What is spatial audio and how does it work?

The Abbey Road Institute defines spatial audio as “any audio which gives you a sense of space beyond conventional stereo.” Back in the day, stereo sound was utilized to allow sound to pan from left to right. This was later built upon to become ‘surround sound’ which involves the use of multiple directional speakers arranged into 5.1 and 7.1 setups (traditionally five+one or seven+one speakers, or channels, set up in a circle) to produce audio that appears as though it’s happening around you.

Like stereo and spatial audio, 7.1 surround sound is one of the main types of audio tech utilized by gaming headsets. It separates itself by using two additional speakers than the 5.1 setup for a deeper immersive sound experience. There are actually two different types of 7.1 surround sound - virtual and True. True 7.1 surround sound not only involves the use of more drivers than 5.1, but it works through said drivers vibrating along with the intensity of any given sound. Virtual 7.1 surround sound recreates sound via different distances and directions and is almost indistinguishable from spatial sound. In fact, Razer's THX Spatial Audio is itself made of "advanced 7.1 surround sound with Superior Positional Accuracy".

In 2012, one of the most highly recognized forms of spatial audio, Dolby Atmos, was developed in the Dolby Laboratories. Debuted within the Pixar animated film Brave, this new form of immersive audio expanded on 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound by incorporating more precisely placed audio channels to create a 3D soundscape. Instead of the sounds of a film sounding as it was happening around you, the advancement of spatial audio meant you could now pinpoint exactly where any given sound was coming from, enhancing the realism of the film you were watching, and media as a whole.

Spatial audio can be created by the use of speakers, within a movie theatre, music production, or a home theatre setup. It can also be created through the use of one of the best wireless gaming headsets, or wired, to offer a more immersive experience.

Currently, there are two types of spatial audio, Binaural Audio and Head-Related Transfer Functions (HRTFs). If you’ve ever watched ASMR content on YouTube you’re likely already familiar with Binaural Audio which simulates a 3D sound environment by recording audio from two sources, (think of those head dummies with microphones in either ear.)

Head-Related Transfer Functions (HRTFs) refers to spatial audio created through mathematical models that simulate how sound waves interact with our body. The audio we experience around us every day hits our body via sound waves at different times and directions, and if we were able to physically record this, it would sound like HRTF spatial audio. Gaming headset spatial audio simulates the way sound behaves, to enhance immersion.

Which gaming headsets have spatial audio and how do you use it?

A ton of brand names synonymous with gaming headsets use different versions of spatial audio tech. Sony has developed their own with ‘Tempest 3D Audio’ which can be found on one of the best PS5 headsets like the PS5 Pulse 3D and the INZONE H9. Meanwhile, Razer utilizes THX Spatial Audio for sets like the Razer Kraken V4 Pro and one of the best Razer headsets, the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro. Arguably one of the most well-known types of spatial audio, Dolby Atmos, is integrated into headsets from multiple brands, including but not limited to Corsair, Logitech, and Audeze Maxwell.

To experience 3D audio on a headset yourself, not only do you need a pair of cups that can actually utilize the technology to begin with, but each brand will have some extra steps needed to get it set up. For PS5 headphones, you have to enable 3D audio from within the PS5’s console settings. For the best results, the PS5 also has the option to create your own customizable 3D sound profile, which will ask you a bunch of questions and sample audio for you to test in an effort to create the most optimal immersive sound.

Headsets that utilize Dolby Atmos, like the Alienware Pro Wireless, may require the addition of the official Dolby Atmos software to work to their fullest. This can be a bit of a downer if you aren't interested in the best PC headsets, however, you can still enable Dolby Atmos through Sony's current-gen console’s audio settings for any compatible headset you have at hand.

There are more types of spatial audio out there and most mid to high-range gaming headsets will list some type of it as a premium feature, especially as it can considerably aid you in online and competitive gaming spaces. Whenever you’re considering buying a brand new headset, be sure to check its specs to see what spatial audio it offers, and whether or not it’ll actually be compatible with the platform of your choice - from the PS5, PC to the Xbox Series X.

Why is spatial audio important for gaming headsets?

With spatial audio integrated into headsets from brands like SteelSeries, Razer, and Asus ROG, you can pinpoint every bullet or footstep of your enemy. In online games like Fortnite or Call of Duty Black Ops 6, this can instantly give you an advantage over your competitors. If you can source where you’re being shot at in Fortnite, you can creep up on the unexpecting rival and take them out to get closer to that sweet Victory Royale.

In games like Dead by Daylight, being able to hear a killer's footsteps is imperative to your success in survivor matches. Sure, some killers have a terror radius, which will sound off a spooky theme whenever they’re near. However, being able to hear and place their movements in a 3D space can make it easier to escape their clutches and get to powering up those generators. Even in single-player games, it can help create a more immersive experience and help place you within any given fictional environment.

That doesn’t mean you can only find spatial audio within a gaming context. Apple Spatial Audio uses 5.1 and 7.1 setups, along with Dolby Atmos signals, to create its own 3D soundscape for its Apple Music platforms and audio peripherals. While spatial audio is always going to be a benefit for general music listening, it feels more at home when used alongside games. Games by their nature, are an interactive medium, and being able to decipher where any sound is coming from adds to the interactive and immersive nature of them as a whole.

If you have a gaming headset tied to your gaming setup with its own spatial audio tech, try it out for yourself. It may just be that extra source of immersion you’ve been looking for.

Some of the best gaming earbuds are also equipped with their own 3D audio features. However, you can check out our guides to the best Steam Deck headsets and the best Xbox Series X headsets to find a pair of cups best suited for your platform of choice.

The Logitech headset isn't shy of some small savings, but typically it'll bounce between full price and anywhere from $350 and $340, which isn't much to write home about. Now, Amazon has knocked off over $60, making it only $19 away from its lowest ever price to date. With the winter sales done and other with, and it being miles away from any major sales event, I recommend picking up the Logitech G Astro A50 X as it'll be a while until we see another major discount like it.

Should you buy the Logitech G Astro A50 X?

There's no getting around the fact that the Logitech G Astro A50 X is pricey no matter the discount, but there's a reason for that. The high-end headset comes packed with a fancy HDMI switcher, so essentially you're getting a pair of cups and an HDMI switcher all in one package.

The HDMI switcher is the first of its kind to be provided with Logitech G's Astro lineup and allows you to hook up multiple gaming platforms at once. The HDMI switcher comes decked out with three HDMI ports and three USB-C ports to connect up to your PS5, Xbox Series X, or PC. With everything hooked up, a simple tap of a button on the switcher will allow you to seamlessly switch to a different platform - so if you're in the mood for some Sea of Thieves on your PC, but then want to check out Silent Hill (2024) on the PS5 an hour later, you can do so without tediously setting up Bluetooth or a 2.4Ghz connection every time.

Even some of the best Xbox Series X headsets struggle to provide adequate support for the console due to its awkward compatibility restrictions. But the Astro A50 X is equipped for Xbox consoles and more - making it an ideal accessory for multi-platform gaming fans.

While the accompanying HDMI switcher is impressive in its own right, the Astro A50 X doesn't falter when it comes to sound and build quality either. Our hardware team's own Tabitha Baker stated in her Logitech G Astro A50 X review that thanks to its Graphene 40mm drivers, the headset produced some of the "best audio I've personally heard through a gaming headset."

Everything from games and movies to music sounds well-balanced through these high-end cups. Our favorite games to test any headset, like Doom Eternal, sounded "delicately balanced" and the attached microphone provides that crisp and clear audio you'd expect from a premium headset.

Personally, I'm not a huge fan of the Astro 50 X headset. Its fabric covered mesh cushions feel scratchy to the touch, and don't offer much in terms of padding. I (regrettably) have a sensitive head and am prone to migraines, so comfort is a huge concern and this headset didn't quite put me at ease. Weighing it at 363g, it's also one of the heaviest peripherals I've ever had on my head and was very much noticeable after a few hours.

Additionally, it doesn't actually come with all the cables you need to fully set it up. To get this connected to my PS5 I needed three HDMI cables in total, which were nowhere to be seen. Fortunately, this rare discount does mean you can set aside any cash you save towards getting those cables, should you not have any lying around.

Aren't convinced the Logitech G Astro A50 X is for you? Check our best gaming earbuds guide for a bit of something different. We've also gathered all the best PS5 headsets and best Xbox Series X headsets if you just stick to one platform.

Dough Spectrum Black 32 prices start at $899 for the matte version, and that’s honestly not half bad for a 31.5-inch 4K 240Hz dual-resolution that rivals the best gaming monitor options. It’s a chunk cheaper than my current favorite screen, the LG Ultragear ‎32GS95UE, despite using the exact same WOLED panel, not to mention the $1,099 model I’ve been testing boasts that extra layer of glossy Gorilla Glass. You’d think that would help it steal the crown, I mean, I was rooting for it. However, when you combine those aforementioned firmware issues with the fact it doesn’t come with a stand, LG’s own screen still comes out tops.

Before anyone gets the wrong idea, the Dough Spectrum Black 32 is one of the best 4K monitors for gaming. It also happens to be a killer 1080p screen since it can moonlight as a 480Hz panel. I’m just not sure most players should buy it by default over the Ultragear ‎32GS95UE as, while both experiences are fairly close, Dough’s display isn’t quite as tight.

Design

Dough monitors tend to look more like professional Apple-esque screens than gaming displays, and the Spectrum Black 32 is no different. The screen maker started leaning into the Apple Studio vibe with the Spectrum Black 27, and it makes a nice change from brands forcing RGB lighting and weird ridges into aesthetics as a check box exercise.

From the front, the Spectrum Black 32 keeps things fairly conservative. We’re talking about a black rectangle with a not-quite edge-to-edge design, thanks to the usual black border around OLED screens. It’s slick, but not exactly what I’d call a head-turner even with its optional square pedestal stand attached. What it does embody, however, is a premium vibe that will add an element of elegance to your gaming desk setup using a blend of metals and high-quality plastics.

The back sings a similar tune, keeping most of the guts to a rectangular hump while keeping everything else pretty thin. The monitor’s ports also fire outwards rather than being tucked under a lip since the protruding parts of the case are flush with the bottom, but I much prefer this approach since it makes hot-swapping cables out from the front easier.

You’ll find the OSD controls, power button, and dual resolution toggle in that bottom region too, and yes, it uses one of those dreaded menu joysticks. While the buttons on the Spectrum Black 27 used to face outwards on the back, they’re now underneath the front, which does result in less fumbling around. Does that help the OSD nub control a little better? Actually, no, as it’s smaller this time around, which means I can’t quite grip the edges with my finger as well for enhanced tactility.

I’d occasionally find myself accidentally pressing one of the directional shortcuts for things like crosshairs and source input rather than a center press, which is incredibly annoying. If Dough, or any other monitor maker for that matter, wants to stop me moaning about this in every review, I’d start adding in a small remote control. I get that there are cost implications, but it’s the sort of luxury I want from a premium monitor in 2025.

Features

Dual-resolution monitors are all the rage going into 2025, and I’m totally here for it. Being able to (sort of) instantly hop between 4K 240Hz and 1080p 480Hz should save you thinking about buying a high refresh rate monitor for years to come, and the Dough Spectrum Black 32 fully embraces that.

Of course, it’s far from being the first 4K 240Hz dual-resolution monitor on the market, and just like its rivals, it's ultimately a spin on the LG Ultragear ‎32GS95UE. That’s less a case of Dough copying homework and more the company adding some enhanced spice, or at least that’s the case with the glossy Gorilla Glass version. If you pick up the base model, you’re getting something that’s incredibly close to LG’s WOLED screen, whereas the top model adds a USB-C hub with power delivery into the mix.

The model I’m testing sadly lacks the USB-C extras, which means no fooling around with gaming handhelds and using single-cable Power Delivery abilities. It’s a future that’d be nice to have, but you can grab a Steam Deck dock for less than the difference between models ($1,099 versus $1,299), although you’re getting DisplayPort 2.1 instead of 1.4 with that yet-to-be-released variant.

But hey, I can only speak for the non-USB-C glossy model, so let’s dive into what it offers beyond dual-resolution. The panel itself is armed with LG’s MLA+ tech, the same feature that earns the LG OLED G4 the best gaming TV crown, FreeSync Premium Pro, Variable Refresh Rate, and HDR True Black 400 support. On top of that, you’re getting a myriad of maintenance settings that ensure burn-in is never an issue, including logo extraction algorithms, menu bar detection, and even a “transistor wear compensation” option that’ll help prevent image retention even as the hardware starts to suffer from old age.

I don’t want to dunk on the number of options in the Spectrum Black 32’s OSD, but it is a little overwhelming. The menu is packed to the brim with features most players might not even have a second thought about, which does hammer home the screen’s enthusiast market. That’s both a good and a bad thing, as it makes the monitor extremely customizable while making general use a little harder and increasing your chances of weird quirks.

Performance

Here’s where things with the Dough Spectrum Black 32 get interesting, as it offers up killer 4K capabilities laced with glossy goodness. However, I came across multiple instances of the monitor’s firmware being a pain, and while it didn’t completely hamper things on a visual level or make the screen completely unusable, it left me feeling like the dough had to go back in the oven.

Starting with HDR, I initially had to install a firmware update to tackle issues with brightness. The fix worked, but High Dynamic Range content seems to still feel a little off on this screen. Windows 11 normally looks a little weird at first with the setting switched on, but even after some calibration and playing around with color options, tone mapping seems to be providing inconsistent results. I found myself switching HDR off in those instances, but it's another step I’d rather not have to take to use the feature.

My second gripe is a bit of a weird one, and it may very well be a one-off. After a few weeks of using the screen’s dual resolution toggle without a hitch, I found that it’d no longer jump from 4K 240Hz to 1080p 480Hz. I was still able to switch resolutions in the OSD, but the fact the button wouldn’t work was grating, to say the least. The issue still remained following both a reset and reinstalling firmware, which made me think something had gone seriously wrong.

I eventually managed to fix things by switching the toggle in the menu to another function and then back again. I’m not sure why resetting things didn’t produce the same results, and I’m willing to admit that it could have been either a one-off or something that occurred during testing. For that reason, I’m not going to hold the instance against the Spectrum Black 32, but it’s worth recording the blip so that I can stop gaslighting myself.

I eventually managed to fix things by switching the toggle in the menu to another function and then back again. I’m not sure why resetting things didn’t produce the same results, and I’m willing to admit that it could have been either a one-off or something that occurred during testing. For that reason, I’m not going to hold the instance against the Spectrum Black 32, but it’s worth recording the blip so that I can stop gaslighting myself.

Okay, on to the pros of using the Dough Spectrum Black 32, as they thankfully outweigh the cons. Just like with the Spectrum Black 27, the display takes a physical approach to elevating contrast using a glossy screen, building on top of the vibrancy already provided by the wonderful OLED panel within. This naturally helps 4K visuals pop even harder when put to good use, but I’m pretty impressed with how it benefits 1080p 480Hz scenarios too.

For my sins, I still play a lot of Overwatch 2. I’ve become accustomed to playing the shooter at 1080p since it enables me to boost fps to match even the fastest monitors out there. Hitting 480fps to match the Spectrum black 32’s max refresh rate is pretty easy, but the thing that caught me off guard before taking off as Pharah was how nice the visuals remain compared to 4K.

Yes, there are some jaggies and softness when playing at 1080p, and using a 32-inch monitor exacerbates that. However, I found myself noticing it less thanks to the gorilla glass coating, as it helped highlight the visuals and colors regardless. I will admit that 1080p mode isn’t designed for leisurely walks, the whole point is that you’ll be able to treat this screen like an esports screen. And I certainly did just that playing competitively at 480Hz, but the setup does go the extra mile to help even its fastest visuals look nice.

For a change, I’ve also been giving Marvel Rivals a go, and while it’s much harder to hit 480fps consistently in that shooter, even with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080, the screen’s responsiveness came through. 0.03ms GtG response times are a staple of OLED displays at this point, and it does give the Dough Spectrum Black 32 an advantage over IPS and VA rivals. That’s not to say I’ve been playing the comic book romp like some sort of esports pro since I mainly just cause chaos as Squirrel Girl, but speed still helps firing nuts and critters around the map feel more enjoyable.

The funny thing about dual-resolution monitors is that 4K 240Hz could also be considered suitable for competitive play. It feels like only yesterday that anything above 165Hz was considered ultra-fast, and since some games aren’t good at matching higher refresh rates with an appropriate frame rate, some of you might not benefit from the resolution-switching toggle. I happen to think being able to hot-swap between two different screen configurations is pretty game-changing, but I’d say it fully depends on the games you play and your PC configuration.

At 4K, the Dough Spectrum Black 32 hammers home the benefits of glossy gaming monitors. The extra sharpness provided with UHD resolutions is highlighted by the screen type, with text popping and textures standing out that bit more compared to a matte panel. When HDR isn’t misbehaving, it pairs with the coating to produce beautiful results, and I was pretty taken mersmurized upon checking out the streets of Night City with Cyberpunk 2077’s RT Overdrive mode switched on. Ray-traced reflections and the glow of neon lighting excel on glossy screens like this, and the elevated richness certainly enhances immersion.

I ended up testing the Dough Spectrum Black 32 alongside the brand new Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080, which allowed me to check out fresh releases like Dragon Age: The Veilguard for the first time. Let’s just say that I’m glad my eyes got to experience the fantasy outing on this glossy screen first since it breathes extra life into Bioware’s latest RPG romp. The adventures’ detailed textures and role-playing text elements all punch harder thanks to the Gorilla Glass gloss, and the same benefits apply across the genre. Considering I had a blast playing Baldur’s Gate 3 on the 27-inch QHD version, it’s safe to say that ramping things up to 4K will only make the D&D epic more magical.

I’d love to say that there are no caveats tied to glossy monitor coatings. For what it’s worth, Dough does a nice job combating existing cons, but the 32-inch Spectrum Black is a bit more susceptible to glare than its 27-inch sibling. The screen fairs much better with HDR switched off and brightness cranked to max, but the extra surface space manages to catch more reflections otherwise. I sit next to a fairly bright window, so my tests are a little more brutal than other usage scenarios. Nevertheless, being able to see the outside world in the top-left corner had me pining for the anti-glare superpowers of the Samsung Odyssey OLED G6.

Should you buy the Dough Spectrum Black 32?

The Dough Spectrum Black 32 is a 4K heavy hitter that takes the dual-mode gaming monitor format and revamps it with glossy Gorilla Glass. It’s certainly a display designed with fidelity enthusiasts in mind, and its elegant design, excellent build quality, and abundance of protective OLED measures will help it stand the test of time. Sadly, finicky firmware ultimately keeps the screen from taking the crown right now, as quirks with HDR and functionality keep perfection out of reach.

Again, I do consider the Spectrum Black 32 to be one of the top 4K gaming monitors out there right now. The main issue is that it shares DNA with screens like the LG UltraGear 32GS95UE that feel like a more rounded experience. If you’re looking for 4K visuals with an extra kick, opting for the glossy model is well worthwhile. Otherwise, you’ll want to go straight to LG’s model for reliable HDR and extras like built-in speakers.

How I tested the Dough Spectrum Black 32

For two weeks, I used the Dough Spectrum Black as my main gaming monitor for casually playing games and benchmarking graphics cards. During that time, I tested the display’s dual-resolution capabilities by running Cyberpunk 2077 and Dragon Age: The Veilguard specifically with 4K Ultra settings enabled while also playing Overwatch 2 and Marvel Rivals at 1080p 480Hz. To assess brightness capabilities, I assessed the screen both in daylight and in a darkened room, which also helped provide insight into any glare with the glossy coating.

For more information on how we test gaming monitors and other displays, check out our full GamesRadar+ hardware policy.

And like Stephen King's novels, you can't even say that the quantity harms the quality of the work. Every GameSir controller that comes out has unique benefits, suiting gamers of varying preferences and platforms. You can look at our best PC controller list, or our power rankings for any specific platform, and you'll find more than one option from this brand. That isn't me picking favorites either, it's simply that these controllers are so good that it's impossible to avoid them. What's more, they're all priced underneath the competition, which means they present a lot of value for money.

I'm currently testing the GameSir Tarantula Pro, which I can't wait to write my review for because it feels like it's been designed exactly for my tastes. It looks and plays like a modernized version of the DualShock 4, and that's not a design philosophy any other brand is looking to cater to in 2025. Not to spoil that review, but there's one thing in playtesting I feel it's missing, and it's an extra two back buttons.

I don't think I've ever tested a GameSir controller that doesn't have a pair of expertly placed back buttons. In truth, this is one of my favorite features on any controller, and GameSir does it so consistently well. They're not trying to be anything special, they're usually just some integrated, plastic squares that click in without much feel or ceremony. In fact, I could see the argument that the plastic "clack" that emanates from GameSir's back buttons exposes some cheaper build quality. Except, they're placed so well that it's hard to get mad about them.

Positioning back buttons is so important for any controller these days, in fact, I'd say it has the power to make or break its worthiness in a very competitive market. GameSir currently wears the crown for most consistently placing these exactly where your fingers wrap around a controller. So what I can't understand is why it doesn't want to take things a step further. Why not add to the greatness, the utility, and the value for money, but putting four back buttons in as opposed to two? For me, that would be the difference maker between the "best value" position GameSir's controllers find themselves earning on our best Xbox Series X controller list right now, and the very top podium positions.

From talking to product designers from other manufacturers, I've found that opting for two back buttons instead of four can come down to two things. First of all, it can cost more to throw in an extra set, and secondly, they hear from their customers that they'd only use two. Both of these arguments fall flat to me because surely it can't cost too much more to implement two more back buttons - even if GameSir is using the same production molds for most of its releases. If it does cost more, I think the people who want the added utility would be willing to fork out for it, especially when GameSir's controllers tend to cost half as much as the competition anyway.

While some gamers don't see the need for back buttons, I don't think there's a problem catering to the plenty who do. Two back buttons, in my opinion, add quality of life to a basic controller. You can map both of your most commonly used functions to them so that your thumbs have less work to do, but they don't make a massive difference during gameplay. Having four back buttons means you can map the majority of your in-game functions so that you never need to take your thumbs off the sticks - which is a huge bonus in competitive FPS games, or even more difficult single-player ones. For how many controllers GameSir launches in a year, I think it's about time the gamers who want that competitive, four-back-button-kick were catered to.

Even if not every game requires them, I still tend to gravitate toward the controllers that have them for my everyday use. They offer such a great range of utility so at least the option is there for when I need it. With GameSir's talent for placing two back buttons well, I could see an affordable rival to the Victrix Pro BFG for Xbox coming from this brand. Maybe it wouldn't have the modular design elements to match it, but it would likely play very similarly to the PowerA Fusion Pro. Even if it had some quirky layouts like the Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra, I could get on board, I'd just love to see this peripheral maker target that "pro", Esports crowd because the results could be incredible.

GameSir already looks like it has a stacked 2025 lined up, from its upcoming G7 Pro which will be its first wireless Xbox controller, to what will surely be new products for the Nintendo Switch 2 when it launches. The G7 Pro picks up from where the GameSir G7 SE left off and is touted to have TMR sticks, two back buttons, and potentially even extra bumpers. Could this hint toward the product designers easing their way into more competitive territory? Also missing from GameSir's catalog right now is a PS5 controller, and I for one would love to see this brand's offerings come to Sony's platform.

Shopping for a sim setup? You need to know about the best joysticks, the best racing wheels for PC, and the best PS5 steering wheels.

Everything from the best gaming headsets to the best gaming keyboards is included here - just add two items to your cart and apply code VALENTINE50. The discount applies to the cheapest device in the pair, and should that gadget already have a saving applied the full MSRP will be halved. It's worth remembering this last part while you're costing things up on the site - there are a range of SteelSeries deals already live right now, but the on-page price isn't always the one you'll be saving on.

There's another snag for those who are building a full setup, you can only apply this offer once at a time and it's not stackable. There's nothing stopping you from putting through multiple orders if you're after a full revamp, though. I've handpicked some of the best products available (and paired them up for the biggest savings) in this year's SteelSeries Valentines Day sale just below.

The cheapest bundle

If you're looking to spend as little as possible on a PC setup, the cheapest bundle I've been able to configure is the SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL gaming keyboard and SteelSeries Rival 3 gaming mouse. This is an entry level setup, but you're still getting all the macro controls you'll need in the keyboard and plenty of bright RGB lighting in both devices. Being at the cheaper end of the price spectrum, both devices are wired - but considering the value on offer here they're still well worth the cash.

My only hesitation comes from those membrane switches on the Apex 3 TKL. I found them to be particularly heavy during my own testing, so they won't suit those looking for a more feather-light touch. If you're opting for something a little more comfortable I'd recommend taking a look at the SteelSeries Apex 5 instead. It features hybrid switches, a combination of mechanical and membrane, for a particularly clicky feel and a much lower actuation force. It's currently available for $79.99 (was $99.99) at SteelSeries, and bumps the price of this bundle up to $94.98.

The best bundle

SteelSeries' Valentines Day sale actually includes some of the best gaming tech I've tested (and continue to use to this day). The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless and SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 Wireless both combine to provide fast, rich, and endlessly customizable gameplay for a high-end setup - and that $185 discount is looking pretty serious.

The headset itself continually fends off competition from much younger releases. I still regard its audio as the best in the business a couple of years after launch, with its bold, full-bodied, and particularly detailed soundscapes packing a punch. There's plenty more going on here, though, from active noise cancellation to hot-swappable batteries (that means no more plugging in to charge) and a solidly comfortable form factor, there are plenty of reasons this headset continues to dominate. Plus, the Xbox and PlayStation-compatible model is the same price as the standard PC version here, which is a rarity.

You can bring that price down a little further by opting for the wired version of the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3. That's the version I reviewed and it still offers the exact same fantastic typing feel and excellent Hall effect customization. With the current offer, though, you're only spending $25 more to get a cable-free setup, and considering this wireless model usually comes with a $50 premium it's worth grabbing the extra discount while you can.

Notable mentions

The beauty of this year's SteelSeries Valentines Day sale is that you can mix and match anything you're after for a discount. If you're after a cheaper headset that takes its design and audio cues from the Nova Pro, for example, I'd recommend heading straight to the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless. It's currently down to $109.99 (was $129.99), $10 away from a record-low price I haven't seen since December. This is currently the best value headset in the game, thanks to its fantastic audio, easy wireless connection, and EQ app with presets for over 100 games.

We're staying in the world of audio for my second notable mention; the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds. If you're building a more portable setup, it's worth bundling these fantastic in-ear drivers with a controller. They're the best gaming earbuds I've tested yet, with a surprisingly deep, powerful sound, and all the EQ gifts that come with the Nova 5s as well. They're currently still at their $159.99 MSRP, but well worth considering for a package deal.

We're also rounding up all the best gaming mouse models on the market, as well as the best gaming monitors and best gaming laptops for more setup upgrades.

The Sony Inzone M10S can be pretty pricey without a discount but I've just spotted it at its lowest ever price at Amazon. If you hop over there right now, you can grab the 1440p 480Hz display for $879.99 thanks to a 20% saving. Considering its one of my best gaming monitor picks for the year, normally costs $1,099.99, and pulls of QHD specs not many other screens can manage, that's a pretty sweet deal.

This offer is also slightly rare, as this is only the second time the Inzone M10S has managed to drop under $1,000. It's a bit of a tougher sell at full price since dual-resolution screens like the 32-inch LG UltraGear 32GS95UE offer up dual 4K 240Hz and 1080 480Hz abilities using a larger panel for not much more. However, at its current price, I reckon more players are going to vibe with a faster refresh rate at 1440p rather than dialing back to 1080p.

Should you buy the 27-inch Sony Inzone M10S?

I'll be the first to admit I rolled my eyes upon hearing the Sony Inzone M10S was designed by an esports team. As a hardware reviewer, it's something that crops up in marketing a lot, but now that I've sank a lot of hours playing competitively on the 480Hz display, I feel like the squad's input has helped Sony make a spectacular screen.

Designed in collaboration with FNATIC, the team best known for competitively playing Overwatch 2, Valorant, and Apex Legends systematically tested the Inzone M10S during development. They ultimately had a hand in tuning the screen's clarity, responsiveness, and even the overall design, which is why it looks a little different from other smaller screens out there.

The circular pedestal base is actually one of my favorite parts about the Inzone M10S. It's one of the lowest profile stands I've ever encountered, and it provides ultra smooth pivot while ensuring it doesn't stand out too much at your gaming desk. Streamlined designs like this help teams like FNATIC avoid distracting aesthetics and effectively stay in the zone, but I more just love that it makes the display look like it's coming out of your desk.

In terms of specs, the Inzone M10S takes advantage of the inherent benefits of OLED, like superior contrast and a speedy 0.03ms response time. During testing, the panel checked all my usual boxes and enabled me to keep up in competitive Overwatch 2 matches as Pharah. The main difference here is that playing at 480Hz normally means making do with 1080, whereas Sony's setup finally pushes the QHD boat out.

I was admittedly also unsure if I'd vibe with playing on a 27-inch screen again. So many displays are now spoiling with 32-inch OLED panels, and I do prefer a wider field of view. Yet, there's something about the Inzone M10S that comes together nicely despite its smaller stature, and 1440p looks extra crisp when stretched across less space. You can even switch things to a 24-inch mode if you're looking to keep things to FNATIC standards, but since I don't think I could survive the tough world of esports, I like to just stick to native specs.

It's my job to test as many gaming monitors as I can throughout a year, but I won't forget about the Inzone M10S any time soon. By raising the 1440p bar with a 480Hz refresh rate, Sony has created a pretty special screen specifically for PC players that feels like a departure from its former best PS5 monitor, the 4K Inzone M9.

One of my only gripes with this screen is that I wish it could have pulled off a dual resolution mode for 4K 240Hz gameplay. That way, it'd work just as nicely with the PS5 Pro as it does with your high-spec gaming PC, but hey, focussing in on competitive specs and features pays off here.

Looking for more screens? Check out the best 4K monitor for gaming and the best curved gaming monitor for more recommendations. Alternatively, swing by the best gaming TV for living room options.

A $100 coupon and $20 off on the product page means we're down to just $239.99 for this 1080p portable device. It's easily in the running for a spot amongst the best projectors on a budget, and with a full $120 off its $359.99 MSRP, it's looking incredibly enticing today. In fact, it's a brand new record-low price - I've previously only ever seen this model drop to $269.99 in the past, over the holidays last year. I've swum through budget Amazon brands, never really finding a cheap projector that satisfies its price point - this is the best value I've seen so far.

That's perfect for anyone looking to stream on the big-screen wherever they are. There are a whole host of unknown brands on Amazon's shelves at the moment, but similar models from brands like XGIMI and Anker start at $289 right now. For $50 less, you're getting everything you need in the Yaber T2 - as long as you've got a streaming stick at the ready.

Should you buy the Yaber T2 projector?

I finished up my review of the Yaber T2 Plus (it's the same projector, just with a streaming stick included) earlier this week, and I was seriously impressed. This is an FHD device, so you're not getting the UHD resolution of the best projectors for PS5, but you're also spending far, far less. The picture provided by the T2 is still impressive, offering a good range of tweaks and managing to balance its brightness and colors well. While it does struggle in ambient lighting (it's not going to be for those after one of the best outdoor projectors on the market), its performance once the sun sets punches well above its low price tag - especially when on sale.

It's a larger device than most portable projectors, with a tall and chunky design. However, I've been using it as a home device for the past two months and it's more than held up - the 2.5-hour battery life is a welcome bonus if I ever find myself without a power connection. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone hiking long distances to a campground, the Anker Nebula Capsule is going to serve you far better in that scenario, but for just over $200 it's still excellent value for other uses.

You will need to supply your own streaming stick to truly make the most of the Yaber T2. Yaber sells its own (with a handy right-angle adapter that means you don't need to plug it in separately) for $49.99 at Amazon, and I think it's probably worth putting some of today's savings towards it. There is a bundle available on Amazon's listing page, but it doesn't include that all-important $100 coupon - you'll save more money picking up both separately right now.

That's unless you're hooking up a console. There's only one HDMI port on the rear, which makes swapping between a streaming stick and a PS5 or Xbox a little tricky, so I did stick to streaming via my PS5 for some of my testing period. Running games was ok - the higher latencies will keep you limited to single-player experiences, and the lower resolution isn't going to push your device to its full potential but it's certainly doable.

Overall, I'd recommend the Yaber T2 to anyone looking to cast casual entertainment on a 120-inch screen. It's perfectly geared towards hobbyists who don't want to splash out on one of the best 4K projectors on the market, but still want to make their every day shows more impactful.

Complete your setup with the best projector screens on the market, or take a look at the best gaming TVs and best gaming monitors for more display options.

Nintendo Switch games, especially Zelda titles, tend to stay close to full price, even after being on the shelf for years. This 'Nintendo tax' make the Switch one of the most pricey consoles to buy games for so these deals are more than worth jumping on. Woot only has these Zelda discounts for fifteen more days, so I recommend picking them up if you missed them the first time around. If I didn't already own every game listed, I'd be doing the exact same thing.

Should you buy Legend of Zelda games for the Nintendo Switch in 2025?

The current Nintendo Switch is the only modern platform you can use to play some of the best recent Zelda releases. Now that the Switch 2 is right around the corner, you may be hesitant to invest more in the aging handheld.

I wouldn't blame you, especially as Nintendo games can cost close to their full price tags even years after launch. However, by ignoring any Zelda games you may have missed on the current Switch, you're doing yourself a disservice. The Legend of Zelda Echoes of Wisdom, for example, launched right at the tail end of the console's lifespan last year and yet has been one of my favorite Zelda experiences in the almost 30 years that I've been a fan. Being able to finally pick up and play as Princess Zelda outside the Smash Bros games and the unfortunate CDi titles, was a dream come true. Don't just take my word for it, as writer Sam Machkovech stated in his Echoes of Wisdom review that the game is a "refreshing, albeit brief, series experimentation that blends modern and classic series elements" and gave it four out of five stars.

Not only would missing out on games like Echoes of Wisdom or Tears of the Kingdom mean you'd go without a lot of Zelda fun, but we don't have any confirmation they'll see any re-releases of remasters on the Switch 2. Even now that the current Switch is eight years old, I'm still holding out for the Twilight Princess HD and Wind Waker HD re-releases like a fool, but they're nowhere to be seen. There's no telling which Zelda games will never the light of day on the new console.

During the first proper look at the upcoming console on January 16, it was confirmed that it would be backward compatible with current Switch games. Nintendo did back up that statement by further explaining that "certain Nintendo Switch games may not be supported on or fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2" - but unfortunately, without more details, we don't quite know what they are.

Regardless, I expect that my favorite Zelda games on the current Switch will work fine on the upcoming handheld, restrictions are likely to be placed around games that use older Joy-Con features or accessories. That means it's all the more worthwhile jumping on these Nintendo Switch deals. Not only do you save a fair few rupees off their full prices, but there's a chance you'll be able to enjoy them well after your current Switch has worn out its welcome.

Already got plenty to play? Check out our Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide to keep up to date on the upcoming handheld. We've also gathered all the best Nintendo Switch accessories including the best Nintendo Switch controllers in one place so you can make the most out of your existing Switch for longer.

Corsair may be better known for its gaming PC components than its furniture, but if there's one well-established gaming hardware brand right now that's making flagship gaming chair features more accessible, that's the one. I just reviewed Corsair's TC500 Luxe - in fact, I'm still parked in it right now - and despite only having a $499.99 price tag, it's seeing a near $100 discount at Amazon which brings it down to $404.20.

This $95 price cut only applies to the Sherwood green model, but both the Frost (white) and Shadow (grey) variants are going for $424.99 at the moment. I'm honestly surprised to see this chair get such a deep price cut this February. First of all, this isn't the time of year I expect to see big chunks of cash coming off any of the best gaming chairs. Secondly, this chair only launched late in 2024, so for it to already have more than a $50 discount is pretty good going.

Should you buy the Corsair TC500 Luxe?

You may be wondering why I'd argue that the Corsair TC500 Luxe isn't for everyone. To begin with, just take a look at it. It doesn't exactly fit in with the crowd of quite samey, racing seat-shaped, RGB-reflecting gaming chairs from specialist brands. It doesn't even go down the route of minimalist Swedish design that makes the Fractal Refine stand out. This is a chair that resembles a classy leather reading lounger more than it does a gaming throne. It's like what you'd expect a bond villain to swivel around in while ominously expecting you.

I'd argue this seat walks the line between something that has all the gaming features you want for desk setup or console gaming while looking safe for work at the same time, which is a tricky balance to get right. The Boulies Master Series manages that too, and either chair will give you a more distinct look than the Secretlab Titan Evo, which is so popular that it's immediately recognizable.

The TC500 Luxe is plenty comfortable and strikes another great balance between comfort and firmness for posture correction. It's got integrated lumbar support and a beautiful head pillow that feels softer than any other I've tested. It has a wide seat base to cater to lots of different sitting positions and body shapes. But there's another reason I'd argue this chair isn't for everyone. Its armrests are both excellent and terrible.

The innovative "omniflex" design Corsair has gone for with this chair is great. It allows you to sink weight into your elbows without a rigid armrest putting pressure on them or trapping a nerve. But for some reason, even when you move them to their narrowest setting, the armrests are far too far apart. It's a glaring issue a lot of reviewers have noted, and it's a massive shame. I, for one, have come to terms with it, and I'm still using the TC500 Luxe as my everyday chair at the moment because it doesn't ruin the experience. But this is a flaw I can't understand how it got all the way into final production - especially when the rest of the seat is so well thought-out.

So, is the Corsair TC500 Luxe for you? If it is, I wouldn't wait around for its discount to disappear.

Looking to beef up your gaming setup this year? Check out the best gaming PCs, the best VR headsets, and the best PC controller.

The Ryzen 8000G family arrived early in 2024, and people immediately looked to the Ryzen 7 8700G because it was the first chip to bear that name since the somewhat revolutionary Ryzen 7 7800X3D - still touted by many as the best CPU for gaming. Stripped of that chip’s 3D V-cache technology though, this version isn’t necessarily trying to be “better” at gaming, because it takes a slightly different approach.

The ethos of this CPU is to provide people with enough integrated graphics power that they no longer need a separate graphics card in order to own a gaming PC. Of course, we here at GamesRadar+ don’t really believe that, because although you can get by with just a CPU if you’re playing non-demanding games at 1080p, a graphics card is really going to be the sword that knights your rig with its “gaming” status. So, is the Ryzen 7 8700G still worth considering as a performance leap over the Ryzen 5 from this generation, or should you look to AMD’s other options instead?

Specs & Features

A few onlookers weren’t too happy with the specs sheet of this processor when it was first revealed, particularly because there are a few side-by-sides with the AMD Ryzen 5 8600G that don’t exactly warrant its price increase. For example, both processors use the same 16MB L3 cache, and the Ryzen 5 actually has a slightly faster Base Clock speed of 4.3GHz. Admittedly, the Boost Clock speed of the 8700G is faster in a head-to-head, so it’s not all bad. Still, if I were paying more for a Ryzen 7 model, I’d want faster speeds in both categories.

Of course, the internal graphics are going to be a big draw for people with this processor, and with the AMD Ryzen 8700G rocking Radeon 760M graphics, 12 dedicated graphics cores, DirectX12 compatibility, and a graphics clock of 2900MHz, it’ll do as a stop-gap for anyone building one of the best gaming PCs if they’re pulling parts together gradually and waiting for a graphics card. Again, let me stress that as games continue to get more demanding, a dedicated graphics card is going to become a necessity for you, but internal graphics processing power has come a long way, and AMD has been at the forefront of that for a while now.

The Ryzen 8000G family all feature Zen 4 architecture, the same as the Ryzen 7000 range, and as a result, they sit on the same AM5 CPU socket. It may please owners of previous AMD processors that this socket has converted to Intel’s design philosophy to make installation easier. The connecting pins of these CPUs are on the socket, meaning slotting a processor into place is a real breeze, and there’s less risk of you bricking it before your first boot-up.

Up from 6 cores and 12 threads on the 8600G, the Ryzen 7 8700G sports 8 cores and 16 threads. As usual for AMD, this isn’t anywhere near the equivalent Intel processor in comparison. The Intel Core i7-14700K is next on my list of processors to test, and since it’s the direct competitor to this chip in terms of generational tiers, it may surprise you to know that it rocks 20 cores and 28 threads. Even compared to the Intel Core i7-13700K, the Ryzen 7 8700G looks a bit behind the times, with that chip utilizing a similar 16 cores but 24 threads to support them.

All of that said, the Ryzen 7 8700G comes in cheaper than the Intel competition, especially now that the Ryzen 9000 family has hit the shelves. At launch, this chip would set you back $329 / £270, but it can frequently be found discounted in 2025, with a $255 price tag at Amazon at the time of writing, and a £239 sticker at Overclockers in the UK.

For that money, you get your expected DDR5 compatibility, and if you’re planning on pairing it with the best RAM for gaming, you’ll have all the AMD EXPO abilities you could want to play around with clock speeds and RAM timings. Also in the box is a chunky CPU fan, which is a nice addition considering a lot of desktop processors refuse to launch with them these days.

Performance

Besides a brief initial test, I put the Ryzen 7 8700G’s integrated graphics power to one side for this review. I was able to launch and play simple games with very few demands like The Red Strings Club, but wavering into deeper territory I struggled. I couldn’t launch STRAFTAT 1v1, for example, and while using integrated graphics I felt the PC slow down more generally, so your mileage may vary here. Regardless my main interest in this CPU is in whether or not it’s capable of offering decent performance when paired with a GPU, and whether or not it gives enough of a gaming boost compared to the more affordable Ryzen 5 8600G.

For that reason, I decided to stick to the exact same set of benchmarking games as I did for the Ryzen 5. I would usually perform the same formal benchmarks with a few different games thrown in for good measure, but I was curious to see how both processors would compare directly, especially running gaming tasks at 4K.

Before getting to the gaming stage though, I have a quick caveat to address. Although I do all my CPU testing these days with RAM set to 6,000MHz, I couldn't get this processor to post above the advertised 5,200MHz recommended speed from AMD. This was despite having the same RAM set to 6,000MHz during my Ryzen 5 review, which is a bit strange. I’m unsure whether this is our AMD testing motherboard being quirky, or a fault of the CPU, but nonetheless, it’s something to be wary of if you end up choosing this processor.

To get the CPU warmed up before jumping into gaming benchmarks, I ran it through Cinebench and Blender’s assault courses. To tell the truth, having not been too pleased with the Ryzen performance in these benchmarks in either the Ryzen 5 8600G or the Ryzen 7 7800X3D housed in the Maingear Zero Ruby, I didn’t have high expectations. With the scores the 8700G produced though, I was pleasantly surprised. Yes, they were tested in different systems, but the Maingear Zero Ruby’s processor (3D V-cache and all) scored a Single Core Cinebench result of 1829 pts. The 8700G showed on-par Single Core performance with 1821 pts.

I’m used to the Cinebench tests making chips audibly sweat, with fans kicking up to high heaven, but in both the Single and Multicore benchmarks for the Ryzen 7 8700G, it didn’t peak above 73 degrees, which is cooler than its smaller sibling Ryzen 5 - and that’s while using the same cooler. In fact, this chip needs to be commended for its temperature control, because there wasn’t a stress test I threw at it where it went above 73°C, with ambient temperatures being as low as in the 20s, and average gaming temperatures sticking around the 40-50°C mark. Could this extra cooling performance be down to the different thermal pastes applied? Potentially, but the fact this processor is capable of staying so cool compared to Intel’s equivalents is a massive boon.

Next, it was time for some gaming tests, and since I discovered in my Ryzen 5 review that unexpected 4K performance was the name of the game, this Ryzen 7 was going to be thrown through the same wringer.

As you may expect from the spec comparison, this chip performed very similarly to the Ryzen 5 in these benchmarks, likely due to the exact same L3 cache and slower base clock. What’s interesting is that the Ryzen 7 ran cooler, and had a much lower percentage of use than the Ryzen 5, but both produced almost identical frame rates. The 7 8700G of course had higher power demands, as you may expect from a higher-tier product.

These weren’t the only games I tested in though, and before you go thinking that there’s literally no benefit in buying this CPU, let me tell you about where 4K gaming results were improved. Planet Zoo, for example, running the exact same scenario as in my Ryzen 5 review, came out with a rock solid 4K 60fps result. With the Ryzen 5, I got 59fps but wasn’t what I’d call steady. It needed some settings dialed down in order to achieve the 60fps “playable” mark. Yes, this Ryzen 7 was only a slight improvement, but it did make a fairly tricky city builder run very smoothly indeed.

Homeworld 3 was a similar story. The Ryzen 5 scored 45fps in its benchmark with every setting set to its highest, and although I had to scale back a few settings to really get it up to 60fps, the Ryzen 7 had a 10fps boost out of the gate, scoring 56fps at the highest settings.

And finally, it was time to put the Ryzen 7 to the test in some less-optimized gaming scenarios. Cities Skylines has some incredibly demanding fan-made scenarios, and if I were shopping for a new CPU these days knowing I was going to point it at these types of games, I’d want an idea of how they’d be handled. Keep in mind that the following results aren’t as formalized as the benchmarks in Total War, since they’re an average taken from playing rather than a standard benchmarking test.

There are slight improvements over the Ryzen 5 here, particularly in the percentage used, and how stable the frame rates were while playing. Still, the story of the numbers here shows that there really isn’t as much of a performance gain for this Ryzen 7 when it comes to gaming. Single-core performance, content creation tasks, and staying cool under pressure are going to be big benefits for some users, but if anything, this review just goes to show how good the Ryzen 5 8600G is for its price.

Should you buy the AMD Ryzen 7 8700G?

For its lack of gaming performance boosts over its Ryzen 5 sibling, there are still reasons I’d recommend the Ryzen 7 8700G. First of all, if you’re building a gaming PC and you can’t get a graphics card right away, or you’re mainly building a PC for work and you’re only planning on playing some cozy games every once in a while, this might be enough for you until you want some upgrades. If you plan to branch out above 1080p though, maybe don’t set your expectations too high.

If you like the look of the Ryzen 5 8600G but do more content creation, this Ryzen 7 gives you the extra headroom I felt the Ryzen 5 from this generation was missing. Keep in mind, too, that this went toe-to-toe with the Ryzen 7 7800X3D in Cinebench and Blender, so there's some really decent performance to have here without spending extra money on a 3D V-Cache option.

Overall, you do get a solid Ryzen 7 processor from the 8000G family, although to sound like a broken record, the majority of gamers will get by just fine without spending the extra money on it. If you don’t tend to play many city builders or RTS games, save your money and opt for the Ryzen 5. The 8700G feels more like a slightly souped-up version of that processor with more of a focus on single-core performance and integrated graphics. I’ll let you be the judge of which one would suit you better, although with either you’ll be saving money versus Intel.

How I tested the AMD Ryzen 7 8700G

After installing the AMD Ryzen 7 8700G inside our AMD testing PC, I put it through our usual gauntlet of demanding CPU benchmarks. This includes industry-standard software like Cinebench and Blender, as well as city building and RTS games that processors need to simulate a lot of moving parts.

I used HWinfo to keep a close eye on voltages and temperatures and tracked average frame rates and percentages of use through Windows Game Bar and MSI afterburner. I compared my experience closely to my tests of the Ryzen 5 8600G since the two are part of the same family and were reviewed using the exact same testing process.

The rest of the components used in this test were as follows:

• CPU Cooler: Asus ROG Strix LC III 360 ARGB
• CPU thermal paste applied: Prolima Tech PK3 Nano Aluminum High-Grade Thermal Compound
• Chassis: Fractal Meshify 2 RGB
• Number of fans: 3 intakes, 4 extractors, 1 radiator
• GPU: AMD Radeon RX 7900 GRE
• RAM: XPG Lancer Blade DDR5 RGB
• Motherboard: ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Hero
• PSU: Corsair RMx Shift Series RM850x ARX PS

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

There's more where that came from. Check out the best computer speakers, the best graphics cards, and the best Alienware gaming PC.

Before, we only knew what day the Switch 2 Direct would be. Now we know the date and the time. Exciting stuff, I know, but at least it gives us more information than watching the brief Switch 2 trailer over and over again for more Mario Kart 9 easter eggs, or a sign from God.

Though that first-look trailer introduced us to some of the Switch 2's original features – like the next-gen console's updated Joy-Cons with their rumored mouse sensor – it's ultimately a withholding preview. Nintendo has not yet revealed the names of any of the Switch 2's launch titles, for example, though the aforementioned Mario Kart 9 (if that is its real name!) is certainly a contender.

We also don't know how much the console will cost, though company president Shuntaro Furukawa promises its price will match "the affordability that our customers expect from Nintendo products" once the Switch 2 actually hits store shelves later this year. That is, assuming it doesn't get blasted by possible US tariffs, which could substantially inflate its price tag, or decomposed by another chip shortage, which limited some of the original Switch's availability in 2022.

Without more news from Nintendo itself, we're basically scrying with a clouded crystal ball. It helps, then, that once the Switch 2 Direct starts broadcasting at 9 AM ET on April 2, the handheld console floodgates are open. The same week of its Direct, Nintendo will begin hosting its global hands-on preview events, and we'll all have a lot more clarity.

Mario Kart 9 appears to take the Switch 2 back in time, swapping out Princess Peach’s sleek racing suit for the outfit she wore when she debuted in the kart racing series.

Now, it feels like floodgates might be opening, because Boulies, another well-established maker of some of the best gaming chairs is also joining the party. The brand has today announced a new version of its Master Series chair which comes with a folding-out legrest.

The Boulies Master Rex doesn't seem to change an awful lot about the Boulies Master Series we know and love, but it does seem to be a separate model. In other words, this isn't like the Secretlab Recliner add-on which can be bought separately and attached to an existing Secretlab Titan Evo.

While current Boulies Master Series owners won't have the benefits of Secretlab's add-on designs in this instance, you may be surprised to know that the Boulies Master Rex will only set you back £329.99 right now, although that's with an £80 discount down from its official £409.99 price tag. Considering the Secretlab Recliner costs $199 / £159 on its own, that's not bad in comparison.

Although the Boules Master Rex launches today in the UK, stock doesn't appear to have reached the US yet. I've reached out to Boulies to ask when stock will be available since the rest of the brand's chairs are available in both territories. Boulies is based in the UK, so it may just be that the Rex will come to US buyers in due course.

Despite a very similar look to the original Master Series offering, Boulies has refined its 4D armrests. This is a big positive in my eyes, since across the Boulies Elite Series and now discontinued Boulies Ninja Pro, the brand's armrests did tend to feel a tad hard to sink your elbows into. The redesign brings in softer surfaces, which I hope make their way to the rest of the Boulies chair range.

The Master Rex (which sounds like the name of a well-to-do young dinosaur) is available in the same colors as the regular Master Series chair and in either fabric or the brand's newly refined Ultraflex PU leather.

The Boulies Master Series has always utilized an integrated lumbar support system, with a decent range of tilt. The chair brand says this updated Rex model will use its spinal curvature and an enhanced tilting mechanism to ensure comfort whether you're gaming, relaxing, or working from home.

One of my biggest issues with Secetlab's recliner was that it didn't extend out the way for folks with longer legs. While its cushion was plenty comfortable, it was only really supporting the back of my knees and calves. It's hard to tell without testing, but the Master Rex's footrest looks like it slides outwards after unfolding, so hopefully it can really help you recline by reaching your heels.

Hungry for more? Why not read about the best console gaming chairs and the best pink gaming chairs. For more furniture, we also review the best gaming desks.

"I'm choosing to believe I have a guardian angel Steam dev looking out for me," Ringler offers hopefully on Twitter.

Peddling Steam cards – which you rack up by playing games – feels like it shares the same lineage as other brave, but thankless types of work: our Copper Age ancestors gathering ferns to eat along the Mediterranean, or hardy coal miners getting coated in dust to keep their houses warm. Yeah, buying a Steam Deck is just like mining coal, or something.

Funding a purchase through virtual trading cards typically valued around a few cents, maybe two quarters at most, isn't as bad as it seems. Other PC players told Ringler on Twitter that they managed to successfully buy Steam Decks through unconventional means, like hucking CS:GO cases, skins, and, indeed, "Steam Trading cards, TF2 crates, and raw aura."

That doesn't mean, however, that Ringler's road to the $400 Steam Deck is paved with gold; it's actually littered with the skeletal remains of Dota 2 trading cards.

"I have to kiss them all goodbye before I push them into the meat grinder," Ringler says on Twitter, sharing a screenshot showing several Team Fortress 2 cards valued at $0.04.

Steam users, moved by Ringler's proletarian cause, came to his aid, providing him with tens of thousands of trading cards and counting. In their most recent update, Ringler says they've now amassed "$219.80, but still 20,000 cards to sell, and donos are still coming in."

"There’s a guy in a Valve office somewhere freaking out because graphs are reaching peaks he’s never seen before. He’s hitting a bunch of keys to stop it, but nothing he’s doing is working," Ringler muses.

"I feel as if I’m an avatar for the people," he continues on Twitter. "The support is overwhelming. These aren’t just cards to me anymore, they’re dreams. Gamer dreams. We’re gonna change the world. I can feel it."

Earn your own trading cards by playing the 25 best Steam games for 2025.

While Fujifilm isn't looking to join the ranks of the best projectors for your living room, its technology could well spark similar innovation in more entertainment-oriented models and brands. Like its predecessor, this is a commercial device aimed towards art installations, but its introduction of the "folded two-axial rotatable lens" (Fujifilm) has me all giddy. The rotating lens sitting on the end of an adjustable arm can be angled across 90 degrees and spin a full 360 when placed upright. I'm certainly hoping we see more of this - Fujifilm first introduced this tech with its Z Series range in 2019 but hasn't touched it for four years since.

Any additional versatility in placement is always going to be well received in the home entertainment market. From clunky boxes (I'm looking at you Sony Bravia Projector 8) to compact throwers, every projector is somewhat limited by viewing angles and throw distance - and that's even before you start factoring your own furniture into the mix. I've installed and ripped out shelves, tried to rationalize strange coffee table placement options, and even started relying on a standing desk to get the right angle and location for a range of different projectors. Freeing the lens from the actual chassis itself would make for a far more versatile installation process - and its little face poking out the top is pretty WALL-E-esque for some extra bonus points.

Will we see rotating lenses on home projectors soon?

Sadly, I wouldn't bet on it. While some brands like to step out the box with their designs and features, most of the main projector names have kept things pretty rigid in the last few years. The focus right now is on color reproduction, HDR functionality, and price, with companies racing to get their best 4K projectors to the top of the pack as the scene experiences a major boom from mainstream audiences. Home projectors are having a moment right now, and while that's often the best time to innovate it's certainly a risk.

I'd certainly be interested in a projector design that allowed me to alter throw height, direction, and angle without having to use a tripod mount or varying stacks of books. Whether the rotational arm of a Fujifilm-like would survive more everyday casual use, or even be possible considering the HDR and processing requirements of modern frontrunners, remains to be seen. Hopefully this increased mass market interest in home projectors pushes more user-friendly design innovations, but we might not be quite there yet.

We're also rounding up all the best outdoor projectors and best portable projectors for more on-the-go options, as well as all the best projector screens on the market.

What's the difference between Hall effect and mechanical keyboards?

Cracking open a traditional mechanical switch, you’ll find five main parts. From top to bottom, there’s an upper casing (the plastic cover keeping everything together), a stem (the piece of plastic that runs through the switch and attaches to a keycap), a spring, metal leaf contacts (the folded loop at the back of the switch), and the lower casing (the plastic base). Everything slots together, with the stem feeding through the middle of the spring and being held in place by two small ridges on each side. The most important part of the stem is its two little arms at the back. That’s where the metal contacts come into play. This is, essentially, a loop of metal that folds down and spreads across the width of the switch, with two humps reaching out to join the arms of the stem. A separate contact plate sits between the leaf and the stem.

When assembled, the stem’s arms hold the leaf away from this contact until pushed - at which point the arms move below the humps, allowing the metal to close the circuit with the contact plate. This is the actuation point, the moment at which a key press is registered by a computer. I’m sure there are technical words for both ‘arms’ and ‘humps’, but break a switch apart and you’ll see what I mean.

This is the system the world used for gaming keyboards for years - it’s tactile, satisfying, and relatively foolproof. It’s also pretty rigid. You’ll need to fully hit the set actuation point (the moment the arms drop away from the metal leaf) and then wait for the switch to hit its fixed reset position (the moment the arms return to the leaf) in order to repeat a press. A Hall effect switch can reset pretty much instantaneously.

Instead of all these humps and arms, a Hall effect switch features a magnet placed at the bottom of the upper housing stem. This travels down the switch as it’s pressed, its distance from a sensor in the PCB of a keyboard decreasing the whole time. The keyboard knows this, it’s measuring the magnetic field. That means it knows where the magnet is in relation to the bottom-out (the point where the key is fully pressed down), and it knows the moment it starts to rise again.

This use of a magnet turns our keyboard inputs from fixed to dynamic. Once a computer knows how far you’ve pushed the key down at any one moment, it can react far quicker to smaller movements. It can also be customized to use any distance between the magnet and the sensor in the PCB as an actuation point.

Do you need a Hall effect keyboard?

At this point in time, the only players who strictly need a Hall effect keyboard are those at the top of their competitive league tables. The speed these keyboards bring to the table is impressive, and Rapid Trigger is one of the biggies you’ll hear about the most. From the Endgame Gear KB65HE to the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3, this is the feature most gaming brands shout the loudest about.

Because magnetic switches don’t need to return to a fixed reset position, they can register as ‘reset’ as soon as you lift the pressure even a little bit. This ‘off’ point can move dynamically with your keystroke. Say you’re spamming a particular key, you’ll need to actuate and reset the switch fully every time you want it to register- that’s a much larger movement compared to the minute shifts in pressure a Hall effect switch can detect.

This kind of speed is only going to be noticed by those at the top of their game, where milliseconds count in the fastest of arenas. If you don’t play competitively, you can rest assured that you likely aren’t being held back by a traditional mechanical gaming keyboard.

There are other benefits to Hall effect keyboards, they’re more durable overall with no metal contacts to worry about (though hot-swappable keyboards also clean up that worry), and they can be set up with dual actuation.

This is where I think most players will find the benefit in a Hall effect keyboard right now (it is worth noting some optical keyboards also support this feature, but it’s not quite as widespread). Because your computer knows much more about your keypress, you can tell it to do different things based on how far down the press you are. This is known as dual-actuation - you can set two different inputs to one key, with one being registered at just a tap, for example, and the other registering at a full bottom-out. A word of warning, this takes some getting used to. I’ve tested a number of Hall effect keyboards over the last year, and I’m still in the process of committing my usual keybindings to muscle memory. Once you’ve got it down, it’s pretty hard to go back.

I usually keep my W key set to walk when lightly pressed and run when fully pushed, but have dabbled with different grenade types set to different Q actuation points and different health items tucked away on the Tab key. Some keyboards, like the Glorious GMMK 3 HE, offer up to four different inputs this way - a feature that generally only makes sense for regularly used combos, as it relies on a full keypress action to run through all commands in sequence (push down, bottom out, release, fully reset).

It’s by no means a make or break feature, but it is a key draw of Hall effect keyboards outside of competitive play.

Hall effect keyboards are by no means essential, but they are typically faster, more customizable, and more durable than their mechanical counterparts. If you’re looking to invest in a deck that can introduce some new functionality while still feeling great under the fingertips they’re certainly worth taking a look at.

There are also plenty of Hall effect switches in the best wireless gaming keyboards, though they can cost a lot more - if you’re after a budget-friendly deck, the best membrane gaming keyboards still provide plenty of features. For a full setup renovation, check out the best gaming mouse models available as well.

Should you buy a 1TB microSD card for your Nintendo Switch?

When it comes down to it, whether or not your current Nintendo Switch could do with 1TB of extra storage depends on if you actually need it to begin with. Personally, I prefer physical games, but the Nintendo eShop and its daily deals can be hard to ignore. Especially when buying and having games like Disney's Dreamlight Valley on your Switch means you can take it anywhere. But each time I opt for a digital download I know I have to give up a hefty amount of my handheld's storage.

Fortunately, Disney's Dreamlight Valley only requires 5.6GB of my OLED Switch's onboard storage. However, when you start adding other games into the mix, that's when a microSD like the Samsung EVO Select 1TB can come in handy. The Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom requires 18.2GB of storage, meanwhile, games like The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt require a whopping 28.1 GB. On their own, their file sizes aren't too scary. However, the more games you buy for your system, the more having that extra 1TB can be a lifesaver.

The Nintendo Switch does come with a built-in feature to allow you to archive downloads to save some space. Before I got a 1TB microSD of my own, I relied on that constantly. But this means, that each time you want to pick up and play a game within your Switch digital library, you have to wait for it to reinstall. With a 1TB microSD at your disposal, you can have multiple of your favorite Switch games ready to go at a moment's notice - ideal if a lot of them are online games like Fortnite or Dead by Daylight.

Not to mention, the Samsung EVO Select 1TB card has read/write speeds up to 160 MB/, which can help lower loading times. Samsung's Evo Select line doesn't quite live up to SanDisk's 190MB/s read speeds of its own microSD line, but Samsung's model is still fast enough to give the Switch a notable boost.

If you're at all worried about investing in your current handheld now its successor is soon on its way, don't fret. Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa confirmed during an investor Q&A on February 5, 2025, that the upcoming games, Pokemon Legend Z-A and Metroid Prime 4 are still planned to be released on the original Switch. So, even after eight years of the Ninty handheld, there's still plenty more to look forward to, and plenty of games to dedicate all of that 1TB storage space for.

Check out our Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide to keep in the know about the upcoming console. If you want to make the most of your current Switch, our best Nintendo Switch accessories and best Nintendo Switch controller guides are full to the brim with the perfect peripherals to pair with your beloved handheld.

The AMD Radeon RX 9070 series was originally supposed to feature at the company's CES 2025 event, serving as its next best graphics card contender. In the end it was a no-show, but Su says the GPU will arrive in March to bring "high-quality 4K gaming to mainstream players." (via Videocardz) The card will apparently also target the "highest volume portion of the enthusiast gaming market," which is a fancy way of saying it'll be the GPU that'll appeal to most players.

Su's Radeon RX 9070 series confirmation might sound like a boilerplate response, but it does paint a picture of AMD's GPU plans. The fact there's so much emphasis on the mainstream market in the statement sounds like a dig at Nvidia since the cheapest green team model right now is the $1,000 GeForce RTX 5080. But the part I'd focus on is the 4K comments, as that leads me to believe we'll have a a great value trouble maker on our hands.

Should you wait for the AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT?

If you've got less than $600 to spend on a next-gen GPU this spring, you'll likely be choosing between the AMD Radeon RX 9070 and finding out where to buy the RTX 5070. Nvidia has already boasted that its midrange model will pull off GeForce RTX 4090 levels of performance using new DLSS 4 tricks, so the red team's contender is in for a rough fight.

That said, AMD has a bit of a opportunity here. While it's too late to change Radeon RX 9070 series specs, it can ensure it launches with an ultra aggressive MSRP. I'd previously heard rumblings that the non-XT and XT cards could end up costing an upsetting $749 and $749 respectively, but the company's marketing boss Frank Azos thankfully stepped in to say that was never the plan.

Ideally, the RTX 9070 will end up matching the RTX 5070's $549 MSRP while providing better native performance. Naturally, RDNA 4 GPUs will also come armed with FidelityFX Super Resolution 4 (FSR 4) to boost fps further using upscaling and frame generation. However, since some players are starting to get disgruntled about artificial performance enhancements, pulling off higher frame rates without assistance could help AMD dominate the midrange scene.

Let's be real, most of you out there will be looking to spend under $600 on a graphics card. Yes, those of you who buy an RTX 5090 will end up with visuals that'll probably put the PS6 to shame, but $2,000 is a price reserved for ultra enthusiasts and players with an unusually high disposable cash flow. By catering to ever day gaming PC builds first this generation, AMD could end up cooking something that's affordable and piles the heat on other mid-range cards.

I do think the RTX 5070 is going to hit the right mid-range notes, and that could be a huge issue for the RX 9070. I'll be looking to benchmark both in the month ahead to see which mid-ranger offers up the best value 4K experience, especially with AI upscaling switched off. I'm certainly not in the camp that thinks tools like DLSS 4 and FSR are cheating.

But, if AMD's card can natively outpace the 5070 in demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 with 4K Ultra settings enabled, that could help it become the people's GPU. After all, hitting those sorts of specs used be reserved for pricey models, and not having to rely on games being compatible with AI features to hit higher frame rates makes playing at UHD resolutions more approachable.

Looking for more components? Swing by the best gaming CPU and best RAM for gaming for rig upgrades. Alternatively, here's where to buy the RTX 5080 if you're looking for a premium GPU

I was testing this retro-styled thrower at the same time as the Sony Bravia Projector 8 - a 4K theatre-grade projector at the very top of the price range. That turned out to be a matchup that would win Yaber some serious points - while it’s by no means in the same league as a $15K specialist device, it’s incredible what you can actually get for your money at the lower end of the price range. It’s never going to be the best projector on the market, but it’s a solid contender among the many portable and outdoor options.

Design

That much might not be too evident from the design alone. While that handle is a big indicator that this projector has its sights on travel, it’s a tall and fairly chunky device overall - far larger than the likes of the Samsung Freestyle and Anker Nebula Capsule. It’s heavy as well, too heavy to comfortably carry for a long period of time. If you’ve only got a short hike to your campsite or you’re setting up in a garden, though, it’s well worth the extra heft considering the battery life and brightness levels.

It’s also dressed particularly well. A beige plastic chassis and felted material cover wrapping around the top makes for a low-key aesthetic, with the additional tan section along the top of the handle bringing an extra visual spice. It looks far more expensive than it is, and feels great from a durability standpoint as well. I’d still be concerned about it in the rain, but for dry days the plastic seems like it will be able to take a tumble.

The front is dedicated to the lens itself (thankfully there’s a dust cap included, but unfortunately it’s not attached and is incredibly easy to lose) with a speaker grill/vent etched into the panel. You’ll also find the automatic adjustment sensor and camera at the bottom. This is a slightly awkward placement - when placed straight on a table it can sometimes misread the edge of the surface as an obstruction. The handle swings down to form a stand, which makes setup so much easier - but when set to its lowest angle the handle actually blocks this sensor, which feels like a design oversight.

The power port is located on the left flank, with more vents and grills on the rear panel, as well as your ports. These connections are right at the top of the device, providing easy access.

Features

This is one of the best portable projectors I’ve tested because it packs everything you need into a price tag that doesn’t inflate itself. All the basics are covered here - a 2.5-hour battery, easy carrying handle, Google TV streaming stick (that means Netflix is back on the menu), super easy autofocus and keystone correction, and simple screen sharing processes. Of course, there are a few quirks that could be ironed out with future releases.

The most difficult to overcome during my testing was the figure 8 power port. This is a strange sight on a portable projector, and it essentially means you’ll need a full-sized power pack (with mains ports) to keep it plugged in out in the wild. Still, that 2.5-hour battery means you’re covered for at least a movie, and in Bluetooth speaker mode the Yaber T2 Plus can run for up to 18 hours.

I also wouldn’t trade the easy setup for easy charging. While I’m not a massive fan of auto-keystone adjustments (and keeping these settings on does result in a grainier, slightly darker picture on the T2 Plus), it’s an exceedingly fast setup system. The projector re-calculates its image every time it moves, and it does it particularly well. That means it’s a real sit-and-shoot device, I was surprised by how little faff went into the initial setup.

All of this is controlled by Yaber’s own operating system, a neat and clean interface that provides access to a good range of basic controls, from choosing between different presets to tweaking your picture yourself across brightness, sharpness, contrast, and saturation. Plugging in the Google TV dongle provides access to the full smart experience, with apps from Netflix to Disney Plus included.

That’s a massive benefit for the T2 Plus - previous portable projectors have relied on their own app systems for streaming, and many struggle to get rights to Netflix. Not only that, but Yaber has implemented this in a handy manner, a small adapter acts as a go-between for the stick and the projector, keeping it at a right-angle so as not to stick out the back of the device while also making sure it can run without needing to be plugged in separately. Many projectors use these streaming sticks, but often keep them tucked inside the device (like the BenQ X300G). This way you can use the included gadget or any Fire stick you happen to have already. However, it does mean that the single HDMI port is already taken up, which means I needed to swap cables whenever moving over to PS5 gameplay.

Rear ports are simple overall, with a USB 2.0 and 3.5mm audio out sandwiching that video connection. There’s also an ethernet port on the end of the lineup, a strange choice for a device that requires a separate WiFi connection for its streaming stick.

Like all great portable projectors, the Yaber T2 Plus comes with a substantial sound system baked in. This is a dual 8-watt speaker setup provided by JBL and I was pleasantly surprised by the power behind those drivers when I first booted it up. At the price, I was expecting to test these speakers and then ditch them for a separate system (either via the 3.5mm cable or the Y2 Plus’s Bluetooth connection) - but I generally found myself content with the audio on offer whenever I returned for more viewing. It’s not going to replace the best gaming headsets, but these speakers provide a robust sense of detail and a good level of power for everyday TV and movies. It’s not quite strong enough to hold up as a Bluetooth speaker, though, so I wouldn’t rely on the T2 Plus to provide tunes all too often.

Visuals run in 1080p resolution at 60Hz, with 450 lumens of max brightness, and there’s no HDR or fancy pixel-enhancing tech going on in the background - but that’s pretty much all you can expect from a $350 device that still punches above its weight in the battery and brightness department.

Performance

I needed to make a few visual tweaks before truly enjoying the picture thrown out by the Yaber T2 Plus. It’s certainly workable straight out of the box, but needed that max brightness setting to offer any kind of detail in darker scenes (particularly with ambient light at play). I was impressed that bumping this brightness up (while plugged in) brought out those shadow details without over-blooming lighter scenes. I did need to fiddle with the contrast and sharpness settings to get those high-key moments looking as best they could, but considering the price I was pretty amazed by what I was presented with.

The only real sacrifice I could notice in the picture quality (aside from the cheaper 1080p resolution) was in color saturation. Compared to a more expensive BenQ model, Astro Bot’s incredibly vivid landscapes and characters were noticeably more muted straight from the off. The streets of Shibuya lacked that vibrant zeal I was used to in Ghostwire Tokyo. If that’s the only real visual downgrade from a $1,000 projector that most everyday viewers will notice, though, I’m pretty happy.

Ambient light really does throw off both darker and lighter scenes, which is why I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone looking for the best outdoor projector on the market. The Conjuring suffered significantly from these drops in detail and definition. That all changed once the sun set, with a much better picture overall, and far more visual information coming to the forefront.

Speed is an issue if you’re looking for a gaming device. The latencies on offer here are nowhere near as low as you’ll find in the best projectors for PS5 and Xbox Series X - and they make themselves known during more frantic moments. It’s just fine for casual play during all but the fastest solo adventures, but I wouldn’t count on it for competitive endeavours.

Should you buy the Yaber T2 Plus?

If you want big-screen entertainment at home or on the go, but don’t want to invest in a machine with a price that matches its resolution, the Yaber T2 Plus is a fantastic choice. I can see this easily settling into the home of someone who prioritizes TV viewing for everyday entertainment, but wants a larger display for certain movies and sports events. Similarly, I’d recommend the Yaber T2 Plus to anyone hunting down a projector simply to keep in a secondary space. I’ve kept this device in my bedroom for the past few months and wouldn’t regret spending the cash on this more casual use-case afterwards.

If you need to travel with your portable projector, I’d recommend something a little smaller and lighter, like the Anker Nebula Capsule 3.

How I tested the Yaber T2 Plus

I used the Yaber T2 Plus for two months, testing it alongside the Sony Bravia Projector 8 for a short amount of time as well. During my testing process, I generally used the device for evening viewing after dark, watching a variety of 1080p movies from both Netflix and Disney Plus. I also spent time directly testing under different lighting conditions, using The Conjuring, Cocaine Bear, and Astro Bot (via PS5 Pro). For more information on how we test projectors, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

If you want a higher resolution, check out the best 4K projectors available now - or to maximize your setup, take a look at the best projector screens. We’re also rounding up all the best gaming TVs for a more traditional approach.

I'd already assumed that gaming handhelds and other excellent bits of tech would end up in the US import tariff crossfire. However, the rather excellent portable gadget YouTuber Retro Game Corps has done the legwork in terms of maths, and the resulting hypothetical figures are concerning.

The handheld guru explains that while the De Minimis exception (a rule that allows for tax breaks when retailers ship straight to consumers) previously kept 25% tariffs at bay, a suspension of the policy combined with a new 10% charge means you could pay 35% more for devices by Anbernic, Miyoo, and various other companies that make Game Boy-style consoles.

Let's pluck a few familiar handheld from Retro Game Corp's spreadsheet like the Anbernic RG35XX Plus. The handheld has previously dipped to just over $32 at its lowest price, and without coupons applied at sites like Aliexpress, it averages out at around $43. With Trump's 35% tariff applied, that price increases to just under $59.

One of my favorite handhelds from last year, the Anbernic RG Cube, is also at risk of a big price increase, and if tariffs kick in as proposed, we're looking at over $200 for the square-screen portable. Considering you can currently grab one at Aliexpress for $146.28, that's a difference that could stop someone picking one up.

It's worth hammering home that nothing is set in stone yet, and economic plans are chopping and changing every second. If you do have your eye on a handheld right now, it might be best to pick it up sooner than later. I'm hoping the whole thing fizzles out, but I'll be keeping my eye on the situation regardless.

Already got Valve's handheld? Swing by the best Steam Deck accessories and best Steam Deck dock for excellent add-ons. Alternatively, check out the best gaming laptops if you're looking for powerful mobile rig.

That said, if you pick up the BenQ GR10 Steam Deck dock for $109 / £99, you’ll technically get something that offers better performance than most options. Sure, you won’t really need 4K 120Hz output when running newer games on the Steam Deck OLED since it struggles to hit 60fps at 1080p. But, I’ve certainly got use for those sorts of speeds when it comes to the best gaming handhelds, as plenty of PC releases will happily use those specs and deliver elevated visuals on external screens.

No matter how you spin it, BenQ's Steam Deck dock is expensive. The majority of you out there will be choking at the idea of spending above $20, but there certainly is a place in the scene for a HDMI 2.1 docking station. Would I personally wait for a cheeky discount before trying to pick it up? Absolutely. Is its MSRP slightly less offensive compared to certain other options that opt for RGB lighting over improving video output? I think you already know the answer.

Design

Measuring 5.12 inches long and just 2.15 inches wide, the Steam Deck dock is impressively compact. The space-saving qualities can be in part attributed to some really smart design choices by BenQ, but the monitor maker has also simply managed to squeeze a tremendous amount into something the same size as an NES controller.

Yes, it is around the same size as other options like the Jsaux 5-in-1. What you’ll want to keep in mind is that this hub has six ports, including Power Delivery, two full-size USB, Ethernet, and a side USB-C port for good measure. But it’s not just the space-saver elements that are impressive here - BenQ has also opted for an integrated cable and folding cradle that help it travel extremely well.

The cable that connects to the top of your handheld extends out from the right-hand side while tucking in underneath when not in use. There’s even an extra angled adapter on the wire, just in case you want to use it with a laptop or position your device differently. That marries with the flip-down cradle to create something that’s almost a hybrid between a dongle-style hub and the widely adopted Steam Deck dock format, adding a nice sense of versatility that’ll no doubt benefit further generations of gadgets.

As for build quality, this is a solid bit of kit, BenQ’s blend of metal, plastic, and rubber comes together to create something that feels like a nice, weighty accessory. The grey and black two-tone finish feels like the perfect aesthetic to universally appease different desktop setups, as it’ll have no trouble blending in. I am in two minds about the ridge-cut effect used on the front of the cradle - it adds nice visual texture but the grooves are begging to get bits of dust and grime trapped between them. Did someone say toothpicks?

One of my biggest concerns with Steam Deck dock designs is tied to the protective rubber on the cradle. Not every accessory maker has learned from the sins of the OG Nintendo Switch dock, and I’ve used a couple that have a bit too much sharp metal going on near my handheld’s screen. BenQ has tackled this by sticking with plastic for the cradle specifically and adding rubber pads that cover the entirety of the surface. Nice.

Features

Every Steam Deck dock is charged with the noble cause of hooking your handheld up to an external screen and accessories. BenQ’s docking station shares that same quest, but its shiny HDMI 2.1 abilities help put it ahead of the rest. With this hub, you’ll have enough bandwidth to hit 4K 120Hz, and while that doesn’t mean you’ll be magically running everything at 120fps, it’s still pretty neat.

In regards to current generation handhelds, you’ll mostly be looking to run older releases, smaller indie games, and lightweight romps at 4K 120Hz. Even some smaller adventures will give the Deck a hard time as soon as you crank things beyond 1080p, but trust me when I say there are plenty of games that’ll make sure of the output. I can’t tell how many times I’ve been disappointed at seeing refresh rates cap out at 60Hz while testing Steam Deck docks, but this BenQ model will let me fool around more with the best gaming monitors and their speedy panels.

It’s worth highlighting that the BenQ Steam Deck dock wields faster Gen 2 USB ports too, with both the full-size connectors and USB-C running at 10Gbps. That’s not going to matter much for standard accessories like gaming keyboards or your PC controller, but it will let you put your external SSDs to full use. Naturally, the benefits will hinge on whether you’re using a drive that needs extra bandwidth, so you’ll want to check what you need before buying this docking station specifically for faster ports.

Performance

At this stage, I’d fully expect any accessory that dubs itself a Steam Deck dock to provide video output and peripheral connectivity without a hitch. BenQ’s dock certainly passes that mark, but it has the added burden of pulling off HDMI 2.1 abilities bestowed upon it. That means no flunking on implied 4K 120Hz abilities or providing even higher refresh rates when dealing with 1080p.

The weird thing about BenQ’s Steam Deck dock is that it feels better suited to other handhelds. At least that’s what I learned after testing it for a week, as those HDMI 2.1 abilities really came in handy on premium portables. Therefore, if you’ve got an Asus ROG Ally or something even fancier like the Ayaneo Flip DS, you’ve more to gain from using this accessory.

That’s not to say it doesn’t work nicely with the Steam Deck. I’ve visited a bunch of my usual PC library haunts and was able to make use of the dock’s HDMI 2.1 output. I even managed to play the N64 homage Cavern of Dreams at 4K 120Hz, which felt ironically wonderful since Ninty’s original console largely capped out at 30fps.

My main issue with using BenQ’s dock with the Steam Deck specifically is that finding a game that’ll run at 4K 120fps is a rarity. I’m not exactly surprised by this, but even older releases either outright don’t support 120Hz or have archaic frame rate caps that hamper any benefits. So, to properly continue testing, I cracked out the Ayaneo Flip DS mentioned above to better test the docking station’s elevated output.

Thankfully, Ayaneo’s 3DS tribute act had a far better time feeding the BenQ dock with appropriate performance. Tomb Raider Trilogy automatically started running at 4K 120Hz as soon as Lara’s feet hit the ground, and I think I might start playing the cavern-caper using this handheld setup. Sure, I could use the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 and a full-blow PC, but now that my handheld can match it on refresh rate, using it instead feels more satisfying.

Another lighter indie game that really punched hard on the BenQ dock is Signalis, The PS1-style horror easily matched fed the 4K 120Hz output with a matching frame rate, hammering home the docking station’s low-spec gaming benefits. I do want to stress that even if you’re armed with an Asus ROG Ally X, your scope for making the most of HDMI 2.1 will be limited right now, which makes this docking station feel like an early-bird accessory.

Outside of resolution testing, I also made sure to put the dock’s 100W Power Delivery capabilities to the test. The last thing you want is your Steam Deck or one of its rivals complaining about power draw after putting together a setup, and while it’s up to you to provide a suitably beefy charger, I can confirm it avoided any power pitfalls. I will admit that helping your Deck connect to accessories while keeping the battery topped up and providing output should be a given, but it’s always worth checking in case something is awry.

Should you buy the BenQ Steam Deck dock?

Boasting a versatile design and ahead-of-the-curve HDMI 2.1 abilities, the BenQ GR10 Steam Deck dock is an excellent premium option for handheld enthusiasts. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend splashing out $100 on it if you’re a casual player, especially when HDMI 2.0 options like the Baseus 6-in-1 exist for far less, but its 4K 120Hz output will benefit those of you who’ve already splashed out on a premium handheld.

I’ve said this before, but the fact the scene universally refers to most handheld docking stations as “Steam Deck docks” is amusing. I’d honestly say this feels like more of a Steam Deck 2 dock than anything, but since we’re about to get a wave of next-gen portable PCs like the Lenovo Legion Go S, the dock’s timing is arguably impeccable. So long as you keep in mind that 4K 120Hz is a big stretch for Valve’s handheld, I can see BenQ’s accessory serving as a futureproof investment for anyone who doesn’t want to buy twice.

How I tested the BenQ Steam Deck dock

For a month, I used the BenQ GR10 Steam Deck dock as my main handheld docking station. During that time, I used both Valve’s device and the Ayaneo Flip DS to test video output and general connectivity while assessing the accessory’s functionality and design. To ensure that the add-on HDMI 2.1 abilities work as intended, I used games like Cavern of Dreams, Tomb Raider Trilogy, and Signals in a bit to hit a matching 4K 120fps frame rate while also looking out for any connection-based glitches or caveats.

For more information on how we test docking stations and other accessories, swing by our full GamesRadar+ hardware policy.

But if you can't keep up with new releases, Elgato is showing that some firmware updates to improve existing products can go a long way. Elgato's Wave mics are up there with the best microphones for streaming and gaming and come in a few different shapes and price brackets. They're made more powerful by the Elgato Wave Link software, though which is getting a 2.0 update today.

Think of this software as a virtual competitor to the best streaming mixers, because it essentially collates all of your audio sources into a mixing table and makes controlling them all individually a much easier task. Annoyingly, you do need either an Elgato Wave microphone or an Elgato Stream Deck+ in combination with another microphone in order to use it - this isn't like the software from BEACN or SteelSeries which anybody can download and start using automatically.

Coming in today's update is a feature called Voice Focus, an AI tool designed in collaboration with ai|coustics that uses machine learning to remove unwanted noise, room reverb, and echo. This is a bit more of a "pro" tool than the options that have been in Elgato's Wave link software until now, and it seems like a decent alternative to treating a room or gaming studio with soundproofing. If I'm totally honest, this feature feels like a direct response to the nifty software perks of the new Shure MV6 microphone and its Motiv Mix App, but that's just me theorizing.

Only Elgato's homemade Wave mics will have access to Voice Focus features though, so if you use a different make of microphone through Wave Link thanks to a Stream Deck+, you aren't going to benefit.

Elgato is also improving audio routing with one-click support for various Windows applications. Routing audio sources into different channels was always possible in Wave Link, but the new update streamlines this and makes things clearer, showing small logos for each audio source, and you can now rename channels to suit you and the content you're creating.

Effects are also getting some wins too, with integration into Elgato's marketplace, as well as a clever Sound Check feature that lets you record a sample and play it on a loop, then add various sound effects to hear the difference they make. Once again though, you'll be locked into needing an Elgato mic for this feature, which is a shame.

Personally, I still think having a physical mixer streamlines audio management a lot more because if you're in a game while live streaming and you need to fade music out or manage volume levels, you don't need to click out or Alt+Tab to get into a separate window on your PC. With something like the RodeCaster Duo or BEACN Mix Create on your desk, these things are just a small hand movement away.

Fortunately, Elgato's own streaming controllers like the Elgato Stream Deck+ has full integration with the new Wave Link 2.0 software. With one click, you'll be able to export Wave Link settings to your Stream Deck and everything will populate into place.

The update for Wave Link software goes live today and can be downloaded from the brand's website.

Looking for more of the best gear for streaming? Check out the best capture cards and the best webcams.

Should you buy Unicorn Overlord?

I haven't even finished Unicorn Overlord and yet it's one of the best PS5 games I've ever popped into my beloved Sony console. I got the game at launch as I'm a tad Vanillaware obsessed (and even have the figure shrine to prove it) but other 2023 releases simply got in the way and pushed it to the back of my mind.

Just a couple of weeks ago, I finally decided to give it a go, and I'm glad I did, as it's easily become one of the best games of this generation I've ever had the pleasure to play. I will prethesis this by adding, that Vanillaware is behind some of my favorite games of all time, from Muramasa: The Demon Blade, Dragon's Crown, and Odin Sphere. Yet, even if you aren't a hardcore fan of the developer's past works, there's still a lot to love about Unicorn Overlord.

Without giving too much of the story away, you take on the role of Prince Alain, leader of the Liberation Army, and tasked with liberating the nations of Fevrith from the Zenoiran Empire. Throughout the RPG you are pitted against massive armies, as you make your way through a stunning detailed overworld. Similarly to classic Final Fantasy games, for most of the game, you're physically traversing across the overworld as an adorable sprite-like version of Alain.

There you are tasked with fighting your way through many a main (and side quest) to gather up troops for your army and help liberate not just your own land, but towns and villages in need of your aid. The battles consist of a birds-eye view of the battlefield, where you lead your characters and their formed units, to fight other units on the field. Unlike other tactical RPGs, once you get into an actual battle, it's all played out for you which takes away the tedious wait the genre can be known for.

That doesn't mean the battles aren't fun - you have skills you can unlock and set to your characters. And there are a ton of classes, from simple Soldiers to full-on Gryphon Knights. Before most battles, fully voiced cut-scenes play out, with that iconic storybook-style art Vanillware is known for. Even if you're not a fan of European medieval settings, the stunning character art by Takafumi Noma is enough to draw you in.

I will say, that if aren't a completionist, Unicorn Overlord probably isn't for you. While you can just make your way through the main quests, some of the best characters that will join your army are found through side quests. As is the case for a lot of RPGs too, deeper insights into the character's past and their relationships are also found through finding additional battles and quests as you explore.

However, the top-tier voice acting, gorgeous art and animation, moving OST, and fun battle mechanics will be enough to have you wanting to explore everything Unicorn Overlord has to offer. If you still aren't convinced, GameRadar's own Austin Wood stated in his Unicorn Overlord review that the game is "an ingenious distillation of countless fantasy war stories" and had him "hooked like a fish."

Even if the past Vanillaware games have never been on your radar, Unicorn Overlord is impossible not to recommend for PS5 owners, especially now it's back to half price. Just don't blame me if you also find yourself up at 3am unable to put down the DualSense controller.

Got plenty to play already? Check out our guides to the best PS5 headsets, best PS5 controllers, and best PS5 SSDs to give your Sony console the boost it deserves.

If any of this sounds relatable to you, you owe it to yourself to learn more about Moza, one of the finest brands around in the racing sim hardware market. We’ve been lucky enough to test a few of its wheelbases and bundles now, and it’s easy to say that this brand makes some of the best racing wheels for PC. There’s great build quality to be had with this brand’s gear, with force feedback and features that give big brands like Logitech and Thrustmaster a serious run for their money.

After an exciting 2024, it looks as though Moza is set for a massive year. Back in October, the brand partnered with well-known supercar maker Lamborghini for its latest wheel, and its mBooster Pedals have an intuitive design for some slick and realistic travel. As if Moza’s existing racing sim gear wasn’t enough, it’s taking things to the next level, literally. It’s stepping into the world of Flight Sim gear, which can arguably be an even trickier set of controllers to buy.

Read on, and you’ll hear more about what Moza can offer you in 2025.

Moza Racing X Automobili Lamborghini Squadra Corde Essenza SCV12

Lamborghini’s Essenza SCV12 is a hypercar that was designed to only ever be used on a track. It’s got 830 horsepower and a 6.5-litre V12 engine. It may well be one of, if not the most powerful car ever to utilize a naturally aspirated engine.

Now, although a lot of us may dream, there’s very little chance that we’ll get to sit behind that car’s wheel and take it for a spin, which is why Moza’s latest creation in collaboration with Lamborghini is so exciting. The Squadra Corde Essenza sim-racing wheel is a replica of that hypercar’s wheel, and it’s been designed to deliver realistic and super immersive experiences in whichever game you’re polishing your lap times in. Thanks to its inspiration, it has premium materials and a CNC-machined aluminium alloy frame. It even has real CAD models, a 4.3-inch touchscreen display, and 72 programmable inputs.

Moza Racing FSR2 Formula Wheel

Let’s say you’re the type of racing sim enthusiast who is more enchanted by the F1 world than the supercar, hypercar, or even sports car scene. If you want to get stuck into the F1 racing sim game, you really need a specific wheel to get the best out of your experience because there are so many specific design quirks geared at that type of machine. After all, you are simulating the F1 racing experience, so why not get something that will take you a step further to reality?

That’s where the Moza FSR2 Formula Wheel comes into play. Moza is the first manufacturer to integrate a customizable dashboard UI system into one of its F1 wheels. Turtle Beach and Thrustmaster have taken cracks at this, but those options don’t go nearly as in-depth as Moza has here. It’s built a community platform with designs that can be shared amongst fellow owners, which can be a massive benefit for highly customizable hardware like this (as seen with the Azeron Cyborg II). And all of it can be controlled with the ease of a 4.3-in touchscreen.

Under the hood, there’s a 4.3GHz quad-core processor, allowing for low-latency data rendering. Also featuring in the Formula Wheel is a 6-paddle design, which lets you quickly activate DRS and KERS systems, along with changing gears with shift and dual-clutch paddles.

Still hungry? How would you like dual 7-way switches to help you navigate through in-game menus, enhance control when racing, and improve your utility and quality of life at the flick of a stick?

Moza mBooster Active Pedals

If you’ve dabbled in racing sim gear before now, you’ll probably know that even if you find yourself an excellent wheelbase that offers solid feedback and a wheel that’s both fun to use and feels premium - you can still be tripped over at the last hurdle. Pedals are such an overlooked aspect of racing sim gear, and getting ones that can keep up with today’s premium controllers is a whole other dilemma.

Moza’s mBooster Active Pedals are here to put that to bed. They’re versatile, first of all, so you won’t need to worry about forking out more cash for an accurate set of pedals for one type of racing sim. These have a quick-change functionality, meaning pedals can be swapped out effortlessly via their software.

Gone are the traditional pedal design that uses fragile springs and motors with ball screws. The mBooster system allows for much more accurate travel, with a much more precise allowance for adjustment as well - with a 15-bit angle sensor. All-in-all, these pedals have a dual 200kg pressure sensor system which means any feedback that’s sent through them to your foot is going to feel like the real deal.

Of course, mounting something this feature-rich can also be a hassle sometimes, especially since a lot of manufacturers will have varying designs and dimensions. The inverted mounting system here means it’s easily customizable, meaning getting into your games will be free of additional headaches.

Moza Flight Sim Gear

Branching out into a new market isn’t always easy, but the R&D over at Moza is clearly proving its worth. A partnership with someone who knows the skies you’re exploring is always useful too, and the team at Moza has linked up with experienced pilots to ensure they’re on the right track.

Already, Moza has taken off with the AB9 base controller that features 9Nm Dual Servo Motors. Alongside that, there’s a MH16 joystick that’s perfect for flight simulators, and an MA3X sidestick. Already confirmed for 2025 is a flight throttle panel, which will arrive in March, and it sounds like it’s making a play for the most in-depth flight sim setups.

Just like the brand’s racing gear, there’s excellent build quality and premium materials in play for the throttle panel. For starters, its Joystick uses a Hall Sensor, meaning it’ll last forever without encountering stick drift. This magnetic tech extends to the 15-bit magnetic encoder as well, which makes for extremely precise throttle control, which you really do need for simulating smooth takeoff and landing. Aluminium Alloy Grips make it feel like a high-end bit of kit, and I suspect pilots who have been invited to collaborate and give their feedback will have said this is a must. It can be a real immersion breaker otherwise.

Moza’s pedigree in racing gear offers something else too, built-in vibration feedback - not commonly found in even the most expensive flight sim gear. This will provide really tactile gaming experiences for folks who have lost some aerodynamics on their flight or have pushed the throttle that little bit too ambitiously. If you want more or less of it, you can even customize it in Moza’s Cockpit software, where you can also program the throttle panel’s 27 switches.

If all of this sounds like the right way of developing enthusiast-grade simulation gear, you may want to know more. To keep up with Moza's progress, and to find all of its wares, here are a few links for you to follow.

• Official Website: https://mozaracing.com/
• Facebook：https://www.facebook.com/MOZARacing
• Instagram：https://www.instagram.com/moza_racing_official/
• Twitter：https://twitter.com/moza_racing
• Reddit：https://www.reddit.com/r/moza/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@moza_racing_global
• Youtube：https://www.youtube.com/c/MOZARacing

Looking into more controllers? Check out the best PC controllers, the best PS5 controllers, and the best joysticks.

To be exact, as of December 31, 2024, a whopping 150.86 million Switch family units had been sold, which is an enormous figure. That accounts for regular ol' Switches, as well as the Switch Lite and OLED models – the latter of which has, unsurprisingly, become the most popular of the three options since financial year 2023. 

Sony may be quaking in its boots, as if another 10 million of Nintendo's current-gen consoles are sold, the PS2 may finally be dethroned, even after the company updated its sales figures last year. For many years, it was believed 155 million PS2s had made it out into the world, but last November, Sony said it'd actually sold over 160 million of the things. At the time, Nintendo's most recent figures stated that its hybrid console had hit 146.04 million sales, so it's managed to close the gap a fair bit since then. 

Will the Switch ever be able to overtake its 25-year-old competitor, though? Well, that remains to be seen. In its latest financial results, Nintendo says that despite sales being "stable given the fact that the platform is in its eighth year," software and hardware sales are ultimately down year-on-year, with hardware specifically being down "30.6% year-on-year at 9.54 million units." Furthermore, it's also amended its financial forecast, reducing the number of expected Switch hardware sales from 12.5 million units to 11 million units for the financial year ending at the end of March. 

On top of that, while it might not have an exact release date just yet, the Switch 2 is also around the corner. When that launches, it seems less likely that people would be buying its predecessor, but who knows, maybe the 2017 hybrid console will eventually be able to pass that coveted 160 million mark. After all, the chance of Sony updating its PS2 sales yet again seems slim.

Indie developer behind the last Wii U and 3DS games says Switch 2 Mario Kart textures are "extremely telling that this system is significantly more powerful" than the Switch.

If you've been eyeing up the Atari 7800+ since its launch, you'll want to jump over to Amazon and pick one up for $101.40. That's 22% off its usual $129.99 for those of you with an aversion to math, so it's safe to say you're getting a good chunk off one of last year's best retro consoles. Considering the going rate for an old-new stock NES Mini at the retailer right now is around $150, that ain't half bad.

In the box, you'll be treated to the Atari 7800+ itself, a new-fangled wireless version of the CX78 controller, and a copy of Bentley Bear's Crystal Quest. That's a sequel to the classic caper Crystal Castles that you likely haven't played since it's actually a 2017 homebrew, meaning you even get to play something fresh instead of immediately reaching for old carts.

Should you buy the Atari 7800+?

Designed to replicate the original console rather than just be a mini homage, the Atari 7800+ is for those of you who miss physical cartridges. I'm very much in that camp, and the fact I can reach for my old stack of 2600 and 7800 games, whack them into the top slot, and immediately start playing some old favorites is invaluable.

Could I simply get my original Atari 7800 out and, y'know, play the same games? Well, yes, but I'd also then need to hook up its old RF cable to my new gaming TV and deal with a less than stellar signal. Rather than dealing with that nonsense, the Atari 7800+ opts for HDMI output that'll beam its old emulated graphics to displays in 720p, making it one of the sharpest ways to officially enjoy the console's back catalog.

You eagle eyed retro enjoyers out there may have just noticed the word "emulated" and immediately switched off. Before you write off the Atari 7800+ as a cheap emulation device, just know that it uses a blend of reliable software based emulators to provide near perfect compatibility, and you won't have to touch any settings or ROMs to get the machine up and running. If it weren't for the brief loading screen upon jamming a cart into the system, you'd probably end up thinking this is using hardware alone to run your games, and that's part of what makes it so special.

To play devil's advocate, its dedication to the (8)bit is a bit of a drawback for me. By aiming for a simple pre-baked emulation setup, the Atari 7800+ avoids offering up customizable settings beyond a few simple visual options like 50Hz and a bilinear filter. I would have loved to have seen a few extras like scanline variations, CRT effects, and even more practical features like save states make the cut. But alas, this gadget keeps functionality pretty close to the original '80s machine.

Perhaps my biggest gripe with the 7800+ is the fact it doesn't support 5200 games. Yes, that's perhaps unreasonable since it's not a tribute to that failed console, but as a retro enthusiast from sunny Scotland, my chances to pick up an original of that console are limited since it only got a US release. I do still have approachable options like the Atari 400 Mini since it runs 5200 ROMs, but I'd have absolutely loved if the company found a way to support the middle console's carts.

Okay, maybe I'm being unreasonable, and I think my disappointment stems from the fact the 7800+ is pretty similar to the Atari 2600+. The main difference between both releases is the aesthetic, as the former mimics the '70s woodgrain legend that is the grandfather of contemporary consoles. As I touched on previously, you are getting a wireless CX78 gamepad this time around, which is maybe a little easier to wrangle than the mushy old joystick. But other than that, deciding between the systems will come down to your own personal nostalgia.

Even with a discount, the Atari 7800+ is on the pricey side, but it's a beautifully detailed replica of the original console that'll serve collectors and fans well. Any piece of tech that aids preservation is a good'n in my book, and if it's been years since you had a shot of classics like Ninja Golf, Berzerk, or Bounty Bob Strikes Back, you'll want to jump on this deal ASAP.

Look, I know your kids want to play Sonic and Mario, but I think making them play Chunky Egg instead is character building.

Looking to take retro classics on the go? Swing by the best gaming handhelds for portable options. Alternatively, take a peek at the best cheap Nintendo Switch bundles and the best PS5 deals for new consoles.

Today, you can get the Riffmaster Guitar controller for $109.99 at Best Buy, giving you a nice $20 saving on a popular gaming peripheral. Although I'm seeing this price at Best Buy and Amazon, I don't expect it to last long at either retailer. The PS5 version at Amazon has already run out of stock, and even if supplies last at other retailers, the discount itself is probably not long for this world. This discount also applies to the Xbox Series X and PC versions of the controller so, regardless of your platform, you can make the most of this deal.

If you're looking for the best PS5 controller for compatible rhythm games like Fortnite Festival, you don't exactly have much choice. One of the reasons this controller is so popular is because of the fact it has no officially licensed competition outside of the older controllers for Rock Band IV. Since support for these controllers arrived in Fortnite Festival, the Riffmaster has been a true hot-ticket item.

Should you buy the PDP Riffmaster controller?

You really don't have much choice if you're in the market for a Guitar controller these days. When I previewed the PDP Riffmaster controller before its release, I half expected it to be met with a bunch of imitators from other controller brands who saw how popular it was and wanted a chunk of PDP's cash. Since then, however, PDP has been acquired by Turtle Beach, so that takes one big potential competitor off the board.

Even if it is the only real choice on the shelves today, you're getting a great option here in the Riffmaster. It doesn't quite have the traditional Guitar Hero feel for me, especially in its strumming bar, which is a bit less tactile than in the video game axes of old.

Small gripes aside, I love the innovations PDP made with the Riffmaster, particularly in terms of quality of life. It has a 3.5mm headphone jack so you can wire up a pair of headphones or use a gaming headset to keep chatting to friends. It can fold up at the neck to store away more easily or take on the go. It has a thumbstick on its back to help you navigate menus with ease, and swappable faceplates in case you want to customize (although I haven't heard much about this feature being supported by PDP since last year.)

Either way, there's no way to enhance your rhythm game experience quite like using a guitar controller. If you've had this on your wishlist for a while, I wouldn't wait around.

To dig deeper, check out the best PC controllers, the best Xbox Series X controllers, and the best racing wheels for PC.

You'll find the wireless headset for $274.99 at Amazon, a whole 22% off its MSRP of $349.99. While plenty of brand-new cups have come and gone, the Arctis Nova Pro remains the best gaming headset our team have got their hands on. With its base station in tow, you can connect to your PS5 and gaming PC and switch between at a moments notice, more than ideal if you have your eyes on brand-new games that are spread out across different platforms.

While its price point may seem like a big ask, I haven't spotted the gaming headset this low since last year's Black Friday sales (where it hit $268 for a brief moment). Once November was done and over with, the wireless headset shot back up to full price and rarely dropped below the $300 mark. That is, until now. It's still not for the most budget-conscious of gaming fans, but if you want a wireless headset with high-quality audio, a high-end mic and hot swappable batteries that make charging almost obsolete, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro is hard to beat.

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

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is definitely not one of the most affordable gaming headsets out there. In fact, the peripheral costs almost the same as a brand-new Nintendo Switch, but there are plenty reasons why the SteelSeries headset costs as much as it does. Most importantly, its accompanying base station is likely driving up the price. But if you find yourself switching between the PS5, Nintendo Switch and your gaming PC on the regularly, that's also its biggest stand draw amongst other high-end headsets in its price range.

The compact device features a charging station, which can be used to continually juice up one of the two included hot-swappable batteries. As long as you remember to have one charging at all times, this will mean spending more time actually playing games like Marvel Rivals, and less time sitting idly by waiting for your headset to charge.

The base station is also pivotal to the Nova Pro's multi-platform capabilities. With it, you can connect to multiple consoles at once, and easily switch between them. Right now, I'm regularly switching between the Steam Deck and my PS5, and the idea of not having to tediously fiddle about with pairing for each sounds like a dream come true. It's worth noting, though, that this headset deal is on the PS5 / PC version, so Xbox players will be paying a little more ($290.13 at Amazon).

You're not getting as much value if you only play on one platform, but the audio is still well worth a listen. The headset is also decked out with 40mm Neodymium drivers that provide a high-quality audio experience, and crystal clear audio thanks to its retractable ClearCast Gen 2 microphone. Our initial review put this audio in a top-tier category, and our own Tabitha Baker has kept this headset next to her PS5 for over two years - and is consistently impressed with how powerful, textured, and detailed each game becomes. It's her go-to for blockbuster action, as well as everyday music and streaming.

If you're after something cheaper, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X wireless is up there with our favorite gaming headsets, and the PlayStation designed model is the best PS5 headset I've used to catch up with the latest PlayStation Plus Premium releases. It doesn't come with a base station, but is one of the most comfortable devices I've had the pleasure of using. Better yet, as a mid-range pair of cups it's a more viable option for those on a budget, but still means you don't skip out on that SteelSeries premium quality their entire headset lineup is known for.

Not feeling the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro wireless headset? Check out our best Xbox Series X headsets, best Nintendo Switch headsets, and best PC headset for gaming guides to find the best pair for your games console of choice.

Right now at Amazon, Gigabyte's Radeon RX 7600 XT OC is down to $260 from $329.99. I'm really not used to seeing many graphics cards break past the $300, but this discount sends AMD's budget conscious GPU to an all new low price. It's not like we're talking about an old card or one with bare minimum specs either, as I have no doubt this RDNA 3 model will pull off nifty frame rates at 1080p and even 1440p.

I've had a dig around the web for similar RX 7600 XT deals, but rival retailers aren't really keeping up. In fact, Newegg has the non-XT version with just 8GB VRAM for $264, and every other card with the same specs seems to be sticking with MSRP for now. I suspect it could be a while before we see any next-gen GPUs hit, so if I were you, I'd jump on this offer before last-gen stock starts to properly dry up.

Should you buy the AMD Radeon RX 7600 XT?

At the right price, the AMD Radeon RX 7600 XT feels like a sweet spot for cheap gaming PC builds. I know more than a few Steam players who simply need a GPU that won't have a breakdown when running anything from the past couple of years, and the Navi 33 model will happily do that.

In many ways, the XT edition is the entry level GPU that we should have got off the bat. I'm not saying the original AMD Radeon RX 7600 is a complete write-off, but being able to pick up a 16GB graphics card for under $300 feels like a much better deal. Both use the exact same GPU, meaning you'll end up with roughly the same frame rates, but the extra VRAM will safeguard the card against mean system requirements in the future.

So what exactly can the RX 7600 XT pull off in terms of frame rates? Well, hitting well over 60fps at 1080p is a given, and you'll find that you end up with averages over 100fps in games like Hitman 3 and even Sony's Returnal PC port. The card's 1440p abilities are pretty strong too, but you might want to tweak settings a little to boost fps to a more comfortable level.

It's worth noting that just like Nvidia's latest GPUs, the RX 7600 XT comes armed with upscaling abilities. Specifically, AMD FSR 3 is packing a feature dubbed "Fluid Motion Frames" that can provide frame generation tricks across a variety of games. I'd only use it to get yourself over the 60fps line rather than revive outings at super low frame rates since latency will be a huge issue. But, from what I've experienced, the tech can boost fps pretty nicely at a driver level, meaning it'll technically work with your whole Steam library.

Cheaper GPUs are slightly scarce right now, especially if you're looking for newish models. On the Nvidia side of things, the only card I could find that beats this RX 7600 XT deal is the RTX 3060, as you can grab one for $200 right now at Amazon. That really isn't too shabby at all seeing as it's a 12GB model with access to AI upscaling via DLSS, but the Ampere GPU inside is now two generations old. I'd keep that offer in your back pocket if you're on a really tight budget, but for $60 more, it's well worth picking up the newer AMD 16GB option.

Of course, if money isn't remotely an issue, checking out where to buy the RTX 5090 probably makes more sense. You should be able to buy the RTX 5070 soon too, and if your budget can stretch to $549, I'd recommend postponing any rig upgrades.

Looking for more components? Swing by the best gaming CPU and the best RAM for gaming for ways to revamp your rig. Alternatively, check out the best gaming handheld and escape the house with your Steam library.

MOZA looks to have the answer with its latest offering, the R3 Racing Bundle. Having quickly established a name for itself among PC gamers with an impressive range of wheels and wheelbases, the £399/$399 R3 is MOZA’s first attempt at making one of the best Xbox steering wheels. Combining a licensed wheel, direct drive base, desk mount, and pedal set, the R3 bundle has everything a racer needs to get started.

So while the MOZA R3 may not be the first direct drive wheel for the Xbox, there’s an opportunity to quickly jump the field. Existing options have critical flaws; the Logitech G Pro is excellent, but super expensive, and the Turtle Beach VelocityOne is still pricey but lacks performance, if the R3 can avoid these bumps it could quickly race into P1.

Design

The MOZA R12 has been my sim racing daily driver on PC for nearly a year. It’s excellent and I’m pleased to see MOZA carry plenty of its DNA over into the R3. Like the R12, the MOZA R3 wheelbase is sleek and industrial, a little black box with stylishly simple details. The black aluminium shell feels solid, premium, and most importantly bucks the trend of other Xbox racing wheels which rely far too much on plastic for my liking. Even the eye-wateringly expensive Logitech G Pro was an all-plastic affair so I’m glad MOZA has taken the opportunity to stand out here.

What’s immediately striking about the MOZA R3 wheelbase is just how compact it is, at less than 14cm across and 10cm deep it’s definitely living room friendly. Sticking with comparisons against the Logitech G Pro, it’s almost unbelievably small, almost half the width and a third of the depth which makes a massive difference in person. I’ve been testing it mounted on the RacGTing Challenger 301, a similar folding sim racing seat to the Playseat Challenge X, and even on this smaller rig the MOZA R3 still almost looks too small for it. Even with this stature the R3 still packs the same connectivity as MOZA’s more expensive offerings with full support for a range of inputs on the rear. The included pedals connect here and while they’re not part of the standard bundle, you could connect an e-stop, hand brake, shifter, and digital dash all at the same time - a rather impressive line-up from such a little unit.

The MOZA R3 Bundle includes the ESX steering wheel and while on PC you’re free to choose between a range of shapes and styles, on Xbox this is your only choice. It’s fine but didn’t feel quite as premium as either the rest of the bundle or other MOZA wheels I’ve used in the past. The ESX again shuns plastic in favor of an aluminium alloy frame but unlike the existing PC variant of the same wheel, the Xbox version opts for textured PU-wrapped grips instead of smooth leather. I can understand the swap in terms of keeping costs down but it’s a noticeable downgrade if you know what you’re missing. It’s still comfortable enough to hold and use, however with just an 11” diameter the entire ESX wheel did feel a little small. There are advantages to this though as it means the full button layout is nicely within reach and I was able to access almost all of the buttons without changing my grip.

Features

There are 22 buttons in total but once again they show signs of being an area of cost saving and are OK without being impressive. The MOZA GS V2P wheel that I’m used to features clicky mechanical buttons that feel tactile and responsive, while every button on the ESX felt a little soft and each carried a noticeable wobble. I had no issues with missed inputs, they actually feel quite similar to those on one of the best Xbox Series X controllers, but carrying over those mechanical buttons would have made a big difference. The metal paddle shifters on the back are much more like it - they’re easy to reach without getting in the way and have a short travel with pleasant clicky feedback.

The clue is in the name when it comes to the SRP-Lite pedals included with the R3 bundle. They’re simple but more than up to the task for a casual racer and would comfortably lap what’s included with the Logitech G923 or Turtlebeach VelocityOne Race in some kind of weird pedal-only exhibition race. The two-pedal set is robust with all-steel construction and a nice range of customization when it comes to adjusting the position of the pedals across the large and solid base. MOZA offers a separate clutch pedal as an added extra, along with a Performance Kit that noticeably upgrades the brake pedal with a larger spring and dampers. I’d highly recommend grabbing this if your budget can stretch the extra £29/$29 as I found it greatly improves the feeling of the brake which relies on Hall effect sensors as opposed to a load cell like you’d see in a more expensive set.

Performance

The star of the show in the MOZA R3 bundle is the wheelbase and it’s hard to convey just how much of a difference direct drive makes compared to a belt or gear-driven wheel like the staple Logitech G923. The 3.9Nm servo motor on the R3 delivers smooth, responsive, and detailed force feedback that feels far more true to life than other entry-level options. Admittedly 3.9Nm isn’t super powerful so it won’t attack your wrists in the same way a more powerful base like the 11Nm Logitech G Pro will, but there’s still plenty of oomph here and I was surprised how much I had to fight the wheel when going off track or through a tight chicane.

The wheelbase will grab the headlines but it’s actually the ESX wheel where the compatibility magic happens. Interestingly this wheel is compatible with MOZA’s other more powerful bases like the excellent MOZA R12, meaning there is technically an upgrade path on offer here. Unfortunately however, because the console handshake happens inside the wheel, while you can put the wheel on other wheelbases you can’t put other wheels on the R3 to use on an Xbox. There is a welcome compromise to this because similar to the Logitech G RS system, MOZA offers a couple of differently shaped ‘ES Mod’ wheel rims that can be swapped in and bolted to the main wheel body.

The MOZA R3 wheel base includes universal mounting points so you can bolt it to something like the Playseat Trophy without a fuss, though I was pleased to see MOZA includes their chunky desk clamp bracket as standard for those in more DIY setups. Powering on, each component was instantly recognized by my Xbox Series X and I was able to hop straight out on track in Forza Motorsport with no manual in-game configuration. Game compatibility is generally pretty good and largely plug-and-play, most headline titles are supported though there are a few notable (and strange) exclusions like F1 23 which offers no support at all, despite F1 21, 22, and 24 all being included. Odd.

While the R3 does offer a generous 22-button layout I was disappointed with how often the additional buttons weren’t usable in-game. In Forza Motorsport, for example, anything other than the basic ABXY arrangement couldn’t be mapped as a unique input, either they weren’t recognized at all or the game saw them as another existing input. The button labelled LSB for example was picked up as the left paddle by the game and seen as a duplicate of that input rather than its own.

Overall though I was genuinely impressed by what the MOZA R3 was capable of across different games even if I did often need to take some time to refine the in-game force feedback settings of each. Forza Motorsport initially tried to shake me out of my seat with a funky setting causing the wheel to violently wobble at high speed, yet jumping over to Forza Horizon I found myself looking to bump up the intensity of settings across the board to really feel the effects. Both cases were temporary though and I was quickly able to iron things out.

Should you buy the Moza R3?

In the same way that Formula 1 cars need to balance downforce and top speed, the MOZA R3 is playing a balancing game of its own between price and performance. It may not be the first direct drive racing wheel for Xbox gamers, but the R3 is the first to be genuinely accessible and still offer an excellent driving experience. There are a couple of compromises along the way but these are only evident when lined up against more expensive options. For a majority of gamers, the MOZA R3 is going to tick basically every box for a first wheel or a first jump from a belt or gear-driven option.

The R3 delivers smooth and detailed force feedback that while not overly punchy, still packs enough of a punch to make you work for every second of improved lap time. The pedals are simple but robust and precise, and while the ESX wheel itself may not be quite as strong as the rest of the bundle, it’s still more than good enough for its purpose and place in the market. MOZA has set the benchmark now, it's got a time on the board with the R3 bundle, and while there are still improvements to be made, a new era for Xbox sim racing is off to a very strong start.

How we tested the Moza R3

I mounted the MOZA R3 racing bundle to a RacGTing Challenger 301 racing seat and tested it with an Xbox Series X across a number of titles including Forza Motorsport and Forza Horizon. I tested the pedals both with and without the additional Performance Kit, however, a majority of testing was conducted with the kit installed.

For more on how we test controllers, have a read of our hardware policy.

For more, check out the best PC controllers, the best PS5 controllers, and the best joysticks.

I still hold the Switch as one of the best gaming handhelds due to the amount of Nintendo Switch accessories and bizarre controllers that released alongside it. First-party games from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild to Super Smash Bros Ultimate did enough to make me fall in love with the Ninty hardware, but if it weren’t for the Pokeball Plus or the Ring Fit Adventure Ring-Con, it would be a different story.

Using the Pokeball Plus was such an integral part of my love for the Switch that it still sits at my desk within my line of sight so I can play with it at a moment's notice. The adorable official Pokemon controller came packaged with Pokemon Let’s Go Pikachu back in 2018. The game allowed you to swing the Pokeball and use its onboard stick and buttons to catch your favorite Gen 1 Pokemon in what was essentially a remake of Yellow with Go mechanics. The controller could store the data of a single Pokemon and could shake and sound off its cries to add that extra layer of Poke-filled immersion.

The compact peripheral didn’t spontaneously enlarge like the real thing, but it was (and remains to be) the Pokemon accessory of my dreams. An upgraded version of it would feel right at home on the Switch 2. We haven't yet got any official confirmation of its launch lineup, but Pokemon Legends Z-A is on its way to "Nintendo Switch systems" this year, which could include the Switch successor. A straight-up Pokeball replica wouldn't have suited the previous Pokemon Legends game which explored the world's steampunk-like origins. But a new iteration of the Pokeball with a new look, updated features, and continued compatibility with Pokemon Go would carry on Ninty's hardware tradition of creating fun, immersive, and memorable experiences.

Nintendo has long since wanted to associate their consoles with ‘family fun’ and childlike wonder, and that’s exactly what I experienced playing through Let’s Go Pikachu. The controller not only brought out that feeling I had when the Pokemon craze first landed in the 90s but harkened back to previous Ninty generations, like the GameCube era, where Ninty's unique peripherals heightened my adoration of their first-party games.

Just like the Switch, the Gamecube had a strong library of games that keep it amongst my favorite consoles to date. Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem is still up there with my favorite horror titles, and I’m holding out hope the GameCube port of Skies of Arcadia Legends will see a remaster. But what instantly comes to mind when I think of Nintendo’s purple box is the barrel-shaped Donkey Kong Konga controllers and banging my life away along to Blink 182’s All the Small Things.

The Donkey Kong Kongas were released alongside the aptly named Donkey Konga, for the GameCube in 2003. I was, for some reason or another, the only one of my friends with the plastic kongas and so every weekend we’d flock to my run-down bedroom and take turns clapping and slapping the bizarre controller. The resounding noise didn’t go down well with my mom, but to this day they sit proudly amongst my many other bits of Nintendo hardware and are the main to this day, why I love the red-tie-wearing gorilla.

Not to be a gamer stereotype, but I’m not a huge fan of exercise. However, the Ring Fit Adventure Ring-Con remains one of my favorite gaming memories to conjure up in my head when thinking of the original Switch. Initially, I was blown away by the level of ingenuity involved, which included attaching the right Joy-Con to the ring’s high-sensitivity force sensor to detect pushing and pulling movements. When paired with the tech of the right Joy-Con, the controller’s built-in accelerometer, and gyroscope could also detect my clumsy Scottish body tilting and moving around, while the left Joy-Con slipped into the leg strap and measured when I ran, bent my knees, and moved around.

The tech didn’t feel especially advanced for 2019, but I was taken aback by how the Switch seamlessly registered my movements. From pretending to jog in my living room, to pushing in the ring with all my might, the on-screen version of myself matched my inputs perfectly. There's ample opportunity to continue these excruciatingly exhausting, but memorable experiences on the Switch 2. Especially with existing Switch franchises like the Fitness Boxing game series, releasing games as late as July last year with 'Fitness Boxing featuring Hatsune Miku'.

Clever and unique accessories could be instrumental in ensuring the Switch 2 stands out from the crowd. The first official look at the console confirmed that it's almost identical to the current Switch in design, with some key differences. While there may yet be a signifying gimmick that we're currently unaware of, having a lineup of stand-out first-party games, with interactive experiences exclusive to the coming generation could help further set it apart from its predecessor.

The handheld market has also changed dramatically in the eight years since the original Switch launched. It had the benefit of being unique for its time, as hybrid console handhelds weren't as commonplace as they are today. Now, there's a myriad of PC gaming handhelds, from the Steam Deck OLED to the Asus ROG Ally, which can be played portably or connected to a gaming monitor or smart TV. Other than Nintendo's exclusive games, establishing brand-new peripherals unique to the Switch 2 would help further separate it from the growing handheld market.

It's worked well for Nintendo in the past. The NES introduced the world to R.O.B the robot and even my mom still associates the console with using the NES Zapper to shoot down ducks in Duck Hunt in the 80s. It's been 19 years since the Nintendo Wii launched, and even with its iconic lineup of games, I still have old friends recounting memories of using the official Mario Kart Wheel with my Wiimote to race through Mario Kart Wii's Moo Moo Meadows.

Swinging a real-life Pokeball around to catch Pokemon, or using squats and sit-ups to attack monsters in an exercise-driven RPG brought back happy memories of Nintendo consoles of the past. From exhausting my body through non-stop sessions of Wii Bowling on the Nintendo Wii to getting the palms of my hands red raw from banging on the Donkey Kong Kongas, the accessories are integral to the Nintendo console experience.

The games will always be the main pull, of course. When I think 'Nintendo Switch' I don't just think Pokeball Plus. I think about my adventures with Mario and friends, and Link and the Princes in its many games the handheld bestowed upon me. But the long tradition of weird and wonderful accessories played a vital part in making some of those experiences cemented in my mind. I only hope this continues with the Nintendo Switch 2, and that come April, we have a future of bizarre but equally fun accessories to exhaust ourselves with.

Check our Nintendo Switch vs Nintendo Switch 2 guide to see how the current handheld matches up to its brand-new rival, or find out everything we already know about Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders.

For many of us, those sorts of price tags are simply unachievable if we want to, you know, eat and pay our bills on time. This is why I went shopping today to find some gaming PC deals that, while they aren't cheap, are still much more affordable and still give you up-to-date gaming specs. This Yeyian Tanto is showing excellent value at the moment, with a 13th Gen Intel processor and 16GB of DDR5 propping up an RTX 4070 Super GPU, and it's only $1,229.99 at Newegg. That's a Black Friday-level price for those kinds of specs.

Hear me out, but I really don't think the new 50 Series machines are going to make the best gaming PCs packing 40 Series GPUs feel as old as Nvidia wants you to think. I'll throw my hands up and say that tripling frame rates thanks to DLSS 4 is a massive win, but it's not like DLSS 3.5 doesn't already give you a lot of room to gallop. And the good news? 40 Series machines will probably start to drop in price more regularly as the new builds hog the limelight.

Should you buy an RTX 4070 gaming PC?

The RTX 4070, and in particular, the RTX 4070 Super, is the 40 Series sweet spot for me. It offers you so much versatility regardless of the resolution you're targeting, and it doesn't cost a fortune like the 4080 range, or even the 4070 Ti does. At 1440p and 1080p you're going to get huge frame rate numbers on your screen because this GPU was designed to kick those resolutions into overdrive. At 4K you're going to get playable frame rates organically, and a whole toolbox worth of DLSS abilities to kick those numbers up into the high figures - which I found in my review of the Maingear Zero Ruby.

The only caveat is that now that the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 is on the shelves, the next in line for launch is the RTX 5070, so the successor to this rig's card is waiting in the wings. At this point, is it worth buying a build housing a 4070, when improvements could be so close? In my opinion, it depends on what rig you have now. If you haven't upgraded for a few generations now, you're stuck in a lower-range 30 Series GPU, or you're buying your first gaming PC the RTX 4070 Super is going to give you enough of a boost that you won't feel cheated. If you're already on an RTX 4060, this might be one to hold off on.

Personally, I don't know if I buy into Nvidia's claims that the 5070 will give 4090 performance for a much lesser price, because it will depend on each game's DLSS support, and even then, is it really giving you an organic boost? AI upscaling's legitimacy is something for us to discuss at a later date, but it'll be up to you if you want to wait and buy the RTX 5070 instead. Either way, in my eyes, the 40 series is still very viable in 2025, and I expect them to continue getting great discounts in the coming months.

Looking to upgrade your gaming PC? Check out the best CPU for gaming, the best RAM for gaming, and the best computer speakers.

Even at only 34% off, its current discount makes it one of the best Nintendo Switch deals I've come across, and a cheaper alternative to the range of pastel-colored models available at full price. For $2 less than the rest of the Lite lineup, you can add one of the best-looking official Zelda handhelds to your collection. It's worth remembering that, as a Lite model, this is purely for the handheld-mode enjoyers. But its top-tier Zelda theming almost makes up for the usual Switch Lite shortcomings.

Should you buy a Nintendo Switch Lite over a Switch 2?

Recommending a Switch Lite while we're on the cusp of the release of the Nintendo Switch 2 may seem bizarre. But not everything wants, or needs the latest and great bit of tech out there - especially the upcoming Switch successor.

Yes, by grabbing a Switch 2 the second it's humanely possible (hurry up Nintendo, I beg) you'll be able to play whatever exclusive games come its way. But if you aren't fussed at playing games the day they release, there's still a ridiculous library of exclusive first-party releases on the Switch, and Switch Lite, to get through. Just at the tail end of last year, Nintendo released the aforementioned Echoes of Wisdom, and a new entry into the Mario & Luigi RPG series, Mario and Luigi Brothership.

Even one of my absolute favorite games released in the past eight years, Super Mario Jamboree, only hit the shelves in October last year. If someone like me, who got a Switch shortly after launch, is still getting their way through recent releases, then there's no shame in wanting to sit back and enjoy the existing Switch library on the Lite while everyone else prepares for the Switch 2.

Most importantly, this Switch Lite is one for the Zelda fans. If you're a hardcore Zelda nerd and have a collection of officially licensed handhelds, this would make another fine addition to your collection. I currently own the Tears of the Kingdom OLED Switch, but even I'm finding it hard to ignore this Hyrule Edition Switch Lite for its flashy Hyrulian crest design and gorgeous gold colorway.

As briefly mentioned earlier, the main caveat with even the Hyrule Edition Switch lite is of course that you can't dock this handheld. Unlike the original Switch and OLED iterations, this Switch is purely for handheld gaming fans. The gimmick of a hybrid handheld and console isn't on show here, and the Joy-Con controllers can't be removed for tabletop mode gaming either. That being said, if you prefer to purely play on the go, then that won't be an issue.

Check out our Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide to be kept up to date on the upcoming handheld if you'd prefer to grab the next best thing. If you aren't fussed about the new Ninty machine, pairing your Switch Lite with the best Nintendo Switch headsets, and best Nintendo Switch accessories will help fully unlock the potential of your handheld.

I've reviewed a lot of the best VR headsets, and having spent some time with smart glasses, I know what both are good for. Personally, I think fully-fledged VR devices are a bit more versatile and can offer you more. But I also appreciate that not everyone wants a bulky headset on their face during a train journey, and something a bit more subtle would suit them more.

But what's the difference? For those who are new to the market, it might be a bit hard to know which is which, especially since a lot of VR headsets these days are marketing themselves as mixed reality as much as they are fully immersive.

What are XR glasses?

XR glasses are a bit more minimalist than a typical headset. They tend to look like bulked-up sunglasses and their goal is to offer integrated display features into a wearable accessory. While technology is still catching up to Tony Stark's glasses in the Marvel movies, XR glasses today are designed to project a "big screen experience" into your environment so you can have a hands-free viewing session on a commute, a plane journey, or wherever you want to look like Norman Jayden using his ARI glasses in Heavy Rain.

Almost all of these need to be hooked up to another device in order to work, whether that's a simple USB tether to your phone, laptop, or one of Google's clever Pocket TVs. Some of them can connect to consoles, which can be useful for continuing to play games on a big screen if someone else in your household needs to use the TV.

XR Glasses use clever reflective display technology, so there's a tiny display hidden inside the bulky glasses frames which is then reflected like a teleprompter onto some smaller frames in front of your eyes. Others, like Meta's Orion glasses, are playing with projection and other forms of visual integration, but there are plenty of impressive ways for these glasses to look crystal clear.

What are VR headsets?

VR headsets come in a few shapes and sizes these days, but they tend to have a lot more computing power in them, and they aren't interested in trying to be a futuristic set of sunglasses. Devices like the Meta Quest 3 and Pico 4 Ultra cater to people who want spatial computing power, integrating digital workspaces into their environment. But these, and some other headsets, are designed to please the fully immersive gaming crowd too.

While XR glasses can only play flat-screen games projected from another device, VR headsets can play games with 360 degrees of immersion. That's why most headsets come with controllers too. Some headsets, like the Meta Quest 3S, are known as standalone, which means they use processing power within the headset to run these games natively, but you can also tether them to a gaming PC and play SteamVR games on them.

You should buy XR glasses if...

✅You want something portable

If your main goal is to make your daily commute a little more bearable or to catch up on some Netflix shows on your everyday journey, XR glasses might be the best way to do so. You'll be able to enjoy a darkened viewing space, free from the annoying small-screen experience. It also offers you a degree of privacy, because who doesn't hate that weird person sitting next to you watching your shows over your shoulder.

✅ You don't want fully immersive gaming

If you only want to tether to a phone or laptop, there's no point in splashing out on a more expensive headset. A simple set of smart glasses will do the trick for you.

✅ You want something for when a friend, partner, or roommate needs to use the TV

If you want to continue your gaming session while someone else uses the big-screen TV, XR glasses can save you from cutting your gaming session short. And what's even better is that thanks to your viewing experience being integrated into a set of futuristic sunglasses, you don't need to worry that your friends are going to give you jumpscares since you can still see what's happening in the room you're in. This isn't always the case in VR headsets, which can lead to some pretty funny viral videos.

Don't buy XR glasses if...

❌ You want premium sound quality

Although XR glasses have integrated speakers that aren't obtrusive to anyone around you thanks to clever "whisper" modes, these tiny speakers are not going to give you the audio experience of your dreams. If good audio quality is important to you, maybe look at a VR headset instead, or find a decent gaming headset that will fit over the top of your bulky glasses frames.

❌ You don't want to be tethered to another device

If you want to have standalone power in a set of smart glasses, your options are limited right now. The technology is still advancing, and short of going for Meta's fairly limited Ray Ban glasses that can take photos and let you talk to an AI assistant, we'll need to wait for things like Project Orion that plan to take things to Tony Stark levels.

You should buy a VR headset if...

✅ You want a gaming device

VR gaming is incredible, and right now the only technology that lets you play VR titles is a VR headset. I doubt we'll get to the point where small form factor glasses can play VR games in the next five years, if ever. So if you want something that can play games either in standalone mode or through your PC's power, go for a VR headset.

✅ You don't mind a bulkier object on your face

A VR headset with standalone processing power can do the same things XR glasses can do and more, the only compromise is that you'll need to come to terms with a bulkier object on your face. Luckily, there are ways to make things more comfortable, such as some of the best Meta Quest accessories.

✅ Your spatial computing ambitions are high

If you want more AR power than simply projecting a big screen into your surroundings, then a VR headset is what you need. Virtual Desktop can give you multiple displays integrated into your environment, and either Vision OS on the Apple Vision Pro, or Horizon OS on Meta Quest 3 will let you interact with different windows and aspects of your software as though they were really there.

Don't buy a VR headset if...

❌ You're on a tight budget

VR headsets have always been on the pricey side, and depending on the XR glasses you go for, they can sometimes work out more affordable. More affordable options do exist in the VR market these days, but the high-end options don't look to be slowing down, especially since Samsung's long-awaited headset looks like an Apple Vision Pro rival.

❌ You're worried about your data being spied on

Since the biggest standalone devices are owned by Meta and Pico (operated by ByteDance, the company behind TikTok), you don't have many choices when it comes to safeguarding your data from massive companies. These two corporations have come under fire for the way they harvest and utilize user data, so if this is a big concern for you, maybe look at something without any cameras on it.

Happy with your own reality for now? Check out the best gaming chairs, the best PC controllers, and the best computer speakers.

You'll find both the Dark Side of the Moon and Lunar Light models available for just $199.99 at Dell right now, a $30 discount over that launch rate. That's the first significant saving I've seen (a brief $5 discount on the white model at Amazon a few months ago is pretty easy to compete with). The sales price brings the Alienware Pro Wireless into direct competition with cheaper mid-range models that don't offer the same attention to tuning and ANC features.

The value in this offer is looking particularly strong. While the Razer BlackShark line will cost you a little less, for example, you're dropping that fantastic comfort, noise cancellation, and slick aesthetic. At $199.99, the Pro Wireless is punching above its weight in features and performance and that's a compelling case against even the best gaming headsets on the market.

Should you buy the Alienware Pro Wireless gaming headset?

I wasn't quite prepared for how much I would enjoy using the Alienware Pro Wireless. The brand's previous headsets always seemed a bit so-so, carrying a hefty brand-name tax and offering the same as everyone else. Active noise cancellation, a richly textured soundstage, and a particularly clean microphone tell a new story, though.

The slick design takes a defiant step away from the space-age aesthetics of previous releases (and the brand as a whole). Instead, this could well be a high-end Bose or Sony set of headphones at first glance. Those soft rounded corners force us to forget about the angular days of Alienware's past, instead painting a more serene picture alongside its soft-touch matte plastic cover.

I was particularly impressed with the level of comfort these cups provided, though. The cushioning feels softer than you'll find in the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (currently on sale for $179.99 at Amazon, was $199.99), while still providing an excellent noise isolation seal. I was able to wear these cushions for hours on end, the oval shape perfectly snapping around my ears but never asserting too much force, without feeling a single pinch.

I'd easily recommend the Alienware Pro Wireless to anyone looking for a particularly comfortable device, it comes only second to the Turtle Beach Atlas Air (with its unique mesh headband system) in this arena.

Audio performance across PC and PS5 is fantastic, while not quite as full-bodied as the more premium SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless it's still bouncy and shows plenty of detail across all ranges. The headset is better on PC, though, as that Dolby Atmos app truly pushes its lower ranges to their full potential. Annoyingly, this is a separate download to the Alienware Command Center. With only a USB-C wired connection, I wouldn't recommend it to Xbox players.

You're also getting ANC features (and a Transparency mode), a rare addition at this price point. The Nova Pro Wireless is one of the few other headsets with the tech packed in, and it comes in $120 more expensive at MSRP. That makes the Alienware Pro Wireless an easy recommendation for anyone who plays in a louder environment - aside from the noise cancellation itself there's particularly good natural sound isolation in these cups and the microphone benefits from both as well.

There's a but here, though. The Pro Wireless does have its shortcomings, and they're largely based in the productivity arena. The cups don't swivel, so placing them into a backpack can be a little spooky (there's no carry case included either). The headset has a sturdy design overall, but I still wouldn't recommend it to anyone taking their setup on the go regularly, especially considering pretty much every other model released these days offers a 180 degree rotation.

We're rounding up plenty more of the best wireless gaming headsets as well as the best PS5 headsets and best PC headsets for extra options.

I've been looking into where to buy the RTX 5090 since its announcement, and I'll be the first to admit that B&H Photo wasn't high up my list of retailers. Yet, that might be about to change, as it's one of the only stores that appears to have a pre-order plan in place for the best graphics card contender. Not only does it have a hearty number of custom GPUs listed, but each is tied to an email notification system that'll ping you when stock becomes available.

Yes, other retailers did have a similar RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 stock notification system up and running. But, many retailers have swapped out their pre-launch pages, meaning all that's left is vague breadcrumb trails of GPUs that might have been available for a split second but are now wearing out-of-stock signs.

It's worth noting that there's a good chance RTX 5000 stock will be replenished once the launch storm has settled. I'm also certain that your chances of buying an RTX 5080 will increase since more eyes will be on the flagship due to its beefy AI abilities. However, if you'd prefer to simply get an email once there are GPUs to buy, I'd go check out B&H's listings.

The idea here is that being in the right place at the right time is hard to pull off, and RTX 50-series stock might only re-emerge due to cancellations. There are players out there who will order or reserve a card in the heat of a launch, only to change their mind once the excitement has died down. That's your best chance to strike, and B&H Photo's notification system can serve as your battle signal.

Of course, if you're in the UK, the situation is a little different. Scan UK has pre-order listings for RTX 50-series cards live right now, which will save you from hanging about in buying limbo. You'll have to pay slightly above Nvidia's RTX 5090 MSRP seeing as the cheapest model available is a £2,099.99 Zotac version, but hey, that's not bad when you consider the price of some elaborate takes on the GPU.

Should you pre-order an RTX 50-series GPU?

The RTX 50-series stock situation is still unfolding, but jumping on pre-orders or even notifications is well worth doing. That's provided you actually need a next-gen GPU in the first place, as if you're looking to spend less and still revamp your rig, there are current-gen alternatives like the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super kicking around.

That said, the one thing I need you to do for me is make sure you don't pay over the odds. I'd advise against paying $1,000 for an RTX 4080 Super right now, for example, as my Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 review demonstrates you'll get better performance from its successor at the same price. At the same time, if you're willing to wait a little longer, you'll be able to buy an RTX 5070 this February that'll rival the RTX 4090 using AI abilities.

The main takeaway is this - buying a current-gen GPU during a next-gen launch is something I'd largely advise against. If you do have $1,000, or god forbid double that, burning a hole in your pocket and need a 4K gaming PC upgrade, you're better off pre-ordering an RTX 50-series GPU. If you've got a cheaper rig and simply need something that'll run new games with respectable frame rates, there's perhaps less need to stress about reservations and jumping on the Blackwell bandwagon right now, as you'll either be able to buy cheapie cards like the GeForce RTX 4060 or wait it out for the $549 RTX 5070.

Looking for more components? Swing by the best gaming CPU and best RAM for gaming for more rig upgrades. Alternatively, check out the best Alienware gaming PC if you want an out-of-this-world system that's ready to go.

That’s what a projector’s throw ratio tells you - how much space you’ll need to achieve a desired image size. Put simply, it’s a calculation of distance (how much space you have between your screen and the lens) and width (the horizontal size of your image), all measured in feet. In a spec sheet, this will be represented as a range set against a ratio of 1.

For example, the XGIMI Horizon Ultra has a throw ratio of 1.2-1.5:1. That means that for every 1ft of screen width, you’ll need 1.2-1.5ft of distance between the screen and the lens. To find the right projector for your space, you’ll need to know how much space you have to play with and how big you want your screen to be.

Throw Ratio = Distance / Width

Using this calculation will provide you with a number that you can match against projector specs to make sure you’re getting the right lens. It’s important to note, however, that this ‘width’ figure is measured in feet as well as everything else. That means we need to do a few conversions, as screen sizes are usually measured both diagonally and in inches. You’ll need to find the actual width of your desired screen size (a 120-inch diagonal screen has a width of 105 inches when set at its most common 16:9 dimension) and then convert it to feet (105 inches is 8.75ft).

If you have a distance of 12 feet between the spot you’d like to place your projector and your screen, and you know you want a 120-inch display, then dividing the distance by the width will give you your optimum projector throw ratio.

12 / 8.75 = 1.3

That means any projector with a throw ratio that encompasses 1.3:1 will be suitable for your needs. The Horizon Ultra above has a throw ratio of 1.2-1.5, and so will be compatible.

Like all equations, this goes both ways as well. You can use the calculation to work out how big your picture will be with a projector of a certain ratio, or how much space you need for your desired screen size using a projector you already have your eye on. Just use Distance = Throw Ratio X Width for the former and Width = Distance x Throw Ratio for the latter.

Using the optimal throw ratio for your projector will keep your picture focused and free from distortion, while being positioned to give you the biggest picture possible. Most projectors offer a throw ratio of between 1.2 and 2.0:1, but if you’re working with a smaller space it’s worth exploring short-throw options.

These projectors have throw ratios that often drop below 1, like the BenQ X300G which carries a range of between 0.69 - 0.83:1. These models can project at much closer distances, so you’ll be able to get a 120-inch screen with just 6ft of distance between the screen and the lens (0.69 x 8.75 = 6).

We’re rounding up all the best 4K projectors to fit any space, as well as the best PS5 projectors for more of a console focus. Or, if you’re taking this show on the road, check out the best portable projectors on the market.

Kicking things off is Maingear, who have added the RTX 5080 and RTX 5090 to their best gaming PC offerings. You can choose to customize the brand's MG-1, North, Shroud, Shroud Signature Edition, Rush, Force, and Zero ranges. Maingear isn't offering set configurations, but if you're interested in one of its premium, hand-crafted builds, you can build your own.

Then we have some set configs from iBUYPOWER, CyberPowerPC, and other smaller brands at Newegg. One of my favorite high-end gaming PCs over the Black Friday period was the ABS Kaze Ruby, which is now on offer for $2,699.99 at Newegg, and contains the RTC 5080.

We'll be updating this page with more RTX 50-Series gaming PCs as we find them. As you can imagine, the stock is going fairly quickly, so if you're interested in grabbing a brand new prebuilt gaming PC, act as quickly as possible.

RTX 50-Series gaming PCs at Newegg

Newegg's launched quite a few RTX 50 Series machines, a lot of which are made by iBUYPOWER. In the full Newegg range, you also have the option to pre-order some configurations, as well as buy your new GPU separately. Stock is going quickly here, so act fast!

RTX 50-Series gaming PCs at Best Buy

All the RTX 50 series gaming PCs available at Best Buy seem to be "coming soon" options, but we can still spy a few configurations you should keep your eyes peeled for when they become available for pre-order. CyberPower seems to be ruling the roost here, although an option from Skytech might be appealing to those waiting for the RTX 5070.

RTX 50 Series gaming PCs at Dell

Should you buy an RTX 50 Series Gaming PC?

Since the only 50 Series Nvidia GPUs out in the wild right now are the two most powerful options, the PCs above aren't going to be for everyone. The RTX 5090 is, by all accounts, ludicrously powerful, and we found that the same is true of the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 Founders Edition in our review.

My colleague and fellow hardware editor Phil said "The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 Founders Edition pulls off tremendous 4K frame rates thanks to its new DLSS 4 abilities, and it’s one of the nicest-looking graphics cards I’ve tested yet. Native performance isn’t revolutionary compared to the RTX 4080 Super, but you’re still getting a good generational uplift with this 80-class Blackwell card that helps justify its $1,000 price tag."

It goes without saying, but you should only really be trying to buy these GPUs if you're in need of massive 4K gaming performance uplifts right now. DLSS 4 has monumental AI upscaling power, offering massive gains for 4K gaming tasks. But remember that a lot of 4K displays tap out at 144Hz, so even with these incredible new upscaling features in the latest graphics cards, you're going to struggle to make the most of them depending on your setup.

The RTX 40 series cards are still very viable, even if they now feel older because the new generation has arrived. Moreover, AMD cards like the AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX, or even the more affordable AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT offer very capable 4K frame rates, and they'll certainly see cheaper prices now they have newer competition to deal with.

The thing that may attract you to new-gen 50 Series gaming PCs is probably the other components you get alongside them. Upwards of 32GB of DDR5, more than 2TB of SSD storage, and brand new CPUs like the AMD Ryzen 9 9900X are all going to supercharge your system for years to come. But keep in mind that only enthusiasts really need them. CPUs, in particular, have come a long way in the last few years, meaning that a Ryzen 5 or an Intel Core i5 will be enough for most players to enjoy 4K gaming and content creation.

Still, as a hardware nerd, I can't blame anyone who wants to splash out for the latest and greatest kit. Just keep in mind that all of it will get a lot more affordable in the next year or two.

Want to know more about the best graphics cards? Also check out where to buy the RTX 5080, and match up that new-gen power with one of the best CPUs for gaming.

That’s not to say I’d avoid using DLSS 4 on the PNY RTX 5080 OC. Ditching the AI tools will simply result in you messing around with settings to boost fps when playing at 4K. However, not every game benefits from the green team’s Frame Generation magic, and in the instances where you’re relying on native performance, overclocked GPUs can pull harder punches in the best graphics card ring.

Even though the PNY RTX 5080’s factory overclock ultimately only inches a few frames higher than the Founders Edition, having the freedom to boost clock speeds further can make all the difference. That said, I do have reservations about how useful overclocking is in relation to AI-boosted performance, not to mention the extra cooling required comes with size caveats.

Specs

Just like the Founders Edition model, the PNY RTX 5080 OC is packing a Blackwell GB203 armed with 10,752 CUDA cores, 336 tensor cores, and 84 ray tracing cores. The uplift compared to the RTX 4080 Super is admittedly modest, and that does mean native performance is closer to the Lovelace model than some players may have expected. Perhaps that’s more a commentary on the fact the last generation already packed an unprecedented punch, but new DLSS abilities ultimately change that narrative.

Of course, when it comes to models like the PNY RTX 5080 OC specifically, the conversation ends up revolving around clock speeds. This version comes with a factory overclock that ramps up its boost clock from 2,617 MHz to 2,780 MHz, which theoretically should help you boost fps a bit further compared to the Founders Edition or other vanilla cards. That’s certainly the case when it comes to native performance, but I’ll get onto how that mixes with new Frame Generation tricks when chatting performance.

Virtually everything else specs-wise about the PNY RTX 5080 OC lines up with the Founders Edition, including its 16GB GDDR7 VRAM, 360W TDP, and 256-bit memory bus. Just in case it isn’t clear, custom versions like this are meant to be slightly souped-up options rather than a completely different model, and while there are performance benefits to using a card designed for overclocking, your out-of-the-box results shouldn’t be worlds apart from other models.

Design

Just when I thought we were done with huge graphics cards, the PNY RTX 5080 came along and shattered my two-slot dreams. That’s not to say I expected this factory overclock card to match the Founders Edition on slenderness, but I don’t think I was quite expecting something the same size as many custom GeForce RTX 4090 cards from a few years ago. Simply put, this card is one of the largest versions you’ll find this generation, and that might be a good or a bad thing depending on your PC case space.

Keep in mind that the PNY RTX 5080 is a triple fan graphics card, and that naturally makes it more of a chonk. Enhanced cooling is pretty much vital when it comes to overclocked GPUs, not to mention it’ll suit some of you who’ve always used a card with this kind of cooling setup. While some of you will be quite happy to whack a new component into your rig regardless of its design, some systems are laid out with a three-fan shroud in mind, and sticking with that means airflow should remain the same.

As for aesthetics, the PNY RTX 5080 keeps things pretty corporate with no RGB and a black shroud highlighted by logo text. Despite its enormous stature, this card should blend in with your existing system pretty well, and even the little GPU support bracket/screwdriver hybrid included with the package is fairly inconspicuous. Just keep in mind that if you’re upgrading from something older than Nvidia’s 30-series, the size of this GeForce card could catch you off guard and interfere with your PCIe component space.

In line with every Nvidia graphics card from the last generation, the PNY RTX 5080 uses a 12-pin power connector. Unlike the Founders Edition, the socket isn’t angled, but it is recessed within the shroud a little to combat any bulky cabling issues preventing your case door from closing. The design choice means extruding wires will partially occupy the same footprint as the GPU itself, and it’s a better solution than simply having them aggressively extend outwards from the card. That said, I did find it tricky to get my fat thumbs around the dongle to remove it, which feels like it could spark future frustration if the need to remove it crops up.

Features

Both the RTX 5080 and its flagship RTX 5090 rely on Nvidia’s new DLSS 4 as a standout feature. The PNY RTX 5080 is no different in that it uses revamped versions of AI Super Sampling and Multi-Frame Generation alongside enhanced ray tracing techniques to boost performance and fidelity. Access to those tricks is dependent on whether developers add support, but with many PC games are releasing with the settings built-in by default, playing with AI enhancements switched on is slowly becoming a standard.

That said, overclocked cards like the PNY RTX 5080 are designed to give you ways to boost fps without AI shackles. You won’t even have to immediately play around with boost clock speeds yourself seeing as this model comes with that aforementioned factory overclock, but you’ll then be able to tweak things further using PNY’s Velocity X software. The app itself is fairly straightforward and keeps things simple with small menus for clock speed sliders, fan temperature curve customization, and pre-set buttons. It’s pretty much the same app that’s been around since the RTX 3090 but still offers a simple way to experiment with overclocking while striking a balance between frame rate boosts and thermals.

Speaking of software, the PNY RTX 5080 also uses the new Nvidia App as a base station for driver settings and access to the GPU’s other features. You’ll be able to access many of the options previously concealed within the GPU marker’s older Control Panel hub, optimize game settings in a central place, and tap into creative tools like Nvidia Broadcast for streaming. It’s certainly an improvement over the old Nvidia GeForce Experience app, and while it’s compatible with GPUs outside of the 50-series, it’ll still help you better access your expensive new GPU’s tricks.

Performance

Pitting the PNY RTX 5080 against the Founders Edition GPU feels less like a boxing match and more like shadowboxing. That’s hardly surprising since we’re effectively talking about the same graphics card, only the PNY version is wearing a thicker set of armor and has perhaps chugged five espressos before swinging into action. What I’m saying is that I did see slightly higher frame rates thanks to the factory overclock in some instances during testing, but I otherwise felt like I was using the same graphics card.

Let’s chat native performance first, as the PNY RTX 5080 did inch higher than the Founders Edition in Cyberpunk 2077, pulling off a 74fps average with 4K ultra settings enabled. Sure, a 3fps difference isn’t anything to get that excited about, but it does prove that even slightly boosted clock speeds can help claw back some frames. Hitman 3 ended up in the same boat, hitting 166fps rather than 164fps at base clock speeds.

Hardly exciting, right? Well, keep in mind this is out-of-the-box performance, so overclocking the card further could help you inch ever higher up the frame rate ladder. What I will say is that in Total War: Warhammer 3, I was able to squeeze 91fps at 4K out of the card compared to 87fps using the stock card. That’s around 4.6% of an increase, and if that sort of benefit applies to future games hovering around 60fps, that could come in clutch.

If I’ve learned one thing from benchmarking the PNY RTX 5080 and Founders Edition in the same week, it’s that boost clock increases become less valuable with DLSS 4 enabled. That makes sense seeing as Multi-Frame Generation will take the GPU’s generated visuals and effectively fill in the gaps, meaning the minor frame gains are mixed in with AI-generated fps.

Don’t get me wrong, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The fact we’re at a stage where playing around with settings and tweaking clock speeds to churn out a few extra frames is pretty nice. If you find that sort of thing fun, you’ll likely disagree, but I’d honestly take being able to ramp up fps from 66fps to 309fps in Dragon Age: The Veilguard using DLSS 4 than sinking time into tweaking individual settings to inch a few frames higher.

I’m not saying everyone should start using DLSS 4 without question, and I’ll be looking closely at the pros and cons of this frankly revolutionary tech over the next few months. What I will say is that Nvidia is pretty on the ball with coming up with solutions for its own problems, implementing a new Transformer AI model to help combat artifacts and any shenanigans caused by upscaling. As I already touched on in my Founders Edition rundown, I wasn’t able to sniff out many visual hiccups playing the likes of Cyberpunk 2077 and Dragon Age: The Veilguard, and I’m already seeing an impressive improvement compared to the early days of DLSS 2 and original techniques.

It’s also worth noting that in some scenarios, latency could become a bit of an issue, even if tools like Nvidia Reflex seem to be offsetting any of those caveats at the moment. Put it this way, I’ve spent a nice chunk of time this week playing Marvel Rivals at 4K with Multi-Frame Generation switched on and didn’t catch onto any delayed inputs, even though I managed to kick things up from 70fps to 312fps.

Frame rates aside, I was admittedly more interested in the PNY RTX 5080’s cooling abilities and whether opting for a massive tri-cooler shroud is beneficial. The answer is a resounding yes, as the highest temperature I managed to get out of this card was around 64°C. I’m not saying that puts the Founders Edition’s efforts to shame, as you’re still talking about results sitting mostly in the sixties. But, the fact that I got away with playing Cyberpunk 2077 in RT Overdrive mode while the card happily burred away at sometimes 59°C is mighty impressive.

Before you ask, no, the PNY RTX 5080 doesn’t make a racket to achieve those temperatures. The cooling system ended up providing a similar gentle hum to Nvidia’s own design, but your mileage may vary based on your choice of case and setup. Just know that you aren’t going to hear the card’s cooling efforts under normal circumstances, and it helps justify the model’s egregious size.

Should you buy the PNY RTX 5080 OC?

Just like the Founders Edition, the PNY RTX 5080 OC pulls off phenomenal 4K frame rates using DLSS 4 and Multi-Frame Generation. If you do opt for this factory overclocked card, you will also see further games in native performance, which could please some of you out there with an aversion to AI tools. The fact it’s larger than Nvidia’s stock card is a drawback worth keeping in mind, but it does come with noticeable cooling benefits that will help make further boost clock tweaks more of a reality.

Those of you looking to buy an RTX 5080 might not have a choice between a vanilla card and something like the PNY RTX 5080 OC. If that ends up being the case for you specifically, just know that PNY’s model is a custom option I can comfortably recommend despite its size and higher MSRP. Ultimately, an overclocked card like this is going to be that bit more futureproof compared to a model with limited room for boosts, so you can attribute any extra investment to that.

How I tested the PNY RTX 5080 OC

Over the course of a week, I tested the PNY RTX 5080 OC side by side with the Founders Edition model while comparing both graphics cards in terms of design and performance, During that time, I used a set collection of benchmark games including Cyberpunk 2077, Hitman 3, Total War: Warhammer 3, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, and Marvel Rivals and collated average frame rates for both cards. In turn, this enabled me to directly compare the overclocked PNY card to Nvidia's Founders Edition to check for performance benefits.

For more on how we test graphics cards and other components, take a look at our full GamesRadar+ Hardware policy.

Looking to pick up a next-gen GPU? Check out where to buy the RTX 5090 and where to buy the RTX 5070. Alternatively, swing by the best Alienware gaming PCs if you want an out-of-this-world rig that’s ready to go.

This is the brand’s attempt at a high-end spot on the best gaming chair ladder. I’ve already placed its excellent TC100 Relaxed on our leaderboard as the best budget option, so going into testing the premium alternative, I had some expectations. For a flagship chair, I’m delighted to note that Corsair has managed to avoid the ludicrously high price lines other brands lean into. This may be a gaming chair for people who own many leather-bound books, but at $500/£500, this really is one of the best value finds in 2025.

I’ll be upfront and say that I actually love this chair, so much so that it’s replacing the now discontinued Boulies Ninja Pro as my mainstay I’ll keep around for when I’m not testing something new. Unfortunately, though, it has a massive, inescapable issue that nearly spoils the whole experience. Whether or not it’s a deal breaker for you, I’m not sure.

Assembly

Of all the gaming chairs I’ve tested, the Corsair TC100 Relaxed had the most minimalist approach to assembly instructions. There were no included leaflets or a Secretlab-esque placard with handy diagrams. The only help you get in building it is going to Corsair’s website and finding instructions for an older chair model with a similar assembly process.

With the TC500 Luxe, there is a similar lack of instructions but Corsair’s YouTube channels have some helpful instructional videos that go through how to assemble it. Fortunately, there was nothing too confusing about the process and, like the Secretlab Titan Evo NanoGen, the armrests come pre-attached, meaning there’s one less step between unboxing and sitting.

It was during this assembly process that the first moment of foreboding hit me. In the video above, the voiceover clearly says “the width of the armrests can be adjusted by partially loosening the screws”. Having been particularly excited about this chair, I had read some other reviews of it, which I don’t usually do.

The consensus on this seat was that it’s excellent, but for some reason, its armrests are set far too widely apart. To mitigate that issue, I thought, I’d move the armrests of mine during assembly to as narrow as they can go. When I got to that stage of the build though, they were already in their narrowest setting. “What are the other reviews complaining about then?” I thought.

I had far too little faith in my fellow gaming chair critics.

Design

The thing that immediately stands out about this chair on a first look is its hex-pattern cushioning, which gives it that antique, classy feel so many gaming chairs lack. Like the Boulies Master Series, it looks like something that’d be just at home in a remote worker’s professional video call as it does an RGB-filled gaming livestream.

It has a wide seat base with a generous lip on its front, inviting plenty of viable sitting positions. It has rounded shoulders that remind me of a Razer Iskur X, and the integrated lumbar support and magnetic head cushion made famous by brands like Secretlab and DXRacer.

The result is a very attractive gaming chair that’s up there with the Fractal Refine in terms of its style, and tying its aesthetics together is its marvelous choice of upholstery, which sits somewhere between suede and leather. It’s not quite either and, in truth, it might be my new favorite material for any gaming chair. It’s breathable, but it still feels as premium as the highest-end leather options. It’s also nice and plush, adding a velvety surface to a chair that isn’t as firm as Secretlab, but isn’t quite as comfort-aimed as the Boulies Ninja Pro.

The TC500 Luxe is available in three colors, with each sporting the same black wheelbase, armrests, and casters. Frost is a creamy white color, which looks surprisingly nice for a white gaming chair (these often tend to look very bold and a bit “extra”), but I can’t help but feel a slightly different color of wheelbase would really complement this model a bit more. Shadow is a sort of graphite-grey color which is perfect for anyone wanting something more muted. The version Corsair sent me is the Sherwood variant, which has this alluring mossy green look to it and sits beautifully against my walnut-textured desk. I usually advocate for more color choices with gaming chairs, but I think these hues offer a perfect set of variables for the classy feel the Luxe is going for. I’m not sure the same effect would be achieved with a blue colorway - and this certainly isn’t something I’d like to see making a play for our best pink gaming chair list.

Features

Supporting the TC500 Luxe is a solid steel inner frame. I have to say, I’m really impressed with the build quality it brings because unlike 90% of gaming chairs today, I’ve heard no creaks or squeaks coming from it after a month of testing. All the while, it doesn’t have the Secretlab problem of that great build quality potentially contributing to a really firm sitting experience.

All the usual adjustment features are here, with a reclining backrest that tilts from 90° to 160°. You can also adjust the height and backward lean, and that aforementioned 4-way lumbar support does a lot to support your lower back. The magnetic neck pillow is the best I’ve ever tested in a gaming chair. Somehow, it’s managed to out-plush Boulies and Secretlab with memory foam that feels affectionately soft and eases back into its plump shape right after taking your head off it. I found it easy to slide around depending on my sitting position too, so Corsair has provided a large magnetic surface area for it.

One of the standout features of this chair is that it has an innovative set of Omniflex armrests. These are mounted in their center, the same as most gaming chair armrests are, but they have a unique fold in them that means when you press your weight into them, they have some give, coiling down and putting less stress on your elbows and shoulders. This is, quite honestly, ingenious, and does make a big difference to comfort when leaning on them for hours at a time. I don’t get the occasional trapped nerve or a numb feeling in my elbows like I do with other chairs, and I hope this is a design that’s adopted by other manufacturers.

These armrests are meant to be 4D, but I was sad to learn that wasn’t really the case. They can move up and down, they can rotate up to 215°, they can click back and forward in the same annoying way the Fractal Refine ones do. But they’re missing a vital side-to-side movement.

Herein lies the single biggest problem with the Corsair TC500 Luxe. Other reviewers were right, the armrests of this chair are needlessly far apart. And the worst bit is that a simple sliding hinge that slides them across laterally is all it would take to alleviate this issue, potentially even bolstering this to my new top gaming chair.

Performance

Armrests are often overlooked when you’re shopping for a chair. The main draw is the ergonomics, the comfort, the shape, and size. But armrests are a massive contributor to a healthy sitting position. Because the TC500 Luxe’s armrests are set too wide, even at their narrowest, they actually detract from the posture support this excellent gaming chair gives you. If you sit up with a dignified posture, so you feel a stretch up your spine, and then move your elbows further apart, your chest will sink down as a result, creating an unhealthy slouching position in your upper back.

I often carry stress and tension in my shoulders and traps, and throughout months of testing other seats with armrests that sit straight with my body’s natural sitting position, I’ve not been feeling that of late. Within a week or two of testing the TC500 Luxe, I was feeling that all-too-familiar knot in my right shoulder.

Luckily, the saving grace is that you can rotate the armrests around somewhat, meaning that you will be able to find a more natural sitting position when gaming, but your forearms will poke off of them, never getting their full benefit. It’s also the straw that breaks the camel’s back when you’re using the armrests to stand up and they click out of the one position you found them comfortable in.

I’ve heard of some Redditors and other early adopters drilling holes in their seatbases to move the armrests in further, but this isn’t something you should have to do when spending $500 on a gaming chair from a well-known brand, and I can’t really wrap my head around why the armrest’s most narrow setting is like the widest setting on any other chair. I love that the seatbase is wide because it allows me to either cross one leg under the other, or cross both legs while sitting on it. But that wouldn’t be hampered by armrests that could slide further in.

Other reviewers have said this is quite a firm seat, but as someone who finds the Secretlab options far too firm, I’m not sure I agree on that point. For me, this is akin to the Corsair TC100 Relaxed in that it provides a really great blend of comfort and firmness. Not every chair gets that right, and I applaud Corsair for making something that I can sit in comfortably for long hours. I do still get a numb bum if I stay in a position too long, but it takes a lot longer to pang me than when I’m sitting in a Secretlab Titan Evo.

Should you buy the Corsair TC500 Luxe?

It’d be easy to read my thoughts on Corsair’s armrests and think they’re a dealbreaker. For me, they’re not, but if I had paid for a $500 chair and been met with armrest designs that make little to no sense for a wide range of body types, I certainly wouldn’t be happy.

Fortunately, there’s enough about the Corsair TC500 Luxe that I’m really fond of, so I wouldn’t call the wide armrests a dealbreaker. The premium looks, feel, and a great blend of comfort and firmness add up to a fantastic chair that is competitively priced compared to a lot of high-end options.

And for all its armrest woes, there is some ingenuity at play thanks to Corsair’s omniflex design. This is a chair that stands out for so many reasons, and it’s one I’d easily recommend. I’d just be sending a message to those DIY fixers on Reddit to ask them how I should drill new holes into the seat base.

How I tested the Corsair TC500 Luxe

I parked myself in Corsair’s high-end gaming chair for around a month before this review was written. I assembled it myself in around 20-30 minutes, and didn’t find it too heavy to lift around on my own. I sat in this chair for long hours for remote working during the day, gaming during the evening, and content creation at my desk in my spare time too.

I compared my experience closely with the Corsair TC100 Relaxed since it’s made by the same manufacturer, and with other premium options on the market like the Secretlab Titan Evo, Fractal Refine, and Boulies chairs.

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

Looking to upgrade your gaming space in 2025? Check out the best console gaming chairs, the best gaming desks, and the best VR headsets.

These brands produce some of the best gaming headsets on the market, and Alienware is finally starting to tread on their toes. The Alienware Pro Wireless headset sits in the upper mid-range of the market, at $229.99 / £221.99 it’s a good deal cheaper than the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless and Astro A50 X that dominate the top shelves. And yet it’s considerably more expensive than the majority of mid-range options, territory of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5, Razer BlackShark V2 Hyperspeed, and Turtle Beach Atlas Air.

The Alienware Pro Wireless takes some strong steps to distance itself from these cheaper alternatives. Active noise cancellation, a super comfortable set of cups, and a wider 20Hz - 40kHz frequency range makes for a compelling feature set. I’ve spent the last three months using the latest Alienware cups to see where they sit among the best wireless headsets on the market.

Design

If you thought Alienware only dealt with fantastical designs you can think again. The Pro Wireless is muted compared to the aesthetics of previous releases, with a slimline, low profile design complimented by a soft-touch matte plastic cover and soft, rounded corners. That’s in direct opposition to the chunky, angular frames of yore, and one I prefer for more versatile use. From looks alone, this headset can easily join you through work, commuting, and everyday activities - the detachable microphone might be a pain to keep track of, but without it this looks like any other high-end set of headphones.

The Alienware logo stamped on each side might give you away to fellow gamers in the know, but it’s in-keeping with the style of the headset as a whole, subtle and classy.

That logo sits on the side of each oval-shaped earcup, on a slightly extended section of the can itself. Designers may have been tempted to slip back into old habits with this ledge, but its smooth rounded corners keep those angles toned down and instead creates a more dynamic visual effect that keeps the gentle curves of the wider design.

On the inside of those cups are perhaps the most comfortable cup cushions I’ve ever experienced. The Turtle Beach Atlas Air holds onto the top spot overall in this category, but if I could combine that headset’s floating mesh headband with these memory foam leatherette pads I’d be a very happy player indeed. The contours of the cushions sit perfectly around my ears, never encroaching on the tip or lobe, and provide a tight enough fit to feel secure while never clamping down particularly hard. It’s as close to a perfect balance I’ve ever felt, and despite this material being known for its warmer qualities I never overheated during longer sessions.

That’s surprising, because the actual amount of padding in here isn’t too substantial. You’ll find much chunkier cushioning on the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless and Nova 5 models - but the difference is this memory foam is much more pliable. That means it sits against the side of the head a little easier, bending to whichever shape it needs to be with less resistance behind it.

At 315g, the Alienware Pro Wireless isn’t the lightest headset on the market, or even in my comparison pool. It’s heavier than the Arctis Nova 5, Razer BlackShark V2 Hyperspeed, and Turtle Beach Atlas Air, but brushes just under the 363g weight of the Astro A50 X and 339g Nova Pro Wireless. It’s in the middle of the pack, but still manages to eek towards the top for comfort. While the headband could benefit from a little more padding, it’s easy to adjust and still proves more tolerable than the Asus ROG Delta II.

The Alienware Pro Wireless comes in both black and white (Dark Side of the Moon and Lunar Light if you’re Dell), with an all-plastic construction save for the aluminum headband. I love the finish on this plastic, though - this is far from your average cheap headset material. Most high-end headsets still keep a plastic frame, it’s lighter and more pliable than a slightly sturdier material, but it’s nice to see the Pro Wireless taking steps to feel as premium as its price tag suggests. I much prefer it to the shiny exterior of the Astro A50 X.

The build is solid underneath that coating as well. The headband can withstand a good amount of flexing without creaking and the cushions are pinned to the side of the cups without a single crinkle. That’s one of the bigger benefits over a cheaper headset like the Razer BlackShark V2 Hyperspeed, which - straight out of the box - presented with some joinery issues around the cups. However, I find the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless to be just as flexible (and more) in their durability.

Everything’s looking good for the design of the Alienware Pro Wireless, then, which is why I was so disappointed with one minor design decision. These cups don’t swivel - at all. For a headset that wants to be taken on the road that feels like a major oversight. I usually put my headsets in a backpack with their cups at a full 180 degree angle to keep everything safe (and preferably in a case, which Alienware doesn’t provide either). Without that flexibility it feels a little too risky to keep the Pro Wireless with me wherever I am. It also means the cups don’t sit well when worn around the neck and don’t shape themselves around the side of your head as much. While it ultimately creates a more durable strut design, pretty much every other headset I’ve tested in the last three years has been able to swivel and they’re all still going in my roster.

Features

There are a couple of features in here that you won’t find in too many other gaming headsets. Active noise cancellation, for example, is a particularly rare offering. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is the only other device in my testing pool that carries the feature, and it does so at a much higher price point.

It’s a solid system that works wonders under light and moderate sound loads, though louder, particularly high-frequency noises can still sometimes catch it out. It’s as good as I’ve heard it on the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, though. As with many ANC headphones, there is a faint hum to the overall sound profile, so I’d only recommend using it when you really need to. I can say that fairly easily, though, because even without that extra grunt these cups are particularly impressive in their sound isolation. I can’t hear my own keyboard clacking away as I type this and listen to some chilled lo-fi, and ANC is firmly off.

ANC is easily controlled via a small button on the left cup, where it’s joined by the volume dial and mic mute button. On the right, you’ll find power and connection switches distributed a sensible distance from each other. There’s no chat mix or sidetone controls available on the headset itself, but I do appreciate the simplicity of these controls - especially compared to headsets that load one on top of another.

As is to be expected at this price point (though many headsets still get away with not offering it), the Alienware Pro Wireless supports both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connections. You can also connect via the included cable, though note this is a USB-C affair (with a USB-A adapter should you need it) - that means it’s not a particularly console-friendly fallback option. Xbox players need not apply, this is a PC / PlayStation / Nintendo Switch only device.

The included microphone is detachable, which means you won’t have to worry about it when you’re out and about. In previous years that would have been a benefit, but now that SteelSeries and the Razer Kraken V4 have started hiding their mics in retractable pockets it feels a little outdated.

While you’re home, though, that boom mic is one of the Alienware Pro Wireless’s biggest assets. Voice recordings and in-game chat is crystal clear, textured, and robust - in a manner that’s only comparable to the fantastic super wideband mic on the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro. That’s also complimented by ANC noise canceling working to keep your background noise firmly away from your recording space. This also works well, keeping keyboard and mouse clicks out of chat while also taking on larger background noises.

Battery life officially clocks in at 75 hours on Bluetooth without ANC, only dropping to 70 hours over 2.4GHz. That’s a solid runtime that easily beats cheaper options from SteelSeries and Razer, though both the Nova Pro Wireless and Astro A50 X have their own battery workarounds via charging cradles and hot-swappable batteries. You could argue that the Alienware Pro Wireless has its own trick up its sleeve with its 15 minute fast charging, but it’s still behind more premium models in how it handles power overall.

I found that 70 hour rate to ring true during my own testing. During my full battery run (without ANC), I was able to keep the headset alive for around a week and a half, using the headset for music and gaming for between five and eight hours per day. Sporadically switching noise canceling on does drain that charge quicker - the Pro Wireless was dead after five days when using ANC for a couple of hours every now and then.

Everything is controlled via Dell’s Alienware Command Center software, but options in this program are limited. This where you can configure power settings including adjusting the sleep time, set the volume of the main cups and microphone, enable or disable ANC or toggle Transparency Mode, and download the Dolby Atmos software. It’s in this latter app that you’ll actually be tinkering with EQ and choosing different presets. That’s a frustrating split, it’s a small nitpick, but having to rely on two separate pieces of software to alter a $200+ headset’s EQ is disappointing. Most gaming brands host their own settings on their software directly, and Alienware is still catching up in this department.

Performance

Underneath those cushions you’ll find a set of 50mm graphene drivers, similar to those found in high-end sets like the Logitech G Pro X 2 and Corsair Virtuoso Pro. It’s a more stable material that allows for the oscillation of sound waves at higher frequencies to be more controlled, resulting in greater detailing and less distortion at high volumes. Alienware hasn’t implemented these drivers quite as well as other brands.

Unlike the Astro A50 X that benefits from all the above, Dell has tuned these headphones at such a high volume that even a sheet of graphene produces distortion in the upper ranges when pushed to its limit. As a result, I barely made it past 10% volume during my testing - anything much higher simply wasn’t comfortable to listen to and often produced screechy highs and murky lows, with a mid-range that seemed to be caught in the crossfire and lost as a result.

I can’t complain too much, though, with the volume at a reasonable level these things sound incredible. When the volume is kept under control, there’s a particularly energetic interplay between different ranges at work here, with fantastic balancing between them. A powerful low range can thrum up to deep, resonating pumps of bass while the top-end has plenty of space to include finer details as well. I needed to tweak a few settings before getting the most out of this soundstage, but once I upped the bass a little and levelled out the mid-range, music, movies, and games were represented with equally deft handling and plenty of texture.

Horizon Forbidden West is always a struggle for gaming headsets. The game features a particularly clustered mid-range, eeking slightly into a busy low-end with machine sounds. Placing myself squarely in the middle of some roaming beasts, I was impressed with the clarity in the lower-mids - though cranking the volume collapsed the soundstage as the headset started to spin out.

There’s a fantastic sense of atmosphere between these cups, though, proven in my testing across The Last of Us Part 2’s The Descent mission. This smaller soundstage provided a good opportunity for the Pro Wireless to show off its directional audio, but also its textural qualities. There’s enough space in the lower ranges for that looming sense of dread to pervade through this mission, with every lurking enemy’s groans and shuffles echoing between the ears beautifully.

That low end is well and truly put to the test in Doom Eternal. With Dolby Atmos on PC I did prefer my experience at my desktop in this game - being able to fine-tune the EQ for these metal-heavy runs is a must, and without these individual settings a lot of information was lost on PS5. The bass is slightly weaker by default, and the game didn’t pack the same punch as a result.

Directional imaging and accuracy is impressive, with a clear and distinct sense of placement and movement in both CS:2 and Apex Legends. Audio information isn’t quite as detailed as the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro in this regard, but it’s still impressive.

Should you buy the Alienware Pro Wireless?

The Alienware Pro Wireless occupies a tricky spot in the current headset market. It’s cheaper than the reigning premium champions but drops a few of those luxurious features, while being more expensive than the traditional mid-range and adding its own extras into the mix. This isn’t the only device in this spot - I’ve recently finished reviewing the Asus ROG Delta II at the same MSRP. It does, however, work much harder than others to justify its position. Active noise cancellation, a supremely comfortable cup design, fantastic sound performance, and a rich, vibrant microphone make this a must-see for anyone looking to splash a bit more cash than usual on an audio upgrade.

I’d primarily recommend the Alienware Pro Wireless to PC players over those on console. While its comfortable form factor could make it one of the best PS5 headsets in isolation, tweaks only available in Dolby Atmos, and the USB-C cable required for wired listening, mean PC players are going to see the biggest benefits. If you regularly swap between PC and PS5 you’re still going to have a great time here, with the added benefit of ANC and a more versatile form factor.

If you want more flexible microphone integration, the freedom of a hot-swappable battery (no more charging), and still excellent audio quality, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is still the better buy, and current sale prices tend to dip it down to around $279.99 at the moment anyway.

How I tested the Alienware Pro Wireless

I used the Alienware Pro Wireless over a period of three months, testing alongside the Asus ROG Delta II and SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds. During that time I spent one month exclusively using the Pro Wireless for all daily work and play, primarily running the headset across Ghostwire Tokyo (PS5, PC), Fallout 4 (PC), Assassin’s Creed Odyssey (PC), Indiana Jones and the Great Circle (PC), and Oxenfree 2 (PC). I also performed our usual tests across Horizon Forbidden West (PS5), The Last of Us Part 2 (PS5), Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales (PS5), Doom Eternal (PC, PS5), and both CS2 and Apex Legends (PC). For more information on how we test gaming headsets, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

We’re also rounding up all the best Xbox Series X headsets as well as the best Nintendo Switch headsets - or check out more of the best PC headsets on the market.

In an alternate timeline, I’d be poking fun at the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 and its $999 / £979 MSRP. There’s still part of me who thinks it’s absurd to pay anywhere near a grand for a GPU, but in a world where the flagship RTX 5090 costs the same as a half-decent used car, it’s now the going rate for the best graphics card options with solid 4K capabilities. Comparatively, the new Blackwell card is also pretty appealing compared to the OG RTX 4080 seeing as that card boldly stepped on stage wearing a bold $1,199 price tag.

The RTX 5080 reassures me that Nvidia has listened to PC gaming heckling over the past few years, and I’m glad we’re not seeing a repeat of the two-tier 4080 fiasco from last time. I firmly believe that 80-class cards are vital, and while I suspect more players will be looking to buy an RTX 5070 for price-related reasons, recommending the RTX 5080 to premium players isn’t going to torment my soul.

Specs

Armed with a new Blackwell GB203 GPU, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 benefits from the green team’s next-generation architecture. The chip is packing fifth-gen 336 tensor and 84 fourth-gen ray tracing cores - an uplift compared to the RTX 4080 Super’s third and fourth-gen ensemble. On the CUDA side of things, you’re getting 10,752 cores, which isn’t too far off the 10,240 included with last-gen 80-series Super cards.

As for memory, the RTX 5080 arrives with faster GDDR7 modules while sticking with 16GB VRAM. This leaves a rather large gap between the 32GB included with the flagship RTX 5090 and its 80-series counterpart, and I’m surprised the card didn’t aim to match the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 in terms of capacity. Whether you’d actually benefit right now from 24GB instead is another thing, but all it takes is a new PC release to munch more memory than it should to cause system requirement headaches.

The RTX 5080 features a 380W TDP - an increase of around 60W compared to the RTX 4080 Super. That shouldn’t be enough to cause too much power supply upset across the board, but it is worth taking note of if you’re already pushing your PSU to the limit. It’s also not as egregious as the jump from RTX 4090 to RTX 5090, as the new frontrunner guzzles a tremendous 575W.

Design

If you asked me what I thought the RTX 5080 Founders Edition would look like around a year ago, I’d have said it’d be the same size as a full-fat PS2. It’s safe to say I was overjoyed upon carefully lifting the graphics card out of its new eco-friendly prison, as it’s thinner than both the RTX 4080 Super and the OG card.

That’s right, two-slot GPUs are back, baby, and while the RTX 5090 uses the same shroud, it still feels like the right size for an 80-class card. Nvidia has completely won me over with the look of this card, as it looks incredibly slick compared to previous Founders Edition releases and the monstrous-looking custom cards haunting many rigs out there. From its new angled connector that gently steers its 12-pin power port off to the right to its minimized heatsinks, this card is a looker.

Now, I know what you’re thinking, surely the thermals are compromised as a result? Well, Nvidia has actually rejigged its internal design by ditching its previous approach. Traditionally, graphics cards feature a single PCB (printed circuit board), but the green team has separated things into three boards for the 50-series. By isolating the GPU and VRAM modules away from the PCIe connector and video out IO, the company has found a way to better supply the heatsinks with more intentional airflow rather than just having the fans blast air within and hope for the best.

Simply put, Nvidia has modernized its GPU design and conjured up something that’s both smaller and runs cooler. That in itself is praiseworthy, and I’m keen on how it’ll affect the graphics card scene at large. More importantly, it could bury the notion of massive GPUs being mandatory once and for all, and it’ll hopefully lead to future graphics cards getting even smaller.

There is still a 12-pin elephant in the room in regard to Nvidia’s power connector, and while I’ve acclimatized to using a dongle, it’s still a pain. The aforementioned angled connector helps somewhat in terms of case space, but you’ll still need to deal with intrusive wires at the forefront of your rig.

Features

Nvidia and AI are practically synonymous in 2025, so it’s hardly surprising that the tech is an RTX 5080 selling point. You could argue that tools like DLSS and Frame Generation are becoming a mandatory part of PC gaming seeing as the fps boost is extremely hard to ignore, and the green team’s 80-series card has me questioning whether the days of native graphics are numbered.

Not every game supports it, but just like the RTX 40 series, the RTX 5080 is armed with Frame Generation abilities. Only this time, Nvidia has stepped things up a notch with “Multi-Frame Generation,” an RTX 50-series exclusive trick that produces three frames for every single rendered frame. It’s not too dissimilar from the version included with DLSS 3.5, but rather than effectively doubling fps, the tech is boosting fps even further by predicting what’s coming next.

Rather than waiting for Multi-Frame Generation support to come to a bunch of PC games, it can be instead injected into virtual adventures with existing DLSS 3.5 support. That’s pretty neat seeing as there are already 75 romps out there compatible with the RTX feature, and new releases will likely land with support baked in throughout 2025.

There’s room for debate over whether frames dreamed up by AI are a legitimate performance boost. Frame Generation might feel like magic, but it’s not immune to occasional artifacts and visual weirdness, which act as a Matrix-style black cat moment. I’ll get into my specific experience with the RTX 5080 soon, but the tech in general has come a long way since the early days of DLSS upscaling, and I’m finding less reason to leave it off with every iteration.

Of course, DLSS 4 has more strings to its bow than Multi-Frame Generation, as it boasts all the same abilities as DLSS 3.5. Ray reconstruction, Super Resolution, and Deep Learning Anti Aliasing (DLAA) are all ready and waiting to spruce up your visuals and boost fps, while Nvidia Reflex support is waiting to kick latency issues to the curb.

Perhaps one of the biggest changes to DLSS in its fourth iteration applies to its AI model, as Nvidia is now using Transformer - the same architecture as Google Gemini and ChatGPT. No, that doesn’t mean your graphics card is now a chatbot, nor does it mean you’ll have any additional AI weirdness being injected into your games. Instead, the model improves fidelity through tackling temporal stability, ghosting, and quirks tied to motion. Simply put, you should see less visual shenanigans as a result of generated frames or upscaling.

It's well worth giving a nod to the new Nvidia App too, as the new hub has simplified access to all the green team's GPU settings and features. It pretty much performs the same duties as the old GeForce Experience kit, but provides a more user-friendly way to change visual settings rather than diving into Control Panel. It also serves as centralised place to mess with features like the Nvidia Overlay in addition to the card's AI-powered Broadcast streaming abilities and various other tools.

Performance

Testing the RTX 5080 was a bit of a surreal experience. Don’t get me wrong, I was expecting some modest performance increases compared to the RTX 4080 Super, but Nvidia DLSS 4 effectively poked fun at even my most demanding test scenarios with ridiculous frames during benchmarking. I'll be benchmarking even more games and adding the results to this review soon, but I've already got plenty of frame rates to share with DLSS on and off.

Regardless of your thoughts on AI tricks, it’s hard to argue against using DLSS 4 when it has the ability to pull off such stunts as running Cyberpunk 2077 at 4K with RT Overdrive setting enabled while still hitting 185fps. Effectively, the feature helps the RTX 5080 access path tracing without breaking much of a sweat - something that will even stress out the RTX 4090 armed with vanilla Frame Generation.

I admittedly wouldn’t recommend playing Cyberpunk 2077 on PC without some sort of DLSS assistance. While native performance usually isn’t an issue with ray tracing out of the equation, that all changes with the lighting setting switched on. What I’m trying to say is that while the RTX 5080 hitting just 35fps at 4K with ray tracing switched on looks bad, no one is going to be roaming around Night City without at least Super Sampling switched on. I mean, are you really going to pass up enjoying a 247fps average with Multi-Frame Generation enabled? I think not.

No, that’s not a typo, Multi-Frame Generation really does ramp up fps to triple digits with 4X enabled. You can scale things back to 3X or 2X if you want to stress out your GPU more, but you’re not going to necessarily see a visual difference. I struggled to find anything to grumble about in terms of artifacts while using DLSS 4, and that includes the usual offenders like strange-looking blades of grass and messy mesh fences. The only thing I did pick on was an occasional softness on passing objects when blazing through the streets on a motorbike, but that’s what I get for speeding.

Dragon Age The Veilguard serves as another RPG that gets a performance revamp via DLSS 4. Without Multi-Frame Generation, the RTX 5080 pulls off a respectable 66fps with 4K ultra ray tracing settings enabled. Flick the AI switch, and you’re talking 261fps, which is an absurd leap in performance. You’d think that sort of trickery would come with fidelity caveats attached, but after much starring at the finer details of the game’s opening area, I couldn’t find anything out of place. If anything, using frage generation strangely helped combat some distracting glowing gold bowls that should have been elegantly bouncing nearby fire pit glow. Huh.

Okay, let’s step away from DLSS 4 for a bit, as Nvidia’s party trick isn’t going to apply to every scenario. In some of my benchmarking favorites like Hitman 3, I was able to squeeze out higher frame rates using the RTX 5080 compared to the RTX 4080 Super without the use of upscaling. At 4K, we’re taking native results of 164fps compared to 133fps via the Lovelace card. That’s a nice result considering we’ve left DLSS out of the equation, and I’m even pretty impressed with the 10fps increase found with ray tracing switched on (39fps versus 48fps). Naturally, you’ll want to use AI upscaling to hit a much more palatable 133fps instead, especially since the 4080 Super only managed 105fps. But hey, I’m pretty happy with even the native punches being thrown here.

As a control game of sorts, I always put GPUs to work running Total War: Warhammer 3. The RTS romp features no DLSS or ray tracing support, meaning it can paint a more traditional performance picture in terms of graphics card abilities. The RTX 5080 faired pretty well in my usual 4K ultra tests, providing a respectable 87fps average that’s pleasing close to my typical RTX 4090 results (around 95fps).

I’ve been playing a bit of Marvel Rivals lately, so it felt only right to put the RTX 5080 to work running the hero shooter. Normally, I wouldn’t play an FPS game like this at 4K or with any upscaling trickery enabled, but DLSS 4 makes for a ridiculous experience. Without it, you’ll be playing at around 65fps, but Multi-Frame Generation ramps that up to a frankly ridiculous 312fps. That’s more than enough to satiate some of the best gaming monitors out there right now with 4K 240Hz abilities, and if you want to go even faster, you’ll be able to reach 563fps at 1080p.

The takeaway from all those benchmarks is that DLSS 4 and Multi-Frame Generation provide an unprecedented performance uplift. Strip away the AI superpowers, and you’re still looking at a modest native lift that places the RTX 5080 somewhere between the RTX 4080 Super and RTX 4090.

Yes, it would be nice to see the RTX 5080 match or surpass Nvidia’s former flagship, but keep in mind you’re getting a slimmed-down card with a more efficient cooler for the same price as the RTX 4080 Super. It also has comparative efficiency on its side thanks to its 360W TDP, whereas the RTX 4090 guzzles 450W.

As for temperatures, the RTX 5080 keeps things comfortably cool under load, and I rarely witnessed the GPU reach that far past 70°C. More often than not, I’d find the GPU setting at around 65°C, and that includes while handling Cyberpunk 2077 in RT Overdrive mode. Those nice thermals aren’t attached to any noisy fan efforts either, so you won’t have to worry about a chorus of loud hums disrupting your setup zen.

One thing that caught my ear, however, was some light coil whining. You’ll only encounter this audible phenomenon when running games at a higher frame rate than your monitor supports, but it’s something I’ve not heard since using the GTX 970. It’s not quite as aggressive as that old GPU and pretty easy to ignore, but still worth noting if you pick up on even the slightest rig noises.

Should you buy the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 Founders Edition?

The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 might live in the shadow of its overachieving RTX 5090 sibling, but it’s ultimately the 4K graphics card you should buy this generation. The Founders Edition specifically will furnish your PC with a sleeker GPU with better cooling and a more attractive aesthetic, and while the native performance leap compared to the RTX 4080 Super isn’t revolutionary, DLSS 4 and Multi-Generation could fundamentally change how we view frame rates and performance.

I won’t lie, I’m not entirely comfortable with AI seeping into the PC gaming scene. That’s putting it lightly, and I’d rather avoid a world where I’m washing the dishes while a machine sits and enjoys my Steam library for me (humorous exaggeration). However, as a standalone GPU feature that runs locally rather than relying on a planet-destroying supercomputer in a remote location, DLSS 4 serves to help more players successfully run games with a premium kick, and it helps turn the RTX 5080 into a card that would otherwise be years in the making.

How I tested the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 Founders Edition

For a week, I used the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 in my main gaming PC, using the graphics card for benchmarking, casual gameplay, and general use. During that time, I took note of aspects like fan noise and temperatures in addition to carrying out separate benchmarks on a variety of games. I specifically tested the next-gen GPU’s 4K Ultra abilities in Cyberpunk 2077, Hitman 3, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Total War: Warhammer 3, and Marvel Rivals.

For more information on how we test graphics cards and other PC components, check out our full GamesRadar+ hardware policy.

Looking to pick up a next-gen GPU? Check out where to buy the RTX 5090 and where to buy the RTX 5080. Alternatively, swing by the best Alienware gaming PCs if you want an out-of-this-world rig that’s ready to go.

Should you buy a refurbished PS5?

Growing up, pretty much every console I owned was second-hand. If it wasn't for my many Scottish cousins getting easily bored in the 90s, I likely wouldn't be writing at this very second and in the job I'm in. The idea of picking up a refurbished console seems pretty normal to me - but I can entirely understand someone's hesitancy.

Just the words 'second hand' or 'refurbished' conjure up those horror images of dusty old consoles and the dirt that lurks inside. And while I can't promise that you won't get any of that with this PS5, that's not what I'd focus on. The main draw is that you can easily upgrade its SSD to make it rival that of the PS5 Slim or the PS5 Pro despite its age.

A pre-owned launch model PS5 won't be as compact as the PS5 Slim or have the graphical performance upgrades of the PS5 Pro, but you can easily upgrade its SSD to match the storage of both consoles. Thanks to the included M2 port, you can pick up one of the best PS5 SSDs and boost the 825GB SSD from anywhere to 1TB, 2TB, or even 4TB.

From the get-go, the loading times of the PS5 are almost nonexistent but having that extra storage will save you from constantly deleting games in favor of new ones. If you end up scouting out PS Plus deals, a subscription that offers new games every month, and a huge library of PS5 games to try, having that extra storage is a lifesaver.

There is a small caveat that SSDs, including ones compatible with the PS5, aren't on the cheap side. But that $200 saved from grabbing a new console can cover SSDs from reputable brands, like the Samsung 990 PRO 1TB. Just remember, the higher the storage capacity, the more it's going to cost you.

Since the release of the Pro last year, I've been musing over grabbing yet another PS5. However, seeing a refurbished launch model this cheap has given me serious thought to picking up a second OG console for my setup instead. I've been using the launch model PS5 for almost four years and it's still going strong, so there's no worry it won't hold up. Mine first PS5 was brand-new, but so long as you make sure to clean yours on the regular, just as you would a gaming PC, your PS5, even refurbished, is sure to still pack a punch.

Want to prep for your new Sony console? Our best PS5 controller and best PS5 headset guides are full to the brim with extra accessories that'll bring out the most of your new PlayStation. You can also check out our best cheap PS5 game deals to start planning what to play next.

Best Buy has relented this week, though. You'll find a $500 discount on the RTX 4060 configuration on these shelves, dropping the model down to $1,099.99 (was $1,599.99). That's a fantastic price for not just one of the best gaming laptops on the market but one of the slickest looking productivity rigs available as well.

I've seen this model on sale for $1,499.99, then it dropped to $1,249.99 for a few short-lived sales, before finally dancing around a $1,199.99 sales price every now and then. This is the best price I've ever seen on the RTX 4060 configuration, and one of the cheapest OLED gaming laptop displays on the market right now. Best Buy's gaming laptop deals don't tend to stick around for too long at a time, so if you're eyeing up the G14 I wouldn't wait too long to dive in.

Should you buy the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14?

This isn't the first time I've recommended the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14, and it certainly won't be the last. The model itself has long been my favorite 14-inch gaming laptop for its svelte design, excellent display, and durable build, but the 2024 version takes all of those highlights up a notch. That OLED screen isn't quite as impressive as that of the Razer Blade 16, but you're spending considerably less and still getting 90% of the way there. It offers inky blacks, super vivid colors, and incredible contrast across a range of genres.

The slimline profile has been shrunk even more, with the overall aesthetic relating more to a business laptop than a gaming one. It's as slim as a mid-range business notebook will be today, while still packing the performance of an RTX 4060 graphics card. At 1.5kg, I can easily sling it in a backpack and take it on the road - a massive benefit to those who need a laptop for both work and play.

That's where the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 feels most at home, in a hybrid setting. The slimmer profile and mid-range GPU mean it's not going to reach the performance highs of something like the Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 9 or MSI Raider 18 HX, but if it's one for work during the day and play at night it's a fantastic investment. I'd recommend the G14 to anyone looking for an all-in-one gaming laptop that can still keep up with the hustle of the day job while putting up solid framerates and a fantastic display for evening play.

There's plenty more where that came from, we're rounding up all the best Asus gaming laptops and best Alienware laptops on the market - or for something a little slimmer, check out the best Razer laptops available now.

In reality, though, their minute frames and frequentlyfiddly buttons often make for a cramped experience, and my speed and precision suffers. I wouldn’t put the Glorious Model O 2 Mini Wireless in this camp. Despite its name, it’s a far cry from the squat mini mice on the market right now. In fact, you’d be forgiven for mistaking this rodent for previous Model O and Model D releases, but its ever so slightly more svelt design makes it a must-see for those after a more compact shape without the sacrifices.

That doesn’t mean it’s without competition. At $99.99 / £89.99, it’s muscling its way into a lineup of some of the best gaming mouse models on the market. The excellent value Razer DeathAdder V3 Hyperspeed ($99.99 / £99.99) is available at the same rate, after all, and the Endgame Gear OP1 8K packs a much harder performance punch by sacrificing wireless connectivity at $74.99 / £69.99. Not only that, but Glorious has mice posing a threat within its own collection; the Glorious Model D 2 Wireless matches the O 2 Mini’s $99.99 MSRP.

Design

With the Glorious Model O 2 Mini Wireless sitting right next to the D 2, it’s clear this brand has found a recipe and stuck to it. The cutouts lining the rear hump, RGB strips across each side, heavier cutouts framing the main click buttons, and even the Glorious stamp in the center have all carried over from other models in the range. So much so, that from photography alone I’d struggle to tell the difference.

The O 2 Mini does make its own changes. The D2 features hexagonal cut-outs along the back panel, whereas the newer model shrinks things down to circles. I’ve never been a massive fan of honeycomb designs, I appreciate they keep weight down and add breathability during longer sessions, but I’ve always hated the feel of that holed texture against my palm. It’s a problem that’s subsided in recent years, and brands have worked out ways to keep the main chassis feeling smooth while still keeping these vents in action. The Model D 2, for example, is perfectly comfortable with its larger grills - the Model O 2 Mini Wireless’s smaller circular holes even more so. That’s likely more down to the shape of the mouse than the cutouts themselves, though.

The highest point (the very top of the dome) measures in at 355mm on the Model O 2 Mini Wireless, compared to the 430mm height on the Model D. That’s a much shorter slope, with a narrower 623mm width at the rear (compared to 680mm). As a result, the Model O 2 Mini fits a claw and fingertip grip much better than a palm hold, which means my hand was generally hovering over this back panel anyway.

Those aren’t exactly tiny measurements, but they do err on the ‘mini’ side of the market compared to similar models. Out of my comparison pool, the Model O 2 Mini has the lowest dome of the pack, and while it’s 1mm longer than the Endgame Gear OP1 8K, it’s slightly more compact than the Razer DeathAdder V3 Hyperspeed across all dimensions, and considerably so when held next to the D 2. It neatly nestles into my hand with all buttons easily accessible at a twitch reflex, making for a particularly nimble hold.

I still wouldn’t necessarily class this as a ‘mini’ mouse, though - and doing so may be doing a disservice to this fantastic form factor. Yes, it’s smaller than the majority of slimline pointers on the market, but compared to compact options like the Logitech G705 it’s a giant.

There’s another benefit to shrinking that waistline and cutting those holes; the Glorious Model O 2 Mini manages to keep its weight down to 57g - impressive for a wireless gaming mouse with a strong battery life. In-hand, its weight is well distributed with no pulling to the rear, as is sometimes seen in mid-range devices, and its handling in lift-off and high-DPI situations is similar to that of a far more premium pointer. It’s not the lightest in the pack, though, the DeathAdder V3 Hyperspeed has it beat with its 55g form factor (and no honeycomb structure), while the wired Endgame Gear OP1 8K drops things down to 50g without a battery to consider.

Like the other mice in this comparison pool, the O 2 Mini keeps things lightweight without sacrificing build quality. Everything feels sturdy in the hand, with no creaks or flexing from additional pressure placed at the sides or along the top of the main chassis. The plastic construction keeps things zippy but every join is neat with no harsh edges. My only concern is one shared across other honeycomb mice, but particularly with the array of holes on the bottom of the Model O 2 Mini. They could quickly gather dust and debris during regular use, clogging up the inside of the mouse without an easy way to clean. Still, I’ve been using this device for a couple of months now and I haven’t noticed any buildup.

Features

One of my favorite things about the Razer DeathAdder V3 Hyperspeed (and the reason it still sits among the best mice available) is the fact that its spec sheet is lean. You’re not paying for fancy DPI or polling features that everyday players won’t make use of. The exact same is true of the Glorious Model O 2 Mini Wireless. It packs the brand’s BAMF 2.0 optical sensor (at 26K DPI, 650 IPS), space for three onboard profiles, 2.4GHz and Bluetooth wireless connectivity, a maximum polling rate of 1,000Hz, adjustable lift-off distance and debounce settings, and customizable RGB lighting. You’re not getting the 8K wireless polling of more premium mice like the Razer Viper V3 Pro, but if you’re an everyday player you likely won’t need (or notice) it.

Instead, you’re getting all the personalization options you need to keep your usual macros to hand with a slick optical sensor at the helm and a few extra tweaks on the side. In fact, that sensor is actually faster than the DeathAdder V3 Hyperspeed when it comes to inches-per-second tracking speed, with Razer’s option tapping out at 500 IPS. That means faster movements are tracked with more accuracy on Glorious’s pointer.

The Model O 2 also beats the DeathAdder in the connection department. While the former is limited to Razer’s 2.4GHz dongle and a wired mode, Glorious adds support for Bluetooth as well. This isn’t going to be as fast as the receiver input, but makes for a more versatile package overall - especially if you also need a mouse for productivity on the go.

Glorious advertises its battery at 110 hours on 2.4GHz and 210 hours in Bluetooth mode. On paper, that beats far more expensive mice (both the $159.99 / £159.99 Razer Viper V3 Pro and Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 will die after 95 hours on 2.4GHz). There’s a problem here, though. The software is a little… janky in how it handles the battery. During my complete battery run downs I often rely on an app’s battery indicator to measure performance day to day, but Core either told me I was at 100% on another random percentage for a full day at a time. I was never able to get a truly accurate read due to this issue, but I was able to run the mouse via 2.4GHz on 50% brightness for around a week and a half of work and play. That’s about the same as the DeathAdder V3 Hyperspeed, even though Razer’s mouse has a slightly lower advertised battery life.

I wasn’t the biggest fan of the Glorious Core software while reviewing the Glorious GMMK 3 keyboard, but menus are far more streamlined when dealing with a mouse. In fact, other than the DPI tab, I’d say this was one of the more intuitive programs on the market - and it’s all clutter-free without those horrible ads (I’m looking at you SteelSeries).

There are five sections, with the first acting as a homepage displaying firmware updates, battery life, and the option to switch between the three onboard profiles available. The Settings tab is straightforward, allowing for polling rate configuration (up to 1,000Hz in increments of 125Hz, 250Hz, and 500Hz), lift-off distance (choose between 1mm and 2mm), and debounce time (a sliding scale up to 16ms). Those ranges aren’t the largest in the world, Razer will give you a more granular level of detail, but I was able to cover everything I usually would at a basic level for day to day play.

There’s only one zone of RGB lighting in those strips, but there are a range of different effects to choose from. These LEDs are bright, crisp, and changing colors are represented with an impressive clarity as well. I’m also a big fan of the way these lights dance across the inside of the pointer (visible due to those honeycomb holes). It’s the subtlety of this effect that I most admire, the SteelSeries Aerox 5 attempted something similar, but ended up with blobs of color that look clunky and cheap by comparison.

Keybinding is as smooth a process as any, with six programmable inputs spread across the two main clicks, two side buttons, scroll wheel, and DPI shifter button located in the center. I kept this middle clicker firmly set to DPI, it’s a blessing it’s there at all with so many similarly priced mice abandoning the feature or awkwardly placing it on the bottom panel. Both the Endgame Gear OP 1 8K and the Razer DeathAdder V3 Hyperspeed omit this clicker, and it’s a shame.

Unfortunately, the DPI settings slider is less than straightforward. At first glance everything looks painless, six settings are available to cycle through, each indicated by its own color also represented on the bottom of the mouse when selected. However, there’s no way to individually edit the DPI settings of each preset once added - clicking on the actual number simply sets it as the default operating mode, and the scale presented at the bottom is simply for initial setup, there’s no sliding these markers around once you’re done. That means every time I want to tweak a DPI setting I found myself deleting the whole roster, only to go through and re-set them one by one.

Performance

Glorious’s BAMF sensor holds up well in-game, and its own brand main click switches offer a crisp but still smooth feel that I particularly enjoyed. Coming from the heavier clackers of the Glorious Series 2 Pro, these nifty switches felt like a rest but still managed to offer a level of tension to be satisfying with every snap. It makes for comfortable and bouncy repeat presses, with the strength to avoid accidental clicks baked in.

Tracking was super reliable and precise across a range of different DPI settings. I was able to maintain my regular level of accuracy across Apex Legends during faster scenarios, and was impressed with the responsive acceleration considering the size and weight of the mouse at hand. Faster flicks were registered well and tracking accuracy was maintained at high-speed. That’s all compounded by a set of particularly smooth PTFE feet that glide with a slick floating feel and for effortless motion in both claw and fingertip grips.

The lower hump of the chassis also means I was able to keep a better sense of control while in a claw grip. The narrower design often means more strain is placed on the pinky and thumb, but with a little extra space between my palm and the main body I found I was able to pivot the sensor quickly and easily using these two fingers. It makes finer mouse sweeps a lot more controlled, perfect for lining up headshots on a moving target. A mouse with a higher dome often gets in the way of this motion, knocking against the side of my palm before I’m able to get through a full wiggle.

The 1,000Hz polling rate never held me back in-game - inputs were never missed and tracking was as reliable as I’ll need it to be at my own play speed. I’d argue most players will be at this level as well, it’s only once you’re at the top of an esports competitive league that you’ll really feel the benefits of a faster 4,000Hz or 8,000Hz rate. However, if you’re getting near to that level it’s worth noting that the Endgame Gear OP1 8K’s rate is much faster.

Should you buy the Glorious Model O 2 Mini Wireless?

Every now and then I come across a gaming mouse that feels like it should stick around past its reviewing phase. I keep all mice firmly tucked away and rotate through them when I’m not reviewing a new model, but some are so well-tuned to my own playstyle and grip preferences that I tend to keep them out of their boxes a little longer than necessary. The Glorious Model O 2 Mini Wireless is one of those mice, and if your needs match up to mine you’ll be pleasantly surprised by this compact pointer.

The skinny, low-profile form factor is one my small-medium / small hands can easily wrap around while still maintaining a high-level of control. If you sometimes struggle to hit side buttons or place unnecessary strain on your pinky and ring finger (a common side-effect of using a mouse too large) during longer sessions, I’d recommend the O 2 Mini over the other mice in this competition pool straight away.

Outside of that form factor, things get a little more complicated. The 26K DPI sensor and 1,000Hz polling rate served me particularly well in my current playlist of single-player action adventure titles (Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Ghostwire Tokyo, and Fallout 4) and held up for my casual Apex Legends and CS2 testing as well. Those are specs that will provide better players than me with plenty of runway to improve their accuracy and speed, while still sticking to a price that makes sense if you have a more casual library as well. Still, if you’re a regular at the top of the pack and have your sights set on improving every fraction of your competitive gameplay, the Endgame Gear OP1 8K provides better value for money overall with its 8K polling rate, lower weight, and wired design.

The real match up here is between the Glorious Model O 2 Mini Wireless and the Razer DeathAdder V3 Hyperspeed. Both offer the same thing fundamentally, a well-priced mid-range mouse that drops high-end features everyday players won’t use while still offering a comfortable, speedy, and customizable experience. Their sensor performance is similar, though the Model O 2 Mini Wireless does benefit from a faster IPS speed. The DeathAdder is, however, slightly lighter without needing the honeycomb cutouts. At the end of the day, if you’re not concerned about finding the right form factor for a smaller hand, Razer does offer slightly more bang for your buck when it comes to the useful sensor features that are included.

The mouse’s Dynamic Sensitivity setting became invaluable in my testing, allowing the sensor to read its own tracking speed and adjust DPI as necessary. That, plus the nifty sensor orientation smarts, makes it the better value in this price range overall - assuming you prefer a taller dome design. If you’re not fussed with these extra tweaks, the onboard DPI shifter, and RGB lighting may turn the tide in Glorious’s favor.

How I tested the Glorious Model O 2 Mini Wireless

I used the Glorious Model O 2 Mini Wireless as my go-to gaming mouse over a period of two months. During that time I was testing for comparison with the Razer BlackShark V3 Hyperspeed, Endgame Gear OP1 8K, and Glorious Model D 2. I primarily played across Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Ghostwire Tokyo, and Fallout 4, with dedicated testing in Apex Legends and CS2. For more information on how we test gaming mice, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

For alternative brands, check out the best Razer mice and the best Logitech gaming mouse models available. Or, take a look at the best mouse pads for gaming to truly optimize your setup.

All these memberships do come at a cost. Which is why Xbox Game Pass deals like this three month Ultimate subscription dropping to just $33.99 at Woot is a more than welcome sight to behold. This code would typically have an MSRP of $49.99, but the Amazon-owned site has dropped $16 off for a limited time.

That saving may not seem like a huge deal. But if, like me, you're already spreading yourself thin with a ton of gaming memberships and physical pickups, even the tiniest of savings can go a long way. Just be sure to grab this while you still can, as it won't be around forever with only hours left on the clock until its gone for good. The best Game Pass deals don't tend to stick around too long, so this is one to grab while it's hot.

Should you subscribe to Game Pass Ultimate?

Even when I've been on the tightest of budgets, I find it impossible to cancel memberships like PS Plus Premium, for just how fundamentally important it is to my enjoyment of the PS5. While I always prefer the Sony lineup of classic, and modern games, in the past, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate has been almost as hard to ignore.

Being able to have the same access to the huge library of Microsoft first-party and third-party games as family and friends has made playing online far less tedious. Instead of going through who has what, and what's cross-platform, I can download Sea of Thieves and sail the seven seas with my favorite PC controller in no time. By side-loading the cloud version of Game Pass onto gaming handhelds like my Steam Deck, I could also pick up where I left off and play from the comfort of my couch, no PC needed.

Whether you'd find the same enjoyment mainly comes down to what games you actually enjoy playing. If you prefer Sony or Nintendo releases that you'll never see on Game Pass, then PS Plus Premium or Nintendo Switch Online are a better fit. However, if you want day-one access to upcoming Xbox Series X games like Avowed (February 18), and later, Doom: The Dark Ages (May 15) then this Woot deal might be right up your alley. Not only can you get access to games upon release as a Game Pass Ultimate Member, but there's a huge library of Game Pass games that are updated each and every month.

Where Game Pass Ultimate will truly get your money's worth, however, is if you love a bit of multi-platform gaming. If you only have an Xbox Series X or S, then the Ultimate package may be overkill. But having the full subscription means you can access day one releases, a huge library of games, add-ons, DLC, and an array of other benefits on Xbox, PC, and through the cloud gaming app.

Check out our guide to the best Xbox Series X bundle deals for further Xbox gaming deals. If you already have an Xbox Series X along with your gaming PC, paring your Microsoft hardware with one of the best Xbox Series X headsets and Xbox Series X controllers will help boost your next gaming session.

The CRKD Nitro Deck is one such product. It helped my Switch to stave off stick drift and feel much more usable in handheld mode thanks to its larger size. It also features four back buttons and ergonomic grips. It is, in my opinion, the finest way to enjoy the Switch in handheld mode in 2025, and in many ways, it's the Switch Pro we never got. It also happens to be heavily discounted at Amazon right now, with the stunning pink model going for just $34.99 down from its MSRP of $49.99.

This is a new record-low price for the Nitro Deck, which I consider to be one of the best Nintendo Switch controllers. Even the more regularly seen models that come in GameCube purple or Black rarely get discounted down below $39.99, which is what the other versions are currently sitting at.

Should you buy the CRKD Nitro Deck?

So what is it about the CRKD Nitro Deck that will futureproof your current Nintendo Switch? Its general design philosophy matches up with the portable gaming PCs of today's market, so it makes the Switch feel very similar in the hands to the Steam Deck OLED or the Asus ROG Ally. It's a bit thicker than the Switch by itself, and it has curved grips so that holding it feels a bit more natural.

It also has Hall sensor thumbsticks, which means it won't degrade in time and suffer from stick drift like your Joy-Cons will. With four back buttons, you'll have more functionality than most controllers give you for Nintendo games, which can make playing some retro titles on Switch's SNES and NES libraries pretty hilarious.

The Switch 2 is coming with a larger form factor as well, which will make the regular Switch feel even more out of place as the years go by. Adding some girth and a slightly larger gap between thumbstick and buttons will make the Switch easier to come back to if you play in handheld mode.

Of course, the elephant in the room here is the CRKD Nitro Deck+, which is arguably even better than this original model if you're willing to part with a bit more cash. It changes the layout of the facial components so that the thumbsticks are symmetrical, which really helps to prevent thumb cramps during longer sessions. In addition, it features extra controls for a toal of six extra buttons.

For more controller shopping tips, check out the best PC controller, the best PS5 controller, and the best Xbox Series X controller.

Asus arrived a little late to the party in 2024 too, because we saw some heavy-hitting best mobile controller contenders last year from brands like GameSir, Razer, and most notably for me, Scuf. Earlier in the year I had the opportunity to review the Scuf Nomad and it quickly became my number one pick for a mobile controller. Leaving my Backbone One to efficiently gather dust.

Landing on the market and in the hands of gamers for $109/£109, The Asus ROG Tessen offers some nifty features that do make it stand out from the pack, but is it worth it compared to more affordable options?

Design

As I’ve said, I often rely on mobile controllers to do a good percentage of my gaming and so one of my biggest factors in choosing one is comfort for long playing sessions. I have unfortunately had one too many game-winning kills foiled by cramps in my hands.

Usually, that issue is prompted by a couple of factors; the size of the controller, its weight, and the placement of the thumbsticks. I can thankfully say that the Asus ROG Tessen addresses two of those problems for me. To kick things off the device is surprisingly lightweight and is made of textured plastic, making it comfortable to hold for long periods without it putting stress on your wrists.

Secondly, the device is small. I adore the Scuf Nomad for its larger size meaning it feels more substantial in hand and I really dislike the Backbone One for its smaller Nintendo Switch Joy-Con-like size, so more often than not I prefer a larger mobile controller. This leaves me shocked as to how much I like the Asus ROG Tessen’s size, particularly because it’s smaller than the Backbone. While the physical dimensions are technically smaller than the Backbone One, the actual shape of the grips gives a much nicer feel in-hand rather than it feeling flat and hard to grip.

Finally, like most of the best PC controllers, the Asus ROG Tessen has opted for the classic offset thumbstick layout. This means on the left-hand side of it you’ll find the thumbstick at the top of the device with a d-pad towards the bottom, with the right-hand side of the device featuring the XYAB buttons at the top and the thumbstick at the bottom. Unfortunately, you won’t find hall-effect sticks here, something that most mobile pads now offer, which means that over time they are more likely to experience stick-drift.

What you will find instead is two programmable rear aluminium paddles which give you extra functionality while gaming, it’s very rare to see paddles on any controller not made by Xbox or PlayStation, as you’ll most often see plastic buttons. I felt this was a nice departure from the norm, and it was refreshing to see as someone who’s tested a few controllers in the last year.

Features

As previously mentioned, you’ll find the traditional Xbox-style layout of controls on the ROG Tessen which makes it very easy to use if you’re familiar with those commands. The buttons themselves have a very nice tactile feel to them and produce quite a satisfying click - I’m not sure my girlfriend would say the same thing when she was lying next to me in bed trying to sleep, however. This is even more present in the D-pad which I actually found to be annoyingly clicky but only when pressing right on it.

Rather than having the usual extendable clamp bridge mechanism, the ROG Tessen features a very unique hinge design allowing you to fold up the controller for easier storage. This also doubles as an easy way to connect your phone to the USB-C port rather than having to stretch it around your mobile. Connecting your phone could not be easier and you’re into the games you want to play within seconds. Despite it being USB-C it has been confirmed by Asus that it is not compatible with the recent generations of iPhone, so this is a purely Android-focused device.

Speaking of USB-C, you’ll find an additional port at the bottom right of the controller to allow passthrough charging so that you can game for even longer. And of course, like most pieces of gaming technology, you’ll find some very subtle RGB along the rim of the controller.

The rear paddles at the back are easily mapped thanks to a function button on the front. Simply press the button to re-map, press the button you want to assign, and then press the paddle. Easy.

Performance

I have to admit, the paddles were hands down my favorite aspect of the ROG Tessen. They are perfectly located at the back of the controller and I found my middle fingers always gravitating towards them. This is particularly helpful in first-person shooter games like Call of Duty as I was able to assign my reload command and my melee command to those paddles. Not once did I find them having any issues or not working as they should - on top of that, they are incredibly satisfying to click, it makes me want a full-sized controller for PS5 or Xbox with back paddles as opposed to buttons.

The process of remapping them was super simple and can be done as I mentioned above or via the Asus Armoury app. I never found the app particularly useful and opted for the button on the controller for 99% of my button remapping. This was primarily because it was much quicker. Jumping between games via GeForce Now or XCloud I was constantly needing different commands assigned and this was the easiest solution.

While the thumbsticks are nothing to write home about, I can say they do the job. It’s a marked improvement over something like the Backbone One but not nearly as good as the Scuf Nomad or the GameSir X4 Aileron. I put this mostly down to how small they feel compared to the latter two I mentioned, but I just found them uncomfortable for long playing sessions. Via GeForce Now I managed to survive until round 25 on Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Zombies but most of the issues I ran into were sparked by the thumbsticks, both because of their placement making it uncomfortable to play longer than 20 minutes or because of how small they are. This is an issue that pops up for me frequently with mobile controllers that choose the offset design, and as someone with larger hands, I’d prefer if more controllers moved away from it.

Thanks to the USB-C connection I never found there to be any latency issues at all, something I have occasionally seen in Bluetooth devices. So any deaths in-game are purely down to your actual skill rather than the controller letting you down.

I spent roughly 15 hours playing the ROG Tessen both at home and out and about using a variety of native games such as Call of Duty and cloud-based games via GeForce Now and XCloud and it works okay most of the time. I did have a significant issue with Call of Duty where the controller was not recognized by the game initially without going into the Armoury App.

Overall, I never felt it did anything truly remarkable to justify the higher price tag than the Scuf Nomad, or even the GameSir G8 Galileo. While the back paddles are genuinely fantastic, I feel they really are the only standout feature to be had here.

Should you buy the Asus ROG Tessen?

If you’re like me and use mobile controllers a lot then I actually find it very difficult to recommend the ROG Tessen when compared to similarly priced controllers on the market. Everything that the ROG Tessen does well you’ll find another controller doing just that bit better. Aside from the back paddles, which are genuinely great, I don’t feel there‘s anything else that makes it a must-buy for me.

However, if you’re looking to start your journey into mobile gaming then I would recommend the ROG Tessen over the Backbone One if you can find it cheaper than RRP, but I would also encourage you to look at alternative options such as the GameSir Galileo G8, or for maximum size, the Razer Kishi Ultra.

How we tested the Asus ROG Tessen

I used the Asus ROG Tessen over a period of a week with a Samsung Galaxy S20 and used it as one of my main sources of gaming. Throughout my time with it I played a variety of games including Call of Duty Mobile and Black Ops 6 (via GeForce Now), Watch_Dogs 2 (via GeForce Now), and Star Wars Outlaws (via GeForce Now). I used the controller for approximately 15-17 hours across multiple gaming sessions that varied in length with the longest being around 3 hours.

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

The first offer drops the $1,599.99 RTX 4070 configuration of the 2023 G16 down to $1,099.99 at Best Buy. That's a full $500 off the MSRP and an extra $50 off compared to previous discounts I've seen in the past. This model has been dancing between full price and $1,149.99 for a few months now, but this is the first time I've seen it drop below that threshold. It's a fantastic price for an RTX 4070 rig in itself - I'm normally used to seeing these kinds of configurations hovering around the $1,300 mark when on sale. But throw in that subtle slimline chassis, and a super streamlined design, and anyone wanting to pair portability with performance should be taking note. That's the kind of value that can temporarily see a rig become one of the best gaming laptops to buy during a sale.

There was another discount that caught my eye while I was busy rounding up all this week's best cheap gaming laptop deals and - you guessed it - it's another ROG Zephyrus G16 at another record-low price. This time it's the 2024 model, with its full OLED display, complete chassis redesign, and an even newer AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor at the helm. Best Buy has this $2,099.99 RTX 4060 configuration down to $1,799.99 this weekend, thanks to a full $300 discount. It's only the second time I've seen this price hitting the shelves in this machine's lifetime - usually even the heaviest discounts halt at the $1,900 mark.

Which Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 should you buy?

The Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 is often overlooked in the lineup of the best Asus gaming laptops on the market, but if you're looking to combine portability with a larger display (and more breathing room for your components) it's a fantastic middle-ground. Each of this weekend's deals offers something slightly different, though.

The older 2023 model drops the impressive OLED display of the newer device, but does add some considerable value in that boosted RTX 4070 processor and lower price tag. This is one for users looking for a portable gaming laptop first and foremost, but who don't want to sacrifice too much power to get there. You're always going to drop a few frames when moving to a skinnier chassis, but upping the GPU class will mean you're better protected against those performance hits. I'd recommend the 2023 version to anyone with a library of slightly more demanding games.

There's a lot to be said for form, though, and the newer 2024 version easily wins out in the chassis battle. This is a super slick design with more of an ultrabook feel. It keeps the same level of portability while adding a much improved OLED screen into the mix and keeping things zippy on the move with that impressive AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor.

This is the same CPU that kept the Asus TUF A14 out-performing larger models in my testing just a few weeks ago - it's a force to be reckoned with. You are dropping down to an RTX 4060 GPU in this more expensive configuration, though, despite that boosted processor and 32GB RAM. That's why I'd recommend it to anyone with a library of lighter games who also wants to use their new machine for everyday work and more complex content creation tasks.

Of course, there are plenty of other brands competing for your interest as well. We're rounding up all the best Alienware laptops and the best Razer laptops on the market. Or, for something even more portable, check out the best gaming handhelds available now.

Being a nostalgic hack-and-slash adventure, one of the best Xbox Series X controllers is likely what you'll reach for when booting up the game since it's probably what you experienced the original release with. This is exactly the thought I had this afternoon after installing all 80GB of the game in the morning, but I couldn't get any of the Xbox controllers in my collection to register inputs in the game.

I tried wired connections, wireless connections, disabling Steam, and restarting the game along my system, but it was to no avail. I kept getting stuck on the main menu, with no controller inputs being registered. After taking to Reddit to see if other people were dealing with the same issue, I did find a few users struggling to get their gamepads to connect, although it seems as though the Steam version of the game doesn't have this issue.

Funnily enough, one Redditor suggested that using a DualShock 4 alleviated all the issues, with even the PS4's controller speaker piping up in the game. I promptly connected my DualSense Edge, and what do you know, the game had no trouble registering my actions.

It should be said that on a different PC, trying to cloud stream the new Ninja Gaiden didn't work with any controller, regardless of whether it was made by Microsoft or not.

It's utterly bizarre that the Xbox Game Pass version of one of the brand's first-party titles has trouble recognizing its own officially licensed peripherals. I know that today, everything is an Xbox and that all of the games in last night's direct are coming to PS5, but this feels a little silly.

In fact, it's a rare occurrence for a title on Game Pass to even have PS5 controller support since a lot of them don't have allowances for different button glyphs to appear on screen. Thankfully, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black's settings allow you to completely swap out the typical X, Y, B, and A buttons for PlayStation's.

Other Reddit posts detail some technical issues with the Game Pass port of the remastered Team Ninja title, including frame rate dips and crashes. I have suffered a few crashes while trying to boot the game, even while playing on one of the best gaming PCs with solid specs.

Oddly enough, the Steam port of the game doesn't seem to be suffering from the same issues, which could have something to do with the certification and licensing process of software updates for console platforms. Some players are even reporting solid performance on the best gaming handhelds like the Steam Deck.

Hopefully, these issues aren't too far away from being patched, since it isn't the best look for PC Game Pass players needing a PlayStation controller to enjoy a new Xbox game. Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is available now as part of the subscription service, and a long-awaited sequel in the series, Ninja Gaiden 4, will launch later this year.

Looking to add to your controller collection? Read about the best PC controllers, the best Nintendo Switch controllers, and the best joysticks.

Whether you’re sporting an Xbox Series X/S, or a PS5, one of the necessities to having a good time with your beloved console is having plenty of storage. That’s especially the case if you mainly play digital games and are subscribed to every gaming service under the sun. Yet, while you can easily pick up a PS5 SSD from a huge range of brands to give your Sony console a boost, Xbox owners don’t have it as easy.

Only two brands, Western and Digital and Seagate, make the expansion card formatted drives compatible with Xbox consoles, so you’re a lot more limited. Instead, you'll likely be reaching for a larger SSD for gaming, only to slow it down by plugging into a USB slot. See, the size of that hard drive was never really an issue - I want more updates on where I play my games from.

Modern games have been increasing in size dramatically over the last few years, that’s undeniable. While base games, like Rare’s Sea of Thieves can launch at around 30GB, updates can compound that significantly. Sea of Thieves was a 27GB install on day one, but an update during February 2024 holstered it to 100GB. Today, it's pretty common to start at this position - Baldur’s Gate 3 on the Xbox Series X/S launched at 137.55GB when it was finally ported over. That's before the numerous patches, updates, and DLC that can quickly take your storage hostage and leave you deleting games just to make way for new ones.

I can see why having the option of over 16TB worth of storage at your disposal would be attractive, especially if you want to keep online games like Sea of Thieves permanently on your Xbox to play whenever the moment takes you.

But to put it into context, 16TB is over 116.3 (16000÷137.55) digital copies of Baldur’s Gate 3. And as much as I adore Astarion and his alluring vampire ways, that’s a lot of Baldur’s Gate 3. I don’t know anyone currently (and actively) playing over a hundred fantasy RPGs at any given time, or that many games of any genre for that matter. Even my own personal backlog, which gets worse every day, is not enough to warrant over 16,000GB of space.

There is definitely a benefit to having all your recently played games installed in one place. That way you can dive right back in as the moment suits you. I know I struggle to archive games - who knows if, in a few weeks time, I won’t be itching to replay and will have to sit and wait as such a huge file redownloads all over again. Even though I haven’t touched it in months, I actively refuse to delete Fortnite on my PS5 as it’s over 90GB worth of a slow download that I don’t have the patience to wait for again.

Where this new announcement from Microsoft feels even truly impractical is that you can’t run all games through a USB drive (some manage to slip through the cracks). Instead, you have to move your game over to the Xbox Series X/S’s SSD or expansion card to play it. So while Microsoft has rolled out the support for larger USB drives, that’s over 16TB worth of games you still have to transfer over to your main console storage to run in the first place. I would have been singing a different tune if Microsoft had given the Xbox the same grace it does PC, where you can easily store and play as many games as you like from the best external hard drives on the market.

There is one circumstance where I can see having compatibility with such a vast amount of storage might come in handy. Those who love saving long stretches of gameplay for sharing with their friends online or creating their own content, could very much benefit from fewer limitations with storage. At the time of writing, Seagate has a 20TB external drive on the market, which is definitely not cheap, but would be plenty of space to constantly save long Sea of Thieves clips.

I regularly save Dead by Daylight online matches with friends to watch (and laugh at) later on, and with entire matches easily taking upwards of 30 minutes, that can take a lot of storage space. Especially as the Xbox Series X saves video clips by default at a 4K resolution.

Having new compatibility with extra storage is never a bad thing - and I’m sure there are people out there who will actually benefit from Microsoft adding this new support. Otherwise, why would they be taking the time to integrate it in the first place? At least it’s shown me that there are Xbox fans out there who need even 20TB worth of space to download their games. Which, in turn, means there are people with worse gaming backlogs than me and I’m more than okay with that.

We're also rounding up all the best Xbox One external hard drives and the best PS5 external hard drives. Or, for more Microsoft kit, check out the best Xbox Series X accessories on the market.