In a tweet posted today, 24 hours before the Direct, Nintendo reminds everyone about its imminent plans to break the internet, saying: "Join us tomorrow, April 2nd, at 6 a.m. PT for a closer look at Nintendo Switch 2! The Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 – 4.2.2025 livestream will be approximately 60 minutes long."

Previously, we didn't have any confirmation of how long the presentation would run for, but needless to say, this is a chunky one. For what it's worth, the January 2017 Nintendo Switch presentation was also around one hour long – this included details about the console itself (including its release date and price), as well as information about a number of games coming to it, including Xenoblade Chronicles 2, Splatoon 2, and Super Mario Odyssey.

Nintendo hasn't actually confirmed exactly what it's going to show in the Switch 2 Direct, although I'm sure most fans will have their fingers crossed for a similar mix of both hardware details and demonstrations, as well as some new software. The console's reveal trailer already appeared to tease a new Mario Kart game, so who knows, perhaps that'll make an appearance?

For now, we'll just have to wait and see, but with such a lengthy runtime, it sounds like we'll be given plenty to be excited about. If you want to catch all the news live, make sure to tune in tomorrow (April 2) at 6am PT / 9am ET / 2pm BST / 3pm CEST.

Former Nintendo marketing leads say the Wii U flopped so bad that getting third-party support on Switch was "really hard," but the Switch 2 marks a new era: "There's no more proving yourself."

The WD Black C50 is one of the only Xbox Series X hard drives that will allow you to continue using Quick Resume, and after enjoying a 1TB war with the Seagate Expansion Card, it’s now launched in a 2TB size as well. All told, there are three capacities to choose from; 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB and it’s the largest of the range that I’ve been playing with for this review.

The 2TB WD C50 offers simplicity and plenty of storage, but at $249.99/£213.99 it’s a serious investment so I’m sure a lot of gamers will be asking themselves the same thing. Is it worth paying the premium for an Xbox expansion card?

Design & Features

While not quite as minimalist as the Seagate equivalent, the Western Digital C50 certainly keeps things simple on the design front. Not that it matters though, for most gamers the first and last time you’ll likely ever see this little guy is when you take it out of the box and slot it into the back of your Xbox Series S or X.

While the card I’m checking out is 2TB, it’s an 8MB PS2 memory card that first came to mind because the C50 is doing a pretty great impression of one. Things have come full circle it seems, as the two share the same basic concept. The compact black body feels doubly familiar too as it carries the subtle channelled form of the rest of the WD_Black range. It’s a plastic case around what is almost certainly a smaller form factor NVMe M.2 SSD for gaming, but a quality chassis nonetheless and it feels impressively premium in your hand before disappearing into the TV unit never to be seen again.

Microsoft’s decision to go proprietary for the Xbox Series S/X storage was (and still is if we’re being honest) a little irritating. It makes increasing your capacity a closed garden with noticeably high walls, especially compared to the best SSDs for PS5, but it does come with some benefits and the first of those is simplicity. There’s no installation or setup to speak of here, the C50 is a true plug-and-play device. Like the old-school memory card it resembles all you need to do is plug it into the dedicated slot in your console and you’re away, there wasn’t even a need to format or mount it - very nice.

Performance

The other advantage of proprietary storage devices is having control over their performance. Not all SSDs are created equal, specs and performance levels of different drives will vary and the in-game experience can become a lottery as a result. It’s a level playing field with Xbox expansion cards though, the Superspeed NVMe Core inside the WD C50 is optimized for the Xbox Velocity Architecture, so you should see the same performance and speeds as the console’s internal storage. This isn’t just a case of improved loading times though, newer games optimized for the Xbox Series X will only launch from this level of drive so as games get bigger it’s less of a luxury and more of a necessity.

Before we throw some numbers on it, from a pure vibes standpoint I couldn’t tell the difference between games installed on my Xbox Series X’s internal drive and games installed on the WD C50 2TB. For day-to-day use, they might as well have been installed in the same place for all I could tell. The Xbox also does a good job of making installations as simple as possible and while you can set preferred drives, it’ll just stick it wherever it has the space to.

Transfers between internal storage and the 2TB WD C50 were reliable and impressively fast. At around 75GB each, both Avowed and Hogwarts Legacy needed just one minute and 40 seconds to completely transfer over to the expansive card. Speeds hovered around 6.2 Gbps (6,200MB/s) and peaked at 6.35, putting it just below the WD Black SN850X in terms of raw sequential speed. The 1.5GB of pixel-based agriculture that is Stardew Valley? That took a whole 3.2 seconds, I almost missed it with my stopwatch.

The return journey wasn’t as slick for those two larger titles though. Going from the C50 to my Series X’s internal storage was noticeably slower, nearly four minutes each. Here speeds fluctuated massively as the transfer progressed being sitting on “finishing up” for over a minute each, something that didn’t happen at all going the other direction. This isn’t the only quirk, despite having plenty of room on the C50, Call of Duty insisted on claiming a small amount of storage space on my internal drive too.

Loading times were imperceptibly similar when compared to the Series X internal drive. Continuing my game from the main menu of Avowed took 11.3 seconds on the C50 and 10.9 from the internal. Hogwarts Legacy was even closer, going from menu to castle in 8.4 seconds and 8.2 respectively, while Stardew clocked identical 5.5-second times.

Should you buy the WD Black C50?

Whether it’s worth grabbing the WD C50 2TB expansion card is less about whether it’s any good and more about whether you need it and can stomach the cost of it. Short of some strange transfer behavior back to the internal drive which may point to some disappointing read speeds or a poor method of heat dissipation, it barely puts a foot wrong. It’s well made, it looks smart and it performs well.

It’s expensive though. $249.99/£213.99 sits this 2TB storage expansion at nearly half the cost of the Series X console, and dangerously close to the full cost of a Series S, which is a pretty eye-watering realization. That’s all the more startling now that different models of the Series S and X exist to give people more of a chance to choose their desired storage capacity. Fortunately, the 1TB option isn’t quite as pricey, and can frequently be found for cheaper than the Seagate Expansion Card.

If you like jumping between a bunch of AAA titles though and don’t have the time or interest in waiting for slower transfers to a pure storage drive, the WD Black C50 is the answer to your problems. If you’re still playing plenty of older titles or can deal with a wait to transfer them from a slower drive, consider grabbing one of the best external hard drives for gaming instead.

How we tested the WD Black C50

I plugged the 2TB WD C50 into my Xbox Series X and used it as any gamer would for a week or two before writing my thoughts up for this review. In addition to casual gaming, I also conducted a series of more formalized tests including measuring transfer and load times with a stopwatch. While these were by no means perfectly carried out and left room for some human error, they were more to give a general user an idea of how the C50 performs in its various use cases.

For more on how we test SSDs, take a look at our hardware policy.

The latest Xbox handheld nod and wink takes the form of a trailer featuring OMNI - Asus' adorable mascot. In the clip, the little red hoodie wearing robot uses a machine to supposedly upgrade themselves with "marathon stamina, more capacity, faster speed, and fresh look." But, a little mishap leads to a ROG Ally and Raikiri Pro controller joining them in a fusion pod, resulting in some sort of mysterious hybrid.

I appreciate this weird little homage to The Fly, but there isn't much in the trailer that solidly points toward an Xbox-flavored Asus ROG Ally. Even the Raikiri Pro controller is missing its central home button in a move that could be a deliberate easter egg. The only real reason I know think this best gaming handheld contender could be console-themed is thanks to Xbox itself replying to the teaser with a side-eye monkey meme.

Is an Xbox handheld worth getting excited about?

I figured I'd be more hyped for an Xbox handheld after watching what is likely a teaser trailer for the device. Yet, I'm not even more convinced that we'll end up with effectively a successor to the Asus ROG Ally X with subtle splashes of console functionality. Don't get me wrong, I'm excited to see another portable PC powerhouse enter the fold, but I am slightly worried that Microsoft's involvement will be somewhat limited.

There's something about including a slightly modified Raikiri Pro gamepad in the teaser that doesn't sit quite right with me. Again, the Asus controller was missing its middle home button, but removing it was likely to prevent any on-the-nose references to an Xbox handheld. The thing is that if the new device does simply fuse that accessory with a ROG Ally, it'll feel more just like a premium portable with pro controller elements than something with specific Microsoft console DNA. After all, the pad does use its own third-party aesthetic, so the teaser hints don't really point toward anything with Series X/S vibes.

That's not a bad thing, far from it, but it's not what many fans would expect the first Xbox handheld to look like. Ultimately, it'll be down to Microsoft to come up with a software solution that helps the system feel like a console, and that could mean substantial Windows 11 updates are also in the pipeline. New devices like the Lenovo Legion Go S hammer home the fact that handheld optimization is sorely needed on the operating system, and I'd argue it's more important than any Xbox-flavored physical features.

What I'm saying is that Microsoft and Asus could team up to make an Xbox handheld that's virtually identical to an OG ROG Ally and still pull it off via software. Ideally, we'll end up with a portable with a custom hub that provides controller-friendly access to Game Pass while still retaining access to other storefronts through Windows 11. It doesn't feel like a big ask, but at this stage, I feel like I've been begging for a solution for years.

I'm still holding out for a fierce Steam Deck OLED rival that's made for Xbox games, but I'm not entirely sure if Microsoft is on the same page.

Already got Valve's handheld? Swing by the best Steam Deck accessories and best Steam Deck dock for excellent add-ons. You'll also want to peek at the best retro consoles if you're looking to play the classics.

Thanks to the last remaining spring sales, you can grab the Seagate Storage Expansion Card 2TB for $199.99 at Amazon right now, saving you around 10% off its average price of $223.34. Not only does that mean one of the best Xbox Series X hard drive, SSD, and memory card storage solutions is under that $200 price tag sweet spot, but that only saves you over $23 which could be better spent towards a couple months of Game Pass Ultimate to start filling up that 2TB worth of space.

The last time I spotted this 2TB model this cheap was during last year's Black Friday sales. During the influx of November sales, the Expansion card dropped in price to $193.43, a record low for the time. This current discount isn't record-breaking by any means, but being over $6 away from its record low is worth celebrating - especially if you're desperate for some extra Xbox storage.

Should you buy the Seagate Storage Expansion Card 2TB SSD?

The Seagate Storage Expansion Card 2TB drive is one of the only options when it comes to internal storage for your Xbox Series X console. That's because, whether it's the Xbox Series X or Series, there's no M.2 port to be found, so you can't simply grab the best SSDs for gaming and start downloading as many Game Pass games as your heart desires. Seagate and Western Digital are the only brands out there filling in that internal Xbox storage gap - but whether the Seagate Expansion Card 2TB SSD is the right fit for you depends on a few factors.

Firstly, performance. Seagate's Expansion Card can match the same speedy performance of that of the onboard Xbox Series X internal NVMe SSD at every turn, meaning it's one of few storage devices that'll let you use the console's quick-resume feature. Yet, while it's speedy, it is one of the priciest storage options out there. Without the current $199.99 discount, the 2TB version retails for a staggering $359.99 - the same price as the 1TB Xbox Series S console, if you can believe that.

If you'd prefer to keep costs lower, you have to consider storage capacity. As an alternative to this 2TB drive, you could pick up the 1TB or 512GB versions, but you'd have to ensure that'd be enough for your gaming needs. As games continue to get more storage demanding, a 1TB Xbox Series X hard drive might not go as far. Whereas the 2TB of this Seagate Expansion Card may be on the pricey side, discount or not, it will help futureproof your Xbox console.

For a while now, the WD Black C50 drive was an ideal alternative, as the 1TB version is typically a lot cheaper, and right now it's even $109.99 at Amazon. At that price, it's even more budget-friendly than the 1TB equivalent of the Seagate Expansion Card - but with a 2TB model now available and also down to $199.99 right now at Amazon, which one you'd prefer would depend entirely on what brand you prefer.

There's also the option of switching things up with one of the best external hard drives for gaming. Hard drives won't have the high-end speeds of an SSD, but they also won't have the high-end price tags of them either. HDD drives like the WD My Passport 4TB have an MSRP of $149.99, and that's providing you with double the storage of the 2TB Seagate drive.

Of course, with an external hard drive, you are giving up the option of running Xbox Series X games - as they can only transfer and store them instead. If you want the pros of more storage for your Xbox console while still being able to actually play them, then the 2TB Seagate Expansion Card is a great option for your console. Just be sure to keep in mind that the spring sales are coming to an end, so you'll want to grab it as soon as possible before it sneaks back up to its eye-watering MSRP.

If your Xbox is already equipped with plenty of storage, check out the best Xbox Series X headsets, the best Xbox Series X controllers, and the best Game Pass deals to get the most out of your beloved Microsoft console.

With their OLED and Mini LED displays, brand new thermal designs, and up to 175W TGP, these rigs could well be some of the best gaming laptops of this generation. Right now, there are three available to buy from Newegg's shelves; two 16-inchers with either an RTX 5080 or RTX 5090 (which also doubles your storage) and an 18-inch RTX 5080 device. The latter swaps the OLED panel from the 16-inch models with a Mini LED display.

So what's Gigabyte done with its new 2025 range? Windforce Infinity EX is a term brand fans will be well-acquainted with over the last few months of marketing, but if you're new to the range it's well worth taking note of.

Gaming laptops of this generation look to be prioritizing efficiency, but those high-end GPUs still need adequate cooling. Gigabyte's new thermal design uses 158 asymmetric blades in its fans as well as a new lateral design and additional air channeling to keep those temps low.

Under the hood, each of these machines is in Intel's camp, with the new Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX at the helm and Thunderbolt 5 connectivity. That means extra high-speed display connections, faster data transfer, and a bolstered power delivery system.

The RTX 5090 mobile GPUs inside the top-end 16-inch and 18-inch models both run at up to 175W Max TGP - an improvement over the 155-160W Razer Blade 16 2025 I reviewed last week. I haven't had one in to test yet, but considering it's got a thicker chassis, a newer CPU, and it's pushing slightly more power to its graphics, that could mean the Aorus Master is capable of higher native framerate performance - albeit without the luxury of Razer.

Of course, it's 2025, so Gigabyte's thrown a little AI into the mix. GiMATE takes control of your system management, regulating power, fans, and performance settings depending on your current activity.

Up top, the 16-inch Gigabyte Aorus Master uses a 240Hz QHD+ OLED display - a feature that started making its way to the market last year, but seems to have ruled the flagships in 2025. This iteration offers a minimalist 3mm bezel, 500 nits of peak brightness, and 100% coverage of the DCI-P3 color gamut.

The 18-inch steps away from this OLED trend, instead offering a Mini LED panel capable of running up to 1,200 nits of peak brightness and still following the same 240Hz refresh rate.

Both the Gigabyte Aorus Master 16 and 18 launch today, after only appearing in pre-orders at Newegg.

I'm also rounding up all the best Razer laptops and the best Asus gaming laptops for those shopping around. It's also worth keeping an eye on the best Alienware laptops this year as well.

You'll need to be quick, but the Super Pocket Technos Edition is current down to $47.70 from $59.99 at Amazon. At full price, it's already pretty affordable, but the Big Spring Deal has knocked one of the newest flavors down to a record-low price. If blue and white isn't your jam, or you prefer games like Bubble Bobble, you can also grab the Taito Edition for $49.20, which isn't too far off its lowest price last year.

Even at full price, the Super Pocket is far cheaper than many new Switch games. That admittedly wouldn't be as impressive if this best gaming handheld contender wasn't a fully fledged console with its own library of games, and that's exactly what you're getting with Blaze's multi-platform Game Boy homage.

Each system comes with a bunch of games built in, based on the publisher you pick. As I already spoiled, the black and green Taito flavored model has Bubble Bobble, Space Invaders, Rastan, and 14 other oldies, while the Technos version offers up 15 romps that include Double Dragon, River City Ransome, and Renegade.

None of those ringing any bells? There is also a blue and yellow Capcom Edition that boasts Street Fighter 2, Mega Man, Strider, Ghouls 'n Ghosts, and more for $59.99 at Amazon, but it's not currently discounted. Plus, since every variant is compatible with Blaze's Evercade cartridges, you won't be stuck with the outings pre-loaded on each.

The Taito Super Pocket is my favorite, purely because its colorway gives 2000s cybergoth vibes. Blaze's choice of mint green feels distant enough from classic Game Boy aesthetics to feel pretty fresh, making for a great shelf piece or even an accessory if you're into matching your tech up with outfits. Its vertical layout, disc-shaped d-pad, and face buttons mean it's got all those retro sensibilities, and playing old adventures on it feels right.

There are some shoulder buttons squeezed in around back, and while they're not exactly ergonomic, they're handy for when a game requires them. You'll mostly be playing 2D classics and games with simpler button layouts for now, but since the Super Pocket is compatible with Blaze's new "Giga Carts", it will happily run PS1-era epics like Tomb Raider. I'm personally looking forward to grabbing a copy of Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver and escaping to the north of Scotland over the summer to enjoy the Shakespearean vampire adventure in solitude, but I'm sure many of you will also want to bring it on more sociable family holidays.

There are a few smaller drawbacks tied to a physical cartridge-based nature of the Super Pocket compared to alternative devices. While Blaze's console does use emulation to run retro games, everything is baked into each cart, so you won't be able to run your own collection of ROMs or mess around with as many settings. That in turn means you'll need to bring any collections you fancy playing with you on your travels, but if you grew up with handhelds like the Game Boy, that might play into the nostalgic appeal.

The Super Pocket is deliberately antiquated, but it does provide modern provisions in the areas that matter most. For example, you're getting a built-in battery and USB charging, so you won't have to fumble around for AA cells in between sessions. The 3,000mAh battery packs enough juice for around four hours of solid arcade gaming, and mine still has a half charge even though I last plugged it in before Christmas.

If you love buying physical games, need a way to play retro classics, and love collecting handhelds, the Super Pocket is a no-brainer. It's even more worth buying if you already own one of Blaze's consoles like the Evercade VS or the newer Evercade Alpha arcade machine since you'll be able to use the same carts for both. That said, I think this handheld might bring the most joy to players out there who are aiming for a minimalist way to play some fun games that doesn't involve DLC, digital purchases, or any of the tomfoolery that has creeped its way into the modern console experience.

I take a Steam Deck OLED with me everywhere and still bring this little bub along for the ride as a backup, so don't let the fact you have a handheld already stop you.

Got Valve's handheld? Swing by the best Steam Deck accessories and best Steam Deck dock for must have add-ons. Alternatively, take a peek at the best portable monitors for screens that you can take with you on the go.

We all knew the Nintendo Switch 2 was coming, even before the first official reveal finally dropped earlier this year. Rumours and leaks had been building up for so long that we essentially knew what to expect from the Switch successor well before the video Ninty dropped on January 16 - but that didn't make it any less exciting.

The first, albeit short, look at the brand-new gaming handheld confirmed our suspicions that it was marginally bigger than its predecessor and that it'll sport a new fancy kickstand, an additional USB-C port, and a mysterious c-button, among more changes, but any mention of Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders was markedly absent.

With the next Nintendo Switch 2-centered Direct just days away, the question on everyone's lips is undeniable: should you pre-order the Nintendo Switch 2? Grabbing it on day one will mean negating any nasty FOMO, but it also means parting with a lot of cash, and that's without knowing any of the launch titles or whether it'll actually be a noticeable upgrade as far as performance and features go.

If you wait, you could maybe grab a Switch 2 bundle later in the year and make a saving, or save even more by sticking to your current Switch. To help you make your decision, we've gone over everything you need to consider before splashing out on Nintendo's latest handheld from the get-go.

The price

The two biggest factors in your decision to pre-order the Nintendo Switch 2 are time and price; how long you can wait to get your own device, and how likely we are to see discounts after release day. I'll get it straight out of the way first, we don't see price cuts on Nintendo Switch hardware for a long time after release. This likely won't be cheaper in November's holiday sales - it might not even see a discount for a couple of years. Outside of the odd Black Friday bundle (which would still see you paying at least MSRP for the console itself), the price that the Nintendo Switch 2 launches at will be with us for a long time.

That's where time comes in. Knowing that you will, in all probability, be paying the same price for a Nintendo Switch 2 at the end of the year as you will on April 2, it's worth considering how quickly you need to get your hands on the new console. Those months in between now and the holidays could be spent with the Switch 2 - it comes down to whether the numbers work out for you.

We don't yet have any official word from Nintendo regarding how much the Switch 2 going to cost, but rumors suggest it could be around $400 / £350, with $499.99 being the highest Nintendo could go. To put that into context, the Nintendo Switch OLED model currently retails for $349.99 / £309.99, and the original Switch launched for $299.99 / £279.99 back in 2017.

The industry as a whole has changed over the almost eight years since the first Switch handheld was released into the wild. Triple-A games are now more expensive, so it should come as no surprise if Nintendo confirms this $499.99 MSRP come April 2 - it just depends on whether that is manageable for you.

It's not only the price of the actual handheld that you have to take into account. If you want to play any of the Switch 2 launch titles, you'll also have to ensure you can afford to pre-order those too. Right now, brand-new Switch games have an average MSRP of $59.99, but there's no telling if Switch 2 games will be even more expensive. If you have the means to afford the Switch 2 and a few games, then by all means, pre-order one, but anyone cringing at the thought might be better holding off for now.

If the upcoming handheld opts for an OLED display, then you'll need to prepare for an even bigger MSRP. However, it's believed the new handheld will launch with a bigger LCD screen rather than adopting the display of the current Switch's OLED version - probably to keep costs low and make the handheld more accessible to those with varying budgets.

Verdict: We don't know the official price of the Nintendo Switch 2, however, rumors suggest we could see an MSRP of $499.99. That's pretty reasonable when you consider the cost of other current-gen consoles, and let's not forget, you're still getting a console-handheld hybrid for that price.

The games

Without any indication on the Switch 2 launch game line-up, it's pretty difficult to determine whether or not its prospective game library is enough to get you leaning towards pre-ordering or not pre-ordering the brand-new handheld. Difficult, but not impossible.

Each brand-new Nintendo console release comes with a set of precisely picked games, so that all new adopters have at least something to play at launch. This has been the case for as long as Nintendo consoles have existed, and I doubt that’ll be any different with the Nintendo Switch 2. It’s these launch titles that will ultimately make or break anyone’s determination to pre-order the handheld, but unfortunately, we haven’t had any indication of what these could be.

When the current Switch launched back in 2017, you could play 1-2-Switch, Just Dance 2017, Skylanders: Imaginators, Super Bomberman R, I Am Setsuna, Snipperclips, Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove, Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment, Fast RMX and the now iconic The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild. Personally, I didn’t pre-order the original Switch as the only game that caught my attention, Breath of the Wild, was also available on the Wii U, and picking up that copy of the game meant saving a ton of cash in the process.

At the time, I knew that the Switch version of the game was better optimized, but that still didn’t hinder my enjoyment, even as a die-hard Zelda fan. With a ton of new games still slated for the current handheld, I have an inkling we’ll see a repeat of this sort of scenario. The Nintendo Direct presentation held on March 27 confirmed that highly anticipated games like Metroid Prime 4 are slated for the current Switch, yet we got no indication of a release date outside a 2025 placeholder. Of the current rumor roster, Metroid Prime 4 and new Mario Kart look to be the most enticing titles for the largest number of players. If, like me in 2017, you’re happy to grab the original Switch version, then you wouldn’t have to pick up the Switch 2 until much later.

Speculation aside, the Switch 2 launch games could be all winners or all stinkers; there’s no telling until April 2. But at least if you’re more in the pre-ordering camp, you wouldn’t be left twiddling your thumbs. With backwards compatibility confirmed by Nintendo for both digital and physical games (with some exceptions) you’ll already have a wealth of titles to play. Ninty also confirmed that the Nintendo Switch Online game libraries will carry over to the Switch 2, so you'll have a ton of Nintendo classics to play to play too - depending on your NSO subscription.

Verdict: Waiting to grab the Nintendo Switch 2 later will mean you’ll have your pick of a huge range of Switch 2 games. Not only that, but by not pre-ordering the handheld, you could wait long enough for there to be plenty of patch updates and optimization for any launch titles.

Without any confirmation on the launch lineup of games, there’s no popular Nintendo IP draw that could be the determining factor on whether you need to have a Switch 2 from day one. That being said, if you’re a Nintendo die-hard fan and want to play the most optimized and best-performing versions of any Nintendo game as soon as they become available, then pre-ordering the console makes a lot of sense.

Hardware upgrades

Whether or not the hardware upgrades of the Switch 2 are enough to get you ready to pre-order are hard to pinpoint - mainly as we don't officially know what to expect. Nintendo has been just as tight-lipped about the new handheld's specs as it has been about its price and its launch games, so we're left relying on rumors, leaks, and speculation instead.

I mean, it is the Nintendo Switch 2, so you'd hope that it'll be a big performance upgrade for the current handheld as otherwise, what's the point?

It's suspected that the Switch 2 will be decked out with a custom Nvidia chip, 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM, 64GB eMMC storage, DLSS 2 support, FSR 3 support, an 8-inch LCD display, a much-improved battery life, and magnetically attaching new Joy-Con controllers.

That's a lot to unpack, so whether you want to pre-order the Switch 2 according to hardware alone will depend on which key hardware features appeal to you the most. If you're just hungry for a graphical and performance upgrade, then the Switch 2 is the way to go. As someone who's been regularly let down but the performance of some recent Switch games (I'm looking at you, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet), then I totally get it. If you're frustrated with the Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED's sub-par battery life, then grabbing the successor from day one will hopefully put a stop to your battery woes.

Verdict: Nintendo isn't known for releasing the very best in performance every console generation, and instead, the focus usually relies on its unique gimmicks and gaming experiences. That being said, based on previous leaks and rumors, there's a lot pointing to the Switch 2 as a worthwhile step up from the current handheld, and you're free to pre-order if you're desperate to see how brand-new and older games perform on the system.

If you want to get more value out of your current handheld, avoiding pre-orders and waiting months after launch means you can determine whether or not those upgrades are worth it.

Availability

One of, if not the biggest factors that should determine whether or not you pre-order the Switch 2 is availability. Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa stated they were "making preparations" to combat resellers with the upcoming handheld, which is rumored to be the reason behind the handheld's 2025 delay. That should make it easy to grab a Switch 2 on the day and even days after pre-orders become available, but I wouldn't risk it.

If you don't want to wait months and months after launch with no Switch 2 to your name, pre-ordering the console as soon as you can is the best way. Many of us might be happy to wait even over a year until we decide to upgrade to the Switch follow-up, but if you're at least hoping to have one at release or shortly afterward, I recommend preparing yourself for a pre-order.

I went through the PS5 pre-ordering trenches, and I wouldn't wish that stress on my worst enemy. It resorted in daily 3 AM wake-ups to check stock on PS5-dedicated Discord servers, and this was months after the initial release day. The popularity of Nintendo and the upcoming Switch 2 is unprecedented, and there will be plenty of people eager to grab one for themselves or their Mario and Zelda-loving kids. Assuming they'll just be available months after release isn't a wise move, unless you're prepared to face some disappointment.

Verdict: Pre-ordering the Nintendo Switch 2 is your best bet to avoid any future stock shortages and disappointment if you're eager to play one on release day or shortly afterwards. Plenty of retailers in the US and UK have got their Switch 2 pre-order pages primed and ready, so you don't need to look far to plan where to get yours.

 Overall, should you pre-order the Nintendo Switch 2? 

Whether pre-ordering the Nintendo Switch 2 is a valid choice for you and you alone entirely depends on a few factors. Any hardcore Nintendo fans (which includes myself) will likely be flexing their hand muscles in order to secure that console as soon as humanly possible. But for those more conscious about their budget and what kind of gaming experiences they want to have, it makes a whole lot of sense to wait.

For one, there's no sign of how much the new handheld is going to cost. If you stick to Nintendo hardware to keep your gaming budget low, it's a better decision to wait until the end-of-year sales events roll around. Discounts on the console itself won't come around until a few years after launch. However, this Black Friday is primed for the first Nintendo Switch 2 bundle. Switch bundles can save you cash on games and even subscriptions to Nintendo Switch Online if you're lucky. Just don't expect the first bundle to come with a physical Switch 2 game, especially as plenty of the early original Switch bundles came with digital downloads. If money is no issue, and you hate that dreaded FOMO, pre-ordering a Switch 2 isn't going to matter all too much - unless you're desperate for some bragging rights.

Not to mention, we haven't yet been shown any launch games, so it could be some time before anything you like the look of playing becomes available. It's all well and good owning the latest game's console, but if the launch games are a snoozefest, then it's just going to collect dust for the foreseeable future. On the other side of the Yoshi coin, if you play every single Nintendo game regardless of the IP, then there's bound to be a big-name game available from day one, and pre-ordering the Switch 2 means you'll be right there from the start.

I've already set aside the funds for the Nintendo Switch 2, and not just because having one as soon as possible will make my work life a lot easier. Super Mario and The Legend of Zelda games are among my favorite franchises to delve back into, and I can never shake off the fact "Neeno" (to mean Nintendo) was the first world I ever spoke. I'm only going to be able to experience what adventures my favorite moustached plumbers have next on Nintendo hardware, and so a Nintendo Switch 2 needs to be part of my gaming setup from day one.

I'm still recovering from trying to get a PS5 shortly after it released, but I'm confident I'll be able to pre-order a Nintendo Switch no problem. That's thanks in part to Nintendo's own reassurance that they'll have plenty of stock to go around this time around. Personally, I'm looking at the official Nintendo website to grab mine, mainly as it's one of the best options to ensure you get games and hardware, the day of release. For the US, I recommend checking out Walmart, Best Buy, and Amazon on the big day, especially as they've been steadily updating their Switch 2 information in the last few months.

You don't have to be like me, and if you can't justify the cost of the brand-new Switch, then by all means, don't put yourself out. Especially when there's still plenty of new games coming to the current handheld. After all, good things come to those who wait, and if that's your decision, you're bound to be able to take advantage of any future deals later in the Switch 2's lifespan.

If you're happy sticking with your current Switch, picking up one of the best Nintendo Switch SD cards, the best Nintendo Switch controllers, and one of the best Nintendo Switch headsets will help spread the value of your beloved Ninty handheld.

Fortunately for me, the Fortnite Festival Edition of the CRKD NEO S controller is now just $49.99 at Amazon, saving 17% off its MSRP of $59.99. That saving of $10 may not seem like a huge deal, but for this official Fortnite Festival version of the gamepad, this marks a new record low price. A record low price the likes I've only spotted once ever before, making this not just a rare saving but one of the best controller deals I've spotted this month.

Typically, the normal versions of this controller are even cheaper, having an MSRP of just $49.99. As of typing, it's also part of the Amazon spring sales, with a discounted price of just $37.99, but it doesn't come with all the Fortnite Festival bells and whistles. The Fortnite Festival version of the rhythm PC controller adds comes with a custom detachable 5-fret attachment, so you no longer have to depend on any awkward d-pads when trying to jam out with your friends online - and I've never clicked 'add to cart' faster to grab my own.

Should you buy the CRKD NEO S (Fortnite Festival Edition) controller?

Fornite Festival is one of the best game modes tucked away in Epic Game's Fortnite, but playing it with even one of the best Nintendo Switch controllers just feels odd - especially if, like me, you grew up on Guitar Hero. That's why picking up the CRKD Neo S Fortnite Festival controller could be your saving grace.

The compact gamepad is specifically designed with Fortnite Festival in mind, if that wasn't obvious enough from its Fornite branding. Like I briefly touched on before, the controller can connect to your PC, Switch, or smartphone via Bluetooth and comes with a custom detachable 5-fret attachment. If you're old enough to have ever played the Guitar Hero On Tour controller built for the original Nintendo DS handheld, it's a bit like that.

To start jamming out with your friends or play 'Hot To Go' on repeat like I do, all you have to do is flip the controller on its side to give you easy access to the charming purple buttons. It's not a complete stand-in for a proper guitar music rhythm controller, but it's a notable step up from trying to keep your timing and perform more complicated combos on a d-pad.

If that sounds good to you, but you're hesitant about dropping even the now discounted $49.99 on a controller just for Fortnite Festival, don't worry about it. The CRKD Neo S controller is a worthy alternative to the best Switch and PC controllers, thanks to its programmable back buttons, swappable stick tops, and most notably, its hall effect sticks.

If you've ever almost become the last man standing in a typical battle royale but narrowly missed getting that Victory Royale because your character just started walking off on their own, then the CRKD Neo S is a good fit. It's hall sticks essentially make the dreaded stick drift a thing of the past, thanks to the way it detects the presence of a magnetic field and inputs every time you move it around.

Alternatively, you could pick up the PDP Riffmaster guitar if you'd prefer a more immersive controller over the CRKD Neo S. It costs double that of the discounted Neo S, but can also be used to play Fortnite Festival, Clone Hero and is even a great emulation substitude for any official Guitar Hero and Rockband controllers. Better yet, unlike the CRKD Neo S, it's compatible with the PS5, so Sony fans won't have to miss out on the fun.

If the CRKD Neo S doesn't quite meet your Fortnite-playing needs, check out our guides to the best PS5 controller, best Xbox Series X controller, and the best Nintendo Switch controller to find your perfect Fortnite Festival and Victory Royale-scoring match.

The hardware’s all here, we’ve got a gorgeous OLED display returning for another year, a souped up keyboard that feels better than ever, and a slimline chassis to keep everything particularly portable. Under the hood, though, the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 isn’t as potent as the Intel i9-14900HX in previous generation models, and the RTX 5090 wants you to think of its benefits in terms of efficiency rather than brute force.

That’s going to be a tough pill for a lot of players to swallow, and it certainly gives the best gaming laptops of the previous generation an extra feather in their caps. This is the first RTX 5090 gaming laptop I’ve tested and, from what I’ve seen so far, this generation feels more like an experiment than the previous. That said, it's an experiment that will benefit gamers looking for a powerful, portable laptop.

Mobile devices may have hit their current power ceiling, so I can see why Nvidia’s had to get creative with ways to improve its experience. Considering the Razer Blade 16 I’ve been testing comes in at a whopping $4,499.99, this is one expensive roll of the dice.

A super-thin design

The best Razer laptops have always been particularly skinny. They’re solid black bricks designed to slot neatly into a backpack and withstand transport with a luxuriously durable build. This is that, but on steroids. At just 0.69-inches thick when closed, the 2025 Razer Blade 16 is just a hair thicker than the 2024 Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 - only it’s packing an RTX 5090 under the hood instead of tapping out at an RTX 4070. This is truly the first time I’ve used a gaming laptop designed for high-performance gaming on the go.

That thinner frame makes travelling effortless - it’s still a little heftier than other slimline machines at 2.14kg but it’s still easier on the shoulders than last year’s 2.4kg model. It’s a 16-inch gaming laptop I can pick up and carry with one hand, and that’s not to be taken for granted at this power level.

The main chassis boasts the same CNC-milled construction with a sand-blasted and anodized matte finish for that classic Razer feel. That’s a luxury you don’t find anywhere else - every Razer laptop I’ve tested has shared the same uniquely tactile surface and of course, there’s zero flexing to be found.

A new thermal hood does extend the base of the 2025 Razer Blade 16 a little, but not beyond the lip of the main chassis. This extended bumper adds new ventilation to the system to help keep those powerful components chilled, without adding to the height of the front or rear.

Everything else is as you’d expect it to be. The latest Razer Blade 16 carries a boxy but ultimately subtle aesthetic and that bright green Sneki logo blazes bright in the center of the main lid. There are not garish icons, stamps, or cringey lines of text to deal with - just an understated block of metal hiding some serious power.

Under the hood

Intel is out this generation, with the Razer Blade 16 focusing instead on AMD’s AI-forward processors. The AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 sits inside my testing unit, with 12 cores and 24 threads to its name, and running at a base 3.3GHz, jumping up to 5.1GHz at the top end. That’s the top spec CPU, but you can also configure the 2025 Razer Blade 16 with the slightly weaker AMD AI 9 365, with 10 cores, 12 threads, and a 5GHz max on the clock.

That CPU is our first sign that Razer is going for lean efficiency over raw power with the 2025 Razer Blade 16. It’s simply not as powerful as the Intel i9-14900HX you’ll find inside the fastest gaming laptops on the market, instead focusing its energy on making way for its neural processing to become relevant some day in the near future (it’s not quite there yet, my test system spends very little of its resources on these processes).

It does, however, outperform the Intel Core Ultra 9 185H inside the Asus ROG Zephyrus G16, though time will tell how this matchup plays out when the newer 275HX model hits my testing bench. Interestingly, the cheaper Asus TUF A14 can push that same AMD CPU a little further in PC Mark 10 benchmarks.

Razer’s had to trim its power supply to squeeze everything into that super-thin chassis, with around 155W TGP in the RTX 5090 device. That’s a considerable downgrade compared to the 175W TGP in the RTX 4090 model from last year, and it does make itself known in performance.

The Razer Blade 16 can also be configured with an RTX 5080 or RTX 5070 Ti to bring that final cost down, with either 32GB or 64GB RAM. Razer is shipping the Blade 16 with 1TB, 2TB, or 4TB SSD options.

The numbers

Native framerates in my testing pool rarely bump above 150fps, and unfortunately sometimes don't reach the heights of the RTX 4090 I tested in last year’s release. Materially, we’re down in core frames-per-second across a couple of benchmarks, which I know is going to lift some eyebrows.

Here’s the kicker, though, I don’t know if chasing framerates further into three-figure territory in lighter titles like Shadow of the Tomb Raider is what we need to be doing in the mobile market. This is still a machine capable of running demanding single player games in full resolution super smoothly. It’s disappointing that we don’t see massive benefits from Nvidia’s latest flagship GPU, yes - but that’s not what the Blade 16 is about.

Here are the numbers, all run without DLSS features and the ‘Performance’ power preset. The RTX 5090 inside the Razer Blade 16 2025 lags behind the RTX 4090 in the previous model in both Shadow of the Tomb Raider and Total War: Three Kingdoms; games where native performance means everything without a DLSS helping hand. The machine keeps pace with its predecessor in Returnal.

The 2025 Razer Blade 16 actually fared better in the competition when placed in the QHD+ arena with more demanding games. At the full 1600p, it just about managed to beat the previous generation in Total War: Three Kingdoms and took a much larger lead in Returnal. Shadow of the Tomb Raider still didn’t see any benefits from the newer mobile GPU, though it still stuck close to previous benchmarks.

The RTX 5090 inside the new Razer Blade 16 isn’t a leap in native framerates - at best it just about skirts above the previous generation in a thinner form factor (albeit one with AMD’s AI-focused processor instead of Intel’s i9-14900HX powerhouse). Its pace is still impressive considering its thickness, and it does routinely outperform the super-thin Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 from last year - but the lack of any real push forwards in native speed is going to ruffle some feathers. Of course, I’ve yet to test the GPU inside a larger chassis with a more powerful processor and higher TGP.

Synthetic benchmarks tell a slightly different story. Here, the new RTX 5090 model stands tall over the previous RTX 4090 in easier Fire Strike tests, though does again bump underneath the older release in Time Spy. Considering it beats the much chunkier Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 9 in harder Steel Nomad runs, though, there's still grunt under this hood.

Let's talk DLSS

Nvidia’s frame generation features have been divisive in the desktop market, that’s putting it lightly - at its worst, it’s been used to mislead on a marketing level. At times it does feel like a get out of jail free card for the brand, especially considering we’re not seeing much of a native leap between generations.

It can artificially speed up your games without requiring a chunky chassis, a big development for slimline gaming laptops - but it also increases latency slightly and adds some distortion effects. For me in the mobile arena, and as a mostly non-competitive player, though, the tech brings with it a lean approach to making the most out of your games when raw power is always going to be more limited.

Cyberpunk 2077 is a DLSS darling capable of pushing the new transformer tech to its limits and spitting out some sky-high framerates at the end of it.

With the full ray tracing whack, super resolution at ultra performance, and frame generation toggled, the game was running at an average of 249fps in my testing. That did result in some smaller glitchy details, but I only noticed them appearing around neon signs in-game, which sometimes buzzed on and off. With that super resolution set to max out quality, I was still able to play at 148fps. Without frame generation in play, framerates dropped to the low 40s with this picture-buffing feature enabled.

The 2025 Razer Blade 16’s use of the RTX 5090 feels designed to innovate in form factor rather than power. Native QHD+ framerates are still above the 60fps you’d need for a smooth single-player experience, but if you’re chasing revolutionary numbers with every pixel looking as best it can, you’re going to need to get Nvidia’s toys out.

That’s not what everyone wants to hear but, without carting a massive power supply around with you, it’s currently the best way to hit sky-high framerates. Unfortunately, if your games don’t support DLSS features you’re going to be stuck with native performance - and that presents a strong case for sticking with the previous generation and saving cash.

A more useful experience

Instead of focusing on that raw performance, the 2025 Razer Blade 16 and RTX 5090 make a bold move. They concentrate more on efficiency and overall experience. It was that focus that had me running to do something I’m loathe to test in gaming laptops; battery life.

These machines are doing a lot in a small package, so it’s easy to understand why they often tap out at around 45 minutes to an hour of choppy gameplay. The 2025 Razer Blade 16 has shrunk its chassis while also boosting battery life at the same time. While the most demanding games didn’t run well without power attached in my testing, lighter titles like Lost Records: Bloom & Rage and Gears Tactics were chugging away for at least a couple of hours before the laptop died. That’s a considerable increase, even if you’ll still (even with DLSS enabled) need to pick and choose your mobile experiences.

Indiana Jones and The Great Circle is a hungry game and doesn’t quite jump into the ‘playable’ category on battery power, lagging, stuttering, and requiring some serious downgrades in visual quality to run. However, I was able to tap out in Avowed with a zippy, responsive feel - not bad, considering just a few years ago I’d struggle to get more than five minutes into a light turn-based RPG without a freeze-up.

Not only that, but the Blade 16 is also one of the quietest gaming laptops I’ve had whirring away next to me. I’ve grown used to ear-splitting fans over the years - I’ve even heard ringing after powering off particularly offensive cooling systems. Compared to the previous generation, the 2025 Razer Blade 16 is whisper quiet.

That quiet performance, better battery life, and reduced fan noise wouldn’t have been possible without the extra efficiency of the newer mobile GPU. The RTX 5090 is here to round out the laptop experience now that TGP watts are shrinking to make way for more useful laptop experiences. 18-inch chunky behemoths are great for desktop-based play with the option to move around every now and then, but most players buy their gaming laptops for portability - and this feels like the first improvement to quality of life that I’ve seen in a long time.

OLED still reigns supreme

One of my favorite things about the previous-generation Razer Blade 16 was its screen, and the same OLED panel has returned in the 2025 iteration. It’s pretty much the exact same display, but considering it’s still the best screen I’ve used on a gaming laptop to date I’m glad the brand is sticking to its winning formula.

A 16-inch QHD+ panel running at 240Hz could be considered par for the course to the uninitiated, but once you see these colors up close in person it’s obvious that this screen is in a different league. Boasting incredible vibrancy, almost painfully vivid colors and contrast, and exceptional accuracy, the Blade 16 has both gaming and media editing chops.

An OLED screen means a contrast ratio advertised at 1M:1, but Razer’s panel also boasts Calman-verified color presets and Nvidia G-Sync built in as well. That’s all great on paper - in real life, it’s breathtaking. The darker scenes of Fallout 4 and Returnal give the OLED’s true-black (and therefore excellent color vibrancy) the best playground, but it was Horizon Zero Dawn: Remastered and Avowed’s rusty orange hues that had me particularly impressed.

The former’s wild landscapes offered a cacophony of colors, all fine-tuned and beautifully saturated to fill the screen with their own characteristics in tandem. Even the slight coloration differences in Meridian’s stone walls were represented with plenty of detail.

While there’s some glare from that shiny surface, brightness was strong enough to keep most encroaching daylight at bay - though its best work was done at night.

A clear-cut win for laptop keyboards

While the benefits of the new GPU are a little more nuanced than we’re used to from the previous generation, the new keyboard is an easy win. Razer has updated its deck with scissor-switches under the hood, offering a larger 1.5mm key travel and 63g of actuation force. They feel fantastic under the fingertips.

Every press offers an incredibly satisfying bounce with just enough tension to feel significant while remaining energetic in both work and play. The keys themselves are well balanced and placed within easy reach of the main palm rests, with a slightly smaller trackpad staying firmly out of the way when typing.

There’s a solid attention to detail on this deck as well, with dual-LEDs under each cap ensuring both main and secondary functions are illuminated brightly and evenly. There are a few new additions here, a Copilot key keeps AI assistance close by, while a new strip of macro keys line the right side of the deck.

That means we’ve not got dedicated clickers for simple functions like page up and down, which is particularly handy during work hours, as well as toggles for the system’s Game Mode and different performance presets, and a mic mute. These can also be configured to different functions within Synapse, running M1 through M5 for personalized macro inputs.

Razer has also upgraded its audio, with four upward and two downward firing speakers, most notably spotted flanking each side of the slightly extended keyboard.

Some teething issues

This is a new device with stability updates to come, but there were a few issues in my testing. General everyday performance seemed to slow right down once or twice during use, with the cursor lagging significantly and longer load times even on lighter apps. That was rare, and will likely be ironed out with updates once the Razer Blade 16 hits mass market shelves.

I managed to completely crash it once, when trying to run Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. And I don’t mean just a straight exit to desktop, I mean fans whirring all the way up before the system fully shut off. Again, this is likely the result of newer drivers needing some additional work after launch, but it was surprising enough in a $4K machine to mention here.

Interestingly, all these issues sprung up only on my final day of testing, I should note that the system has been running fine otherwise - I’ve reached out to Razer with my concerns and will update this review accordingly.

Should you buy the 2025 Razer Blade 16?

The actual Razer Blade 16 of this new release is blindingly impressive, with its incredible display, super satisfying keyboard, thinner form factor and expansive port selection. The GPU of this release is going to divide the market. It’s not the fix for slimline gaming laptops that I thought it would be - in fact, it’s barely an upgrade over the previous generation in terms of pure native performance.

That said, we do seem to have hit a ceiling in what these mobile cards can do by themselves, and Nvidia’s DLSS additions bring their own unique benefits to the system as a whole. Improved framerates in chunkier games come at the cost of minor visual distractions, but I only noticed a little artifacting and some buzzing every now and then in my testing. If that’s what it takes to get 200+ fps in Cyberpunk 2077 while on the go in 2025, then here we are.

There are a number of compounding factors holding the performance of the Blade 16 back, from the lower TGP to the slimmer form factor to the CPU. Ultimately, this is a machine designed for gamers and creators looking for a better overall experience and have some serious cash to burn on it - the price doesn’t make sense otherwise.

If you’re looking to splash out on a new machine and want the best look, feel, and quality of life features (screen, keyboard, battery life, and form factor) that I’ve tested so far, you’ll be happy with this model. Think of it more as the same as last year’s but with some key external upgrades. If you’re investing in a performance-first device promising true next-generation power, I’d wait and see what chunkier machines with more powerful processors can do with the new generation.

How I tested the Razer Blade 16

I spent just under two weeks with the RTX 5090 Razer Blade 16, using the device for all daily work and play during that time. I tested using both native performance and DLSS features where available, across Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Total War: Three Kingdoms, Returnal, The Talos Principle 2, Cyberpunk 2077, Black Myth Wukong, and Horizon Zero Dawn: Remastered. I also played Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Avowed, Lost Records: Bloom & Rage, and Gears Tactics both powered and on battery. I completed synthetic benchmarks across 3D Mark’s Time Spy, Fire Strike, and Steel Nomad, as well as PC Mark 10’s CPU test. For more information on how we test gaming laptops, check out our full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

I'm also hunting down all the best Asus gaming laptops and the best Alienware laptops available now, or check out the best gaming PCs for a more permanent setup.

Based on the pictures shared to Bluesky, it sure is a C button. We first got a glimpse of the button during the official reveal of the Switch 2, and we all thought it was the C button even though it didn't have that letter etched into it like this one does. Turns out we were right.

The C button is a relic from the days of the N64 and GameCube. I'll be honest, when I was a kid it confused me to no end. I could barely play Ocarina of Time because everything was bound to C and I just couldn't work out that the UI was telling me to move the stick in the corresponding direction.

While we still don't know for sure what the button does, people on ResetEra have some ideas. "Calling it now: it's C for either Community or Connect. Kinda like a 'share button," writes one user. "It's for sure the Connect button though," agrees another. Many others are simply replying with the single letter "C." One user writes, "That C button is going to save my life. I just know it," so people are being very normal about the whole thing.

I reckon it'll be some sort of social feature button. Either a chat or connect button, something like that. You click it and it opens a chat window or the community page for the game you're playing, something to encourage multiplayer and making new friends. Whatever it is, we won't know for sure until the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct next week.

In the meantime, check out the best Nintendo Switch games you can play right now. You'd better clear that backlog before the Switch 2 comes out.

Available to pre-order for $699.99, the Boulies MagVida is a best gaming desk contender with a dual-monitor system that will arrive in two parts. The standing frame will largely come assembled, so all you'll have to do slot a few pieces together, whack the 140 x 70cm surface on top and you're good to go. The company claims that should take you five minutes, but honestly? Even as a seasoned furniture reviewer I tend to take well over half an hour putting together most models, so anything quicker than that will please me greatly.

The MagVida also takes to stage with something dubbed the "EMO System." No, it's not targeting Fall Out Boy fans (me), its the term for the company's trademarked mechanism that will allow you to add magnetic accessories like a cable management system underneath the standing desk. So, even wrangling your wires is going to be quick and easy, further shortening the time it'll take you to kick back and play some games at the surface.

The magnetic system feels pretty similar to the Secretlab Magnus Pro, only instead of sticking things to the top, you'll have modular add-ons at the bottom. For now, the extras all appear to relate to cable management, but there is a hook that will also hold you gaming headset.

Everything else about the MagVida feels fairly vanilla, and the T-shaped legs look pretty similar to what's used with the Flexispot E7 Pro. The mechanism is designed to hold 120kg, though, so can't quite outlift that standing desk since it'll bear 199.5kg. That will matter more if you're planning on using an especially heavy gaming monitor (looking at you, Philips Evnia 42M2N8900 and keeping a chonky rig on top, but ordinary setups shouldn't really be pushing these surfaces to their limit.

You'll be able to choose between a white and black top, so you're out of luck if you're into the whole woodgrain aesthetic. But, for what it's worth, even these two basic colorways look pretty clean and premium, and I can see the magnetic system helping players who're craving a minimalist, clutter free setup achieve their goals.

Looking for more setup bits? Swing by the best gaming chair and the best gear for streaming to expand your battle station.

Hold up, before you get excited, just know that the Razer Monitor Stand Chroma comes in at $199 / £169. Let’s be real – that’s a big ask since many of the best gaming monitor options practically boast the same features as this desk accessory, including height adjustment, a USB hub, and even RGB lighting. Ultimately, this add-on is for those of you with an older screen that could do with a little love, and even then, there’s a case to be made for just putting the $200 towards a new display.

I’m off to a harsh start with the Monitor Stand Chroma, but bear with me, as it does have plenty of decent qualities. As a gaming desk accessory, it’s going to help tie your setup together with centralized connectivity and more room for storage. It also looks pretty snazzy once you’ve got everything set up and Razer’s RGB lights twinkling, and for some of you out there, $200 could help breathe some life into your ensemble.

Design

Razer has this whole thing of making surprisingly understated accessories. You wouldn’t think that to be the case since it’s one of the older “gamer” brands out there that’s renowned for arming everything in RGB. However, most peripherals on the market right now by the gadget maker are pretty minimalist, and the Monitor Stand Chroma follows that trend.

The Razer Monitor Stand Chroma is effectively one big piece of aluminum with no detailing or notable emblems on its exterior. At a glance, I could see myself mistaking it for an ordinary desk riser with no features beyond being a couple of inches high, but that’s great if you’re trying to tie it in with an existing setup easily.

It's going to effectively look like a natural part of a black desk, especially if you use something like the Secretlab Magnus Pro. That was likely the intention with the Razer Monitor Stand Chroma, so just to be awkward, I’ve pitched it up on top of the dark woodgrain Flexispot E7 Plus. It thankfully doesn’t look out of place, and the desk’s surface actually has enough sheen to nicely bounce the RGB lighting stowed away under the front lip.

At this stage, I’d be appalled if Razer didn’t get RGB placement right. With the Monitor Stand Chroma, it places a diffused strip out of sight underneath so that you’ll never directly see the diodes or any illumination. Instead, you’ll get a gentle glow that’s bright enough to be worth having but avoids looking garish or piercing your eyeballs. I’ve witnessed enough bad lighting attempts in my lifetime, from undiffused strips around friends' walls to accessories with single, exposed LEDs, so I’ve come to appreciate the art of tasteful illumination.

Everything else the Razer Monitor Stand Chroma has to offer is on the right. You’ll find two USB ports and a USB-C on the side and a port for power and HDMI on the back. I’m in two minds about this placement since having wires firing outwards can look a little messy, but most players are going to use these connections for easy access or when using a portable device like a gaming handheld or laptop.

As a riser, the physical side of things arguably matters more, so it’s worth delving into what the Razer Monitor Stand Chroma offers in terms of space. On top, you’re getting a 500 mm x 210 mm rectangle platform for your monitor to sit on, and if you’ve got a regular pedestal stand, that’s going to work just fine. I’m currently using the Alienware AW2725Q to test, and it’s an ideal candidate side its base fits on top like a glove.

That said, if your screen has a V-shaped stand, you may run into some issues with the Monitor Stand Chroma. You’ll have a bit of overhang if using something like the Lenovo Legion Y34wz-30, and you’ve got no chance of perching the BenQ Mobiuz EX321UX on top since it opts for a narrower angle. Simply put, you’ll have to get the measuring tape out before buying this add-on for your current screen, and I’d say it’s better suited to 27-inch panels with a centralized pedestal.

As above, so below – the Razer Monitor Stand Chroma uses that same footprint to return some space to you on the underside. It’s easy to forget that monitor stands are effectively eating up play space, and options like the Sony Inzone M10S actively try and keep pedestals ultra low profile so you can still use the area under your screen, desk risers still make for the best way to claw back some ground.

I do think Razer has missed a big trick when it comes to height, though. Gaming keyboards, laptops, handhelds, and other gadgets are all going to tuck nicely under the riser, but you can forget about most soundbars. Even the company’s own Leviathan V2 is too tall and wide to slide underneath, which just feels plain silly.

Still, as someone who sometimes does more than play Overwatch 2 at their gaming desk, it’s nice having somewhere to throw my keyboard and mouse while keeping them within reach. I have a bad habit of actually moving all my peripherals out of sight when modding Game Boys or working on PC builds, but this riser has empowered me to not do that so as to still have easy access to my rig during projects.

Features

Razer’s Monitor Stand really has one main mission – add height to your screen. It’s a boring endeavour, but as someone who was a “DSE” (display screen equipment) assessor for an office in a previous life, I’m fully aware of the importance of ergonomics. Plenty of screens out there these days are height adjustable, but older and cheaper models won’t be able to pull themselves to your eyeline. Some more recent examples include the KOORUI GN02, but even screens like the Odyssey G5 aren’t maneuverable.

I’m not going to dictate to you how high your screen should be, as that’s no fun. However, just know that if your monitor is too high or low, it can lead to neck strain and other issues if you sit at a desk for long sessions. These are normally warnings that crop up in working environments where repetitive strain is a risk, but I’ve experienced a notable difference in the way I play shooters like Overwatch 2 when things aren’t at the right height. Looking at the wrong angle greatly impacts how I’m able to throw around my mouse and respond in game, so that’s worth noting if you’re trying to nail a comfortable, competitive setup.

There aren’t many screens out there these days that aren’t height adjustable, but if you do end up with the likes of the cheaper KOORUI GN02 or even the older Samsung Odyssey G5, the Razer Monitor Stand Chroma could be a big help. Yes, there are risers out there that aren’t $200, but you are getting more than just a plinth here.

For starters, the built-in USB 3.2 hub will provide your rig with additional speed ports, and that could be incredibly useful if, like me, you’re overwhelming your system with peripherals. You’ll also be able to tap into HDMI 2.0 output, but it won’t replace your Steam Deck dock since there’s no Power Delivery functionality here or compatibility with an external charger. It will work well with something like the Lenovo Legion Go S, though, since that handheld has a separate port for charging and accessories.

It’s got Chroma in the name, so you should be surprised that Razer’s Monitor Stand features strong RGB abilities. You’ll be able to dive into a wealth of customization options using the brand’s Synapse and dedicated Chroma app, enabling you to do to everything from sync up other devices with the sale color patterns, set the riser to respond to specific PC games, and even using it as a music visualizer.

I’ve currently got the riser flashing away to the sweet sounds of Satanized by Ghost as I write this, and it’s giving PS1 CD player visualizer vibes. You can also sync Chroma up to compatible games, but from what I can tell, updates can completely disrupt compatibility. Cyberpunk 2077 is seemingly a victim of that since it completely failed to respond, but I managed to get DOOM up and running with some aggressive red flashing when near fire and bright green pickups.

The color customization is seemingly endless with the Razer Chroma app since you can tweak things based on specific lighting zones and set ambient awareness for your on-screen visuals. There’s a deep RGB rabbit hole to be found here, and if you’re not into messing around with complex options, you’ll have less to gain from the Monitor Stand. It can also be a pain messing around with all the various dials since changing one setting can come with consequences, and after I inadvertently set things incorrectly in Synapse, it took me around 20 minutes to work out what the issue was.

Performance

In its default state, the Razer Monitor Stand Chroma performs as it should – linking up to connected devices, providing HDMI output, and dressing up your desk with a nice RGB glow. I didn’t have to deal with any weird connection issues via USB-C, and I was able to use the riser as a makeshift docking station for the Lenovo Legion Go S without a hitch. I couldn’t get the Steam Deck OLED to play ball, though, since there’s no way to power everything with Valve’s handheld hooked up.

Physically, the stand is also solid, and I doubt you’ll find a monitor that will stress out the metal frame. The coated aluminium is pretty robust too, so it should hold up wear and tear wise without looking scrappy over time. I wouldn’t really expect anything less from a $200 riser, but it’s still a reason to invest over plastic and MDF alternatives.

The built-in RGB lighting is pretty pleasing and offers up full coverage across the stand’s width, but brightness is limited. The illumination does work work cranked up to 100%, so I wouldn’t say it’s completely missing the mark. Where it did start to matter is in games like DOOM where it felt like it was reduced to 50% when trying to sync up with on-screen colors.

That could be a symptom of general game compatibility and the Synapse Chroma app combo, which comes with its fair share of quirks. On occasion, the Monitor Stand would just go in a huff in response to me switching options, either getting stuck on specific colors or turning illumination off entirely. I’m also not really buying the need for separate programs for hardware configuration and customizing RGB, as having to hop between both just feels like a faff.

Should you buy the Razer Monitor Stand Chroma?

The Razer Monitor Stand Chroma makes for a premium perch for your gaming monitor with some ultra-stylish RGB abilities to boot. Whether you’ll want to fork out $200 for one is a different story, as it absolutely feels more like a luxury that will only bring ergonomic benefits to some screens without height adjustability. Even then, the pedestal size will hamper your efforts to successfully plop some displays on top of this add-on, which again narrows down the number of players who can actually enjoy this riser.

If you love all things Razer and would like to add even more RGB to your desk, the Monitor Stand Chroma will already be on your wishlist. Otherwise, I’d wait for a decent discount before considering the riser. It's pretty, well-made, and has some nice connectivity features, but you could use the funds to pick up a newer monitor that will solve more than half of those issues.

But hey, at least it will give you somewhere to shove your keyboard when you decide to build some Lego instead of diving into Steam games.

How I tested the Razer Monitor Stand Chroma

For two weeks, I used the Razer Monitor Stand Chroma as part of my main gaming setup by plugging it into my gaming PC. In that time, I used the integrated hub with my gaming keyboard and mouse to test reliability and speed, but I also plugged in the Lenovo Legion Go S to access the riser’s HDMI 2.0 output on a mobile device.

To try out Synpase and Chroma features, I played various tracks on Spotify with the stand’s visualization settings and games like DOOM and Cyberpunk 2077 to check game integration. I also spent time in each app adjusting each setting to assess effectiveness and whether each would function as intended.

For more information on how we review desk accessories and other add-ons, check out our full GamesRadar+ hardware policy.

The BackBone One Xbox Edition does stamp Microsoft's Xbox button on the left gamepad for easier access during Game Pass sessions, but otherwise offers the same core experience as the rest of the gang. Up there with the best mobile controllers on the market, the latest special edition is available today for $109.99, exclusively at Backbone's own store.

Post Malone's special edition Backbone One looks incredibly similar, but it did launch in a particularly limited run in June 2024. There were only 500 units available worldwide for that release, so if you missed out on the translucent design last year you've got another shot today.

The Backbone One was among the first mobile controllers offering the full powered wraparound design, and with the current generation iPhone jumping over to USB-C, the Xbox Edition is compatible with more devices than ever. Older Apple devices won't be able to run the gamepad, but everything with a compatible port will house this gamepad just fine.

The Xbox Edition joins the PlayStation Edition in the brand's collection of officially authorized gamepads. While the latter focuses on making your Remote Play experience just that little bit better with Sony's face buttons, this newer release takes on Game Pass's massive streaming library. The basic Backbone One can already run both of these experiences - aside from that Xbox button, this is essentially a new colorway geared towards Microsoft's green sensibilities.

Of course, if you're more of a console traditionalist we're also rounding up the best Xbox Series X controllers and the best Xbox One controllers. Or, check out the best PS5 controllers if you're in Sony's camp.

As one of the best Xbox Series X controllers, the SCUF Instinct Pro wireless Xbox controller doesn't come cheap, but the stunning official Squid Game 'Pink Guard' version is down to just $169.99 at Best Buy right now. That is still a large amount to be spending purely towards a controller, even one that doubles up as a worthy PC gamepad. That being said, this current spring sale deal takes off a huge $70 off of its $239.99 MSRP, which is worth highlighting whether you're a Squid Game fan or have been putting off grabbing the pro controller until now.

Not to mention, Best Buy is one of the only places you can grab this version of the Instinct Pro Xbox controller. This fabulous Squid Game variant is also available from the official SCUF website, but right now, it's only discounted to just $209.99, making this Best Buy saving one of the best spring discounts I've spotted for Xbox fans so far.

Should you buy the SCUF Instinct Pro?

No matter what flashy aesthetic the SCUF Instinct Pro Xbox controller is donning, it's hard to get around the fact that this is a pricey bit of tech. Even as far as pro controllers go, the Instinct Pro's MSRP is higher than that of the Victrix Pro BFG for Xbox, which is currently the best Xbox controller our hardware team's ever had their hands on.

As an officially licenced Xbox accessory, the Instinct Pro Xbox controller comes with adjustable trigger buttons, the ability to save up to three onboard profiles, four re-mappable buttons, and a new non-slip grip to make it even more ergonomic for those who need it. Ultimately, though, it's fast FPS players who are going to gain the most from this gamepad. The extra customization options and those fantastic triggers make for a compelling package in the hands of tournament leaderboard climbers, and considering it's currently one of the cheaper Pro controllers on the market anyone looking for some extra juice for their next Apex Legends session should be taking note.

If you fall into that camp and you're happy replacing the batteries from time to time, it's a slick buy. Our reviewer found it a little too pricey at its full launch MSRP, but with $70 off we're in sweet spot territory - especially if you're a Squid Game fan.

Still, even at its current discounted price at Best Buy, you could grab not just one but two official Xbox Wireless controllers and still have some cash to spare. With that in mind, it's clear that this controller is more for those die-hard Squid Game fans with a competitive streak. The stunning semi-transparent plastic chassis replicates the iconic pink of the eerie guard uniforms found in the hit Netflix show, as does the center imagery, which pays homage to their masks. If you're a casual player who won't take advantage of the extra speed and adjustability options available, you'll be buying this for the colorway alone.

SCUF and Microsoft clearly went all out as far as theming goes - and the iconic pink even continues to the ABXY buttons, the mic mute button, and around each of the controller's sticks. Even as a passing fan of the Korean show, I love how distinctly on-brand this gamepad is, so I can't imagine how it is for the biggest Squid Game fans out there. Whether or not that's enough to justify the $169.99 discounted price is hard to quantify, and ultimately it'll come down to just not your level of fandom, but if you'll actually get use out of its other pro features.

If your current Xbox controller does the job, check out our guide to the best Xbox Series X headsets, the best Xbox Series X hard drive, SSD, and memory card solutions, and the best Game Pass deals to unlock the most out of your beloved Microsoft console.

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

Should you buy the Samsung 990 Pro 1TB SSD?

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks to a "Big Spring Deal", you're getting the 55-inch Hisense U8N for $679.99. At full price, it will set you back $1,099.99, and it was sitting at MSRP before February this year. Amazon's offer more or less builds upon an existing offer that is within touching distance of a Black Friday discount featured last year, and the extra discount does make make the best gaming TV contender even more temping than before.

The Spring Deals discount knocks the U8N down to the high end of mid-range TV pricing, and it's certainly one of the highest spec screens out there for under $700. While you can find the likes of the LG OLED B4 for $549.99 at Best Buy, you'll have to make do with the 48-inch version that tops out at 120Hz and isn't quite as bright as its mini LED rival.

The Hisense U7N really impressed me with its 144Hz abilities when I tested it last year, and since the U8N is effectively its higher spec sibling, this feels like a solid offer. The U8 series enhances things further with Full Array Local Dimming Pro, featuring over 2,000 dimming zones for enhanced brightness and better contrast, all while avoiding mini LED symptoms like halo effects and bloom.

The fact the U8N can hit up to 1,800 nits peak brightness means you also won't need to worry about performance in your bright living room. The U7N was able to pierce through even aggressively sunny conditions at 1,500 nits next to a south facing window, so it's safe to say this model is going to shrug off any conditions you throw at it.

Of course, the main reason I'd eye up the discounted U8N is its 144Hz abilities. Considering some mini LED gaming monitors like the BenQ Mobiuz EX321UX are hitting the same refresh rate at 4K, it's safe to say this TV will cater to high spec gaming PC needs. If you've been itching to add a rig to your living room setup and play shooters at high frame rates from your couch, this screen is going to provide the responsiveness you're after, and I've spent a chunk of time playing Overwatch 2 on screens that provide a similar kick.

What I will say is that next to the LG OLED G4, the Hisense U8N doesn't quite punch as hard in terms of depth and contrast. That's hardly surprising considering the former is a 2024 flagship, but the reasons for spending more on an OLED panel become clear once you look closer at Ultra HD Blu-rays.

Perhaps if I hadn't watched the Predator sequel Prey on both models, I wouldn't be craving the more expensive LG model over the Hisense alternative. But, that's my job as a reviewer, I guess, and it does mean my brain wants to justify grabbing the OLED G4 for $1,796.99 since its down from $2,599.99 right now. It's double the price, so your budget may rightly dictate that you go for the U8N. Just don't go looking at both side by side since that will afflict you with the same premium panel craving curse as me, and that's going to be expective.

Still hunting for screens? Swing by the best TV for PS5 and Xbox Series X and best 120Hz 4K TV for more options. You'll also want to peek at the best 4K monitor for gaming if you need a desktop display.

That's not to say the whole gaming desks vs regular desks conversation is clear cut. Many of the best gaming desk contenders I've tested work just as well as a PC battle station as they do for working from home and productivity. To really narrow things down, you need to break down each surface's features and subtle elements that lean more towards either use case.

Whether you're looking for a base for your high spec PC setup or a versatile and ergonomic place to use a monitor, it's well worth drawing a line between gaming desks and regular options. I've got some tips that will help you quickly label any models you come across in your search for new furniture, to help you grab the right rectangle for the job.

Gaming desks vs regular desks: Size

I want to stress that size alone doesn't indicate whether you're looking at a gaming desk or a regular surface, but it does play a role. Typically speaking, desktops designed to hold gaming monitors and your rig will have deeper dimensions and plenty of width to fit screens up to at least 32 inches along with any consoles and rigs you plan on using.

Regular desks can also feature plenty of space, but I often find that manufacturers use the extra room in a different way. Traditionally, these units feature lots of extra storage like shelves and drawers for stationery, which implies the design is more suited to productivity. That's not to say those elements aren't handy for storing peripherals and cables, but desks for gaming normally prioritise giving you space for your hardware first and foremost.

There are common sizes that regular and gaming desks share. You'll find that most options out there range from 120 to 183 cm in width and 61 to 76 cm depth. However, you're more likely to find different layouts that are designed to sit in a corner either using a L-shape or a triangle when browsing traditional models, since they were typically structured to fit in with living room layouts and shared spaces.

Size isn't a direct indicator whether a desk is for gaming or productivity, but there are two things I'd consider when eyeing up different dimensions. The first is whether you need space for specific monitors and systems in addition to a gaming keyboard and mouse, as you'll want to ensure you can comfortably sit with all your gear within reach. If you're primarily looking for somewhere to work, you'll need something that focuses giving you lots of room for your stationery and additional office supplies in addition to a place to pop your laptop.

Gaming desks vs regular desks: Features

At a glance, most desks are going to look like a rectangle with four legs. It's only when you start trying to integrate your own specific setup that you'll become acquainted with features geared specifically for gaming and/or productivity. Some of these elements are arguably gimmicky, but their existence is what ultimately helps differentiate models into either category.

Common gaming desk features I tend to come across include headphone stands, surface wide mouse mat covers, and PC brackets that mount underneath. These are all features that options like the Secretlabs Magnus Pro provide using a modular approach, but you'll also find these perks integrated into cheaper options like the Arozzi Arena. You will find models out there that come with none of these extras, or even some that come with even more quirks like integrated cup holders and RGB lighting, but the gist is that there will be something that ties into playing games and some of the associated tropes.

On the flipside, regular desks will cater more to traditional office ergonomics and standards that tie into ordinary PC use. Those sensibilities are adopted by gaming options too, but you're more likely to find integrated features like monitor risers, keyboard trays, and storage built into the design. These surfaces aren't necessarily aiming to serve players who sit with a wider arm span, fingers tapping away on WASD keys and a gaming mouse to hand, meaning the layout will usually suit typists who need a central place to rattle keys while having a display at eye height.

Again, none of these features are exclusive to gaming or regular desks. They're simply a hint as to what demographic a model is aiming for, as a at home admin worker isn't going to benefit from having RGB underlighting and a bracket for a large rig. More often than not, ordinary users will be seeking something that can store all their office bits and has enough room for a laptop that can be whipped away as soon as the day comes to an end.

Gaming desks vs regular desks: Design benefits

Look, there's no getting round the fact that some gaming desks look like they belong in a 14 year old Minecraft fan's bedroom. Don't get me wrong, younger me would have loved to have one of these battle stations, but the majority of you out there will be aiming for something a little more contemporary.

That in turn makes actually separating gaming desks and regular surfaces based on design a little difficult. While there are plenty boasting bold black and red racing stripes and flashy lights out there, I'm coming across more and more subtle options that could easily be marketed for office use.

So, how do you identify a gaming desk in a sea of options? Well, it can often come down to whether a surface will accommodate your setup. There's room to debate over whether one of my favorite options, the Flexispot E7 Plus, counts as a piece of gaming furniture since it it looks like a stylish wood-effect piece with streamlined features, but I'd argue its surface space and standing functionality all help make it an excellent choice for playing PC games in a versatile way.

At the same time, the likes of the Magnus Pro is unmistakably a gaming desk. Its modular accessories, integrated AC outlet, and associated cable management options all work best for users with cables running from PCs, monitors, speakers, accessories, and consoles within one setup. Regular desks may come with additional trays for holding your wires and plugs, but surfaces with a focus on playing games will directly consider what you'll need to hide in order to house everything on top.

Gaming desks vs regular desks: Durability

I don't want to suggest that regular desks aren't as durable as their gaming counterparts, but there is an inherent need for robustness when playing PC games. I'm fully aware that when I play shooters like Overwatch 2, I tend to throw my mouse around in a slightly chaotic manner, whereas desks tend to get less of a beating when I'm typing like I am now.

For that reason, gaming desks normally place emphasis on providing a hard wearing surface paired with extra stability. The last thing you want when trying to clinch a competitive match is to experience any wobble, and while ordinary solutions might be pretty sturdy too, most of the gaming-focused options I've tested are designed to be rock solid. Plus, the extra mouse pad material coverings and other mats included with popular options will save the top from frantic peripheral usage, meaning you're less likely to see scuffs after use.

That's normally not really required with ordinary desktop use, as you can get away with having a lighter weight desk if you're planning on just typing, spreadsheeting, and going on Zoom calls. That said, options by the likes of Flexispot absolutely use hardwearing materials and extra sturdy legs to provide that premium vibe no matter what you're doing, and as a tinkerer and tech project enthusiast, I love that.

Gaming desks vs regular desks: Price

Gaming desks are getting cheaper, but they traditionally cost more than regular home office alternatives. Price tags have always been elevated for specialists - as soon as you see something being marketed for a specific niche or hobby, you can expect to pay more than you would for cheap and cheerful option for vanilla use.

More often than not, I find that cheaper desks cater more to everyday office use than they do gaming. This is especially true if you spend under $100 on a simple table with four legs and potentially some storage-based extras to sweeten the deal. You can absolutely find options with gamer benefits on the budget side of things, it's just that surfaces will start to look like they belong as the base of a PC setup the more you spend.

There's a bit of an amusing trend with Amazon brands where you'll see desks that look like traditional office models complete with somewhere for your inkjet printer, but they'll have an RGB lighting strip underneath the monitor riser. These are normally floating around for around $50, especially during the sale, and if I'm being frank, I wouldn't class them as gaming desks. The aesthetic alone with these culprits normally leans towards the traditional home-office vibe with an emphasis on storage over anything that relates to playing games or using accessories, and it really feels like the manufacturers have done the bare minimum by simply sticking some lights on the underside to check a box.

If you're directly looking for something with features that will be handy in your quest to beat your Steam backlog, you'll want to aim for brands that are making models specifically for that purpose. At the same time, office users will want to look for reasonably priced options that don't try and use cheap extras to cater to both parties. By doing that, you're more likely to hit a price range that has exactly what you're looking for, whether that's something ultra premium or an ultra cheap solution that isn't just a flatpack budget contender cosplaying as specialist furniture.

Expanding your setup? Swing by the best gaming chair and best 4K monitor for gaming for ways to upgrade your battle station. You'll also want to take a peek at the best gear for streaming if it's peripherals you seek.

You'll find the RTX 5080 HP Omen Max 16 available for $2,399.99 at HP's own site right now. That's actually a fantastic price considering the new-generation GPU, latest Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor, and 32GB RAM. It was tough to find even RTX 4080 gaming laptops for much cheaper over Black Friday this year, making today's offer particularly compelling.

With its reverse cooling fans and strong pricing, the HP Omen Max 16 will take on the best gaming laptops on the market when it starts shipping on April 29. If you're in the UK, it's worth noting that the same machine is also available for pre-order, though at £2,999 there's no discount up for grabs.

Should you pre-order the HP Omen Max 16?

Aside from some more budget-minded MSI chassis, the HP Omen Max 16 is actually one of the more decently priced RTX 5080 gaming laptops available for pre-order right now, especially with that price cut in play. The Razer Blade 16 will set you back $3,499.99 for a similar configuration and the Alienware 16 Area-51 matches the same components for $3,199.99.

You're spending more than $1,000 less to get the same kind of horsepower in the HP Omen Max 16 and benefitting from some of the brand's newer innovations as well. HP made sure we all knew about the Omen Max's new cooling developments when it was announced back at CES. Sure, there's all the usual vapor chamber technology packed in here (though this is the first time an Omen machine has used it), but reversible fans also spin backwards to keep your system free from dust. Those particles aren't to be underestimated either, any build up certainly contributes to weakening cooling performance over time.

Today's pre-order deal sits on an Intel model, but AMD is also in this game with Ryzen AI 9 HX 375 processing options joining the shelves. If you so choose, you can also equip the HP Omen 16 Max with an OLED display, instead of the stock IPS panel.

I'm also hunting down all the best Asus gaming laptops and the best Alienware laptops on the market. Or, for more Sneki vibes, check out the best Razer laptops I've tested so far.

Naturally, this premium quality comes with a premium price. The Virtuoso Max Wireless costs $329.99 / £280, which is pricier than nearly all the best gaming headsets I’ve come across so far. For console players, particularly those that stick to the PS5 or Nintendo Switch, this price could be a big ask - as while it will bring out the rich and nuanced sounds of any game you through its way, all its customization, including its sound and lighting, relies on having access to software like iCue and the Dolby Atmos which are unique to PC and Mac platforms.

If you’re mainly in the market for a PC headset, and you don’t mind giving up tailoring your audio and lighting setup when switching to consoles, this is one of nicest that will grace your head. Sure, it’s also one of the heaviest, and the lackluster foam padding doesn’t do much to combat that. But the mild aches and pains are easy to forget when you hear and see all that the Corsair Virtuoso Max wireless headset has to offer.

Key specs

Design

It’s difficult not to get carried away when yapping on about the design of the Virtuoso Max Wireless headset. For this review, I was provided with the White SKU, and as soon as I got my hands on it, I couldn’t help but grin at the sight of its sleek, sophisticated appearance. This is mostly due to its hard-to-miss shining metal cups and yoke, which make this headset stand out from the plastic chassis of other PC headsets I’ve had across my testing bench.

Even the top of the yoke looks monumentally classy thanks to its Corsair embossed logo, which is almost as reflective as its LEDs are bright. The sleek design continues as the yoke attaches to the light gray leather headband, which features the Corsair text logo subtly engraved across it. It feels a bit silly getting this worked up over the look of a gaming headset, but it was refreshing to only test a White headset, but one that has such a robust chassis.

The high-quality build of the Virtuoso Max impressed me down to the gleaming metal cups, patterned control wheels, USB-C detachable microphone, and the matching light gray cushioned headband and ear cushions. Even the onboard controls don’t feel intrusive and contribute to the professional appearance by remaining tucked away on the bottom of either cup - which includes the wireless mode switch, USB-C mic port, action switch, custom button, and USB-C port for charging.

All of this fanning over the headset’s look was before I even flicked it on, which only cemented it as one of my favorite gaming headsets in looks alone. The six individual rings of both cups light up white one by one, simulating the initial flickering of an overhead office light. Even without customizing them through iCue, these rings felt like a monumental step up from the Corsair Virutuoso RGB Wireless headset, which instead opts for customizable Corsair logos. The Virtuoso Max did take away one thing from its RGB counterpart, and that was the small LED ring on the detachable microphone, which adds an extra bit of flashy flair to an already great-looking bit of tech.

The LED on the microphone will light up red if you’ve purposefully (or accidentally) pressed the mute mic button. This LED-lit classy aesthetic is even represented on the accompanying 2.4GHz wireless dongle. The dongle has a Corsair logo, which will light up white when in use and light up red when it’s connected but the headset isn’t turned on, in case you need a little reminder.

This high-end premium design does come at a cost, and I’m not just meaning it’s brow-raising $330 MSPR. This is a heavy headset, and its tight clamping force doesn’t help in making it a more comfortable experience. I found myself regularly moving it across different areas of my head every half hour to help with blood flow and give my skull some relief. For me, it’s array of high-quality features make it a small price to pay, but if you have an especially sensitive head or are prone to migraines, you may want to stick to a lighter headset alternative.

Features

The features of the Virtuoso Max are vast, but one of the first things I noticed during my early time testing the headset was its unique onboard controls. It has all you would expect of the best wireless headsets, including a ‘wireless mode switch’ that also acts as the power button. With simultaneous Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless, pushing this forward will not only turn the headset on but have you instantly connected should the 2.4GHz dongle be plugged into your PC or PS5. Holding the switch further another notch will activate Bluetooth pairing mode, and it is one of the fastest I’ve ever witnessed. Whether it was hooking the headset up to my Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch, both handhelds recognized the Bluetooth in seconds. Yet, it was the volume control wheel that really drew my attention.

Just to the side of the wireless mode switch, there’s an engraved metal pattern along the entire outer cup. This isn’t just for show and is there to give you a bit of grit as you turn the makeshift ear-wheel to control the volume. This volume wheel is one of my favorite aspects of the headset, as it feels far more convenient than feeling for any volume controls, which can often be small and hard to find on other headsets. It’s also incredibly smooth and satisfying to turn, and even after my two weeks of testing, I still feel like I’m on the set of a Kubrick sci-fi film whenever I use it to control my PS5 or PC’s system volume.

The rest of the left ear cup is home to a USB-C port for the detachable microphone. Cleverly, Corsair opted out of busying up the left side of the headset with more buttons and instead placed the mute mic on the bottom edge of the mic itself. This is noticeable the second you connect the two, as is the strong wired boom arm, which is one of the most robust I’ve used. Rather than the mic flopping around in your peripheral vision, which I experienced with the OXS Storm G2 wireless headset, the Virutoso Max mic stays exactly where you put it.

On the opposite cup, you can find the custom button, which is used to turn on (and off) ANC if you hold it down for a few seconds, along with the action switch. The action switch ended up becoming one of my favorite controls on the headset, namely as it lets you skip music tracks in apps like Spotify - something I do far too often. Now, instead of begrudgingly having to make the effort to open Spotify on my phone or on my PC to skip a few tracks, I could just flick it back and forth and save myself some valuable time. The USB-C port for charging sits just under this button on the right cup, and its wheel can also be used to adjust your microphone’s audio monitoring.

The features of the Virtuoso Max don’t just shine where its onboard controls are concerned, but it’s also decked out with customization in both sound and lighting. By downloading Corsair’s iCue software, you can make some little tweaks to the headset’s lighting brightness, turn on and off its ANC, assign whether each wheel adjusts the system or Bluetooth volume when turned, enable or disable voice prompts, disable the mic’s LED, turn up the mic’s gain or just glance at the remaining battery of the headset instead.

iCue is typically a bit of a tedious and frustrating-to-use bit of proprietary software, and that doesn’t change with the Virtuoso Max. But the fact I was able to actually change the image of the headset to the white SKU I was testing in the review was a nice added detail that made me appreciate iCue more this time around. Fortunately, changing the headset’s lighting was also straightforward, and just like with the Corsair K65 Pro Mini RGB gaming keyboard, you have a range of lighting effects to utilize, from the bright blues of the “watercolor” lighting type to the more gamerified-looking “spiral rainbow.” For a nice added touch, you can set both cups to use the same effects or assign them individually, but for the most part, I stuck with the default white as they kept up the professional office look of white headset.

More importantly, it’s via iCue that you’re introduced to the first set of audio features. Through the app, you can use an equalizer to switch between different audio presets, create your own, or adjust your mic sidetone. iCue also contains a ‘SoundID Personalization’ feature, which provides you with an audio test to create a more personalized sound for your games. The next set of audio features comes through the Dolby Atmos app, which you have to download separately. You can select from a similar range of audio presets, which include game, movie, music, and voice modes, along with three custom slots to create your own personalised audio. Each mode comes with a range of audio settings to choose from, ranging from a detailed, balanced, or warm pre-sets. Naturally, as a gaming headset, the game mode also has an extra performance setting that is designed for competitive games in particular.

Performance

This headset is, by large, a PC gaming headset. It’s compatible with the PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox consoles (if you have the Xbox designed version), but its performance lends itself to the platform. This is primarily due to the fact that if you want to customize the sound, you need to use Corsair’s iCue software or the Dolby Atmos app - neither of which you can access while playing your PS5, Nintendo Switch, or Steam Deck, which I also used for testing.

That’s not to say it doesn’t sound great when paired with Sony’s current-gen console. I tested the Virutuoso Max wireless gaming headset while playing hours upon hours of Marvel Rivals, Sea of Thieves, Phasmahobia, and my still ongoing adventures with Unicorn Overlord. At first, even at full volume, the headset was pretty quiet on the PS5, but this was easily remedied by ensuring I had downloaded the latest firmware update through iCue. Afterwards, the low, mid and high range levels of each game’s soundscape sounded more full and pulled forward, which was ideal as I like my game audio loud and in-your-face.

Galacta’s high-energy narration in Marvel Rivals sounded as clear as day through the cups, and the triumphant score of the competitive hero shooter sounded fairly balanced. It was missing that boomy bass, but without an app version of iCue at my disposal, there wasn’t much I could do to fix that. This would be a common theme no matter what PS5 game I played - and while nothing ever sounded bad in any way, I can’t help but wish there was an easy way to play around with iCue’s audio features on my Sony console. Fortunately, at least, with the Dolby Atmos options turned on through the PS5’s audio settings, I was able to witness the headset’s spatial audio through Sea of Thieves for the first time - which does wonders for Rare’s swashbuckling masterpiece.

Again, I didn’t have the full options as per the PC Dolby Atmos app, but I could still feel like I was truly below deck in my 2-manned sloop, as the creaking of the ship sounded like it was permeating all around me. This was even better on the PC, where not only I still had access to my pirate and my ship thanks to Rare’s cross-progression, but I also had access to the various audio presets through the Dolby Atmos app which made the Sea of Thieves audio design, and stunning ost by Robin Beanland sound more full-bodied.

Of course, on PC I also had the iCue audio settings to play around with. But no matter if I tried out ‘Bass Boost’ or ‘FPS Competition, they never sounded like they lifted the audio in any positive way. The audio presets in the Dolby Atmos app, however, were fun to play around with - and I got a lot of use out of the ‘detailed’ and ‘balanced’ options found within the movie mode despite it being designed with watching media in mind. These options also lend themselves to shooters like Counter-Strike 2, which I tested out primarily when it came to putting the Virutuoxo Max through its paces on PC.

Keep in mind, I’m alright at hero shooters. When testing on the PS5, the headset’s clear and detailed soundscape made it easier to hide away from any approaching rival team members while I lurked around as Cloak and Dagger, my new Marvel Rivals main character. However, it’s been a while since I had the edge in a competitive FPS like Counter-Strike 2. That being said, being able to place the enemy team around me and hear their footsteps, which were easy to make out through the high-quality custom 50mm graphene audio drivers, made me actually enjoy an online FPS. In fact, I even alluded to the fact that I want to play even more CS2 to the delight of my partner, when it’s not typically my online game of choice.

I also used the headset when playing the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck, and the higher-end of the Virtuoso Max’s sound lent itself to games like Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Sunshine, which I played via Super Mario 3D Allstars. On the Steam Deck, I tested the headset while playing A Highland Song and was able to mater the music rhythm segments thanks to not just the high-quality Bluetooth connection but also the audio excellence coming from the cups - even without iCue or the Dolby Atmos app by my side.

The audio of the Virtuoxo Max, and its various audio customizations isn’t the only thing it has going for it. The detachable microphone was also a joy to use and is one of the best microphones I’ve used in a headset to date. Just like the high-quality mic of headsets like the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro or the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, the mic of this headset made my voice sound crystal clear. That’s even when frantically shouting as I was left behind in a derelict spooky house in Phasmophobia, the quality of the mic remained intact.

Where the headset didn’t dazzle and amaze me, however, was when I got down to its weight. Even after the first 30 minutes of using the Virtuoso Max I had to adjust where the 417g headband was sitting on my head to relieve some pressure. Sure, it’s padded, but it’s not the softest foam, and it feels pretty rigid compared to what you want in a premium headset, especially one of the most expensive headsets at that. Luckily, I never experienced any pain around my ears despite the equally rigid feeling of the padded foam cups. I put this down to the fact they’re large enough that even my huge ears always felt enclosed and tucked away, and actually this was a benefit when the ANC was turned on as I truly couldn’t hear anything else going on around me.

Should you buy the Corsair Virtuoso Max Wireless?

The Corsair Virtuoxo Max wireless high-fidelity gaming headset is not a budget-friendly pair of cups, and I firmly believe any gaming big of tech that isn’t a console should be given extra scrutiny when it sits above the $300 price threshold. That being said, its high-end price feels almost entirely justified given the full magnitude of features and quality on display with this headset - from its robust metal chassis, its high-quality audio and multi-platform compatibility.

For PC and multi-platform players, this headset is an easy recommendation. Sure, PC players will get the most out of it as it relies on software like iCue and Dolby Atmos for audio and lighting customization. Yet, even without bringing out the extra booming qualities of the headsets bass, and turning its cups into a dazzling light show, it’ll still make your PS5, Nintendo Switch, and even Steam Deck games sound sublime.

For those who prioritize battery life, and want access to audio customization without just having to use your PC, an alternative like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless headset would better suit your needs. It also has a similar MSRP of over $300, but if you’re lucky, you can find it discounted during Black Friday, and other big sales events. Unlike Corsair, SteelSeries’s free app means you can tailor the audio with your phone, and it’s hot swappable batteries will go further than the up to 60 hours of the Virtuoso Max wireless headset.

How I tested the Corsair Virtuoso Max Wireless

I spent over two weeks testing Corsair Virtuoso Max Wireless where it became my go-to device day in and day out. During that time, I ran the premium pair of cups through a gaming gauntlet of hours upon hours of Sea of Thieves, Marvel Rivals, Counter-Strike 2, and some Fortnite and Stardew Valley for good measure. I also tested it out with the Nintendo Switch to play games like Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Sunshine through Super Mario 3D All-Stars and while playing A Highland Song on the Steam Deck.

When not gaming, I used the Virtuoso Max Wireless to watch the finale of Severance season two, along with a plethora of TV shows on streaming platforms from Apple TV to Netflix. I also listened to playlist upon playlist on Spotify, testing it with the 90s alt stylings of the Lost Records game soundtrack, a bit too much Fleetwood Mac and a range of bands and artists to see hope it coped with a range of different genres. For more information on how we test gaming headsets, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

If the Corsair Virtuoso Max isn’t the right fit, check out our guides to the best PS5 headsets, best Nintendo Switch headsets, and the best Xbox Series X headsets to find the perfect pair of cups for your favorite console.

In this new update, which is available now on PC, console, and VR, you can uncover the lost remains of strange beasts. In keeping with No Man's Sky's procedurally generated worlds, there's no right or wrong way to reconfigure the bones once you find them. In fact, you can piece them together to create whatever weird and wonderful skeletones you like.

You'll then be able to display your collection of, well, I'm not sure if they'll be called dinosaurs officially, but let's just call them dinosaurs for now, in a makeshift museum that will be part of your base. Your friends and other players can then visit and marvel at your discoveries.

Just be careful. The bones you can dig up have different rarity levels, and some of the more uncommon ones can be guarded by Stone Ghosts and Stone Golems. That being said, nothing could stop me trying to unearth the skeleton of a Titan Worm.

The last free No Man's Sky update, Worlds Part 2, revamped the lighting, water, and added huge gas giants to the game. So, while this is a smaller, more focused update, it's intended to make the game feel "broader and more real," like the fishing update did back in 2024. You can read the full patch notes right here.

It's been almost a decade since No Man's Sky first released, and all the free updates have turned it into a game people love. The Worlds Part 2 update saw a peak concurrent player count of 43,695, which is the highest recorded for that time of year since it launched. It even got back into Steam's top-sellers chart.

When you're done digging, check out some of the other best space games you can play.

Gone is the camera bump, and instead we’ve got a thicker chassis and, most importantly, a much larger battery.

5,100mAh is a step outside of the ordinary even for mainstream flagship phones. It’s one of the heaviest batteries of today’s current roster, rivalling the best gaming phones on the market from a sheer size point of view. Of course, more charge doesn’t always mean a better battery life - but considering the Tensor G4 chip under the hood is designed to maximize efficiency, things are looking pretty strong. And that’s excellent news for mobile gamers.

That Google chipset isn’t going to give the Snapdragon 8 Elite in the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro anything to worry about, but it’s still more than capable of running the majority of thumb tappers out there.

Genshin Impact, Fortnite, and Dead Cells are going to run better on a dedicated gaming device with additional hardware and software features devoted to gameplay, but the majority of mobile gamers simply use whatever hardware they have available rather than forking out for a specific Asus or Nubia device. The only problem these players come up against in most budget mainstream smartphones is battery life.

At full throttle, these games can kill a phone in a couple of hours. I can max out at around four hours of full-brightness, screen-on PUBG time on my iPhone 13 Pro with its 3,095mAh battery and A15 Bionic processor, whereas the 5,800mAh ROG Phone 9 Pro runs for nearly six hours in similar games with Snapdragon at the steering wheel. I expect the Google Pixel 9a could run for similar lengths of time with its weaker specs and efficiency-focused chipset.

Before the Google Pixel 9a stormed into town, longer sessions with more demanding games were generally only possible on dedicated devices. Overall graphics, controls, and stability aren’t going to match up to these high-end flagships. After all, there’s only 8GB RAM under the hood whereas Asus and Nubia pack up to 24GB these days. Most mobile gamers don’t need to sit and play Call of Duty for hours at the highest settings, though. Most players want to spend a chunk of time in their favorite titles and still have enough power to see them through the rest of the day.

That’s where the Google Pixel 9a will likely rest its hat. This is a mainstream device, but its larger battery and 120Hz refresh rate hide a solid gaming proposition. If Samsung and Apple took note with their own flagship ranges, we could see far more models catering to more specific needs of the massive mobile gaming market.

If you’re after a larger screen, check out the best gaming tablets or best gaming handhelds on the market. For more portability options, we’re also rounding up the best gaming earbuds available as well.

KYY's 15.6-inch 1080p IPS portable monitor is down to $69.99 from $99.99 at Amazon. Not only is that a record-low price for the lightweight screen, but it's also just pleasantly cheap for a versatile display that will hook up to the best gaming handheld options, laptops, and even gaming phones using USB-C. It's even got mini HDMI, just in case you decide to bring your PS5 with you into the wilderness when you decide you've had enough of modern life.

Unlike some other best portable monitor contenders out there, KYY's IPS panel also comes with a folio case. That will save you paying extra for something to protect the screen so you can pop it in your backpack. 15.6-inch sleeves would otherwise add quite a bit of bulk to those panels, so I like that this display has a form fitting cover that keeps the whole thing protected.

Should you buy a portable monitor for your Steam Deck?

I test the best gaming monitors and handhelds for a living, so you can see why I'd feel inclined to pair portable panels with devices like the Steam Deck. I'm pretty into the idea of being able to whack together makeshift travel setups for playing games in a console-style fashion, and that's exactly what travel-friendly screens can help you achieve.

As for what that setup actually looks like, my approach normally involves hooking up the Steam Deck OLED to a portable monitor directly using USB-C. Using a single cable is ideal for shorter sessions since it'll normally mean using the handheld's battery, so I'd still consider using a Steam Deck dock if you want to keep everything powered up and use extra peripherals. That said, there are models that will provide Power Delivery abilities, meaning you can power both the screen and your portable PC at once.

At the cheaper end of the scale, most portable monitors like the Verbatim Portable Touchscreen offer up a similar 1080p 60Hz IPS experience. Yes, that's slightly underwhelming compared to most desktop screens these days, but since handhelds like the Steam Deck are built to be hitting FHD resolutions at 60fps max in modern releases, it's actually a sensible spec-fit. Plus, if you go with something like the KYY model above, you'll even get a set of built-in speakers that will make playing games on a larger screen quick and easy.

Spending more on a portable monitor will grant you access to higher specs. Some models come with refresh rates that'll put your desktop screen to shame, where others focus on having a built-in battery and other travel related features. There are even massive 24-inch panels like the UPerfect UMAX (down to $379.99 from $449.99 at Amazon right now) that are technically still "portable" but offer up something much larger with QHD abilities.

While I enjoy finding creative ways to extend handheld gaming PC screens, not everyone will benefit from picking up a portable monitor for the Steam Deck. If you can't really see yourself kicking back with a controller playing games on a low-spec machine away from home, then you're probably better off just sticking with the portable's built in screen. You can always just prop the device up if you fancy going hands-free instead.

I'm also wary that those of you playing on an OLED handheld specifically will be spoiled by their elevated contrast and colors. That could mean that your eyeballs will be upset when jumping to a larger IPS portable monitor since vibrancy won't pack the same sort of punch, and that could be enough to put you off the whole idea.

My TLDR is this - if you like the idea of playing games on a larger screen away from home and have a Steam Deck, I'd consider picking up a portable monitor. With summer just around the corner, it feels like a travel-friendly screen could make for a nice way to play multiplayer with friends outside, provided you aren't in Scotland like me, where that could mean six weeks of rain.

Looking for full desktop displays? Swing by the best 4K monitor for gaming and best PS5 monitor for at home options. Alternatively, take a peek at the best gaming TV if you need a larger living room panel.

Despite just arriving recently, the Ugreen Genshin Impact range is actually included in Amazon's Big Spring Deals event. The Nexode Power Bank is currently down to $69.99 from $89.99, which isn't too shabby for a collectable piece of merch that's also a 20,000mAh charger. The 65W USB C Charger Block is also sitting at $27.99 thanks to a 30% discount, but it'll normally set you back $39.99. There's even a USB-C cable with a little K'uhul Ajaw strap, just in case you're serious about having a bunch of Kinich gear serving as the best Steam Deck accessories in your pack.

The stand out accessory for me here is the Ugreen Nexode Power Bank since it rivals some of the top options I've tested. It beats the Jsaux 20,000mAh 65w in terms of specs since it boasts 130W output, but also wields a more advanced screen that provides more charging stats and data. It's also pretty snazzy looking thanks to that bold Kinich on the front, not to mention the screen even has a Ajaw animation. Y'know, just in case you forgot this is a Genshin Impact collab.

It's worth noting that if you're not into Genshin, Ugreen has vanilla versions of each accessory available. The standard Nexode Power Bank is $59.99 at Amazon, so you're saving $10 if you have no love for the RPG. The Charger Block happens to have the same MSRP as the themed version, but you can also grab that for $23.99, so a few dollars less if you'd prefer a grey adapter.

I'm all for themed accessories, and I'm hoping Ugreen continues its fan service quest by expanding into more franchises. I'd personally love to see some anime collabs in the future as I'd be all over some gear that ties in with some of my favorite shows. I've no doubt the accessory maker will cook up more collaberations in the future, and I'll be watching closely for nerdy additions to my Steam Deck OLED ensemble.

Got Valve's handheld? Swing by the best Steam Deck dock for ways to plug your portable into the TV. You'll also want to swing by the best retro consoles for ways to play modern games

The PS5 Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Collector's Edition is only available via Bethesda's own store, but if you're keen to get your hands on that extra swag on different platforms you'll find stock still readily available at Amazon, depending on your location.

The Collector's Edition treats die-hard Indy fans to a copy of the game in a jumbo steelbook display case, featuring a ton of in-game goodies like The Order of Giants DLC, a digital artbook, and a Temple of Doom outfit to wear in-game if you're feeling nostalgic. PS5 players will also get up to two days of early access to the title.

Of course, it wouldn't be a collector's edition without some physical goodies, too. The Collector's Edition comes with an 11-inch replica of The Great Circle Globe, with its own plane magnet used to unlock the globe's hidden storage - just like a true adventurer. All of these extras are actually themed around Indy's fictional office at Marshall College and include a journal and Allmaker relic replica so you can feel just like Indy himself.

Where to buy Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Collector's Edition in the US

Where to buy Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Collector's Edition in the UK

If you don't have the room for a replica of a globe (and I wouldn't blame you) and the various other collector gubbins, you can also pre-order the Premium Edition of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle for $99.99 at PS Direct / £99.99 at Hit and the standard edition for $69.99 at Amazon US / £69.99 at Amazon UK on PS5.

The Premium version of the game comes with a copy of the game and all the same in-game extras as the collector's version. This includes two days early access, the Order of Giants Story DLC (when it's ready to launch), and the ability to have Indy dawn his iconic look from the Temple of Doom (1984) movie. It'll also be available two days before the official PS5 launch on April 15, so you can make use of those two days of early access.

The standard version of the game is as standard as it gets and just comes with the game, as to be expected. Fortunately, you can pick up a physical version as well as a digital copy, which is a relief for anyone who likes to collect treasures of the physical game kind.

To coincide with the upcoming launch of the PS5 version of the game, Microsoft and Bethesda dropped a charming ad featuring the Great Circle's Indy, Troy Baker, and fellow known adventure, Nolan North. There's still a few weeks to wait until the PS5 version drops, so if you want to bring out the fangirl within you (like the short video did for me) it's well worth checking out. It'll also give you a closer look at the in-game extras of the collectors and premium editions of the game.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle launches on PS5 on April 17. However, the Premium and Collector's Editions will launch a few days earlier on April 15.

If you're feeling extra adventurous, check out our guides to the best PS5 controllers, the best PS5 headsets, and the best SSD for PS5 to give your Sony console a boost in time for Indian Jones and the Great Circle.

The Razer BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed Wireless vs the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023)

If you're in the market for a brand new gaming headset but don't want to break the bank, I'd wholly recommend the Razer BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed Wireless even without its current spring deal. At full price, it's still decked out with a ton of features that I've spotted on more high-end headsets, and yet it doesn't have a higher-end price to match.

This is even the case amongst other Razer headsets. For example, the Razer BlackShark V2 Proshares a lot in common with the BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed. Both sport Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless connectivity options, a 12Hz - 28kHz frequency response, and the brand's 50mm TriForce Titanium audio drivers, which are what makes the audio quality so high-tier.

Don't just take my word for it, as our hardware team's own Tabitha Baker explained in her Razer BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed Wireless review that the headset sounds excellent due to these drivers and that she was impressed by the "clarity across the mid-ranges" and its attention to detail. Yet, despite the fact that both headsets have these high-powered drivers, the Pro headset has an MSRP of $199.99, a whole $70 higher than the BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed. With this current spring sale, that makes the difference in price even more substantial, with $101 now seperating the two.

It's not just the audio drivers that they have in common, either. Both headsets have the same HyperClear Super Wideband Unidirectional microphone, which is one of the best microphones I've ever used in my time as a hardware writer. No matter if I was shouting frantically in Marvel Rival as I was being torn to pieces by the rival team's Hulk or chatting away to fellow sailors in Sea of Thieves, the mic always made my voice sound crystal clear. The only real difference at play is that you can detach the mic of the Pro (2023) model, whereas you're stuck with it with this headset. That might not mean much if you're just looking for a gaming headset, but it does mean that only the Pro model can double up as a great pair of everyday headphones for music and TV streaming. That is, unless you're okay with a mic bouncing in your face as you listen to music in public.

Even the battery life is similar, with each headset able to provide up to 70 hours of playtime. The differences are there, but they're pretty nuanced and will ultimately whether or not you have a strict budget in mind. If you're desperate for a detachable mic and want the option of a sleek white colorway I'd wholly recommend the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) instead - especially as it's current deals adds a $30 saving on top of everything else.

Yet, if you like to keep your gaming accessory budget low, want the added option of a wired connection, and aren't too bothered about the mic then the Razer BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed Wireless headset would be ideal for your PS5, PC, Nintendo Switch or even your mobile gaming needs. The fact it's now under $100 is just a nice added bonus.

If the Razer BlackShark V2 Hyperspeed wireless headset doesn't do it for you, our guides to the best PS5 headsets, the best Xbox Series X headsets, and the best Nintendo Switch headsets are full of more budget-friendly alternatives.

Starting specs feature the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor with 32GB DDR5 RAM, a 1TB SSD, and QHD+ displays, however there are double-RAM and double-storage options available for both models as well. The rigs were introduced at CES this year, marking a return to a previously established line that the brand ultimately gave up three years ago. Considering that range gave us some of the best gaming laptops of its day, things are certainly exciting here.

The Alienware 16 Area-51 and Alienware 18 Area-51 also represent the twilight years of the existing range. The M-Series and X-Series are due to whirr into the sunset with the release of these machines (and upcoming Aurora rigs), though RTX 40-Series configurations can still be found on the shelves today.

While the original Area-51 label carried the promise of extra upgradeability in those early years, the rebooted line seemingly goes all in on power. With both the 16-inch and 18-inch models slated to offer both the RTX 5080 GPU we're seeing in today's release and RTX 5090 specs, these could well become the best Alienware laptops on the market by the time the year is out.

They join Razer's Blade 16 and Blade 18, as well as a suite of MSI gaming laptops, as the only RTX 50-Series machines to have made their way to store shelves so far, though we're not quite at release day yet. While you can secure your laptop today, shipping dates currently span from mid-April to the start of May.

Of course, I'm also expecting plenty more of the best Asus gaming laptops to join the best Razer laptops on the RTX 50-Series shelves shortly. Or, if you're going down the desktop route, check out the best gaming PCs on the market right now.

This is the first extension of the third generation Apex Pro line, with the TKL hitting first towards the end of last year. It carries over those Omnipoint 3.0 switches as well as all the rapid trigger and adjustable actuation features you could ask for. Considering the original release is the best gaming keyboard on the market, this is a must-see for anyone who prefers a more condensed form factor.

I reviewed the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 earlier this year, and its super satisfying approach to adjustable actuation shot it straight to the top of my rankings. Hall effect gaming keyboards are rapidly hitting the mainstream these days and, while they can still cost more than their mechanical siblings, the additional features on offer make them well worth the investment.

There's something different to the switch feel in these decks. While plenty of magnetically minded keyboards still offer a thoccy typing experience, there's a robust sense of tension under every cap. That means it's slightly easier to work out exactly where you are in your keypress - a massive benefit when playing with multiple actuation points.

If you're still wondering what a Hall effect keyboard is, it essentially swaps the on/off actuation of a mechanical switch for a measurement of magnetic field. That means you decide how far down you have to push for a keypress to be registered. Not only that, but the SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3 line also allows for multiple inputs in one key - a light touch for one and a full press for another. Having a finer understanding of exactly where you are in every keypress makes SteelSeries' Omnipoint 3.0 switches my favorite Hall effect clickers for mapping these dual-functions overall.

Of course, you are sacrificing some functionality in the new 60% form factor. Arrow buttons are relegated to dual-function keys, the OLED display and dedicated media controls are missing from the TKL model, and there's no function or navigation keys. Still, these mini decks have a massive following from those looking for more space for larger mouse sweeps, so if you don't need additional macro functions it's well worth a look.

I'm also rounding up all the best wireless gaming keyboards and the best hot-swappable keyboards on the market. Or, for more setup inspiration, take a look at the best gaming mouse models available.

When I say I've scrolled the entire sale, I mean it. I've spent the morning investigating every piece of gaming tech I can recommend after spending time working, living, and playing with it. That resulted in a lot of PC-crashing tabs, so I culled the list further by dropping anything that wasn't at a record-low price. Combine that search with current prices on offer from other retailers and compare the gadgets on offer with the rest of the market's value, and now my laptop can rest easy with just seven of the best deals for gamers in the Amazon Big Spring Sale.

Between super cheap Xbox controllers (the GameSir G7 SE is now down to just $35.99, was $44.99, for the first time) and some of the top headsets in the game, like the $30 discount on the Razer BlackShark V2 Hyperspeed, there's plenty for a range of platforms here. You'll find all my top picks below.

Today's best gaming deals in the Amazon Big Spring Sale

• PS5: bundles from $399.99
• Switch: games from $24.99
• Xbox: controllers from $22.99
• Mice: Logitech from $29.99
• Keyboards: SteelSeries from $33.99
• Headsets: Razer from $35.99
• Monitors: Acer from $109.99
• Controllers: PowerA from $26.88

If you're after something more console-shaped, I'm also rounding up all the latest PS5 bundles and Nintendo Switch deals every week. Or, take a look at the top Xbox Series S bundles for a cheaper alternative.

Down to $549 from $799.99 at Amazon, the Samsung Odyssey OLED G6 (G61SD) has only reached this low once before. That was in the weeks between February and March, and it normally likes to only drop to the $600 mark before making its way to full price again. However, it's worth highlighting that this specific QD-OLED variant hasn't been in the best gaming monitor race long, and if you've gone hunting for G6 deals before now, you'll likely have come across the G60SD 360Hz version that's currently sitting at $699.99 (was $899) in the sale.

I spent last summer testing the Samsung Odyssey OLED G6, and I was sceptical over whether it could cut through sunny conditions. I live in Scotland, and while I could just close the blinds and bask in the glow of gaming monitors in darkness, it feels wrong to not enjoy the nice whether while it's around. Thankfully, this particular screen is practically built to stand up to all lighting conditions using its exceptional anti-glare coating, in turn helping its OLED panel shine even brighter.

I want to reiterate that the newer G61SD does switch things up a little compared to the G60SD I tested last year. Notably, this is a 240Hz screen rather than 360Hz, which is a bit of a bummer if you want to boost fps in shooters like Overwatch 2. Having played in dozens of screens armed with both refresh rates, I'd say it's not going to feel drastically different in more scenarios. But since 1440p screens like the Sony Inzone M10S are now pushing the speed bar to 480Hz, you might want to aim for something faster.

I also want to stress that while Samsung says the G61SD is a "QD-OLED" monitor, it's pretty different from contenders like the Alienware AW2725Q. For starters, its screen is completely matte, whereas Quantum Dot panels normally use some sort of glossy coating that ties in with the way the tech reflects light. In turn, the G6 also doesn't come with most of the caveats associated with that panel type, like a blueish tinge to black visuals, and it really feels more like a WOLED panel on par with the LG Ultragear 32GS95UE-B in use.

QD-OLED can mean a lot of things, and I noticed today that Samsung is now using the term on its G60SD product pages. When the screen first launched, it was advertised as boasting a vanilla OLED panel, but since the screen maker only uses Quantum Dot panels, it makes sense that it is now using the full term within its specs. I can see why it originally avoided using the phrase since the matte anti-glare coating does make it look more like a non-QD display, but it's still worth breaking down what it all means.

One of the only drawbacks of the OLED G6 is its lack of additional features. It's not the only screen in this price range to skip on things like a USB-C hub for your gaming handheld or built-in speakers, but I do miss both when they're not there. The latter does make using the 1440p display as a PS5 monitor a bit tricker since you'll need to provide your own audio, so keep that in mind if you like to play on multiple systems.

For the right price, I wouldn't look past the Odyssey G6 and its unique anti-glare properties. I've yet to try out a OLED screen that tackles reflections quite as well as this model, and the 27-inch screen is going to feel more premium than its current $549 price tag. If you'd rather invest in something a little faster, I'd consider spending a little more on the 360Hz version or waiting for more discounts later this year. But, both models are going to add versatile visuals to your setup that will look fantastic come rain or shine.

Still searching for the perfect screen? Swing by the best 4K monitors for gaming and best curved monitors for more options. You'll also want to peek at the best gaming TV models if you need a living room display.

That's exceedingly light for even an FPS-first mouse, especially one with the base width to comfortably accommodate a claw grip. The best gaming mouse models often slim things down for a fingertip grip in this sub-60g category, but there's still plenty of space for palm control here.

The Pulsar TenZ Signature Edition weighs in at less than the Razer Viper V3 Pro, Glorious Series 2 Pro, and Keychron M3 Mini Wireless, though it's still got a way to go before beating some 30g options out there. Still, it's much lighter than the majority of the mainstream market.

Sure, that 8,000Hz polling rate isn't going to affect us mere mortals but those looking to cut any kind of drag out of their gameplay are going to be excited by this release. With a battery life reaching up to 112 hours at lower polling rates (though only 18 hours at the full 8K), this sounds like a sturdy, reliable device.

A simple black colorway keeps things fresh, and unlike Faker's recent Razer Viper V3 Pro special edition, TenZ and Pulsar have kept branding to a minimum. A small TenZ emblem is visible just under the left click, but otherwise this is a pretty nondescript affair. The actual 8,000Hz dongle jazzes things up with a few more brand names, though.

The Pulsar TenZ Signature Edition will enter is full launch phase in April - today's drop consists of a limited number of devices. If you're keen to get your hands on one as soon as possible, there's no telling how quickly they will move. However, if those out of stock signs start popping up you'll have more opportunities to buy next month.

I'm also hunting down the best wireless gaming mouse models on the market as well as the best Razer mice and the best left-handed gaming mice available.

That makes it the most recent title added to Razer's roster of Sensa HD compatible games, joining Final Fantasy XVI, Frostpunk 2, Star Wars Outlaws and more. It also comes shortly after Razer announced Simhub integration with its Sensa-enabled gadgets, giving racing fans the feedback they've been asking for since these devices launched late last year.

Exactly how Dune Awakening uses Razer Sensa HD haptics remains to be seen. The tech is usually reserved for smaller in-game moments - different spells have their own unique feels in Hogwarts Legacy, while Final Fantasy will translate your sword attacks in similar ways.

So far, Dune Awakening has promised us bazookas, ornithopters, rifles, buggies, and jetpacks - all solid contenders for specific in-game haptic responses. There are certainly plenty of in-game opportunities to use these motors but, having reviewed both the Freyja and Kraken, Razer needs to make sure these experiences are powerful and distinct.

Sure, it's great to feel the jolt of a specific spell as you wander through Hogwarts - but after a certain amount of time they do tend to blend into one experience and there are larger cut-scene and gameplay moments that benefit more from audio-to-haptic features. Switching Sensa HD on means you're sacrificing the vibrations of larger musical swells or explosions, if they're not coded into their own haptic settings.

Razer has recently been digging into its racing audience with its Simhub partnership, so I'm hopeful the tech will take advantage of the various terrain and vehicle opportunities afforded by Dune Awakening in May. Imagine feeling that sand crunching under your wheels or the rev of Holtzman Engines across six individually tuned motors. That's the kind of immersion Razer and Funcom could be playing with here.

Dune Awakening pre-orders are now available on PC, and Razer's Sensa HD gadgets are currently on sale as well.

We're also hunting down all the best gaming headsets and the best gaming desks, or if you're after a new system, check out the best gaming PCs on the market.

Should you buy the Pokemon GO Plus + in 2025?

If you haven't touched Pokemon GO in years, and don't even know what Pokemon Sleep is, then the Pokemon GO Plus + is definitely not worth your cash. This cute little Pokemon gadget is aimed towards those who die-hard fans who will pick up, and continue to play every single Pokemon mobile game out there.

The Pokemon GO Plus + only works with two of those games (sorry Pokemon TCG mobile players), but it is primarily aimed at those who reach for Pokemon Sleep every night. With this charming Pokeball-shaped gadget you can unlock a special icon for the app of Pikachu in a cute little nightcap, and track your sleep so you can level up your Snorlax without having to rest your phone on your pillow.

The little device also comes with a set of sounds, and you can have a Pikachu sing you off to sleep, and become your morning alarm clock. It connects to the Pokemon Sleep app via a low-energy Bluetooth connection, and the more you use it, the more adorable Pokemon sounds you can unlock. It's naturally also compatible with Pokemon GO, as the name suggests. Just like the original Pokemon GO Plus accessory, you can spin Pokestops and even catch wild Pokemon without having to play around with your phone at all.

It's worth noting, that even if you have the best gaming phone, if your battery isn't up to par, this is not going to help. Having a Bluetooth accessory hooked up throughout the night can be an extra drain on your phone's battery life, so if you do add it to your Pokemon collection make sure you're phone is up to the task - or at least that you charge it throughout the night.

If you don't fancy the idea of Pikachu singing you lullabies every night, and much prefer some ASMR videos on YouTube instead, you can luckily turn the sounds off through the Pokemon Sleep app - so don't fret. Without the sounds, you'll still be leveling up your sleepy Snorlax in-game too.

Check out the best Nintendo Switch controllers, the best Nintendo Switch headsets, and the best Nintendo Switch SD cards if you'd prefer to pick up one of the best accessories for playing the mainline Pokemon games instead.

I’m not thrilled about the Razer Handheld dock’s $79.99 MSRP. It’s not a monstrously expensive Steam Deck accessory; options like the BenQ GR10 will set you back just under $100. But that specific docking station at least invests in HDMI 2.1 and faster USB ports, whereas with the new Chroma-clad add-on, you’re getting largely the same specs as the Baseus 6-in-1 and an uncanny adjustable cradle to boot.

Of course, copying homework in this instance is a good thing, and it helps Razer’s best Steam Deck dock entry get a lot right. Incorporating adjustability is pretty wise seeing as the Steam Deck OLED isn’t the only handheld on the block these days. Plus, the accessory maker has actually avoided some elements that annoy me with popular docking stations by Jsaux and other brands, even if I’m slightly underwhelmed by the add-on overall.

Design

Out of the box, the Razer Handheld Dock looks like an unassuming black box. I could easily mix it up with an old portable HDD, and you’ll have to squint to make out the embossed snake logo and brand name on the front plastic. That’s actually pretty in keeping with other gadgets by the accessory maker, as everything else aesthetically takes a back seat to help the integrated RGB lighting stand out.

The aforementioned RGB is hidden within a tiny trench at the bottom and underneath a diffusing strip. The approach means you’re not going to see any bare LEDs and the illumination is designed to coat the surface of your gaming desk with color rather than assault your eyeballs. It’s not the only dock that features those sensibilities, as the Jsaux RGB Docking Station uses the same approach, but the transparent version I have doesn’t look quite as elegant since you can see diodes within.

Unlike most of Jsaux’s docking stations, the Razer Handheld Dock keeps all its ports around the back, including Ethernet. That frees up the sides so that you don’t have cables flanking the hub and cramping your tidy desk setup, but it does mean you won’t have easy side access to USB for wired controllers and other ad-hoc accessories. Most of you will likely be using Bluetooth gamepads with your handheld anyway, and nothing is stopping you from leaving a cable for that purpose plugged in.

You’ll also find the angled USB-C cable around the rear, molded into the center of the plastic shell. Razer has somewhat missed a trick by not including somewhere to rest the wire when it’s not in use, as it’ll sort of just hang around like a tail. You can just feed it through the side opening and tuck it away, but this isn’t quite as nice as the dummy port provided with the Baseus model and BenQ’s dedicated channel for easy storage.

As for overall build quality, the Razer Handheld Dock is solid. It largely uses plastic to house its hub innards, but the adjustable cradle is aluminum covered in a surface-wide rubber pad. I’m thankful that there’s no exposed metal with this docking station, as you’d be surprised how many options have sharp edges that almost make contact with your device’s screen.

That said, Razer’s choice of textured matte plastic marks pretty easily. Despite being fairly careful with the dock during use, I can see rub marks on the front of the accessory already, and I can imagine it’ll start to look a little rougher if you throw it into a backpack consistently. Not ideal, but it shouldn’t be a huge issue if it primarily lives on your desk.

Features

It’s safe to say the whole point of picking up the Razer Handheld Dock Chroma is for its RGB abilities, and they’re definitely a cut above the competition. Just like other accessories by the brand, the gadget can pair up with Synapse, meaning you can sync all your accessories together in perfect harmony. That does only apply if you’re using it with a Windows 11 handheld like the Lenovo Legion Go S, though, so keep that in mind if you’ve got a Steam Deck.

If you are firmly on team Valve you’ll be able to cycle through color options using the right-hand button. That’ll let you pick from various patterns and pallets, but you’ll have to go through them individually rather than having an on-screen way to browse. If you want the full Chroma customization experience, you’ll want to use a Windows 11 gaming handheld, as you’ll get the full shebang on there.

In fact, you’re actually getting more than just Synapse and Chroma with the Handheld Dock, as the peripheral maker is boldly trying to tackle easily launching games on Microsoft’s OS. The software suite is similar to what’s included in the Android Razer Edge, and it’s more or less a launcher that doesn’t need the docking station exclusively to provide a console-like UI.

On the more physical side of things, you’ve got the Handheld Dock’s adjustable cradle. The large hinged panel can pivot to accommodate practically any portable PC you can think of. That includes unconventional devices like the Ayaneo Flip DS, although that 3DS-inspired machine does push the docking station to its limits. The thickest gadget most players are going to be perching on this hub is something like the OG Lenovo Legion Go, but at least there’s plenty of wiggle room for newcomers in the future.

Performance

There are a few fundamentals when testing accessories like the Razer Handheld Dock, the first being whether it can reliable and consistently provide instant connectivity. I’m pleased, but not exactly surprised, to confirm that it will beam video output to your gaming monitor and connect to your peripherals at full speed without a hitch, all while keeping your handheld of choice changed with 100W Power Delivery. It’s a low bar, but you’d be surprised how many cheapie Steam Deck docks out there trip up when plugged in.

It’s worth reaffirming that the Razer Handheld Dock sticks with HDMI 2.1, so it sadly won’t help you hit 4K 120Hz. Instead, you’ll be locked to the same 60Hz refresh rate that most other Steam Deck docking stations provide, as the BenQ GR10 is still one of the only options out there that’ll do that. If you venture into laptop hub territory, or pick up something with DisplayPort 1.4, you’ll be able to ramp things up, but that’s not going to be so handy when connecting to the best gaming TV contenders that support upwards of 144Hz.

Admittedly, if you own a Steam Deck or the new Lenovo Legion Go S specifically, you might not have much use for 4K 120Hz anyway. The Razer Handheld Dock is naturally only going to output what your portable is capable of, and even lightweight outings like my indie favorite of the year, FlyKnight, are taxing. The latter is actually weirdly running at 20fps since it looks like Runescape-inspired 2000s Soulsborne vapourware, but it demonstrates why HDMI 2.1 is really only beneficial when you have a beefier device.

A game that really helps all Steam Deck docks shine is Tomb Raider Trilogy Remastered, as it’ll easily run at 4K 60Hz. The Razer Handheld Dock isn’t doing anything above and beyond when handling Lara’s revamped romp, but it’ll still serve as a way to play lighter outings like this like you would on a console. Plus, you’re getting some fabulous RGB lighting to boot, which helps the pairing feel more like a spectacle than other hubs out there.

What I am sort of disappointed with is Razer’s Cortex integration. I actually think the management suite has a lot of potential since it’s far better than Legion Space. But, I couldn’t get the overlay to auto-launch when plugged into the Handheld Dock, and that feels like something that’d make all the difference. Being able to just pop a Windows handheld on the cradle, pick up a controller, and easily browse my installed games through the app is what would have sold me on this setup, and I’m hoping updates will provide the console convenience I’m craving in the future.

Should you buy the Razer Handheld Dock?

It’s one of the nicest looking docking stations out there for Steam Deck, but the Razer Handheld Dock isn’t a game changer. It’s largely singing from the same sheet as some of my other go-to USB-C solutions out there, and while it gets quite a lot right by doing that, I am slightly underwhelmed by what this $80 accessory has to offer.

If Razer can better integrate Cortex functionality between Windows 11 handhelds and its Handheld Dock, I do think the peripheral maker could be onto something. Otherwise, it risks only really catering to RGB fans with this add-on rather than Steam Deck and portable PC players looking for premium functionality and an enhanced experience.

How I tested the Razer Handheld Dock

For two weeks, I used the Razer Handheld Dock as my main way to hook up the Steam Deck and other handhelds to external screens and peripherals. During that time, I used Valve’s device alongside the Lenovo Legion Go S to test SteamOS and Windows 11 compatibility while running games like Tomb Raider Trilogy Remastered, FlyKnight, and Signals. I also assessed the dock’s RGB abilities compared to rivals by Jsaux while exploring how the accessory maker’s Synapse and Cortex further benefit the experience.

For more information on how we test Steam Deck docks and other accessories, check out our full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

The most popular will undoubtedly be the Astro Bot PS5 bundles. Not only do you save on the price of either the disc or digital edition console, but you're also getting a free copy of one of last year's biggest releases. Walmart has the online giant beat by 99 cents right now, with the Digital bundle coming in at $399 and the full disc version at $449.

That's a smaller victory, but when it comes to PC hardware Walmart's taking a much wilder swing. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 is getting involved, dropping down to a fantastic $97.49 (was $129.9) - that beats Amazon's sale price by just over $10. If you're in the market for a keyboard, though, Walmart's Spring Sale has the Logitech G713 down to an astonishing $69 (was $99), whereas Amazon's still stuck at $143.99.

Amazon will bring its own Spring Sale to the masses tomorrow, but until then it looks like Walmart's competing event has some serious edge today.

Today's best gaming deals in the Walmart Spring Sale

• PS5: bundles from $399
• Switch: consoles from $184.99
• Xbox: controllers from $44.49
• Mice: Razer from $19.99
• Keyboards: SteelSeries from $33.99
• Headsets: Turtle Beach from $17.95
• Monitors: LG from $97
• Laptops: MSI from $599
• PCs: Ipason from $469.89
• TVs: Hisense from $124

We're also rounding up all the biggest PS5 bundles and the latest Nintendo Switch deals. Or, take a look at this week's heaviest gaming laptop deals.

Right now, the Sony Inzone M10S is down to $879.99 from $1,099.99 at Amazon, marking a return to its lowest ever price. It's only managed to drop under $900 once before in the past, and the 20% off discount takes one of the best gaming monitors for shooters well under $1,000. It's a price range that's normally occupied by 1440p 360Hz displays like the Samsung Odyssey OLED G6, so I'm pretty hyped to see this 480Hz panel jump into that ring to throw punches.

The Sony Inzone M10S is still expensive even with a discount, but I'd argue its got the premium chops to match its price tag. For starters, we're talking about a 1440p panel that pushes refresh rates to their absolute limits, hitting speeds that were previously only possible at 1080p. If you're the kind of player that can't stand dialling back resolution even in the name of extra responsiveness, being able to still play at QHD while still enjoying ultra swift visuals is going to be a huge boon.

Yes, the Inzone M10S is no slouch, but it also ranks among some of the best looking screens thanks to its OLED panel. Traditionally, you'd have to make do with a fast IPS or TN display to reach anything near this sort of refresh rate. But, the qualities of the tech mean you can blast vibrant colors and contrast into your eyeballs all while still benefiting from 480Hz and a 0.03ms GtG refresh rate.

I spent a good chunk of time playing competitive shooters on the Inzone M10S this year, and it's still living in my head rent free. Being able to boost fps to its absolute max in Overwatch 2 at 1440p and still have a refresh rate to match makes for a phenomenal experience, one that helped me boost my rank as Pharah even before she gained her newfound moving Barrage perk.

I am admittedly used to playing shooters at 480Hz since I'm constantly testing screens like the LG UltraGear 32GS95UE-B and Dough Spectrum Black 32. The difference here is that with the Inzone M10S, I didn't have to make do with 1440p, and the enhanced sharpness was absolutely noticeable when not flailing around the sky. For the record, I do think 1080p visuals still have their place in 2025, but getting to enjoy extra QHD sharpness despite hitting 480Hz does make the display feel more high end most others I've tested in recent years.

Of course, not everyone is going to benefit from buying a 480Hz display like the Inzone M10S. While it's a successor to the Inzone M9, the Sony screen isn't really what I'd call a PS5 monitor. In my eyes, its elevated specs make it firmly a PC panel, and one that really needs a rig armed with one of the best graphics card options out there. For context, while you can reach as high as 500fps on most modern GPUs like the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 even at 4K, older and cheaper models may struggle to hit 480Hz at 1440p.

Simply put, the Sony Inzone M10S is well worth considering if you're serious about competitive shooters and have a build that can make use of 1440p 480Hz. I mean, that makes sense when you consider the fact it was designed in collaboration with FNATC, but it is worth circling around some of the specs that may or may not be of use to you. If you'd rather invest a 27-inch screen that boasts sharpness over speed, you'll perhaps want to check out the new Alienware AW2725Q, as that panel packs a QD-OLED panel that packs more pixels into its screen size than other Quantum Dot displays before it.

Still hunting for a new screen? Check out the best 4K monitor for gaming and the best curved monitor for more options. You'll also want to take a peek at the best gaming TV for living room panels that pack a punch.

Eight-time Counter-Strike world champion, Emil "HeatoN" Christensen, stated that the headset is "perfect for FPS games", with the Esports Hall of Fame inductee further explaining that "its directional audio really stands out, making it easier to pinpoint enemies" when playing games like Counter-Strike 2. This could be down to its chonky 54mm audio drivers, which Cherry stated can "amplify key in-game sounds."

The brand has stated that the headset is available today, but we're still waiting for Amazon to pull through at the time of writing.

The larger the audio drivers, the better and more bassy a sound any gaming headset can produce, so it's more than impressive Cherry has crammed them into a $99.99/ £129.99 pair of cups. The wireless headset looks to be suited not just for those who love their first-person shooters, but for multi-platform players too.

The head isn't designed with Xbox players in mind, so it's multi-platform to a point. But anyone who regularly plays games on their PC, Mac, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, and even their smartphone will be able to use it. Like the best gaming headsets, there's more than one wireless option at play here, with the XTRFY H3 giving you the option of using Bluetooth or its accompanying wireless dongle for a low-latency connection.

The Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless is available is available right now, however, it's still listed as "currently unavailable" on Amazon. Anyone based in the UK and Europe can grab the headset for £129 from the official Cherry website, and it should be available as soon as possible for just $99.99 at Amazon.

The Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless doesn't have the largest battery life you can find in any headset. As of now, that award goes to the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless, which can last up to 300 hours. While impressive, it does have an MSRP of $199.99 / £189.99 so it's not the most budget-friendly of options, which is what makes the Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless that more impressive. A wireless gaming headset that lasts up to 100 hours, yet still doesn't break through that $100 price barrier, definitely makes it a headset worth keeping an eye on.

Right now, you can grab the Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless for $99.99 / £129 from Amazon, and directly from the official Cherry website if you're based in the UK and Europe.

If the Cherry XTRFY doesn't do it for you, check out our guides for the best PS5 headsets, the best Xbox Series X headsets, and the best Nintendo Switch headsets to find the perfect pair of cups for your console of choice.

Earlier this year, the wireless headset saw a brief discount to $274.99, which was the cheapest I had seen it in a long time, other than during last year's Black Friday sales. But this early spring sale even beats out Black Friday (where the headset dropped to $268 for a brief time) as one of the best deals I've ever spotted for the premium pair of cups. It's even just a few dollars off its lowest ever price, which is unheard of. If you want to prepare for a summer of gaming ahead, this rare and refreshing Pro Wireless deal is a no-brainer.

Should you buy the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless headset in 2025?

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is may be one of, and arguable the best gaming headset available today, but that doesn't mean it's what's best for your gaming needs. For one, it's not the most affordable headset out there, even without this incredible early spring sale. Whether it's fully priced at $349.99, or discounted down to $250, that's a considerable amount to spent on pair of cups. From the get-go you'll first need to make sure that's within your budget, before you look at it's plethora of premium features.

If your funds aren't too fussed, then the Pro Wireless is definitely worth your time. It comes with a base station, and this little device can let you simultaneously connect (via Bluetooth and 2.4GHz) to multiple consoles at a time. Instead of that tedious and monotonous process of re-connecting your headset to whatever you want to play, at a touch of a button (on the base station itself) you can switch between your console of choice. This base station is the heart and soul of the Pro Wireless, as it also opens your headset up to a ton of audio EQ settings, and offers up one of the best charging solutions found on any modern headset.

The Pro Wireless comes with two hot-swappable battery packs, and these packs can be charged using the handy base station. Instead of ensuring you have a USB-C cable to spare, you can pop one of the batteries in the device, while the other is being used by the headset itself. If and when you've used up the up to 22 hours of battery life, all it takes is swapping the batteries, and you're golden. This way, you shouldn't have to spend any time waiting around for your headset to charge - which is an absolute game changer.

The Pro Wireless isn't just a convenient headset thanks to its multi-platform compatibility and unique charging, but it has that top-tier SteelSeries quality in just about every area. The headset sports the brand's 40mm Neodymium audio drivers, which brings on a beefy and booming bass sound. Don't just take my word for it, as our hardware team's own Tabitha Baker stated in her SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless review that the sound is "rich and detailed and well-rounded" even right out of the box. It's also equipped with retractable ClearCast Gen 2 microphone that makes you sound crisp and clear, and still provides a comfortable, lightweight feel on the head - ideal if you see a lot of 3 AM gaming sessions coming your way this spring and you want to avoid any unwanted pain on your noggin'.

Overall though, this headset is one for the multi-platform players. If you regularly switch things up between your PS5, PC, and even the Nintendo Switch, then this early Amazon spring sale is worth checking out. If you're instead indebted to just your PS5 or Xbox Series X, then the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless (with either it's PS5 or Xbox designed version) would be a better, and cheaper fit with its $129.99 / £129.99 MSRP. Plus, the Arctis Nova 5 Wireless still provides that high-end audio, build and mic quality that SteelSeries is known for.

If the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless isn't quite for you, check out the best PS5 headsets, best Xbox Series X headsets and the best Nintendo Switch headsets to find the perfect pair of cups.

Set to arrive May 25, there are two versions of the Lenovo Legion Go S Steam OS edition listed right now. The first comes in at $549 at Best Buy and features the same Z2 GO APU as the Legion Go S Windows 11 version paired with 16GB RAM and a 512GB SSD. The alternative is a beefier Z1 Extreme version that should rival the best gaming handhelds out there like the Asus ROG Ally, all while wielding 32GB memory and 1TB storage.

It still feels like Lenovo's specs and price combos are a little muddled, as it feels like pairing the $549 version with the same specs as the OG Legion Go would make more sense. Naturally, the handheld boasts other elements that are driving up the price, like adjustable triggers, hall-effect joysticks, and questionable extras like a microphone. Still, my time with the Windows 11 edition tells me that even the cheapest option will make for a nice Steam Deck rival, even if making the Z1E more affordable would have made more of an impact.

Should you buy the Lenovo Legion Go S SteamOS edition?

It's not the cheap Steam Deck OLED rival I've been waiting for, but the Legion Go S could challenge Valve with premium perks. I've already covered the physical side of this handheld in my Lenovo Legion Go S Windows 11 review, and I firmly believe the tech giant has mostly nailed things on the design front.

Compared to the OG Legion Go, the new S model feels more solid in the hands, comfortable to hold, and benefits from tighter controls now that they're built in. Some of you may dig the idea of detachable TrueStrike gamepads, but the sequel portable makes the d-pad and buttons of the OG feel like a prototype.

I'm also pretty down with the Legion Go S's adjustable triggers, as they'll help you tweak things to feel either like a proper gamepad or like a Switch-style setup. In my case, it's dependant on the game, and I like to have full action in some genres and more tactile presses in others. You're also getting hall-effect joysticks with this model, and that will save you ever having to worry about stick drift if you hold onto the handheld for the long haul.

Most of my issues with the Legion Go S right now tie to Windows 11, as the operating system simply isn't built for handheld play. Some device makers, like Ayaneo, have worked hard to make the experience as pain free as possible on the likes of the Flip DS using management apps with joystick mouse simulation and other workarounds. But, Lenovo's latest gadget sort of exemplifies everything that doesn't quite work with the OS on the go.

That's where the Lenovo Legion Go Steam OS edition comes in, as it will effectively mimic the Steam Deck using Valve's Linux-based software. You'll still have access to a desktop mode, but the default is a console-like environment that makes instantly jumping into games and tweaking settings a breeze. The only downside is that workarounds for other storefronts are needed to access the likes of Xbox Game Pass and the Epic Game Store, and there will be some games with compatibility issues out there.

If most of your games exist outside Steam, you should probably grab the Windows 11 version. But, since the only model available in the US is the $729 SKU with a Z2 Go APU, it's hard to point anyone towards Lenovo's contender. What's worse is that for the same money, you can get the SteamOS edition with a Z1 Extreme inside that's going to help you boost fps much further, and you could actually just install Microsoft's OS on it yourself and gain better specs.

I'm personally struggling to make sense of Lenovo's spec and price choices for the Legion Go S. However, my advice would be to stick with the $549 SteamOS version if you want a Steam Deck rival with a premium punch, or invest in the $729 alternative if you want Asus ROG Ally X specs and love Valve's take on handheld software.

I'll be providing my full verdict on the Lenovo Legion Go S SteamOS edition ahead of the May 25 release date, so watch this space for more on how the next version fares in benchmarks and tests.

Already got Valve's handheld? Swing by the best Steam Deck accessories and best Steam Deck dock for excellent add-ons. You'll also want to check out the best retro consoles for portable consoles made for running the classics.

Key Specs

Design & Features

The Shure MV7i utilizes that almost-capsule form factor you’ll be more than familiar with if you’ve spent any time with any of the brand’s mics with the ‘MV7’ suffix. At a glance, it’s almost entirely identical to the MV7+, but instead features a dark-gray-almost-black colorway for its main body. The only real pop of color you’ll find with the mic is relegated to its 36-bit color-adjustable LED touch panel. This fits at the front of the mic and can be used to identify peaking or mute your audio altogether - or customized to give it a bit of that ‘gamer’ edge.

From the offset, this is a high-quality microphone, even before you get into the audio side of things. It feels robust in your hand and is made from a high-quality metal. The foam covering of the grill does feel a bit on the cheap side and was a bit misshapen when I first took it out of the box, but it gets the job done. Speaking of unboxing, the package features the MV7i, its all-black yoke for attaching to a podcast arm, and a USB-C cable to power your brand-new mic.

Sadly, there’s no accompanying desktop stand, like with the Razer Seiren V3 Chroma, but the mic relies on the mobility of a boom arm to be of any use to you in the first place. For the sake of this review, I was graciously provided with the Shure SH Broadcast1 Podcast Boom microphone stand so I could set it up. Coming from a music background, I’m drowning in music mic stands, but not any that were compatible with the MV7i. I’ll touch more on this later, but this is worth acknowledging as you will have to invest in a compatible boom arm if you’re looking to pick up this particular mic.

The key difference you’ll find with the design of the MV7i, other than its reference to its “2-channel audio interface” along the side of its body in plain off-white text, is found at its base. Instead of just a singular USB-C and headphone jack port, they’re paired with an XLR port, which is the real meat and bones of what makes this mic so special. This is where you can plug in any condenser microphones - like my Rode NT1A - that you may have lying around, and record two channels of audio at once.

Recording a condenser microphone at all involves not just the use of an external PA system, but also the use of phantom power to give it the appropriate kind of juice it needs to power up all that intricate circuity. The MV7i, on the other hand, streamlines the setup process and uses its built-in 48 V Phantom Power to support a condenser mic (or a dynamic mic) duo set-up. This included XLR port isn’t just handy for recording two mics, but it also means any budding musicians have a way to record vocals and an instrument at the same time. This will be less of a benefit to those specifically looking at utilizing the MV7i for streaming or chatting to friends via Discord. But, if live music is part of your streaming process in some shape or form, it’s worth taking on board.

Of course, it’s not just this convenience of the XLR port that the MV7i has in spades. The microphone has a long list of features, including the customizable LED touch panel I mentioned earlier. This panel is a bit over-sensitive, and I did find myself accidentally muting the mic repeatedly by simply brushing past it during a recording for a fortnightly podcast I do in my spare time. However, the bright green light will change to a pulsating red to alert you of your clumsiness (as it did for me.) The mic is also decked out with real-time audio monitoring, audio level adjusting with SmartGate, and customizable audio mixing and monitoring through Shure’s MOTIV Mix software.

Performance

Shure’s long history of producing microphones is pretty well-known at this point, especially if you have any experience in the music world. The Shure SM58 is a performance staple, and just about everyone with a history in singing (myself included) will either own one or have used one regularly throughout their career. That’s why it was an absolute treat to see how the MV7i took that high-end audio excellence I remember and transposed it into a device fit for streaming, podcast recording, and any other form of audio recording you can imagine.

The MV7i did not disappoint in this case, and even without a treated audio space, my speaking sounded rich, warm, and quality enough to rival that of my trusty Rode NT1A condenser mic - a mic that’s more suited to capturing the nuances of my Scottish doric twang.

My biggest concern with the MV7i was any peaking or distortion, especially as someone with a very loud speaking voice. This has been a common occurrence when it comes to other microphones I’ve tested, or even just used in a music studio environment. Yet, even without auto-leveling gain and Smart Gate toggled on (a preset Shure designed to dynamically adjust the mic's audio) there were no disturbances throughout even multiple hour-long stretches of recording.

Where the Shure MV7i shines even brighter is through its MOTIV Mix software. While other audio brands have often middling and confusing to use free software, MOTIV Mix takes inspiration from DAWs (digital audio workstations) actually used in professional audio recording environments, and the end result is one of the most streamlined and easy-to-use mixers I’ve come across. Through it, you can add audio channels just as you would in any DAW, adjust your mics gain, and juggle through various different add-ons and settings.

Most notably, MOTIV Mix gives you access to a whole range of audio customizability, to various different degrees of tone, reverb, a real-time denosizer to get rid of unwanted background sounds, a popper stopper (a built-in pop shield) and even singing and instrument modes. Ensuring MOTIV Mix is downloaded on your PC, Mac or your smartphone is a must if you’re going to actually make use of the two-channel audio recording, as it’s also here when you can ensure your Phantom Power is running - or let you switch to a ¼ input instead if you’ve got an electric guitar or other instrument connected.

With my Rode NT1A easily inserted into the back of the mic, all it took was clicking and dragging the MV7i audio source into the mixer, and setting it up as two channels. For a nice flashy touch, the LED panel on the mic changes to a duo blue and green colorway, so let you know two mics are being recorded. This doesn’t get rid of the mute function either - but instead transforms it into two touch panels, so you can mute each of your mics individually.

Typically, I record all my audio alone, as any gaming podcast I’ve been a part of has had me chatting with those miles away from the bonnie shores of Scotland. With that in mind, I had to rope my partner into testing out my Shure-to-Rode mic daisy chain setup, but the end result was just as I imagined. With my limited space, my second mic wasn’t as far away as it should be, so both it and the MV7i were dealing with some over-spill (which you’ll hear in the recording sample) but it has opened up the ability to record, and monitor, two mics, without the need to rely on my audio interface previously taking up that valuable desk space.

Shure SH-Broadcast1 Boom Arm

I was provided with the Shure SH-Broadcast1 Boom Arm for this review, which was vital in getting the mic set up to begin with. The absence of a stand of any shape or form could be a deal-breaker for those wanting to keep costs at a minimum, especially as the Shure Broadcast Boom Arm comes in at $99.99 / £105. Without having to invest in an additional sound system, you are saving more than that, especially if you were looking at picking up one to record two channels of audio, but it’s still not ideal.

The Shure SH-Broadcast1 Arm was still an impressive bit of kit, and its mobility is what has truly made the MV7i an indispensable part of my PC setup. The podcast arm can be clamped around any desk up to 2.17 inches (55mm) thick and features a full 360 degrees of rotation and an extension of up to 32.25 inches. It’s made from black powder-coated aluminum and sports a tension spring to help keep it quiet when adjusted.

I’m backed into a tight corner in my office, so it has now become one of the biggest fixtures of my desk. But despite its large size, it never crumbled under its own weight through my weeks of testing, nor did it even budge unless I wanted it to. Better yet, never in my hours of recording did the swinging, or adjustment of the boom arm, ever get picked up by the mic itself. Typically, you don’t want to be moving around your mic when recording audio anyway, but even with my tendency to fidget with stands, it never made a peep.

Pairing the MV7i with the SH-Broadcast1 isn’t vital - and if you happen to own a podcast arm that’s already compatible with the yoke of the MV7i then you’re golden. But the build quality of the SH-Broadcast1 was just as reliable as the mic itself, and it made the setup process a lot more manageable. You will need a desk, and a setup that can facilitate such a large accessory, and even weeks later, I’m still trying to find the best placement for it with my limited space.

Should you buy the Shure MV7i?

If you’re in the market to level up your setup with the best gear for streaming then the Shure MV7i would be a valuable asset. Its existence as a three-in-one package (microphone, audio interface, and mixer) means you don’t have to use up any extra room on your desk. Audio interfaces don’t necessarily have to take up too much space (especially if you own the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 like I do), but when you take their need for their own cables into consideration, things can start to get messy and cluttered fast.

Negating the need for a separate sound system not only saves you space amongst your other gaming PC accessories but can save you some cash too. The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, just like the MV7i, lets you record two channels of audio, but has an MSRP of $199.99. You can pick up older models to save some cash, or even grab one second-hand, but typically the more ports, and channels of audio it allows you to record, the more you can be expected to pay. At $349 / £329, sure you’re not getting a ton of on-board controls on the MV7i mic, but you are getting the benefits of an audio interface, along with the microphone itself.

The hindrance of the Shure MV7i is naturally its lack of any stand. For over $300, I’d like to have seen at least a compact desk stand with a compatible-sized yoke included. Using a podcast arm like the one provided to me for this review will still be the best method when it comes to using the MV7i, but can mean at least an extra $100 / £100 provided added into the mix.

The MV7i may also not be the best fit if you’re never going to have the opportunity to record two channels of audio to begin with. If you stream alone, don’t plan on recording vocals and an instrument together any time soon, or simply don’t even own a condenser mic to begin with, you could still get the benefits of Shure’s high-quality audio with an older model like the Shure MV7+ or even the Shure MV7 instead. That being said, the MV7i brings together the highest level of convenience, and some of the best-sounding audio I’ve heard from a microphone. So long as you can actually justify the benefit of that XLR compatibility - whether that’s in streaming with a friend, recording a podcast at home, or even creating a music setup, I can’t sing the Shure MV7i’s praises enough.

How I tested the Shure MV7i microphone

I spent over two weeks with the Shure MV7i and the Shure Broadcast Boom Arm. During that time, I used it to record multiple episodes of a non-work-related podcast. During these episodes, I spent hours putting the MV7i through its paces, using the MOTIV Mix software to keep an eye on my audio levels and play around with settings. During my testing time, I also used it to chat with friends via Discord, as well as talk to family through audio calls. For more information on how we test streaming microphones, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

Check out our guides to the best capture cards, the best webcams, and the best ring lights for streaming if you want to create the ultimate game streaming setup.

It’s one of the few additions to the best gaming keyboards that actually does make a noticeable difference in gameplay, so if you’re ready for an upgrade in 2025 and you play faster FPS-style games it’s well worth prioritizing.

To understand how rapid trigger works, we’ll first have to take a look at how we used to do it in the old days. A mechanical switch will either be on or off. I’ve delved deeper into how both mechanical and magnetic switches work in my guide to exactly what a Hall effect keyboard is but, in short, once a mechanical key is pressed a circuit is closed and an input is registered. To repeat that process, you’ll need to fully reset the key to its normal position, slowing down your rate of fire.

While a mechanical switch only has this one point of actuation (the moment a keypress is registered), a Hall effect or analog switch uses magnetic fields or light to be able to sense depth. That means the switch knows how far down it’s being pressed and can actuate at various points along that journey. That’s how you get various features like dual-step actuation and customizable actuation points in some gaming keyboards.

Rapid trigger relies on this technology to essentially ‘reset’ the switch as soon as the key is released even a little bit. We’re talking about a very small amount of time in general here, but it’s still a considerable benefit in-game. Rather than having to wait for the switch to move all the way back above its reset point, a keypress can be repeated near-instantaneously.

rapid trigger on or off, some decks allow for additional customization. The Logitech G Pro X TKL Rapid, for example, allows users to select a particular actuation point that they need to move beyond to actuate the key for finer control. Meanwhile, the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 uses a more dynamic setting that automatically adjusts your actuation based on active gameplay.

The feature is reserved for gaming keyboards with either Hall effect or analog switches, and these decks are sitting towards the top end of the price spectrum right now. The cheapest keyboard with rapid trigger I’ve tested is the Endgame Gear KB65HE, with Gateron KS-37B Hall effect switches at $139.99 / £139.99. That’s a fantastic deck, and my favorite 65% model overall - well worth a look if you prefer to keep things compact.

In a time where unnecessary features like super-fast polling rates seem to be dominating marketing materials, I’m glad that switch-specific innovations are starting to steal the limelight once again. Rapid trigger isn’t going to change everyone’s gameplay, but it certainly makes a lot of experiences noticeably snappier and more responsive. If you’re a competitive player with a spam addiction, it could well be leading the charge in your shift away from traditional magnetic switches.

I’m also rounding up all the best wireless gaming keyboards and the best hot-swappable keyboards for more options. If you’re kitting out your whole setup, check out the best gaming mouse models on the market as well.

The Huntsman is Razer's speed-focused line, but the Mini does also benefit from the brand's analog optical switches. These are similar to the Hall effect clickers found in some of the best gaming keyboards across the market, offering adjustable actuation and Rapid Trigger for super-fast debounces and a finer detail of control over keypresses.

The Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Mini White Edition is a fully wired deck, as are so many analog options these days, however being able to set dual-step actuation actually solves one of my biggest problems with 60% keyboards. Squeezing players down to as few keys as possible saves plenty of space for wider mouse sweeps, but it often comes at the cost of arrow keys. I keep these clickers mapped in-game pretty much constantly, so having to hit the Function button to actually use them is often a nightmare.

They're still dual-function here, though Razer sets these keys to actuate as arrow keys at a quick tap and their separate functions when held fully down. This feature is available on both the white and black models. For the uninitiated, dual-step actuation is a feature offered by gaming keyboards that use magnetic Hall effect or optical analog switches.

A mechanical switch will register a keypress once, when a metal contact closes a circuit loop on being pressed. That's a pretty rigid on / off system. By doing away with this process, Razer's analog switches can actuate twice - once at a half press or tap and again at the bottom of a keystroke. That means you can assign two inputs per key. It's by no means an exclusive feature, but it is used particularly well in the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Mini.

Aside from that, you'll find Razer Snap Tap, super satisfying doubleshot PBT keycaps, full Razer Chroma RGB support, and storage for up to six onboard profiles.

I'm also hunting down all the best wireless gaming keyboards for those who want to cut the cord, as well as the best hot-swappable keyboards and plenty more of the best Razer keyboards on the market.

The 27-inch Alienware AW2724DM is down to $199 from $379.99 thanks to a clearance discount at Dell. While the brand is already unleashing a new wave of best gaming monitor options for 2025, this screen is well worth checking out while it's still in stock. I wasn't able to find the 165Hz fast IPS panel at any other retailers right now, and that could mean it's about to vanish from shelves for good.

It's a bit of a novelty seeing an Alienware monitor for under $200 in general, and while it's not the only 1440p 165Hz display out there, it's packing great features. Dell's gaming brand is always going to set you back a little bit more, but I've spent enough time with similar models to know that they're well worth investing in if you dig the aesthetic and want something with excellent build quality.

Should you buy the Alienware AW2724DM?

The Alienware AW2724DM is what I'd call a great mid-range PC monitor, as it's going to serve up balanced specs that will suit 1440p rigs. While you might be tempted to splash out on one of the fastest QHD screens on the market, like the 460Hz Sony Inzone M10S or the 360Hz Samsung Odyssey OLED G6, that could be seriously overkill if your graphics card can't match those refresh rates with appropriate performance.

I've tested a wide range of high refresh gaming monitors, and while you will feel a difference with screens over 165Hz, they'll still feel worlds faster than older sub 144hz models. You'll need to boost fps to the same level to really feel the benefits, but in shooters like Overwatch 2, you'll still gain extra responsiveness that will help improve handling and reactions.

What I will say is that going further up the scale means you'll get a much of OLED and mini LED models. These panel types are still considered premium, but the investment will grant you access to superior colors, contrast, and brightness that are going to make an impression. That's not to say the AW2724DM doesn't boast respectable visuals, but Dell's IPS display tech can't quite produce the same vivid results as something like its Alienware AW2725DF QD-OLED sibling.

Speaking of which, the Alienware AW2724DM actually boasts many of the same features as the QD-OLED AW2725DF. You're getting the same otherworldly design complete with RGB Zeta head logo round back, a near identical bezel, and an integrated USB hub with easy to access connectors at the front. Many screens under $200 skip on including peripheral connectivity entirely, so the fact Dell's screen offers that is a huge win.

As an overall package, the Alienware AW2724DM has a lot to offer mid-range PC players for under $200. If, like my friend, you're rocking a cheap gaming PC with an RTX 3070 inside, Dell's display is going to feel like a nicer fit than more expensive models with faster refresh rates. You're still getting nice speeds and a 1ms GtG response time, so think of it as a more optimized option rather than needlessly splashing out on specs.

Still looking for the perfect screen? Swing by the best monitor for PS5 and the best 4K monitor for gaming to widen your search. Alternatively, take a peek at the best gaming TV options for extra large living room panels.

The cheapest among them is the HP Victus 16, a $1,499.99 machine taking an impressive $600 discount at Best Buy this week. That leaves us at just $899.99 right now, a price I was celebrating even over Black Friday last year. While it's been $50 cheaper for a few days in December, this is still one of the best prices I've ever seen on an RTX 4070 gaming laptop deal.

If you're after something a little hardier, the Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 is also invited to the party. With $620 off the original $1,999.99 MSRP, this OLED-toting slimline speedster has ticked all the way down to a record-low $1,379.99 sales price at Best Buy. That's a return to its lowest price yet.

Square in the middle, we have the Dell G16 - another budget-minded laptop, but one that goes over the HP Victus's specs with an i9 processor, and a faster QHD+ display. This $1,299.99 sale price (was $1,699.99) has been doing the rounds for a few months now, but it's clinging onto the shelves this week, offering a lucrative $400 saving.

Should you buy an RTX 4070 gaming laptop in 2025?

Yes, RTX 50-Series machines are on their way - but if you're looking to buy a rig for as close to $1,000 (and hopefully less) as possible I'd still recommend keeping an eye on RTX 4070 gaming laptops. After all, these are still more than capable of taking on the latest games in medium or high settings at full QHD resolution and, in all likelihood, newer upcoming releases will far outpace these models in their price tags.

Until RTX 50-Series gaming laptop deals are fully underway, the previous generation still has a lot to offer. Even the RTX 4050 version of the HP Victus 16 I tested managed to stay over 100fps in lighter games like Shadow of the Tomb Raider in both high and highest settings. It even hovered above 60fps in Returnal benchmarks. With an RTX 4070 under the hood, the cheapest of machines can still spit out more than playable framerates.

Upcoming RTX 5070 gaming laptops could pose some issues if they're massively outpacing the previous generation at only slightly higher price tags. You're going to be shopping at the bottom end of the price range to secure that kind of machine, though, potentially paying roughly the same as today's Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 sales price for a rig without that slick OLED display and slimline portable design.

If you're going all out on performance, it's well worth holding off until the new generation settles into its benchmarks. However, if you're looking to upgrade your whole experience, with a premium chassis, durable build quality, and high-end display, value is likely going to side with the older RTX 40-Series generation for a lot longer.

I'm also rounding up all the best Asus gaming laptops and the best Alienware laptops on the market. Or, take a look at the best Razer laptops for a more premium build.

The latest RTX 5060 release date rumors come courtesy of leaker 9550pro in the form of a Board Channels post. The insider update states that while the 60-class best graphics card contenders were originally meant to launch in March, AIC partners have now been informed the first Ti models won't be available until April.

It's naturally a bit of a bummer, especially since the GPU scene is a bit of an expensive mess right now. All the "reasonably" priced RTX 5070 stock practically doesn't exist, and trying to work out where to buy an RX 9070 XT is a pure struggle. Even last gen cards are being snapped up pretty quick, so there's absolutely a need for more models at different price points.

Should you wait for the RTX 5060?

Once the RTX 5060 and RTX 5060 Ti are read to come out the oven, I'm certain they'll make for excellent budget GPUs. I'm hesitant to use that phrase seeing as even lower priced graphics cards end up costing well beyond MSRP when it comes to custom designs, and with everyone snapping up the cheapest versions during Nvidia's launches, things could go the same way next month.

Whether or not you should wait for an RTX 5060 series GPU comes down to what you actually need. If you simply need a lightweight card that will run the latest games at 1080p I wouldn't look past the AMD Radeon RX 7600. It's far from being a powerhouse, but since you can grab one for $269 at Amazon and it has the chops for ultra settings, its far from being a bad choice.

I was able to hit at least 80fps in the likes of Hitman 3, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, and Returnal without dialling visuals down, and that's all some of you will potentially need depending on your gaming monitor of choice. The RX 7600 does struggle a bit though when it comes to ray tracing, but the card does has access to AMD's FSR 3 and Frame Generation tricks in times of need.

I'd normally point you all towards the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 too, but its current price is giving me a migraine. The cheapest version is currently at Newegg for $429.99 when it should come in at $299.99. There's no situation where I'd tell you to pay that sort of money rather than just waiting for the RTX 5060 next month, but I do get that it comes with the risk of not getting a card at all.

I'm going to be real with you - it's a pretty crummy time to be a PC player. Those of you with relatively modern graphics card are best just waiting for everything to normalize. However, if you're in the situation where you're struggling to actually run games because your GPU is either too old or faulty, I'd either jump on the cheapest RX 7600 are an interim upgrade for now.

I'm hoping RTX 5060 stock is healthy this spring, and holding out for AMD to reveal its entry-level GPU plans soon too. An RX 9060 with a competitive price tag and generous specs could really help boost the cheap PC gaming space, as I feel like it could have been given more love last generation.

If you're firmly still aiming for mid-range upgrades, you'll want to check out my Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 review before trying to find stock. Those of you with money burning a hole in your pocket will also want to look at the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 too, but good luck finding either model right now.

Looking for more PC parts? Swing by the best CPU for gaming and the best gaming RAM. If you'd rather head outside with your Steam games, take a peek at the best gaming handhelds for portable solutions.

At $299.99 / £299.99 this is among the most expensive gaming keyboards I’ve ever tested, matched only by Mountain’s modular Everest Max. It’s $80 more than the best gaming keyboard on the market, the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3, and drops the additional customization of Hall effect switches. That price is $50 more than the similarly hot-swappable Asus ROG Azoth, with a fraction of the battery life. Razer has a fight on its hands here, and only very few players are going to lift the trophy for the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%.

Design

The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% packs all your necessary controls into a Goldilocks 75% layout. There’s a reason this form factor has become so popular in recent years, without squeezing the alphanumeric keys and dropping function and navigation options, the BlackWidow can stay compact enough for wider mouse sweeps while still providing plenty of breathing space on the deck itself. Everything is beautifully well balanced, from the key spacing to the viewing angle on the OLED display occupying the top right corner, making for a particularly precise typing and gaming experience. Everything is slightly more spread out than the previous iteration, with the Razer BlackWidow V4 75% dropping space between the main deck and the navigation / arrow keys on the right.

Doubleshot PBT keycaps feel particularly sturdy under the fingertips. Razer is well known for the quality of its caps, and the brand has busted out its best for the BlackWidow. There’s a fantastic sense of grip to these toppers, with just enough texture to feel satisfying without impeding speedy movement across the deck. They also provide particularly vivid shinethrough for the LEDs underneath.

The main chassis is constructed from an aluminum alloy top case with a plastic underside to the rear. That’s a solid enough material for longer-term durability, but it’s not quite as premium-feeling as the cold, hard metal of the Asus ROG Azoth’s top. The difference isn’t felt during everyday typing or tapping away in-game, but the BlackWidow did flex considerably under harder pressure, which is a little disappointing for a $300 deck.

I also noticed that dreaded space bar ping returning to my setup. The last few years have seen gaming hardware brands packing their keyboards with the same kind of sound-dampening, echo-absorbing foam and mounts that custom decks pioneered back in the day.

The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% does a similar job, with Poron gasket mounting and a single layer of foam underneath the main plate, but it’s not enough to keep those twangs out of my ears. It’s been a long time since I’ve heard it, and it’s just as difficult to ignore as it was when mechanical keyboards were in their heyday.

The Azoth triples the amount of dampening foam under the hood for a much softer sound. I should note that this ping is in no way extended across the board - for the most part, every key other than the space bar bottoms out with a crisp clack, it’s just that pesky long fella. While sometimes a little pingy, these larger keys are well stabilized with barely any wobble.

Two feet extend from the bottom plank to provide a little elevation, but this is also a wedge-shaped case design that packs extra height as well. This is a comfortable typing experience as a result, and while I did find the wrist rest to be a little too high compared to the keys it’s exceptionally plush and sinks down with plenty of support.

That aforementioned RGB lighting is crisp and bold, offering its range of effects with a premium feeling of precision and clarity. There’s a considerable amount of power behind these LEDs for a bright, dynamic light show around the edges of the keys. Unfortunately, some longer legends suffer from a lack of uniformity in their underglow, which is particularly noticeable on the ‘Enter’ cap. This per-key RGB lighting is also accompanied by the slick side strip that I loved on the full-sized Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro for some extra style as well.

Features

Underneath those lovely keycaps you’ll find a set of Razer’s third-generation mechanical switches - orange ones, to be precise. These are the same clickers I used in the previous release, with a 3.5mm travel and 50g of actuation force. The entire deck is hot-swappable, though, with three and five-pin switch sockets and the process of switching out these clickers is smooth and easy with no stuck or bent pins.

Of course, if you just wanted that tactile typing experience you’d be checking out the cheaper model. Razer has packed its Pro device with wireless 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connectivity. By default, the 2.4 GHz connection polls at 1,000Hz but that can bump up to 4,000Hz with the use of the Razer Hyperpolling dongle included. That’s not the win many might think it is.

In reality, very few players need a higher polling gaming keyboard, it’s only the very 1% of the most successful competitive esports players who might even notice the faster rate, let alone benefit from it. This is largely a marketing exercise. Instead, it’s more of an inconvenience having to contend with another cable rather than simply running the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% from a simple receiver, as the HyperPolling dongle requires its own USB-C connection. That kind of kills one of the major benefits of going wireless for most everyday players.

I’m willing to guess a good slice of that $299.99 price tag has been sunk into the high polling rate, but there are still features here to draw in those looking for a more casual experience as well.

The OLED display in the top right corner is the clearest, brightest panel I’ve used on a gaming keyboard. The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 and Asus ROG Azoth both use similar screens for checking onboard vitals, displaying media information, and running cute animations. While SteelSeries’ can run a little dim and Asus’s doesn’t quite offer the resolution I’d be after in 2025, though, the BlackWidow’s screen is incredibly crisp.

The display can show you your keyboard’s connection and battery information, system usage, audio waves and track titles, animations, or a still image. Meanwhile, a customizable control dial to the right handles volume controls, playback, brightness, and app switching, with additional support for zoom and scroll functions as well.

All of that is sorted through Synapse 4, a system that’s not without its tantrums but played nice during my testing. Aside from the media controls and display settings, this is where you’ll choose RGB effects, configure battery-saving features, and set up keybindings. Everything is neatly laid out with an intuitive menu system and collection of toggles, sliders, and tick boxes for all your usual personalization options.

Battery life isn’t going to hold up against the Asus ROG Azoth, even if Razer claims that it will get 2,100 hours of juice with all the extra features switched off (that would put the BlackWidow among the best wireless gaming keyboards on the market). If I spent $300 on a gaming keyboard, I certainly wouldn’t be ignoring its features, though. In regular usage, with the display at 70% brightness, RGB lighting at 50%, and with default power-saving settings, I rarely managed to squeeze two days of use out of this device.

On average, it lasted around eight to ten hours before dying out - a particularly low life. I thought I had accidentally whacked everything up to 11 and set my polling rate to 4,000Hz when the battery first plunged to 0. Unfortunately, this is a wireless keyboard that will likely spend most of its life plugged in.

There’s one notable absence from this feature set, one that I wouldn’t have brought up this time last year but feels surprising for a $299 keyboard in 2025. These are fully mechanical switches with no magnetic Hall effect features or analog dual-step actuation. These aren’t necessarily must-haves for a good gaming keyboard, but these newer switches are making their way into cheaper flagships across the industry. Razer has its own spin on the tech, but it’s largely relegated to its Huntsman range.

Performance

In-game, the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% feels exceedingly precise. There’s a strong bump to these tactile switches that gives every key press that extra level of tension that makes for particularly clean inputs. Combined with the excellent spacing and textured keycaps, I never missed a beat during my competitive sessions and still managed to stay comfortable and accurate when strafing around Avowed’s melee combat and parkour moments.

That heavier bump does make itself known during longer typing periods, which might grow a little fatiguing if you’re more used to a lighter switch. It requires far more force than the Asus ROG Azoth’s short linear feel, and if you naturally type fairly lightly you may feel that strain fairly quickly. I was able to type all day and then return in the evening for gaming without feeling it too much, though.

The extra heft takes a little getting used to if you’re used to bottoming out for actuation, but after learning the height of the bump the BlackWidow can be surprisingly speedy to navigate. I was hitting all my necessary keys just as fast as I would with a lighter key while still benefitting from the extra precision.

Wireless connectivity is rock solid, with no interference from the buzz of other 2.4GHz receivers I have in my setup. I also noticed that while my keyboard was often at low battery, a dwindling charge never interrupted this connection as it would with a cheaper deck.

Should you buy the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%?

It’s difficult to recommend any $299.99 / £299.99 gaming keyboard to the majority of players due to its particularly high price tag. It’s even harder to recommend one that drops newer Hall effect switches, lags in battery life, and puts a considerable amount of stock in a feature that very few players will notice.

There’s nothing materially wrong with how the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% functions - in fact, it’s a particularly comfortable deck with a slick, smooth typing experience, and an impressive digital display. It does a lot of things better than other decks, its RGB is more vivid than that of SteelSeries and its spacing is miles better than its predecessor.

If you’re a professional-level esports player looking for a slightly heavier mechanical feel with a wireless connection it’s well worth a look. However, the vast majority of players are going to find significantly better value in the Razer BlackWidow V4 75%. It offers a very similar experience, albeit without that screen, for a considerable chunk of change less.

How I tested the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%

I used the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% for a period of two weeks, running the device for all my daily work and play during that time. An average day saw between seven and eight hours of typing with an extra two or three hours of gameplay in the evening. During that time I primarily tested across Avowed, Oxenfree 2, and Fallout 4, with dedicated testing in CS2. I ran the battery down multiple times during testing, measuring lifespans with various RGB and digital display brightness settings, across both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth. For more information on how we test gaming keyboards, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

I'm also testing all the best membrane gaming keyboards and the best hot-swappable keyboards on the market, as well as hunting down the best Razer keyboards available now.

Should you buy PS5 games in 2025?

As an avid collector of not just physical games, but especially physical PS5 games, I'm always going to be an advocate for picking up even more games. But whether or not you'll actually find value in adding to your PS5 game collection depends on a lot of factors.

For one, does your PS5 actually have a disc drive? That's a biggie. If you have a disc edition PS5, you're good to go. But if you're rocking an all-digital original PS5, a digital PS5 Slim, or the PS5 Pro, you won't be able to run any of these games. Course, you can grab the official PS5 disc drive, and you'll be great to go. But if you don't have one already, keep in mind they can be difficult to source, even now.

The next thing to consider, other than if you actually have the budget to afford any new games, is whether or not you have access to these games already. I'm pretty bad for picking up physical games even if I already have access to the digital version as a collector, but I fully appreciate not everyone is like me. Always make sure to check you haven't accidentally grabbed any of these games digitally through past PlayStation sales, or through PlayStation Plus.

If you have all that covered, it's really about whether or not you're still into physical games. With the regular price drops on physical PS5 releases, I find adding to my physical collection is the best way to save a ton of cash. Take Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered - right now it's $49.99 on the PlayStation storefront you can access it straight from your console. But, if you grab it via this Best Buy deal, not only will you have a physical disc you can lend to a friend, but you can get the same game for just $29.99 instead.

Picking up physical PS5 games is one of the best ways to save on games, but it does come with a price, the price of less shelf space. Take it from someone who's drowning in PS5 games, be sure you have some space space set aside for any of these Best Buy asap - you'll thank me later.

If you're PS5 game backlog is big enough, check out the best PS5 SSDs to ensure you have plenty of space to download whatever your heart desires. We've also gathered all the best PS5 controllers and the best PS5 headsets in one place so you can truly make the most of your Sony gaming sessions.

Announced in an update post, Analogue says that while its N64 system was scheduled to arrive in Q1 2025, it'll show ship July this year instead. In the statement, the company says it's "working hard to get your 3D order in hands asap," and reaffirms that you can cancel your order at any time before shipment. Not that you'll necessarily want to do that, as this magical FPGA system could be one of the best retro consoles that'll transform your favorite Nintendo 64 games with native 4K output.

I'm pretty hyped to get hands-on with the Analogue 64, but the timing of this delay is pretty rough. Just yesterday, console-making rival Modretro teased its own FPGA N64 system that could rise to the challenge with HDMI output and other similar features. But, seeing as we have no idea of what that "M64" device even looks like or when it'll arirve, I've got my mind on solutions already available.

If you fancy playing your original N64 carts on a modern screen in HD, there are a few approachable gadgets out there that'll help you do just that. If you're feeling real fancy, you can even pick up upscalers like the Retrotink 4k Pro that will boost things to 4K, but since that little box costs an absolutely bananas $750, I'm going to focus on add-ons that don't cost more than a PS5 Pro.

First off, you'll want to check you've got the right N64 wires in the first place. By default, all models output composite (those red, white, and yellow phonos), and while you can mod NTSC consoles to send out a cleaner RGB signal, my current setup is based on the former.

To take that old composite signal and transform it into something your gaming TV can easily use, you're going to need an upscaler. There are a ton of options at Amazon and other marketplaces, and if you've ever looked into playing on old consoles, you've no doubt heard of now-discontinued devices like the Framemeister XRGB-Mini and various other cheaper alternatives.

I personally use the OSSC, a line doubler that takes analogue input and sends it through an HDMI cable. You can grab one of those for $131.51 at Amazon right now, but since it lacks direct composite compatibility, you'll also need to pair it with a transcoder. I use a really old Sony model that I found at a thrift store over ten years ago, but you'll be able to covert things in the same manner using an $89.99 add-on board.

I'll admit, my setup is pricer than I'd like, so I totally get why you'd be drawn to cheaper options. For the record, there are pretty affordable ways to simply play your original N64 using HDMI, as Amazon also has a RetroScaler2x for $71.99 that'll do the job with zero lag. Keep in mind you'll be playing at the console's native 240p resolution, which is going to look pretty rough across a big screen. Still, it's an affordable way to play and it'll look better than many of those cursed $20 cheap upscalers that are floating around online.

It's worth noting that you can also use the RetroScaler2x as a composite transcoder for the OSSC by simply connecting its HDMI output to the line-doubler. That way, you'll be still be able to scale thing sup to 1440p, so it's an option if you're not fussed about having a single unit for the job.

Even if you do go down the more expensive OSSC route, you're still looking at less than the Analogue 3D. That's not to say you'll get the same experience, as you'll have to make do with HD upscaling as opposed to 4K. The plus side, though, is that you're guaranteed to have full compatibility with every game since you're using the OG console, and there's still something more magical about using tech that's coming up 30 years old.

I'm still excited for the Analogue 3D, but there are ways and means to play old N64 carts in a modern way out there already. If you aren't up for scrambling for stock once it eventually arrive this July, or holding off to see what the Modretro M64 will bring to the table, I'd try putting your own upscaling setup together instead.

Oh, and if you're also interested in playing fan-made outings, you might want to check out this N64 flash cart I've been using to play Zelda ROM hacks lately.

Looking for other ways to play classic games? Swing by the best gaming handhelds for portable options. If you're already rocking Valve's device, take a peek at the best Steam Deck accessories and best Steam Deck dock for handy add-ons.

It's the latest addition to Microsoft's Adaptive range, a series of controllers designed to meet the needs of those with limited mobility. Not only that, but the actual thumbstick portion of the device can be further personalized with extra 3D printed accessories. With so few brands catering to these kinds of needs, the Xbox Adaptive Joystick could well become one of the best Xbox Series X controllers for a population of players previously ignored by mainstream hardware manufacturers.

The Xbox Adaptive Joystick was originally unveiled last year, but has taken a little while to actually hit the market. Back then one of the most exciting features was the 3D printed accessories, and with today's full release that still stands true.

At the moment, these are limited to a range of thumbstick toppers, customizable in the Xbox Design Lab studio. Six basic shapes are provided to start off with, which can then be further customized by changing their width and height. The file for the topper is then provided for free, ready for sending straight to a 3D printer. It means not only are players freed from requiring a two-handed grip to play, but they can further shape their controller to their individual needs.

Underneath that, seven remappable buttons can all be configured within Microsoft's software, though there's only space for one preset on the device itself. Four front face buttons span X1 - X4, with additional bumper and trigger options to the rear (X5 and X6), and a clickable thumbstick button up top.

The device can run in tandem with the existing Xbox Adaptive Controller, or on its own (though you'll need a separate Xbox controller for full button support) and comes with additional mounting support via a threaded insert system.

We're rounding up plenty more of the best Xbox Series X accessories as well as the best Xbox Series X headsets and best Xbox Series X external hard drives.

Right now, there are two different LG OLED G4 models down to their lowest prices ever at Amazon. The first is the 55-inch OLED55G4SUB, which has just dropped to $1,796.99 from $2,599.99. If that's just slightly too small for your setup, the 65-inch OLED65G4SUB is now going for $1,996.99, although it's weirdly cheaper than the 55 incher at its full $2,396.99 price.

With just over 30% off, the 55-inch OLED G4 is still as expensive as the best gaming TVs on the market. I count myself among the many players out there who wouldn't normally spend over $1,000 on a new screen for the living room. A hefty saving brings that kind of luxury within reaching distance for a few more of us, though. The last time the numbers went this low was Black Friday, so if you missed out back then you've got a second chance this week.

The G4 is pretty approachable compared to LG OLED G5 pre-order prices. The 55-inch version of the 2025 model is listed for $2,449.99 at Best Buy, so you're paying over $800 more for the latest version. Yes, there are reasons to upsell yourself on the latest panel, as LG has armed its new flagship with an even faster 165Hz Variable Refresh Rate and new "Tandem RGB" tech designed to take on QD-OLED options. But I'd still argue last year's top dog still has a bite that's well worth it at under $1,800.

This LG OLED G4 worth buying in 2025?

I've been serving up gaming TV buying advice for years at this point, and I've already had friends ask me if its worth buying the LG OLED G4 in 2025. When it comes to spending well over a grand on a screen, you'll always want to make sure the newer model's elevated features aren't must-haves for your setup.

The main question I'd ask yourself before splashing out on the OLED G4 is what you actually need from a TV. If you've got a PS5 or Xbox Series X, LG's 144Hz model is going to pack more than enough speed for console gaming. Current gen consoles have somewhat of a 120Hz ceiling, and you're not going to feel any real benefits playing shooters like Overwatch on the 165Hz G5.

That said, if you use a gaming PC in the living room, the LG OLED G5 will feel more like one of the best gaming monitors at the full 165Hz. If you've got a graphics card with the chops to match that with a high enough frame rate, you'll also be able to enjoy faster speeds across your entire Steam library rather than having to play a majority of your games at 60fps max.

Both the G4 and G5 feature their own take on QD-OLED tech. Last year's model uses an MLA+ (Micro Lens Array) panel that boosts brightness and clarity using tiny pixel-sized lenses to reflect more light outwards. The result is a screen that shakes off natural daylight and punches through with next to no compromise, and you won't be getting the same level of performance in the cheaper C4 or B4 models.

While MLA+ was a standout feature last year, the LG OLED G5 has actually ditched the tech for a new "Tandem RGB" setup that uses four stacked layers. Traditional screens tend to use a single layer, but by separating red, blue, and green light, the 2025 model is able to produce clearer colors and higher brightness than ever before. Will you notice the difference compared to the last-gen approach? Maybe, but I reckon you'd need both side by side to really spot the benefits.

Ultimately, you're going to be pretty thrilled with the LG OLED G4 if you pick one up in 2025. I've been trying to work out whether I can afford to splash out $1,800 this week on the now cheaper 55-inch version, as I'm planning to re-watch the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy with my partner this weekend. Having tested the G4 last year with 4K Ultra Blu-Rays, I can only imagine how mesmerizing Middle Earth will look on the screen, and my aging LED TV is probably going to upset my eyeballs.

If money isn't really an issue, I do think considering the OLED G5 is still wise. The increased costs do some with futureproofing attached, and it could be a few years until we see anything faster than 165Hz arrive for living room use. I'm also hyped to see what LG's new tech will do for ultra detailed gaming visuals and UHD movies, even if it's hard to imagine better results than the G4.

Still deciding on your next display? Swing by the best 120Hz 4K TVs and best TV for PS5 and Xbox Series X for more options. Alternatively, check out the best monitor for PS5 if you mostly play consoles at a desk.

Both Best Buy and Amazon are including free credit with the $499.99 headset, though I'd stick with the former for this one. You can nab $50 worth of Amazon credit instead, but the site states that you'll be waiting 30 days after shipping for your cash and it's only redeemable on items sold by Amazon itself. That strips out a surprising number of gadgets and gizmos, whereas Best Buy will allow you to spend your $50 on anything on the site.

The last time I saw a gift card offer like this was Black Friday, where various retailers offered free Meta or retailer credit between $75 and $100. Before that, it had been months since any kind of savings were available on one of the best VR headsets. This is also the first time I've seen the Meta Quest 3 take any kind of promotion in 2025, so if you've been holding off on the full-fat headset it's well worth jumping in.

UK shoppers are also getting in on the action, with a return to a record-low £469 sale price (was £619) at Very matching last year's Black Friday discount.

Should you buy the 512GB Meta Quest 3?

There's an elephant in the room here, and it's much cheaper than the 512GB model. The newer Meta Quest 3S launched late last year, at $299.99 / £289.99 - a considerable shift downwards from the original 512GB model's $499.99 / £619. We rated the classic headset highly in our Meta Quest 3 review on launch, but whether you opt for the pricier model comes down to two key differences between the two.

The first is obvious; storage. The Meta Quest 3S only comes with up to 256GB of storage (though that $299.99 / £289.99 MSRP relates to the 128GB model), whereas you're getting double that with this offer. If you're going to be playing hefty games and storing larger media files on your headset, it's well worth going above that limit. You'll need to have a lot of games to warrant the leap based on storage alone, though. Considering most Meta games only clock in at a few gigabytes there's already a good amount of space for an expansive library in the cheaper models.

The second difference is one that will likely have more sway for those looking for the best VR experience possible. The Meta Quest 3S can squeeze into its lower price tag by replacing the original's pancake lenses with cheaper fresnel lenses. It essentially means a lower quality viewing experience, reducing your area of focus, dropping clarity (and, separately, per-eye resolution), and introducing more chance of artifacts (annoying visual glitches in the picture). This was the biggest downgrade we noticed when we reviewed the Quest 3S.

If you plan on using your headset for a considerable amount of time, outside of casual gaming and the odd VR YouTube video, this difference in lenses is enough to push you towards the Quest 3. You are still getting the same core virtual and mixed reality experience with the 3S, though, so if you're just dipping your toe into these waters there's plenty of cash to be saved with the cheaper model.

We're also rounding up all the best Meta Quest accessories and the best PSVR 2 bundles for more offers. Or, to keep a close eye on similar discounts, check out the latest Meta Quest deals on the web.