, Telemachus (Tom Holland), sets out on his own odyssey to discover the fate of his absent father, as the threat of uncultured 'sea people' invading Ithaca's shores escalates. This takes him to a Sparta ruled by Menelaus (Holland's Spider-Man: Brand New Day co-star Jon Bernthal) as the suitors (led by Robert Pattinson's scheming Antinous) plot the young heir's demise.

A true-blue epic clocking in at almost three hours, The Odyssey is event cinema writ large. Relayed by unreliable narrators with half-forgotten memories, it's told across a series of elliptical short stories that give each stretch of the film its own distinct flavor, making The Odyssey something like eight movies in one. From the pure body horror of an encounter with vengeful witch Circe (Samantha Morton) to the breath-snatching suspense of a stint in the Cyclops' cave, it's a thrilling blend of full-blown battles, stirring adventure on the high seas, and keenly felt emotional longing, all unfolding during the dying days of a doomed civilization.

The first narrative feature shot entirely on IMAX 70mm film, Nolan's format of choice is the definitive way to see The Odyssey, if you're lucky enough to live close enough to one of the 40-or-so theaters globally equipped to project the film in the full-frame, ultra-high-resolution format. Collaborating once again with director of photography Hoyte van Hoytema, the immersive, vertiginous cinematography captures an array of stunning real-world locations with mythical grandeur, all bolstered by Ludwig Göransson's propulsive score and some of the best sound design in a Nolan film to date. Worry not, no hard-to-hear dialogue here.

Sea no evil

Walking a satisfying line between the grounded and the fantastical throughout, The Odyssey also features a remarkable cast. The headliners are uniformly excellent (Holland nails a couple of key emotional beats and Damon is as good as he's been in recent years), but there's scene-stealing support from the likes of Morton, John Leguizamo (as blind swineherd Eumaeus), Himesh Patel (as Odysseus' increasingly conflicted second-in-command Eurylochus) and Bill Irwin, whose physical performance as the Cyclops is both chilling and pathos-filled. Even those with fleeting screentime, like Lupita Nyong'o as Helen of Troy/Clytemnestra or Mia Goth as Penelope's treacherous slave Melantho, make an impression, a masterly balancing act given the size of the ensemble.

If there are chinks in the armor, they're negligible given the scale of The Odyssey's achievement. It gets off to a bit of a clunky start, taking a beat too long to move away from Ithaca and hit open waters. The decision to reconfigure Odysseus' seven years with Calypso (Charlize Theron) as a framing device for the amnesiac king to recount his story does occasionally cause the film's carefully modulated momentum to stumble when it cuts back to the Nymph's beach. And Nolan's tendency to over-explicate his film's messages crops up again during The Odyssey's wordy, idea-packed denouement.

But you can hardly blame Nolan for hammering the meaning of it all home when his ideas are so rich, his vision so fully realized. It isn't simply a film about a perilous journey; it's a film about the fabric of civilization itself, and how even the smallest tear can have catastrophic consequences. How war bends and corrupts even the most honorable men. Unlike Oppenheimer, however, which ends on a note of prophetic nihilism, The Odyssey still has some hope for humanity.

The Odyssey is a monumental accomplishment, an undeniable film-of-the-year contender, and one of the finest movies of Nolan's already impressive career. The question now is whether The Odyssey can replicate Oppenheimer's stratospheric box office and awards trajectory, even without the Barbenheimer bump, and sail all the way to Oscar glory.

The Odyssey releases in theaters on July 17. For more, dive into our The Odyssey beginner's guide, or check out our list of the best Christopher Nolan movies.

Nintendo Switch 2 grip cases are big business. After all, Ninty released its handheld into the wild with the same flat, uncomfortable Joy-Con backs that we've come to cramp over for the last nine years. Adding something to hold onto isn't just a luxury, it's a necessity if you're going to be running this thing for a full battery depletion.

That means there's no shortage of competition for the SupCase Unicorn Beetle Pro, a shell-style grip that nestles itself around the back and sides of your device, adding two slightly taller nubbins to cling onto while drop-proofing the chassis itself. Slightly more expensive than our current top shell, the Fastsnail Switch 2 Protective Case, and with a few features left on the cutting room floor, SupCase isn't going to steal the throne here. However, its design and weight could sway some away from the current leader. I've had the red and black version slapped on my handheld for the last few weeks to see exactly how it slots in among the best Nintendo Switch 2 cases on the market.

What I loved about the SupCase Unicorn Beetle Pro Nintendo Switch 2 case

Slick industrial design

There's no denying the SupCase Unicorn Beetle Pro looks a lot better than the bulbous, plasticky design of Fastsnail's competitor. This is a sturdy industrial build, starting from the plated red backing (in a gorgeous metallic finish) and ending up at the chunky rubberised top and side bumpers.

It's an angular aesthetic that won't necessarily satisfy the needs of those after a cute 'n' cosy Switch experience, but it certainly stands out against the rest of the black and gray market, especially as you get into the cheaper seats. I opted for the red version, but the Unicorn Beetle Pro is also available in a range of different metallic finishes and judging by the model in front of me, each one paints just as vibrant a picture as listing images suggest.

That design isn't just for show, though. It feels solid, buffered, and plenty bouncy in the hands, without bulking out a clamshell case. That's a big deal for travel. I love adding extra depth to my controls, but hate having to remove them every time I'm storing my Switch 2 in its PowerA Slim Case. Unlike chunkier models, the slimline form factor of the SupCase Unicorn Beetle Pro allows it to sit (albeit a little tightly) inside this fairly skinny clamshell case.

A smaller shape means the SupCase is also lighter than the Fastsnail in the hands. While still adding a little extra heft to your handheld, the numbers fall in this Unicorn's favor, important considering that extra weight was one of its competitors' only shortcomings in testing.

Sturdy Joy-Con handling

I've been through a number of cheaper grip options from various brands in the year I've had the Switch 2 in my roster. Each one has made me fear for the magnetic pins inside my Joy-Con 2. SupCase's iteration uses a complete unibody design, keeping the Joy-Con firmly connected to the system rather than having them bend to the sides under the weight of separate grips.

That's something you'll find on many grip cases, including our Fastsnail competitor, but it's a design I'd wholeheartedly recommend over a three-part system.

The Joy-Con themselves are still easily removable though. Each chunky grip section folds out away from the handheld itself, so that the controllers can be easily unlatched from their magnetic pins normally. Yes, it means you won't have the grips still attached when using the device in tabletop mode (though as we'll see later, that's not really an option here anyway), but it means swapping to mouse controls is particularly simple.

Nicely textured grips

SupCase's grips aren't the chunky, smooth, rounded designs you'll see on Fastsnail and other competitors' cases. Instead, they're boxy, angular, and raised only by about a centimetre off the back plating. That keeps the whole design slim enough to fit into a clamshell case, yes, but it also manages to stay comfortable for longer sessions as well.

There's just enough for the fingers to grip around, with a heavily dappled texture running across the flat back panel of each one. It means the weight of the handheld is no longer forced upon the fingertips, instead sitting far more comfortably in the base of the palm.

That texture means the grip itself never feels too hot in the hand, with little change of slipping during longer sessions (helped in part by the rubber panels on each side).

What to consider about the SupCase Unicorn Beetle Pro Nintendo Switch 2 case

Lose kickstand ability

Unlike many of its competitors, the SupCase Unicorn Beetle Pro drops your access to the Nintendo Switch 2's kickstand. That means tabletop mode is out the window here, which will be a pretty big turn-off you happen to stand your device in place for play.

The level to which this is going to hurt your experience entirely depends on how you use your handheld. I almost never set up my Switch 2 in the tabletop position (generally only ever to take photos of it with various accessories), so I wasn't too put out by this sacrifice. It's worth noting, though, that the Fastsnail model still keeps its own kickstand in play.

Docking is a little tight

The SupCase Unicorn Beetle Pro is dockable, which means you won't need to remove the shell itself to slide your handheld into its TV house. That didn't stop me being a little nervous the first time I tried it, though. There is extra depth added to the device here, and I can feel it sliding against the walls of the dock.

You're going to find that in any dockable Nintendo Switch 2 shell you come across, but it's worth reiterating the need for a screen protector if you're squeamish about it.

No storage

While not a slight against the SupCase Unicorn Beetle Pro itself, and more of a praise of its competitor, it's worth clocking that lack of game storage. Again, this is a sacrifice you're likely used to making if you prefer a grip case over a clamshell, but if you're between the two it's worth reiterating the Fastsnail's excellent integration of cart holders into its design.

Less screen protection

If you don't already have a screen protector slapped on your handheld, you're probably going to regret it fairly soon. The SupCase Unicorn Beetle Pro can help you stave off the need with a small lip over the top edge that acts as a bumper, but if this thing falls flat on its face there's still going to be problems.

The lip underneath the system isn't as reinforced as the one on top, swapping the bouncier rubber for a skinny plastic casing instead. It's a strange step away from the sturdy shock-proofing of the rest of the device, though you'd expect the device to fall on one of its corners before the lower edge made any contact with the ground.

Still, it means the screen is a little less protected than I'd like and, unfortunately for our Beetle, there's a snail with a solution. Fastsnail's grip case comes with a detachable front cover that keeps the screen scratch-safe during transport.

Should you buy the SupCase Unicorn Beetle Pro Nintendo Switch 2 case?

The SupCase Unicorn Beetle Pro has a number of cards to play in its fight against our top contender, and they're all centered around that sleeker build. Ultimately, whether it's right for you will come down to how you use your handheld and where your priorities lay. While the Fastsnail Nintendo Switch 2 Protective Case offers more features for less cash, SupCase wins in overall aesthetic, grip texture, and versatility in its slimmer design.

However, the Fastsnail doesn't necessarily need to slim down its design to still accommodate a sturdy transport experience. After all, the extra screen cover and game storage have you sorted for the additional security of a clamshell case by themselves, with the added benefit of chunkier grips as well. Plus, if you're a tabletop power-user, your decision has already been made. The lack of kickstand here is going to prove too bothersome to sacrifice for that sleek form factor.

All that, and I'll probably keep my SupCase Unicorn Beetle Pro firmly in place. After all, I prefer a textured grip over a larger one, I don't need that kickstand, I opt for a clamshell for its additional layer of bumper security, and I'd certainly prioritize the swankier look of this Unicorn. If that's you, it's still an easy recommendation.

How I tested the SupCase Unicorn Beetle Pro Nintendo Switch 2 case

I've had the SupCase Unicorn Beetle Pro attached to my Nintendo Switch 2 for two weeks, playing in both handheld and docked mode. It has also been trusted with two cross-country trips in that time, transported both inside and out of a PowerA Slim clamshell carry case. For more information on how we make our recommendations, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

We're rounding up plenty more of the best Nintendo Switch 2 accessories, including the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers and best Nintendo Switch 2 MicroSD Express cards.

The Warhammer 40,000 Introductory Set is like a good science teacher; it's patient, generous, doesn't take itself too seriously, and delights in blowing shit up for educational purposes. If you're new to Warhammer (or wargaming in general), rest easy. You're in good hands here.

Rather than tackling a 40 year-old game that's now on its 11th edition head on, this beginner box takes a different approach – it breaks everything down into bite-size, step-by-step chunks that are easy to get your head around. The Warhammer 40,000 Introductory Set also provides everything you need to get started in this hobby, from paints to accessories. Although there are some compromises (clippers would have been a nice addition, and it could do with extra paints like white), it's surprisingly good value overall.

Warhammer 40,000 Introductory Set features & design

True to its name, the Warhammer 40K Introductory Box Set aims to give you a taste for the game – and provide a springboard you can use to jump into full games. The box furnishes you with a small armory of content, and I'm genuinely impressed with what you get.

First up, you'll become the proud general of six Space Marines (five Intercessors along with a Lieutenant) and just as many Orks (five Boyz and a Boss Nob). These come in pieces that you simply twist off the sprue and push together - no glue required. Even if it's your first time making a Warhammer model, it shouldn't take much more than a half an hour per side. Everything slots neatly and logically into place.

Second, you receive a handful of paints along with a paintbrush to slap some color on your models. When combined with a range ruler, dice, a battlemat, and thin card scenery, your tabletop battles will start to look fancy.

Finally, you'll find a streamlined rulebook with an introduction to the game's mechanics in addition to some backstory that helps ground you in the Warhammer 40,000 universe.

In other words, it's a comprehensive starter pack. While I think a couple of extra key paints and clippers would seal the deal (the latter allows you to remove pieces from sprues without leaving plastic nubs on your models), I'm genuinely taken aback at how good this offering is.

Plus, the models aren't repeats - we've never seen them before. While it would have been easy to include the same Space Marine Intercessors and Ork Boyz featured in other sets (such as this edition's launch box, Armageddon), these sculpts are unique. Crucially, I'd argue that they're more dynamic on the whole. They feel like individuals with distinct characters, not unlike operatives from Warhammer's Kill Team skirmish game.

Gameplay

If you're concerned about being overwhelmed, don't be; although there's a lot to take in with 40K, the Warhammer 40,000 Introductory Set breaks it all down into bite-size chunks that drip-feed everything you need to know across multiple missions. Much like the Kill Team Starter Set, it does this with step-by-step actions that are given a light-touch narrative so you aren't just drudging through dry mechanics. There are plenty of examples that help contextualize what's going on too, so most should find they have a good grasp of what's going on before long.

Once these tutorials are finished, it's time for war. You're then let loose with all the box's models on scenarios that provide your first proper taste of Warhammer. This isn't the full Warhammer 40K, of course; it's a stripped back version so as not to overwhelm newcomers. However, this will give you the grounding you need to jump into 40K proper.

Are you going to hunger for something more once you've run a few matches? Absolutely. Those flimsy card terrain pieces leave something to be desired as well, because they're incredibly thin so could tear or bend under pressure. But as a first step into Warhammer 40,000, I'd say this Introductory Set nails the assignment.

Should you buy the Warhammer 40,000 Introductory Set?

In the end, whether you should buy the Warhammer 40K Introductory Set can be answered with a single question: are you undecided about whether you'll commit to Warhammer 40,000, or are you totally new to wargaming? If the answer to either of those is yes, it's the perfect on-ramp. It has everything you need to get going, and those bite-size missions ease you into the mechanics.

If the answer is no, though, you may be better off looking elsewhere. The full Starter Set provides Warhammer 40K's complete rules and features two full Combat Patrol armies alongside a table's worth of plastic terrain. It's excellent value overall. Meanwhile, the individual starter boxes for Space Marines and Orks get you a playable army with the necessary paints and quickstart rules. They're a money-conscious way of starting an army if you just want one of those factions, not both.

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

This sample was provided by the manufacturer.

Belkin used to be a brand that, for me, felt synonymous with phone accessories. But now I relate the six-letter name solely to providing me with options to manage the Nintendo Switch 2's horrendous battery life.

First, it achieved this with the Belkin Charging Case, one of the best Nintendo Switch 2 accessories I've tested to date. It encompasses a case with a 10,000mAh power bank included inside that allows you to carry and charge your handheld on the go. This was followed up by a Pro model, so it felt a bit inevitable that the brand would have its sights set on incorporating its handy charging prowess into a Switch 2 Grip case.

The end result sadly isn't perfect. The aforementioned power bank creates an uncomfortable dynamic. Its weight can add some strain that makes me feel like I'm playing the Steam Deck OLED, a handheld I deliberately don't use as much as I'd like to due to its chonky form factor. That, combined with the fact that this accessory is pretty pricey and not compatible with any of the brand's cases, adds extra layers of annoyance to an otherwise solid piece of Nintendo-compatible tech.

Design

The Belkin Charging Grip is composed of four pieces: two ergonomic handles for either Joy-Con, a section that attaches to the base of the console, and a 30W 10000mAh power bank that magnetically attaches to that.

I was provided with the Olive colorway, so all of these pieces arrived to me in a matcha-green shade, but it's also available in Black and Lilac colors if green isn't your thing. Strangely, Belkin chose not to match the color ranges available to the Belkin Charging Case Pro and the rest of its Switch 2 case lineup, which feels like a missed opportunity. However, I'm thankful to see any variation at all when plain all-black grips, like that as part of the Fastnsnail Switch 2 Protective Case, are all too common.

It also helps the Belkin grip stand out, as no matter the brand, grip cases tend to all look a little similar. You should at least be able to tell Belkin's apart from alternatives besides its unique colorways, as its design is sleeker than I've seen before. When attached, the two Joy-Con handles don't sit across the entirety of the gamepads, and instead start at the mid-way section of the right stick and ABXY buttons on the other side. They then hang to the bottom of the controllers, giving them a more Switch 2 Pro Controller look and feel.

Features

The main section of the Belkin Charging Grip is pretty basic. It's a surprisingly thin piece of plastic that hangs to the back of the handheld's 7.9-inch display, providing cut-out sections to ensure all the vents and ports can be accessed properly. It also allows full use of the handheld's kickstand, which is all pretty run-of-the-mill and what you'd want for one of these case and grip combo accessories.

Yet, it's what's hanging on the back that makes it special, and why it's got that $99.99 / £69.99 price tag. The back of this accessory is designed to host a power bank, which attaches magnetically. If you've ever used MagSafe phone accessories, it's a similar process; however, the case also includes four small recessed cylindrical-shaped modules that match with four small prongs sticking out of the charger to ensure that it stays put when attached.

The 10000mAh power bank in question includes an LCD window which shows you its remaining battery when you press the small button on its side. Additionally, it features a small USB-C cable which is hidden on the side that stays flush with the handheld. You can keep it hidden or connect it to give your console 1.5x worth of extra juice while gaming on the go - or when you're in the main room of your house and can't be bothered to source your AC adapter (a scenario I find myself in fairly often).

Performance

Traditional grip cases (Belkin calls this a "Charging Grip" but it's basically a grip case) are there to give your handheld some added protection, while adding some ergonomic flair to the uncomfortable flat-backs of the Joy-Cons. By incorporating a 30W 10000mAh battery into the mix, things get a little heavy, which is not ideal.

Throughout my weeks of testing, I was playing plenty of Star Fox and later, Rhythm Paradise Groove, and ended up having to play both while leaning the bottom of the Switch 2 against my lap. An experience that's the norm when it comes to playing my Steam Deck, but not one I admire. I normally play my Switch 2 while it's hovering in the air as it's light and comfortable enough to do so, but the weight of the power bank was constantly pulling my hands down. Any attempt to fight against it was not a feeling I wanted to persist on my wrists.

I believe that's exactly why Belkin chose not to have the power bank attached by default, but instead included a magnetic mechanism. With that in tow, it means you don't have to have it attached at all times and give your wrists a break. Which is exactly what I did during my time testing this device.

After the few short 20 minutes it took to take my handheld's power from 60 to 100% charged, I simply pulled it off and set it aside. Much to my chagrin, none of the official Belkin Switch 2 cases are compatible with the Charging Grip and provide a safe place to store the powerbank. However, it was reassuring to know that you don't have to deal with the weight conundrum at all times if you don't want to.

At least the experience of using the Charging Grip when you don't factor in the weight is pretty grand. The handles are very comfortable and felt natural in the palm of my hands. Their textured surface was also grippy enough that it never slipped even during the most intense moments of Rhythm Paradise Groove (onion shaving is no joke) and yet not too grippy that it roughhoused the surface of my hands.

I'm also a huge fan of the fact that you don't need to leave the small USB-C charging cable hanging if you do decide to have the powerbank attached. The underside of the charger includes a hidden section designed to hide the cable, and works just as intended.

Should you buy the Belkin Charging Grip for Nintendo Switch 2?

The Belkin Charging Grip for the Nintendo Switch 2 seems like a pretty basic idea: it's essentially a power bank and grip case combined into one. Yet despite its simplicity, the brand has yet again managed to provide a robust and great-looking solution to dealing with the handheld's measly battery life, though it's definitely far from perfect.

Anyone who loves the Switch 2 for its lightweight experience compared to the best handhelds like the Steam Deck OLED is not going to appreciate how heavy the case can become. And it feels like an oversight to design a Charging Grip which, when attached, is too big to store in any of the existing Belkin Switch 2 cases. If you have the Belkin Charging Case Pro, you have to take off the grips and power bank every time you want to store it away. And even then, the accessory pocket is not equipped to store those pieces.

I assume Belkin has plans to one day release a case that incorporates the best design elements of this Charging Grip and its Charging Case line, especially as review comments on the official Belkin website have consumers referencing the same issue. Belkin's Customer Service has stated at the time of this review that it has "taken note of it" in reply to user Ns2geek, so hopefully it's a sign of a new Grip Case mashup to come.

In the meantime, if you were hunting for a Switch 2 grip case and a way to combat the device's battery woes, the Belkin Charging Grip is an okay choice if you can cope with its uncomfortable weight and uncomfortable $99.99 / £69.99 MSRP. Those purely after a method of creating a Pro Controller-feeling experience in handheld mode are better off picking up the alternative model without the power bank available for $39.99 (Amazon) / £39.62 (Amazon) instead - though you'll still struggle to fit it in any existing Belkin Switch 2 case.

How I tested the Belkin Charging Grip for Nintendo Switch 2

I spent over two weeks with the Belkin Charging Grip, where it became my accessory of choice for the entirety of that testing time. With the Olive version attached to my handheld, I used it while playing a huge range of games, from Star Fox, Rhythm Paradise Groove, Mario Kart World, Pokemon Pokopia, and Donkey Kong Bananza.

By testing a wide range of titles, I got a feel for how the ergonomic handle attachments felt to play in handheld mode, while having ample opportunity to rely on the power bank to power my Switch 2. Additionally, I also took out the Belkin Charging Case Pro to see if the pieces of the Charging Grip were compatible and could be stored within the brand's own case. For more information on how we test accessories for the Nintendo Switch 2, check out our full GamesRadar+ Hardware policy.

Creating the ultimate Switch 2 setup? Check our our guides to the best Nintendo Switch headsets, the best Nintendo Switch 2 cameras, and the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers too.

It’s a familiar story: a brand unveils a new sim racing line with the promise of it expanding as an ecosystem. Nacon followed the script to a T with the release of its Revosim line last year. The RS Pure wheelbase, while an impressive debut on its own, was clear in its intentions to grow and had connections labelled shifter and handbrake sitting on its rear from day one. But that racing wheel launch came and went, and then, well, nothing followed.

The original Revosim RS Pure bundle: a 9Nm direct drive wheelbase, round wheel, and load cell pedals for £699.90, caught my eye by undercutting plenty of the established names in the space while largely matching them on build quality. It was a mighty fine debut, but a wheelbase and two pedals do not an ecosystem make, and now, almost a year on, that gap finally closes with the RS Pure Hybrid Shifter and Load Cell Handbrake.

Available on their own for £299.90 and £179.90 respectively, or in a bundle for £449.90, this is the duo that starts to mature the Revosim range. There's a £79.90 clutch pedal too, if you want to move to a full three-pedal setup, and it rounds the bundle up to a neat £499.90. There are still walls around this sim racing garden, but they’re not as high as they were before, and there are a few more plants to look at, so is it worth taking a stroll through?

Design

When I first checked out the RS Pure wheelbase last year, I was seriously impressed by the build quality Nacon had achieved, particularly given the price tag. It was professional, upmarket, and built like a tank. The new add-ons to the range are no different; they all carry the same metal construction, all-black finish, and proper heft.

The RS Pure Hybrid Shifter is relatively chunky and does the job of two gearboxes at once. Flip the side-mounted dial, and you can switch between an 8-speed H-pattern and a sequential mode on the fly. Nacon includes two separate gear knobs, too, a round knob and a foam-topped lever. Resistance is adjustable by a hex bolt on the front, so there's some scope to firm things up or loosen them off depending on how much of a workout you want your arm to get mid-race.

The RS Pure Load Cell Handbrake is simpler on paper; a 150kg load cell tucked inside quite a compact housing, with resistance courtesy of included elastomers or a softer spring that are hidden out of sight under a removable panel. It's happy to be mounted either horizontally or vertically, which is a nicely considered touch that sees it play nicely not only with different rig setups but different racing styles, too.

Both accessories ship with their own desk clamp in the box, two for the Hybrid Shifter, in fact, along with mounting points for more specialist sim racing cockpits. You’ve got a choice of connection methods around the back. You can go directly into your PC with USB-C if you’re not using the Revosim wheelbase, or you can plug into the ecosystem via RJ45 ports on the back of the RS Pure base. This in itself is a nice progression for the range because it allows either of the new accessories to fit into existing, non-Nacon setups.

Features

Both accessories are supported and configured through the same Revosim app that handles the rest of the RS Pure lineup, and it’s available on PC, iOS, and Android. This is also where firmware updates are handled, and while it’s not exactly the most exciting feature to note, I was impressed at how quick and simple this process was. I’ve had real fun and games with some other brands like Turtle Beach making firmware updates a long and drawn-out process with plenty of hoops to jump through, so this was refreshing by comparison.

There's an RS Pure Clutch Pedal joining the team too, which uses a Hall Effect sensor for precision and keeps the same fully metal construction as the rest of the range. There’s adjustable height, tilt, and travel, and two included springs let you tune the resistance to your liking. It's worth noting Nacon makes a clear point of saying this pedal is only compatible with Revosim pedal sets, so unlike the Shifter and Handbrake, it can’t be retrofitted into mixed-brand setups.

Performance

I bolted both units straight to my desk using the included clamps and ran them into my existing RS Pure base over RJ45 rather than standalone via USB-C. Once everything's connected, that strong build quality I mentioned earlier carries through into actual use. It's a proper, adult-feeling setup; the first impression isn’t one that gives away that this is Nacon’s first attempt.

Desk mounting is simple; the bar on each unit just slots straight into the clamp base, no fuss. It’s nice to see these brackets included as standard and not as paid extras, though with both the shifter and handbrake bolted to a desk rather than a rig, the mechanical forces involved were enough to set my monitors bouncing on their arms with every shift or handbrake yank. That's not the fault of the RS Pure Hybrid Shifter or RS Pure Load Cell Handbrake themselves; a proper cockpit would absorb it without issue, but if you're desk-mounting like I was, it's worth being aware of.

In H-pattern mode, the Hybrid Shifter feels noticeably hard and mechanical. It wants a firm, deliberate shove rather than a lazy nudge, which is satisfying in the right mood. The trade-off for that, however, is precision. The target area for each gear is on the smaller side, and it takes a good bit of dedicated muscle memory to consistently land the right one under pressure rather than clip into a neighbor. There's also an irritating rattle from the collar you lift to activate 7th, 8th, and reverse. I’m being picky, but a slightly loose piece that's noticeable in use really sticks out on a unit that’s so well put together elsewhere. Sequential mode is simple and effective with nothing to complain about, and swapping between the round knob and the foam lever takes seconds either way; it's really just down to personal preference.

The handbrake is where opinion is likely to split depending on who's pulling it. For newer or mid-level sim racers, the resistance on offer feels well judged; it’s controllable and forgiving. More experienced racers chasing fine, progressive braking control may find it feels overly soft as a result, though it's worth remembering that crowd probably isn't who Nacon's built this for. The included elastomers and spring are worth experimenting with, and while I ran mine horizontally given my desk-mounted setup, vertical mounting is there too if your rig calls for it.

I don’t have any major gripes with the hardware, which is commendable. Where things get frustratingly familiar is compatibility, because unfortunately, it's the same complaint I had with the original RS Pure wheelbase bundle. I tested across a range of driving titles, including Forza Horizon 5 and 6, RaceRoom, EA Sports WRC, and Euro Truck Simulator 2, and while every single one of them recognized the shifter and handbrake existed and let me bind them, not one arrived with a working preset out of the box. Even hitting the configure button and launching via the Revosim app, manual setup was required every time, and that’s beyond tedious when you don’t just play one game. I get it; compatibility is tricky because you’re working with different developers and some of that blame is shared. But I’m less inclined to continue to grant beginner’s leniency when the wheelbase has now been around for a year; you’re out of your rookie season now, Nacon.

Should you buy the Revosim Pure Add-ons?

If you're already invested in Nacon’s RS Pure ecosystem and rally or drift is your thing, this bundle starts to complete the picture and is easy enough to recommend. The build quality matches the rest of the range; the shifter in particular is satisfying to use once you've got your muscle memory dialed in, and the tool-free customization on both units makes it easy to tune things to your own preference.

Where it's harder to get fully behind is full value if you’re starting from scratch. At £449.90, it’s not the same jaw-dropping deal the original wheelbase bundle was, and the ongoing lack of out-of-box compatibility across popular titles is a recurring frustration I wish had been resolved. It’s good gear, and I hope this is a sign that Nacon is taking the idea of an ecosystem seriously, but it’s not a blanket recommendation over others if you’re chasing the full set. Give it a look, for sure, but make sure you check out others, too.

How I tested the Revosim RS Pure Add-ons

I mounted the RS Pure Hybrid Shifter and RS Pure Load Cell Handbrake to my desk using their included clamps and connected them via the included RJ45 cables to an RS Pure base. For a few days, I tested the experience across a range of titles, along with some dedicated testing and software configuration through the Revosim app.

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

Shopping for your gaming platform? Check out the best PS5 steering wheels and the best Xbox steering wheels.

If you know anything about retro gaming, then the Lego Sega Genesis Console will be instantly recognizable as one of the most iconic 16-bit home video game consoles ever released, which is impressively recreated in this set along with two controllers and a cartridge. Unlike the full size Lego Game Boy (72046), the Genesis is reproduced at about 60% scale, making it much more manageable as a display piece and meaning the two can stand side by side as some of best Lego sets for retro gamers.

Lego Sega Genesis Console features

• Iconic console
• Budget-friendly price
• Plenty of detail

Straight off the bat it's clear that the designers have committed to the retro feel of this set, as the Lego Sega Genesis Console box has been printed to look worn around the edges from 30+ years of use. I mention this as I actually thought mine had been damaged in transit at first, and I only realized it was intentional as I purchased a second set for a gift and saw they were identical!

Price is a key factor to note here, as you can pick up the Sega Genesis for just $39.99 / £34.99, which compares favorably with the recently released Lego Game Boy that retails for $59.99 / £54.99 despite containing fewer pieces, and while there's no lenticular screen or pressable buttons here the console still has some tricks up its sleeve.

Sega Genesis Console build

• A surprisingly colorful interior build
• Hidden Sonic the Hedgehog portrait is a nice touch
• Some unusual mistakes in the original instructions

Considering the visible exterior of the Lego Sega Genesis Console is predominantly black, there’s a pleasingly wide array of colored pieces included when you start opening bags. Naturally these end up being buried within the structure, but they definitely help with matching up bricks while making the base initially look like a Mondrian painting!

There are a couple of strange errors in the instructions, such as a black and a gray piece seeming to swap positions when the view reverses, and two steps are shown in the wrong order which caused brief confusion. However, at the time of writing this review the build instructions have been removed from the website/app, and the piece count has also been changed from 479 to 480, so it's not clear yet if the instructions are just being tidied up or if a minor change to the build is being introduced.

As mentioned before, a lot of the colorful bricks introduced will eventually disappear into the structure, but not all of them - the final group comes together to form a portrait of everyone's favorite spiny mammalian hero, Sonic the Hedgehog! This sits hidden beneath the rounded cartridge dock, but is easily revealed by lifting the top off the build and is a great Easter egg to reveal when showing the Sega Genesis Console to friends.

Sega Genesis Console design

• Accurate recreation
• Plenty of details to spot
• Can display as a Genesis or Mega Drive

There's a great attention to detail with this set, providing an impressively accurate scaled-down recreation of the console and controllers, as you can see here in the side by side comparison with my original Mega Drive! Everything from the side ridges, sliders, and buttons to the various sockets and ports is where it should be, the curved edges look great, and the little cartridge even matches the original Sonic The Hedgehog 2 cart accurately.

Naturally, these small controllers cannot match the level of detail seen with the Lego Sega Genesis Controller set, but that was only available as a 'gift with purchase' for a limited time and you're destined for the second-hand market if you want to pick it up now. Still, there is a charm to the controllers in this set, with their angled set of three buttons meaning they can be immediately identified, and there are 'working' sockets to plug them securely into the front of the console.

For those not in the know, this console was marketed as the Genesis in the United States and the Mega Drive in Europe, with some clear differences in their designs to stand them apart. Additional pieces are included so you can switch your set between the versions and get their accurate appearance, though the instructions for this could be clearer as they just show two images side by side – highlighting the pieces to change would have been easier than playing spot the difference.

Finally, I do need to touch on the one big issue I had with this set – the decals. While I understand the need for these rather than supplying printed bricks to keep the cost down, I found the process of applying the 14 included stickers incredibly stressful. Getting these decals lined up correctly can be difficult at the best of times, but applying predominantly black stickers to black curved pieces accurately is a bit of a nightmare for those who strive for perfection. While I did the best I could, I wasn't 100% happy with their final placement which was a little disappointing.

Should you buy Sega Genesis Console?

While there aren't many officially licensed Lego games console sets available, the Sega Genesis stands on its own merit as a great retro build with just a few small frustrations, though they shouldn't stop you from picking it up. The very reasonable price means it's an easy addition to any collection, or a great budget gift that will always be well received.

Ratings

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How we tested Lego Sega Genesis Console #40926

This review was made using a set purchased by the reviewer.

I built the Lego Sega Genesis Console (40926) set in a couple of short sessions, coming to around 2 and a half hours for my total build time. While you could easily do the whole thing in one go, the pieces are divided into four bags to provide some clear break points if needed.

For more, check out our guide to how we test products.

For more recommendations on cool collectibles, why not check out our guide to the best toys?

RGB is not integral to any gaming setup. Ever. Colourful disco lights won’t make you play better or be more comfortable while you (by you, I mean me) lock in for a long session of WoW.

So why exactly does the new ASUS ROG Courser gaming chair boast six areas of RGB lighting? Is it necessary? Absolutely not. But if we reduced every gaming chair down to the barest of essentials, we’d probably all be sitting in stark grey office chairs. The Courser is a gaming chair with unabashed flair. Sporting four lighting strips that extend down the sides of its backrest, with six colour modes glowing next to its all-black EPU leatherette finish.

The cutout area and rear-side ROG logo also light up, and at this point, you might be asking: if the lights aren't visible when you're using the chair, what's the benefit of having them? For those flashy design flourishes and a pretty reasonable set of conventional chair features, the ROG Courser will set you back $750 / £699. That’s definitely on the more premium end of the gaming chair pricing scale, so is the extra lighting really going to be worth it in a stacked market?

Design & Features

Well, for starters, the in-chair lights create an eye-catching look that’s ideal for streamers and content creators. The RGB looks super sleek contrasted against the dark chair. But for those who prefer to game in private, the Rainbow colour mode on the top level of brightness will add a gorgeous, subtle multicolour hue to your gaming room. This is a chair that will add heaps of atmosphere to your setup.

It includes eight different colour settings, five levels of brightness, and several lighting modes, including wave, static, breathing, and colour cycle. But alas, this isn’t Soft-Furnishings-Radar, and we are not just reviewing an ambient light fixture here.

So while the selling point of the ASUS ROG Courser is how it looks, its strongest quality is actually how it feels.

While the Courser shares much of its overall shape with the brand’s Chariot models, its broader frame makes it noticeably wider. It has a roomy seat base of 55cm, offering plenty of space for a broad range of body types.

The EPU leatherette material is smooth and breathable, perfect for keeping cool during gaming sessions on hot, sticky summer nights. It’s also notable that you get 4D armrests on the ROG Courser, which is standard for a gaming chair of this price. There are separate buttons for elevation and the twist functions, then a pull clicker for distance out from the chair.

These 4D armrests can now swivel the entire 360 degrees, too. All these comfort factors combine to form a chair so accommodating you’ll genuinely forget you’re sitting in it until it’s time to chill and kick back. This is when you will become highly aware that you are sitting in something pretty luxurious.

Assembly

Admittedly, I felt a mild wave of panic when the ASUS ROG Courser arrived on my doorstep. My previous gaming chair was constructed for me by an ex-boyfriend, and the thought of piecing together something so complex alone was daunting. I have lost patience and bawled tears of frustration over many IKEA flat-packed furniture items in the past - was my new gaming chair going to prove similarly difficult to build?

Not at all. The Courser was a breeze to assemble, even for a clumsy person with zero experience at putting a gaming chair together. All the parts slotted neatly into place, making the build experience feel simple and stress-free. It took 30 minutes for me to assemble the chair by myself, following the clear instructions card inside the box

Performance

I thought lower back ache was normal, all part of the fun of hunching in a shrimp shape over my PC while I devote another evening to Azeroth. Turns out: it’s not. I’ve been sitting in the ASUS ROG Courser for 4 weeks now, and my spine feels noticeably more limber.

The in-built lumbar support backrest appears to be the key factor here, with its fully adjustable system that can be tweaked according to depth and height - ensuring my posture stays good while I game. The Courser doesn’t have a lumbar pillow, but it doesn’t need one thanks to its dynamic lumbar support system that works very similarly to the Corsair TC500 Luxe and the Secretlab Titan Evo NanoGen.

Unlike most gaming chairs, which shift your body slightly forward or slide you down the backrest when reclined, the Courser has a Dynamic Synchronised Recline System that keeps your posture more consistent with the backrest while reclining up to 155 degrees. This is something we’re seeing more often in the gaming chair market, especially with the LiberNovo Omni, but more recently with the Secretlab Atlas.

It’s a unique, thoughtful detail that makes finding a comfortable position as you lean back much easier, as you won’t need to make adjustments every time you recline. For PC gamers especially, this is a feature to look out for because when you’ve spent ages finding the exact right height and angle of your armrests to match up with the level of your desk so you can aim precisely with a mouse, the last thing you want to do is mess that up by reclining them out of position.

Should you buy the Asus ROG Courser?

The RGB of the ROG Courser might be alluring to a lot of gamers looking for those perfect unicorn vomit vibes in their chill-out spaces, but the price tag of $750 / £699 could be equally off-putting. For context, Asus has charged similar amounts for its ROG Destrier Ergo chair line, so it’s no stranger to outlandish designs and high price tags. But for the same money, or less, you could get yourself a Secretlab Titan Evo (without RGB lighting) and a colorway that represents your favorite gaming franchise. For less money, you could get the still-expensive Razer Iskur V2 NewGen, which gets you a floating backrest, or you could get an AutoFull G7 with seemingly endless adjustable parts.

Compared to those options, Asus obviously offers RGB lighting which we don’t see elsewhere, but having sat in it for around a month, I think the lights are actually the least valuable thing here. The adjustable lumbar support, spacious seat and dynamic recline system make this chair a pleasure to sit in for hours.

If you’re looking for the best value gaming chair, there are great alternatives from Secretlab and Razer, but if you’re after a premium chair that doesn’t look like anything else on the market and backs up its flashy design with comfort, then the ASUS ROG Courser earns its place.

How I tested the Asus ROG Courser

I tested the ASUS ROG Courser for a month before this review was written. I assembled it myself in 40 minutes using the instructions card that came with the chair. It was very easy to build and to lift by myself. I sat in the chair for around 9 hours per day, either working from home or gaming.

For more on how we test gaming chairs, dive deeper into the GamesRadar+ hardware policy.

Looking for more gaming furniture? Check out the best console gaming chairs, the best gaming desks, and the best standing desk.

The Acer Nitro 18 AI combines big-screen play with small-pocket prices, stepping away from leading Intel gaming processors and halving RAM compared to other RTX 5070 Ti systems, while undercutting most of the market in its launch RRP. That's an interesting proposition, especially when PC gaming prices are rapidly soaring to unobtainable levels.

With the AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 and 16GB RAM at the helm, the Nitro 18 AI isn't going to beat some of the best gaming laptops for those with a larger wad of cash to spend. However, for a sub-£2,000 rig with a sturdy display, relatively slimline form factor, and decent performance scores, it could well be a tasty pickup in 2026.

Acer Nitro 18 AI configurations

There are a limited number of Acer Nitro 18 AI configurations on the market, with the machine topping out at an RTX 5070 Ti. All of them use AMD's Ryzen AI 9 365 processor, paired up with a QHD+ display running at 165Hz, and the vast majority of the models you see will sport an RTX 5070 Ti GPU like my test device. RTX 5060 and RTX 5070 options are available, but they're far less widespread on the shelves. There are, however, more 32GB RAM options available via retailers and Acer's own store.

That AMD processor holds the Nitro back when compared with the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX usually applied to an 18-inch upper mid-range machine, and the 16GB RAM is half that I would usually expect to see from a similar spec.

The 16GB RAM / RTX 5070 Ti model I've been looking at comes in at £1,749.99, a solid price for an upper mid-range graphics card in a chunkier 18-inch form factor. This is among the cheaper options for this card, though returns do diminish when you look at £1,659.99 RTX 5060 options. If you're interested in this machine, the spec I'm testing seems to offer the best value for money from a pure cost perspective.

Acer Nitro 18 AI performance

The Acer Nitro 18 AI has a pretty spotty performance record. While some figures seem decent for an RTX 5070 Ti machine with 16GB RAM behind it, others look a little off-mark. After running my initial round of tests, though, the machine was fully reset, updated, and all settings triple checked to match previous rigs. The next round produced the same results.

Overall, we're below what I'd expect to see from an RTX 5070 Ti machine with an AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 processor at the helm. Its main competition in this testing pool is its sibling; the RTX 5070 Ti Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S AI - admittedly one with a boosted Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor and 32GB RAM.

These drawbacks, then, don't necessarily come from any thermal issues or even a problem with the 12GB RTX 5070 Ti itself. In Fire Strike's more CPU/RAM-testing benchmark, the weaker AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 snags that final score in the physics test. The graphics portion of the run looks decent, averaging at around 38,571, while the physics score averages at 15,814.

As Steel Nomad demonstrates, there's nothing going awry with the overall power of the RTX 5070 Ti here. Had there been space in the Nitro 18's budget for a CPU with a higher core and thread-count, these synthetic benchmarks could be a lot closer.

In-game, the Acer Nitro 18 AI struggles to keep up with the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S AI in lighter runs like Shadow of the Tomb Raider at FHD resolution, with more dense strategy action from Total War: Three Kingdoms also proving troublesome compared to other RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5070 systems. Taken in isolation, though, there's little to complain about. I was still well above 60fps in both High and Highest settings at 1080p, only faltering on that margin in Horizon Zero Dawn: Remastered.

Interestingly, the Acer Nitro 18 AI seems to pull ahead of some of its competitors with the resolution cranked up to its full native 1600p. Here it overtakes the Asus ROG Strix G16 in Shadow of the Tomb Raider, middles the pack in Total War: Three Kingdoms, and takes a steady lead in Cyberpunk 2077. Strangely, we fall off that podium in Horizon Zero Dawn: Remastered, though, with the system struggling to hold its 60fps in High settings.

What I loved about the Acer Nitro 18 AI

A rare slimline design

18-inch gaming laptops come with a trade-off. You're sacrificing that portability that has defined the form factor for so long, while typically picking up a more immersive display, a wider array of ports, and a chunkier cooling system. The Acer Nitro 18 AI feels like it's meeting us half way.

Not that this is a magically backpackable gaming laptop - it's still a heavy, wide machine that's going to hurt your shoulders no matter how sturdy your bag is. However, it is noticeably slimmer than most of the market (most because that Razer Blade 18 is always lurking). Heavy-duty rigs like the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 and MSI Raider A18 HX sit fat on a desk top, while this skinnier form factor perches neatly.

The simple aesthetic well-worn by this cheaper, no-nonsense Nitro line certainly helps as well. The tapered lips and clean lines are complimented by an all-black chassis, a simple glossy 'N' logo on the rear panel, and a much thinner wedge shape than I typically see from machines of this size. All that allows the vibrant RGB lighting under the keyboard to shine ever brighter. If you're after a desktop rig that won't scream its gaming intentions at you every time you look at it, this is a worthwhile offering.

Not OLED but still a solid display

You'll find far more sophisticated gaming laptop panels much further up the price scale, but for its relatively modest price tag the Acer Nitro 18 AI still sports a bright, bold, crisp display. The IPS pulls off a surprising level of vibrancy in its colors, offering a far better experience than previous Alienware gaming laptops.

You're not getting the high-contrast impact of an OLED or Mini LED here, but there's still plenty of energy in its colors, sharpness, and power.

Comfortable, snappy keyboard

The numpad-toting keyboard is one of the shining stars here, which is rare for a machine that typically de-prioritizes its chassis quality. Full-sized keys (including that number pad) and bold lighting cover a particularly satisfying tactile experience.

Yes, there's a little more flex in the main deck area than you'll typically see in a more expensive machine, but key action is crisp and snappy, with an energetic bounce and plenty of travel on the way down. It makes for a notably pleasing typing and gaming experience, never fatiguing over longer days either.

What to consider about the Acer Nitro 18 AI

There are higher performing RTX 5070 Ti rigs out there

While they will often, admittedly, come in higher than the Acer Nitro 18 AI's cost at RRP, there are RTX 5070 Ti machines out there that will give you better bang-for-buck performance. The Nitro isn't lacking - you'll still be smooth at 60fps in most games with a few graphical tweaks, but others can net you higher framerates in more competitive titles and hold their own across a wider range of more demanding games.

If you're not tied to this lower-end budget, it's worth exploring Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX options, or those with additional RAM budget.

USB-A ports mounted to the right

Like many 18-inch gaming laptops, the Acer Nitro 18 AI mounts a good deal of its ports on its rear. Excellent, big tick in my book - it's so much tidier for a machine that's likely going to be spending most of its life on a desk top. These rear ports are reserved for more permanent setup connections; power and HDMI, with both USB-C options mounted here as well.

Unfortunately, though, the USB-As are located on the sides, specifically two are to be found on the right side of the chassis. It's a small frustration, but one that will likely get in the way of right-handed use of the machine. Knocking a mouse hand against a cable or dongle every time action calls for a wider pan can get old (and cramped) pretty fast.

Trackpad feels much cheaper than the rest

While the keyboard certainly impressed with its quality, the trackpad feels a little less polished. There's a hollow spacey feel that never quite gets to 'mushy' status but certainly doesn't feel as sophisticated as the rest of your inputs.

Should you buy the Acer Nitro 18 AI?

At full price, you're going to struggle to find an 18-inch RTX 5070 Ti gaming laptop under £2,000 these days, so the ball is in Acer's corner from a raw price perspective. The machine does enough with that GPU to hold its own in the performance arena, even if it's lagging behind other more expensive options further up the price scale. You're still going to be running your games smoothly and without hiccup.

Its screen, keyboard, and overall physical design also work hard in its favor as well. Despite its lower price, this is a system that still manages to delight in the hands and before the eyes. Build quality holds up with very little flexing and wobble, aesthetics remain measured but still flashy in that configurable lighting, and the overall profile has a nicely slimline appeal to it. Trackpad and port placement aside, the machine itself stands tall.

The problem is discounts. While cheaper gaming laptop deals are definitely getting harder to come by, there will be times when machines far better prepared for more demanding titles will be skirting around this RRP. While I can recommend the Acer Nitro 18 AI to those after a big-screen experience on a budget, I'd also urge you to look closely at sale prices on the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S AI and Asus ROG Strix G16 when you're about to head to checkout. If they're matching (or within £100 of) the Nitro's price tag, they will likely boost you to higher framerate opportunities.

How I tested the Acer Nitro 18 AI

I used the Acer Nitro 18 AI as my main work and play device for a period of two weeks, while also running additional benchmark reps alongside separate devices.

I primarily tested the rig across Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Total War: Three Kingdoms, Cyberpunk 2077, and Horizon Zero Dawn: Remastered, testing at both 1080p and 1600p in each game's High and Highest settings (RT: Med and RT: Ultra for Cyberpunk).

I then used 3D Mark to test against Steel Nomad, Time Spy, and Fire Strike synthetic benchmarks. Each test was run in the system's highest power setting (Turbo) with benchmarks carried out three times each, averaging each for final results. For more information on how we test gaming laptops, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

I'm also rounding up all the best Asus gaming laptops and the best Razer laptops for more slimline options. Or, check out the best gaming handhelds for premium portable play.

Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced is an extremely faithful remake of Ubisoft's original 2013 open-world piracy adventure – except for the many ways in which it isn't. Returning to one of the best Assassin Creed games, and one of my all-timers, has been a treat – but it's also left me wrangling with where a full remake should start and stop. Like the sometimes sunny, sometimes stormy ocean on which protagonist Edward Kenway sails, what seems like a one-to-one remake has a lot more going on beneath the surface.

With no knowledge of the secret Assassin and Templar conflict running through the ages, Edward will take any opportunity for a leg up throughout Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced. A shipwreck after the battle that hurls us right into the action? A way to get into the Templars' good grace for coin. Meeting the shadowy Assassins? Side-mission contracts allow him to earn money even as an outsider. Imprisoned on a treasure ship? A chance to fight back, and steal a captainage for himself, putting him on a level field with Nassau's pirate greats – from Blackbeard to Hornigold.

Live, laugh, Libertalia

Caribbean pirate sanctuary Nassau – able to flourish as the Spanish and English empires battle one another as they seize land from its native population – are about "liberty" to Edward, he explains. Meant to have set to sea from Bristol for "two at the most" years away from his wife Caroline in order to bring home enough success to elevate his station, he keeps extending that time away. Likewise, he struggles to understand the Assassin creed of "nothing is true, everything is permitted" as anything more than a self-centered permission slip. He's a man struggling to tread water, weighed down by his own selfishness, clawing for any sense of purpose or validation – caught in a whirlpool of conspiracy, his capacity for growth will be tested, a rogue element able to scuttle either the Assassin or Templar plans on a whim.

But, where Edward Kenway struggles with his own sense of purpose, the original Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag was confident in its own from the get-go. The fourth numbered game in the series, it took the best ideas of the divisive Assassin's Creed 3, and reimagined it as a large, open-world adventure merging parkour assassinations across numerous islands with tight naval combat and a sense of discovery. Innovative and bold, it's no exaggeration to say that for many – me included – this was a salve that got us reinvested in Assassin's Creed again, and proved that the Ezio trilogy that began in Assassin's Creed 2 was no fluke. But, in changing tides, Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced lacks that same clear purpose.

Solid foundations buoy this remake, but it can feel aimless and adrift, at times too beholden to the original to excite, at others using modern series mechanics to not-quite replicate the original; and laden with annoying bugs, glitches, and jank. It's far from the first time an Assassin's Creed launch has been rough, but when it's a remake which, by its nature, implies a definitive quality, it can be extra grating. I've seen Edward lock-up after skinning an animal, float across the ground like a ghost, had quest markers disappear off the edge of the map, and enemies suddenly revive after a thorough stabbing – sometimes requiring loading past saves to fix.

While Black Flag Resynced is incredibly pretty – whether that's sun and glistening sea, cannon fire lighting up dense fog, or the terror of gigantic waves through a storm – the geometry of most areas is very similar to the original if not one-to-one. It's neat to feel the muscle memory return, but it does create a discordance between the stunning high-fidelity graphics that feel like a wrapper over the strict environments of the original.

It's a nice touch to be able to have an 'advanced parkour' toggle, though, again, like in the source material, all these islands' maps are quite small in terms of both square footage and height, so there's not many opportunities to really get into it. That even goes for the handful of built out cities, like Havana and Kingston, which felt small in the original and still do here. At the time, the tighter, island-centric approach was a smart reaction to AC3's overly large, empty cities and its massive frontier. Now, removed from that context, they just feel basic.

Some of the rethought and additional areas work well. Making Sacrifice Island part of the main map is wonderful, as is allowing you to exit one of Havana's gates where you can rob a new shore-side plantation and sneak through a fort only previously glimpsed from afar. Other islands have segments smartly rearranged to make traversal feel more natural. Nassau, for instance, is now hillier and denser, making it feel like more of a hive of scum and villainy while otherwise keeping the construction the same.

The ability to properly dive underwater at almost any location to explore is great (previously, you could 'stealth swim', a binary ability that simply plopped Edward out of sight below the waves), especially in how it seamlessly connects some diving sequences and Smuggler's Coves. These were present in the original, but felt delineated – this is a real spot in which Resynced uses new technology to better execute on the original's ideas.

Some island treasures have been shuffled around so you now dive for them just off the coast too, which is welcome variety. There's fewer treasure and collectible icons littering the map, but they're still present – now acting more as optional bonuses for going out of your way to investigate smoke or circling birds ashore. However, these rewards are often drab – insubstantial amounts of money, or the Animus currency used for the online 'exchange' store. Even if Edward comments on some environmental storytelling that's unfolded on an island, you can never interact with anything in a meaningful way – even if NPCs are still present.

Sequences across the swamps of Charles-Towne and the sweltering African island of Principe are, like before, their own small areas off the world map designed for specific missions, which feel like missed opportunities for further expansion.

It's disappointing as even its immediate sequel, the underrated Assassin's Creed Rogue, iterated upon some of Black Flag's ideas in neat ways – such as connecting various in-land maps with denser areas connected through multiple ports, which it felt like Havana was teasing before I realized the new zone is just one small addition. I constantly find myself wishing Resynced would play it less safe.

Sword and rope-cery

There are big changes, though. Black Flag Resynced's combat is very different. But, like Assassin's Creed Mirage, I can't help but feel like it's trying to retrofit some of the series' classic elements into a system not really designed to support it. The original's fights were simple, but snappy and satisfying as you chained together brutal executions, assassinations, and pistol shots. Here, with the addition of stun meters, clashes feel looser, more flaily.

Like in the original, counters open up a window for an instant takedown, but I've had constant moments where the inputs seem to drop, whether that's when chaining takedowns, or being next to a tripped enemy. Alongside shifting the one-button quickfire pistol to an ability wheel, combat feels a bit overcomplicated for as imprecise at it feels, and I ended up getting a bit sick of the constant fights which – when you're boarding enemy ships so frequently – is a big part of the game. Revisiting the original Black Flag while playing Resynced, I simply prefer the source material's combat, which is more dynamic and cinematic across multi-countering groups or the way the camera spins to frame each pistol shot Edward fires off.

Many of Resynced's headlining updates ended up mattering little to me in play. The visuals are pretty, but once I get refamiliarized with the maps I stop gawking at them, instead noticing the higher fidelity and intense shadows can lead to a lack of clarity with interaction points. New story quests across recruitable officers and beyond, don't feel particularly additive – in fact, their constant reiteration around Edward being a bit of a deadbeat for leaving his wife just over-salts it thematically.

Being able to crouch anywhere in stealth feels minor considering Edward would auto-crouch in the original in 'stalking zones' anyway, and though I'm told day/night, and weather affects enemy perception, the enemy AI is still very stupid on normal difficulty no matter what so it hardly matters (kill one in tall grass, and watch them keep coming into your killbox on yellow alert).

The four new 'modern' missions are disappointing as well, essentially being vision quests you wander through within the Animus Ego while fighting waves of enemies while being monologued at. It's a shame as the initial mission makes a good first impression, questioning Edward's inability to return home as you platform through impossible digitized spaces while doing an escort mission with his precious chest of loot. Additional modern day storytelling being relegated to lore notes, some of which are connected to a bizarre battle-pass-like currency track, are as horrible to engage with here as they were in Assassin's Creed Shadows.

It's disappointing, as Resynced isn't purely about adding things on or updating mechanics. There are cuts as well – and I don't just mean how Edward no longer does the delightful splish-splash 'knees-up' jog as he runs through shallow water. The original game's first-person modern storyline that cast you as a game developer working for evil Templar-front Abstergo has been excised entirely. The modern day storyline might not be for everyone and, admittedly, the plot threads set up in the original never had a satisfactory pay-off – but, then, wouldn't this be the perfect opportunity to redress that?

Black Flag's modern day storytelling was some of the series' best. Not only that, but it's one of the only games in the series where the narrative directly connects between past and present, meaning that Black Flag Resynced simply doesn't close the loop on a major character's arc at all within the game's main story. In turn, it makes the narrative feel oddly paced, and its ending feels particularly sudden and unsatisfying.

The idea of optional objectives in main missions to accomplish 'full synchronization' has also been dropped. Beyond providing replay value (you can no longer replay missions from a menu), these additional challenges added narrative context for how Edward Kenway canonically approached each mission – one of classic Assassin's Creed's many unique modes of storytelling that the Animus wrapper provides.

This leads to at least one change where, previously, full synchronization with Edward required you to sneak through an Assassin encampment non-lethally. Now, without that encouragement, that portion of the mission simply replaces those Assassins with generic enemy guards. Not only does Resynced remove the joy of replaying a mission to tackle the friction of additional challenge, but it has the side effect of flattening Edward's characterization.

There's conflict within Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced in terms of how faithful it wants to be. Even a change as small as removing the mini-map, which makes sense given how you can now scan and tag foes like in the modern games, nevertheless affects how you interact with many missions compared to the original – especially in the returning Templar Hunt sidequests and in naval combat.

Other changes fare better. De-emphasizing tailing missions so you can find alternative ways to a target if you mess up removes a lot of the original's frustration. But, there are still a couple of missions in which you're still forced to play them in specific ways or you instantly 'desynchronize', or another that slapped me on the wrist for sneaking through to the mission objective in a different way than intended, and turned me around to have a ship battle instead.

It makes Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced far from smooth sailing, even though I love the original. Resynced both changes too much and not enough. Decent improvements are here that I'd still recommend it to a lot of players interested in a pirate adventure, but I also think moment-to-moment the original game remains enjoyable and has better combat and more interesting challenges (especially if you can play it on PC with a stable higher framerate) – leaving me in that tricky position of having no firm favorite. Black Flag Resynced is a decent remake of a great game, but can feel a bit rudderless – an unenviable position for any remake with so much to live up to.

Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced was reviewed on PS5, with a code provided by the publisher.

Looking for another big adventure? Our best open world games list will whisk you away to new digital worlds.

Should you play Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced?

Play it if...

You've never played Black Flag before

At its core, this is a great pirate adventure that anyone craving swashbuckling should play at some point, remake or not – whether you're a series fan or newcomer.

You want to replay a prettier, modernized version of Black Flag

With higher framerates on modern consoles, and gorgeous graphics, this is a stunner. If you've played the game before, differences in content won't mean you're missing anything, either.

Don't play it if…

Changing the original's content bothers you

With updated combat closer to the recent games, and the removal of some challenge objectives and story chapters, Resynced is different enough that returning fans may miss the original's quirks.

You'd rather play the cheaper original

Price isn't everything, but it can be a factor. Given not every change in this remake is an improvement, picking up the cheaper original is still a great option if you've not played it yet.

How does Black Flag Resynced compare to the rest of the series?

This is a remake of Assassin's Creed Black Flag, which remains one of my favorite games in the series thanks to the pirate vibes and strong sense of exploration, even if this is an imperfect recreation. Sticking closely to the original's mission structure and maps, this feels more like a classic entry than a modern one. Fans of the Ezio Trilogy are likely to find Edward Kenway a similarly charming rogue, and I personally still prefer these stealthy, tighter Assassin's Creed games to the larger, RPG-like entries like Assassin's Creed Odyssey.

The recent games' RPG elements have shaped some of this – with things like gear, and its parry and stun-bar heavy combat. But, there are no player or enemy levels, and all foes can be one-hit killed with proper assassinations.

How does Black Flag Resynced compare to other open-world games?

Based on a game from 2013, this remake features a gorgeous rendition of the Carribbean to sail your own ship around, with lots of collectibles and activities to keep you busy. But, its scope still feels like an older game.

Compared to more recent open world adventures like Crimson Desert or The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, or even Assassin's Creed Shadows, this is significantly more limited. But, in its own way, that focus can feel refreshing in a modern context.

It's time for Nubia's annual refresh of its flagship, and this year's is... a little underwhelming. That's not to say the RedMagic 11S Pro is in any way a bad device, its base Pro model still tops our list of the best gaming phones on the market after all. The problem is there's very little actually different about this S device, apart from the price tag.

Sure, you're going to get a small bump in performance thanks to that Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 'Leading Version' (the same SM8850-1-AD we saw in the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra), but for $100 more than the RedMagic 11 Pro launched last year, some mathematical gymnastics aren't quite sticking the landing.

The RedMagic 11S Pro looks, weighs, feels, and (for all intents and purposes) plays the same as the original version. This is the same boxy, industrial aesthetic, the same dimensions, the same liquid cooling window. We've got the same 6.85-inch 144Hz OLED display, the same 50MP camera setup to the rear, and the same 7,500mAh battery under the hood. The 11 Pro's top features; wireless charging, IPX8 water resistance, easy monitor and peripheral connection, and 520Hz touch triggers all still remain in place, without any new flashy toys to join them. In fact, it swaps SK Hynix's LPDDR5T RAM of the original, replacing it with LPDDR5X Ultra.

This is still the best dedicated phone for gaming on the market, but the competition it faces from within its own factory proves too strong in 2026.

What I loved about the RedMagic 11S Pro

Much of what I came to love about the RedMagic 11S Pro can actually be said for the previous model as well. Such is the similarity between these devices, you'll find little in this section that isn't also true of the cheaper device. Still, if you're looking for the slightly boosted processor, you'll be glad to hear that blistering performance, sturdy durability, high-end panel, and unique extra capabilities are all still present.

High-end performance

It's no secret that Nubia produces some of the most powerful gaming phones on the market, that much is evident from in-game performance. These things just don't stutter, running more demanding titles like Genshin Impact and PUBG Mobile in 144Hz refresh rates (where compatible) without breaking a sweat. Every time I come back to the RedMagic 11S Pro I'm treated to incredibly smooth gameplay, excellent motion handling, and immediately responsive controls.

I say all that because Nubia came under fire earlier in the year for boosting its gaming phones' power rates to allegedly unsafe levels when running UL Benchmarks' 3D Mark software. The benchmark brand posited that the RedMagic 11 Pro was caught running in a 'Diablo' power preset when it recognized its software performing tests, a power setting that wasn't automatically toggled when the brand used an off-market version of its program.

The brand stated that, due to the inability to turn this high performance mode off, "3DMark cannot produce results for these models that reflect normal, real-world gaming behavior."

When I took the issue direct to RedMagic earlier this year, the brand provided the following statement:

"REDMAGIC devices support multiple performance modes that can significantly impact output depending on how the device is configured. Our devices are designed to dynamically allocate resources under high-load scenarios, whether in benchmarking environments or real-world use cases such as gaming. These performance capabilities are not limited to specific testing tools; they are part of the overall user experience and can be accessed depending on user settings."

(Their emphasis)

3DMark results are generally used in our reviews to cross-compare devices in a like-for-like performance scenario. While that comparison may not be entirely level here, the RedMagic 11S Pro's performance in-game, when it matters most, speaks for itself.

While I'm hesitant, therefore, to use 3DMark scores to compare the 11S Pro against other competitors' models (thankfully, the gaming phone market is remarkably small these days), it can still serve us when looking between the new release and the original 11 Pro. After all, the scores were still achieved - just not under scenarios that would make them comparable with their competitors'.

With that said, let's take a look at the numbers.

What's clear is the RedMagic 11S Pro extends the 11 Pro's scores by 3.5% (Wild Life Extreme) and 3.8% (Solar Bay). When we're already talking about performance that can take on pretty much anything you throw at it without tanking battery life, that 3-4% performance upgrade isn't going to be worth $100. It's impressive that Nubia managed to take a high-performing gaming phone and inject even more juice into it, but whether or not it's necessary for the vast (vast) majority of gamers is perhaps a more potent question these days.

That's performance that will comfortably take you into emulation territory, extending beyond anything Google Play Store needs from you and locking into more demanding retro experiences. If that's your primary use-case, gathering all the juice you can is going to be a top priority.

The 11S Pro runs my PS2 collection via PPSS22 just fine, it'll only be newer systems that need the extra turbo.

Sturdy design

As you'll no doubt have noticed by now, the RedMagic 11S Pro design is identical to that of the 11 Pro. Some of Nubia's more impressive feats in this engineering, however, deserve another shout with the new release. This is an IPX8-rated gaming phone, able to survive in water for up to 30 minutes at up to 1.5m - that's incredibly rare in this space, especially with all these vents.

The actual chassis can take its knocks as well. A heavy industrial aesthetic is matched with an aviation-grade aluminum mid-frame and the 11-Series has also been upgraded with a Corning Gorilla Glass 7i display sheet.

Aside from all those fancy durability features, though, the 11S Pro just feels dense in the hands. It's no lightweight, matching the main release's 230g form factor, and could prove troublesome in smaller hands or pockets. It is rock solid, though, impossible to feel anything other than premium in the hands.

Excellent display

Again, it's the same as the last release, but the 1,216 x 2,688 OLED display is one of the 11S Pro's best features. In fact, these panels are often some of my favorite parts of any RedMagic device - phone or tablet. It's seriously bright, aggressively punchy, and accommodates high-speed motion (whether it's in-game or on TV) without a single fragmentation.

It keeps its colors, saturation, and detailing in bright sunlight without draining battery life (at least, not to an extent that would be noticeable in a day's use).

In short, whether I'm browsing the web, playing a game, or watching some YouTube, pictures appear bright, bold, colorful, and sharp.

Easy to connect to monitors and peripherals

The RedMagic 11 Pro introduced new streaming and connection features that opened it up to new playstyles for mobile titles, outside of traditional small-screen touch controls. Gravity X is a relatively recent addition to the GameSpace software that allows for easy mapping of a mouse and keyboard (or an additional controller) to onscreen controls in any given game. But it also works both ways.

That's because the 11 Pro and RedMagic 11S Pro can also run on an external monitor with a USB-C dongle and HDMI or DisplayPort connection (or via the RedMagic Studio, if you want a slower wireless casting solution). In this scenario, keyboard and mouse are still open to you, but the phone itself can be configured as a separate controller for maximum versatility.

The whole system just works (something I didn't expect to be the case), with an easy setup, reliable connection, and snappy controls. It takes your gaming phone and turns it into a portable console filled with all your day to day titles, ready and waiting for big-screen play.

Hefty battery life

That 7,500mAh battery certainly pulls its weight. Easily lasting me three days when used in a more casual setting (your regular messages, emails, UberEats, YouTube, and a few thumb-twiddlers every now an then), it's one of the more sophisticated systems straight out the box. Of course, heavier gaming sessions will cut that time down, but I never found myself nervously checking power during sessions.

Charging is also on the RedMagic 11S Pro's side. Wireless juicing is difficult to find on a dedicated gaming device, but the newer release keeps the surprising feature from the original. Meanwhile, an 80W wired connection takes around 50 minutes to get you back up to 100%.

What to consider about the RedMagic 11S Pro

These aren't flagship cameras

It's no surprise that a gaming phone doesn't have the best camera system in the world. The RedMagic 11S Pro doesn't improve on the previous model's setup, this is still the same 50MP Main / 50MP Ultrawide / 16MP selfie array.

Again, the detail, tones, and post-processing aren't going to be as skillful as you'll find on a mainstream flagship. There's a lot of vibrancy enhancement in final shots, details appear smudgy when zooming, and greens in particular have a slightly unnatural hue to them. Shots are still clean and sharp in high lighting with the main camera, though, even if ultra-wide and low-light shots suffer in noise and dynamic coloring.

I'll say it again

Perhaps the biggest consideration for those shopping for a new gaming phone is still going to be the similarity between the RedMagic 11 Pro and the RedMagic 11S Pro. That wouldn't normally be a massive point of contention, but this time the price is a pretty significant factor.

After all, many 'S' models are simply new versions of the same phone with a slightly refreshed chipset. That's all fine and dandy as long as the price reflects such a small change. It looks like ongoing component shortages have hit the RedMagic 11S Pro here, though. The only difference I can see between the two devices is that 3-4% uplift in high-demand performance thanks to the 'Leading Version' Snapdragon chipset.

Should you buy the RedMagic 11S Pro?

The RedMagic 11S Pro is, technically, on paper, a better gaming phone than the RedMagic 11 Pro before it. Only because it does everything the original does, in the same form factor, with (pretty much) the same software, with a slight edge in its performance. If the price was right, that would still be enough for me to nudge it into the top spot among our tested devices.

Unfortunately with a $100 price difference between the two (I say it again) pretty much identical devices, the 11S Pro can't quite hold its own on the market. If you're looking to run a particularly modern ROM collection and you want all the juice you can get, it might make sense. In all other scenarios, I'd recommend sticking with the main flagship.

How I tested the RedMagic 11S Pro

I used the RedMagic 11S Pro as my daily device for two weeks, sandwiched in between a month of testing across games, streaming, and web browsing. I primarily tested across MTG Arena, PUBG Mobile, and Genshin Impact, while also loading my PS2 ROM collection (and playing SSX Tricky, Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex, and Jak 3). Synthetic performance was measured across 3DMark Wild Life Extreme and Solar Bay. For more information on how we make our recommendations, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

The Old World Core Set is like a time capsule; it's filled with bric-à-brac from the past wrapped in fond memories. As is the case with so many time capsules, though, this is an idealized version of history. The bad has been trimmed away, leaving your best foot forward.

This is the cantankerous Warhammer Fantasy Battles (AKA Old World's inspiration) on its best day. There are grand armies with gorgeous models sweeping across the battlefield, crunchy rules with endless depth, and enough dice being thrown to form a bone-white carpet on your table. However, The Old World Core Set goes one better than its predecessor. It's made a noticeable effort to be as beginner-friendly as possible, and it's a shining example of what The Old World should be. In fact, it's the best entry-point to the game yet.

Don't get me wrong – this is still the most complicated entry in Warhammer's arsenal. It can be overwhelming in its ambition, too. But if you're able to stick with it like a block of spearmen bracing for the charge, you'll be richly rewarded.

The Old World Core Set features & design

• This is a crunchy, rules-heavy game
• Includes two Battle March armies & everything you need to play
• Brand-new Warriors of Chaos vs. Grand Cathay

Much like The Horus Heresy, this is a ganglier, more complex beast than anything else on Warhammer's lineup. It's far denser than Age of Sigmar and makes 40K seem trite. This is a game of edge-cases and sub-rules; everything from flanking to the willpower of your units is included, and there are a staggering number of mechanics to define the most unlikely scenario. It's far crunchier, too. The Old World still has you consulting to-hit and to-wound tables, comparing your unit's scores against your opponent's.

You'll know just from reading that paragraph whether The Old World Core Set is for you. If you find mathematical tomfoolery like this intimidating, run. But if you find today's wargames too lightweight, prepare to feast. This is the ultimate tactical experience, with so much to factor into your strategy.

Not that you're thrown in at the deep end, of course. Before now, you had to fully commit with a massive battalion box or by buying individual units to start playing Old World. This Core Set fixes that with two smaller, but still competitively-recognized, "Battle March" armies that are far less intimidating to make. (An all-new range of Chaos Warriors is featured here alongside last year's Grand Cathay line.) They're supported by the full rulebook, stats for all your troops, a battlemat, reference guides, and all the accessories necessary to play. In other words, you've got everything you need to get stuck in here other than terrain.

In terms of construction, these models are far more advanced than you'd find in a box like the starter sets or Armageddon; they're incredibly 'bitty' in a way that's reminiscent of the Horus Heresy Custodes models. They look phenomenal and are far more dynamic than the majority of (in some cases decades-old) miniatures in the game, but they require more patience.

Gameplay

• Incredible depth leads to so many tactical options
• The complex mechanics make its warriors feel like real people
• You'll need to flip between multiple books at first as you learn rules

There's nothing quite like seeing two enormous armies of ranked infantry, resplendent knights, and grand warmachines marching into battle on the tabletop. It's a sense of scale you rarely see from the hobby, which normally limits itself to skirmishes with a loose handful of warriors per unit. As a result, formations and where you charge the enemy are far more important factors here. Flanking maneuvers and well-timed cavalry attacks can be devastating, just like they would be in real life, and you'll have to keep an eye on your army's morale to make sure groups don't turn and flee under strain.

I grew up with this back when Fantasy Battles was still a thing, and I don't think I realized how much I missed it until I was pitting The Old World Core Set's Chaos Warriors against Grand Cathay. Soldiers turning tail or to-hit tables representing the cut and thrust of combat makes it all feel much more real. I became a lot more invested in my troops as a result.

I just hope you're prepared for a lot of flipping back and forth through the rulebook (or between booklets) while you get used to the rules. Each unit's stats are included in the same pamphlet, while info like to-wound tables are kept elsewhere, so you'll be bouncing from stats and back again throughout your first matches.

That's my one criticism about The Old World Core Set; I think it could do with separate datacards for each unit of the kind you'd find in Kill Team: Terror on Devlan, because then there's far less hassle jumping between pages. Similarly, a separate summary sheet of key terms would also have been handy. It's fine consulting the rulebook's glossary to find what you need mid-match, but it does bring things grinding to a halt.

Still, that'll become less of an issue the further down the road you go. And because both armies are a strong foundation from which to build a greater force, it's an off-ramp to exciting possibilities.

Should you buy Warhammer The Old World Core Set?

If you're looking for a crunchy, in-depth game system with a lot of weight, you'll be in heaven here; The Old World's complexity makes it feel so much more alive than its peers, and the result is immensely satisfying. This Core Set is also the best route in by far. Although it could do with some more player aids to assist with those early days, it provides everything you need to get stuck in.

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How we tested Warhammer The Old World Core Set

This product sample was provided by Games Workshop.

After familiarizing myself with the rules and constructing models from the box-set, I tried a test-match pitting both armies against one another in a full battle (as laid out in the Muster Lists booklet). This allowed me to get a practical sense of how gameplay worked in practice.

For more on our process, be sure to check out how we test board games or the GamesRadar+ reviews policy.

For recommendations on what to play next, don't miss the best board games or the best tabletop RPGs.

The world of third-party PS5 pro pads is expanding, and Scuf is the latest challenger in this increasingly expensive arena. The Scuf Omega looks to take on the best PS5 controllers with its Omron mechanical switches, adjustable triggers, easy mobile keybinding, and additional macro keys. At $219.99, it's nestled in among these more premium control options, matching MSRPs from Razer and coming in slightly over Turtle Beach and Nacon.

Ultimately, it has a lot going for it and, when the price is right, could topple Razer's Raiju V3 Pro for those after extra customization options. Awkward side button placement and a less-than-durable top plate hold it back, while an excellent feel in hand propels it forward. Whether it's right for you comes down to the numbers on the day and how well you can train your knuckles.

What I loved about the Scuf Omega

Super satisfying controls

I've been a fan of clacky switches on my face buttons ever since I first picked up the EasySMX X10, and the Scuf Omega delivers.

Action is incredibly fast here, with a satisfying click that makes more traditional gamepads feel spongy by comparison. It's a faster reaction, with much less travel and an immediate response to each press, but it's also just more pleasing under the thumbs. Repeat presses are far less fatiguing, quick-snap inputs are faster than ever, and the lack of pressure required for actuation makes longer sessions easier on the thumbs as well.

That's not all, though. Scuf has also outfitted its triggers with digital locks that mirror this snappy mechanical feel up top as well. The stopper system sits underneath the trigger, with a small lever setting your distance from the full free pull to an instant response. That also means they can be assigned separately, opening up a particularly satisfying bow pull and release in Horizon Forbidden West, for example.

Around the rear, we have two integrated back paddles that press into the grips - not quite the magnetic ones you'll find on the Gulikit KK3 Max, but definitely more paddle than button. There's also a higher set of angled back buttons as well.

Far from the smaller nubbins you'll find on the DualSense Edge, these raised middle clackers are actually incredibly easy to hit precisely in-game. That extra height means they're just a nudge in the right direction away, even if I'd have personally preferred a little less tension in the paddles themselves. They're easy enough to actuate in isolation, but when the heat is on, there's just a little too much force required to keep these back paddles feeling nifty.

TMR thumbsticks round out this package, with a smooth tension, speedy snap, and all the durability that comes with the updated magnet tech.

Easy customization for PS5

The Omega has been designed as a customization powerhouse, featuring a whopping 28 buttons to play with and 11 configurable inputs. Your basics are all here: swappable thumbstick tops, blanks for the side, and back buttons.

Actual keybindings are handled by the Scuf companion app, no more plugging into a PC before switching your PS5 on. It's a pretty well-trodden idea in the world of more premium third-party PS5 controllers: the Razer Raiju V3 Pro has the Razer app, but heavy hitters like the Victrix Pro BFG and Nacon Revolution 5 Pro still rely on Windows-based software. Good news for those who hate working through complex assignment button presses on the fly, though you can still enter 'Remap Mode' on the controller itself if you wish.

The Scuf app itself is uncomplicated, with a panel for your keybindings reflected in an on-screen gamepad, separate settings for firmware, polling rates, SOCD, and more, a quick start guide, and profile and battery indicators.

I was a little disappointed to find that the face and d-pad buttons aren't configurable in PS5 Mode (they're fully open when being used as a PC controller), but there's still a comprehensive roster of on-the-fly settings to tweak and save to up to three profiles.

Triggers and thumbsticks curve their deadzone on a nicely organized percentage scale, for those who aren't setting the digital stopper on the former, with a selection of five presets to choose from. Both left and right can be customized independently from each other as well.

Back and side buttons (all six of them) can run as any PS5 control, with keyboard inputs available on PC.

Five G-keys are also present along the bottom of the gamepad, a little awkwardly placed for mid-game solutions but still handy for map, quest, and inventory shortcuts. When connected to PS5, only the G1 and G5 are free for you to assign, the rest are reserved for headset volume, mute, and mic controls. Swapping over to PC, all five keys are assignable.

Comfortable in the hands

Before I had a chance to dive into any of that, though, I was impressed with the way the Scuf Omega felt straight out of the box. A comfortable 254g and with a rugged rubberized texture across the back of each grip, it's easy to wield for long periods of time without slipping or cramping.

That weight in particular is incredibly well balanced. It's lighter than a traditional DualSense, but not so as to feel cheap or hollow in the hand; there's still a satisfying sense of heft, making good on that premium price point.

What to consider about the Scuf Omega

About those side buttons

Throughout my testing, I've largely focused on Borderlands 4, running with a red-tree Chroma Accelerator Harlowe build. Since picking up the Omega, Harlowe's become a little more trigger-happy with that Chroma canon.

Try as I might, my gameplay is consistently punctuated with "oh flip," or words to that effect, as a giant energy ball rips towards an NPC mid-conversation, spreads through an empty battleground, and starts its cooldown right as the next firefight commences. In short, these side buttons are incredibly easy to accidentally hit - to the point where I wouldn't trust them in a more competitive scenario.

Scuf does include blank plates in the box to neutralize them if you're not a fan, but it's frustrating that a controller designed for competitive play, featuring additional buttons to keep your fingers on those all-important face buttons, doesn't feel trustworthy in the very arena it was built for. There's space to put just a little more resistance in these buttons as well - they naturally rest against the inside of your knuckle; there's plenty of leverage in this part of the hand for a tighter button press.

Precariously thin top plate

The Scuf Omega features one of Corsair's favorite controller upsells, a swappable faceplate. However, this time it also houses two toggles I found myself reaching for regularly. You'll need to snap that top plate off its magnetic cradle in order to access connection controls (swap between Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, and wired) and switch between PS5 and PC mode. If that's something you'll need to do often, be warned.

This top plate feels a little too thin for my liking. It's a flexible, brittle-feeling plastic that could easily snap with too much pressure between the sides. Having to prise it off the top of the controller every time you need to swap platforms or change connections feels especially risky. Over time, that could cause problems with regular usage.

Speed over immersion

My final point is one not limited to the Scuf Omega, but more the vast majority of third-party PS5 controllers. Still, if you're a solo player who invested in the console for its immersive control system, it bears repeating here.

Because of Sony's licensing terms, third-party gamepads cannot use adaptive triggers and haptic feedback. It's something I miss whenever I'm using a non-DualSense, having grown to love the dynamic resistance of the triggers in particular. Did I miss it enough to sacrifice the mechanical switches in the Scuf? Not exactly, but it's worth noting if you're tied to these first-party features.

Should you buy the Scuf Omega PS5 controller?

The Scuf Omega is an expensive piece of kit, tickling the very top of the third-party market. We're used to the idea of spending $200 on a pro gamepad for PS5 these days, and Scuf has positioned its controller right next to the $219.99 Razer Raiju V3 Pro. That's where your biggest decision is going to be made (presuming you're not after modular control schemes, in which case you'll want to head over to the Victrix Pro BFG).

In reality, both gamepads are similar. They both pack mouse-like mechanical buttons, TMR thumbsticks, short and long-range triggers, and an easy companion app. Razer's D-pad is a little less satisfying in the hands (though 8-way rather than 4-way), and its back buttons are notably smaller (though still remarkably easy and comfortable to hit). It also, however, suffers a little more from a motor-less hollow feel than the Omega. Without that extra weight, we noted that the Raiju can feel cheap in the hands, while Scuf's model still manages to feel sturdy and solid.

By contrast, Scuf offers more customizable inputs (especially if you swap between PS5 and PC), a longer grip shape, and a better feel overall.

Razer's 2,000Hz PC polling rate is going to clinch it for those primarily on Windows, with a PS5 on the side, and its top-loaded extra bumpers will also serve those worried about accidental presses on Scuf's side buttons as well. However, as an all-round package, I'd be inclined to recommend the Omega before the Raiju, with a pricing caveat.

Razer's entry is slightly older and will therefore see more regular discounts (the record currently sits at $129.99, but it's more likely to be found between $150 and $175). At a discounted rate, the Raiju is infinitely better value - so keep an eye on prices between the two.

How I tested the Scuf Omega PS5 controller

I tested the Scuf Omega on both PS5 and PC, playing Borderlands 4 and Horizon Forbidden West on the former and Forza Horizon 6, Apex Legends, and Farming Simulator 25 on the latter. I remapped the controller for optimal control schemes across each game, adjusting deadzones across triggers and thumbsticks for a couple of titles.

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

We're also rounding up all the best TMR controllers we've tested so far, as well as the best Xbox Series X controllers and the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers for alternative platforms.

Turtle Beach has a weird reputation amongst my peers.

Whenever the brand is brought up in conversation, it's often followed up with stories reminiscing about how "Turtle Beach headsets are cheap", but I don't think those people have touched a Turtle Beach headset since they were teenagers. For the sake of not troubling the waters of friendship, I usually just smile and nod whenever I hear those remarks, rather than spew the usual neurodivergent-fueled rhetoric that I've tested plenty of Turtle Beach-branded cups and had a pretty great time with them.

Now I have the Stealth Pro II to bring up as a straightforward example that the brand's quality is almost on par with some of the best gaming headsets on the market today.

Key specs

Design

The Stealth Pro II is one of those headsets that doesn't stand out too much against a sea of similarly looking black pairs, but it doesn't look horrendous either. On close inspection, there are some sleek design choices, like the recessed curves and metal earcups, that give it a more "premium" aesthetic. Ideally, for a pair that's $349.99 / £299.99, those premium vibes are exactly what you want.

The Pro II has the same headband as the brand's Atlas 200, which includes two plastic pieces connected via a swatch of stretched mesh fabric. The fabric underhangs below the headband, and it's this that sits across your noggin' while you're playing your favorite games. The pair's yokes are pretty unique and connect to the earcups via a simple S-shape design, which can then be adjusted by just pulling down and away from the headband.

Talking of the earcups, this pair went the oval route for its earcushions instead of opting for circular ones that you can spot on the older Stealth Pro. These oval-shaped earcushions are made from plush memory foam, which is coated in a breathable black fabric, and are attached to rounded cups, which are cluttered with on-board controls.

The best design element of this pair comes down to that Charging Dock. Rather than including a large Game Hub like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni, Turtle Beach included a small cylindrical pad that looks like someone sliced the bottom off a Pringles tube.

It doesn't include all the bells and whistles that come with SteelSeries' charging gadget (more on that in a bit), but it requires far less desk real estate - a plus if you're like me and have plenty of figures and merch that have a home amongst your PC setup.

Features

The Turtle Beach Stealth Pro II wireless gaming headset is decked out with Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio, a 9mm flip-to-mute microphone, ANC, and 60mm Eclipse Dual audio drivers, but the real meat of the pair for me comes down to that Charging Dock. It doesn't just charge spare batteries, but it doubles up as a wireless receiver. While the headset includes a 2.4 wireless dongle within its accompanying hard case, you can simply plug the Charging Dock into your PC to have a low-latency wireless experience.

The accessory also includes a button that pops batteries out for easy access. This was a major draw for me, as I have joint issues in my hands as a result of a chronic illness. Having fiddly controls in tech can be a literally painful experience, but this simple button makes swapping the batteries a breeze. Each battery has an up to 80-hour battery life, so I never needed to do that too often, if I'm honest. Alas, the accessibility remains a huge bonus.

The battery can be swapped for the one sitting by default in the left earcup. If that battery tech sounds awfully familiar to the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, that's not just where the similarities end. While SteelSeries provides the ability to hook up to multiple platforms at once via its GameHub device, the Stealth Pro II is equipped with Crossplay 2.0 and can achieve console switching whether or not the consoles in question are in the same room.

It doesn't have an integrated screen that allows you to adjust volume and EQ settings, so it's not as bursting at the seams with integration as the Game Hub. However, with Crossplay 2.0, one device (like your gaming PC) can be hooked up to the Charging Dock receiver, and your PS5 in another room can be attached to the 2.4GHz wireless dongle. From then on, all you need to do is press the Crossplay button on the headset to switch between platforms. Turtle Beach actually boasts that you can wirelessly connect to "up to 4 Audio Sources" at a time, but there's a little bit of a catch.

If you want to be able to switch between up to 4 gaming platforms at a time, you'll need to purchase additional wireless dongles, which cost $34.99 ( Turtle Beach) / £29.99 (Turtle Beach) each. As of writing this review, the Xbox model USB Wireless Transmitter (which would be the one I'd need as I was given the Xbox model to review) is currently out of stock, so you'll have to take availability into account too.

Performance

Testing the Stealth Pro II was a more streamlined experience with the brand's Crossplay 2.0 tech, at least, as I was able to leave the Charging Dock transmitter on my PC desk while having the 2.4GHz dongle plugged into my chonky ol' PS5. So often when I'm testing headsets that are built around multi-platform support, I have to pick up and move around gadgets from room to room, but Turtle Beach made facilitating my detached PC and console setup more straightforward.

To begin with, I donned the pair when playing my PS5 as I was still taking my time with Lego Batman Legacy of the Dark Knight. The brick-built version of Gotham is surprisingly atmospheric, and on its default settings, I was able to hear the stud-laden streets come to life. Dialogue had a slight echo, which was not to my preference, but I was still able to hear Robin's incredible (and not at all cringeworthy) quips crystal clear.

There's not a whole lot of music in the game, which is why I'm glad that Deltarune Chapter 5 happened to drop during my time with the headset. I'm a huge fan of Deltarune, especially when it comes to the game's music. Toby Fox's works are hugely inspirational to me, so I put a lot of onus onto the headset that I use to hear the latest tracks for the first time, and the Stealth Pro II didn't disappoint. Mastering the new platforming mechanics as Fox's 'Sunset of the Seven Suns' played in the background was a memorable experience. The moment the full percussion kicked in, it felt almost euphoric as the Stealth Pro II had the power to level out the game's soundstage and help bring Chapter 5's new Dark World to life.

It sounded even better once I had the Turtle Beach Swarm II app at my disposal. The headset supports dual audio, so I was able to have it connected to both the PS5 and my phone at the same time. On the app, I selected the 'Bass and Treble Boost' audio preset to give it more of a kick, and it added even more vibrancy to the underlying bass of the track. I kept this preset toggled on when switching to PC, and it helped boost the score to everything I threw its way, from Marvel Rivals, Mina the Hollower, and even the dramatic sounds of Peak. The app's audio settings are one of the reasons I know I'm going to resort back to this headset time and time again, as you can actually update the firmware wirelessly through it - no wires required.

So often there have been moments where I've had to update the firmware on a headset or a piece of tech, and it's required me to have multiple cables attached to my PC, despite how limited my desktop is when it comes to ports. Turtle Beach must've known of my frustrations, as so long as it was hooked up to my phone, the app did the job on its own.

In fact, the app was even better in my experience than the official Swarm II software. When trying to do a firmware update on the PC, it kept refusing to show any progress on updating the Charging Dock transmitter. I tried multiple times and reset my PC, only to resort to updating both through my phone, where it did it the first time. This is one of the rare occasions where I don't mind having a headset app taking up the valuable storage space on my Samsung S26.

On this very app, you can also adjust your microphone settings, selecting between audio presets and toggling the AI Noise Reduction setting on and off. This was pretty useful when it came to testing the mic out while playing games like Peak and Meccha Chameleon with my partner. I didn't have to switch between windows when my phone had all the same settings, which resulted in a less intrusive experience.

I've provided a little sample of the microphone above, so you can hear for yourself. There are some plosives, but I did not have the 'Noise Gate' setting turned on when recording this sample. Through my own experience of many hours playing Peak, Marvel Rivals and just chatting to my partner through Discord, this was far less noticable with the setting on. Additionally, you can actually turn down the sensitivity of the microphone through the Swarm II app, which can also lessen the harshness of certain sounds.

Yet overall, this microphone is pretty impressive. My only issue is, is that it adds an extra bit of weight to the wireless headset. The pair is 393g with the microphone attached, and 382g without, and even that small difference is noticeable as I found the Stealth Pro II got a little sore pretty fast. I believe it's not just the weight that's at fault but a combination of it and the design of the headband, as the fabric mesh didn't do enough to suspend the plastic band above my head.

Should you buy the Stealth Pro II wireless gaming headset?

As much as I herald the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni as the best headset on the market right now, its reliance on assuming you have a combined gaming setup doesn't mesh well with my personal gaming layout. I have my gaming PC in my home office, and my PS5 and Switch 2 in another room entirely, and so I can never truly take advantage of one of the pair's biggest draws.

The Stealth Pro II changes things with its Crossplay 2.0 system. I left the Charging Dock on my desk and had the 2.4GHz wireless dongle attached to my PS5, and it only took the literal press of a button to switch to my platform of choice on any given day. Ideally, I would have preferred that Turtle Beach provided an additional dongle for its $349.99 / £299.99 price tag so I could have incorporated my Nintendo Switch 2 into the Crossplay ecosystem, which is why I'd recommend waiting for a discount before grabbing the Stealth Pro II for yourself.

I'd definitely recommend the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro II for those with a split-room gaming setup looking for an alternative to SteelSeries' flagship headset, but I'd recommend ensuring you've got space on your phone for the app to bring out the pair's best sound possible. By default, it sounds fine, but it wasn't until I was able to give the bass and treble a little boost that it felt truly on par with the sound conjured up by other premium pairs on the market.

How I tested the Stealth Pro II wireless gaming headset

I've been testing the Stealth Pro II for a little under a month, switching it between my PC and main-room split PS5 and Nintendo Switch setup. During the testing process, I played through titles like Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight, Marvel Rivals, Doom Eternal, and Deltarune on the PS5. On the Nintendo Switch 2, the brand-new Star Fox remake was my game of choice, but I also made sure to see how the Pro II handled Mario Kart World, Pokemon Pokopia, and Donkey Kong Bananza compared to other high-end headsets I've tested so far.

Meanwhile, on PC I was playing Counter-Strike 2, Mina the Hollower, Marvel Rivals, Peak, and Meccha Chameleon, the latter of which was played with friends over Discord to put the microphone through its paces. When not gaming, I was also listening to a huge variety of music, from Ariana Grande's new single, Ninajirachi, Placebo, and the Deltarune Chapter 5 soundtrack, as playing through the chapter was not enough to satiate my Deltarune fandom. For more information on how we test gaming headsets, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

Check out our best PS5 headset, best PC headset for gaming, and best Nintendo Switch headset guides to see how we rank the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro II against the best cups on the market today.

Back in March of 2024, I received a press release from Secretlab. The brand, having just reached its 3 millionth customer, issued a statement from one of its CEOs. "We don’t make 'gaming chairs'", it read. "Our design mentality is that we design chairs suited for long hours of gaming and other activities. Hence, our design philosophy is starkly different from most 'gaming chairs' on the market", said Ian Ang.

I must admit, when I read that, I scoffed. Secretlab is maybe the brand most synonymous on planet earth for making gaming chairs, so to claim that's never been the focus felt a tad silly. It's a company with inextricable links to gaming, from licensed gaming designs of its products to its co-founders forming a friendship through a love of games. I've now been fortunate enough to meet Ian and his fellow CEO, Alaric, and what's become clear to me is that the statements made in that press release match up far more with where the company was headed, not where it's been. Secretlab isn't satisfied with just the gaming market, and looking back now, that 3 million customer statement was really just a long-term teaser for what was to come.

The Atlas isn't designed for gaming. It's a productivity chair aimed purely at focused, ergonomic desk work. There are no licensed colorways of your favorite games; there's no library of ergonomic add-ons and improvements. This is a classy, modernized, almost Scandinavian-esque desk chair that's taking a very different approach from the Titan Evo. And I couldn't be happier about that. I've sat in the Atlas for just under a month now, and ironically, I think despite its attempts to steer clear of gamers, it's a better gaming chair than its flagship sibling. What's more, I'm no longer scoffing at Ian's 2024 comments because whether you're gaming, working, or something else, the Atlas is a great place to sit.

Design & Features

I'm sure your eyebrows are probably pushing their way down your forehead right now. How can a chair that has no design and feature set geared toward gaming be a better gaming seat than one of the most popular thrones for gamers on the market? Well, I actually think Secretlab was onto something with that statement back in 2024.

Ever since, the boundaries between gaming chairs and office chairs have been blurring, especially when it comes to "ergonomic" ones. Gaming chairs and their increased adjustability have bled into the office chair market, and vice versa. Most of the Atlas's rivals in the gaming space will sport mesh backing, for example, which is a direct pull from office chairs.

Secretlab has steered away from that convention with the design of the Atlas, because there's no mesh involved here. Having spoken at length with Secretlab's executive head of product development & industrial design and its CEOs, I find myself on the same page as them. Mesh chairs always feel like less of a product that you pay more money for, and I'm so glad they didn't opt for it here.

Instead, what we have is a leaner chair than the Titan Evo, but one that still uses the brand's signature upholstery and proprietary foam cushioning to support your posture into healthier positions. It reminds me of the fabric versions of the Fractal Refine. There's a less-is-more approach to backrest cushioning that you don't quite sink into, but it's enough for you to know it's there. It's supportive, comfortable, but not indulgent - kind of ideal for a chair that wants to improve your posture and wellbeing.

The Atlas is available in two main models, each with the brand's leatherette and Softweave materials in various colors. The base version will set you back $499 / £399, but the NanoGen premium versions will cost you $699 / £599. There are no officially licensed colorways of the Atlas, nor any Skins for it, like there are for the Titan Evo. It's unclear from talking to the folks at Secretlab if this is something they have planned in the future, or whether they'd prefer to let the Atlas stand alone as a less-nerdy and more classy aesthetic offering.

Similarly, there's no compatibility here with Secretlab's chair add-ons. The design here is fundamentally different from the Titan Evo, so it's understandable that making those add-ons compatible would have been a step too far, binding Secretlab to a similar design to its flagship. Given how the company has built on the Titan Evo with an entire ecosystem of add-ons, it wouldn't surprise me in the slightest if we saw separate add-ons for the Atlas in the future. Only time will tell, but during assembly, I did spy some unused screwholes in the seat base, and these may just be futureproofing for Vincent Sin, the aforementioned head of product development, to create some new add-ons with.

The Atlas strips back on some adjustability and features compared to the Titan Evo. 4D armrests take a drop down to 3D, losing out on their ability to slide to a narrower or wider setting. Fully adjustable lumbar scrollwheels are replaced by a Re-curve backrest designed to fit a median of body shapes. Full recline is substituted for a synchronous tilt mechanism that shifts the armrests back one degree for every two degrees the backrest tilts back.

Elsewhere, you have a clever recline tension mechanism which almost in itself gives you four recline settings, but a locking catch means you can set the backrest in any position that works for you. You also get seat depth adjustment, which may help you to sink into a chair that really encourages you to stay upright.

One thing I'd really like to applaud is the design work that went into the controls for the Atlas. There are really excellent, small bits of visual feedback to communicate to the user what tilt tension they're at or if their recline is locked or unlocked. From a tour of Secretlab's office, I've seen first-hand the buckets full of 3D-printed prototypes to get this exactly right. It's something chairs constantly neglect, but having it makes a massive difference because it's easier to distinguish what the various levers do and how you should use them. Having spoken to people who aren't as clued up about what gaming chair controls do, I know that if people don't understand them, they don't use them, so Secretlab's tireless effort in this respect could help ensure you get the most out of the Atlas.

The entire design ethos of the chair is visually distinct, but the top of the backrest in particular has a really alluring angle to it. Its inward curve and head panel aren't as pronounced as they look at first glance, but the way the shoulders only gently wrap around you means you aren't inspired to slouch inward. Overall, the Atlas has a taller, distinct look that's really grown on me. The Dune and Dune+ colorways, in particular, are absolutely beautiful and look right at home in a WFH or classy gaming space.

Assembly

In true Secretlab fashion, assembly of the Atlas was pretty painless. The brand is always good at providing videos and a big placard in the box telling you the steps to follow. It also provides the tools you need in a handy little box. The first thing I noticed when unpacking all of the separated elements of the Atlas was how light they all were. I always assemble the chairs I test solo, and having built a couple of Titan Evos, I can tell you they're easy to assemble, but their parts are on the heavier side.

With the Atlas, the seatbase, the backrest, and all of the separate parts are much easier to grab out of the box if you're a building party of one. It makes for an easy assembly because there aren't hefty bits you need to wrestle into position at awkward angles.

I'd say the Atlas takes a tad longer to put together than the Titan Evo, but I'm not sure that's a fair comparison, seeing as the Evo has been around for so long now and Secretlab has had a lot of time to work out the quickest and easiest ways to get that thing assembled.

The only thing I'd really swap from the assembly process is the casters. The other elements that make up the Atlas feel quite distinct from the Titan Evo, but these wheels feel almost exactly the same as the ones from the bigger chair, and I don't know if they're a great fit. Rolling it around on my living room/office floor carpet flooring while I'm sitting down is a massive struggle for such a light build. It might seem silly, but those small corrections to match up the chair with the middle line of your monitor can be irritating if the chair is fighting you. I don't know if substituting some narrower casters or differently designed ones would help here. Either way, be prepared for the Atlas to not be the easiest to roll around in.

Performance

I never thought I'd be saying this in a Secretlab review, but I actually have some concerns about the build quality of the Atlas after my typical month of chair testing.

Keep in mind that I'm testing one of the earliest models, and Secretlab sometimes innovates and improves on models as they extend their lives on the shelves. Your mileage may vary, but in particular, the plastics used in the mechanism of the armrests feel a little looser than I'd expect from Secretlab, and they rattle pretty loudly from side to side. Similarly, the seat depth adjustment is occasionally loose for me. When I shift my weight or cross one leg under the other, it moves ever so slightly out of position even while the seat depth setting is supposed to be locked. The backrest and cushioning both feel as new as the day I first sat on them, but for once, with a Secretlab product, I'm a little concerned about how long the bodywork may last.

I've now seen first-hand the sorts of endurance testing and R&D that go on for Secretlab products before release, so I do feel confident recommending the Atlas to you as a long-term option, but I can't help but note to you that from my month of testing, I do have some initial concerns. Similarly, like a lot of gaming chair armrests these days, these ones don't lock into position besides their height. To move them forward or rotate them to just manually shove them. These take more effort than most clicky armrests, like the ones on the AutoFull G7, which slide out of position very easily. But over time, in my experience, these types of armrests can come loose too. That hasn't happened to me with the Atlas yet, but I've sat in a lot of chairs, and that's a trend I've noticed.

All of this feels to me like it could be a result of two things, namely, the fact that the Atlas has a lighter build than the Titan Evo. It isn't quite as beefy, and like I mentioned in the assembly section, its parts feel a lot easier to throw around. Moreover, Secretlab has provided a more affordable price, and that may point to slightly cheaper materials used - plastics in the armrests don't seem as premium, for example.

I mentioned it in my early impressions, but I think the lighter build contributes good things too. It may bring more build quality concerns into play, but in my eyes, it makes the chair more comfortable. The Titan Evo Nanogen's frame and pure heft are, I think, a reason why it has a reputation for being firm. You fall into it, and the thing gives your entire body a jolt. The Atlas, with its lighter quality, doesn't do that. I can fall into this and feel caught and cushioned all at once. With a less intrusive frame and a thinner layer of cushioning, things don't feel as firm to sit in at length. The way that form has been paired with the Softweave+ fabric helps that too. It feels as though the material has a bit more flex, which allows it to feel comfier.

If there's a downside to that fabric and foam combo, it's breathability. I'll preface this by saying I've just been testing the Atlas during a record-breaking heatwave in the UK, which is a much, much tougher test of chair breathability than others in my Scottish home have gone through, but if you live in a warmer country, keep in mind that it's going to hug your shirt and you're going to feel sticky when you stand up. This happens to me even with a mesh chair in hotter conditions though.

Even so, I managed to sit in this chair for long work days and full evenings of gaming, and I felt very comfortable besides a few lumbar shuffles. That's to be expected; the backrest is never going to cater perfectly to everyone. For work and play, this thing is excellent and holds great value for money at its price point - although keep in mind that I'm testing the premium version, so I can't really speak to the more affordable options. I think if I were to nitpick one aspect of this chair, it'd need to be the armrests.

For starters, they have an excellent, plush cushioning - I have no complaints there. But there are two design flaws here that I can't help but compare to the LiberNovo Omni, another innovative ergonomic chair that puts recline as one of its main focuses. In that chair, I can recline back for the first two or three settings and still game at my desk with my arms up on the worktop to control a mouse and keyboard. It's a perfect ratio of tilt without compromising very precise armrest adjustment for gaming. In other words, the ratio of recline works so that the armrests slide back with you, but stay level with where they were when you were upright.

In the Atlas, they actually tilt back too much in my opinion, and slope upward, making it much more of a pernickety process matching them up with the level of your desk for reclined PC gaming. A readjustment of the armrest height sorts that, but it does take that second adjustment, which can get quite annoying when you just want to kick back and keep playing. Essentially, versus the Omni, it's a bit more annoying to use, but versus most other chairs, it's going to be a lot more helpful because other chairs don't sync their armrest and backrest recline levels at all. Not to mention, the Omni I'm comparing it to costs close to a grand.

The synchronous tilt system hasn't been designed for gaming, but I think the 2:1 ratio could be adjusted slightly to take on the LiberNovo Omni because it's so, so close to being that intuitive. The tilt locking tensions of the Atlas are genius, and do provide a way to keep the backrest support and relax a bit from your standard, upright focus mode. I really enjoy using the fourth recline tension for a slightly more indulgent work session, or the second mode for a much more comfortable session gaming with a controller at my desk.

Sadly, the other problem with the armrests is one I haven't been able to get past since my early impressions. Without that fourth dimension to move them narrower or wider, they compromise the ergonomics of the Atlas. Ideally, to make the most of the re-curve backrest angle, you want to sit as deep into the seatbase as possible, with the small of your back tucked right into the bottom of the backrest. If I sit in that position, my elbows don't hit the armrests without my forcing them outward from my body because they don't raise up high enough or come close enough to my midsection.

That then creates a slouch in my chest, and things get uncomfortable quickly. It's a problem I know all too well from the Corsair TC500 Luxe. If I sink into the chair a bit more, this isn't such a problem, but it's not ideal for a chair with ergonomics at its heart. For reference, I'm just over 5ft10, and I'm sitting in the Large model of the Atlas. According to Secretlab's metrics, I'm right on the cusp between the Regular and Large models, so maybe a Regular would fix this issue. Either way, it detracts from the effectiveness of the Atlas as an ergonomic seat, and I can't help but wish that just one more dimension of armrest adjustability were included because a quick shift inward is all that would be needed to fix this issue.

Should you buy the Secretlab Atlas?

It's no real secret that I've never been the biggest fan of the Secretlab Titan Evo. I think that chair is amazing for offering an ecosystem of upgrades and add-ons. I think its selection of colorways is unmatched, and its build quality is so assured that it's hard to argue against as a long-term investment. But it isn't all that comfortable in my eyes, and its ergonomics aren't anything that countless imitators now offer for cheaper.

The Secretlab Atlas is much, much more up my street. It has a distinct, sleek, and modern design; it has a beautiful blend of comfort and ergonomics; it has a good amount of adjustability for the money it costs, and most importantly, it has a value price tag which isn't sticking in the back of my mind as I review it. Secretlab typically makes pricey products, and while they're always crafted to a high standard, one sticking point for me is that I know you can often get more affordable options elsewhere.

The Atlas isn't quite as good as the Fractal Refine in my opinion. While it adds more comfort in the backrest and seatbase, it loses out on a couple of extra dimensions of adjustability - but for once, Secretlab's offering is more affordable, so I'm not wrestling to justify it against the competition.

The Atlas isn't as firm as the Titan Evo; it's got a lot of features going for it and a showstopping look that's done nothing but grow on me since the curtain was first drawn back on it. It doesn't have the same offering of add-ons at launch that the Titan Evo does, but I'm sure that in time, that could change. The Atlas isn't the best gaming or desk chair out there, but at its price, I don't think it needs to be. I really enjoyed my time sitting in it, and I think a slew of gamers and remote workers will too.

How I tested the Secretlab Atlas

I've done my usual four weeks sitting in the Atlas to test its build quality and its impacts on my body. I've sat in it for over 8 hours on an almost daily basis since then for both work, gaming, and other content creation tasks. I've also reclined in it to chill out from all of those things. I've compared my time in it with Secretlab's other chairs, as well as my time with other gaming and ergo seats like the Fractal Refine and LiberNovo Omni.

Besides my at-home testing, I also want to disclose that I was taken on a trip to Singapore to get an early look at the Secretlab Atlas ahead of its reveal. I got to meet the people behind the Secretlab brand, talk to them about the design of their products, and get a feel for the company's culture. I'm confident that this hasn't skewed my review in either direction, but it has enlightened me to the design philosophy and manufacturing standards that the company strives for.

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

If you're crafting the perfect gaming setup, you should know about the best gaming desks, the best console gaming chairs, and the best gaming PCs.

You can tell that Rhythm Heaven Groove shares DNA with WarioWare. Both series focus around quickfire mini-games with zany situations starring a colorful cast of characters. But, here, each musical micro-game is fleshed out into a longer experience, entirely based around rhythmic button presses which, when learned, allows you to tame the chaos rather than simply be reactive – exemplified in the series' iconic 'remix' challenges.

Where in WarioWare you have mere seconds to piece together instructions for what to do, Rhythm Heaven Groove allows you to sit in these oddball moments for longer. Every mini-game has an extensive (skippable) tutorial ensuring you learn the expectations, then deliberately weans you off prompts until you're able to react to the beat through audio and visual cues. A robot who must gently lower wobbly puddings while using eye lasers to blast away poisoned cups. A street-sweeping themed idol group who must synchronize their dancing brush strokes. A tiny yakuza duo who have to jump over windscreen wipers. It all begins to make sense.

Heavenly stars above

Mastery over one of these mini-games is just the first step. Later challenges can rework, add to, or invert the rules you've learned for tougher sequences. But, better than that, each group of stages comes with a Remix level that chops and changes between each mini-game on a whim while all following the beat for one underlying piece of music.

These Remix stages marry WarioWare-like variety and sense of pace with the rhythmic games, with enough information carried purely in the presentation so that no rules have to be re-explained while playing – you simply play to the beat like you always do. It's immensely satisfying to pull off, and feels like a real culmination of learned skill even while I recognize that Rhythm Heaven Groove has been very clever in guiding me towards those moments.

A particular highlight is one stage that mixes together mini-games from beyond its own group. The remixes levels are so good that they come close to overshadowing the rest of the game. Having that WarioWare itch scratched is moreish, and it eventually means all I really want to replay are the Remixes, though I respect the arcade-like challenge in chasing best individual mini-game scores, and that the Remixes would be close to unintelligible without learning the standalone versions first.

There's a medal to earn on each stage, and an overall rhythm rating you can work to increase by performing well. Mess up too much and, yes, I can confirm it will also decrease. Eventually, you can even chase perfect ratings for further unlocks. But, at times, I find myself a little miffed with how the scoring works. In some stages, I'll feel like I did really well, barely dropping any notes, and only get a passing grade. Sure, maybe I'm bitter. But, in others, I feel like I messed up way too much to justify earning the medal Rhythm Heaven Groove awards me.

Some games have better feedback than others on near-misses – which is likely a factor – but the presentation is deliberately minimalist with its results screens abstracted into a comedic comment from, say, a passer-by, or an instructor. It will sometimes flag particular inputs I did better at than others, but I still struggle at times to know quite how to improve.

Rhythm Heaven Groove also features a bunch of side-diversions that seem less all-encompassing than the main mini-games. So imagine my surprise when, checking out Beatspell, I become absolutely hooked on this musical RPG that has me timing poses and casts to summon magic throughout a sequence of battles in each chapter.

Beatspell's presentation and structure is simplistic, but there's a mechanical depth that's slowly doled out that, as a fan of some of the best RPGs out there with a lot of strong opinions of my own, has seriously impressed me. Playing as a magician who has to fight through fantasy monsters and bosses, a spellcasting ring cycles to the beat throughout combat.

Casting requires unique pose combinations, so a fireball has different inputs and timings to a healing spell. The further you get, the more options you have with how to build your loadout for the chapter. Upcoming enemies might have different elemental resistances and weaknesses, but they also have their own musical BPMs, with some shifting over time or having a different rhythmic structure entirely.

There's plenty of RPG content in Beatspell, but I can't help but wish there was a little more to it. It's the kind of bonus mode that I can see being a test bed here in Rhythm Heaven Groove but, to me, could easily carry its own project – it feels a bit like Ring Fit Adventure meets Crypt of the Necrodancer in its best moments, and I wish there was just a bit more to the experience than the chapter-by-chapter structure. It doesn't help that each chapter unlocks through earning medals in the main game, requiring you to near-perfect challenges in a completely different mode of play to progress here. A small gripe, but I found myself just wanting to push ahead with Beatspell at one point – which is to the supposed side-mode's absolute credit.

Rhythm Heaven Groove is, otherwise, a great follow-up to the series that continues doing what it does best. That does mean that, while refined, this also doesn't feel like too much of an evolution. Developed for the original Nintendo Switch and not the newer Nintendo Switch 2, this runs well on either system, and without much in the way of hardware-specific gimmicks, makes little difference. This might be more of the same when it comes to Rhythm Heaven, but I have to say this does feel absolutely loaded with things to do.

I can't help but wonder if a bit more WarioWare energy would benefit the series, and whether leaning into system-specific features could help Groove stand out like WarioWare: Smooth Moves did. Rhythm Heaven has yet to overstay its welcome, and more of the same of something great is far from a bad thing – but those hoping for these mini-games to feel like a reinvention will be disappointed. Essentially only ever using two buttons, though, Groove still manages to get a lot of the idea. If nothing else, Beatspell shows there's plenty of life left in this portion of rhythmic heaven yet.

Rhythm Heaven Groove was reviewed on Nintendo Switch, with a code provided by the publisher.

Keep an eye on our upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 releases list for what else to put on your calendar.

Netflix's live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender will always be directly compared to the animated Nickelodeon series it so closely adapts; such is the fate of all adaptations. Does it hew too closely to the original or go too far afield? That's the constant question, and a fair one, for any media directly recreating another. The second season of Netflix's Avatar: The Last Airbender chooses to play it safe, by and large, making for an experience best described as "fine."

I'm somewhat repeating myself from my Avatar: The Last Airbender season one review, but it is as true here as it ever was. The previously described "harmonious middle ground" that's being attempted here continues, and with slightly better results overall. It never quite reaches the highs of the material it's adapting, but this second season also avoids the lowest dips of the first.

If you're not already familiar, the second season follows Aang (Gordon Cormier) and his pals as they traverse the Earth Kingdom in search of someone to teach the Avatar-in-training earthbending now that he's mastered waterbending from Katara (Kiawentiio). They encounter the blind earthbender Toph (Miyako) and convince her to teach him. Eventually, the Gaang end up in Ba Sing Se, home of the Earth King, in order to convince him to join the war against the Fire Nation. Meanwhile, Zuko (Dallas Liu) and Iroh (Paul Sun-Hyung Lee) pose as refugees themselves in the Earth Kingdom while being hunted by Zuko's sister, Azula (Elizabeth Yu).

Again, this is basically the exact plot description for Book Two of the animated Avatar: The Last Airbender series. The biggest difference between the two isn't even the medium; it's the fact that the live-action version is actually shorter. The animated series had a luxurious 20 episodes to cover the same material, while Netflix only grants 7, making for a remixed and much-trimmed Earth Kingdom experience.

Minor tales of Ba Sing Se

The effect this concentration produces is stifling. While individual performances from the actors are more easy and affable than the first season, it's hard to avoid the feeling that Ba Sing Se – billed as an absolutely massive city with impenetrable walls – is composed of roughly five separate rooms shot from different angles and a single outdoor market.

It doesn't help that many of the visual effects, be it fights, critters, major structures, or so on, often also look a bit off. There's regularly an overwhelming sense that it's all happening on a stage and nothing is real, which might be true but is kind of the opposite of what you want to imply. I would not go so far as to say my disbelief was ever really suspended.

That's not to say it's all bad. Despite the pressure of the condensed narrative and any issues with the visual effects or sets, plenty of character moments manage to shine regardless. Avatar, as a franchise, might be known for its spectacular elemental martial arts, but it's also known for being just as good at emotional throughlines. Dallas Liu, in particular, makes an absolute meal out of Zuko's torment between right and wrong, love and acceptance, throughout the season. Ian Ousley's Sokka also lands his beats more often than not, from silly goofs to direct lifts from the animated series, to meaningful moments exploring trauma.

Down to earth

Going into this season, my biggest concern was Toph, Aang's acerbic and tough earthbending teacher. In animation, it's easy enough to have a blind character who can see through vibrations, but it's another boulder of a problem to try and accomplish the same in a live-action adaptation, while also covering all the sociological elements involving her background and family. But from the moment Miyako steps into a scene, she owns it, which is honestly very Toph-like behavior.

Unfortunately, and perhaps most concerningly, the chemistry between Aang and Katara just doesn't work. It's the clearest example of the effect that squeezing the season's material down has had; without more time to explore what the two of them mean to each other, the major beats in season two come across as hollow or saccharine. And yet the relationship between those two massively underpins a lot of this season without ever being explicit, but it goes on to become even more of an element in the parts of Avatar that the live-action Avatar has yet to adapt.

There are a couple of aspects I won't spoil here that do work quite well thanks to this remixing, but it's few and far between. More than anything else, Netflix's live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 2 makes me a bit worried about Season 3's attempt to bend and shape the source material into some kind of conclusion, but it's an inoffensive experience.

Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 2 is streaming now on Netflix. For more, dive into our spoiler-filled Avatar: The Last Airbender season 2 ending explained, or here's everything we know about Avatar: The Last Airbender season 3.

Supergirl crash-landed in 2025's Superman, and now she's back with her own solo film: a suitably grittier, edgier, and rougher second entry in the DCU that puts Milly Alcock's Kara Zor-El on a quest through space to save her dog, Krypto, from a vicious poison.

The trouble begins when sadistic brigand Krem (a near-unrecognizable Matthias Schoenaerts) callously shoots Krypto with a poisoned dart, after slaughtering the family of Ruthye (Eve Ridley), setting the youngster on a revenge mission that leads to her path crossing with Kara's. Since we saw her reclaim Krypto in Superman, Kara has been drinking her way across the galaxy, enjoying the benefits of a red sun (which strips her of her powers), and ignoring calls from her cousin, one Clark Kent, urging her to return to Earth so she can find her feet on the planet.

But when Krypto is critically injured, Kara shifts into gear: the dog isn't just an adorable companion, but her only real link to the family she was forced to leave behind on her dead home planet of Krypton. What follows is a surprisingly dark – and often gross – adventure to save Krypto and stop Krem, with the bond between Ruthye and Kara, two young girls who lost their family too young, at its heart.

Girl of Steel

Tonally, Supergirl is very different to Superman. The DCU has been unafraid to mix it up with its projects, and that ethos continues here – Superman was all about hope and optimism, while Supergirl peels open the galaxy's seedy underbelly. In fact, a surprising amount of the plot revolves around young girls being abducted into sexual slavery, which brings Mad Max: Fury Road to mind (the girls are even called "the brides" by the brigands). Kara encounters more foes than friends on her quest, including tech pirates who hijack a space bus to rob everyone onboard and strip it for parts, and countless brawlers in bars.

There's also a certain gross-out element to the film: Krypto pees on a newspaper article about Superman, Kara and Ruthye eat popcorn that's actually the excrement of an alien creature, and at one point, Kara is forced to make herself chug milk and vomit when she inadvertently drinks poison.

While DC Studios co-president James Gunn doesn't direct – I, Tonya and Cruella's Craig Gillespie is at the helm – the film does recall Guardians of the Galaxy, too: the irreverent tone, messy protagonist, and frequent needle drops all seem to owe something to the Gunn MCU trilogy, though Supergirl has more bite to it.

Kara is indeed a mess, beginning the film as a mix of perpetually drunk or hungover, convinced it's not her problem to help Ruthye get her revenge. She hasn't truly embraced being Supergirl like Clark Kent has embraced being Superman, made most obvious by the fact her iconic suit is lying abandoned on the floor of her spaceship. As the film goes on, flashbacks to Krypton reveal that Kara is this way because she wasn't ready to leave her home. Consequently, she can't find her place on Earth, despite Clark's advice.

But Kara does slowly begin to embrace her role as a protector, which involves getting back to a yellow sun and powering up. The film does a great job at making us understand Kara's pain, with the well-placed flashbacks giving context to some of her quirks, like her penchant for listening to music or her love for Krypto. Still, it feels like a long time until we see Kara truly using her powers, and even longer until she really lets loose without some kind of impairment, be that poison or Kryptonite.

The action is fun if a tad frenetic, and it's certainly satisfying to watch Kara stomp her way through bad guys. The bond between her and young Ruthye flourishes naturally, too, and it makes for an effective heart to the film: the duo has a lot in common, and they genuinely need each other on their journey, both practically and emotionally.

Ridley stands out as her perfectly precocious Ruthye, an earnest, balancing counterpoint to Kara's more cynical worldview. Alcock completely embodies Kara, too, whether that's the drunken, stumbling version of the Girl of Steel or the more determined, heroic version of her waiting in the wings, bringing the grit and sadness of a young girl forced to abandon her entire way of life for an alien land, as well as the sly humor of a 23-year-old trying to have a good time anyway.

This duo is more than enough to carry the film, so it's a little confusing why Jason Momoa's Lobo is included, in a change to Tom King and Bilquis Evely's source material. Momoa is plenty of fun as the cigar-chomping, growling anti-hero, but he's given a throwaway introduction and barely any plot relevance, which leaves him feeling like an entirely unnecessary addition to the film.

A cameo that does work, however, is David Corenswet's Superman. His screen time is very brief, but he is, once again, the quintessential Big Blue for those few minutes on screen, with his smiling optimism butting up against Kara's polar opposite attitude – a dynamic that seems ripe with potential for Man of Tomorrow and beyond.

Woman of Tomorrow

As the second DCU film, Supergirl feels somewhat oddly placed. More of a character study than a big blockbuster, the film does suffer from coming after last year's stellar Superman, which set the bar high for the new DC era. That film also felt like more of an event than its new younger sibling (or cousin); perhaps Supergirl will work well as a middle chapter between Superman and Man of Tomorrow, but that remains to be seen.

With Clayface coming later this year, though, the DCU is doubling down on its commitment to an eclectic mix of projects and tones, so Supergirl appears to be just one thread of a – hopefully – rich tapestry in the making.

Just like its protagonist, Supergirl is rough around the edges, but holds plenty of promise for the future. With two more DCU appearances confirmed, it seems this is only the beginning for Alcock's Kara. Up, up, and away…

While you wait for Supergirl, check out our guide to all the upcoming DC movies and shows, or how to watch the DC movies in order.

Star Fox 64 always seemed larger than the boxy CRT television I played it on. Star Fox, a Nintendo Switch 2 remake of the Nintendo 64's 1997 rail shooter, has the same effect. Thrusting beneath tumbling skyscrapers, barrel-rolling between lasers, trying desperately to keep a rival pilot in my crosshairs – it's as if I'm stepping through the screen and into the cockpit, rather than sweatily hammering every button on the handheld.

While Star Fox's arcade-style intensity has aged marvelously over the decades, this remake targets areas that haven't kept as hot. A visual overhaul goes far beyond traditional texture reskins, reimagining war-torn cities and vast space battles with a level of detail the N64 simply couldn't offer, while glossy CG cutscenes turn the original game's barebones connective tissue into a cinematic Top Gun-style action flick. It all makes for a complementary remake, and if you're thinking of jumping in off the back of Fox McCloud's stint in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, I'd recommend starting here instead of the clunkier Star Fox 64 on Switch Online.

Would I Lylat to you?

At its core, Star Fox is the same as it ever was. Your job is to lead mercenary outfit Star Fox through the Lylat System to stop evil scientist Andross and his army, plotting a path which changes based on your choices in and out of missions.

You may decide to attack a supply convoy instead of following the lower-profile route to Venom, the seat of power for antagonist Andross and his fleet, but doing so will alter your route and necessitate attacking Venom head-on. Similarly, taking too much damage during the stealthier approach funnels you into the frontal assault. Two decades on, the structure resembles an ancient roguelike progenitor – creating replayability not through the moment-to-moment randomization, but with a rubbery campaign molded by your decisions.

But, where Star Fox 64 was content to let the story take a backseat, Star Fox finds smart ways to enrich its universe. Full-length cutscenes have been created for the remake, making it feel less like a series of arcade challenges and more like a traditional campaign narrative. Beyond giving the cast more personality, these cutscenes serve a practical purpose.

Diverting from Star Fox 64, which mostly required completing hidden objectives within missions, Star Fox tends to lay out your options within cutscenes – not quite spelling out the path to its 'true' ending, but making the navigational side of the campaign much more transparent.

It's another win for replayability: while seven-year-old me knew the Lylat System back-to-front, two decades later I'm not sure I could handle the frustration of taking a run-changing wrong turn. At times I wish more of the map was left for the player to uncover – if only to preserve the discovery element that kept me coming back to the original – but given how easy some levels are to miss, it makes sense to see Nintendo smooth it out.

Thanks to Star Fox's cinematics and visual makeover, newcomers could be forgiven for not realizing this is a remake. Gone are the Nintendo 64's muddy colors and pointy pixels – even without the original Switch's OLED screen, Star Fox pops on the Switch 2. Gliding over an ocean leaves frothy streaks in the water, and I've crashed into several asteroids while gazing at distant gas giants.

Better yet are the details that didn't exist before. The original game's blocky gray buildings on Corneria, for example, have been switched out to look like real buildings; while previously flat grassy space in the same level is now a burning cityscape.

Blast-off from the past

You won't get long to ogle at anything before having to shoot or dodge it. There's a wonderful dynamic between Star Fox's on-rails structure and the versatility of your Arwing.

The fixed camera feels claustrophobic when it's flush with enemy fighter craft and floating debris, and often demands quick thinking (and quicker flying) to stay in-frame. In a handful of missions you're allowed to fly in any direction, redirecting the game's forward momentum into a denser space where out-piloting foes is as important as being quicker on the trigger.

The Arwing's inputs are sensitive, and at first it flies with a seasick wobble. But it's intuitive and quick to pick up, and soon you'll marvel at how responsive the ship feels even while barrel-rolling and firing at the same time. The handheld's haptics add convincing turbulence to each violent yaw and brake, and the light touch required on the triggers is satisfying – the Arwing can be flown with muscle, but firing takes finesse.

Mastering both, you'll bounce around the fixed screen like a rocket-powered pinball in a giddy flow state. That feeling is the reason Star Fox's campaign – which runs just over an hour – remains moreish over numerous playthroughs. The newly-added Challenge Mode, which lets you play each level you've completed with additional objectives, makes Star Fox even easier to pick up and play in short bursts.

While I didn't get to try the remake's 4v4 battle mode, which pits McCloud and company against Star Wolf, the game's local co-op campaign is likely to keep me coming back for a long time.

Testing co-op with my partner turned into an impromptu campaign in one sitting, with one player flying the Arwing while the second shoots. It's a fun way to play – picture a three-legged race in space – and although lining up the controls can be finicky in levels that use the Great Fox's land and submersible vehicles, with the camera going rogue at times, it's a meaningful addition to the original game.

I'm pleasantly surprised by how smoothly mouse mode works to control the weapons, even using a carpet as a makeshift surface. This is the first game I've played on Switch 2, and Star Fox seems to bring out the handheld's best: its speakers are excellent, and facilitate a much fuller sound, with bassy booms and shrill laser fire working with improved haptics to put you right in the middle of each level's chaos. Similarly, having played a bunch of Star Fox 64 on the original Switch, the wider handheld makes Star Fox much more comfortable for longer sessions.

Of those longer sessions, expect plenty. Unlocking Expert Mode requires multiple playthroughs, as it's unlocked by earning a medal on every planet in the game and is worth it for the extra enemies alone. For its many bells and whistles, Star Fox chases the simplicity of Space Invaders and Galaga before it – you'll blow ships up by the hundreds, then U-turn to do it again.

Star Fox was reviewed on Nintendo Switch 2, with a code provided by the publisher.

Check out the best Switch 2 games to play right now on Nintendo's latest console

The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales might sound like a story about a cheeky young boy navigating life in the early 2000s, but in actual fact it's the name of a Square Enix RPG designed to tickle your nostalgia glands. The sprites could have been lifted straight out of something like Chrono Trigger or Illusion of Gaia, and the whole experience has very strong Good Old Days vibes. Be assured however that nostalgia is the decoration, not the whole cake.

While The Adventures of Elliot cuts a lot of fat away from modern gaming – there's no crafting, no RNG-driven gear, and no areas telling you you're not a high enough level to survive – it nonetheless benefits from advances made in the industry over the years. This is most immediately obvious in the visual representation of the world, described as "HD-2D visuals". What this means is plenty of deliciously crisp 1990s-style pixel art, subtly combined with more modern techniques and art tech. It all runs wonderfully smoothly, too.

Do the write thing

A story runs throughout the entire experience of course, and… look. I love this game, I really do, but the story and the way in which it's told is an Achilles heel big enough to challenge the most talented cobbler. But you know what? The writing isn't bad. Not at all. It's just so painfully adequate. The big picture is as familiar as you could possibly imagine – princess in peril, world threat, up to you to fix it, blah blah blah – and there's very little in the fine detail to spice things up.

It's not sad, it's not funny, it' s not thought provoking. It just is. There are several twists, but only one that I didn't see coming hours ahead of time (though it is, admittedly, an interesting one). 99% of the time it's perfectly competent Original Flavor writing; nothing more, nothing less. There are some great lines to quote to people out of context though, my personal favorite being: "You don't seem at all surprised by my wife's ears".

As disappointed as I am with the writing (something I value highly), I have no other criticisms. Everything else makes up for this weakness, because The Adventures of Elliot is beautifully designed. The overworld is a great example of this. It's fundamentally open world and, in true classic RPG fashion, more and more of it slowly opens up as you unlock new items and abilities. You're never given compulsory tedious tasks so the developer can show off how far apart things are. Instead, you're gently encouraged to realize that exploration is to your benefit.

The game ordinarily only saves when you hit an 'adventuring guidepost', which also functions as a fast travel point. These things are (usually) reasonably placed, but also, that fast travel function is a good reason to poke around between objectives. You might not need to get up to the top of that mountain now, but you'll be grateful for the shortcut when you do. And who knows what you might find on the way?

You can't customize your gear. Well, you can, but perhaps not in the way that the industry may have taught you this is supposed to work. You'll find and unlock a variety of weapons on your adventure, and in effect, what you see is what you get.

When you get your hands on the hammer, for example, that's only ever going to go one way for everybody. No color coded rarity levels, no random attributes. It's just a comically large hammer that you can use to whack enemies with and (of course) drive poles into the ground. The bow is the bow, a bomb's a bomb.

However.

There are stronger versions of each of the weapons to be found, usually by poking your pixellated nose into a hidden corner or seeking out an optional boss. These are well worth seeking out, and – after a certain point – can be upgraded further with Magicite. This is the one area where randomness comes into play. Weapon-specific buffs can be found in chests, but you'll get hold of the majority of these by collecting the relevant currency (often from bosses, in large quantities), giving it to the Magicite vendor, and crossing your fingers as you watch Magicite buffs being spat out.

Elliot to pay

Something The Adventures of Elliot does well, despite the weak story, is create a sense of an evolving, well… adventure. For the first few hours, for example, the obligatory princess will communicate with you via a pair of magic earrings (yes) and provide free healing on a cooldown. After that, however, your chatty companion changes from the obligatory princess to the obligatory fairy.

This is a huge gameplay shift because, in addition to losing your free heals, you gain (over time) a small selection of magical abilities. This feeds into the customization aspect. Personally, I would usually use the chain and sickle for melee, and the bow for projectile attacks. When it came to bosses I would often use (once unlocked) the Copy magical ability, where your fairy companion Faie briefly clones you and copies your actions – including attacks.

Even the standard currency, Tul, is exploited in interesting ways. Yes of course you can get small amounts by smashing pots and cutting grass, but the introduction of Faie immediately changes how you think about it. While she can't (or, I personally suspect, won't) heal you, she can resurrect you on the spot as many times as you like. For a price, that is; a price that increases drastically with each subsequent resurrection until you reach the next adventuring guidepost, where the cost resets. Gee, thanks Faie, good to know you have my interests at heart there.

This makes you think about the fairytale cash differently. I need to stock up on healing potions and arrows, but am I confident that I won't need that Tul for an extra resurrection in the next dungeon? It could make all the difference. Then there's the Magicite vendor. The price to increase the Magicite limit on my weapons is pretty steep, but if I could stick that stun buff on my chain and sickle in addition to reducing the charge time for the special attack…

And the dungeons? Speaking as somebody who often trudges through RPG dungeons with the sullen reluctance of a teenager on a supermarket trip, I like these dungeons. My sense of direction in both games and real life is awful, but I never get lost or frustrated here. The dungeons are relatively small, yet still manage to send you through loops and make you think about where or how to progress. The bosses are pretty good too, relying on traditions of learning attack patterns without ever feeling unfair or overfamiliar (though I do kind of resent the fact that precisely two bosses – and absolutely nothing else in the entire game – make parrying compulsory).

Adventure capitalist

By putting in the time to explore, resulting in finding the best possible version and powerful Magicite bonuses. I ended up with a boss-melting bow that certainly helped make such encounters less painful. But the fact that this is possible is very much to the game's credit. A relatively minor but, I think, important point that I really appreciate is that most bosses are vulnerable to damage throughout the fight. A few have invulnerability phases, but generally speaking, you can work on carving chunks out of a boss's health bar at any time. More of this please, videogame industry!

I only now mention that the story has a time travel aspect, as it's only really leveraged in a meaningful (though still unoriginal) way once. It's worth mentioning though that the overworld is, barring some visual and structural differences, broadly the same across the four ages. This helps ensure that the experience never comes to a juddering halt because, if you're struggling to work out how to reach your next objective, you can switch to a version of the map you've revealed more of to find the path or cave shortcut that you need.

Getting the 'true' ending involves completing a fetch quest that spans the entire map – across all four ages – that was previously optional. Ordinarily, this kind of thing really annoys me; but as exploring the map is so enjoyable and beneficial, I was already about halfway there anyway, and the various fast travel points – combined with something that shows the location of each item you're looking for on the map – meant that it didn't take too long. That's The Adventures of Elliot all over, really; it lays challenges in front of you, but makes sure that you have a good time overcoming them.

The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales was reviewed on Nintendo Switch 2, with a code provided by the publisher.

Craving more adventure? Check out our best RPGs ranking!

Wired gaming headsets come in all shapes and sizes, but I rarely get to test one that's as fancy-pants and rich-sounding as the Sony Inzone H6 Air.

More often than not, the best gaming headsets of the wired variety that pass my testing bench are designed to be a low-cost alternative to gamers on a smaller budget first and foremost. However, at $199.99 / £179.99, the InZone H6 Air is definitely not that.

This headset may be wired, but it shares the same driver components as Sony's MDR-MV1 studio-grade headphones, and flaunts an open-back form factor that prioritizes a rich and natural creamy sound. Instead of being designed for the budget-conscious, the pair is more concerned about providing an immersive and realistic sound for RPG and single-player game fans, and it definitely gets the job done and then some.

Key specs

Design

If you've got experience with the Sony Inzone H9 II headset, you'll have already come face-to-face with the design used for the Inzone H6 Air.

Sony has essentially re-used the same form factor, right down to that unique headband. It's comprised of a leather band suspended under a rope-like strap, which contributes to the pair's light 199g weight. It's in fact lighter than the 260g of the H9 II, and it's one of the most comfortable headsets I've tested to date.

Where it differs from its H9 II brethren is that there's no longer that glossy texture to the exterior of the earcups. Instead, you're met with a series of perforated holes, which help give the sound more freedom to reverberate and create that immersive soundscape open headsets are known for.

Features

The standout feature of the Inzone H6 Air lies in its open-back acoustic design. It allows the sound generated from the 40mm-sized audio drivers to freely resonate around the cans.

Besides this, the H6 Air isn't as feature-full as other cups in the Inzone line. It's a wired only headset, so there's no Bluetooth or 2.4GHz wireless options available. Instead, you can connect the PC, PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, and other devices with the USB-C port of the USB-C Audio Box, or you can detach this and use the 3.5mm cable instead - the latter of which is best suited for the PS5 players in particular.

Even the onboard controls are minimalistic, as all you have is a mic mute button and a volume wheel, and that's it. At least the mic mute button is a great one, as it copies the H9 II by including a large, rounded button that's textured and perfectly sized for the tip of a human thumb.

The left earcup, where these controls are located, also plays host to the headset's microphone. It's detachable, which is a massive preference of mine, and it carries a unidirectional cardioid pattern. The H6 Air also includes audio monitoring, support for Sony's 360 Spatial Sound technology, and support with the Inzone Hub, where you can take advantage of the "RPG/Adventure” equaliser profile for single-player RPGs developed alongside PlayStation Studios.

Performance

Sony sent me out this loaned headset around the same time my PS5 Lego Batman Legacy of the Dark Knight pre-order arrived at my door, which felt like a sign that I needed to hook it up to the Sony pixel-pusher before all else, and I'm glad I did. You wouldn't expect there to be a lot of depth in the soundscape of the latest Lego game, but the brick-built version of Gotham can get very atmospheric, and the H6 AIr managed to bring that to life.

Whether it was being able to hear every pitter-patter of the rain as it filled the Gotham streets, or the waves of wind that blew as I glided across the different villain-littered districts, the H6 sounded sublime. I did assume as much, as past experience with open-back headsets like the Skullcandy Crusher PLYR 720 also emphasised the sound design to any game, but this came in handy particularly with Lego Batman, as it makes the satisfying clicks of collecting studs sound all the more satisfying.

Traveller's Tales' Lego game wasn't ideal for testing the game's score, as the Batman theme is used pretty sparingly, so I made sure to dig out the usual testing titles like Marvel Rivals and Doom Eternal. Just as I thought, the 40 mm-sized drivers are well-equipped to take on busy soundstages. I could hear every nuance of the Scarlet Witch's "Pure Chaos" voice line as I took out half a team of enemy players, almost like I was right in the vocal box alongside the actress, and the mids and highs of the ending match jingle had just as much clarity.

The only personal gripe I had with the sound was visible when I loaded up titles like Doom Eternal. With an emphasis on dialogue and high-pitched sounds, audio on the lower end of the scale felt a bit lacking. And with no way to use both the wired headset and the Inzone Hub EQ settings simultaneously on PS5 (if there was, I didn't discover it), I was left wanting more on Sony's own current-gen console.

PC was a different story. I had the Inzone Hub software at my fingertips, which let me toggle on spatial audio, adjust the sidetone, and select from a few pre-made EQ settings, including ones tailored for FPS games. It's a good thing Counter Strike happens to be one of my go-to PC headset testing games of choice, that's for sure, as I adored what it could do. For the first time, I was able to rake in the kill shots. Sure, it was the practice range as I still don't dare join online matches with actual hardened players, but even being able to stand my own amongst a sea of bots is usually unheard of for me.

The main reasoning behind my new skills was the FPS 1 preset, as it brought down the emphasis on sound effects despite stating it does quite the opposite. Out of the box, gunshots in CS2 were loud and startling. But with FPS1 toggled on, I could feel satisfied with the crunch and bang of each shot without having to worry about my ear health. Talking of presets, I also made sure to try out the RPG setting that Sony states it "developed with sound designers from PlayStation Studios at Sony Interactive Entertainment."

The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt was my RPG of choice, given I wanted to start a new file anyway with the new DLC on its way, but I didn't notice much of a huge difference. The preset is meant to set a sound "which is sensitive to the spatial information of games,” but it sounded pretty similar with or without it. Which is fine, as that sounds great, but I'm wondering if Sony has a certain type of RPG in mind that I just didn't get around to playing.

Before I round things up, let's talk about that microphone. I really like the design of the mic, as it has a large circular diameter at the end rather than the typical tear-drop shaped bulb you find on other headsets.

But as you can hear from the sample above, the cardioid boom mic is pretty prone to picking up white noise. When you're in the middle of a Marvel Rivals match, or chatting to a large group of friends on Discord who are all talking over each other, you won't notice it much. Yet it's not one I'd recommend you use for streaming, podcast audio, or any other situation where you want crystal clear vocals.

Should you buy the Sony H6 Air gaming headset?

The Sony Inzone H6 Air seems like it's designed for a very niche individual. Someone who cares deeply about how their games sound, but who wouldn't benefit from any wireless support via Bluetooth or a wireless 2.4GHz dongle that's crammed into the boxes of most of the best wireless headsets on the market.

Personally, that isn't me. If I'm spending $199.99 / £179.99, I like to ensure I'm getting plenty more bang for my buck, but that doesn't mean I don't see value in this open-back headset.

A modern pair of Sony MDR-MV1 open-back headphones, that the H6 Air shares a lot in common with, will set you back $419.99 at Amazon. Meanwhile, these are $220 less and add a microphone into the mix, and a USB-C cable over a 6.3mm stereo plug. It definitely feels like Sony has re-wrangled the MDR-MV1s into a package more suited towards single-player gamers who love their FPS and RPG games, and if that sounds like you, then the H6 Air would likely be right up your ally.

How I tested the Sony H6 Air gaming headset

The Sony Inzone H6 Air was on my testing bench for a little over two weeks, where I used the pair to play the PS5, PC, and the Nintendo Switch 2. With the PS5, I had the headset hooked up to my DualSense controller while I explored the brick-built world of Gotham in Lego Batman, played multiple matches of Marvel Rivals, and re-explored the hellish depths of Doom Eternal.

On PC, I dug out Marvel Rivals again to compare the two versions, alongside Counter-Strike 2, and Mina the Hollower. Meanwhile, Mario Kart World, Pokemon Pokopia, Donkey Kong Bananza, and Donkey Kong 64 were my testing games of choice on the Switch 2, and I also used the pair while re-watching HBO's Girls and Hacks on Now TV. For more information on how we test gaming headsets, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

If the Sony Inzone H6 Air isn't for you, check out our guides to the best Nintendo Switch headsets, the best PC headsets for gaming, and the best Steam Deck headsets for a look at other premium pairs.

A Lego Great Deku Tree is the kind of project I'm still pinching myself over. Getting a Legend of Zelda kit felt impossible a few years ago; Nintendo is famously protective of its franchises, and any fan-made designs submitted to the Lego Ideas initiative were shut down with the speed of a kicked cucco. Then Super Mario sets began to appear, followed by an Animal Crossing range. Something had changed – a dam broke. This caused rumors to swirl, and now here we are. Link is finally a minifigure.

It's been worth the wait. The Lego Great Deku Tree 2-in-1 model is, in a word, magnificent. If you're a fan of the more recent Switch games or the Nintendo 64's Ocarina of Time, you'll find plenty to delight you. I can't deny that it's a lot of rupees, but building the model demonstrates where all that money has gone. This is one of the best Lego sets around and shows off everything a premium kit should be, no questions asked.

The downside? It's being retired soon. If you're new to the process, Lego does this on the regular; it sends older kits (or young ones, in this case) off into the sunset to make room for new models, and that means they stop being made. In other words, you're gonna have to grab the Great Deku Tree sooner than later if you want to avoid missing out on some of the best Legend of Zelda merch – before long, it'll become unavailable to buy. And man oh man, but that's a crying shame. This is something of a masterpiece.

Lego Great Deku Tree 2-in-1 features

• A 2-in-1 design (Breath of the Wild/Ocarina of Time)
• Includes mini-builds that can be displayed separately
• Features three different Link minifigures & one Zelda design

As a "2-in-1" build, the Lego Great Deku Tree allows you to make either the Breath of the Wild version or the one seen in Ocarina of Time. Unfortunately, you can't have both; because the two designs use the same skeleton, you'll need to choose between them. They're very different to look at as well, so it's not like you can swap bits in and out depending on your mood.

Still, Lego seems to have thought of this. You get a couple of separate mini-builds within the box that can be displayed regardless of what tree you choose. That includes Link's treehouse from Ocarina of Time (complete with a box of items from the game, such as the iconic Hylian shield) and the Master Sword plinth from Breath of the Wild.

In addition, Lego has included multiple minifigure versions of Link rather than forcing you to mix and match. There's Child Link and Adult Link from Ocarina to go with Breath of the Wild's Link and Princess Zelda.

Lego Great Deku Tree 2-in-1 build

• Takes between 4 - 10 hours
• Not overly complex, despite size
• Some fun asides in the instructions

Although mileage obviously varies from person to person, I suspect this project will take most people anywhere between four and 10 hours to complete. I was somewhere in the middle; I tackled the build in chunks, and it ended up taking me around six hours spread across multiple days.

This was a very pleasant experience, on the whole. There weren't any fiddly bits to speak of, and you'll spend a lot of time filling in the scene with flora and fauna. It's all rather zen.

The thing I appreciated most was the many asides in the instruction booklet. Just like in Lego Rivendell, you'll get titbits about the build as you go. These range from info about fairies to the many mushrooms you can cook up for stat bonuses in Breath of the Wild (many of which are scattered across the kit's base). This gives more of a premium feel, and it's less rote.

Lego Great Deku Tree 2-in-1 design

• BotW version has more going on
• The mini-builds are an excellent touch
• BotW version is very deep, so is harder to display

Once they're made, both of these Deku Trees are handsome display pieces – but for my money, the Breath of the Wild version is downright stunning. The mix of vivid greens with pink and peach makes it truly pop on a shelf, and there's an impressive level of intricacy to the base. Ferns, flowers, mushrooms, and more festoon the area surrounding the tree's roots, so it feels very 'alive' in a way other sets don't. Throw in scattered koroks (including Hestu and his maracas, of course) for a very lively scene.

Honestly, it's more vibrant than the Ocarina equivalent… to the point that I wonder whether it was the 'original' design, with the Ocarina of Time variant being something of a bonus. I could be off-base here, and I'm not saying the Ocarina version is bad by any means; it's excellently done. It's just that the Breath of the Wild model seems more detailed. More extravagant.

Either way, the mini-builds included alongside the tree are an excellent touch. Because they're built and can be displayed separately from the main model, you still get to enjoy nods to both games no matter what tree you choose to make. Young Link's treehouse sits on my desk even though I made the Breath of the Wild Deku Tree, for example, and it's cool enough that I probably would have bought it separately.

It's a similar story for the minifigs. Lego could have used the same head and swapped out bodies, but instead it provides three versions of Link with accessories to match. Considering how much the Lego Great Deku Tree costs, that's a welcome concession.

The one criticism I have for the Breath of the Wild model is that it's very deep once you add the Master Sword shrine to the front. It'll stick out a bit unless you have a deep shelf or table to display it on, so bear that in mind when deciding where your version will go.

Should you buy the Lego Great Deku Tree 2-in-1?

If you're a fan of the Zelda series, this kit should definitely be on your radar. It's the ultimate piece of fan-service to gamers that have grown up with the franchise. Even though folks who adore Breath of the Wild and/or Ocarina of Time will be best served here, all Zelda aficionados are likely to find something to love in this mystical forest set.

Want something more contained and easier to display? Keep on steppin', because this is quite a large model that isn't the easiest to display (it's quite deep as well as tall). There's no denying the price either, but in my eyes, it's a treasure worth the price of admission.

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How we tested the Lego Great Deku Tree 2-in-1

This review was conducted using a sample provided by the manufacturer.

I put together this model over the course of a week or two, with multiple short stints building it a bag at a time. This allowed me to carefully analyze the instructions, build experience, and overall design as I went. I made sure to compare it with Lego sets of a similar size (like Rivendell), too.

I will openly admit that I have never been someone who has given much time to playing board games solo. Alongside my collection of the best board games are shelves of video games, saying nothing of my Steam library (I’m a sucker for a good Steam sale), so typically, whenever I get the urge to play a game, I opt for the digital variety, saving me from the setup time and space requirements that tabletop options require. Unstoppable from Renegade Game Studios may just bring enough to the table to get me to put my controller down.

Designed by John D. Clair, Unstoppable is a cyberpunk/sci-fi deck-building title where you and up to one other person work to fight off waves of enemies while trying to take down the looming and ever-present boss before either time or your life runs out.

At the start of your turn, you will draft a new card into your deck and utilize your hand to take out that round's line-up of enemies or prepare as best you can to absorb the damage of anyone you can’t take out. Much like games such as Star Realms, cards can be associated with various factions and building out a deck whose cards synergize with one another and can take advantage of faction bonuses, will help see you through and truly become unstoppable.

The big twist comes in the form of Unstoppable’s card crafting system, where each card is composed of a core side - attacks, allies, resource generators, or other boons to help you out - and a threat side, which are enemies that are trying to kill you. Coming with a bunch of card sleeves, you will be putting both a core card and a threat card in the same sleeve as you play, with additional upgrade cards that can be purchased, slotting in between them. It really is pretty nifty.

Going solo

Being a part of Renegade’s “Solo Hero Series” line of games, Unstoppable shines with single-player, but does come with official rules if you want to team up with a friend, though I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it. The two-player rules feel more like a tacked-on afterthought included on the back of the box, as opposed to doing anything particularly exciting. You double the health points on the boss, but everything else plays out the same as if you were playing solo, with the only exception being that you can attack enemies on your partner’s side. That said, if one of you goes down, you both lose. The couple of times I tried it, having a partner almost felt more like a hindrance than an exciting addition.

I’m someone who loves deck-building games, with the likes of Dune: Imperium and Clank frequently coming off my shelf for game nights, and I even have a small-box copy of Star Realms in my car’s glovebox. Compared to those others, Unstoppable forces you into a much more offense-focused style of play. Unlike other deck-builders, where you have a draw phase in which you replenish your hand of cards, the only way to draw more cards is by defeating enemies, on whose reverse side are the cards you have previously drafted or that compose your starting deck. You can’t simply turtle up for resources here; you need to always be working out the best way to dish out the most damage you can in the most cost-efficient way, as each card you play has an associated action point cost. As I played Unstoppable, it almost felt more like a puzzle game than a boss battler, and certainly distinct from other card games like it that I’ve played.

To help you along in tackling your objective and enemies, you will need to upgrade your cards, done by slotting modifiers into the sleeves your cards are in. Cards feature cutouts, with upgrades filling those cutouts, such as allowing you to deal more damage or earn credits that you can spend on even more upgrades. But every upgrade is a double-edged sword, as each will not only benefit you, but also the enemy that appears on the other side of your card. More than once did I find myself cursing my earlier decisions as I got smacked for extra damage or made a particularly nasty enemy sturdier courtesy of an upgrade I bought and applied to it. Unstoppable does tell you what enemy upgrade is present on the other side at the bottom of the good side, so the information isn’t hidden from you, but it still feels like stubbing your toe - you have no one but yourself to blame, but it doesn’t stop you from wanting to shake your fist at the sky.

When it comes to the bosses your end goal targets, you have three options to pick from, including the Harbinger (your most basic foe, where you simply need to dish out damage before time runs out), The Triumvirate (basically a cartel of three gangs whose bases you need to take down before you can take the boss itself down), and Duomo’s Menace (which really changes things up, featuring a branching story deck you need to get through until you reach specific victory cards). While I certainly wouldn’t be against a couple more options, I really do enjoy how varied each of the three victory conditions is, and how they manage to pose vastly different puzzles to solve. It’s unfortunate, however, that the four characters you can choose from don’t rise to the same standards.

Chores

Saying that Unstoppable has characters to pick from feels a bit disingenuous, as outside of their own unique portrait cards, the “characters” themselves are just a set of three unique cards in their starting decks. These are fine as a jumping-off point and help direct you, but I enjoyed doing a sort of draft at the start instead, picking three cards from all 12 unique cards. This little bit of homebrew paired with the adjustable difficulty options is great for mixing things up and keeping the game challenging.

Some games, take The Lord of the Rings - War of the Ring board game, for example, have their theme and aesthetic so intertwined with what the game is that it almost becomes a component of the game’s design itself. Unstoppable falls on the opposite side of that spectrum, where its science fiction visuals never felt like more than set dressing, and you could swap out the guns and corpo cards for swords and brigands and have a high-fantasy version without batting an eye. This is a mechanic-centric game, and thankfully, Unstoppable’s mechanics are solid!

Perhaps the biggest mark against Unstoppable for me is the component management and, more specifically, the teardown process. Considering that a core aspect is slotting cards and upgrades into sleeves, that means at the end, you will then have to unsleeve those cards before you box up the game. I’m no stranger to putting cards into and taking cards out of those handy protective covers, being a TCG player, but it isn’t something I necessarily look forward to. Having that chore looming like a space creature peering over the box at me is more menacing than the boss itself, and has stopped me from sitting down and opening the box more than once.

Should you buy Unstoppable?

While I wouldn’t say that Unstoppable has turned me into a complete solo tabletop believer, making me want to take my consoles and handhelds to an e-waste disposal site, occasionally a solo board game will come around that manages to entice me enough to cause me to set down my controller. Even with the annoying unsleeving process at the end, I’ve found myself reaching for Unstoppable instead of a controller a couple of times now, but I found it to be a particularly good game to bust out during my lunch at work, thanks to its fairly compact box size and a game time of under an hour most times.

With a new addition focusing on the Dungeon Crawler Carl book series coming out soon, I’m excited to dive in and see how well Renegade designs the games to work with one another (if at all), and with the ample space in the box yet to be filled, it’s clear that the plan is for Unstoppable to be an expanding game system and not a one-and-done affair, and that does make me excited. Even with its blemishes (some of which could be solved with a digital version, just saying), I hope that Unstoppable is true to its name and doesn’t stop anytime soon, as it's one of the most unique deck-building games I’ve played in a long time.

This review was conducted using a sample provided by the publisher. For a complete overview of our process, don't miss this guide to how we test board games or the full GamesRadar+ reviews policy.

Gothic is rated 18+, but that's nothing to do with the content in the game. It's because of the endless torrent of red-faced swearing it inspired from me when playing it. In fairness, Gothic enjoys swearing at me too. Almost as much as it enjoys killing me, confusing me, withholding crucial information from me, and wasting my time. Stick with it and you'll find an incredibly rewarding remake of a true original. But dear God, who wanted a game that was like Kingdom Come Deliverance except less user-friendly?

Unlike Kingdom Come, we're very much in fantasy land here. The King is at war with an army of orcs, and he's got all the prisoners in some grim mining colony endlessly collecting ore to make weapons. But, a magical explosion suddenly leaves all those prisoners trapped beneath a one-way magic dome. An uneasy truce is forged between the King's forces and three rival camps all living under this literal thunderdome.

You play a criminal who's lowered into the dome and you've barely landed before a thug greets you with a punch to the face. You're called the 'Nameless Hero', but you're not a hero. You're nothing, and Gothic never lets you forget it. Dare to leave the starting camp's walls and you'll be mauled to death by a monster in two hits, three if you're lucky. I'd strongly recommend glueing your finger to the quicksave key.

Weapons barely help. You're about as clumsy with a sword as it's possible to be without operating it with your nostrils. You're slightly better with a bow, but even then you can't hold a shot for long without starting to shake like a freelance writer getting Gothic code on Monday and suddenly remembering the review is due Friday.

Tuition fees

Improving your skills isn't simply a matter of leveling up and picking from a skill tree (yawn). You have to find someone willing to teach you new abilities. And you better have enough learning points, and often a large chunk of money. I blew a ton of valuable ore and an even-more-valuable learning point just to learn how to loot teeth from the wild animals I was constantly fighting, as I was assured by the teacher that they'd fetch a high price from traders. Next time I see him, remind me to pluck out and sell his teeth…

I spent my opening hours desperately snatching up everything that wasn't nailed down and then selling it in the hopes of buying a half-decent weapon. Agonizing over whether to put my learning points towards combat skills or making the lockpick minigame less complex than brain surgery. When I discovered that the person I needed to speak to to get my strength skill up was one of the very first NPCs that talks to you in the game, I strongly considered quitting games journalism and becoming a war correspondent instead. Less stressful.

See, Gothic's true currency is information. The game encourages you to talk to every named character in its massive cast, mentally noting any facts you find. The map, when you finally obtain one, has no markers on it. Want to know where the other camps are? Better put on a pot of coffee and get gossiping. Or why not wander around in the forests and hope for the best? Ha! Yeah, good luck with that…

The benefits of being treated this horribly is that every victory in Gothic feels like winning the lottery on the same day all your childhood bullies file for bankruptcy. When a wolf attacked me and all-but bounced off my first set of decent armour, I practically wept with joy. By modern standards, the open world is tiny, but it's so ruthless that it feels massive.

I loved risking my way through its ferocious forests. Sometimes I'd stumble upon a hideout, and read the last words of a toymaker, then pretend to be moved by his plight while already planning to sell his life's work. Sometimes I'd find a hermit who'd teach me to climb if I brought him enough weed (yep). 99% of the time I'd find a quick, painful death, but that 1% was so good that I always wanted to continue playing.

It's got great dungeons, too. Enemy design is so-so but the environments are terrific and the sound design is truly evil. The horrible scratching sounds in the mines will be soundtracking my nightmares for months. Your arc from being a talentless dolt into a mighty warrior capable of conquering this land is about as good a power curve as I've enjoyed in a game.

None More Black

Given the title, premise, and brick-wall of a difficulty curve, you'd be forgiven for expecting a grimdark mopefest. Actually, Gothic is a lot funnier and more interesting than that. The prisoners have split into three camps. You start in the Old Camp, who still trade ore with the King each month. The Swamp Camp believe in a God called the 'Seeker' who they think will release them from this prison (and you'd believe that, too, if you smoked as much swampweed as this lot). And then there's the New Camp, searching for a way out and perhaps the most dangerous of the three.

The Swamp Camp is a great mix of sincere religious followers and people who clearly just prefer getting high to mining ore all day. They're ridiculously trusting, even when I was 'undercover' but still wearing the uniform of a rival camp, which is what happens when you don't enjoy your herbs in moderation, kids. Tensions between the camps start poor and only get worse. It's much more compelling than the usual humans-rule orcs-drool nonsense. There's some great stuff off the critical path, too. I can't remember the last fantasy RPG that asked me to become a drug dealer.

So the dialogue is fun, the gameplay is tough but fair, and it tells an original tale. What's the problem? Well, this is a remake of a 25-year-old game that was considered janky even in 2001. Unfortunately, I think this redo has been a little too faithful to some design choices that were crap 25 years ago, and prison-worthy now.

One quest involved a Swamp Camp guru wanting me to recruit more of the Old Camp populace to their religious cause. OK, so logically I should head back to the Old Camp, try talking to some of the NPCs, and see if they'd prefer smoking grass all day to back-breaking manual labor. Right?

Wrong. The actual solution is to stay in the Swamp Camp, talk to an NPC called Melvin who had previously escaped from the Old Camp, and ask him if he knows one specific person who might be interested in escaping. Huh? You'd have to be clairvoyant or the quest writer to follow that train of anti-logic.

Think I'm just an idiot? Agreed, so let's have a worse example. A woman in the Old Camp feels threatened by a guy called 'Bullit' (can't imagine why). I offer to take care of him and she tells me that Bullit likes to drunkenly wander around outside the camp every night, crucially out of sight of the guards. Perfect!

Everyone's on a unique daily routine, you see. That means you can rush eagerly into the forge, only for the selfish blacksmith to be too busy sleeping to buy all your stolen weapons. You can wait around for time to pass, which is as exciting as it sounds, or you can go to sleep to pass the time. Where's the only bed in each camp you're allowed to use then? Oh, dear, sweet, naïve reader. After everything you've learned about Gothic from this review, do you really think it's going to be forthcoming with that information?

The hero is so horribly incurious, too, that he only bothers to ask one NPC in the Old Camp where that bed is. Gah! This isn't an uncommon problem, either. Countless times I'd be speaking to someone who clearly had information I wanted, like the whereabouts of a location or crucial story character, but be offered no dialogue option to check.

Get Stuffed

Anyway, I slept until nightfall, sought out Bullit, then waited patiently for him to begin his nightly drunken jaunt. A wait made excruciating by the fact he wouldn't stop barking "ahhh, that's the stuff." Every. Few. Seconds. Gothic hates silence. The soundtrack never stops blaring and everyone keeps yelling gibberish constantly. Nonsensical barks that are too often incoherent with what's currently happening in the game.

One NPC who you briefly team up constantly tells you to "STOP!" even though he doesn't actually want you to stop, or even speak to you. Quest givers will thank you for helping them and then tell you to piss off in the same breath. It's really hard to ignore this when the game is demanding you wait around to learn someone's schedule and have a stupid repeated soundbite drilled into your skull.

Sometimes the jankiness of the affair is more endearing. Like when I plotted with a woman to abandon the Old camp and betray its leader, without the leader realizing, even though he was sitting right next to us. I celebrated by breaking into the chest on the other side of his chair and stealing all his stuff, all while he somehow still remained none the wiser.

But, other times the jankiness makes you long for a less faithful remake. When Bullit finally tired of informing me that was the stuff, he got up to leave and then wandered drunkenly around the camp for several laps before leaving, at a pace that would embarrass snails. He never seemed in any danger of noticing me or even caring I was following him, so there was no skill being tested here except saint-like patience. Tailing missions in games are almost always terrible, so it's borderline impressive to deliver the worst one I've ever endured.

Shame, because when the immersive sim magic does cohere, Gothic is glorious. I thought I'd locked myself out of a quest because I'd lost a fight I needed to win. My rival was now refusing to even speak to me, let alone challenge them to another bout. Turns out I was being too polite, and the solution was just to punch them in the face and get another fight going (God how I wish that was the solution to Bullit's quest…) There's a terrific RPG remake in here, but it would've benefited from more polish and being less afraid to rework the bad bits.

Yet giving it anything less than four stars feels like a crime worthy of being lowered into the colony for. Few RPGs are this ambitious and engrossing, or willing to suddenly kill off major characters and lock you out of quests permanently based on your choices. If that sounds like Hell to you and you bounced off Kingdom Come, don’t you dare come within fifty feet of Gothic. But if you’re able to look past some jank and put the work in, you’ll find a fantastic experience like no other. Even if it’s probably for the best it’s like no other…

Gothic 1 Remake was reviewed on PC, with a code provided by the developer.

Take a look at our best RPGs list for more adventures to get lost in!

The way Asus handles creativity, curiosity, and experimentation is why it's one of my favorite gaming laptop brands on the market. A dual-screened machine with two OLED panels, an RTX 5090 sandwiched between them, and a kickstand wouldn't have made it past concept-product status if it was in the hands of Razer or Lenovo. Asus has put the Zephyrus Duo on my desk (and on store shelves) for three weeks now.

Listen, I spend my days trying to find the best gaming laptops you should actually buy. A bi-product of that, though, is that every now and then I get sent a machine most of us absolutely shouldn't fork out for - but still leaves me grinning ear to ear.

The Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo is a tower of terror, a rip-roaring beast of over-indulgence and a beautiful machine to behold. But it's only ever going to make sense in the hands of ultra-wealthy power users.

Configurations

This stack of screens comes in two flavors; RTX 5090 and RTX 5070 Ti, ultra-premium and slightly... less... ultra-premium.

The top-shelf configuration I've been testing comes stacked with an Intel Core Ultra 9 386H CPU, 64GB RAM, and a 1TB SSD, running you $5,499.99 - about the same as the 4K MSI Raider A18 HX A9W. Should you shift gears slightly, you'll be paying $4,499.99 to swap out that graphics card for an RTX 5070 Ti.

Performance

The Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo isn't the most powerful RTX 5090 configuration I've tested, coming behind the far slimmer Razer Blade 16 in more demanding tests and understandably faltering behind larger 18-inch rigs like the MSI Raider A18 HX A9W and Asus ROG Strix Scar 18. It also drops back behind the 16-inch MSI Raider 16 Max, when the latter is set to its full 300W power capacity.

It's not exactly weedy, either. You're still covered for 60fps+ in Cyberpunk 2077 RT: Ultra at QHD+, with plenty of headroom in FHD in-game benchmarks as well.

Synthetic benchmarks, taken across 3D Mark Time Spy, Fire Strike, and Steel Nomad, match the same trajectory. In the more demanding (and realistic) Steel Nomad run, the Duo is at the bottom of my RTX 5090 pack, with its 5,285 score coming in lower than some RTX 5080 models (the HP Omen Max 16 and MSI Vector A18 HX A9W).

It's not a performance-first device, it's a true work / play hybrid, but if you're looking for something that's going to push your games as hard as it can I'd take that $5,500 and put it somewhere else.

What I loved about the Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo

Feels fantastic to use

There's not a lot of room for gaming laptops to surprise us anymore, but the Zephyrus Duo managed to liven up my initial set up experience with a massive array of new controls, display widgets, and additional functions. Opening up the Duo for the first time, I'm taken on a tour around the second half of the screen. Underneath a slimline portable keyboard, held in place (and charged) by a set of pogo pins, the Duo yields an entire second panel. This isn't the keyboard-addition seen on the previous Duo 16 in 2023 - it's a full 16-inch OLED.

From creating Discord, YouTube, and system-level control schemes to keeping walkthroughs and streaming controls at eye level, this screen is brimming with potential. It's the potential for overkill, but it's certainly potential.

I didn't find this all-screen clamshell form factor too comfortable to work through. Reaching over the keyboard to hit a slightly raised touchscreen for tertiary widgets and controls never felt truly natural or smooth. However, with both screens propped up (using the attached kickstand), I had a full dual-display work and gaming station at my disposal at all times. Again, that's incredibly cool - and likely incredibly unnecessary.

The hinges and kickstand move with a confident tension, never feeling fragile in the hands (no matter how terrified I was when first unfurling them). There's a glide and pull to every movement that keeps the Zephyrus Duo feeling sturdy and stable, even if my laptop-trained brain was screaming whenever I moved it.

Asus hasn't skimped on that keyboard either. While it's not going to give you the depth of a traditional inbuilt deck from other premium models, the 1.7mm key travel still offers a surprising tactility under the fingertips. I could type on this all day and never know it was actually a 5mm add-on. Its lightly textured, soft-touch material supports the wrists and palms nicely, while an expansive (and buttery smooth) touchpad offers excellent controls during ad-hoc productivity tasks.

Overall, though, it's the sheer luxury of this build quality that's had me in its clutches over the last three weeks. It's clear Asus has poured everything it's got into making the Zephyrus Duo look and feel like a high-end rig with no sacrifices in its chassis, hinges, or inputs.

Still manages to keep things fairly low key

Fully extended into its two-screened behemoth state, it's obvious the Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo is something special. If I walked past it closed on a coffee shop table, though, I wouldn't think anything of it.

Lying dormant, this looks like pretty much any other gaming laptop you'll find on the market. Peering a little closer, it's obvious there's something going on (the side thickness is larger than you'd expect from a modern Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 or ROG Zephyrus G14). You'd also know pretty something was afoot pretty quickly if you picked it up - at 6.2lbs it's double the weight of many mainstream rigs.

It's still thinner than I expected it to be, even with that keyboard sitting in between its two screens, and its softly rounded corners, smooth matte finish, and subtle aesthetic work hard to keep the Duo from looking garish in use.

While its 2023 ancestor was a chunky unit, this is a machine that could look like any other gaming laptop.

All about those displays

As the Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo's shining feature, you can bet the brand has outfitted its rig with two of its best panels. Both 16-inch screens run with Nebula HDR and a sturdy 1,100 nits of peak brightness, sticking with a high-end 2880 x 1800 resolution.

They are limited to 120Hz, which the RTX 5090's benchmark numbers can easily blow past in lighter games - but considering we're already at overkill in other areas, I'll forgive the step away from 240Hz.

What matters most is these screens absolutely sing in-game. I've spent most of my free time running Forza Horizon 6 on this rig and it's been glorious. Everything from the more nuanced cherry blossom trees to the gorgeous reflections on Japanese supercar glamor shots springs from the screen, with natural color handling and a vibrant, punchy tone.

Smart thermals

Popping a screen on the keyboard side of a gaming laptop presents a lot of challenges. Most rigs use extra airflow vents underneath the hinge while expelling heat out the sides - none of that can happen with a 16-inch OLED panel taking up all the space.

And yet, in all my stress tests and longer Forza stints, I never noticed a single skipped beat, or watched any throttled line graphs plunge down the range. The Duo manages to keep its cool when the heat is on (though you'll certainly hear about it), thanks to excellent airflow designs around the underside of the chassis with additional insulation underneath the OLED display itself. Neatly hidden vents and heatsinks around the back are working hard in this respect as well.

Not the battery hog you might think it is

Powering two OLED displays, a light bar on the back, and an RTX 5090 GPU is going to be a tall order for any battery, and while the Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo won't beat any productivity-minded machines in endurance run it performed slightly better than I had expected. I managed to run a few Chrome tabs with Spotify in the background and both screens enabled for around four and a half hours before needing to plug in. Sticking with the one panel for some Forza, I was slogging along for around an hour and a half before my first battery warning.

Perhaps more impressive, though, I didn't even know I was on battery power for that Forza session. My connection between the outlet and the adapter had unknowingly slipped out over the course of the day, but nobody told my performance. While lesser gaming laptops will stutter to a halt as soon as that internal battery is unsupported, the Zephyrus Duo trucked along just fine.

What to consider about the Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo

Lofty price point compared to other similar specs

The Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo is a fantastic machine, there's no denying that. It's just stacked full of expensive features that simply won't be necessary for most players. As a result its price tag is wildly inflated over more traditional RTX 5090 rigs.

A top-end configuration of the MSI Raider 16 Max will set you back $4,299.99, while Lenovo's Legion Pro rigs stick to around $4,500 and Acer's 18-inch Predator Helios comes in at a similar rate. The Duo's outlandish feature set adds a grand to the final figure - and while the extra panel is certainly exciting, that kind of cash just isn't worth it for most players.

Should you buy the Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo?

The Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo made me giddy with excitement in a way gaming laptops rarely do these days. It's a phenomenal device, balancing its conservative (for an RTX 5090) power while running two OLED displays at once and still looking and feeling swish at the same time. It's obnoxiously stacked with features and style and yet it's almost never going to be pushed to its full potential by the majority of everyday users.

Having a dual-screened productivity laptop is a luxury in itself. Having an RTX 5090 gaming laptop is another. Pairing the two is a niche use case that simply won't make sense for $5.5K, especially when it's sitting towards the bottom of the RTX 5090 performance scale.

Don't get me wrong - anyone with the money to spend and a need for a multi-screen setup wherever they are should absolutely feel confident in placing this order. You'll need to really know you'll make the most of it though.

The competition

How I tested the Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo

I used the Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo over a period of three weeks, taking the laptop for all my daily work and play activity. I tested for two weeks with the laptop sitting solo on my desktop, in both dual-screen and single-screen mode, with another week spent connected to an external monitor setup.

I ran in-game benchmarks across both 1080p and 1600p resolutions in each title's high and highest settings, using Shadow of the Tomb Raider for a lighter run, Total War: Three Kingdoms for more on-screen effort, Horizon Zero Dawn: Remastered for a step up in difficulty, and Cyberpunk 2077 as the final boss. I ran each test three times, taking final average framerates as my end result.

I tested synthetic performance across 3D Mark Time Spy, Fire Strike, and Steel Nomad, again running each benchmark three times and taking an average of each as my final score.

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

I'm also testing all the best Razer laptops and the best Alienware laptops. For more ROG, check out the bests Asus gaming laptops on the market.

Despite the series' perennial popularity, Masters of the Universe has never held much power on the big screen. In fact, 1987's Dolph Lundgren-starring MotU, for all its low-budget charm, was a turkey of such magnitude that it scared Hollywood off He-Man for decades to come. Well, almost 40 years later, Amazon is having a second stab at the muscle-bound blonde, and while this latest adaptation isn't as strong as you'd hope, it's an enjoyable and self-consciously silly take on outdated source material.

More Marvel than MotU '87, director Travis Knight's simple take on He-Man is simply not to take any of it seriously. The tonal and aesthetic cousin of Thor: Ragnarok, it's a film where the relentless need to crack jokes engulfs any sense of stakes. Masters of the Universe is here to show you a good time, and is at its best when doing just that, with confused attempts to ride the hopecore wave and re-align He-Man around the idea of radical empathy falling flat. He-Man just isn't that deep.

He-Man may not be deep, but Masters of the Universe is definitely bloated; it's the best part of an hour before Prince Adam (Nicholas Galitzine) raises the Power Sword aloft and transforms into the loincloth-sporting super-man – so be warned. Instead of hitting the ground running, MotU imagines a world where Skeletor wins, plunging the fantastical planet of Eternia into tyrannical rule. During Skeletor's siege of Eternos, a young Adam flees through a portal with the Power Sword, but loses it en route to Earth.

Cut to: 15 years later. Adam is a social outcast, obsessed with the idea that he comes from another world, still desperately searching for the sword that will be his ticket home. One day, rather anticlimactically, he finds it and is retrieved by his former childhood friend, Teela (Camila Mendes). Skeletor still rules Eternia with a, er, skeletal fist, but when Adam finally transforms into the hero of legend, he brings renewed hope to Eternos' colorful insurgents – most notably the capital's once-great war chief, Man-at-Arms (Idris Elba), who has fallen on hard times in the years since.

Man of the hour

To its credit, Masters of the Universe is self-aware enough to know that you're probably not going to take characters like Fisto, Ram-Man, Meckaneck, and Trap Jaw seriously, and smartly plays into the absurdity of the world. One fun, postmodern idea: all those ridiculous character names come from Adam's own, imagined nicknames for them dreamt up during his isolated childhood on Earth, as he tried to hold onto the memory of Eternia. Galitzine's performance is the anchor point; as Adam, he's more Rick Moranis than Dolph Lundgren – a bumbling klutz in way over his head. His take on He-Man is more traditional, and Galitzine certainly looks the part. But the idea to incorporate more modern ideas of talking things out doesn't really make sense when your arch-enemy is an evil skeleton man who likes to turn people into goop with his magic staff.

Speaking of which, we're as surprised as anyone to report that after delivering one of the more blandly self-serious performances in recent blockbuster history in Tron: Ares, Jared Leto's arch Skeletor is a riot. With a plummy British accent and an impressively expressive CG-animated face atop an equally impressive practical costume, Skeletor looks and sounds amazing. As in the original Filmnation cartoons, he's a petulant, power-hungry evildoer who treats his fearful underlings, like Evil Lyn (Alison Brie, somewhat miscast), with as much contempt as his enemies. Even the cackle is great.

Similarly aware of exactly what movie he's in is Idris Elba, who lends the film some gravitas amidst the zaniness as fallen war hero Duncan/Man-at-Arms, who turns to booze to numb the pain of his greatest failing. His strangely sweet relationship with homicidal robot Roboto (Kristen Wiig) is a treat, while his enervated demeanor highlights how much his daughter, Teela, has it together. As the movie's lone straight (wo)man, Camila Mendes isn't given the opportunities to pop off screen like those around her, but she holds her own during the film's dynamically staged action.

Power ballad

For all its irreverence, Masters of the Universe delivers on blockbuster spectacle where it matters. Hand-to-hand fight scenes have the kinetic energy of a child smashing two action figures together and imagining the fireworks. A more generic, forest-based chase with some rough compositing is a noteworthy misstep, but Knight's history in animation is apparent elsewhere, the camera pirouetting impossibly around swinging blades and flying fists. It even incorporates other diverse techniques, like anime-style impact frames, to striking effect.

Also terrific is Daniel Pemberton's thunderous glam rock score. Boasting Queen's Brian May as part of the musical ensemble, whose electric guitar wails over what feels like every scene, He-Man is given a suitably larger-than-life theme for an '80s icon.

Whether the film's tone – almost gratingly eager to make you smile – works will come down to personal taste. If the Taika Waititi-directed Thors turned you off, then be warned this dials up the comedy even further (it even lifts a few key plot points from Ragnarok). And as with many first entries in budding franchises, after a rote two-hour origin story, there's a frustrating sense that the movie you really want to see is the one teased in the last 20 seconds, with a major mid-credits cameo promising the appearance of a fan-favorite character in a sequel we may never get if the movie's underwhelming tracking proves correct.

Still, there's no denying this is a valiant effort to make Masters of the Universe relevant again on the big screen some four decades after its '80s heyday, made by filmmakers with sincere affection for the source material. Whether younger viewers will respond to an outmoded character like He-Man amidst the paradigm-shifting wave of horror movies drawing crowds right now remains to be seen, but we'll soon know where the real power lies.

Masters of the Universe releases in theaters on June 5. For more, check out our list of upcoming movies, or plan out the rest of your movie-going year with our 2026 movie release dates guide.

If you've ever been served one of those videos that goes up the price range of different gaming keyboards and compares how they sound, you'll likely relate to my first experience with the Asus ROG Azoth Extreme Edition 20. As someone who has only really dabbled with the depth of the keyboard world, I always figured that yes, there'd be a difference in the feel of the more expensive options, but surely not as much as the true keyboard nerds make out.

• Pre-order | $599.99 at Best Buy

I've been typing on a DROP LOTR Elven keyboard for the last year or two, and I love its mechanical feel and faithful design, especially as someone who hammers down pretty hard on his keys; it has an excellent weighty actuation to it. The Azoth Extreme Edition 20 sounds, feels, and actuates about 20x better than what I'm used to, so I finally understand the appeal of the most expensive sounding keyboards in those videos I see in my feed.

That much has been true of pretty much any Azoth board we've tested, but this is no regular Azoth. It's an anniversary timepiece that helps mark 20 years of the ROG brand, and with some seriously premium frills, it costs no less than $599.99. It's no keyboard for the faint of heart (or wallet). Whether you're typing or gaming, it's one of the most premium you'll find. It's certainly the best I've come across, but this keyboard range's price tag is becoming a bigger and bigger pill to swallow.

Design

The original Asus ROG Azoth has been sitting pretty atop our best gaming keyboard lists for a while now, with each iteration wowing us in different ways as their prices increase.

For this version, Asus has donned a black and gold aesthetic along with a "bladed metallic" texture. The chassis is a full aluminium alloy, and the frame is metal, giving it a noticeable weight compared to a lot of other keyboards you'll have tried. It's a fully customizable/hot-swappable 75% keyboard with RGB lighting. In the top right corner, there's a small OLED display with a switch you can use to set different colors and programmes for the color of the lights - a solid continuation from the Asus ROG Azoth 96 HE.

Turning it over is where things get a bit silly. There's room for detachable magnetic feet (of differing heights) to give it more of a raised angle, which is something I never found necessary, even when pairing the board with its companion wrist rest. In the middle, though, is a 24K gold-plated, laser-engraved, polished ROG nameplate, which is as extra as it sounds. It is removable if you want to put it on display somewhere, but it certainly will contribute to the cost of this thing. Lurking underneath it is a USB dongle and a paddle switch for the adjustable gasket mount.

Speaking of, that clever switch will let you adjust the typing feel of the Azoth Extreme to be a tad firmer or softer, which may suit you if you're like me and tend to type pretty hard. What will contribute to that typing feel a lot more is the architectural choices that went into the product as a whole. For starters, the carbon fibre positioning plate has a firmer rigidity to stop vibrations on the top layer of the chassis. Then, underneath is a three-layer dampening system. First up are two PORON layers, then underneath it all is a silicone pad to absorb vibrations and minimize switch pinging and echoes.

Features

Getting to the finer details, the ROG Azoth Extreme Edition 20 features ROG NX Snow mechanical switches that are hot-swappable and come pre-lubed. They have a refined clicky and refined linear feel, depending on how you configure them, which complements the adjustment Asus has made to the inner workings of the switch.

Below the upper housing is a stem material made of composite POM material that adds a bit more smoothness to the keystroke. It has a walled stem design to protect from dust intrusion while also adding some more stability. Then, on the very bottom, you have a POM bottom housing for a deeper keystroke sound.

In terms of connections, the tri-mode connectivity from the previous Azoth boards carries over, and the Azoth Extreme 20 is equipped with a ROG Omni receiver that allows connections to multiple supported devices with a single USB dongle - perfect for if you have an Asus mouse or other peripheral that already supports it. That means fewer USB ports are used up without compromising on high-polling gear.

Speaking of which, the Azoth Extreme sports a maximum polling rate of 8,000Hz, but only if you have a ROG Polling Rate Booster. In wireless mode, the Azoth Extreme can last you a quoted 1600 hours with RGB lighting and the OLED display off, 245 hours with the OLED display on and the lighting off, or a still impressive 96 hours with both on.

You can customize the board using Gear Link, without the use of Armory Crate.

Mystery Keycap Set

Launching alongside both the mouse and keyboard is a fun twist on the ROG anniversary - a new form of collectible called the Mystery Keycap Set. These provide a fun unboxing experience for long-term fans and are excellently crafted tributes to some of the most well-known products in Asus ROG's history.

I have to admit, I'm not one for mysterious collectibles like this because so often they end up being fodder for resellers to make a fortune off of, but the attention to detail here is unreal. The Chariot keycap actually spins as one of the best gaming chairs should, the Claymore deck and Raikiri controller keycaps sport all the right textures.

Each ROG Keycap Mystery Box reveals a random collectible keycap, and the full set includes tributes to the Chariot chair, Raikiri controller, Claymore keyboard, Delta headset, and variations on the ROG 20 logo. In one box you'll find: 6 x Mystery Keycaps, and 6 x nameplates (randomly selected with no duplicates; and it may include a special edition version)

According to the press materials I've been issued, the probability of finding all of them is as follows:

• ROG Claymore: 1/6
• ROG Gladius: 1/6
• ROG Chariot: 1/6
• ROG Delta: 1/6
• ROG Raikri Pro:1/6
• ROG Logo: 7/48
• Special Edition Keycap: 1/48

One box sets you back $24.99, which isn't bad considering the hand-crafted design of the keycaps inside - although it may seem bad to those who have already splashed down $599 on the Azoth Extreme 20.

The mystery keycaps are made with a Cross-based structure (Cherry MX-based stem), which should give them wide compatibility when it comes to switches to put them on. Each keycap is made with Resin material before being hand-finished with intricate paintwork.

Performance

As I've mentioned, I'm pretty hard on my switches when it comes to typing. I don't know what happened in my younger days while I was learning to type that compelled me to hammer down as hard as I do. However, using the Azoth Extreme Edition has felt like a formative experience. Its premium switches, the way their sound is dampened with each keystroke, and the featherweight it takes to actuate them if you aren't using their firmer actuation, is unlike any other keyboard I've used. It feels like it's taking me by the hand and asking who hurt me, encouraging me to be nicer to whatever keyboard I type on next.

There are ups and downs to lots of Azoth's qualities for me, though. Its lighter actuation means it's super easy to translate your reaction time to whatever game you're playing. But there have been so many times when I've been gaming or typing when I thought I was just resting my finger on a key, only to see something happening on screen and realise I was putting too much weight on it. That's awesome for gamers who need the slightest bit of press on their keys to register, but that can also, in my case, cause mis-presses where you don't want them.

Secondly, there's no denying the build quality of this keyboard. Hell, there's 24K gold plating on it and a fully metal body - something so many other keyboards forgo because they're worried about performance. No guess as to why it weighs as much as it does!

That kind of build quality doesn't come around often in any category of gaming hardware, and it absolutely reinforces the experience of using it. With such a hefty deck underneath it, the switches all feel so stable and cushioned. Each press, no matter how hard you tap, is safe; it doesn't feel like I'm damaging anything or that I'll be wearing down the switches the more I use it like that. But with so much weight to it, it does make it feel a bit like an immovable object to keep on your desk, so if you like to shift your accessories around often, this isn't very agile. More, if you've spent a lot on a desk mat, be prepared for it to suffer marks and potentially dents under the sheer heft of this sitting on it.

Even the flashy design has its utility drawbacks. For a celebratory piece like this, there will almost certainly be form-over-function issues, but there are some basic errors I wish were stamped out. The white key symbols on the bottom sides of the keycaps aren't very legible when the RGB is shining through from underneath, and slightly blinding you thanks to transparent edges on the keycaps themselves. This would hardly be a dealbreaker, but for a 75% board where you are likely to search for the Fn functions lurking on some of the keys, it's likely an annoyance you'll run into.

Should you buy the Asus ROG Azoth Extreme Edition 20?

In years of testing all sorts of gaming tech, there have been few with the kind of premium build quality and luxurious feel of the ROG Azoth Extreme Edition.

The Azoth Extreme has been made to mark 20 years of ROG accessories, and its latest flagship keyboard, as well as its mystery keycap set, is easy to recognise as a labor of love. Its lightweight actuation has a calming effect on a hard typer like me, will offer speed to competitive gamers, and a design that will make anyone (gamer or not) see why the maker has lasted this long.

Like with any gaming peripheral of this cost, I'd remind you that you don't need to spend this much to get something good, or even usable. Even with all its 24K gold-plated flourishes, it's going to be very difficult to justify a keyboard this expensive, and there's no way around that. That said, for the Extreme users who want a showpiece, it doesn't come much better than this.

• Pre-order | $599.99 at Best Buy

How I tested the Asus ROG Azoth Extreme 20

This keyboard sat on my desk for around two weeks before I wrote up my thoughts in this review. I used it for typing, video editing, and gaming every day in that time to put it through its paces. I compared it to other keyboards I've used, and I read up on previous Azoth offerings to get a feel for what this line represents.

For more on how we test keyboards, take a look at our hardware policy.

For more on peripherals, check out the best PC controllers, the best gaming mouse, and the best hot-swappable keyboard.

When it comes to gaming mice, I'm what most brands would call a tricky customer. I have pretty bizarre tastes that don't align with the competitive FPS games I tend to use mice for on PC, and ones that certainly don't align with the Esports design a lot of companies lean into these days. My daily driver is an MMO mouse with numbered buttons along its left side, adjustable weights, and a dedicated groove for your ring finger and pinky, so it pretty much couldn't be further from the ultra-lightweight mice most FPS players are using to glide around their massive deskpads.

• Pre-order | $259.99 at Best Buy

So, trying out the Asus ROG Harpe II Extreme Edition 20, which has just been revealed at Computex, was quite the transition. Compared to the other lightweight mice I've tried, this feels very different. Lightweight rodents for me usually translate to a lacklustre-feeling accessory that, while speedy, don't exactly give me the feedback and comfort I like. This is a different story. This gaming mouse combines a celebratory anniversary look along with really robust-feeling side buttons and a scroll wheel that you just know will last a lifetime. Or at least, I'd hope it would, because it will set you back $259.99.

As much as I missed my 12 extra function keys and dedicated finger grooves on my MMO mouse while testing this, there's no disputing that the customization, glide, and all-around competitive brilliance of this mouse improved my FPS gameplay.

Design

The ROG Harpe II Extreme 20 is a semi-ambidextrous, 82g Esports mouse that builds upon the company's previous Harpe Ace II, Harpe Extreme, and Harpe Mini outings. Being a celebratory release for two decades of the ROG brand, this takes the design language up a few notches, with a 24K gold-plated metal frame that resides under a blackened crystal clear shell. The gold scrolling wheel and side buttons lure your eyes to see the gold hues within the chassis, and the transparent shell gives it a touch of class and an understated feel.

RGB is used within to show a specialized ROG 20 logo, and subtle bits of branding are peppered around the mouse, making it undeniably a ROG product.

Turning it over, things stay just as luxurious. The mouse feet, or skates, as they're often referred to, are made of Corning Gorilla Glass, which provides a stupidly easy glide around pretty much any mouse surface. I tested it with all the speeds of the SteelSeries QcK+ Performance mouse pads, as well as a pretty slick one that came with my Couchmaster CYCON2, and the mouse slid around so easily that they all felt like glass pads.

The Harpe II Extreme Edition 20 utilizes a ROG AimPoint Pro 65K sensor with 65,000-dpi <1% deviation, and for those with those harder surface mouse pads, it features track-on-glass technology.

The shape will be familiar to anyone who has used a Harpe mouse previously. It's 39.7mm high, 126.1mm long, and 63.9mm wide, with a beautifully crafted curve to rest your hand on. It's been designed with finger tip and claw grips in particular, though, so palm-grip players like me aren't necessarily as catered to - I'll say more on that in a little bit.

The black and gold design philosophy is so strong, but you can tell Asus has meant this to be a proper showpiece, or collector's edition peripheral thanks to its packaging. The box it arrived in folds out to reveal it like some sort of exotic flower, and a sturdy, transparent case means you can take it with you without fear of the surfaces being scratched.

Features

Perhaps the only thing more impressive than the packaging is the Harpe II Extreme's expansive list of features and settings options. There's tri-mode connectivity here through wireless USB, wired USB, and Bluetooth pairing. The ROG Optical Micro switches are quoted for a 100 million click lifespan, and with a max polling rate of 8,000Hz, you know there's plenty of futureproofing for such an expensive peripheral.

Using the wireless dongle, you get access to ROG SpeedNova connectivity so that 8K polling rate isn't limited to a wired connection only. There's an impressive (quoted) 195 hours of battery life here too, which I haven't managed to actually find an end to yet in my hands-on time with it. Depending on what polling rate you set it to, your mileage will vary, but the Harpe II Extreme has a clever trick up its sleeve where it will determine interference in the surrounding wireless environment and boost its signal to maintain a steady connection.

If you're not one for spending loads of time in settings menus for your gaming peripherals, Asus has included a Zone mode on this mouse, which simplifies things for competitive players. Alongside 5 stored profiles you can configure, Zone mode will optimize things specifically for competitive play. With it on, you'll see a polling rate boost, increased sensor responsiveness, as well as sensor frame rate and wireless transmission power optimizations.

Performance

I've built more than one gaming PC with an ASUS motherboard, and I've tested its Raikiri controllers in the past, so this isn't my first run-in with a peripheral from the now 20-year-old ROG brand. One thing I have to admit is that dealing with the Armory Crate app is always my least favorite part of the ROG experience. This app always feels clunky; it usually involves subsidiary downloads to actually customize the product you have, and I worried an Asus mouse would involve me needing to download it. To my delight, that wasn't the case.

Upon connecting it to my PC via the wireless USB dongle, I was immediately met with a pop-up notification that invited me to a browser tab where I could fully customize the Herpe II. Everything from its button mappings to its polling rate, to its DPI and wider suite of settings and features was covered without the need for an additional download, and I loved how speedy the process of getting set up with it was.

Having just tested the GameSir G7 Pro 8K, I was curious to see how an 8K polling mouse would compare. Turns out, an 8,000Hz polling rate on any gaming peripheral seems to present itself in the same way. I play with a relatively high DPI of 2,300 compared to a lot of FPS players these days. But bumping the polling rate up to 8K meant that it felt a little more unruly than I was used to. Unbelievably smooth thanks to those Gorilla Glass skates, even with a (somewhat limited by today's standards) 144Hz refresh rate display, but would certainly take a while to get used to, as every twitch, pivot, and slip in any direction is registered.

Thankfully, while the 8K polling rate was a bit too hot to handle for my liking, the settings gave me loads of scope to fine-tune. I could try as low as a 150Hz speed, and ended up settling on a 1,000Hz speed after a few brief tests with 1,400Hz. There's a lot of scope to make this mouse the exact speed and sensitivity for you and your playstyle. If you like putting DPI all the way down and attacking CS2 players with massive swipes across your desk, there's loads of scope for you here.

My main FPS game is the Extraction Shooter GOAT, Hunt: Showdown, and so naturally, the bayou became my testing ground for the Harpe II. When the game's intense sound design has you completely immersed in a 3v1 western shootout, your heart can frequently pound out of your chest, and your palms start getting clammy. The shape and design of the Harpe II Extreme was excellent for keeping my grip, but one thing I will say is that the surface texture doesn't hold up all that well to those sweaty, intense gameplay sessions. There were a few moments where I felt my palm starting to slip in places, and the design of this mouse is so stunning that I worried my sweaty hands were going to stain or mark it and spoil its look. The aesthetics of this mouse are going to be a huge win for any gaming setup, but a little extra thought over actually gripping this peripheral would have been welcome, even if it is an anniversary showpiece.

While I do love the shape and look of the Harpe II Extreme, I do wish it catered to my palm grip a little more. My MMO mouse, and every mouse I've used for the last six years, has had a pinky groove, which I feel is so important in keeping my hand comfortable through long hours of remote work or intense gaming sessions. Yes, this is a niche taste with mice these days, but one I find very hard to go back to not having. One reason I don't gravitate to the ultralightweight mouse market is that I don't feel my whole hand is catered to, and I do wish Asus did a little more. My ring finger and pinky barely manage to hug onto the side of the Harpe II, and while I appreciate it's not exactly designed for a mouse grip like mine, a little more real estate on the right-hand side of it would go a long way.

Additionally, I get that this mouse is never going to compete with my 12 MMO keys, but more than two extra side buttons would have been welcome for the amount of money this rodent costs.

I can't fault the side buttons and scroll wheel that are here, though. They all feel so robust, like they'll last the next 20 years of the ROG brand. In fact, from reviewing the best PC controllers, the closest comparison I can make to the side buttons is that they feel almost as good as the most cushioned microswitch buttons I've come across. Pardon the pun, but this is the gold standard.

For reference, playing solo vs trios in Hunt, I usually average out around three or four kills per round. I may or may not have been having a good day when I did a longer session with the Harpe II Extreme, but I played three matches in a row, scoring four kills, then six, then seven, so I'm entitled to give some of that credit to the high-performance mouse I was using.

Should you buy the Asus ROG Harpe II Extreme 20th Anniversary Edition?

I have a lot of reservations about recommending controllers that cost $200 most of the time, so trying to justify a price of $259 for a mouse gives me a lot of anxiety. For reference, that RedDragon mouse I use cost me under $40, and is frequently on offer down to $25.99, so I'd argue you really don't need to spend this much to get a good clicker. Even for competitive gaming in the ultralightweight market, the SteelSeries Aerox 9 tops out at $189.99, so that should give you an idea of how much most people will likely be budgeting.

On the other hand, compared to those other lightweight mice I've tried, I think the Harpe II Extreme offers a much more premium feel. I don't feel I'm compromising as much on feel or build quality here, and I don't feel like the brand behind it is charging more for less of a product. The exhaustive list of settings and features arms you with so many ways to make this mouse work for you, and with premium parts used to craft it, you can sort of see where the price tag comes from.

Reservations about pricing aside, I think Asus has absolutely knocked it out of the park with the design of this 20th anniversary timepiece. Fans of this brand will not be disappointed by the aesthetic, build quality, lighting, and finer details of this mouse. It's a strong showing of why Asus ROG has been around for 20 years, and might stick around for a few years more.

• Pre-order | $259.99 at Best Buy

How I tested the Asus ROG Harpe II Extreme 20

I put the Harpe II Extreme to work in my gaming setup for a few weeks before writing this review. I tested it on different mouse pad surfaces and in various games, but since it's an Esports peripheral, I mainly used it in FPS games like Hunt Showdown. I drew from my own experience of using other gaming mice to make my feedback, and used the prices of similar mice to assess its value. I used the Gear Link browser app to customize the mouse's settings and get a feel for how its various features can impact its performance.

For more on how we test gaming mice, take a look at our hardware policy.

Want to compare with what else is out there? Take a look at the best wireless gaming mouse, the best TMR controllers, and the best Razer mouse.

It’s always felt as though Elgato is a brand that knows its audience and what they need, sometimes even before they knew they needed it. That approach has seen it steadily grow its range of creator-focused gear from the iconic Stream Deck to microphones, lighting, cameras, and capture cards. There are plenty of creators who rely on Elgato across their setup, so when it announced a chair in 2025, it felt like a left-field, yet logical decision.

The Elgato Embrace isn’t just for creators, though. It’s an ergonomic chair designed for anyone who spends hours at their desk, whether that’s gaming, creating content, or simply working. That premise is familiar enough, and at $499.99 / £499 it’s priced in a pretty familiar way too. That number puts it squarely in the midfield of the best gaming chairs. It’s easy to spend more, but it’s easy to spend a fair bit less, too.

So what makes this chair interesting is how Elgato pitches it. The initial launch took aim at gaming chairs, their pricing, and their setup process, while being pretty bold in directly calling out other brands at the same time. I’ve got no problem with self-confidence, but you need to be ready to back it up if you’re going to come out talking the talk. So the question, then, is whether the Elgato Embrace is ready to walk the walk in a very competitive desk chair market. Is this self-branded “Studio Chair” really that different from what’s already here?

Design & Assembly

I’ve put together more than my fair share of gaming chairs at all points across the budget spectrum. It’s hardly my favorite activity, but it’s never been a source of impending dread either. It’s only a chair, after all; they’re really not that hard to put together.

In its launch of the Embrace, Elgato went full TV shopping network with its portrayal of the ‘normal’ experience and made a point of highlighting how simple the Embrace was in comparison. In fairness, Elgato does leave you with a very simple building process, though I’m not sure it’s that much easier than any modern gaming chair, just quicker to get done. The main improvement is not needing to attach the seat cushion to the base yourself; that comes pre-attached and saves a chunk of the hex key work. Instead, you just pop the wheels into the base, perch the seat on the gas cylinder, and slot the backrest on. It genuinely took about two and a half minutes, so points to Elgato for that.

With it put together, the Embrace is exactly what Elgato promised in the looks department. It's a clean, understated, black office chair. It’s a grown-up’s seat that, dare I say, is almost a little bit boring and certainly quite generic looking; whether that’s for better or worse is a matter of taste. The only Elgato branding sits discreetly on the back of the headrest, which means it looks equally at home on a Twitch stream or a Teams call. It only comes in one color for now, which is a shame but not a problem, and only in one size, which is a shame and slightly more of a problem for some prospective sitters.

It may look like an adult chair from a distance and in marketing materials, but up close, it’s an awkward teenager when it comes to build quality. With the exception of the main seat unit, this is an entirely plastic chair. That’s not necessarily an issue as there's no creaking or obvious flex, but it lacks any premium feel with no real payback. It’s like it doesn’t know what it wants to be. When I’ve seen other brands opt for plastic components, it’s been in the name of cost-saving on their budget lines, and that makes sense. Here, it has the vibe of a chair that's been designed with sustainability in mind but without actually making any specific claims.

Features

The Elgato Embrace comes with the full set of ergonomic adjustments you’d expect to see on a premium chair: seat height, seat depth, lumbar support, a five-step recline system, 4D armrests, and a detachable headrest.

The mesh backrest is breathable and flexible, with a material that feels noticeably softer and less scratchy than some other mesh options I’ve tested before. If you're someone who runs hot during longer sessions or works under studio lights, it does its job perfectly well. Lumbar support is adjustable for both height and depth, and while I’ve never been one for aggressive lumbar support, the Embrace’s is a decent showing. I just wish the vertical adjustment range went a little higher. I’m about 180cm (5’11) and at its highest point, I would have still liked to go a little further; taller users may struggle to get the lumbar positioned exactly where they need it.

The five-step recline uses a tilt limiter rather than a true tilt lock, which is a deliberate ergonomic choice, but it does feel a little prescriptive. You can tighten the resistance so the backrest requires a pretty deliberate lean to move, but you can't dial in a specific angle and fix it there. It’s also worth noting that only the backrest moves, and this is independent of the seat cushion, so your lower half stays where it is regardless, which can be an odd feeling if you’re used to a more traditional tilt.

The included headrest, while fine when you’re reclining, isn't especially useful day-to-day. It's prone to shifting around and can't be completely locked in place, even when you tighten the hex bolts as hard as they'll go. The armrests are a bigger problem. The padding is thin and hard, which is not particularly comfortable on your elbows, but the real frustration is that they simply won't stay put. Height adjustment locks in solidly, no complaints there, but the rotation, forward-backward, and in-out movements have no locking mechanism at all, meaning they shift out of position at the gentlest touch. It's a problem that plagues plenty of chairs at this price (and above), but Elgato has fallen into a common trap with a chair it promised would solve all my annoyances with its rivals.

Performance

After using it as my daily driver for work over the last couple of weeks, I can tell you as far as comfort goes, the Elgato Embrace is entirely adequate without ever being particularly memorable. If you're expecting a plush, welcoming kind of comfort that draws you in, that's not what this chair is. If you’re expecting an incredibly ergonomic experience that’ll solve all your aches and pains, that’s not what this chair is either. I wasn’t disappointed by how it felt to sit on for extended periods, but a bit like its looks, the Embrace is just very standard.

The seat cushion is relatively soft and relatively shallow, too. The foam isn’t particularly dense, with a fast spring-back that leaves it feeling more like a standard mass-produced office chair you'd find in a corporate hot-desking setup than anything particularly premium.

The shape is nice, slightly sculpted but with a flat overall profile and waterfall edge intended to avoid cutting into the back of your legs and promote circulation. It’s a nice change from the aggressively-bucketed seats with high sides that you often find on gaming chairs. The seat is reasonably narrow, however, so larger users should consider other options, and there’s no XL option on offer, I’m afraid, so you’ll need to look elsewhere.

All in all, I don’t have a huge amount of criticism of what the Elgato Embrace is like to use as a studio chair, but it does feel like a chair I’ve sat in hundreds of times before. There’s nothing wrong with that; not every chair needs to be groundbreaking in one way or another, and often brands seem to add features for the sake of saying they’re different. I don’t need built-in air conditioning in my chair, thanks in advance. But the truth is, I came into this expecting more from a chair that had promised so much about shaking up the market and delivering what others haven’t. This is, in essence, a pretty basic mesh office chair trying to cosplay as a premium one.

Should you buy the Elgato Embrace?

The Elgato Embrace is a functional, comfortable-enough ergonomic chair that looks smart on camera and assembles in minutes. If those are your top priorities and you're an Elgato superfan, then there's logic to picking one up. But at $499.99 / £499, the Elgato Embrace has a value problem that it told everyone it was solving. Elgato's entire pitch was about delivering premium, full-featured ergonomic comfort at a more accessible price than the established brands, but what I'm sitting on feels closer to a $250-300 office chair with better branding. The Embrace isn't bad, it's just not $500 good.

In our list of the best gaming chairs, and even outside it, there are better options for one reason or another. Maybe they’re cheaper, maybe they’re more comfortable, maybe they’re a little better executed. The Elgato Embrace is trying to position itself as a premium alternative to both gaming chairs and high-end office chairs, but the build quality, materials, and overall feel don't fully back that up. For a first attempt at furniture from a tech peripherals brand, the Embrace shows promise, but I just wish they’d made a quieter entrance to the market.

How we tested the Elgato Embrace

I used the Elgato Embrace as my primary desk chair for a couple of weeks, using it for a mix of gaming, content, and general productivity. Testing covered extended sessions of four-plus hours at a time, and I paid particular attention to comfort, build quality, and adjustability. I assembled it myself on a carpeted floor and used it with a standard plastic chair mat underneath.

For more details about how we test gaming chairs, take a look at the hardware policy.

There's more where that came from. Check out the best gaming desks, the best standing desks, and the best console gaming chair.

Razer has been in the gaming chair market for a while now, but at the time of writing, it finds itself in a tough spot. Yes, it's facing the same old competition as it always has from the mainstay brands like Secretlab and Herman Miller, but it's the newer, emergent brands and "smaller" names on its flanks that are starting to eat into its market share. Desk chairs, including the best gaming chairs, are in an innovative renaissance right now, and the worst thing a brand can be at a time like that is stagnant.

Razer now has to contend with the likes of LiberNovo and its viral dynamic backrest; it has to deal with AutoFull offering a floating backrest, heating and ventilation, Shiatsu massage features, and 720-degree armrests. Razer has to go up against a million and one ergonomic "office" style chairs that dip into the gaming market, and scrappy brands like Eureka Ergonomic and AndaSeat that try to offer as many features as possible for a more affordable price than you'll find elsewhere. And Razer's answer? Doubling down on the Iskur V2 it came out with over two years ago.

The Razer Iskur V2 NewGen commits the sin of not feeling "new" at all, because while all the other brands duke it out with impressive attributes and innovations, Razer is sticking its hand in the air and shouting, "Hey, remember our chair though?" I certainly do remember the original Iskur V2, as well as its full price tag of $649.99/£649.99, and I'm not sure slapping that sticker back on the "NewGen" version is going to do Razer any favors.

Price

Floating backrests and dynamic lumbar systems are becoming a common theme in the gaming and desk chair market at the moment, and for good reason. It feels as though designers are finally waking up to the fact that adjustability is one thing, but human beings move frequently when they sit down all day, so we need something that can keep up without needing loads of manual adjustments. Razer was one of the first big brands to offer this with the original Razer Iskur V2, which had one of the best lumbar support systems we had come across at the time.

It had an issue, though. It was $649.99/£649.99, which put it at a more expensive cost than the likes of Secretlab (before adding any extras onto the Titan Evo). Even worse, $649 then became a price point to avoid for any smaller brand, so it looked expensive versus newer rivals like the Corsair TC500 Luxe. Eventually, as more innovations started emerging and floating backrests became more commonplace, the Iskur V2 started to look limited compared to something like the AutoFull G7, or indeed the AutoFull M6 Ultra.

I got the impression from covering the gaming chair market in the years following the Iskur V2's release that, while it offered quality, it suffered because of its high price. When a chair starts drifting further and further away from its launch price and into discount aisles more often than not, you get the impression it's struggling to keep up with the competition. Soon enough, I started seeing the Iskur V2 in the discount aisle during Prime Day, Black Friday, and pretty much every other seasonal sale on the calendar. Then, all of a sudden, it was nowhere to be seen - I could barely find stock to recommend it at most of the big e-tailers.

Its cheaper alternative, the Razer Iskur V2 X, meanwhile, seemed to show that the brand was prepared to offer a simpler, more affordable gaming chair than usual, and I had hoped this was a sign of things to come for the inevitable Iskur V3. Lo and behold, the Iskur V2 NewGen was announced at CES 2026. Truth be told, it had Benjamin, our incomparable Tabletop and Merch Editor (who reviewed the original Iskur V2 for us), and me scratching our heads. Costing the same $649 as its predecessor did, its big selling point was a new, more breathable leatherette upholstery and... not much else?

I remember asking Benjamin if he's ever had an issue with the leatherette on the Iskur V2 not being breathable enough. He said no, and he's sat in it since reviewing it. I looked online to see if folks on Reddit had been complaining about temperature control issues in the Iskur V2. I couldn't see anything, so I'm a tad perplexed at this refresh.

Thankfully, Razer isn't charging more for this new model than it did previously. But I can't help but look at this as a way to discontinue the frequently-discounted Iskur V2, bring back the original price, and sell again with the premise of "New".

Design & Features

Because there's no avoiding it, the Iskur V2 NewGen is essentially the exact same chair as the original. In many ways, it feels like an answer to the Secretlab Titan Evo NanoGen Edition. It's essentially the same product, but the emphasis on refreshing it has been through using a new upholstery, a more breathable cushioning setup, and slightly widening the dimensions.

To actually determine what is different about the NewGen model, I've scoured the product pages for both versions of the Iskur V2. The original's hyperflex backrest was called the "World's First 6D adaptive & adjustable lumbar support", while the NewGen model rebrands it to the "World's First Razer Hyperflex Lumbar Support System" - from the descriptions, both do the same thing. Similarly, both chairs are said by Razer to use "Dual-Density, Cold-Cured Foam Seat Cushions", but the new model has a breathable, perforated design. By the looks of it, the seat on the NewGen edition has also been widened slightly both in its shoulder curvature and seatbase.

Of course, the Razer Gen-2 EPU Leather with Cooltouch Technology is the biggest departure, and is apparently 13x more durable than regular PU leather. Elsewhere, all the listed designs and features of both seats are identical.

I do think only adding a new upholstery and some color options (the NewGen edition is available in Black and Green, Black, Quartz, and Light Grey) is a bit of a copout, even if there are other minor changes. But I don't misunderstand that new upholstery can make a big difference to any chair. People don't realize it, but one upholstery versus another can fundamentally alter the comfort and plushness of a seat.

If a leather or a fabric material is put together with too tight a weave, then it won't have the stretch it needs to really bend into the cushioning under your weight. Similarly, if the fabric is too loose, the hard work a brand has done finding the exact cushioning firmness they want will be compromised. Don't use a premium material, or don't use the right amount over each chair section, and it'll fray and damage over time. There's a lot to think about with gaming chair upholstery, so I don't mistake how big a change it can make.

From my experience with the Secretlab Titan Evo NanoGen, I don't feel upholstery alone can make a big enough difference on its own, though. For its NanoGen model, Secretlab went back to the foundations and added a whole new level of cushioning at the same time - and even then, it didn't make a massive difference for me personally. From all the marketing and press material I can see, it doesn't seem as though Razer has added new cushioning to this seat, just made it more breathable.

Carrying over from the original, you get 4D armrests, reactive seat tilt, and 152 degrees of recline.

Assembly

One thing I do have to applaud is Razer's assembly process, not because it's any more streamlined than your average gaming chair, but mainly because of the consolidation of packaging and the unique charm and personality given to the process. Upon first opening the box, you'll be met with a whimsical placard and a pair of nylon gloves. Razer is clearly catering to its audience here with nerdy Thanos references as well as some excellent sitting position warnings. A+ for humour - it's not something I've seen in any other gaming chair assembly process.

Jokes aside, the addition of a pair of gloves actually comes in really handy during the build. They're not going to save your fingers from being crushed, but I have broken skin a couple of times while putting one of these things together. Not only that, they help to keep the chair clean, and your hands free of any oils that might be put on the metalwork for lubrication purposes. Maybe this is something brands like Secretlab should add to their included toolkits.

Assembly was fairly easy, the standard steps of how to build a gaming chair, so not anything to really report here. I did manage to build it myself, but then again, I am a professional, so if you struggle lifting heavy parts, a co-op partner can come in handy.

Performance

In a general sense, the Razer Iskur V2 NewGen is a really decent gaming chair with good build quality and a reasonable level of cushioning. Some chairs struggle to strike a balance between support and comfort, and the jury's still well and truly out on what is too firm and too soft - because every brand in the market has different ideas.

The Iskur V2 NewGen feels comfortable to fall into, and in the three or so weeks I tested it, I didn't notice myself with a numb rear end that made me shuffle into new positions often.

In a similar way, I really like the armrests. They have quite a plush surface to them and a really great shape that means your forearms have a flat surface to glide across while using mouse movements. There aren't infinite height adjustments, but I felt I had loads of scope to match up the exact level I needed for my desktop. I'd also like to applaud Razer for sticking to a more traditional 4D armrest system. Each dimension is controlled by a release catch, none of this clicky rotation nonsense, which never fails to fall out of position and infuriate me.

Overall, there's a lot to like about this chair, which is why, for all my reservations about its price and its lack of innovations, I would still recommend it. On the other hand, I do think this is a chair for gamer that's above my height.

There's a bit too much seat depth here for people under 6ft to really benefit from the ergonomics it offers. Don't get me wrong, I love having lots of seat depth and a bit more width to the seatbase, so I have the ability to cross my legs over or shuffle my weight onto one side if need be. But too much depth will start to encourage you outward from the back of the chair, moving your lower back away from where it's supposed to be, and sneakily introducing a slouching position as you sink deeper into it. That then makes the lumbar support less effective, and the chair's ergonomics as a whole suffer a bit.

Again, this is a problem I had as a 5'10 man, so your mileage may vary, but it completely threw the ergonomics Razer was clearly going for out of whack. I couldn't, for the life of me, find a lumbar adjustment that suited my back. Even at its lowest setting, I felt like my spine was being hyperextended. This Iskur V2 NewGen just feels to me like an XL chair that would suit larger frames a bit better.

This is where the price really starts to bother me, because I've tested more affordable gaming chairs, like the Eureka Ergonomic Python II, that offer almost an identical experience to the Iskur V2 (albeit without adjustable lumbar support) and do the entire ergonomic setup better. That chair comes in at half the price of the Iskur V2 NewGen, and has an even more substantial seat cushion, so there's very little excuse to be made for Razer charging as much as it does.

One thing I cannot understand going unchanged from the original Iskur V2, is the headrest. Back when my colleague Ben reviewed it, we raised the point that even back then, neck pillows with wraparound straps were out of date compared to more efficient magnetic ones. While testing the original, the headrest would continually shift out of position, and the new model suffers the same.

In fact, it pinged off the back of the NewGen model so often during testing that I decided the only way to remedy it was to take it off entirely. Without that neck pillow to encourage me to sit upright though, I felt my head falling forward far too often, again encouraging a slouched position.

It's 2026, and magnetic neck pillows are by far becoming the norm for gaming chairs, especially over $400. I cannot fathom why, if it were coming out with a NewGen model, Razer wouldn't look to make this change.

But instead, Razer focused on breathability, and if I'm totally honest, I'm not sure it shows. The leather material used on the NewGen edition feels premium and certainly cooling to the touch, but it isn't a perforated leatherette, which I would think of as a more breathable alternative.

Testing it in my Scottish flat as the temperature rises gently into the Summer months, a "breathable" option shouldn't have too much trouble staying cool. I still felt the backrest trapping heat, hugging my t-shirt, and I'd still have to peel myself away after a long period sitting in it. It really isn't as cooling as I think the brand intended, and I shudder to think how it would fare in countries that actually get warm during Summer.

If I get really nitpicky, it's also a bit infuriating when this leather material squeaks as you move around in the chair. Floating backrests can have this problem as upholstery needs to stand up to the friction of moving parts, but the leather used here is so much louder and doesn't fill me with confidence about longevity - even if Razer claims it's more durable.

Should you buy the Razer Iskur V2 NewGen?

Not at full price, no. I really do not think this is a chair that's worth $649/£649, and I expect Razer is going to find that out again as we see it start to drop in price. It may take a year, it may take a year and a half, but I don't see this almost identical design to the original Iskur V2 performing too well in a market that's moved on from it in many ways.

Further, I'd personally recommend that if you're under 6ft tall, you look at something else. Your mileage and somatotype may vary from mine, but this feels like a gaming chair designed for larger frames.

If you do manage to get it discounted by $100-200, I'd recommend it. There's a really decent chair here, with solid armrests and good cushioning.

How I tested the Razer Iskur V2 NewGen

I used the latest Razer Iskur as my chair for daily work and play for about three weeks before coming to a final verdict in this review. I usually like to test a chair for a full month, but seeing as we've already done longevity tests with the original model, I feel more confident taking less time with the new one.

I sat in it for around 8 hours a day and beyond when I was gaming at my desk on top of a remote working life. I assembled it alone, I configured the backrest and lumbar support in many different ways to get a feel for how it could serve both my and readers' bodies. I compared it against previous versions of the Iskur on specs and price, and compared it closely with my experience of sitting in loads of different types of gaming chairs over years of reviewing them.

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

There's a lot of gaming hardware out there. Take a look at the best gaming desk, the best standing desk, and the best console gaming chair.

Dbrand has been all about providing niche accessory alternatives when there are none, even before the era of the Nintendo Switch 2. Shortly after the PS5 came on the scene, the edgey accessory maker launched its own series of faceplates when Sony had little of its own to offer, and it was among the first to release a case for Ninty's newest machine.

The best Nintendo Switch 2 accessories aren't shy of Joy-Con grips like that of its new Joy-Lock controller holder, but it's still providing something so many lack: customizability. The holder isn't stationary and can be adjusted to offer up a range of different angles, which in turn provides a pro-controller-like comfort that other brands haven't managed to grasp.

Design

In essence, there isn't much to the look of the Joy-Lock controller holder, but that's the same with any grip. At a glance, it looks not too dissimilar to a Turkey wishbone I used to snap with family members on Christmas Day growing up. Unfortunately, snapping open this doesn't grant any wishes, unless I made a wish for a 'new favorite Switch 2 accessory' that I wasn't aware of.

The controller holder is made up of two prongs that are held together by a large ratchet mechanism. The entirety of the accessory is all black to better tie into the Switch 2 Joy-Con once you snap them in place, and there are small cut-out squares at the sides to allow the illumination of the controller syncing process.

If this were from any other brand, that'd be all she wrote for this grip, but this is a Dbrand accessory. And as such, there are a couple of bizarre design elements on closer inspection. The first obvious one is the design on the front of the ratchet, which reads, "4026 All Rights Denied 4E5332 Archive Robot" with a circular logo underneath. Popping this into Google's search engine just pulls up the X (Twitter) post about the controller holder, but I wouldn't be surprised, knowing the brand's edgy marketing, if it relates to an easter egg found on the official Dbrand website. The opposite side features an Illuminati-style triangular logo, which feels very on-brand for Dbrand.

Features

In that very same X (Twitter) post I mentioned above, Dbrand refers to the Joy-Lock controller holder as a "fidget toy" for your Switch 2, and I can entirely see why. Cracking the ratchet open is satisfying. There are approximately five notches of adjustment in total, which you can switch to by simply holding your hands on each side of the device and pulling outwards.

That's essentially all there is to the gadget, but Dbrand did think to include some neat elements, from matching strips of neon blue and neon red color on the interior of the magnetic edges so you know where to attach what Joy-Con, to four small rubberized squares intermittently laid out on the back to allow the holder to stay firmly in place when left upon a coffee table, just like in my photos throughout this review.

Talking of which, you've likely spotted the fact that there's a pile of dbrand boxes sitting next to the Joy-Lock holder, and that's simply because you can order this separately, or pile on some extras to complete the Pro Controller-like experience. The holder is compatible with dbrand's Joy-Lock grips, and once attached, the edges will stay flush with the grip as they do with the brand's Switch 2 Killswitch case. This also means the holder is compatible with alternatives, so you don't have to stick with Dbrand grips for a true Pro-like experience if you don't want to.

Performance

The first time I cracked open the Joy-Lock Controller Holder, I was a little scared. There are no instructions in the box, and the loud sound that emanates from the accessory when you adjust it for the first time made me worried I had somehow managed to break it.

But my experience with Dbrand tech, from my trusty Steam Deck Killswitch case, to the brand's PS5 Faceplates, reminded me that the company's tech is known for being plenty robust, so I kept at it. After I had cracked the ratchet swivel a few times, I was on the right track, as this helped loosen up the grip and made adjusting all the easier. You literally just have to pull, though I found the best practice to be to gently place my thumbs at the top edge to give it more support each time I used it.

Once you do this a few times, adjusting becomes second nature. After a few days of using it to try and finally three-star all the GPs in Mario Kart World, I got far more relaxed when snapping it in place. During that time, the second position became my go-to. That level of adjustment doesn't point out the Joy-Con too far, yet it still allows my wrists to sit in a way that mirrors the way I hold premium Switch 2 controllers like the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 that I currently have in my setup.

Until the Joy-Lock controller holder arrived at my door, I had been using JSAUX's Ergonomic Charging Grip. It's a high-quality alternative to the official grip packed in with the handheld, but ever since I've tried Dbrand's version, I almost feel reluctant to pick it up again, if it weren't for its charging capabilities. Being able to adjust the position of a grip on the fly was a feature I never knew I needed, but it makes a lot of sense for someone like me with joint issues.

Without oversharing too much, I have a condition called hypothyroidism, which can affect my joints and make them stiff and painful. I particularly feel this in my fingers and wrists, where there's an underlying pain at all times. Its intensity comes in waves, but the customizability of the grip angle has meant I can now prepare for that. The other night, there was a lightning sharp sensation in both my wrists, so I kept the controller in its default position in order to help keep my arms and joints more stationary. Once I felt a bit better and my painkillers were doing their job, I was able to easily switch back to that second position I grew to love, which allowed my wrists to sit away from my body and be more naturally positioned.

As I had loosened up the ratchet mechanism plenty, the actual adjusting doesn't add to my wrist and joint pain either, which was a nice discovery. As was the fact that I could push the controller holder down to its default position in order to make it easier to store in my JSAUX All-in-One Switch 2 Carrying Case and other large cases like it.

Should you buy the Dbrand Joy-Lock controller holder?

Dbrand heralds its Joy-Lock Controller Holder as "more comfortable than a Pro Controller for a fraction of the cost" and sadly, I wasn't able to make that direct comparison.

I have yet to pick up Nintendo's Switch 2 Pro Controller for the simple fact that it's $89.99 / £74.99 MSRP is a little out of my budget. But honestly, when this alternative is just $19.95, I feel less inclined to grab Nintendo's first-party pad than ever.

The Joy-Lock Controller Holder provides the same comfortable experience as other premium gamepads I've used for the Switch 2, and each level of adjustment takes that a step further. Not only does it make it easier to store away, but the customizability has been a better experience on my achy wrists and joints as I can adjust it depending on what feels more comfortable on any given day.

My only main hindrance with the accessory is the same I have with all Dbrand tech, in that it's only available directly through the Dbrand online store. Over the past year, some of the company's products have made their way to retailers like Best Buy, but this is not one of them, and so availability is a bit more limited. The US retailer does ship to the UK and elsewhere, but that does come with the possibility of extra customs fees, and I'm aware not everyone is comfortable ordering from the US these days.

However, if you want the best Switch 2 grip I've used to date (that doesn't include charging) and don't want to fork out the exuberant cost of Nintendo's official gamepad, the Dbrand Joy-Lock Controller holder is the way to go. It's even better if you pick up the Joy-Lock grips, and even that new combined cost of $39.95 is still going to cost less than the Ninty Pro pad.

How I tested the Dbrand Joy-Lock controller holder

To put the Dbrand Joy-Lock Controller Holder through its paces, I used the accessory for a little over two weeks where it became my one and only Switch 2 controller. During that time, I played everything from Mario Kart World, Pokemon Pokopia, Donkey Kong Bananza and Tomodachi Life Living the Dream, aswell as older titles via the Nintendo Switch Online service including N64 games Pokemon Snap and Lylat Wars. For more information on how we test accessories for the Nintendo Switch 2, check out our full GamesRadar+ Hardware policy.

Our team has also rounded up the best Nintendo Switch headsets, the best Nintendo Switch 2 microSD Express Cards, and the best Nintendo Switch 2 cases that can help contribute to the ultimate Ninty setup.

Yes, Mina the Hollower is a love letter to Game Boy Zelda titles. It's also a 2D Soulslike, a top-down Castlevania, and somehow, something all its own. You can probably find a precedent for every mechanic here, to the point where it's almost impossible to discuss Mina the Hollower without invoking other games. But it manages to avoid feeling derivative by offering a tremendous amount of choice and variety in how you engage with those systems.

Shovel Knight, the previous project from developer Yacht Club Games, found similar success in remixing ideas from many of the best games of the NES era. But while Mina the Hollower takes some obvious cues from classic handheld Zelda titles, you need to know right now: this is not just an indie follow-up to Link's Awakening. Mina is, well, meaner, and if you're looking for a Nintendo-style blend of breezy overworld exploration and lightly challenging dungeon dives, you're going to be disappointed. It's not a challenge on the level of, say, Hollow Knight: Silksong, but it will absolutely kick your teeth in if you're not willing to meet it on its own terms.

Mina the Hollower asks you to overcome an intricately designed world full of Gothic horrors and anthropomorphic animals – Castlevania by way of Looney Tunes – by taking your pick of a cornucopia's worth of weapons, perks, and other tools to get the job done. Creating your own character build is hardly an unusual concept, but here you get far more than the mild percentage buffs that are the bread and butter of other RPG-influenced action games. A single upgrade can completely change the way you play.

Have it your way

Those options start with your selection of one of three weapons at the beginning of the game, and each one completely changes the rhythm and pace of the action. The fast-swinging daggers instantly feel like the sword from Link's Awakening, and you'll need to make good use of it thanks to a host of equally fast moving and reactive enemies that'll have you chopping away at brief windows of vulnerability. The whip, on the other hand, makes combat more of a spacing game, as you have to set your feet for a beat before your attack comes out, very much like in classic Castlevania.

You eventually get access to all three weapons – plus a couple more – and while I usually prefer to pick one tool and stick with it forever in a game like this, each new acquisition was exciting enough that I had to stick with it for a few hours to see what all it was capable of. Add to that the sidearms, which are Castlevania-like subweapons that have limited ammo, and you've got even more to play with.

Regardless of the weapon you have equipped, as a Hollower you can always dive into the ground, and swim around like a land shark while briefly invulnerable to most enemy attacks. You pop out with a little extra momentum, letting you jump across wider gaps, making burrowing a tool for both combat and platforming.

You'll need to do everything you can to avoid enemy strikes, too, since healing is tough to come by. You get a pile of healing vials that refill at every checkpoint, but they'll only restore your health as far as your plasma meter has been filled – a gauge that you build by successfully striking enemies. It's a Dark Souls Estus Flask system combined with Bloodborne's Regain. You have to go out of your way to be aggressive simply to be able to heal, and even then you always have to weigh when you want to heal. Do you take a small heal right now, when your plasma is low, just to ensure you won't die within the next couple of hits? Or do you try to risk a few more attacks to build up for a full heal, taking your chances with death to ensure you're making the most of your next vial?

But you can revamp even these core aspects of the game, if you find the right items. Trinkets are hidden throughout the world, which you can equip to get new perks. Don't like the plasma healing system? Just equip the trinkets that give you boosted plasma and use vials automatically. Or spend those slots instead on trinkets that let you burrow in walls, keep an extra life in reserve, or a create swarm of deadly flies that circle you like a shield.

New game fuss

I could keep going on and on with examples of every way you can tweak your playstyle, because I kept finding new combinations that fundamentally changed my approach all the way through the 18 or so hours it took me to reach the end. There are far more collectibles I want to go back and find, and I still want to see how many different ways I can put together all these options. Luckily, there's a robust New Game Plus mode which will – depending on how many rounds of clears you've gone through – boost the difficulty, randomize item positions, mirror the world, or even shuffle enemy stats.

It definitely feels like the world you're exploring is intricate enough to stand up to the scrutiny of repeated playthroughs, too. Where Mina the Hollower's inspirations might distinguish between the overworld and dungeons, here the entire map is effectively one massive dungeon, with a variety of spokes pointing in different directions to the six MacGuffins you need to reach the final boss.

Here, too, the game lets you approach things pretty much however you like. A clever series of newspapers that appear after each area is completed will gently prod you in the direction you're "supposed" to go, but there are few actual gates on your progress. You'll have a tough time defeating enemies with your low attack and defense stats if you try to hit a late-game area too early, but you're welcome to try. The rare instances where I did a bit of sequence breaking to wreck the leveling curve for a bit were pretty satisfying, too.

There's wonderful variety in each of the areas, from the swamps where you need to use your burrowing abilities to swim through murky waters to the icy mountains that have you riding half-broken train tracks like it's Ratchet & Clank. My highlight is a Halloween-themed town where you're constantly stalked by an invincible monster worthy of the legacy of Mr. X from Resident Evil 2.

There are yet more comparisons I could make to other classic games – I can't not mention the ghostly enemy that chases you around like Phanto from Super Mario Bros. 2 when you pick up certain key items – but as I said at the beginning, Mina the Hollower is able to combine this massive pile of old, familiar ideas from across the vast history of gaming into something that still feels all its own. Yacht Club Games clearly understands what works about the classics, and Mina the Hollower is an incredible collection of tested ideas rebuilt in new ways.

Mina the Hollower was reviewed on PC and Steam Deck, with a code provided by the developer.

Going retro? Check out the best Game Boy Color games of all time!

Overkill or not, it looks as though the future of the best PC controller arena will be fought out by gamepads that have a polling rate of 8,000Hz or more. It all started when Razer launched an 8K version of its popular Wolverine V3 Pro. But GameSir was quick to bite back, announcing an 8K version of the G7 Pro back at CES at the beginning of 2026. Now, GameSir is on the verge of launching a whole new line of Tarantula Pro controllers, and two out of the three will have 8K polling rates.

It won't be long until other brands jump on this trend to stay competitive, and I'm sure a lot of folks will be asking the same thing: whether it's actually going to be worth it. Even competitively tilted mice and keyboards that have 8K polling rates are only really serving a niche in the market that cares about latency to this extent, and it's hardly the norm for most gaming mice to ship with a polling rate above 1-2,000Hz.

I set out to test the 8K model of the G7 Pro in the hopes of finding answers. Is an 8K polling rate overkill or not? Regardless of my findings, I'm just happy to see the new "upgraded" version of the G7 Pro stay in the same price region as the original. A boost from $79.99 up to $89.99/£99.99 isn't too bad in the grand scheme of things, and I've seen other brands charging a lot more for incremental upgrades to existing products. Even the special edition colorways of the regular G7 Pro can set you back more than this, so GameSir is doing a good job of inviting players to try out the cutting edge of controller speed without raising the price of entry.

Design & Features

I've already given a full rundown of the specs and features of the GameSir G7 Pro in my original review, so I'll give a shortened version here, seeing as the 8K PC version carries over basically all of them.

Obviously, when it comes to the design, the 8K model has a bit more pzazz thanks to more dramatic colorways. At the time of writing, the 8K model has an officially licensed Aimlabs colorway, an officially licensed Nioh 3 skin, or a black and gold "Champion Edition" which is tied to Esports fighting game athlete, Xiaohai. I'm testing out the Aimlabs model, which blends some lovely light blue colors with deep blacks. There's a subtle transparency to the grips, allowing you to just about peer into the chassis and catch a glimpse of the vibration motors. All the while, the grips don't lose their rubberized texture. Speaking of which, my favorite design flourish is a 3D texture to the face button symbols, which feels really satisfying under your thumb.

Beyond that, you get the same design points as you will on the Xbox-flavored G7 Pro. It's the same controller body with two back buttons, two extra clicky bumpers, a circular D-pad, and premium-feeling microswitch buttons. There's a wireless dongle, a charging stand, decent battery life, trigger stops, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

What does differ on the 8K version is an expanse of swappable parts. It's a shame that the carrying case GameSir announced at CES for the G7 Pro isn't included as standard on the 8K model, as it would have really helped it to feel like an "upgrade". Not to mention, with more swappable thumbstick tops in the box, it'd help to ensure you don't lose them all.

I found three extra sets of thumbstick tops in my G7 8K's box. One taller pair with domed heads, one indented pair, and a shorter domed pair as well.

Naturally, the biggest feature of this gamepad versus the standard G7 Pro is an 8K polling rate to help it make the most of its TMR controller potential. Essentially, TMR thumbsticks have a much higher resolution and communication speed than Hall effect ones, and so the thinking behind 8K polling controllers that utilize this technology is presumably that you can actually make the most of their speed. If you're not such a big fan of any type of thumbstick tech these days, the G7 Pro 8K is also fitted out with gyro aim features.

Something I'm happy to report is that, despite its faster polling rate, the G7 Pro 8K doesn't lose out on its rumble motors. Razer stripped back the Wolverine V3 Pro's rumble for its 8K version, and it completely uprooted the feel of the device, making it feel cheaper and a lot less premium. The G7 Pro 8K doesn't suffer from that, and I'm really glad because an increase in performance for competitive multiplayer games through a faster polling rate shouldn't mean you need to lose out on speed.

Performance

The first question on a lot of gamers' minds when I told them about testing an 8K polling controller was, "Can you actually tell the difference?" It's a tricky question to answer, because the difference between latencies of 250Hz, 1,000Hz, and 8,000Hz isn't really about an input delay that your human reflex speeds and nervous system can feasibly interpret. The jump between 1,000Hz and 8,000Hz really presents itself through an increase in sensitivity.

Going from a 1,000Hz controller with Hall sensor sticks to an 8,000Hz one with TMR sticks, I don't think a lot of people would be able to differentiate them, if I'm being honest.

However, jumping from Valve's Steam Controller (which polls at 250Hz with TMR thumbsticks and a zero deadzone mode) to the G7 Pro 8K in full-flung 8,000Hz mode with shortened deadzones from the out-of-box experience, I absolutely felt the difference.

Where Crimson Desert's inputs felt sluggish in places before, they now felt a bit unruly as the game suddenly registered every tiny piece of my inputs on the thumbsticks at record speed. It felt like a jump up in sensitivity, not so much a removal of latency, if that makes sense. I quickly got used to this, and it became clear that shoving the camera around in an open-world action adventure was hardly going to be a test for a controller like this.

It was in FPS games that things were really going to get interesting, and boy, did they. Describing the experience of playing my go-to testing shooter for controllers, Hunt: Showdown with the G7 Pro 8K PC is tough. In some ways, it's revolutionary. In some ways, it's unlocked an entirely new level of gamepad performance in a game that demands precision aim to combat veteran mouse players. In others, it's really not going to be necessary or, perhaps more importantly, wind up as the preferred choice for a lot of gamers.

If you've kept up at all with controller tech in recent years, you might have heard chatter about Hall effect thumbsticks being a little hot to handle when they first arrived on the scene. That can sometimes be the case, and still, depending on how they've been calibrated and tuned, and the tensions used on the controllers themselves, Hall effect thumbsticks can be a bit unruly. I've actually found that TMR sticks are a bit more balanced across all the ones I've tried, maybe because of their higher resolutions, leveling out the sensitivity with more accuracy. But the G7 Pro, with its taller right thumbstick attached, deadzones shortened, and 8K mode switched on, is no short of shit-hot.

Seriously, you really have to adjust and, in some ways, re-learn how to play shooters with this controller, because some of your instincts from using lesser ones will now be absolutely no use to you. In fact, they'll actually lead you to use this one in the wrong way.

For example, in Hunt: Showdown, I overcompensate in certain shooting tactics when I use a controller vs when I'm playing with a mouse and the Azeron Cyborg II. If I need to take a quick shot and then immediately get back into cover, it's pretty easy to ADS, take a precise but flicky shot, and then almost in the same motion, flick back the other way and move my hunter out of the way. With a controller in hand, the flick out of the shot can't be as aggressive and quick, so you end up snatching one direction or the other during the shot to get as close to the same level of speed. It's almost as though you use the sensitivity differential between ADS and shoulder aim to try to make up for your inability to turn around quickly.

If you "snatch" the camera away during the shot while changing from ADS sensitivity to shoulder aim sensitivity with the G7 Pro in 8K mode, you will end up looking back over your shoulder because you no longer need to compensate as much for the speed differentials.

Similarly, a lot of controller players in FPS games will compensate for a lack of precision with the aiming stick by keeping their aim relatively still and moving their player into position so the crosshair lines up on a target instead. That doesn't need to be the case with this pad, and in fact, flies in the face of its specialty: extremely smooth tracking.

I might catch flak for this, but the G7 8K is, in this way, the closest experience I've had to using a mouse to aim. If you need to track a target that's moving across, up, or diagonally around your display, a consistent and measured move of your thumbstick on any other controller might be tough to hold onto, and if there are any speed changes in what you're tracking, it's easy to fall off the target. With the G7 Pro 8K, it's off-puttingly easy to just keep your crosshair exactly where it needs to be.

This is what I mean. In some ways, you'll need to relearn how to use a controller like this. It'll feel unwieldy because of the increase in sensitivity, and you'll likely need to really take time to get used to it. For many, that may be a step too far, and it may never be something that people get used to if they're coming from a lifetime of using slower controllers. But for the competitive controller crowd who are already dialed into their aiming skills with a gamepad, this is going to make them unstoppable forces that will have even less trouble keeping up with mouse and keyboard players.

The skill gap between the peripherals feels as though it's been considerably narrowed in recent years, but with this type of controller, it's getting narrower still. Overkill or not, I can absolutely see 8K polling rates becoming a trend that other brands jump onto.

What I will say is that I struggled to really find a lot of value to an 8,000Hz mode outside of FPS titles. Yes, there are going to be gaming genres that rely on the right stick more than others, but from my testing across lots of them, besides an increase in sensitivity, you probably aren't going to notice much. The right stick is really where you feel the majority of the difference in polling rates.

Metroidvanias felt snappy and responsive, but I wouldn't say there was a performance boost enough to say an 8K polling controller is going to be worth it for fans of that genre. Racing around the streets of Forza Horizon 6 was easy with really smooth steering, but testing directly against the Xbox G7 Pro in 1,000Hz mode, I didn't honestly feel much of a difference while exploring virtual Tokyo City.

Should you buy the GameSir G7 Pro 8K PC?

So in the end, I'd argue that the 8,000Hz polling rate unlocked by this version of the GameSir G7 Pro is the new cutting edge of the controller market, but the problem with being on the cutting edge is that questions arise over whether you're actually necessary or not. In FPS games where ultimate aiming control is needed against mouse and keyboard players, this is going to be a new final boss on the shelves you need to consider. Then again, it's going to feel too sensitive to handle if you aren't willing to make some adjustments to your playstyle.

But for your average gamer, I'm not really feeling or seeing much of a difference, or at least enough of one across the board to say that everyone should rush out and buy an 8KHz peripheral. The good news is that the upgrades the G7 Pro 8K will provide you with over the original model aren't going to set you back much more money. That means that in the same light, there's also no real reason why not to buy the 8K model. It has the upgrades available for you to use if you want them, and the futureproofing not many rivals offer. A stretch of $10 more is hardly a lot to argue with. That said, Xbox players are going to lose compatibility with their console if they buy this version, so keep that in mind.

Whether the 8K polling rate is going to be overkill or not for you and the games you play, the GameSir G7 Pro 8K PC is still an enhanced version of one of the best Xbox Series X controllers that's been released in the last few years. It's a shame that there aren't more enhancements here to really bolster it as a flagship device for GameSir, but as is, there are few controllers that are going to service competitive and enthusiast gamers quite so well - especially for under $100.

How I tested the GameSir G7 Pro 8K PC

I adopted the GameSir G7 Pro 8K PC as my controller of choice for all gaming for around two weeks before writing this review. I played with it in both 1,000Hz and 8,000Hz modes in that time to get a feel for the differences and played around with its deadzone levels in the GameSir Connect software. I also tested it against other TMR controllers and the original G7 Pro to get more of a feel for how it compares to rivals on the shelves.

For more on how we test controllers, have a peruse of our full-length hardware policy.

Diving deeper down the rabbithole? Take a look at the best PS5 controllers, the best Switch 2 controllers, and the best gaming mice.

007 First Light is undoubtedly the most ambitious video game in IO Interactive's history. It's far wider in cinematic scale than the Hitman series, and more foundationaly solid than other studio side-quests like Kane & Lynch and Mini Ninjas. If you're willing to disconnect GoldenEye 007 from 30 years of nostalgia, there's a compelling argument to be made for First Light being the best of the James Bond games – not to mention a step above other spy thrillers operating without the licence, Alpha Protocol and The Operative: No One Lives Forever.

It's an occasionally excellent, albeit somewhat uneven, adventure. A slickly produced thriller that brings the best elements of a bygone era of action games together with one of the most challenging IPs in the world. You get a lot of the linear, blockbuster spectacle of the Uncharted series as Bond scrambles through firefights and wheels around lush locales in exotic supercars. There's a bit of the Sleeping Dogs lineage in the improvisational melee combat, as fists and feet connect with metronomic precision. A smattering of Hitman in a handful of showpiece missions, where you've free rein to wield gadgets, stealth, and social influence to burrow behind enemy lines.

IOI should be commended for how competently it has stepped outside of its comfort zone. There's a fluidity and flourish here that is leagues beyond the studio's towering Hitman: World of Assassination trilogy, although there are aspects which would benefit from some refinement. Traversal is a little static, particularly as Bond slowly navigates larger environments – 007 First Light lacks the finesse found in decade-old games like Rise of the Tomb Raider and Uncharted 4. Fistfights can be a little finicky, especially when managing multiple targets. Moments of spectacle are often governed by rather rudimentary quick time events; peril massaged into uninspired boss battles. Bond narrates every action, except for why, at the eleventh hour, he suddenly has the wherewithal to carry a third weapon.

Spy another day

007 First Light is at its best when IOI settles into more familiar rhythms. An early mission has you infiltrate the Grand Carpathian Hotel, nestled in the picturesque High Tatra Mountains of Slovakia. It's a stunning space, a layered labyrinth where you're afforded the freedom to use distractions, disguises, and overheard information to push beyond security checkpoints. This open-ended approach is the closest First Light comes to making you feel as if you are truly embodying the 007 role.

It's been nearly 15 years since the last James Bond video game, but this sequence alone proves why IOI was the right studio to take on the challenge. The pacing in this mission is phenomenal, transitioning smartly from tactical sandbox into more cinematic, guided sequences. Suspenseful spycraft across a layered playspace gives way to a thrilling car chase; an explosive airfield shootout shifts into a death-defying stunt fit for the Pierce Brosnan-era of theatrical espionage. 007 First Light never quite reaches these heights again, but it does come perilously close on occasion.

This blurring of guided and open-ended gameplay is precisely what has been missing in previous attempts to bring Bond to life beyond the silver screen. Part of the problem has always been that Bond games are effectively shooters at heart, where Bond's primary interaction with the world around him is a Walther PPK rather than a disarming smile. IO gets around this by combining an adaptable stealth system with degrees of social manipulation, and by implementing a strict interpretation of the License to Kill – you can only pull your weapon if enemies first show intent.

Ironically, gunplay is one of the best elements of 007 First Light; snappy, slapstick, and propulsive. There's also a truly wonderful mechanic where Bond is able to whip his weapon at an enemy, knocking rushing guards off balance once your clip runs dry. Sometimes the simplest touches sell the fantasy.

Capturing that sense of improvisational action that the character is known for like this is critical, because IOI put itself in a difficult position with the way 007 First Light is framed. Here you play as a young James Bond, one who is yet to earn his '007' designation.

The story is mostly fun and well-scripted, anchored around a fantastic performance from actor Patrick Gibson, but there are going to be occasions where you'll wish you were embodying the Bond you already know and love. Frankly, it's not all that dissimilar of a position Eidos Montreal found itself in when it rebooted Tomb Raider. Here's hoping IOI is similarly afforded the opportunity to make a sequel, if only to continue the character's journey towards more luxurious gadgetry and tailoring.

007 First Light is the start of something special. That's my prevailing thought after investing 15 hours into this adventure. It's an infusion of fresh energy into a genre in desperate need of it, and an ambitious foundation that leaves so much room for iteration and evolution in the future. First Light isn't without its flaws, but I certainly don't regret any of the time I spent with it. Hitman fanatics may come to resent the lack of tactical depth or replayability, but everyone else will delight in playing a James Bond game that not only understands the impulses of the character but finds a way to bring them to life like we've never experienced before.

007 First Light was reviewed on PS5, with a code provided by the publisher.

Keep an eye on our new games calendar for what to play next!

As a sap for nostalgia, the SIVGA M260 wired earbuds caught my eye pretty fast, and I'm glad they did.

There turned out to be far more to these best gaming earbuds contenders than their Y2K-inspired translucent detachable MMCX cable. They sound fantastic, and fortunately, nothing like the fuzzy and distorted mess that were wired earbuds from my actual early 2000s teenage years. Not only that, but they're one of the most comfortable buds I've ever used, even if they can tend to move around if the wire gets caught on anything.

As a result, these buds have earned a permanent place in my backpack for gaming and listening to tunes on the go. However, their tendency to prioritize high-frequency sounds and make them sound overpowered means I won't be hanging up the best gaming headsets any time soon.

Key specs

Design

The look of the SIVGA M260 earbuds is why I've labelled them as "Y2K-fueled," and it all has to do with their translucent wiring. Tech which you could see through was a big thing in the late 90s and early 00s, and I was utterly obsessed with it at the time. I still dream of one day owning an original 'Bondi Blue' Mac, which has that transparent plastic blue butt. But these earphones help fill that void in a more compact (and cost-friendly) way.

The MMCX detachable cable is the only part of these buds that is translucent, but they still look pretty great in spite of that. The heads of the buds have a metallic finish, with gold accents that contrast against the white-silver look of the wiring. The branding is used pretty understatedly too, just appearing across the tip of the USB-C cable and across the accompanying fabric carrying case, which helps contribute to the M260's classy and retro appeal.

Features

As wired buds, the M260's aren't fully clad with features like the SteelSeries Arctis Game Buds. Instead, they keep things simple by including 14.2mm dynamic audio drivers in each bud, which are powered by a copper ring-enhanced diaphragm to help combat audio distortion, and include that 4N silver-plated OFC MMX detachable USB-C cable in the box that I mentioned above.

The cable is fully removable at the buds, making it easily replaceable should any harm come its way. The pair is actually available to purchase in two plug configurations, so while I was provided with the USB-C version to review, you can instead pick up the 3.5mm L-shaped plug version for just $35 / £35 instead - which I'd recommend if you're a PS5 player. Or, if you have one spare, just attach it to these existing buds to save some extra cash.

The USB-C version is the most high-powered of the two, boasting a built-in Realtek ALC5686 DAC (digital audio converter) that supports up to 32-bit/384kHz Hi-Res audio. If you're on the hunt for a pair for gaming and music listening on the go, this is the version I'd recommend. Not to mention it's the only model with a highly sensitive microphone that you can use for Discord, GameChat on the Switch 2, or answering phone calls. There are also volume and call answer buttons on the USB-C cable to help with the latter.

Performance

I tested the SIVGA M260's in the opposite way that I would normally approach earbuds. Instead of seeing how my favorite games sounded, I was desperate to see how these handled music first and foremost. This was spurred on after seeing the wave of articles about how younger generations prefer old tech, and I'm glad I did it this way.

The M260's sound pretty snazzy. With large 14.2mm dynamic audio drivers, I did expect a loud and booming quality, but it still took me by surprise when I first popped the buds in my ears. Some of my favorite tracks in recent years, like Opr by Gesaffelstein sounded especially crunchy, which is exactly what you want when it comes to industrial EDM.

These earphones were also able to get plenty loud. While there's no ANC at play, I could still comfortably turn these up and zone out the world around me as I strolled down the sunny streets of Glasgow, feeling like a teenager again. Tracks like Masayoshi Takanaka's "Oh! Tengo Suerte" felt especially bouncy and invigorating during these days out. And just as SIVGA boasted, the copper ring diaphragm of the drivers managed to keep any distortion at bay. There was no warbling or audio issues, no matter what I listened to, which is how these low-cost buds have now ended up as my new go-to music accessory.

The only real issue with the quality that I noticed is that higher frequency sounds can tend to sound a bit grating to the ears. This was more prevalent when gaming, as the soundtracks to titles like Mario Kart World are a lot busier than a relaxing Masayoshi Takanaka guitar track.

When it came to replaying my favorite courses, the roaring of my kart's engine and the sound effects of Koopa shells that were hurling in my direction were startling. They didn't distort, but they sounded far louder than they should be, almost like the drivers were singling them out on purpose. This carried on to Donkey Kong Bananza, which I would much sooner recommend playing with one of the best Nintendo Switch headsets instead.

Using the Elephant Bananza's special move to suck up terrain sounded horrendous, as it was so loud and imposing. Even in Pokemon Pokopia, where the sounds are a lot more chill in comparison, still hurt my ears whenever a high-pitched cry of one of my Pokemon pals would sound off in the distance.

It's annoying, as these are still great-sounding earbuds, and ones I would recommend to Switch 2 players. Especially as they can easily pop into the extra USB-C port at the top of the handheld. The same goes for the PC. They don't sound bad, but games like Counter-Strike 2, where a lot is going on, are going to startle your eardrums. To give your ears a rest, I'd much prefer you use these for the odd Marvel Rivals match or two and music, than full-blown 10+ gaming marathons.

If you want to know what these are like for the PS5, I sadly wasn't able to test them with Sony's pixel-pusher. The USB-C model I reviewed wasn't compatible with the DualSense controller, and I wasn't provided with a 3.5 cable to use in its stead. If you do pick up that version, you shouldn't have any issue connecting to the console, other than the overpowering sound design permeating your eardrums.

If you are at all concerned about general comfort, you don't need to be. I have pretty sensitive lugs, and I found these to be pleasantly comfortable after hours of use. As you have that cable dangling, they will have the tendency to move around or even fall out if you're listening to music out and about. Yet, even the tiny amount of foam padding on the buds was enough for a pretty comfortable wear.

Should you buy the SIVGA M260 wired earbuds?

If your budget is tight and Gen Z's obsession with older tech has emboldened you to re-enter the realm of wires, the SIVGA M260 earbuds are a fantastic choice. For music, these have earned a forever spot in my backpack as they sound great, are comfortable to wear, and their wired nature means I don't have to spare a thought for battery woes while on the go.

For gaming, they sound just as impressive, though I'd only recommend them for small sessions. The audio that can be conjured up in these compact earphones is mighty impressive, and they contain some of the best bass I've heard in a wired form factor. However, the drivers seem to prioritize high-range sounds, which can make sound effects in games, from a barrage of bullets to the cries of Pokémon, sound a bit grating and unpleasant on the ears.

Making sure the buds aren't too loud can help, but you'll still get a surprise shock whenever you get blasted with a blue shell, or if a match of Marvel Rivals gets particularly loud, as they tend to do.

How I tested the SIVGA M260 wired earbuds

The SIVGA M260 wired earbuds became my only audio source for two weeks of testing, whether I was listening to music or playing my Samsung S24 smartphone, Nintendo Switch 2, or my gaming PC. As the USB-C sample I was provided with to review was not compatible with the PS5 via the DualSense controller, I spent many hours using the buds alongside my Ninty handheld while playing Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, and Pokemon Pokopia.

Afterwards, I tested the M260's while playing Counter-Strike 2, Marvel Rivals, Paranormasight The Mermaid's Curse, and Dead as Disco on Steam. When not gaming, the wired earphones were attached to my Samsung phone and used to listen to a huge range of music, from The Beatles to the EDM and industrial music stylings of Ninajirachi and Gesaffelstein. Plenty of TV was watched too, as I used the buds to play catch-up with the last episodes of The Boys on Amazon Prime and episodes of the anime series Witch Hat Atelier via Crunchyroll. For more information on how we test gaming headsets and earbuds, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

If you prefer some over-ear action, check out our guides to the best PS5 headsets, the best Xbox Series X headsets, and the best PC headsets for gaming.

I won’t lie – I find the existence of The Spectrum White Edition pretty amusing. Let’s just say it’s giving “Star Wars alternate universe where Darth Vader lives after Return of the Jedi and switches from black to white armour to signify his fresh start.” Yet, there is a reason why Retro Games Ltd has re-released its plug-and-play ZX Spectrum, one historically linked to the man whose name is no longer on the microcomputer.

You see, The Spectrum White Edition is a nod to the “one millionth” ZX Spectrum produced. The commemorative unit was gifted to the microcomputer’s creator, Clive Sinclair, back in 1982, by the Timex factory that once stood in Dundee, Scotland. The now MIA machine featured a white shell instead of the usual black, and while I’m sure retro console collectors would rather find that lucrative original, this variant at least pays tribute to the fabled system.

It just so happens that this commemorative white version of The Spectrum is my first time testing the emulation-based microcomputer. That means it’s up to the clinical new colorway to convince me it’s worth the more expensive £129.99 / $199 price tag and give me a taste for the base plug-and-play innards within.

What’s in the box?

Retro Games Limited has a sort of rhythm in terms of box contents. Typically, you’ll get the same elongated box cloaked in a slip cover that reveals the star attractions. To the left, you’ve got “The Spectrum” itself in full squishy top-down keyboard view, while “The Joystick” in its matching white and red get-up is to the right. Unlike older releases like the C64 Mini, though, the included USB that’s obviously dubbed “The Microdrive” also gets a stage presence, and yes, it’s white.

Lurking beneath all that, you’ve got a wee compartment for the included USB and HDMI cables, alongside a tiny free copy of “Crash Magazine.” The free zine is packed with reviews, and while it’s a nod to the original that UK Speccy fans would have been reading back in the ‘80s, this is actually a taster for a mag that’s alive and well in 2026, published by Fusion Retro Books.

Everything from the matching white cables to that aforementioned free magazine prove are exactly what you’d want from a collectable like The Spectrum. The package doesn’t leave you wanting for anything when it comes to playing games on the microcomputer, but I am bummed that it doesn’t come with The Gamepad or even the newly released Quickshot II joystick remake. These would have been nice additions, especially if you’re double-dipping after grabbing the black 2024 release, but I’m perhaps asking for a little too much.

Sticking to the Spectrum design script

Retro Games Ltd has mastered the art of making tiny replicas of old microcomputers and systems, but The Spectrum isn’t a mini console. It’s actually a full-size remake of the original ZX Spectrum that, despite being white this time around, looks almost indistinguishable from the original. Naturally, it’s hiding a bunch of modern ports around back, but when it comes to mimicry, it feels like it’s comparable to the way the Commodore 64 Ultimate accurately reenvisioned the OG C64.

Of course, Retro Games Ltd does attempt full-size remakes from time to time, having previously made a to-scale C64 with a functioning keyboard. It feels like The Spectrum is a potential comfort zone for the microcomputer maker, as the OG machine is already notably small, and sticking with ROMs and emulation-based functionality somehow still feels true to the spirit of an original setup.

Before I get to running games, I do want to gush over The Spectrum’s build quality. My original ZX Spectrum is sadly in storage right now, but I have an everlasting sense for the microcomputer’s weighty blend of plastic and metal. Retro Games Ltd has absolutely nailed the look and feel with this remake, perfectly replicating everything from the textured finish on the top bezel to the metallic plate housing the delightfully upsetting rubber keyboard.

Let’s be clear: it’s the rubber keyboard that makes The Spectrum a ZX Spectrum. Even if you’re not into rattling out lines of code on something that feels like zombie flesh, being able to experience the early membrane keeb, albeit with fresher presses since it’s not 40 years old, makes this plug-and-play an interactive time capsule. I’m particularly nerdy about remakes retaining original physical elements, so getting to press down on accurately mushy plastic is a personal selling point.

I should take a moment to highlight the “White Edition” part of this specific Speccy. Naturally, I’ve only ever seen blurry archive photos of the late Sir Clive Sinclair holding his special Millionth ZX Spectrum, so I can’t really speak to whether it’s an accurate recreation. I guess not many people can, but the vibe I’m getting is that this version of The Spectrum feels more like a “what if?” retail replica rather than a representation of what the one-of-a-kind relic would have looked like.

The fact that photos online depict the OG white ZX Spectrum with a silver keyboard plate hammer home the differences with this remake. I’d argue elements like the red logo text on top signify that Retro Games Ltd isn’t really going for a 100% accurate recreation, though, which makes sense given that it can’t have the original “Sinclair” branding up top (you’ve got Alan Sugar, Amstrad’s purchase of the original company, and the fact Sky now owns the legacy brands to thank for that.)

The Spectrum setup is simple (until it isn’t)

I firmly classify The Spectrum as a plug-and-play console. That may upset some of you out there, and I can see why, since it largely functions like the original machine when you ignore the lack of cassette tape deck compatibility. However, it pertains to the sensation of whacking in an HDMI cable, hooking up the USB cable to a power source, and jumping into some crunchy 8-bit classics within seconds.

All of this largely rings true for The Spectrum, and it’s the main reason to pick up the microcomputer remake. This machine will save you from the torment of injecting old tape audio into the machine in real time, as all it takes is one mistranslation of the iconic squealing to be greeted with the dreaded “tape loading error” message. Instead, you’ll have the option to just dive into carousel-style library entries with full artwork and box descriptions, but there may be a silly power situation on your hands before you get to that.

For whatever reason, The Spectrum is extremely fussy with USB power. This is actually an issue that extends backwards to releases like the Atari 400 Mini, as Retro Games Ltd devices seem to be allergic to USB-C ports that use a Power Delivery protocol. Basically, using a USB-A to USB-C cable and a simple 5V charging brick is non-negotiable, and that’s pretty annoying if you’re like me and use a power hub that can easily send the right power over USB-C for everything these days.

I’ll admit, the lack of Power Delivery support is a small gripe, one that wouldn’t deter me from recommending The Spectrum. It does leave me wondering why a plug-and-play would choose to use such a restrictive power system in 2026, since it’s targeting collectors who’ll have more than one mini console at their setup. It’s situations like this where I feel like not including a specific USB power brick leaves room for complaint, as I feel like I’d have less right to moan about having to rummage through my big drawer of old wall warts.

Ports, ports, and more ports

Hiding around the back of The Spectrum’s accurate shell is a nice helping of modern ports. Normally, I’d take a moment to grumble about there only being an HDMI port rather than an old analogue connector for one of my many CRTs, but the original ZX Spectrum is actually a nightmare for connectivity. For starters, it only included RF, and if you’ve already checked out my guide on how to connect your retro console to a modern TV or monitor, you’ll know that means tuning it into a station,

Worse still, the first ZX Spectrum model doesn’t even have controller ports, instead relying on adapters that precariously cling to an edge connector. Therefore, I’m more than happy to instead use HDMI and four USB ports to hook everything up to The Spectrum, as while it’d be fun to use old 9-pin joysticks and hook up to an old CRT, those are impossible to include without disrupting the spirit of the original design.

Four USB ports might feel pretty generous, but they’ll be put to good use. The Spectrum benefits from pretty wide controller compatibility, not to mention the included Kempston-style joystick will occupy one off the bat. If you plan on using your own backed-up ROMs using “The Microdrive”, that’ll grab another, which leaves you with two spare for a secondary player or an external keyboard, should you fancy trying to code using Basic.

Forgive me, but I’m going to revert to previous grumblings and say I do The Spectrum had cassette tape inputs. I’m aware that adding the components required to actually input audio via a 3.5mm jack, then turn the analogue wave into digital data, would drive up the cost, and it’d probably result in a machine more like the FPGA-based ZX Spectrum Next (they’ll also set you back around £400 when they’re actually in stock). Still, I like the idea of dragging out my fruit box of dusty old tapes and playing them on this HDMI remake in the same manner as the C64 Ultimate.

Swinging into Speccy classics

As is tradition with Retro Games Ltd remakes and minis, The Spectrum will immediately present you with 48 built-in games via a carousel menu. If you’re new to the Speccy’s 8-bit library, you’re in for a treat since the collection features everything from bona fide classics to more recent releases that feel contemporary, but still feature those sickly 15 colors and hardware limitations.

I am fully aware that the ZX Spectrum is largely a UK phenomenon that gained momentum while the US was processing the video game crash. Yes, it did show up as the Timex Sinclair 2068 to take on other microcomputers like the C64, but there are still tons of games from the platform that are sort of region-specific. You’ll recognize some outings thanks to cross-ports, like The Hobbit, but I imagine players who didn’t grow up alongside the system in the ‘80s will have plenty of mysterious outings to dive into.

Even if you are well acquainted with classics like Manic Miner, Way of the Exploding Fist, Horace Goes Skiing, and Saboteur, you’ll have a few new and revamped favorites to try. Standout additions to the lineup include Alien Girl, a maze shooter that has you gunning down Xenomorphs, Shovel Adventure, a puzzle platformer that’s a bit like a more complex Dig-Dug, and El Stompo, a green blob on a platforming mission to fix broken TVs (wait, isn’t that just me?)

Basically, you’re getting innovative Spectrum outings spanning over 40 years, but I feel like the carousel could better honor that fact. While the menu displays game art, a synopsis, and even a little emblem representing the original media (i.e, tape, floppy, or cartridge), it avoids including release date info. Essentially, I would have preferred if all the game info within the included edition of Crash Magazine were attached to the carousel, as it would have helped it serve as a comprehensive archive.

Otherwise, I do think flicking through the baked-in adventures, quickly checking out their specific deets, then diving in is a satisfying experience. There’s enough going on with the 48 games to satiate your quick cravings for some microcomputer capers, or provide you with something a bit extra if you’re planning to give proper attention to the hits. If you’re worried you’ll get your fill from the plug-and-play setup too quick, though, you’ll be pleased to hear that The Spectrum will run your own ROMs, provided you’ve got your old games backed up.

That’s naturally why “The Microdrive” is included in the box. You can use your own stick, but the included rubberised 8GB USB has more than enough room to fit every commercially released ZX Spectrum game, and I reckon you wouldn’t even get halfway if you throw in the homebrews too. The only real gripe I have with the drive is that the rubber housing on mine came off upon trying to remove it from the system, but I could probably remedy that with some glue.

Being able to just whack in your own collection and harness the tailored emulation capabilities of The Spectrum is neat, but it’s not without wants. Upon popping in the drive, you’ll gain access to your ROMs via a simple text directory, but there’s no way to add them to the main carousel. The microcomputer would have gained points if there were a way to display files in the same manner as its built-in counterparts, complete with artwork. But alas, your own titles won’t receive the same integration.

On the flipside, I am pretty impressed with the boot options for custom ROMs, as the menu is pretty comprehensive. You can tweak everything from the ZX Spectrum model you want to emulate, tape loading speed (for if you’d rather listen to five minutes of screeching), and default joysticks.

Sparse Spectrum settings

I’m going to preemptively acknowledge the fact that The Spectrum has a “CRT filter” and some other display options before criticizing its settings menu. I’ve tested some retro consoles that feature fewer dials than that, but I couldn’t help but feel like Retro Games Ltd could have fleshed out its scanline types for this microcomputer.

For what it’s worth, the CRT filter does look a bit like an early ‘80s TV, featuring the aforementioned scanlines for some pixel separation and a slight blur effect to represent the messy look of RF video signals. Having been spoiled by the Analogue 3D with its far fancier overlays that mimic specific shadow masks and aperture grilles, I am left wondering if emulation-based plug-and-play devices could do more. At the very least, it’d be sweet to have toggles for things like sharpness, scanline thickness, or even the option for vertical separation, but I am wary that those tricks could gobble up more of the Allwinner H3 SoC’s processing power.

Credit where credit’s due, The Spectrum does leave room for various borders and the option to retain the colored overscan areas used by the original machine. You can also enable extended colors for modern games that ditch the authentic color clash technique. I’d just love to see future machines go a bit further, if for nothing else than to prove that more can be done to portray old graphics on new displays.

Getting jiggy with The Joystick

As much as this will horrify some of you, the “default” way to play games on The Spectrum is using the rubber keyboard. The black version used this as an excuse for not including a controller, but the white version specifically includes a matching version of The Joystick. I should note that most USB gamepads do work with the microcomputer, which is neat, but using an accessory inspired by an original Kempston joystick makes sense from a purist perspective.

Objectively, this version of The Joystick feels nicer than the one included with the C64 Mini. If you were previously offended by the mushier feel of the original’s membranes, you’ll be delighted to hear that this variant fully embraces the power of microswitches. Sadly, the result is something that is now just comically clicky and sort of unpleasant to use.

I was to stress the fact that it’s a subjective take, and it’s worth noting I’m not a fan of even the best original joysticks either. Nevertheless, slick switches fail to resolve some other inherent issues with the design, like the excessive height of the buttons themselves and the hollow clunk produced by presses.

Wide USB controller compatibility is The Spectrum’s saving grace, as it means if you aren’t into the accompanying joystick, you can use almost any pad you like. I’ve actually been making my way through the microcomputer’s library using the Retro Fighters Hunter, an OG Xbox controller with a wireless 2.4GHz receiver, and it even automatically mapped the buttons on my behalf.

No, it’s not remotely an authentic way to play, but it beats rattling around a microswitched stick awkwardly while trying not to ruin Horace’s skiing holiday by having him wrestle with traffic.

Should you pick up The Spectrum White Edition?

It’s pretty easy to love The Spectrum, and it makes for an excellent way to both dive into a collection of obscure classics or run your own romps. The white version is perhaps better suited to collectors who’ll appreciate the novelty of the colorway, especially since it’s a tad more expensive. But, that doesn’t change the fact that this microcomputer remake perfectly captures the physical essence of using an original ZX Spectrum, laced with modern conveniences that help elevate the overall experience.

I have no real grievances with The Spectrum. Instead, I’ve got more of a wish list of things I’d like to see from future microcomputers. Smaller matters, like hitting resolutions over 720p via HDMI, since we’re all using 4K TVs and monitors these days, are on that list, and I’d like to see the visual options fleshed out a bit more to satiate CRT-loving dorks like me. I’d personally also have preferred to get The Gamepad in the box over the included Joystick, but I’m wary of that being a specific preference.

I do think Retro Games Ltd should have a look at the way it approaches powering its minis and reemakes, though. This is something other device makers are guilty of, too, but by not including a power brick in the box, players instead have to worry about finding a compatible adapter since the fast chargers paired with most phones in 2026 won’t do (and even just basic USB-C protocols can be a pain.) Ideally, future devices will use standards like Power Delivery so that those of us with multiple machines can use hubs to keep everything powered at once.

All that aside, The Spectrum hits all the right notes when it comes to replicating the ZX Spectrum experience. The white version specifically makes sense if you’ve already got the old microcomputer, or that weirdly accurate USB keyboard remake from a few years back on your shelf, but I’d give the same praise to the previously released black version, too.

Looking for ways to play classics on the go? Swing by the best retro handhelds for portable emulators and more.

Jango Fett’s Firespray-Class Starship might not be as familiar to the masses as the X-Wing, TIE Fighter or Millennium Falcon, but among Star Wars fans, the bounty hunting vessel that spanned both the original and prequel trilogies is just as iconic. And yet, up until 2025, the ship’s striking-blue Attack of the Clones guise had only ever featured as a mainline set way back in 2002.

Lego was much more dedicated to delivering the vessel under the proprietorship of fan-favorite, Boba Fett, going so far as to release the UCS Slave I (75060) back in 2015. This representation of the starship as it appeared in The Empire Strikes Back has become a coveted UCS classic and one of the best Lego sets ever released. So much so, I found it hard to believe that the formula could be improved upon.

Still, as a self-confessed Fett superfan, I jumped at the chance to add Jango’s infamous ship to my personal collection. If you haven’t built a UCS set before, the Ultimate Collector Series is Lego Star Wars’ premium range, boasting its largest and most prototypically accurate sets. As such, I won’t hold back my judgment. After all, Lego has set the bar exceedingly high.

Lego UCS Jango Fett’s Starship (75409) Features

• 2,970 pieces
• 18+ age rating
• One exclusive minifigure

The Lego Star Wars UCS Jango Fett’s Firespray-Class Starship (75409) retails for $299.99 / £259.99, which sits at the lower end of the price-per-piece average. Compare this set to, say, the UCS Lego Star Wars AT-ST Walker (75417) at £179.99 / $199.99, for roughly half the number of pieces, and it’s not a bad price for a Lego set in 2026.

It’s also worth remembering that Lego sets get discounted more frequently nowadays, and indeed, I picked this set up for a healthy discount, making it extremely good value. I’m a big fan of these mid-range UCS sets, because they’re big enough to be a real show-stopping centerpiece, while avoiding the extremely expensive price tags of giants such as the UCS Millennium Falcon (75192) and UCS Jabba’s Sail Barge (75397).

Lego Jango Fett’s Firespray-Class Starship (75409) build

• 10-hour build
• A challenge to put together
• 25 stickers

If you’ve built the original UCS Slave I (75060) then Jango Fett’s Firespray-Class Starship (75409) will feel somewhat familiar, but maybe not quite as familiar as you’d expect. While the protruding central structures are similar in concept, this latest incarnation’s ovular rear is much more accurate, and to achieve this almost perfect curvature, the designers have taken a noticeably different route.

What I can’t get my head around is that despite this set being roughly the same size as its predecessor, its piece count is increased by nearly 50%. That’s 2,970 pieces spread across 23 paper-bagged sections as opposed to just 1,996 pieces. When you pick this thing up, you suddenly realize where those extra pieces have gone – it’s heavy.

Unlike the UCS X-Wing Starfighter (75355), which is largely dominated by its gangly S-foils and the UCS AT-ST Walker (75417) with its large, hollow interior, Jango Fett’s Firespray-Class Starship is dense. The hull is built by layer upon layer of Lego bricks and Technic pieces and don’t you know it when you attempt to pick this hefty lump of a set up.

Not to take anything away from Lego’s incredible designers here, but usually, when you build a Lego set, you at least know where it’s going. Most pieces slowly reveal the bigger picture, like a comic-book artist’s sketch. But building this UCS set is a little like watching Bob Ross splotch seemingly random blobs of paint all over the canvas, before the picture reveals itself later down the line.

I spent a good portion of this build marvelling as abstract collections of pieces slowly revealed themselves, which built anticipation, but would certainly struggle to hold the attention of Lego padawans. Speaking of, this set certainly earns its 18+ moniker. I’ve built a lot of Lego sets in my time, and this sits right up there with the UCS Republic Gunship (75309) as one of the hardest I’ve built.

The odd, questionable instructions diagram doesn’t help, but this is an advanced build nonetheless. It relies on a lot of Technic pieces to achieve some very tricky angles, as well as to securely hold sections together. As any Lego fan will know, Technic pieces don’t always play ball, so be prepared for a little trial and error when trying to get multiple axles to clip into place.

The often abstract nature of this build makes it easy to miss pieces, too. On several occasions, I had to backtrack because I ended up with a piece that was simply too large to be a spare at the end of a bag (one was buried very deep!). And yet, this is the kind of challenge you want with a UCS build. I was a model maker in a past life and Lego is never that challenging (I wouldn’t want it to be), but this set is utterly deserving of its UCS moniker, and I had a blast putting it together.

As far as fun build techniques go, this set makes great use of clips to subtly change a section’s orientation so you can get the perfect angle. There are a few creative instances where studs don’t actually connect and a piece is slotted into a position where it’s secured but not physically bound.

A lovely example of the designers’ ingenuity is two light green, triangular plates on either side of the ship’s entry ramp. You wouldn’t know it, but this crazy angle is achieved by pressing each plate onto a rod connected to a ball joint, which you can then angle into the desired position.

The entry ramp itself deserves a mention, too. Press it down, and the entrance to the ship is automatically raised, thanks to a hidden mechanism built using various Technic beams and pins. It’s a simple mechanism, but it works beautifully and is a step up from the hinged flap on the previous incarnation.

What I don’t enjoy when building a Lego set is stickers. I know they’re a necessary evil, but when it comes to the Ultimate Collector Series, I feel very strongly that stickers should be kept to a minimum and we should be treated to more printed pieces. There are very few printed pieces in this set. In fact, beyond the two minifigures and the plaque, I think that’s about it.

I can understand that exterior stickers are necessary to replicate the paint job – take care when applying two very long stickers, either side of the canopy – but I’m not impressed that all of the cockpit panels are stickers. I also really dislike having to add minuscule stickers to two-studded tiles. These are arguably the most challenging to apply neatly, and when the Lego Ideas Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (21360) gets five exquisitely printed golden tickets, I can’t understand why this set can’t get three printed Aurebesh tiles.

But the most egregious sticker faux pas regard that huge (and admittedly delightful) cockpit canopy and the seismic charge on the ship's rear. I thought cockpit canopy stickers were a remnant of the dark times. The UCS X-Wing has a printed canopy, the UCS Razor Crest (75331) has a printed canopy, heck, even the Dark Falcon (75389) playset has a one-off, gorgeous red-and-black printed canopy.

So you can imagine my surprise when I was faced with two (albeit small) stickers to place on the huge centrepiece cockpit canopy of Jango Fett’s Firespray-Class Starship. And guess what? I was so focused on getting them lined up perfectly, I put them in the wrong place! Thankfully, I was able to carefully peel them both off and reposition them, but if I hadn’t been able to, it would have ruined this glorious-looking ship.

As for the seismic charge, it’s barely two inches long, and it features five stickers. Four of these stickers wrap around the pair of 2x2 domes. I applied them all on my first attempt (they weren’t stuck down and then reapplied), but a week later, I spun the ship around and found that each end of all four stickers had lifted. This simply isn’t good enough for an Ultimate Collector Series set.

Lego UCS Jango Fett’s Starship (75409) design

• Incredible accuracy
• Slide-out interior
• Premium Jango Fett Minifigure

This set looks fantastic. Despite the UCS Slave I being over a decade old, I really didn’t think that Boba Fett’s iconic ship needed to be revisited any time soon due to its incredible accuracy. The Attack of the Clones variant clearly gave Lego an excuse to return to the bounty hunters’ modded Firespray under Jango’s ownership and now that I’ve built it, it’s a definite step up.

The original UCS Slave I still looks incredible, but it’s not nearly as refined. I can liken it to already impressive last-gen graphics that have just been treated to a modern remaster. It’s only when you go back to the original that you realise how much has been improved.

The OG ship was always a bit of an outlier in regards to other Original Trilogy vehicles such as the X-Wing, AT-AT and Star Destroyer. Get past the battered paint job and you’re left with a sleek and curvaceous vehicle that’s more in line with prequel designs such as the Republic Gunship and Naboo Starfighter than the lived-in rust buckets of Star Wars' ‘70s and ‘80s roots.

This isn’t an angular AT-AT, it’s a very difficult ship to replicate in Lego form, and the designers have gone beyond what I thought possible. Gaps are minimal and curves are accurate, surely it can’t get any better than this? Even the rear of this ship is a real treat, showcasing just how well Lego has nailed the ovular shape.

The ship is full of lovely details, too. I particularly like the stabilizer fins on either side of the ship. Not only do they look fantastic, but they freely rotate depending on whether the ship is displayed upright or landed. The twin blaster canons at the base of the ship can be rotated by hand and share a fixed axle, so they spin in unison.

The back of the ship is almost as detailed as the front, with particular care and attention paid to the sublight engines, which feature a fluorescent-yellow coloring that really pops. An often overlooked touch is the transparent 1x1 square panels and 1x1 circular tiles that are evenly spread across 11 places on the ship’s rear. These subtly raise the ship when it’s in a landed position to give the impression that it’s hovering slightly, as per the movies.

The seismic charge can be hidden behind a pair of panels or the panels can be moved aside to reveal the weapon. Unfortunately, you have to physically move the panels by pulling them off and reattaching them. It’s easy to remove them when the hatch is open, but when it’s closed, you really need to pull down the flap beneath the hatch to prise off the doors.

I can’t imagine it would have been too hard to introduce a sliding door mechanism here, and indeed, there are mods out there that do just that. The charge itself is fiddly to remove, and if you’re not careful, it will fall into the belly of the ship. I can only assume that’s why Lego included the aforementioned flap, since you can open that up and tip the ship to retrieve a lost charge.

While I love building UCS sets, I’m a sucker for a good playset, and what I really like about Jango Fett’s Firespray-Class Starship is that it has the rare distinction of being a UCS set that’s roughly minifigure scale. This means that both Jango and Boba fit neatly into the cockpit, and what a fantastic little cockpit it is. And while I stand by wanting more printed pieces, I do like the sticker that contains a yellow outline of the ship, this is actually seen off to Jango’s right in the movie, although I kind of wish the other sticker featured Obi-Wan’s Jedi starfighter, as per the movie, too.

You can fit three minifigures in the main bridge and below, there’s passenger seating for two more. A lovely touch is that the bridge slides out so you can easily add/remove figures. This does mean that it doesn’t rotate, like the Boba Fett UCS set, so that the cockpit is properly orientated depending on whether the ship is displayed on its stand or lying flat. But I think both the easier access and the passenger seating are a fair tradeoff.

You also gain access to a hidden back panel when the cockpit is removed, which features a small bacta tank and storage for Jango’s pistols and jetpack. There’s no official storage for the helmet, but I’ve found that you can slide it neatly onto the back of one of the seats and it’ll stay put.

I was initially concerned about how stable the ship would feel on the comparatively small stand, given its hefty weight. However, the stand does seem to be plenty sturdy. You do have to be careful when handling the ship itself, as there’s really no obvious way to grip it. I generally hold the protruding body of the ship while supporting the rear with my other hand.

When it comes to attaching the stand, there are two not-so-obvious gaps on the rear of the ship, where the stand slots in. I find it’s best to bring the stand to the ship (as opposed to the other way around). Once slotted in place, you can carefully rest both the ship and the stand on a flat surface.

As for the stability of the ship itself, I think it’s fine. I have seen complaints online of bits falling off, but I really haven’t experienced that. Despite the minifigure scale, it’s important to remember that this is first and foremost a set for display. It’s not built to be flown around the room like a playset.

You won’t find me complaining about the number of minifigures included in this UCS set. Jango and Boba are all we needed and they’re both here. But when it comes to quality, it’s a tale of two halves. I firmly believe that UCS sets should include definitive versions of each minifigure and while Jango is the best version of the Mandalorian yet, Boba is a downgrade in quality from the minifigure that was included in 2017’s Jedi Starfighter with Hyperdrive (75191).

Lego has never gotten the color of Boba or Jango’s purple-hued fabrics quite right, but the lighter sleeves on this latest incarnation of young Boba simply don’t look as good as the previous generation’s darker sleeves. I also preferred the predecessor’s mischievous face print, but perhaps the most egregious change is the young clone’s hairpiece. The 2017 figure’s medium-length middle parting was spot on, but for some reason, Lego has swapped this out for a messy side-swept fringe that makes Boba look more like the sixth member of My Chemical Romance than a Mandalorian clone…

Thankfully, Jango is everything you could ask for from a modern Lego Star Wars minifigure. He’s essentially the same excellent figure that featured in the Jango Fett’s Starship (75433) playset, but with one key difference: printed arms. If you know anything about Star Wars minifigures, you’ll know that the Fetts have a bit of history when it comes to printed arms, *ahem* Cloud City (10123), and already this minifigure is fetching a pretty price online.

You get exquisite printing throughout, face (front and back), torso (front and back), hips, legs and feet are all printed, and the helmet is beautiful. My only real critique comes from the Obi-Wan Kenobi minifigure in Obi-Wan Kenobi’s Jedi Starfighter (75333). Kenobi’s face print features the headset that he wears in the cockpit, and it really would have been the icing on the cake if Lego had treated Jango in a similar fashion.

Should you buy the Lego UCS Jango Fett’s Starship (75409)?

I was ready to award this set five stars, something it deserves on so many levels. But I cannot get away from the fact that awkward sticker placements, a below-par Boba Fett minifigure, and the occasionally frustrating instructional diagram prevent a perfect score. And I don’t Force push that half a star away lightly. I’m always more critical of Ultimate Collector Series sets because of the investment in time and money, and also the incredibly high bar that Lego has set for itself.

Despite all that, this is still one of the most impressive UCS sets Lego has ever released. The UCS Slave I (75060) was supposed to be as good as it gets and it boggles my mind that Lego’s designers were able to go one better. Jango Fett’s Firespray-Class Starship is a marvel of modern building techniques and is one of the most advanced models Billund has ever produced.

Other plus points include a sublime Jango Fett minifigure, a relatively reasonable price point, and a stunning little interior. Prequel-era UCS sets don’t come along often. If you’re a fan of Attack of the Clones, Jango or the prequels in general, this is one set you don’t want to miss. Jango might have been just a simple man, trying to make his way in the universe, but his starship is as complicated as it gets (in Lego form at least...).

Ratings

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How I tested the Lego Jango Fett’s Firespray-Class Starship (75409)

This review sample was purchased by me for my personal collection.

I built the Lego Star Wars UCS Jango Fett’s Firespray-Class Starship (75409) in multiple sittings over the course of a week. I then displayed it in my study before photographing it – this gave me a chance to move the set around to test its stability and play features.

I’ve been a hardcore Star Wars fan since the late ‘90s, and have been collecting Lego since the beginning of the decade. From Pirates to Bionicle and beyond, you can rest assured that I’ve got the brick-building experience and Jedi training to critique Lego’s latest.

For more information on our procedure, take a look at how we test products.

For more from a galaxy far, far away, don't miss the best Star Wars toys.

I fondly remember playing with little green army men in the dirt when I was little, pitting the soldiers against all manners of horrors and nefarious foes, from the Ninja Turtles’ Shredder to Lord Zedd from Power Rangers, and more. I would often recruit the beat-up and battle-worn soldiers of my older brother’s G.I. JOE squads to help turn the tide of battle, with the likes of Duke, Snake Eyes, and Shipwreck – decorated heroes of the cartoon character wars in my backyard. When I saw that Renegade Games was bringing the forces of the JOEs and COBRA to the hexes of Heroscape, these long-dormant memories came rushing back, and I was ready to fight off the forces of evil with the familiar faces from my youth in this new battle arena.

Heroscape has seen a revival in recent years with entries like Heroscape: Age of Annihilation thanks to Renegade Game Studios, and the new G.I. JOE Heroscape: Rumble at the Rift set marks the first crossover content of this new generation. This latest release gives players not only prominent members of both the JOEs and COBRA to add into their armies, from the Greenshirt grunts and COBRA Troopers to the Baroness and Duke, but also fun JOE-inspired glyphs like the Jump Pack that lets a unit fly for a round. And for fans of the ninjas (and frankly, who isn’t), both Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow are here too.

Heroscape G.I. Joe features & design

• A self-contained starter set for the wargame
• Adds beloved characters from the cartoon

In addition to some really neat new COBRA and G.I. JOE units, you will get some fun new terrain tiles to mix into your pool for building out your maps. An almost neon green version of your typical water and ground tiles, the dangerous Toxic Water and ground tiles reduce the defense of any unfortunate unit caught on them, along with the solid black Shadow tile that Storm Shadow utilizes to buff their defense. They all make for some great additions to any tub of Heroscape tiles.

Similar to the more recent sets that Renegade has put out, the G.I. JOE line includes both unpainted miniatures (with a slight wash on them to help details pop) or, for an extra fee, fully painted miniature options. That means whether you want to pick up the JOE or COBRA grunt army boxes, the strike boxes featuring extra heroes, or the self-contained battle box, Rumble at the Rift, you can enjoy surprisingly solid-looking painted figures right out of the box. All the colors and details pop, with Duke’s classic yellow top and the bright blue sleeveless suits of the Crimson Twins instantly taking me back to my childhood every time they hit the field.

Much like the ’80s-inspired looks, I found myself appreciating how the team has adapted the traits and personalities of these characters into the Heroscape format to really hit home the nostalgia. Abilities like Doctor Mindbender’s “Bend Mind 13,” which allows you to take control of one of your opponent’s units for the turn, or how Scarlet’s toolkit calls back to the classic saying that any kid who watched the show knows, with “Now You Know” and “Knowing Is Half the Battle,” both of which focus on learning about your opponent’s plans and, as a result, allowing her to exploit weaknesses and lower the defense of a unit she attacks. Perhaps my favorite of the bunch, though, is Cobra Commander’s “I’ll Get You Next Time,” strictly from a flavor standpoint – allowing him to escape to safety by moving a few spaces without taking leaving engagement attacks reminds me of the end of all those classic cartoons. So much personality is in these units that even if you have never played HeroScape before but just count yourself as a G.I. JOE fan, I think you will find something to enjoy here.

Gameplay

• An accessible yet engaging entry-point to wargames
• Provides everything you need to play
• A promising sign of things to come

I am someone who has really only gotten into Heroscape during its modern resurgence, so while I fondly remember the commercials from back in the day, my collection of miniatures and map pieces consists solely of the more fantasy-inspired armies. Seeing my polar bear warriors and dragons alongside the likes of army men and Cobra Commander has given me a bit of whiplash, but in the best way. This is also where the HeroScape system continues to shine due to the fact that all these new G.I. JOE units can be used with the rest of the Heroscape units and armies that have already been released.

As I mentioned back in my review of the big Age of Annihilation box set last year, one of the aspects I appreciate the most about Heroscape is how it manages to deliver an approachable yet still engaging tabletop miniature wargame experience, and the new Rumble at the Rift core box continues that trend. This box delivers an all-in-one Heroscape package with everything you need to get going right away, with G.I. JOE and COBRA armies ready to go, the tiles, and a scenario book to get you started. Even for longtime HeroScape players, the units in the box itself have some pretty neat abilities that will make it worthwhile to pick up, too.

While G.I. JOE never was at the top of my list of favorite cartoons, it is still one that I remember fondly growing up, but what this has got me most excited for is the prospect of Renegade Games releasing even more crossover sets for other properties. I would love sets that let me run Optimus Prime and other Autobots alongside the JOEs (something that has happened numerous times in the comics), or even perhaps squads of Power Rangers taking out Putty Patrols spread across Heroscape’s signature hex tiles.

Should you buy Heroscape G.I. JOE?

So much of this first crossover release for modern Heroscape has left me with a smile on my face and hopeful dreams of what is to come down the line. For Heroscape players, there are some fun new mechanics and characters to roll into your army lists, and for fans of the old G.I. JOE cartoon and comics, there is plenty to love and check out too, even if it’s just the neat-looking pre-painted minis to put on your shelf. Heroscape continues to be one of the most approachable and welcoming tabletop miniature wargames out there for new players of all ages, and G.I. JOE: Rumble at the Rift battle box and accompanying products only plant that flag deeper into the ground.

Ratings

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How we tested G.I. JOE Heroscape: Rumble at the Rift

This review was conducted using a sample provided by the publisher.

After familiarizing themselves with the rules for this specific expansion and comparing it to the core Heroscape system (which they were already familiar with), the reviewer tested the box's contents multiple times to get a better sense of how its armies handled.

For a more complete overview of our process, don't miss this guide to how we test board games or the full GamesRadar+ reviews policy.

Want more tabletop recommendations? Be sure to check out the best board games, the best card games, or the best tabletop RPGs.

Razer and Logitech have been duking it out for generations now, but each brand's 2026 entries couldn't be more different. While Logitech went for reinvention with the X2 Superstrike's haptic switches, Razer went in the other direction.

One rolls the dice on a new way of interacting with your games, the other refines an already-winning formula. One is almost silent, the other is about as loud as you'll find. With both options occupying the high-end price range, the best gaming mouse for you will come down to how you hold your rodent and how you like your clacks.

Competitors

What I loved about the Razer Viper V4 Pro

Speed-focused design...

For particularly competitive players, there's a set of numbers that means more than everything else. The Razer Viper V4 Pro trims its waistline down to a solid 49g (in the black version I'm testing, the white option hits 50g). That's not quite the lightest gaming mouse on the market (check out the Corsair Sabre Pro V2 Ultralight for a reliable 36g option), but it's still pretty effortless in the hands. It's also easier to flick and spin than the Logitech G Pro X 2 Superstrike and its 61g form factor. The Viper range has always lived to become an extension of your arm, and this is the best we've seen so far.

Like its ancestors, the Viper keeps a flatter dome than many of its competitors and siblings. While the Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro and Superstrike are by no means uncomfortable and accommodate a good range of grip types, there's a little extra wiggle room in this shape. There's more clearance to pivot the main body between the thumb and pinky during finer aiming moments in a claw grip, while taller mice will often bump into the base of the palm instead.

I do naturally prefer a greater curve on the thumb side than you'll find on either the Viper or the Superstrike, but that's only because I typically use the top of my thumb for a lot of the legwork. Everyone uses different muscles in their unique grip and control styles, so it's fairly subjective - if you find yourself working the thumb a lot more, though, something with a deeper gradient like the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 DEX offers a much more comfortable shape.

I was never cramped or forced into an awkward hold here, though. The softer matte finish isn't to my personal taste, but it's still grippy enough to withstand more frantic gameplay moments and feels luxuriously smooth in the hand.

... with the sensor to back it up

Nobody's expecting to come here and read that the Razer Viper V4 Pro is anything less than blindingly fast, but here we are. Whether or not the upgrade to a 50K DPI sensor, 930 IPS, and 90 G acceleration in the Focus Pro Optical sensor will be worth it for mere mortals is a question in itself. This isn't where Razer keeps its costs low, the Viper line is where it lets its tech rip - whether players need it or not.

The same can be said for its new 2.4GHz receiver, the same dome-shaped plugin we saw in the DeathAdder V4 Pro. It supports polling rates up to 8,000Hz - a speed that only the upper echelons of esports glory will be able to notice, let alone make use of. It's no reason in itself to buy the Razer Viper V4 Pro, but it's there for those who want it.

Sturdy battery life

Razer has historically done pretty well with the battery life of its rodents. While Corsair, SteelSeries, and Logitech tend to skew a little lower (averaging between 70 and 110 hours between them), even older releases like the Razer Basilisk V3 Pro 35K have been punching at 110 to 150 hours. The Razer Viper V4 Pro ups the ante again, coming in at up to 180 hours in base 1,000Hz polling. That's the marketing number, but I've been running for two weeks (and that's been a two weeks of more gameplay than usual, with roughly 110 to 120 hours of work and gaming combined) and I still have 38% left on this charge.

Goodbye Synapse 4.0

Try as it might, Razer never quite managed to make its Synapse program the lightweight, stay-out-of-your-way software it needed to be. Thankfully, the brand is following a number of mainstream gaming hardware brands and taking its customizations to the web. That means no more downloads, crashes, and resource hogging. Synapse Web covers all the basics, including keybinding, DPI settings, sensor calibrations (and the nifty rotation and dynamic sensitivity tricks that come with them), and polling rates.

Unfortunately, it doesn't provide a fix for annoying Razer firmware updates - there are still far too many hoops to jump through in that department, and you'll still need to download the full suite.

Super tight scroll wheel

I do have to make special mention of this scroll wheel. Razer's done a bunch of fancy stuff with its encoder, swapping over to an optical sensor rather than a mechanical one. That makes for finely tuned precision in gameplay, but the actual mechanism behind this wheel is pulling just as much weight. There's a nice sense of heft to each rotation here, but it's a tactility that never gets in the way of speed. Notches clearly defined, comfortable, and easy to hit accurately. It's a small feature, but this is easily my favorite scroll wheel to date.

What to consider about the Razer Viper V4 Pro

The V3 Pro still looks pretty great as well

Unlike Logitech, Razer isn't doing anything revolutionary with this year's flagship. This is still the same shape and feel as you'll find in the Razer Viper V3 Pro. A better sensor, slightly lower weight, that gorgeous scroll wheel, and small tune up on battery life certainly makes it a worthwhile release for the true competitors among us, but there's nothing massive separating the V4 Pro from its predecessor.

Unless you're at the top of your leaderboard, there's nothing in here to pull you away from the older (and now much cheaper) previous generation.

You'll certainly hear it coming

I was taken aback by the sheer audacity of these main clicks when I first got the Viper V4 Pro on the desk - and I'm a fan of a sturdy snap. It's a large, brash, thunky sound profile that raises the decibels over pretty much everything else I've tested in the last year. These clicks are never hollow or pingy, but they're going to be noticed if you're sweeping and tapping in a quieter space. If you need your setup to stay quiet, they're loud enough to turn you away from the Viper entirely, running straight into the Superstrike's whisper-quiet haptic arms.

Should you buy the Razer Viper V4 Pro?

As with all flagship releases, the Razer Viper V4 Pro isn't actually made for the vast majority of players. Its tech, features, and FPS-first mentality just aren't justifiable for the budgets of cross-genre Steam generalists. If, however, you're a competitive player looking to up your game or support your skills with lightweight, super-fast hardware, that value comes into sharper focus.

The Viper V4 Pro succeeds in everything it sets out to do. It's supremely fast, effortless to wield, and holds its power for a particularly long time. Whether that's enough when the Logitech G Pro X 2 Superstrike is lumbering onto the battlefield is another matter.

If you're going for a classic FPS experience, where low weight, high reaction times, and fingertip grips rule all, the Viper V4 Pro is your go-to. It's a traditional esports gaming mouse dressed to the nines. If you want a new generation of main clicks, and you're happy to experiment with the possibilities afforded by the Superstrike, though, new technologies could prove more fruitful.

How I tested the Razer Viper V4 Pro

I used the Razer Viper V4 Pro for a period of two weeks, running the mouse for all my daily work, play, streaming, browsing, and everything in between. I tested specifically in Apex Legends and CS2, both on its own and side by side with the Viper V3 Pro and Logitech G Pro X 2 Superstrike, while also using the mouse for Mixtape, Planet Coaster 2, and High on Life 2.

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

We're also hunting down all the best wireless gaming mouse models as well as more of the best Razer mice and the best Logitech gaming mice on the market.