You'll find both the 128GB and 256GB versions up for grabs in this weekend's sale with the former coming in at just $269.99 (was $299.99). That's a $30 discount I've seen a few times this year so far, but it's a fantastic offer on one of the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best VR headsets nonetheless. Of ♛course, if you're going for the big saving you'll want to check 🐲out the 256GB model.

This $399.99 device has dropped $50 from its🐼 final price to meet us at this weekend. That's a solid result considering I've only❀ ever seen discounts dip this low once before the current sale.

128GB vs 256GB: which Meta Quest 3S should you buy?

Duncan reviewed the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Meta Quest 3S when it first launched, and while there are a few hints that this isn't the brand's flagship device it's still a fantastic affordable headset. The value on offer in this standalone experience is unparalleled on the market right now (unless you already have a PS5 to run PSVR 2). Sure, those fresnel lenses aren't going to offer you the same clarity and field of vision as the more premium 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Meta Quest 3's pancake lenses, and Duncan did experienceℱ some issu🌊es with controller tracking.

For $269.99, tho🃏ugh, you're getting access to a huge library of games and an overall VR🌠 experience that isn't too dissimilar from high-end models.

If yo🤪u're ready to dive into this mixed-reality world, there's just one question left to answer: how much storage do you need?

The 256GB model offers a larger price cut in this weekend's sale, but considering Meta Quest 3S games and apps are rarely large enough to really make th𒊎at 128GB version sweat I don't think it's the better buy. Of course, if you already know you're going to be running the heaviest games (or downloading high quality video files to your device), that larger model makes sense. However, for the everyday thrill-seeker, 128GB is just fine.

We're also rounding up all the latest 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Meta Quest 3 deals and the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Meta Quest accessories to kit out your new headset. Or, take a look at the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming earbuds for some audio options.

PowerA Kirby Mouthful controller for Switch is currently going , and you've got a 33% discount to thank. It typically costs $44.99, but even with previous offers applied, it rarely drops below $30. You could say the timing is impeccable since you can now 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:buy the Nintendo Switch 2 and OG gamepads work with the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming handheld contender, not to mention it's ไjust stinkin' cute.

As a massive Kirby fan, I'd be lying if I said I didn't love this gamepad purely for the aesthetics. I mean, it's a 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Switch controller that looks like it's been swallowed by everyone's favorite, slightly monstrous, floaty friend, what's not to l🀅ove? Well, if that's not enough for you, PowerA has sprinkled in some features that actuall🔥y help this cheap accessory take on the new Switch 2 Pro Controller.

Namely, this wireless gamepad actually has mappable back buttons just like the new Pro Controller, and PowerA actually beat Nintendo to the chase in this department. The toggles are pretty easy to map and comfortable to reach thanks to the pad's ergonဣomics, so you don't have to splash out $84.99 just to gain some extra inputs.

Despite being a more budget option, the PowerA Wireless gamepad retains features like motion controls. This is extremely handy for games like Zelda: Breath of th🎃e Wild that largely use a traditional control scheme, but will catch you off guard with dashes of gyro support that make all the difference (looking at you, Myahm Agana Shrine ball puzzle.)

Rather than using an integrated battery, PowerA's Wireless Switch range also uses AA cells. This is something some of you will view as a con depending on your preferences, but if you're used to using 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Xbox controllers or have a stasꦛh of rechargeable bats, this pad won't force you to start using 𒆙wired charging methods.

Of course, ditching internal charging altogether also comes with drawbacks, as the controller also forgoes wired support. That means you won't be able to plug it into your💜 console and use it like a USB gamepad, meaning it's strictly for wireless use.

If you're a big fan of HD rumble, PowerA's Kirby c♏ontroller isn't going to satiate your needs either, as it features zero vibrations. This is probably the one caveat that bothers me most since it makes the gamepad feel lighter than I'd like, but the omission isn't uncommon at this price point.

Keep in mind that this Kirby controller is currently under $30, and even with the above drawb🦹acks, it's still pretty great value. To put things into perspective, you can pick up three of these PowerA pads for just $5 more than a single Switch 2 Pro Controller, and while the latter pad will feel much more premium, it certainly can match the puffball on sheer chaotic cutꦓeness.

Now all I need is f𝐆or Nintendo to add Kirby to Mario Kart World (don't make me beg.)

Putting together a fresh setup? Swing by the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Nintendo Switch accessories and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Nintendo Switch 2 micro SD cards for plenty of add-ons. You'll also want to peek at the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Switch 2 cameras if you're itching to use GameChat.

During a , a question is raised by Justin Hill, senior vice president of finance and investor relations at Sony Corporation of America, that "with 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:cloud gaming more of a viable option than ever before, do we need a next-generat🦋ion console? Is SIE developing one?"

SIE president and CEO Nishino calls this a "great question," saying the company has been "really proud of the quality we have been delivering" when it comes to cloud gaming over the last 11 years. "From a tec💦hnical standpoint," he says that the technology is "progressing well," but points out that "end-to-end network stability is not in our control," and calls "higher cost per playtime compared to the traditional console model" a "challenge" compared to the "traditional console model."

He then goes on to describe cloud gaming as "an additional option for players to access content," before saying: "Our belief is that the majority of players continue to want to play [and] experience gaming through a local execution wiꩵthout dꦗependency on network conditions. And PS5 and PS5 Pro have validated this thesis, I believe."

Noting that Sony has "a large ecosystem of highly engaged players" across PS5 and the previous-gen console, PS4, Nishino s🧔ays that "there's a huge interest in our next-generation consoཧle strategy.

"While we cannot 🐼share further details at this stage, the future of the platform is top of mind. We are committed to exploring a new and enhanced way for players to engage with our content and services."

So, he's not giving anything away right now, but just in 🐓case there was any doubt, it certainly sounds like there's no plan to ditch a traditional console in favor of a cloud gaming device, at least at this stage.

The PS5 turns five years old this Novembe𒅌r, having been released seven years after the PS4. With that in mind, it seems pretty likely we still have a bit of a wait ahead of us to see what Sony is working on next, but we'll just𝔉 have to watch this space.

While you're here, be sure to check out our roundup of the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best PS5 games, as well as 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:upcoming PS5 games to look out for in the future.

These decks don't need to be the fastest on the market, or offer the🌜 most robust mechanical sw⭕itches. In fact, they're better if they swerve these temptations in favor of a lower weight and slimmer form factor.

Sure, we're dropping the 2.4GHz connection featured by most of the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming keyboards here, but the Bluetooth Raz🍌er Joro more than makes u🌺p for it in its super skinny form factor, gorgeous RGB lighting, and satisfying scissor switches.

I've been building an on-the-go Asus ROG Ally setup since I first got my🍌 hands on the device. It's certainly pricier than a generic Amazon-brand portable deck, and it's by no means fast or comfortable enough to replace my daily driver. The Razer Joro is staying in my backpack for the foreseeable future, though - and here's why.

Design

Straight out the box, this is a nice looking keyboard. Flick those RGB lights on and the Razer Joro transforms into something strangely mesmerizing. 𝓰Between the soft feel and those vibrant LEDs, the Joro is a particularly clean piece of kit, a surprise considering compact decks like this often feel much cheaper than their fully fledged siblings. Unfortunately, though, there's only one zone of RGB lighting in here. That's a little odd considering just how slick these LEDs are. If you're after per-key illumination you'll need to check out Cherry's competitor.

Razer has developed the Joro for on-the-go play, which means it weighs just 374g and measures in at 16.5mm thin. That's just over half the thickness of the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Cherry MX-LP 2.1, my previous go-to for a 🎶compact, backpack-friendly deck. The Joro achieves 💎this low weight without feeling cheap, though.

Up top we've got a sturdy aluminum top plate constructed from 5052 aluminum alloy, and even the plastic underside feels strong enough to withstand the trials of♍ the outside world. There's absolutely no flex to this deck, a real feat considering so many of the portable gaming keyboards I've tried often curve under heavier typing motions.

There's just one problem. Razer hasn't included any method of elevation on the underside. I⛦ can see why, this is a portable keyboard designed to be pulled out for quick play sessions while you're away from your main setup. However, Cherry's reversible rubber feet provide a little extra height that goes a long way without adding to the bulk of the final design. The deck is wedged to provide some ergonomic comfort, but it's still a very flat experience that can get tiresome after a while.

The brand also doesn't include a case in the box, which hurts a little considering the $140 price tag. By contrast, the larger (but still portability-minded) 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Asus ROG Falchion RX Low Profile comes packaged with a plastic topper to keep everything♊ safely in place during transit.

Keycaps

These plastic toppers are UV-coated to maintain resistance to those in-bag scratches, though I'd still feel concerned keeping my keys in the same pouch. That coating is also more resista♍nt to oily shines in my experience, though I'll need to spend more time with the Joro to know for sure if the same is true here. So far, everything is still looking as matte as the day I pulled it out the box. Legends are laser-etched, so not quite as durable as doubleshot models but will stand the test of time much better than a simple print job.

The caps themselves are smooth and soft to the touch, dropping the more textured feel of a full-sized (or even just regular low-profile) PBT keycap in favor of a more chiclet-style design. That means this feels more like the keyboard of one of the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming laptops than the thoccy mechanical beast you'd want to keep in your main🌌 setup.

Personally, I prefer a little more grit in my caps. The Asus ROG Falchion RX Low Profile, foওr example, keeps things a little thicker but provides are far more satisfying texture up top as a result. I'm not exactly sliding across the deck here, but if you're used to a rougher top෴per things can feel a little clammy.

Razer has managed to keep a 75% form factor in this ultra-compact design, and we've still got full-sized keycaps across most of the deck. The function row has taken the hit for us here🐟, with half-keys taking up the top line of caps to keep everything else comfortably sized.

They're still easy enough to reach both in-game and dur꧒ing typing, and I never found myself mis-pressing. I did need to take my eyes off the screen a little more at the start to find the correct button, though this eased over time.

Switches

This is what I was most worried about when I started testing the Razer Joro, but thankfully my fears of a mushy, lethargic switch-feel have been allayed. The Joro uses the same scissor switches as the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:2025 Razer Blade 16, though this time with a slightly larger 1.6𝕴mm travel distance (the Blade taps out at 1.5mm💙).

That means this isn't your everyday laptop-style keyboard, it takes a🌜fter the best deck I've used in a gaming rig so far. These switches have a solid sense of resistance behind them, but feel far lighter under the fingertips than the heavier clacks of the Cherry MX-LP 2.1 and its Low Profile Speeds. That makes for a nippy experience, but one that's still satisfying, tactile, and resistant to accidental presses.

Software

When wired in, the Razer Joro is fully customizable within the brand's Synapse software, a nicely presented program that prov🀅ides access to additional keybinding features as well as power saving and RGB controls.

The Joro also takes full advantage of the Snap Tap feature shared by the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Razer keyboards on the market. You'll need to keep this one away from🙈 competitive online endeavors, but it essentially makes switching between two keys much faster by immediately cancelling input from one as soon as another is detected.

Overall the Joro makes good use of Synapse 4. You've got everything you need here, minus some of the fancier actuation features reserved for the brand's analog systems like the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Mini, and everything's laid out intuitively to boot.

Controls

I didn't even clock that this was a 75% keyboard until time came to write up my thoughts - and that's after using it for two weeks. That's how well Razer has squeezed all these controls onto a compact deck, even if some are relegated to half key presses and dual-function nav buttons. The Razer Joro packs 🎃the full functionality of a larger keyboard i🦋nto a tiny package.

Media playback mic mute controls are mapped to a function layer on the nav keys on the right, while colume, brightness, and Blu🅘etooth connection options are relegated to the function row. Everything is still easily reachable, though, making for a particularly versatile experience.

If you don't want to hook up to Synapse, RGB effects can be cycled with Fn, CTRL, and 1,2,3, or 4, while your three connected Bluetooth devices are all just a tap away as well. The only thing missing from beefier gaming keyboards is on-the-fly macro recording, which would have been helpful considering the💯re's less of a reliance on that software in this more portable design.

All that puts the Razer Joro in step with the Asus ROG Falchion RX Low Profile and well above t🌳he Cherry MX-LP 2.1, which drops the function row entirely but still maintains dual-function media controls and easy Bluetooth switching.

Connection

There's no 2.4GHz connection available here, which is understandable - Razer is targeting a mobile audience who will likely prefer to keep the precious ports on their 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:gaming handheld free.

Still, the brand is bringing Hyperspeed multi-device pairing (a wa꧒y of connecting both the Joro and the Razer Basilisk Mobile mouse to one USB receiver), so the tech is there for a more stable connection. It would have been nice to get this option from the get-go, with a dongle in the box, for more versatility. Both the Asus ROG Falchion and Cherry MX-LP 2.1 offer this faster connection method📖.

As it stands, we've got space for three Bluetooth connections and a USB-C cable supplied in the box for charging and wired play. The deck is also compatible with Windows Swift Pair and Google Fast Pair, and I never had any issue with reliability ﷽during my day to day use๊. Setup is quick as easy and moving between different devices is pretty much instant as well.

I did notice that the Joro takes much longer to wake from sleep t🐻han its 2.4GHz siblings, though.

Battery

Razer rates the Joro at 1,800 hours total battery with with its Power Saving Mode on - that's with no RGB, no Synapse, no device switching, and no fun. I've been testing it with 50% lighting brightness and it took just over 17.ꩵ5 hours to fully drain to 0%, a solid result for a deck with lighting this strong and vibrant.

Ramping that brightness all the way up to 10 does swamp that battery much quicker, but considerin𒁏g you'll still get fantastic RGBs at half way there's still plenty of room to drop down🔥.

Typing

This is a very different fee✤l to the mechanical clickers you'll find among more traditional builds, and the result isn't quite as tactile. Foꦺr a laptop keyboard, these scissor switches are fantastic - but whether you want to pay $139.99 for that feel in a separate deck is another matter.

The typing experience is slick for its construction, but it's not going to rival a set of mechanical clickers. The Asus ROG Falchion RX L♓ow Profile is far more textured in its feel overall, providing more satisfying feedback, greater precision, and a super soft, cushioned landing that stays comfortable over longer periods. While it's not as heavy as the Cherry MX-LP 2.1, the Razer Joro's harsher landing and slightly higher resistance means fatigue does set in fairly quickly. I can feel that strain after about ten minutes of solid typing time, and around six hours of more casual use.

My typing speed test tells a similar story. The lighter switches mean I'm significantly faster on the Razer Joro compared to Cherry's portable deck, but at the expense of accurac🔴y.

Still, if you'd prefer to prioritize the much slimmer design of Razer's device there's some nice action to these keys. That sturdy top plate makes for a particularly energetic bounce with a rigid backbone keeping everything snapping b🌳eautifully both in and out of each keypress.

Gaming

The shorter switches (especially combined with Snap Tap) make for a speedy gaming experience overall, even if that Bluetooth latency isn't going to🐷 keep up with more competitive decks. While I did miss the extra depth and tactile feel of a mechanical switch, I've spent♉ enough time with gaming laptops to have a muscle memory for these chiclet designs.

I maintained my usual laptop speed and accuracy on the Razer Jo👍ro, zipping across Doom: The Dark Ages maps and keeping all my regular keybindings in tow as well.

Unfortunately, that Bluetooth connection does introduce a little input lag that will be more noticeable to ultra-competitive players. I'm not one of those players, but I have spent most of my PC gaming life on a 2.4GHz receiver and the difference is noticeable. Until that Hy𝐆perspeed update this isn't one for the speed-conscious.

Should you buy the Razer Joro?

For its $139.99 / £129.99 price tag, the Razer Joro looks and feels much better than the only-slightly cheaper ($129.99) Cherry MX-LP 2.1. That was previously my favorite portable gaming keyboard, but with aꦬ thicker chassis, higher weight, and heavier typing feel, Cherry has lost its position here. The Razer Joro doesn't fare quite so well in its matchup against Asus in the wider low profile category, though.

If you're not too fussed about physical portability, the improved typing feel, extra connectivity options, and extra cover of the Asus ROG Falchion RX Low Profile offer a more accurate and satisfying experience overall. You're paying slightly more, at $169.99 / £169.99, and the RGB doesn't look quite so pretty, but it's imp🐭ossible to deny those soft, pillowy switches.

I'd recommend the Razer Joro to anyone hunting down the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Steam Deck accessories or kitting out an 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Asus ROG Ally with its own portable s♕etup. The brand's scissor switches are certainly snappier than may appear at first glance, and with a sturdy battery life, super vivid lighting, and easy Bluetooth connectivity this is a fantastic handheld companion.

How I tested the Razer Joro

I used the Razer Joro as my main keyboard for both work and play over the course of two weeks, while also taking it on the road alongside my Asus ROG Ally and iPad Air. I primarily tested gameplay in Doom: The Dark Ages, while completing more esports-focused runs in Apex Legends and CS2. I ♈performed a full battery test from 100% to 0% with RGB lighting set to 50% and examined typing speed and accuracy using three typing tests.

For more information on 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:how we test gaming keyboards, check out the full 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

I'm also rounding up all the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best hot-swappable keyboards for a more customizable deck, or check out more of the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best wireless gaming keyboards and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best membrane gaming keyboards on the market.

There are three new controllers to speak of in today's launch. Firstly, there's the Razer Kishi V3, a larger set pro controller for mobile gamers, complete with two back buttons, that's priced at - the same cost as the original Backbone, a🧔s well as the Scuf Nomad. Then, the Razer Kishi V3 Pro essentially takes what was g෴reat about the Kishi Ultra and improves it slightly for a price . Finally, the Kishi V3 Pro XL launches , and aims itself at the full-sized tablet gamers.

The new Kishi V3 line utilizes a larger form factor than most mobile gamepads, and can all be used as 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:PC controllers as well. Perhaps the biggest feature to speak of is the inclusion of TMR thumbsticks. These, to my knowledge, are the first set of TMR sticks in the mobile market, and from testing the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Razer Kishi V3 Pro, I can say🐼 they definitely make aꦜ difference in FPS titles.

All three also add two back buttons into the mix, which is something I really felt was missing from the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Razer Kishi Ultra. On the Kishi V3 Pro and its XL version, they combine with the extra bumpers to total four additional, mappable butto♒ns, perfect for those players who want as much extra functionality as possible.

However, the Kishi V3 Pro really doesn't stand out compared to the existing Kishi Ultra that's been getting slowly cheaper. It has made slight improvements, but its size, weight, dimension, and broad design strokes are near-identical to last year's version. Its $149 price also carries over, which is a real shame, since it's $50 more than the Backbone, 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Scuf Nomad, and a lot of other mobile controller rivals.

Speaking of Backbone, this new Kishi range launches right after we've finally had the Backbone Pro arrive. Priced at $169.99, it makes the Kishi V3 Pro look like a cheaper alternative, but as someone who loves the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:GameSir G8 Galileo, I'd argue both of them🌠 charge more than you actually need 🧸to spend.

In truth🧔, the Kishi V3 seems like the best bet to go for, unless you are looking for a controller to take on the go and use with a larger USB-C device like a full-sized iPad or Android tablet. Mind you, I'm not sure those gamers will be too happy they need to pay $200 for Razer's controller - especially since their options are more limited to 🔯begin with.

You might want to invest in one of the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Xbox Series X controllers instead, if you don't tend to take your gaming on the go. Alternatively, check out the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming handhelds, and the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best VR headsets.

Seagate states that as AAA titles are regularly exceeding 100GB, "higher capacity storage is essential for uninterrupted gameplay. Seagate’s new 4TB Storage Expansion Card gives Xbox players the freedom to download and play their favorite blockbuster g💮ames, indie favorites, and media without worrying about running out of space." ()

This 4TB Storage Expansion Card is prepared to take on the trend of storage-demanding game releases. In April of this year, the Elder Scrolls IV Oblivion R♑emastered popped on Xbox Game Pass with an eye-watering 125GB insta🐽ll size, and it wasn't the only big addition to the game subscription service that month. Whether or not you'll actually make use of that 4000GB worth of storage depends on what games you play on your Xbox, and whether your budget can stretch that far.

The Xbox Series X/S and their lack of an M.2 SSD slot means you're far more limited in storage options than other current-gen consoles. A plethora of the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best SSDs for gaming are compatible with the PS5, and not only that, you can actually run games straight from the internal drives, too. Xbox players don't have it as easy with most drꦑives, so thඣis new Seagate 4TB Storage Expansion Card is one of the few options out there if you're struggling to free up space on your Series X.

Alternatively, the 1TB ꦫand 2TB Seagate Storage Expansion Cards for Xbox Series X/S are also an option. All these cards can be easily slotted into the back of your Xbox console via the dedicated storage expansion port.

The 4TB Storage Expansion Card fo😼r Xbox Series X/S is available now directly from Seagate; however, it's now just as part of a limitedඣ-time launch promotion.

If you want to continue giving your Xbox setup a bit of a boost, the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Xbox Series X accessories guide is full of our top picks for the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Xbox Series X headsets, and the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Xbox Series X controller, which will add more value to your beloved give your Microsoft machine.

In the latest episode of the ex-Nintendo Minute hosts' podcast, Nintendo of America's former director of social media marketing and original content, Kit Ellis, and former senior manager of creator relations and original content, Krysta Yang, discuss some of the lessons the company is likely to have learned from the Switch 2's launch. They point to the backlash the Switch 2 faced for its pricing (澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:as well as its game-key cards), with Ellis noting that Nintendo "made a decision that they were not going to engage on the🦋se topics."

This, he says, "is very much in line with what they have always done, which is just sit it out," rather than going f🍌or the opposite approach of responding but then getting stuck in an "endless cycle of like, you respond, people ♛get mad, you respond again, people get more mad, and it's like what are we doing?"

Yang notes that "when we were inside the company working on the comms team," situations like this (not exclusive to launches) would "come up all the time," which would lead to "a discussion of like, what should the response be, and I'm telling you, 99.99999% of the time, the strategy is do not engage. Pretend it di💙dn't happen."

Nintendo, Ellis says, knows "something about human nature which is not always a comfortable thing, but it is a true thing, which is if you just wait, most people will not be mad anymo𓂃re."

Agreeing that the c👍ompany doesn't seem to feel the "pressure" of having to respond to backlash, Yang chimes in: "They don't have, like, any human emotion. I'm not saying this to be mean or something, but it's like you're talking to a robot with no heart. [...] They are not human. They are like a faceless corporate♊ robot. And so their response to you screaming on the internet and being mad is like, 'I don't care. This is not triggering any emotion in me at all, like I just will wait you out. And I know that I can wait you out, too.'"

As Ellis highlights that we've seen plenty of other examples before of people expecting𒁃 that something is "'going to bomb because we're💟 mad,' and then it doesn't bomb and it breaks a record," Yang says: "You're basically teaching them that they can continue to do this to you. [...] The thing is that this is not a good lesson to learn.

"Let's be clear that we're not advocating for Nintendo to be like a corporate monster," she adds, "because we did see this a lot from the inside and we would have like human emotions when people were mad, and sometimes we would be like, 'Oh 🉐man, I wish we would respond to these things,' but they won't."

Ellis agrees that "long-term aggravating your most passionate fans, it doesn't seem like a good thing to do, you probably shouldn't do that," even ဣthough the two say thไat actually arguing such a point within the company was easier said than done.

"They always had this other thing that they do that you 🍒can't argue against is 'the next thing that we do will make them happy again,'" Yang explains. "And you're like, 'you're probably right. The next game that you an𒉰nounce is probably going to [make people] happy again.'"

Concluding, Ellis says: "I just hope Nintendo does not go down that path of like, 'We're going to get away 🌳with whatever we can, we're going to squeeze as much money as we can.'" As Yang points out that "that's the lesson that they learned, th🦂ough," Ellis warns: "This is gonna get ugly at some point."

While you're here, be sure to check out our 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Switch 2 review as well as our roundup of the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Switch 2 games.

According to Jsaux, Switch 2 docks require a "20V power input to activate TV mode," a five-volt increase compared to the original console. Most of the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming handheld contenders also use 15V, which explains why every 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Steam Deck dock I've tried so far refuses to play ball.

In addition, the accessory brand a♏lso says Nintendo's USB-C protocols have also changed, "requiring re-adaptation for both power delivery and video output." This adds up considering th𓆏e handheld is looking for 20V before activating TV mode, but there might be an additional handshake in there too that serves as a hurdle.

The bad news is that this means third-party docking stations will no doubt need a firmware update before they'll play nice with the Switch 2. I've no doubt that companies like Jsaux will share updates for docks when they're ready, and BenQ has already previously let me know it's working on new firmware for the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:GR10 Steam Deck dock.

However, since many of the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best portable monitors aren't easily patchable, it's possible that you won't be able to connect the Switch 2 to existing models via a single cable. I'd love a company to prove me wrong on that one, but these screens are🐎n't really designed for easy firmware updates.

The good news is that Jsaux is still on track ဣto release its own dedicated Switch 2 dock, but says it will "take 💖some time to ensure proper compatibility and performance." I'd rather the accessory maker takes its time and irons out any wrinkles before releasing its own hub, and if its Steam Deck options are anything to go by, the eventual docking station will make for a solid addition to your setup.

As a side note, GameStop is apparently set to release its own "TV Adapter" for Switch 2 on June 16 . I am slightly skeptical about whether this accessory will actually arrive on that date, or if the retailer listed the product on the assumption of original compatibility. I'm also not particularly impressed with what the device offers or the fact it states "720p output" in its description,😼 so I'd keep an eye out for proper dedicated docking stations if you waไnt to avoid specs shenanigans.

Starting a setup from scratch? Swing by the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Nintendo Switch accessories and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Nintendo Switch 2 micro SD cards for useful add-ons. You'll want to peek at the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming TVs too if you're in need of a screen upgrade.

Razer is now back for more of the portable market, conveniently timed to upset the Backbone Pꦍro and the launch excitement of the Switch 2. But how much could have really changed in a year?

No, I’m actually asking you: How much could have ▨changed since the launch of the Razer Kishi Ultra? Besides a few updated design flourishes and an e﷽xpanded range of size options, I’m having trouble working it out.

The new Razer Kishi V3 Pro I’m testing has made tiny adjustments over last year’s Kishi Ultra, and even though I’m a big fan of the physical improvements, the biggest issue ᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ𒀱ᩚᩚᩚwas always its $149 price. For context, my favorite mobile controller on the shelves right now is still the GameSir G8 Galileo, because it outguns the Kishi Ultra, the Backbone, and all the others in terms of value✅ for money at just $79.99.

Thankfully, pricing isn’t all doom and gloom. The Kishi V3 line includes a standard model, which only costs $99.99 - a real thorn in the♔ paw of the o𝓰riginal Backbone One and the Scuf Nomad. It’s bigger than the Kishi V2, it has back buttons, and it feels like the best option in the bunch. The V3 Pro is the one I’m testing, however, and although it has more functionality, I can’t pretend the small improvements remedy the $149 price we know from last year. Then there’s the Kishi V3 Pro XL for larger tablet devices, and its $199 price is just as unwieldy as the large tablets it’s designed for.

Design

If you missed the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Razer Kishi Ultra from last year, allow me to fill you in🔯 on the broad design strokes. The Kishi V3 line takes a 🐻much larger approach to the mobile controller market, essentially giving you full-sized controller grips and a less portable form factor, but a lot more comfort. I’m yet to try anything designed for mobile play that replicates a full-sized controller more than the Kishi Ultra, and now the Kishi V3 Pro.

The dif😼ferences between last year’s model and this new one, though, aren’t exactly numerous. The two back buttons are an immediately noticeable addition, a broader spine to help cradle your phone feels more stable, and the RGB strips t𒉰hat framed the Ultra’s facial features are no more. Besides those, the dimensions, weight, and feel of the two controllers are virtually identical.

The Kishi V3 𝓰will fit and work with any Android or iPhone using a UCB-C connection. The V3 Pro will fit those devices, plus the iPad Mini, and any other USB-C gadget up to 8 inches. The XL model will only be for full-si🀅zed iPads and Android tablets up to 13 inches.

As great as the extra size of the Kishi V3 Pro is compared to other mobile pads, there’s a design flaw that totally undermines it. When you take a look at a regular, full-sized gamepad, you’ll notice that, regardless of whether it has asymmetrical or symmetrical thumbsticks, its face buttons and thumbsticks are positioned diagonally from one another. In other words, the buttons aren’t directly under the thumbsticks, like they are on one of the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Nintendo Switch 2’s✃ Joy-Cons, for example. Mobile controllers can often give you thumb cramp and discomfort because their facial components are vertically set. You have to completely flex your thumb and move it too far down to be comfortable for longer periods.

Symmetrical thumbsticks can go a long way to remedying that issue. With those, you’re not spending the majority of time playing with your thumb in that position; you’re only tapping buttons before moving it back to the stick. The Kishi V3 Pro, being larger, does use bigger buttons and thumbsticks than most typical mobile controllers do, but it doesn’t 🎀use its extra size to move that vertical separation far enough into a diagonal. The X button is still positioned directly above the thumbstick where, ideally, it’d be a little further over to the side. Whil🗹e your hands have a more natural hold on the Kishi V3 Pro thanks to girthy grips, it can feel just as annoying to use in longer sessions as smaller controllers, particularly if you’re playing aim-heavy games like FPS titles.

In my mind, a Kishi V3 Pro that improves upon the Kishi Ultra should have been screaming out for symmetrical thumbsticks like the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Scuff Nomad has, like the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Steam Deck OLED has, or like the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Nitro Deck+ has. As it is, the Kishi V3 f💛eels like it’s catering to players, like me, who have larger൲ hands, but it doesn’t stick the landing because it doesn’t use the space where it counts.

Features

Perhaps the biggest win for the Kishi V3 line, in my opinion, is the inclusion of TMR thumbsticks. These are slowly emerging as the controller market continues into 2025, but for those who aren’t aware, they’re an advancement over the Hall sensor technology we’ve been seeing in recent years. They can chart even more coordinates on a grid, and do soไ at much faster speeds. In FPS games, that means more accurate aim, less latency, and an ongoing immunity to stick drift.

The tops of these thumbsticks can be pulled off and replaced with the two replacements in the box, which is a nice touch, and calls back to the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:GameSir X3 for those mob🌳ile players who still want a modular coꦛntroller.

The Kishi V3 Pro sports the same additional bumper buttons as the Kishi Ultra and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Razer Wolverine V3 Pro, but it now also has two back buttons, which I felt the Ultra from 2024 was screaming out for. That makes the Kishi𝕴 V3 Pro one of, if not the only, mobile pad out there with four extra buttons to make use of. That’s a big win for competitive players who don’t want to lose out on functionality when they’re away from home.

Like the 2024 model, the Kishi V3 controllers also act as a 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:PC controller than𓆉ks to USB-C connectivity. Plugging in works seamlessly with PC games, and this is actually how I did a big chunk of my testing. The same USB socket also has passthrough charging capabilities when in mobile play. Behind that, there’s room for a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Along for the ride is Razer’s own Nexus launcher, which is its answer to the Backbone app. This has some benefits to it, like the ability to record gameplay and share it, Virtual Controller mode, which lets you use the V3 for touchscreen-only titles on mobile, and remote play from a PC. All that, and it’s free to use, unlike Backbone’s꧑ app.

Razer Sensa HD Haptics feature in the V3 Pro and XL models, but not in the regular V3. Razer also pulled in its mechanical mouse click switches for the buttons, andꦆ everything from the back buttons to the bumpers, to the face buttons all have a satisfying, speedy c📖lick to them. Inside the box, you’ll find three sets of rubberized feet that provide compatibility with various iPhone and Android devices with or without cases.

Performance

I had a real feeling of déjà vu when testing the Kishi V3 Pro, and that’s how I know this new model doesn’t change enough from last year’s outing. The good news is that last year’s outing was pretty darn good. Its thicker, longer grips do a lot to make mobile play more comfortable during longer sessions than the Kishi V2. Its clicky buttons feel speedy and responsive, but it doesn’t miss out on feedback thanks to the Sensa HD Haptics. I♏t is, as it stands, one of the best ways to enjoy mobile games in this day and age, especially if you have larger hands.

I’d like to give a special mention to the TMR𓆏 thumbsticks. They do an amazing job of making this feel like a full-sized pro controller I’d be happy to use in competitive, sweaty Hunt: Showdown sessions. I’ve said it before, but the micro-adj🌌ustments, the sensitivity, it all feels so much better than any other stick module I’ve used in FPS games. The shape of the triggers is more slimline than a lot of full-sized controllers, which gives it a really distinct feeling.

The crunchy haptiꦜcs are excellent in games like Celeste, and give me all the immersive feedback I need. I still think the floaty D-Pad Razer uses is a little odd. It feels more like it’s sliding into the direction you’re pushing, and it’s the only part of the V3 Pro that feels spongy as opposed to immediately clicky and responsive.

I also enjoy that you don’t need to download an app to map the V3 Pro’s back buttons; the Nexus 𒁃button doubles as a function button for this, and it streamlines your abil🤡ity to play on the go.

Comfort is a big win here if you do lean on back buttons as heavily as I do. They remove a lot of the need for your🌱 thumbs to sit in that uncomfortable position I talked about earlier for long stretches of time. The well-rounded grips are exactly what some portable gaming devices are missing these days, and if you aren’t a fan of the flat back on the Switch 2, you’ll find this a lot easier to hold safely. On the other hand, using it as a PC controller will never not feel odd to me because its spine can’t shrink down or be removed. I still really enjoyed using it in this way, and there aren’t many mobile pads I’d be willing to actually spend time with on a stay-at-home device when I have other full-sized pro controllers at my disposal.

Should you buy the Razer Kishi V3 Pro?

The Razer Kishi Ultra has been dropping in price for the last six months or so. I’ve noticed more and more regularly that it’s been getting discount after discount, which to me signals that the brand could be struggling to shift units in a market where it’s charging $50 more than the majority of the competition. Then, just as Backbone launches a pro model that’s slightly larger a🦹nd has back buttons for $169.99, Razer launches three new mobile controllers of its own. The regular V3 priced at $99.99 will no doubt be an excellent investment, but the inflated price of the two larger models is not suddenly justified because another brand decides to charge as much. If I were you, I’d wait until the V3 Pro inevitably comes down in price, because these big brands are soon going to realise (again) that ꦦthey’re still charging far too much for what most people can afford to spend on a mobile controller.

Let me be clear: The Kishi V3 Pro is great - it improves upon the Kishi Ultra, which was already a brilliant mobile controller. That’s why this review is difficult. It feels worthy of a slightly higher score than the Kishi Ultra, but Razer’s stubborn pricing throws a big green spanner in the works. It just doesn’t do enough to really feel like a new product. As a result, it seems like an excuse for Razer t🍷o slowly phase out the Kishi Ultra, once again charge a premium of $149, and now seem like the more affordable alternative to the Backbone Pro.

I had as comfortable a hold on the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:GameSir G8 Galileo as I do here. You also get a more intuitive USB-C connector that pivots, and shoving it in your bag is so much easier due to its smaller𒆙 form factor. That best-of-the-best option can even Remote Play PS5 games, which is something I never managed with Razer’s. Oh, and did I mention that you still get two backꦜ buttons and save $70 versus the Kishi V3 Pro? If you really want the biggest and baddest mobile controller, pay for Razer’s, but I think the G8 still wins the all-rounder battle.

How I tested the Razer Kishi V3 Pro?

I put the Razer Kishi V3 Pro to work over a matter of weeks of testing. In that time, I used it for all my mobile gaming needs, as well as a big chunk of my PC play time. Naturally, I compared my experience closely to the Kishi Ultra controller, and used my experience of tracking i🐟ts price for the last year to give an analysis in this review.

I played games across multiple genres for this reviꦏew, including Hunt: Showdown 1896, Clair Obscur, Celeste, Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero, and the Hell is Us Demo.

For more on 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:how we test controllers, check out the full澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询: GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

If you're looking for a controller for your dedicated platform, why not check out the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best PS5 controllers, the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Xbox Series X controllers, or the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Nintendo Switch controllers?

This is a productivity machine, so it's not going to be threatening the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming mouse models on the market. However, Razer's pedigree in creating high-quality peripherals that balance speedy sensors with additional functionality is certainly on show here. The Pro Click V2 Vertical Edition is too cumbersom🐼e to be a true threat on the battlefield, but it's certainly a beast in a spreads🎉heet.

Design

The Razer Pro Click V2 Vertical Edition doesn't look like most of the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:wireless gaming mice I test, and the clue's in the name. This is an upright pointer with a large, heavy base and some serious heft to its waistline. That meanඣs it's not going to be zipping across any Apex Legends arenas any time soon♐, and it's certainly taking a backseat in ranked play.

Razer's Pro line has never been in step💞 with the brand's wider gaming motivations, though. First and foremost, this is a productivity machine.

That means comfort is a top priority here, and thankfully Razer has delivered. I felt too much of a strain to truly relax when wielding the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Keychron M5 earlier this year, but the Razer Pro Click V2 Vertical Edition makes s⛄ome key changes to that form factor. Instead of placing the thumb all the way at the bottom of the device (the design Keychron takes, as well as Logitech), there's a large dent in the top left side. Here, the thumb sits comfortably atop the mouse, rather than straining to control it from the bottom.

That, plus the super grippy texture covering this side of the device, makes for a far more accurate and infinitely more pleasant experience. Instead of working overtime to keep a lumbering pointer in check, my thumb is resting neatly in the small groove while the rest of the work is balanced🌳 across three fi🙈ngers on the top and my wrist. The difference is night and day.

At 150g this is still a solid piece of kit, but I never felt like I was dragging it across my mouse pad. There's a fairly sophisticated set of large skates on the underside that, while not as slick as the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Alienware Pro Wireless gaming mouse, keep that glide smooth a💫nd lighte๊n the load a little.

Build quality feels sturdy, though there's a little more creaking when squeezing from the sides than I would have expected from a Razer device. It's by no means enough 🧸to have me worried about long-term durability, though.

Controls

The Razer Pro Click V2 line has a number of AI features built into Synapse and, in the case of the Vertical Edition, it's all accessible via a small button right on the very top of the device. By default, this small silver clicker cycles DPI settings but a long press brings up your AI Prompt Master. Connect to an AI Engine like ChatGPT a💦nd you've got quick access to a pre-set prompt of your choosing. You'll need Synapse installed and running to uℱse this feature, though, and for now it's largely based around summarizing or writing text rather than running more complicated analysis prompts.

Then you've got your classic two side buttons, framing that thumb groove on the side. The curved side means Razer can't fit these two clickers side by side as Keychron does. Instead, 💯they're positioned above and below the thumb. Knocking upwards or downwards to actuate each button is a new feeling, but one I quickly merged into muscle memory.

These buttons are slightly more shallow than you might expect, but that's perfect considering they're being hit by the side of the ❀thumb instead of the top. There's ample space on the button itself so I never missed a click but there's still enough room around the thumb to avoid accidental presses.

You do sacrifice some scroll wheel action by opting for the Vertical Edition over the standard Razer Pro Click V2. While the traditional design offers both smooth and notched scrolling, this wheel is locked to notched in the taller shape. Everything still feels rꩲesponsive and there's a strong sense of presence to each notch, but scrolling through longer pages does grow tiresome after a while (which is where that free-spin mode comes in).

Software

The Pro Click V2 Vertical Edition runs on Razer Synapse 4, the latest iteration of the brand's software. Things are a little slimmer here than I normally see in the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Razer mice, with no fancy sensor featur🌟es or lift-off distance customizations on offer. Instead, we've🎀 got more of a focus on keybindings and the aforementioned AI Prompt Master.

The latter is basically a back door into ChatGPT, allowing you to bring up a Razer-skinned version of the software (with the addition of a few handy drop do𝔍wns and preset prompt parameters) to either rephrase, summarize, or create text or images. It's basically an alternative to hitting alt-space to bring up the app itself, with the addition of a few quick settings.

Individual prompts can't be mapped to any buttons, which is a shaꦡme. If you regularly find yourself u﷽sing one or two of the exact same prompts, it would be much easier to simply assign the full task to a keybinding.

Elsewhere, Razer's software can be used to set DPI presets (either along a simple slider or using five stages saved to the mouse itself), set the polling rate from 125Hz to 1,000Hz, and configure sleep mode timings. RGB lighting can be toggled on and off, with Razer's standard rಞange of effects on offer.

Everything is laid out well, with intuitive menus (though some keybinding optꦍions can be a pain to find in the𒉰 smaller dropdown that appears) and easy sliders for your main controls. Synapse 4 is also far less CPU intensive than its predecessors, though it does constantly run in the tray in Windows, which has slowed my system in the past.

Connection

The Pro Click V2 Vertical Edition can connect via the supplied USB-C cable as well as ꦜboth Bluetooth and its 2.4GHz receiver. That's par for the course at this price range, with most other $100+ gaming mice offering the same connection options.

Switching between connections is pretty simple, as is swapping between Bluetooth devices (there are three slots, which is handy for multi-tasking between different laptops and tablets). Interestingly, the toggle on the underside is used simply to swap between wired and wireless mode, with a separate button on th🌟e other side used to configure either a 2.4GHz or Bluetooth connection.

Both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connections remained resi🎶lient in my testing, with very little additional input lag introduced when using Bluetooth instead of Razer's speedy receiver.

Battery

Razer advertises mammoth six-month battery life, which is likely a best-case Bluetooth scenario with no RGB. So no, you probably won't get six months of juice out of this device if you're using it at a 1,000Hz polling rate over 2.4GHz with some fancy light shows - but you're still goin💛g to run for a long time.

I charged the Razer Pro Click V2 Vertical Edition to 100% twelve days ago and I've just hit 50%. It seeꦚs runtime for eight hours per day during the work week, with a few extra hours in the evening for gaming, and around two to four hours each day on weekends. That's connected via a 2.4GHz receiver, without RGB switched on, set to a 1,000Hz polling rate.

I've done the math, and that's roughly 102 hours for 50% of🌃 the battery to drain, putting us firmly into the 200-hour territory overall. I spent 112 hours testing the Keychron M5 and it was down to 45%, so both mice are offering particularly strong battery lives.

For reference, the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 DEX (my favorite gaming mouse at the moment) gets about 95 hours for a full charge, while the next-sturdiest (after the M5) 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Cougar Revenger Pro 4K taps out at 150 hours on its lowest polli๊ng rate.

Sensor

We've got Razer's Focus Pro Optical Sensor at the helm here, the same eye featured in the cheaper 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Razer Viper V3 Hyperspeed and slightly older 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Razer Basilisk V3 Pro. That means tracking is smooth and accurate while keeping up with faster movements admirably, despite the lower-than-average 550 IPS. A gaming-focused mouse will generally start off with 650 inches-per-second of tracking speed, but the sacrifice does☂n't make too much of a difference here considering the weight and shape of the pointer itself. You're not going to be able to zip this across a mouse pad in the same way you would a lightweight esports mouse.

For its productivity sensibilities, this is a fantastic piece of kit. Not many users are going to stretch to the full 30,000 DPI unless you're particularly nimble and using a much lar🦋ger display. Overall, tracking is reliable and accurate, while maintaining a smooth curve at higher settings as well.

There are no lift-off distance settings to customize, but I can see why. The larger form factor means actually readjusting positioning during wider movements is far too cumbersome. I'm not knocking it🐟, the Pro Click V2 Vertical Edition was never designed as a gaming-first device, but it's certainly something to remember if you're looking for an all-in-one pointer.

Switches

This is a fully mechanical mouse, with no optical clickers in either the main clicks or the 🐭side buttons. That makes sense, Razer doesn't need to focus on pure speed here and instead the Pro Click V2 Vertical Edition offers a deep, precise actuation on its main buttons. That's a little lighter when it comes to the side clackers, but it still works in Razer's favor - they're easy to hit and still offer a robust sense oꦑf feedback when knocked with the thumb.

Should you buy the Razer Pro Click V2?

The Razerಌ Pro Click V2 Vertical Edition is a little too awkward to truly make sense as a gaming mouse, but it's not designed for that. This is a productivity tool that will serve anyone looking for a more r👍elaxed hold particularly well.

It's far more comfortable than cheaper alternatives from Key📖chron and serves its higher price tag well with a textured grip, excellent sensor performance, and easily accessible extra buttons. AI features feel like a slight gimmick at the moment considering it's basically just another shortcut for ChatGPT, but could come in handy for the power user, and that battery life is second to none at the moment.

If you've dec꧅ided♑ to invest a little more in a more ergonomic shape for work or content creation, this is an easy recommendation from me. Just be aware of the extra weight that inevitably comes with this chunkier design.

How I tested the Razer Pro Click V2 Vertical Edition

I used the Razer Pro Click V2 Vertical Edition for two weeks, running the pointer as my daily drive𒐪r for all work and play during that tim🉐e. My work primarily centers around writing and researching, but I made good use of additional productivity functions in image editing and across data-heavy spreadsheets as well. I primarily testing the Pro Click's gaming chops in Doom The Dark Ages, while also running my usual competitive tests in Apex Legends and CS2.

For more information on 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:how we test gaming mice, check out the full 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

I'm also rounding up all the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Logitech gaming mouse models as well as the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best left-handed gaming mice for more options. Or, take a look at the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best mouse pads for gaming if you're truly looking to finesse that setup.

There are some surprises in here. The mobile RTX 5070 inside my test device gave me some real gen-on-gen performance upgrades (something missing slightly from the RTX 5080 and RTX 5090 rigs I've tested so far), and battery life in a productivity scenario is certainly impressive. The G16 doesn't quite excel in any one area enough to be considered one of the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming laptops on the marꩲket right now, but it is a jack of all trades worth checking out.

Configurations

The Asus ROG Strix G16 comes with a whole wad of different configuration options. Right at the top of the pile, though, I'm delighted to see the AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX3D in the mix. Sadly the red-team's giant CPU isn't inside the test unit I've received (I'm working with the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX), but considering it topped the charts when I used it in inside the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:MSI Raider A18 HX it's certainly ready to rev some engines here.

I'm also glad that Asus hasn't stuck only with Intel's Ultra range of CPUs.🎐 We've got options for the almost-timeless Intel Core i9-14900HX in here, a gaming-focused processor that often out-performs the brand's newer releases.

Graphics are limited to the mid-range with the choice between an RTX 5060, RTX 5070 and RTX 5070 Ti GPU. Overall, this is an impressive spec sheet. The Asus ROG Strix G16 doesn't want to alienate regular players with flashy configurations that cost thousands of dollars, but it doesn't want to be seen as weedy. With enough choice to balance a range of different use-cases and bu♈dgets, this is a particularly flexible option.

That varietyꦫ is a double-edged sword, though. Actually finding the configuration you're af꧅ter is a little tricky. Intel builds are easier to chase down in the UK, while US retailers like Best Buy seem to have gone all out on AMD.

Design

I was surprised by just how understated the Asus ROG Strix G16's design is. I've come from the Scar line, a range that previously went all-out with translucent plastic d♚esigns and blazing RGB. Here, though, we've got an almost Zephyrus-like subtlety - with some added RGB flair.

The underside features a particularly vibrant strip of LED ⛎lighting, which creates a strong underglow effect on whichever surface you're using. Colors are bold and uniform, but can easily be switched off if you want to maintain a more professional vibe (or save battery life).

A light gray aesthetic keeps things looking streamlined, keeping its cool against black keycaps and macro buttons. There isn't a lick of garish iconography on this rig, with a simple ROG ಞlogo stamped onto the lid offering a peaceꦦful nod to branding.

Just like the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 9, the Asus ROG Strix G16 manages to hide its thicker form factor. A tapered lip and severe gradient running down to t𝕴he bottom of the main chassis means this form factor looks and feels much thinner than it actually is. That's not going to help when transporting the device, though at 2.65kg it's one of the🐟 lighter 16-inch rigs on the market, but it certainly looks less imposing on a desk.

There's a little flex to the main deck, but nothing noticeable in the keyboard area when used in casual typing. That chassis does bow a little un💫der heavier stamps but it n💙ever causes the deck to feel spongey or cheap.

Display

Asus hasn't outf🎃itted the ROG Strix G16 with the MiniLED display gracing its more premium Scar models, but this is still a well-defined panel. Running at a crisp QHD+ resolution with a zippy 240Hz refresh rate, Asus is keeping things in the upper mid-range heree, but adding an extra flair with its Dolby Vision integration and new ACR film.

The latter is a two-layer addition to the scree❀n itself, ultimately aiming to keep glare to a minimum and pump extra contrast into those colors. It's a workaround for the kind of vibrancy you might see from a more expensive OLED device, but still works particularly well. Red and orange hues maintain a s▨triking degree of precision, even if blues are warmed a little too much to my naked eye.

Thereඣ's no conventional HDR here, but I was still able to make out all the necessary details in darker Doom The Dark Ages caves and caverns, while also spotting a good amount of variation in lighter moments as well. Colors also pop particularly well considering this display is a step behind some of the more premium builds I've been testing lately - I'd still be just as happy if this was my daily driver going forwards.

Ports

The Asus ROG Strix G16 I'm testing is an Intel model, which means I've got a Thunderbolt 4 instead of AMD's preferred USB 4. Most 2025 gaming laptops are making the move to Thunderbolt 5 for its faster speeds, but this is still a more-than capable port for everyday connections. This is a trend among the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Asus gaming laptops, with the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 also sticking with Thunderbolt 4. However, the far more premium 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:2025 Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 throws in not one but two of the▨se updated ports.

You'll only notice this relative downgrade if you regularly transfer large ꧅files to and from your system or you're looking to connect multiple high-speed 4K monitors. Otherwise, y🐓ou're still getting support for two 4K monitors and power delivery as well.

Elsewhere, the Strix G16 is stacked with three USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports (one more than youﷺ'll find on the Zephyrus), one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C connection, as well as your standard HDMI 2.1 and 3.5mm audio jacks. There's also a handy Ethernet port included as well, something you won't find on slimmer models.

These connections are split across the left and right flanks 🧜of the laptop, which is more common in 16-inch devices. Larger 18-inch models often keep some permanent ports to the rear of the chassis to keep cables tidy and stay out of the way. I was able to get everything connected to the left side of the Strix G16 in testing, which kept my mouse-hand free from obstructions. However, if you have wired accessories (both of which require a USB-A port) you may find yourself battling some cables.

Keyboard and trackpad

This is a slick chiclet-style keyboard with plenty of action🌼 under those caps and a sturdy, energetic feel to both typing and gaming. That's not something you find everyday in gaming laptops - and even the most expensive machines can still fall down with mushier decks.

Those keys looked a little higher than usual when I first opened the lid, but they're actually just very well spaced. Still, that extra breathing room keeps everything nicely accurate - even when I'm spamming between E and R in Doom The Dark Ages. Repeat presses also feel snappy, th🐲ough - as with most gaming laptop keyboards - the bottom-out i﷽s still a little too soft to truly be reliable in the heat of battle.

The trackpad is spaciou𝔍s and comfortable, with a smooth glide and responsive tap-action. I did notice that a forced physical press comes with an extra clack of feedback sound that doesn't feel intentional. It📖's a slight drawback, as it cheapens the feel overall, even if it doesn't feel like too much of a durability concern.

Performance

The Asus ROG Strix G16 is middling in its performance, but it still represents a good step up from previous-generation RTX 4070 machines (which isn't something I've been able to say about all RTX 50-Series rigs so far). 3D Mark performance puts it suitably below the RTX 5080-toting Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 and the RTX 5090 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Razer Blade 16 2025, even though it's running in a larger chassis🦋 than both.

Still, synthetic benchmarks suggest an average 23% increase in performance in 3D Mark Time Spy and Fire Strike compared with the similarly-built (but RTX 4070) 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:HP Omen 17, 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Alienware M16 R2, and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Acer Nitro 16. That's worth shouting about, many of the mobile RTX 5080 and RTX 5090 machines I've tested so far have only offered marginal improvements in native performance compared to previous generat♊ions.

In the real world, that means framerate peꦯrformance is just nudging that of the slimmer RTX 5080 Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 in easier runs, though the Strix G16 does fall away from more powerful graphics cards in more demanding titles.

At QHD resolution, the system struggles to stay above 60fps in Cyberpunk 2077 when on Turbo mode without any DLSS support, and only just manages to average 61fps in Horizon Zero Dawn: Remastered's highest settings. Black Myth Wukong represents a significant challenge as well, tapping out at around 50fps in its top graphical settings - though I did manage to bump that up to 80fps with DLSS Frame Generation switched on. You'll need to configure Nvidia's frame generation settings to truly get competitive framerates out of bulkier titles, but the fact that it's even available is worth a 🃏nod.

꧒Lighter games can run just fine without these tweaks, with Shadow of the Tomb Raider and Total War: Three Kingdoms keeping their heads well above water in both High and Highest settings. In fact, lighter titles like these show a much smaller gap in performance between the RTX 5070 and more expensive Rᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ𒀱ᩚᩚᩚTX 5080 configurations.

Yes, the Asus ROG Strix 🍃G16 is configurable with AMD's blockbuster Ryzen 9 9955HX3D processor, but I've got the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX on the test bench here. It's not quite got the headroom of the larger Scar 18 to bump it up the rankings, but it's still holding out quite well - beating the previous generatioꦡn Intel Core Ultra 9 185H by a mile and holding the fort against the super-slick AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 as well.

PC Mark 10's producti꧒vity benchmark puts this implementation of the latest Intel CPU𒐪 at a score of 8,315 - just a little shy of the same processor inside the Scar's larger form factor.

Battery

I was surprised by the Asus ROG Strix G16's battery life in productivity scenarios. I was able to run it all day (without RGB ♐lighting) without needing a plug, and even managed 6.6 hours of juice with those LEDs set to 25%. That is, of course, running a few Chrome tabs while the system was set to conserve power in its Silent Mode.

Gameplay battery life averages out at around an hour when running in Performance mode with thඣe display as bright as the system would allow me (though still not at full) and RGB on. Perhaps more impressive, though, my Doom The Dark Ages gameplay remained silky smooth even when running on battery alone.

No, textures weren't as crisp as they would have been in full Turbo mode at full brightness, but I never experienced 🐻a noticeable stutter or framerate drop. That's surprising considering on-the-go play was a nightmare only a few years a𓄧go.

Should you buy the Asus ROG Strix G16?

The Asus ROG Strix G16 is one of the cheaper gaming laptops I've tested from the RTX 50-Series generation, but we are only just starting to see these RTX 5070 builds on the shelves. Those looking to play older titles (or are happy to bump up DLSS settings in more demanding releases) with a high-end screen, slick chassis, and solid productivity battery life will be well served here, though. The performance of the RTX 5070 inside this machine is within touching distance of slimmer RTX 508🥂0 configurations in some easier runs, and that's worth a lot to anyone catching up on releases from the last five years or so.

Does it beat the Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 9? No, the Asus ROG Strix G16 may be cheaper than Lenovo's previous-generation powerhouse but its RTX 5070 can't out-perform an RTX 4080 an꧟d its display is about the same quality. It's a nicer design overall, but until I get my hands on an RTX 5080 build it's still behind Lenovo.

Value is definitely strong for t🍸hose after an upper mid-range machine with a few extra bells and whistles, though, so if you prioritize look, feel, and display quality over high-end native rendering you're still going to have a great time here.

How I tested the Asus ROG Strix G16

I used the Asus ROG Strix G16 as my daily driver for work and play across two weeks. I performed synthetic graphical benchma💝rk tests in 3DMark's Time Spy, Fire Strik🗹e, and Steel Nomad and pushed the CPU in PC Mark 10's dedicated software suite as well. I also benched native rendering performance across both 1080p and 1600p resolution, in high and highest settings, on Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Total War: Three Kingdoms, Cyberpunk 2077, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, and Black Myth: Wukong. These tests were carried out in the system's Turbo mode with no DLSS features applied unless actively stated above.

I performed each test three times, ta𓄧king an average of each score as my final result.

I also completed two battery rundown tests, running the device in both Silent and Performance Mode for productivity and gaming respectively. During this time, ꦐbattery was charged to 100% before use, with screen brightness set at 50% and RGB settings at 25%.

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The entire lineup was effectively a massive shake-up in how Intel designed and created its chips up until that point. Processor designs that had been touted as some of the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best CPUs out there were wantonly abandoned and thrown aside in search of a new design that would give Team Blue an advantage over AMD's recent success with the subsequent 7000 series, particularly its X3D lineup. In essence, the first-generation Ultra series, the 100 line, was confined to laptops only as a hyper-efficient, low-power alternative to Arm and Qual💃comm's Snapdragon line. It was a minor success and inevitably became the blueprint for the Core Ultra 200 range on desktop.

After seven months, the question then has to be, "Is Intel's Core🎐 Ultra 7 265K a good bargain today?", particularly given everything that went on. It's certainly seen price drops since then, that's for sure (the Ultra 7 is now just $299/£239, down from its launch price of $400/£339), and both BIOS and Windows are now more mature, fully capable of taking advantage of Intel's new architecture. But given how poor that initial launch was, it's fair to say we're all still a little skeptical of Intel's redesign, and with good reason.

Specs & Features

If you’re someone who invested in an Intel motherboard and processor in the last three or four years, you might be asking why the brand chose to uproot its existing CPU socket for its latest generation. Well, by the end of 2023, Intel had kinda pushed its Performance/Efficient design to its limits. The style that was found in the 12th, 13th, and 14th gen chips. You could see it too; the 14th gen, itself really more of a refresh of the 13 series, the 14900K nothing more than a ramped-up 13900K, regularly ran at 100 degrees under load, no matter the 💟cooling or the chip, pushing subsequent clock speeds all the way up to 6GHz and above as a result. All in an attempt to compete with AMD.

It wasn't without fault, however, and after num🧜erous stability issues and motherboard manufacturer shenanigans came to light, in an effort to quell the (rightly justified) media and consumer uproar, Intel enforced a bevy of BIOS updates and microcode changes to reduce the amount of power being drawn by the chips. This quelled most of the issues, as it prevented the Raptor Lake products from permanently damaging themselves when in operation. That not only reduced temps (mildly) a♏nd increased stability, but it came at the cost of that top-tier launch performance, effectively invalidating most of those early reviews (my own included) and experiences in the process. In short, Intel was in the doghouse.

Then we got the Core Ultra lineup, and oh boy, the number of changes here was intense. We lost hyper-threading; Intel handed off the manufacturing to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and its 3nm process, it introduced an integrated NPU (neural processing unit used to accelerate AI calculations), and how it managed power delivery and clock speeds was wildly different compared to its predecessors. It's a chip that really should have been launched about 3-4 months later than it was, once the bugs had been ironed ou🌃t, its BIOS had been developed, and Windows had been optimized for it. Sticking to release timelines and shareholder demands sometimes isn't the best play.

Although the CPU architecture has seen the biggest amount of change from a gen꧒erational standpoint, the top-line specs aren't that radically different between the two generations. If you compare the 14700K to the Core Ultra 7 265K, they're impressively similar.

Both feature eight Performance cores, and 12 Efficiency cores. Both have remarkably similar clock speeds (5.5 GHz for the Ultra 7 265K and 5.6 GHz for the 14700K), and both feature rather tigh🅰t L3 cache sizing as well (or smart caching), with the 7 265K touting 30 MB versus the 14700K's 33 MB.

The biggest and most notable difference is that lack of hyper-threading or simultaneous multi-♚threading across the range. Something that for the longest time has been a staple of Intel's Performance cores, even pre-dating the P/E split.the

In essence, you can think of hyperthreading like an arm. Each core is a mouth that needs feeding, and by default, it has one arm or thread that can grab that food from the relevant resources. What hyperthreading does is add an extra arm into the equation; it effectively simulates a virtual core to the operating system. Although it doesn't necessarily equat♓e to a direct doubling of performꦕance, it generally ensures that the physical core, or mouth, can continually be fed with instructions rather than sitting there idly, waiting for that next resource or instruction to come to it.

It does, however, require more power to operate like that, and the Core Ultra architecture is designed first and foremost around efficiency and reduced latency above all else. On the surf𒐪ace, that looks incredibly♚ bad, as the 14700K touts a whopping 28 threads, versus the Ultra 7's meager 20, but not all is as it first appears. Certainly, in regard to performance.

Launch pricing between the two remained fairly consistent as well, despite inflationary pressures (or because of), with the 14700K sitting pretty at $410 / £400 back in October of 2023 and the 265K arriving at $400 / £340 in October 2024. There's a catch there, though, and that's the socket. Namely, if you want one of the latest Core Ultra lines, you inevitably have to invest in a new motherboard as well, as it is only compatible with LGA 1851 sockets, not the older LGA 1700 sockets common across the 12💎th, 13th, and 14th gen chips.

Intel really has struggled to shift these CPUs since their launch, though, and the debut RRP prices have fallen dramatically as a result, as it tries to encourage consumers away from its 14th-gen lineup onto the newer chips. You can🅷 currently pick up an Ultra 7 265✨K (at time of writing) for a staggeringly low $299 or £239, whereas the 14700K is only available at $336 or £297, as it approaches end of life.

Performance

So then, the good news is I've spent the last few weeks re-benchmarking and testing as many modern CPUs as I can get my hands on in a fairly hefty testbed, including the Core Ultra 7 265K. The situation for Intel and this 𒈔new lineup, certainly since I first used it back in October, has improved dramatically. Although there are some caveats to that statement.

As for rendering performance, Cinebench multi-core and single-core scores are far, far, far better than they were way back when. I still have the results from when I initially tested the Core Ultra 9 in Cinebench 2024, and that was clocking in numbers of 98 points in the single-core and 2,252 in multi-core. Comparatively, the Ultra 7 265K today managed 1,938 points in multi-core and 128 in the single-core test. Albeit with four fewer cores and a 200 MHz drop in clock speed꧂. Not too shabby.

Compared to last gen, those numbers are admittedly less impressive, however. The 14700K managed 124 points in single-core and 1,834 in multi-core. That's a 3% improvement on single-core and 6% on multi-core, which is less than stellar. General clock speed was far lower too, with the 14700K tapping out at 5,586 MHz and the Ultra 7 at exactly 5,500MHz. Although it's worth noting that clock speed alone (particulaꦑrly when transitioning architectures and manufacturing size) often isn't a good indicator of performance. Plus, the Ultra 7 doesn't have hyperthreading either, so performance per thread here is kinda through the roof in a lot of ways.

In Blender, however, the result൩s were far less impressive, with the 14700K winning out by two points in the CPU test and 33 points in the𝓰 GPU test utilizing Junkyard.

And then we get to gaming, and oh boy, is there a lot to cover here. For my gaming tests, I ran a total of three different💟 mainstream high-end titles across the three key resolutions: 1080p, 1440p, and 4K, on the Ultra preset with a few tweaks here and there. The games being, Total War: Warhammer 3ꦇ with the Mirror of Madness benchmark, Cyberpunk 2077 with DLSS "Quality" and MFG x2 enabled, and Final Fantasy XIV's Dawntrail benchmark with FSR enabled.

Traditionally, the higher the frame rate, the more CPU-bound the game becomes as it has to process more frames that the graphics card generates, and as such, 1080p generally tends to be where you'll find the greatest difference in CPU performance. If you're big into esports ti🌼tles or high-fps games like that and game in a competitive environment, then a good CPU can make or break your championship runs𓄧.

The bad news is thaꦆt the Core Ultr🎃a 7 kinda underperformed at that resolution compared to its predecessor. In fact, even the Core i5-14600K outperformed it here, under the same conditions. On average across all three titles at 1080p, the Ultra 7 landed a total average of 157.14 fps, the 14700K 162.42, and the Core i5-14600K 160 exactly. Final Fantasy in particular suffered under the Core Ultra line more so than Total War or Cyberpunk, and that's a real issue, given how old these chips are.

Still, if I'm honest, although it is objectively "worse" than those two chips, it's only by a relatively small margin, 3% to be exact. The likelihood of that being noticeable in-game to absolutely everyone is going to be slim, particularly at lower frame rates. Where this will be more pronounced, however, is for those dabbling in games at the 200-300 fps range. If you've got one of the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming monitors out there and can handle and generate those kinds of numbers, plus esports titles are on the horizon for you, you're going to want to stee🔯r clear.

What is more noticeable, though, is just how much more efficient the Ultra 7 is. Side-by-side with the 14700K, we're talking about a drop in power draw of anywhere between 60 to 95 W, dependent on the workload. Equally, average temperatures are ridiculously low by comparison. In💙-game, this chip happily sits around the 50-degree mark versus 60-70 for the 14700K, and similarly, under computational load, those temp drops were 15 or 16 degrees lower as well. It's seriously efficient♎, and although power draw isn't often a deal breaker when looking at CPUs these days, those lower temps do help out a ton when it comes to maintaining higher clock speeds for longer in rendering tasks, especially compared to the thermal control of the Raptor Lake chips.

I'd also be remiss for not mentioning AMD here; both its X3D chips and standard X line produce some phenomenal competition right now. The 9900X in particular goes toe-to-toe with the Core Ultra 7 across the gaming spectrum, beating it on average frame rates everywhere but at 4K. It does require a 💯bit more juice, and temps are around 10 °C higher, but that's a tantalizing alternative if you're fed up with Intel.

Should you buy the Intel Core Ultra 7 265K?

This is inevitably a tricky question to answer. On the surface, in isolation, the Core Ultra 7 265K is a good chip. It just is. With that price drop, access to a better chipset with more connectivity, lower power draw and temperatures, plus comparable performance to last gen in-game and out, it's well worth considering for your next 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:gaming PC. Compared to the likes of the C🌟ore Ultra 9, ♏that price drop makes it incredibly tantalizing.

Still, if you're after finding a chip that represents the best bang for the buck both for gaming and computational work, nothing, and I mean nothing, beats the Intel Core i5-14600K right now.💦 Per frame-generate🔯d and score produced in Cinebench, it absolutely annihilates the competition on both sides of the aisle, particularly as you can grab it for just $200 or £191. It's perfect for those dabbling in creative pursuits on the side and focusing predominantly on gaming - especially if you're on a budget.

Monstrous little i5s aside, the Core Ultra 7 has come a long way since its inception, and if you are looking for a modern-day CPU, it's a comfortable pick. It's 🌠perhaps not the best, but a lot better than when it launched. Realistica🔯lly, though, I'd highly recommend waiting for Intel's 300 series (which, at a guess, will likely launch in October of 2025). With that, we should see a far more refined variant on the Ultra line, hopefully one that's had the remaining bugs ironed out, with higher clock speeds, and if we're lucky, hyper-threading thrown back into the mix as well.

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Version 25.04-11.40.00 has been confirmed to fix an issue with PS5 Pro's VRR (variable refresh rate) that caused games using it to stutter when making use of this feature. Now that that's been fixed, the console should have fewer issues outputting smooth frame rates to the display you're using. That’s ♔the icing on the cake of the console’s current price cut ,which brings the $699.99 device down to .

Days of Play has laid a lot of Sony's hardware down to lower prices, so alongside this, you can get some of the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best PS5 accessories for cheaper right now too. The DualSense Edge, PSVR 2, and the regular PS5 controller ar🌳e all discounted until midnight, and that doesn't happen all that frequently throughout the year.

Should you buy the PS5 Pro?

The $700 price of the PS5 Pro was enough to send a lot of folks into a frenzy, especially when Sony's homemade video game outings haven't been as promising as they were in the PS4 era. With a $50 discount, you'll need to tell me if that makes it a more accessible console for your budget. The PS5 Pro does deliver some boosted performance over the regular PS5, but in a lot of games, you'll likely need to look hard for the finer details. Compared to one of the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming PCs, you are still saving ꦑsome money, and that's doubly true while the PS5𒀰 Pro is discounted.

Still, as a PC gamer first and foremost, I'd wager that if you're keen to explore the higher levels of gaming performance, saving up a bit mo🍃re and buying a desktop machine will likely give you the real experience you're after. Games ported to any console don't render as much detail natively, and a lot 🉐of them boil down their settings menus, which takes away a lot of your control over the graphical details you care about. If you want to get into the nitty gritty, a PC or laptop is going to give you more to play with.

That said, if you know for a fact that PC gaming isn't your bag, you're sceptical about the power of the more affordable options like the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Nintendo Switch 2, and want to ensure you have the toughest console out there, the PS5 Pro is it. Xbox doesn't have an equivalent to the PS5 Pro, and iꦓts upcoming handhelds are more geared at the portable market than the stay-at-home, high-performance enthusiast.

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Nintendo really opened up a new door for gaming handhelds with the Switch, which was the first console to really go for the "console games on the go" approach (sure there ꦚwere PS2 and PS3 games on the PSP and Vita, but it didn't quite hit the same). Since that blew up we had Valve step into the ring with the Steam Deck to do the same for PC games, and that's when the floodgates opened.

In the years since we've had the likes of the Asus ROG Ally, the Lenovo Legion Go, MSI Claw, and – taking a page out of Nintendo's book – the Ayaneo Flip DS – all joining the ranks of the . And now Xbox is joining the handheld market, slapping an Xbox sticker on an ꦕAsus ROG.

Speaking on the , Xbox boss Phil Spencer talks about how the ROG Xbox Ally came to be. "I have found that getting to play my favorite games wherever I am just makes me enjoy them more," he🐎 says, while talking to the importance of Xbox Play Anywhere for a system like this.

He then gives props to the systems' eventual competition "from the wﷺork Nint🎀endo did on the Switch, even before that if you think about handhelds and Nintendo's amazing track record there" as well as "Steam, what they did with the Steam Deck."

Spencer also talks about the importance of picking the right partner for the hardware, while allowing Xbox to focus on the software and platform work, and that's how Microsoft landed on Asus. And sure, the platform won't have any exclusive games, but if it's a better version of the existing Ally, then it should be a winner.

We have a hands-on preview with the ROG Xbox Ally X, which you can read right now!

Accessing the additional Switch 2 HDR settings is admittedly easy, and in truth, it's not exactly hidden. Nintendo even tells you how to adjust things once you get to the last screen, as it says, "This is how the brightness 🌳will look when ꦇplaying software. If you'd just like to adjust the brightness, you can do so by pressing Y."

Pressing Y does indeed take you to another Switch 2 HDR slider that's designed to adjust white point brightness. I feel slightly foolish for not realizing this was a thing the first time around, but in my defence, Nintendo's phrasing reads like it's expecting you to simply tune in your 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:gaming TV settings using✅ thཧe image rather than use the console.

If you're lucky, you'll already b❀e enjoying the pretty HDR sunsets and sun-soaked roads of Mario Kart World. But, I immediately noticed that everything looked a bit too blown out on my LG OLED C4, and scaling back the Switch 2's white point brightness helped preserve darker shadow and midtone details lost as a result of overexposure.

In Nintendo's defence, the Switch 2 is the company's first HDR-compatible console, so it might take a few updates before it provides a more comprehensive settings screen. Some of the onus is also on your specific TV of choice, as som♚e panels aren't going to provide great results from the get-go. For example, if you're using an LG OLED display with Dynamic Tone Mapping, you'll want to ensure that's off or select HGIG (HDR Gaming Interest Group) so the console can deal with its own brightness and cont🔴rast.

Unfortunately, some screens are simplyꦯ going to fall short when dealing with Switch 2 HDR, especially when specific games lack support. This is usually the case for cheaper panels that lack the brightness for true certification, and forcing High Dynamic Range normally leads to woefully washed-out visuals. If you can't get the feature to play ball, I'd turn it off or set things to "compatible software only" to avoid upsetting your e꧋yeballs.

I'll be continually messing around with Switch 2 visuals in the weeks ahead, and that includes testing the handheld with 1440p 120Hz gaming monitors and waiting for Nintendo to fix its 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:big dock compatibility problem. W🦋hile the console does already provide commendable HDR and 4K visuals, I'm willing to be a nerd about it and stay in the lab coming up with the🅘 absolute best setup approach.

Just don't get me started on the whole third-party dockingꦆ station situation, as I'm still grumpy about it.

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On the leadup to the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo forecast that the console would sell 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:15 million units over the first year, and has hit over a fifth of that number in just four days, which makes that goal seem pretty likely to happen at this rate. Nintendo hasn't released any other sales numbers, such as the number of sales for 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Mario Kart World, but you'd have to imagine those were also pretty high g💯iven that it's the big launch game for the system.

Considering the original Nintendo Switch sold 2.7 million consoles during its first month (), it really puts into perspective how much momentum Nintendo picked up during the Nintendo Switch era. And by comparison, the PS5 – which Sony dubbed its – had sold 4.5 million consoles in the first two months, something Nintendo is sure to surpass if it keeps upꦡ this momentum.

And because it's customary to dunk on Nintendo's most underrated console, according to Nintendo's numbers, the Nintendo Switch 2 has sold over a quarter of the Wii U's lifetime sales in four days. Although to be fair to the Wii U, it had hit within the first two months. Plus the Switch 2 doesn't have the 🏅best version of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, so🐬 who is the real winner here?

"It looks like Nintendo did a good job" – Sonic boss Takashi Iizuka says Mario Kart World looks more like an action game, whereas Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds "really" focuses on racing and competitive play.

I'm a big fan of the original 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Razer BlackWidow V4 75%, and I enjoyed the brand's orange switches under the hood of the full deck as well. You're still getting that dual-layer dampening foam inside the main chassis, as well as all the fancy Razer Synapse features of the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming keyboards available. The base plate also feature🍌s factory-lubed stabilizers and𒊎 an FR4 switch plate for an extra thocky sound.

The Razer BlackWidow V4 75% was one of the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best hot-swappable keyboards when it 🐻launched, but it's since been priced out of the competition. The barebones kit softens🌄 that blow a little, though.

Sure, cheaper brands can ship you a chassis and a PCB board for as little as $50, and there is still a premium here, considering there's no wireless connection. However, wi🐷th full Razer Synapse functionality, 8,000Hz polling for more competitive players💖, and that slick RGB lighting, this is still looking pretty decent.

The barebones kit is compatible with three and five-pin switches, but I'd pause if you already know you'll be using a set of Razer switches and keycaps with your deck. The brand has a build tool on its site that can send you home with a set of click🌜ers and toppers straight from the off. You'll need to upgrade to Razer's Phantom keycaps here, though, which means that final price knocks up to $249.99 once everything's been configured. That's $50 more than the pre-assembled deck.

This isn't a kit for those sticking with Razer, 𓃲though. The beauty of that lower price means you're free to add your own accessories without having to pay for a set straight out of the boꦕx.

I'm also rounding up all the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best membrane gaming keyboards for something a little cheaper, or check out more of the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Razer keyboards on the market.

Simply put, if you want to hook up the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Nintendo Switch 2 to screens away from home, you'll need to bring the official docking station with you. So far, I've tested the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:gaming handheld with every third-party dock I own, a bunch of USB-C adapters, and a few 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:portable monitors with DisplayPort Alt support, and the consol🙈e refuses to output anything.

Yes, I know that many of the docking stations I've tested, like the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Baseus 6-in-1 and the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:BenQ GR10, are advertised as 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Steam Deck docks. I could make peace with their irritating incompatibility if they used a different protocol or output standards, but this is ❀seemingly less about cross compatibility and more an issue with the handheld virtually refusing to work with anything but the included cradle.

I'm still actively looking into the situation,🗹 but there are a few things I've noticed when testing third-party docks with the Switch 2. First off, my monitors and capture devices seem to recognize that the handheld is connected, which should, in turn, result in a signal successfully coming through. Howev𝔉er, Ninty's console seemingly refuses to then actually play ball, suggesting that software is potentially blocking output from happening.

The second curiosity is that docking stations will charge the Switch 2 when connected, indicating that the Power Delivery elements are working fine. Whether that'll be the ca🍰se across the board depends on your specific device, and so far it seems like it's falling back to 15V rather than using the full 20V.

That begs the question: Will the Switch 2 gain thirdꦬ-party docking station support? I've ൲already spoken to a few accessory makers, like Jsaux, who have brand new docks in the works, and BenQ was actively looking into whether custom GR10 firmware tweaks would be required before the handheld's arrival.

My main issue with the situation is that Nintendo has chosen ꦉto use a docking station format that implies wide compatibility, but ✃has ended up heavily restricting output capabilities. Whether this is via an intentional additional handshake designed to protect the console from being connected to docks without a fan or an accidental blocker caused by software, remains to be seen.

But, there's still every chance that third-party accessory makers will bridge Switch 2 dock compatibility via a firmware update, which in turn should save you buying new, potentially bulky accessories. I'm personally hoping that 🦹including the fan isn't mandatory, as that will mean having to carry around ♔a chonkier accessory and zero chance of hooking up to screens via a single cable.

Nintendo, hear my cry, all🥂 I want is to sit in the garden on a summer night with some pals, enjoy a couple of cold ones, and cry with rage when I'm knocked out of a Mario Kart World race. Is that too much to a🅰sk?

Still looking to pick up Ninty's portable? Here's 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:where to buy the Nintendo Switch 2 now that it's finally on shelves. You'll also want to peek at the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Nintendo Switch 2 Micro SD cards and best Switch 2 Cameras to complete your setup.

After the dust had settled from the launch of the Valve Index and its Half Life: Alyx pairing, Valve's first headset earned a spot among the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best VR headsets, and in 2025, it looks as though we'r﷽e finally getting a follow-up. Codenamed Valve Deckard, the new headset is r♏umoured to launch at some point in 2025 or early 2026, and although there's been no official confirmation on it, there have been plenty of leaks and a whole lot of signs pointing to its upcoming arrival. I've collected together all the details we know so far and put them on this page to help fuel your research and excitement.

Of course, Valve's hardware is famously hit or miss. While the Steam Deck is industry-leading and arguably kickstarted the whole handheld gaming PC craze we see today, we probably don't need to mention the Steam controller, nor the original Steam box that wasꦡ said to be the console market killer. Luckily, Gabe Newell's company struck gold when it made its VR headset, and even if its p🉐rice has always been a barrier to entry, the Valve Index is still hallowed in the VR hall of fame.

What is Valve "Deckard" and what do we know about it?

Even if we don't have confirmation t🌜hat a new Valve headset is coming, speculation that Valve was making one actually started way back in 2021. Gabe Newell, Valve's CEO, said at a panel talk that the company was making big investments in new headsets. While that's hardly a confirmation that it's been working on a new device since then, it showed that Val🐭ve has VR plans beyond the original Index.

More recently, speculation and rumours from Gabe Follower on Twitter (who has a notable track record of releasing Valve's plans ahead of time) say that Deckard will be a new standalone VR headset that will run on a refined version of SteamOS. That means it'll be able to be used without the addition of a 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:gaming PC, and that it'll run on the same operating system as Valve's Steam Deck and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Steam Deck OLED.

The purported bonus of running on this OS isn't just that it puts Valve's🦩 SteamVR library front and center, but that non-VR games that already run on a Steam Deck will be playable on Valve Deckard for even more portable, play-on-the-go versati𝓀lity.

Even though the device is titled to be a standalone headset, it's also possible that the Valve Deckard stays true to iℱts roots and has either HDMI or DisplayPort connectivity for those who want a more powerful, visually lossless VR experience.

According to leaked schematics, Deckard will be paired with controllers that are codenamed "Roy" and look fairly similar to standard VR controllers we've seen already. It looks as though, like 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Meta Quest 3, Valve has ditched theᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ𒀱ᩚᩚᩚ tracking rings on these ones, though.

In April of 2025, SadlyItsBradley, one of the most well-known sources of VR leaks 🎀꧅on the internet, came out with news that Valve has apparently been importing equipment to manufacture HMDs (head-mounted displays) and facial interfaces in the US. The "insider" posted shipping manifests and images attesting to this report, which can be seen below.

This led a lot of press to believe that Valve Deckard might not be so far off its rumoreꦉd 2025 timeline, and that it would seem the headset is being manufactured, at least in part, in the US.

According to a more recent set ofღ reports in May, which again, should be taken with a pinch of salt, the founder of Lynx, a French startup in the XR space, has some knowledge of Valve Deckard. Stan Larroque said on Twitter, "The design of Valve next HMD is quite amazing!

"I would b🃏e equally pissed if Lynx nextgen ID got leaked so I won't share more. I'm just excited for good new XR HMDs. The HMD-making world is so small, we all share the same suppliers for some components."

Larroque later claimed that Deckard won't launch until 2026, but this is the first bit of speculation that points to a launch date outside of𒐪 2025.

When will Valve Deckard's release date be?

According to most insiders on Twitter, as well as unconfirmed speculation, Valve Deckard is scheduled to launﷺch before the end of 2025, but as we st🐼ill don't have official confirmation that the headset even exists, it might be a while before we hear more about its official release date.

A launch before the end of 2025 would certainly make sense within the current market. Meta's Quest 3 and Quest 3S devices launched in October of 2023 and 2024, and right💯 now, we have speculation that a headset from Asus that uses Meta's OS could launch at some point this year. Also waiting in the wings is Samsung and Google's take on the Apple Vision Pro. We don't have a launch date for that one either, but it's been in the works for a long time now.

How much will Valve Deckard cost?

While we don'ಞt have an official price, we do have a few rumours from Gabe Follower that point to the new headset being bundled with its controllers and a few "in-house" games or demos, and that the entire bundle could cost $1,200. This is the most concrete detail we have on pricing thus far, but it's also still unconfirmed and should abs𓆉olutely be taken with a dose of scepticism.

What we do know is that the VR market🐎 has shifted dramatically since the Valve Index arrived.

Back then, PC headsets were the name of the 𝔍game, but they were a luxury item that cost at least $1,000. Thankfully, the hardware has come a long way since, because you don't need sil🐻ly room tracking modules, or even wires, if you don't want them.

Now, we have headsets like PSVR 2, which beats the Valve Index in a lot of its specs and features, and costs under $500. Taking up a bigger chunk of the market, though, are standalone devices, and since it's rumoured that Valve Deckard will fit into this niche, its prices could point to a more reasonable (and affordable) device than l🐷ast time.

The Meta Quest 3, the Meta Quest 3S, and the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Pico 4 Ultra are what a new Valve headset will need to compete with in the standalone market. The most affordable of those options is the Quest 3S 128GB model, which only costs $299. I'd wager the Deckard 🔜headset will cost more than these devices since it's likely targeting a higher-end gaming market, but I hope it won't drift as high as the Apple Vision Pro, which costs a ludicrous $3,500.

Perhaps most appropriate for comparison is the HTC Vive Focus Vision, a PC-tilted but still standalone VR device. It's designed for visually lossless VR gaming on PC, so it꧅'s a natural competito﷽r to whatever Valve is cooking up. That headset costs $999 - which aligns it closer to the original Valve Index.

I'd personally like to think that Valve has learned from the affordability of its Steam Deck and Steam Deck OLED, so I'd hope the Valve Index undercuts HTC. My personal hopes for a price for Valve Deckard would be around the $700 mark, but it entirely depends upon the chipset used, because if it can offer substantially more power than a Quest 3 or Pico 4 Ultra, it'll be worth the extra money versus one of the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming handhelds.

What games will Valve Deckard be able to play?

If Valve Deckard is set to run on a refined version of SteamOS, it'd stand to reason that every game on Steam that's VR compatible will be playable on the new headset. If it can also link to a PC, it'll l𓆏ikely be able to either stream gameplay through something like Steamlink from your gaming PC, or it'll hook up to your graphics card with a wire for a pure, lossless experience.

Th꧙ere are hundreds, if not thousands, of VR games already on Steam, so I don't think Deckard will be short of titles to pl♏ay.

The big question is whether or not we'll get a first-party game release, like we did with Half-Life: Alyx. Could it be a classic Valv𓃲e secret, could it be a VR port of Deadlock? We'll need to wait and see, but so far, rumors have been pretty quiet about anything to do with new software.

Upgrading your PC for Valve Deckard's arrival? Take a look at the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best RAM for gaming, the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best CPU for gaming, and the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best graphics cards.

In a , Ayaneo shows off the Flip 1S DS alongside some key specs, and not much has changed with its get-up. It's stꦓill an overly large clamshell cutie with triggers on top, full-sized recessedꦡ thumbsticks inside, and flat buttons, and the dual screens are naturally still present too.

However, while it looks like the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Ayaneo Flip DS at 📖a glance, the 1S model leverages some serious improvements that become more obvious when looking at its specs sheet. For starters, it's rocking a higher resolution 4.5-inch 1620 x 1080 secondary screen this time around, and the main panel is now a 7-inch 1080p 144Hz OLED.

Driving both screens is an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 APU, a Zen 5c chip that boasts 12 cores, 24 threads, and clock speeds up to 5.10GHz. Those specs are slightly beefier than the Z2 AI Extreme chip set to debut within the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Asus ROG Xbox Ally X, as it leverages an 8-core/16-thread setup.

Ayaneo hasn't touched on memory configurations yet beyond using LPDDR5X, but it's likely we'll see up to 64GB based on its existing handheld lineups. The Flip 1S DS also inherits plenty of premium perks from its predecessor, including hall-effect thumbsticks, an optical finger mouse pad, two full-featured USB-C ports, and six-ax🍸is gyro.

I'm pretty hyped to see Ayaneo take a second stab at making a premium 3DS, especially since the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Nintendo Switch 2 failed to make my dual-screen console dreams a reality. That said💜, we're talking about a device that's going to cost way more than most other portables on the market, and while there's no MSRP as of yet, the OG Flip DS started at $946 / £743.

It's tempting to call the Flip 1S DS a Steam Deck OLED rival since it'll boast the same screen tech. But, in reality, this is an enthusiast portable that has emulati🌳on power users and players who are fussy about frame rates in its sights. However, there's ev🌺ery chance the price could end up coming close to the ROG Xbox Ally X, which could really upset Microsoft's plans to move into the space.

Instinctively, if the Xbox Ally X comes in at around $900, I'll struggle t🍌o justify recommending it over something like the Flip 1S DS. Sure, the latter compromises its controls to benefit those of you looking to perfectly emulate old 3DS classics, but the specs bump could make for a better PC gaming experience for potentially $100 more♒. Plus, Microsoft will be rolling out its new GameBar launcher to all Windows 11 devices, so you won't even miss out in improved optimization.

It's a little ꧒too early to tell how the Ayaneo Flip 1S DS will fare against the handheld scene at large. However, what I will say 💜is now that the Nintendo Switch 2 is providing extremely respectable 1080p portable performance to the masses for under $450, the pressure is on for contenders to either offer up better value or completely dazzle with premium qualities.

Already got Valve's portable? Take a peek at the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Steam Deck accessories and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Steam Deck dock. Alternatively, we've got you covered on 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:where to buy a Nintendo Switch 2 if you prefer handheld consoles.

After my time with it, however, I wish that were all true. What I’ve found is a solid controller with four back buttons that’s absolutely usable, but doesn’t fulfill some of the most exciting promises it makes. In a world where the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best PC controllers can cost upwܫards of $200, is that enough for the super-affordable PXN P5? That’ll probably be up to you to decide.

At just $29 / £29, it’s hard to argue that this controller is feature-rich and offe🌊rs a lot of (hypothetical) value, no matter what you’re playing on. Switch, PC, Android, and even a Tesla all fall under the banner of things the P5 c꧋an control. I haven’t tested it with the latter, mainly because I’m not made of money, but also because I don’t care for anything that comes out of Elon Musk’s mouth, let alone his factories. In any case, a multiplatform controller for that price is a really tempting prospect, but don’t set your expectations too high.

Design

From an initial look and hold, the PXN P5 has played it pretty safe by going down the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Xbox controller imitator avenue. It has the same thumbstick layout, similarly shaped sticks and triggers, but a flatter grip shape on its back so that f🔴inding its four back buttons is a bit easier.

The overriding thought for me when I hold this controller, however, boils down to a single word, and that’s plastic. I grant you, this is a $30 controller; it’s not going to feel as premium as the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:DualSense Edge or 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Elite Series 2, b𝓡ut it does feel noticeabl🔯y more Hasbro than GameSir’s controllers that only cost $30 more.

The back of the P5 has a dotted texture to it that’s indented as opposed to embossed. This giꦐves it a grippy feeling without irritating your skin, and it also creates a cooling effect if, like me, your 💦palms can be a bit clammy when gaming.

The face of the controller doesn’t have too much to write home about. There’s a small, circular, 8-way D-pad, ABXY buttons, a function button, and four LEDs to help you work out connection types, as well as a couple of standard pause buttons. The typical Switch screenshot, home, pause, and menu buttons are here, but I found they were never consistent in each game I played. Sometimes, the pause (options) button would do no🍸thing, the screenshot button would brꦬing up the pause menu, and no two games had the same response.

The face buttons are pretty basic membranes, so if you prefer something clicky, you’re not going to be satisfied here. The tops of the thumbsticks aren’t swappable either, but t💦heir indented shape and fairly standard rubber material meant I never had trouble gripping them during gamepl💛ay.

Flip the P5 over and you’ll find four back buttons set out horizontally. They’re all plastic too, but I like that their exaggerated shapes mean you can easily distinguish them with your middle fingers, and it’s difficult to press them accidentally. For a controlle༒r this cheap, I do actually really like the back buttons. You can also find a connection switcher on the back of the pad for use with different platforms, as well as some trigger stop switches.

Features

For a budget controller, the list of features on offer here is a bit silly. There’s wireless support, Android and Bluetooth connectivity, Switch compatibility, Gyro, four back buttons, Hall sensor sticks, an Air Mouse mode, asymmetrical rumble motors, Turbo modes, and Macro functions. You can see why I was interested in reviewing this controller in the first place, because it sports excellent value for money by being feature-rich, all the while costing about as much as an 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:EasySMX X10.

You’ll likely know what most of those features mean if you’re shopping for a pro controller, but let’s unpack a few of the most obscure ones. Air Mouse mode lets you use the left analog stick as a mouse, and the A and B buttons as rig𓂃ht and left clickers. Gyro allows for some motion support, or, if you’re playing FPS games, you can aim with it - at least in theory. Turbo modes, if you don’t know already, automatically tap a button for you with a single press, which can be useful in games that use Quick Time Events. Wireless connectivity comes by way of a Wireless USB dongle, and battery life is courtesy of a 1,000mAh cell inside the controller’s chassis.

There isn’t a companion app for customizing settings on PC꧂, but there is a mobile app for iOS and Android devices that lets you swap ꧒around deadzone graphs and percentages, as well as save macros and back button assignments.

Performance

Except, in practice, a lot of these features just straight-up didn’t work for me - and not without a lack of trying. Wireless connectivity, first and foremost, was the biggest question mark. I followed the included user manual’s instructions to the letter and I couldn’t get it to connect wirelessly on multiple 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:gaming PCs, or the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Asus ROG Ally X. In truth, I actually don’t care that much about quirky features like turbo mode or “Air Mouse Modꦜe”, but someone buying a controller like this will almost certainly care that wireless connectivity doesn’t work seamlessly.

Air Mouse functionality didn’t work either, though. The user manual says this only wor🎐ks in wired mode, and since that’s the only way I could use this controller on PC, I knew I certainly wasn’t the issue here. Every time I used the combination of function buttons to get it to switch into Air Mouse mode, I’d be greeted with a rumble, but no mouse functionality. I’ve tested tons of controllers at this point, so many of which use fu﷽nction button combinations to change their aspects. I’ve never run into the issues I had here, even with ones that were more confusing to use out of the box.

My problems worsened when, even while using a wired connection ꦺon PC, the controller sometimes wouldn’t register in a lot of PC and Xbox games. Sometimes Windows 11 c🌌an be a little quirky with recognizing gamepads when they’re wired or wireless, but the PXN P5 was particularly janky in this regard.

I do accept that maybe my review sample could have been an early unit, and therefore, a bit buggy, but I was using the PXN Nexus app to ensure I was using the correct firmware. I know expectations might not be so high with▨ a cheap controller, but I’d be wary that a lot of the features you do pay for here might not be as set in stone as with other budget gamepads.

When I did get things working, I enjoyed my time with this controller, especially with its🍌 $30 price in the back of my head. In FPS games, the sticks felt nice and responsive, and being able to tune the deadzones using the mobile app was a nice bonus for a controller of this price. My usual Hunt: Showdown sniping and movement tests felt solid, especially for a controller with no swappable thumbstick tops.

The best thing I found about this controller was its comfort level. I found I could happi𝄹ly play in longer c🌠hunks without any awkward stretching, cramping, or discomfort in third-person games like Clair Obscur and Rooftops and Alleys. That Xbox design lineage definitely comes into play in this regard. Similarly, its deep, rumbling feedback felt excellent in games like Celeste.

For a non-microswitch controller, I also liked the responsiveness I got from the PXN P5. Quick button presses and solid reaction times are vital in Clair Obscur, if, like me, you refuse to pa💎ss up a parry attempt. I expected the chunky and relatively cheap-feeling plastics of this controller to bring up a slower feel, but the b꧋umpers and the general speediness of the face buttons’ actuation mean it performed exactly as needed. In fact, I nailed about 90% of the parry attempts I went for with this controller in my hands, so it’s definitely got some snappy capabilities.

I found the same thing in the button-mashing-heavy Dragon Ball Sparking Zero. Whether I was trying to string together a combo, time a parry, or nail the timing in those teleporting dodge battles, the P5 felt nice and speedy for a gamepad of this price. It’s still nothing on the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Razer Wolverine V3 Pro, but it doesn’t exactly feel slow.

The four back buttons are a real standout, and they’re some of the best horizontally-placed ones I’ve come across since the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra. For this price, they really make the PXN P5 stand out, especially when bigger brands in the peripheral market refuse to make pads with four back buttons (looking at you, GameSir), or put them behind a $150 paywall (loo🍎king at you, PowerA).

Should you buy the PXN P5?

😼The PXN P5 finds itself in a tough spot. It’s an excellent, feature-rich pro controller on paper, especially for this price. But its lack of reliability in some of those feature🅘s do make me more hesitant to recommend it. The EasySMX X10 is around the same price tag, and although it only has two back buttons, it has those clicky buttons a lot of folks enjoy, as well as plenty of other features that aren’t as buggy.

While I am hesitant to recommend this controller to you, it’s hard to ignore that if you want something with four back buttons, you can really struggle to find it for this sort of price. My advice would honestly be to seek out the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Manba One, which is only a bit more expensive and also has ♈a🐼 slew of features that are so much easier to control thanks to its big ol’ screen.

Do you really need wireless mode, the Air Mouse mode, or any of this controller’s ot꧋her bells and whistles? If not - if you just want a solid, comfortable controller with four back buttons that isn’t going to break the bank, maybe you’ll get on quite well with it. If you want more than that, however, 🍸buying cheap might mean buying twice.

For more on controllers, take a look at the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best PS5 controllers, the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Nintendo Switch controllers, and the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best racing wheels for PC.

Announced during Summer Game Fest 2025, the new Xbox handheld actually comes in two flavors. ✤Not unlike the Series X and S, the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X will serve as a higher-spec flagship with a black getup, whereas the vanilla ROG Xbox Ally offers up slightly dialled back performance and a white shell to match.

Both of the new Xbox devices will rival the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming handhelds out there, and while they're a different kettle of technical fish, the upcoming portable PCs will no doubt lure some players away from Nintendo's new console. Plus, thanks to software, the emergence of these contenders could actually help the original 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Asus ROG Ally and Windows 11 options across the board take on the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Steam Deck OLED in a big way.

Release date

Microsoft hasn't shared a solid ROG Xbox Ally launch dat𒅌e yet, but both versions of the As🎃us device are set to launch later in 2025. Since we're halfway through the year, it's not unreasonable to assume the handheld might arrive just in time for the Holidays, as this is typically when new consoles tend to show up.

It's also 🎐worth noting that the Xbox Series X/S ꦬand Xbox One both released in November. While Microsoft might not necessarily stick to console launch traditions, it feels extremely likely that the ROG Xbox Ally will show up in November 2025.

Price

Pricing for the ROG Xbox Ally handhelds isn't available yet, so you'll need to wait a little longer to see if it will fit your budget. That said, it is possible to hazard somewhat of a guess at a🐎 price range based on devices on the market right now and Microsoft's own hardware MSRP trends.

The ROG Xbox Ally X is set to be the most expensive version of the handheld, and parti🐠ally mirrors the specs of last year's Asus ROG Ally X. That could mean it'll also end up paired with the same $899.99 / £799.99 price tag, but since it also b💙oasts a newer Ryzen Z2 AI Extreme APU, there's every chance it'll cost even more.

On the flipside, ⭕the white ROG Xbox Ally is pretty similar to the 2023 Asus ROG Ally, boasting nearly identical specs in terms of memory and storage. However, unlike the X version, this model wields a Ryzen Z2 A chipset that is, on paper, less powerful than the origin🀅al's Z1 Extreme.

That could be a decision designed to keep costs down, ultimately allowing Asus to release a handheld for less than the Asus ROG Ally Z1E's $649.99 / £599.99 MSRP. In turn, the pricing would help position the handheld alongside the Steam Deck and similar rivals like the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Lenovo Legion Go S, especially sin𝐆ce thꦯe latter is pretty similar under the hood.

Outside of handheld price trends, Microsoft might also influence MSRPs with its own typical console tier system. If that's the case, the ROG Xbox Ally may place a similar gap between models to the Series X and S. 🍨Ideally, that'd also mean the Ally will cost $379.99 / £299.99 while the X will sell for $599.99 / £589.99, but that's perhaps a bit of a pipe dream.

Specs

As you'd expect, the ROG Xbox Ally range takes to the stage with specs worth talkin💦g about, for better or for wors🐻e.

The Ally X leads the charge with a brand new AMD Ryzen Z2 AI Extreme APU, 24GB LPDDR5X RAM, a full-size 1TB M.2 SSD, and an 80Wh battery. Sounds familiar? That's because i🌸t's essentially a souped-up ROG Ally X that adds💞 a new APU into the mix for a performance punch.

The white Xbox Ally follows suit and matches Asus' first handheld with 16GB LPDDR5X RAM and a 512GB SSD, but swaps out th൲e Ryzen Z1 Extreme for a new Ryzen Z2 A chip. According to AMD, this APU🐼 serves as an entry-level RDNA 2 option that ranks under the Legion Go S exclusive Ryzen Z2 GO and features fewer cores than the top Z1.

On paper, that means that the white Xbox Ally should hit lower fꦆrame rates than the 2023 ROG Ally, potentially matching the Steam Deck, whereas the Xbox Ally X will likely outpace the original using RDNA 3. Naturally, I'll be looking to benchmark both handhelds in-house to see how far they can boost fps, but it'll ultimately be the X model that has a better chance of outperforming rivals.

On the visual side of things, both models feature a 120Hz 1080p IPS display that looks virtually identical to the Asus ROG Ally's screen. The Xbox Ally does use the same Gorilla Glass coating a🌃s the Ally X, though, meaning it's going to be much tougher than most portable P♉C panels out there.

Controls

If you caught the original teaser for the ROG Xbox Ally, you'll already know elevated controls are set to be a selling point. Both handhelds are set to feature gamepad elements not too dissimilar to the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:ROG Raikiri Pro, and that includes prominent grips that make for a huge design change compared to Asus' other hand꧃helds.

Under the hood, you're getting premium perks like hal𒈔l-effect thumbsticks, HD haptics, and six-axis motion. Yet, it's arguably the simple addition of a dedicated Xbox button that'll make all the difference with these handhelds, as it both adds distinct console-like functionality and helps the portables tie in with Microsoft's design language.

Sadly, the face but𒁃tons are more Asus-branded than Xbox, so you won't end up with something that looks like a portable Series X/S. Boo.

Software

Since the ROG Xbox Ally duo are Windows 11 handhelds, both are set to inherit wide compatibility with PC games and storefronts. Normall⭕y, that comes with the caveat of wrestling with an operating system that's not optimized for portable play, but Microsoft is i🐼ncluding an immersive Xbox full-screen experience that places GameBar front and centre.

Essentially, when you turn on the handheld, you'll launch straight into Xbox GameBar rather than a Windows 11 desktop. Once there, you'll be able to access a bunch of installed games, services like Game Pass, a🗹nd apps like Battle.net and Steam in a console-like fashion. You'll also be able to tweak system settings thanks to Armoury Crate integration - something that'll make messing with performance options and controller mapping slicker.

Already got Valve's portable powerhouse? Swing by the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Steam Deck accessories and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Steam Deck dock for handy add-ons. You'll also want to peek at 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:where to buy the Nintendo Switch 2 if you want something console-flavored.

It's not only its current low deal price that makes the X Chroma worthwhile. Many of the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming headsets I've managed to test with the Nintendo Switch 2 have sou𒊎nded fairly quiet, even at full volume. However, whether it was through Bluetooꦰth or its 2.4GHz dongle, the X Chroma sounded loud and clear - making it one of the best third-party headsets I've tested for the handheld so far.

Should you buy the Razer Barracuda X Chroma for the Nintendo Switch 2?

Having one of the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best wireless headsets in your new Ninty gaming setup means not only will you be able to hear thജe nuances of Nintendo OSTs, but also🧔 make use of new features, including spatial audio support, and the ability to chatting away to friends via the new GameChat feature.

The original Switch didn't have Bluetooth audio support a launch, so your options were a b🎶it more limited. The Nintendo💧 Switch 2 not only has Bluetooth audio support from the get-go, but an extra USB-C port that's perfect for 2.4GHz wireless dongles too.

Whether or not you should buy the Razer Barr💝acuda X Chroma in particular depends on how you plan to use your new shiny handheld.

If portability is still of the utmost priority for you, then a headset makes complete sense. There's no ANC to be found here, but the iconic 40mm Razer TriForce audio drivers still managed to keep me immersed while free-roaming as Princess Peach and completing P-Switch missions in the new kart ra꧑cer.

In my 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Razer Barracuda X Chroma review, I noted that its battery manages to hold on strong, with up to 70 hours of playback - exactly the kind of supporౠt you want alongside a portable gaming device. I rarely, if ever, had to worry about the X Chroma running out of juice, which is an extra relief give♚n the Switch 2's own battery isn't particularly long-lasting.

If you rarely use handheld mode on the original Switch and don't plan to change for the Switch 2, the X Chroma may not be for you. I always recommend using a headset even if you're Ninty tech is set up in your living room, as it will give you the most immersive experience possible. But even that $110 price could be a lot to ask for if you have no plan to ever take your Sw🦩itch 2 out and about.

T𝓡he previous Razer Barracuda X headset is still one of the best sets of cups for the system, thanks to its great sound, robust build quality, and connectivity op⭕tions and this X Chroma counterpart is just as special. Sure, it does swap the wired connectivity for some flashy RGB lighting, but if you prefer a wireless and more portable alternative anyway, the X Chroma is an ideal fit for your new Switch 2.

Check out our guides to the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best PS5 headsets, the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Xbox Series X headsets, or the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best PC headsets for gaming if the Razer Barracuda X Chroma doesn't sound like the right fit for your wireless gaming needs.

Admittedly, I wasn't originally planning to pair the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Nintendo Switch 2 with a 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:PS5 DualSense. The original goal was to check if my MayFlash Wii U GameCube Controller Adapter was compatible with the new 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming handheld contender. Spoilers, it is, and while that means you can use your OG console gamepads instead of the fancy new Nintendo O✃nline exclusive version𝓰, it's also a pathway to using a bunch of other pads too.

To actually pair a DualSense with the Switch using the MayFlash GameCube adapter, you will need a dongle to plug into its controller ports. Specifically, you'll want to pick up an 8BitDo Bluetooth Retro Receiver for NGC, as the gadget will act as a wireless bridge and let you sync the PS5 pad and plenty of other 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Nintendo Switch controllers and alternatives.

Before any of you start angrily bashing on your keyboard, I'm 🐻aware that adapters like the Mayflash Magic-S P🔜ro 2 adapter will pair the DualSense with the Switch 2 without the need for GameCube shenanigans. My response to that is that I both love a cursed setup and already had the Wii U accessory and 8BitDo dongle to hand.

However, I also suspect that the Magic-S Pro 2 is more likely to lose su𝄹pport following Switch 2 updates than the MayFlash GameCube Controller adapter. Just like Nintendo's original Wii U accessory, the latter is naturally designed to let players tap into eight-player support in fighters like Super Smash Bros Ultimate. In other words, it has an endorsed purpose, whereas the Magic-S Pro 2 exists to let you be naughty and play Ninty games using Xbox and PlayStation pads.

The main point I'm making is that if you use the 8BitDo Retro Receiver with t♎he MayFlash adapter, the Switch 2 will merely think you're using a GameCube controller. So far, I haven't come across any button mapping issues or lag when playing games like Mario Kart World and Zelda: Wind Waker. It's also worth noting that MayFlash still issues firmware updates for its accessory despite the fact that it released 11 years ago, meaning if any compatibility woes crop up, all is not lost.

I know for a fact some of you will be wondering why you'd want to play Switch 2 using a DualSense in the first place. Admittedly, I'm probably going to mostly play with an original Switch Pro Controller or a GameCube pad, depending on the outing, but it's still nice to have the option to pretend the hand🃏held is a PS5.🐻 Plus, with new pads coming in at a staggering $84.99 / £74.99, this cursed setup proves to be a far cheaper multiplayer solution.

Switch 2 accessory compatibility, as it currently stands, is pretty upsetting. Sure, it's nice that the OG JoyCon, gamepads, and even your own USB webcams will work on the handheld, but Nintendo has effectively broken Switch 2 dock support if you go third party. Eve🐷n the Pro Controller can no longer wake the portable from sleep mode, and that's the kind of move that'll tempt me to do things like use a DualSense instead.

Putting together a new setup? Swing by the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Nintendo Switch accessories and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Switch 2 Micro SD cards for handy add-ons. It's also worth peeking at the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming TVs if you want to get the most out of Ninty's newcomer.

While neither studio has yet to de꧟tail a firm release date, pricing, or pre-order information, Microsoft did share first details of the ROG Xbox Ally handhelds at the Xbox Games Showcase. This collaboration between Xbox and Asus involves significant modifications to the existing ROG Ally and ROG Ally X consoles – ex🦂cellent Windows 11 gaming machines that retail for $649.99 and $799.99, respectively.

Both Xbox-branded consoles come with a redesigned form factor, making the shoulders and triggers easier to reach for players with smaller hands. There are contoured grips inspired by Xbox Wirel❀ess controllers, a dedicated Xbox button that taps you into the ecosystem you know from your Xbox Series X, and optimized Game Bar and Xbox App functionality to give you intuitive access to your library, apps, settings, and more. Better still, the ROG Xbox Ally X features Impulse Triggers.

The ROG Xbox Ally handhelds both run Windows 11, with the operating system optimised to get out of you🍬r way and take you straight into the Xbox ecosystem. The consoles will boot directly into the full screen Xbox experience, and Microsoft even promises that background activity will be minimized while you're in the Xbox ecosystem – "That means more memory, higher framerates, and a fully immersive experience for players," says Roanne Sones, CVP of gaming devices and ecosystem at Xbox.

Speaking of the internals, the ROG Xbox Ally is powered by the AMD Ryzen Z2 A Processor, contains 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of SSD storage. The more premium ROG Xbox Ally X is powered by the AMD Ryzen AI Z💞2 Extreme – which Sones says is "allowing us to power the latest AI features as they are introduced" to the processor – has 1TB of SSD storage, and 24GB of high-speed RAM.

Both handhelds will let you play your favorite games natively, via the cloud, or remotely from an Xbox console in another room. I sh♕ould note that the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X actually feature a fully aggregated gaming library – meaning you can access and play all of your games across Xbox, Game Pass, Battle.net, and 🗹other Windows PC storefronts, which has been optimised to work with the integrated Xbox Game Bar functionality.

"Everything at Xbox starts with the player. That's why we've dedicated years to reimagining how to make i꧙t easier to enjoy the games you love – wherever♊ you are –through Xbox Play Anywhere, Game Pass, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Xbox Remote Play and more. Whether you're at home or on the go, your favorite games should follow you," says Sones.

There's still a lot more we need to learn about the two Xbox handhelds, but it's an impressive reveal and strong collaboration with Asus. Really, what it's all going to come down to here is price – because both the original, standard ROG Ally and ROG Ally X offerings from Asus are more expensive than the Xbox Series X, even after this year's cost increases. Still, that's to come in the future. While we wait, keep your eyes 🌌on GamesRadar+ for hands-on impressions with the ROG Xbox Ally X very soon.

Check out our list of the upcoming Xbox Series X games to get a glimpse of what you'll be able to play on the new handhelds.

It's exceptionally rare for platform-holders to col🧜laborate with external partners like this. Hardware is treated as serious business. When you're asking players to make a large financial investment, you better get it right the first time; one wrong move in the console market and it's near impossible to recover.

The Dreamcast decimated SEGA. An ill-defined vision crippled the Wii𝓰 U. It tooꦏk Sony seven years to regain ground after the PS3 launch debacle. The Xbox One was so poorly received that it inflicted psychic damage on an entire generation of players. Even Valve got a rare reality check with its Steam Machines, forcing the company to eventually refocus its hardware ambitions towards the Steam Deck.

So, wh♊y risk taking a new hardware initiative out of house? Collaboration is, aಞfter all, code for relinquishing some amount of control – be it over form-factor, internal components, or user experience. All of this preamble is vital context to say that I think Xbox may have made the right move here. The ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X – the two systems headlining this new initiative, set for release in 2025 – appear to take the best of what Asus already has on the market, matching it with some really interesting refinements and optimizations, to make the system more palatable for a wider mass market.

Hands-on the Xbox handheld

Let's start with how the ROG Xbox Ally X felt in my hands. At 715 grams, it's technically heavier than the Steam Deck (669 grams) ▨and its OLED variant (640 grams), but you wouldn't know it from the way weight has been distributed across the console. I can't say how well the ROG Xbox Ally X will hold up during longer play-sessions, but the hour I spent with the machine didn't raise any immediate red flag🌺s.

I'm also a big fan of the ROG Xbox Ally X form-factor, with Xbox having worked closely with Asus on a redesign of the existing ROG Ally X. The console features new contoured handgrips, built to the same design principles that inspired the Xbox Wireless Controller. It's largely comfortable, the ABXY button and asymmetrical thumbstick placement make immediate sense to a brain wired ꧒to Xbox's controller rhythms.

Xbox's CVP of gaming devices and ecosystem, Roanne Sones, says this has been done to make the console more accommodating to a wider range of handsizes, although I must admit I did still struggle to comfortably stretch my index fingers across the left and right bumpers. The inclusion of Impulse Triggers into the ROG Xbox Ally X design (these aren't included in the cheaper ROG Xbox Ally) felt fantastic as I was chewing through Locust in the opening stages of 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Gears of War: Reloaded.

Speaking of the play experience, 💯it felt exceptionally smooth. The ROG Xbox Ally X is powered by an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme 𒀰processor, packs 24GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage. I've always been more a console player then a PC gamer, so I'll admit that the significance of the silicon and components inside of the system is a little lost on me. But I know a good feeling and looking video game when I play one.

Play Anywhere

So while I can't speak to how more demanding titles will ultimately handle on the system – nor to the experience of Xbox Cloud Gaming or Xbox Remote Play – there was little obvious🐟 daylight between playing a first-party Xbox game natively on ROG Xbox Ally X versus playing it on Xbox Series X. The framerate of Gears Reloaded was rocksolid 60fps, with the system supporting 120Hz refresh rate and FreeSync Premium, and the remastered visuals popped on the 7-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) screen. I'm genuinely impressed, and can easily see the ROG Xbox Ally X becoming a vital part of my commute.

What's really sold me on the concept of the ROG Xbox Ally systems is the work Microsoft has done to optimize the core user-experience. This isn't merely a standard ROG Ally with an Xbox button punched in above the left thumbstick, the Xbox and Windows divisions have collaborated to create a more refined mobile ecosystem. One of the reasons I've always been a little scared off by PC gaming handhelds like the ROG Ally are that they are exactly that – the standard PC experience scaled down to handheld size. I've always gravitated towards conᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ𒀱ᩚᩚᩚsole gaming because I want as few barriers to getting into the games I want to play as possible, optimized for the best possible experience out of the box.

Booting up the ROG Xbox Ally X, rather than hit standard Windows 11 OS screens I'm pushed directly into the Xbox full screen experience. An aggregated gaming library is right there waiting, designed to reflect the look and style of the traditional Xbox ecosystem as it exists across console, mobile, and cloud devices. I say aggregated gaming library because as well as supporting native, cloud, and remote play experiences, t🐭he ROG Xbox Ally systems will also give quick access to all of your video games across Xbox, Game Pass, Battle Net, and any other Windows PC-based storefron🎃t. It's really clean, it's fast, and features none of the nonsense that I sometimes (fairly or not) associate with playing on PC.

This Xbox full screen experience has been fully optimized for handheld too. Background activity and non-essential tasks in the Windows 11 OS are minimized, routing system resources like the 24GB of memory towards higher framerates and consisteꦦnt performance. The Xbox button brings up a Game Bar overlay allowing for easy access to apps, chat, and settings, and lets me quickly shift between recently played games. It didn't feel like I was interacting with an existing handheld PC that had been retrofitted to allow for integrated Xbox functionality, but rather a device that was built to d🌞eliver it.

Is it worth it?

I've been wanting an Xbox handheld for years now. In a world where I can access the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Xbox games through everything from the Series X t🌃o web browsers, or punch into Game Pass from Smart TVs and Fire Sticks, it didn't make much sense to me that Microsoft didn't have a comprehensive solution for gaming on the go. The inelegant solution up until now had always been to strap my smartphone into something like the Razer Kishi V2 and pray that the battery life or Wi-Fi connection held. That is about to change.

I always said I'd purchase a Steam Deck once (and only once) an optimized Game Pass experience was available. I was starting to crack on that purchasing decision, the console becoming more attractive the more I've been exposed to them in the world. But the ROG Xbox Ally X has come around just in time. While I'm certainly curious to know what a first-party developed♕ Xbox handheld would look like – to be clear, Xbox staff I've spoken to have made no commitment to such a device in the future – the ROG Xbox Ally X is shaping up to be an exceptionally solid solution. A way to natively pick up my progress of whatever Xbox game I'm playing in any given week, and take it out into the world without having to worry that the experience will be hindered by some invisible force.

The question that will ultimately determine whether the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X are a success, however, is the cost of the thing. Xbox and Asus will not speak to pricing just yet, and I am worried that the two systems are going to be prohibitively expensive for the vast majority of players. The existing ROG Ally and ROG Ally X consoles retail at $649.99 and $799.99, respectively. If this pricing structure holds for the ROG Xbox Ally consoles, that would put the two incoming devices as the most expensive pillars of the Xbox hardware family. The Xbox Series ꦉX recently increased in price from $499 to $599.

The question then, perhaps, Microsoft will be asking ⭕players around Holiday 2025 is just how much they value the idea of having a full Xbox experience with them everywhere they go. With a 512GB Steam Deck OLED priced competitively at $549, and the Nintendo Switch 2 at $449.99, it might be an uncomfortable conversation.

Here's all of the key 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:upcoming Xbox games that you'll be able to play on the ROG Xbox Ally X.

Revealed at Summer Game Fest 2025, Deadpool VR for the༺ Meta Quest 3 aims to put players into the shoes of Marvel's most oddball anti-hero. Before the reveal, I got the opportunity to play early portions of Deadpool VR's story campaign, along with speak💮ing with game director Daniel Bullock and lead design manager Phil Therien from developer Twisted Pixel about bringing the off-the-wall mercenary into VR for the first time.

"Wait 'til they get a load of me…"

"It's really all about being the cool, all-encompassing Deadpool experience," says lead design manager Phil Therien on Deadpool VR. "He has the weapons, he's got the wit, the humor, and his own tradem🌱ark way to solve problems. We've got all that throughout our game, so really, we've been kind of bottled up like what it is like to be Deadpool in VR."

In Deadpool VR, the so-called Me♔rc with a Mouth (voiced by Neil Patrick Harris) gets dragged into a conflict with the interdimensional invader Mojo and the secretive defense agency SHIELD. After being transported to the gladiatorial dimension Mojoworld, Deadpool – who's uniquely aware of being in a video game – charts a path of carnage to take down a rogue's gallery of villains and get himself back to Earth.

Much like the recent Batman: Arkham Shadow, Deadpool VR aims to capture the experience of being a superhero within VR. Compared to Batman or Iron Man, however, playing as Deadpool opens more possibilities for fast, slapstick violence that's both gory and goofy,🍌 all punctuated by the character's deep-cut commentary that pokes fun at video game tropes – such as how the game has rooms solely designed for clearing out a certain number of enemies before allowing passage forward.

It's an action-comedy through and through, and Deadpool VR certainly delivers the Marvel-style experience of being an obnoxious, powered-up nerd who loves video game violence. The opening of the game certainly sets the tone well. Set aboard a SHIELD heli-carrier, Deadpool is captured and♛ in pieces. From the perspective of Deadpool's disembodied head on an operating table, I have to guide his body – as if playing a 3rd-person action game – to stealthily take down a scientist so that he can put himself back together. After getting his gear back and cutting down some SHIELD soldiers, I'm off to the races to slice and dice foes.

"A cheap trick and a cheesy one-liner.."

I'm impressed by how Deadpool VR capitalizes on the freeform nature of the character's combat style and the wacky hijinks tha🌟t accompany reckless action. As I move with the left-control stick and use free look with the VR headset, I quickly adapt to the quick swapping between swords and pistols to create fun combos, where I can slice an enemy with a sword in one hand and then finish them off with my pistol in the other. Put it all together and I'm able to parry bullets by swinging my twin swords and then going in for a dive-kick attack and a head stomp.

Speaking with the lead design manager, the developers tell me they want to emphasize♓ the freeform action and the spectacle of being Deadpool, who can wall run, fire his twin pistols, and cut down enemies with his swords. Over its last three years in development, they saw the recent Batman: Arkham Shadow, which gave them added confidence for their take on Deadpool.

"I think one of the things that I especially appreciated [with Batman: Arkham Shadow] was just how they treated the UI and how it made it flow into combat in a way where it didn't feel like just pushing UI, and it actually blended really well with the movement," says Therien. "That was really huge for us and the type of gꦓame we wanted to make because, obviously, the more you move in VR, the more challenging it can be. However, they did it well, especially when it came to things like turning around. For me, that's one of the big takeaways. I think they did a really good job with that."

Even when the game falls into those familia🎐r, awkward issues of collision and disorientation that can come with action-heavy VR games, I still find the game's pacing and open-ended approach to be easygoi🅷ng – mainly for the fact that it makes me feel like an absolute menace to my enemies.

A detail that I find amusing is that you can monitor Deadpool's health by the amount of damage he has sustained to his body. Once you take enough damage, Deadpool will lose an entire limb, whichཧ will temporarily prevent weapons from being used in that hand until it grows back – which slowly 𝄹goes from a short, stubby baby hand to a full-grown hand with the costume intact. Deadpool VR is also on brand for featuring secrets and easter eggs, as each stage has hidden areas that can be unlocked, which reference alternate versions of Deadpool, such as Lady Deadpool.

According to game director Daniel Bullock, Deadpool☂ VR does lean into the developer's history of comedic games such as the 'Splos🌠ion Man series and LocoCycle, but elevates that further with a game that tries to get players to embrace being an absolute menace to his enemies.

"There's no doubt that when we were toying around with the idea ಞof a game about Deadpool, it was a natural fit for our studio," he says. "When we look at our history and our relationships with comedic writers, and just sort of the culture of the studio, it just lends itself so perfectly to this chara𝔍cter. So we're super excited to get into it and really flex our muscles [with the concept]."

Despite being a character that feels like it's just for the fa𒆙ns, Deadpool can be a tricky character to nail – but Deadpool VR is looking to keep its focus on delivering a spectacle of goofy carnage. Of coღurse, VR can be a tricky style of gaming to immerse yourself in, but the straightforward and punchy action Deadpool VR offers could be a solid ride for many, and I'm looking forward to seeing how far this game will push Deadpool's fourth-wall breaking, which already hits a bit different within this new perspective.

Want to keep the headset on? Here's our 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best VR games ranking!

, a site thaꦗt sells spare parts and provides guides on how to fix your tech, has given the Switch 2 an abysmal three o👍ut of 10 for repairability. "Is this the best Nintendo could do?" asks the iFixit team.

Unfortunately, they reckon the Joy-Con are still going to be prone to stick drift. That's because, as far as they can see, the redesi🌄gned controllers🥂 didn't revise the technology that causes stick drift in the first place.

After taking the console apart, the♕y say it looks like the same potentiometer tech used in the Joy-Con, so unless Nintendo has decided to use 🍃new material on the resistive tracks, or if for whatever reason the difference in size served as a fix, iFixit suspects the best fix will come in the form of third-party replacements rather than the first-party hardware.

On top of that, many parts are held in place with adhesi♏ve that needs to be carefully melted or pried off, including the battery, which will make replacing it tricky. There are also lots of anti-tamper stickers that will make it very obvious if you've tried to fix🅷 the machine yourself. That being said, iFixit notes that it's been illegal in the US since 1975 to void your warranty for an independent repair, so keep that in mind.

There's also an anti-shaไtter film attached to the LCD screen, which appa🌠rently scratches very easily. So, look after your screen so this film doesn't scratch and become an eyesore.

The device that reads the game cartridges is soldered down to the motherboard, as are the two USB-C char🀅ging ports🍷. These parts are going to get a lot of wear when you plug in a charger or change games, and replacing them doesn't appear to be easy.

There are no spare parts or repair manuals available directly from Nintendo, so if your Switch 2 does get damaged it's not going to be eaꦐsy to figure out how to repair it yourself.

Fortunately, the fan, microphone that you'll use for the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:new chat features, headphone jack, and headphone jack, microSD Express card reader are all able to be r🌞emoved much more easily.

All thingꦏs cons𒁃idered, it's easy to see why iFixit gave the Switch 2 just three out of 10. They advise you not to repair it yourself unless you're quite experienced.

For now, instead of worrying about your console breaking, check out all the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Switch 2 games you can try out right now, or our 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Switch 2 review if you're still undecided on the console.

I've been lucky enough to get my hands on whole stashes of accessories for the new handheld from notable brands like Dbrand, Snakebyte, STEALTH, and more. Typically, our team likes to spend at least two weeks with every Ninty gadget before we start laying out our thoughts. But unlike the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Switch accessories, I haven't been able to spend enough time putting each and every one through 💙its paces for review.

Even though there are still weeks to go until I can fully review every single Switch 2 accessory at 💖my disposal, there have already been some clear standouts. If you're eager to sta🐭rt investing in a top-tier Nintendo Switch 2 setup, these are the top 4 picks I recommend for your Switch 2 right now.

Dbrand Killswitch case

The Dbrand Killswitch case never left my OLED Steam Deck, so I was more 💯than eager to try out the iconic accessory brand's version for the Switch 2.

This time around, Dbrand has truly thought of everything. The case not only protects your new Nintendo handheld, but also provides some extra game cart storage, and gives the Joy-Con 2 controllers a neꦏw, comfortable ergonomic grip.

There's a lot to love about the Switch 2 Killswitch case, but the ergonomic handles are definitely the shining star amongst its wealth of features. The or🍒iginal Switch would constantly bring on a pins-and-needles sensation in my hand when played in handheld mode - and I pretty much exclusively played the console on the go.

The new iterations of the controllers have that same uncomfortable flat back, which is handy for fitting the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Switch cases, but still just as uncomfortable as ever ♛before. So the Killswitch's solution is more than welcome.

It's not just the handles that have caught my attention. Even though this case does add an extra bit of bulk onto the otherwise sleek console, none of the important ports are hidden. Ev✨en the new kickback stand is still accessible, as are the bottom and top USB-C ports, 👍in case you want to give your device a quick charge.

Naturally, this is one of the priciest accessories on this list, with an MSRP of $59.99, which is not going to be everybody's cup of tea. The case does come with a custom-built Switch 2 dock adapter with built-in 4k60 passthrough via a USB-C port, which helps justify its hefty price tagౠ a little.

STEALTH Premium Travel Kit

I've got a lot of Switch cases on my testing bench right now, but the STEALTH Premium Travel Kit is currently housing my device. The case itself is pretty bulky, so it's not ideal for those after a slim fit. That bulk means that there's ple🌟nty of room in the case, though 💛- perfect if you like to keep your Switch 2 and its charging cable close together at all times.

The hardback design features a pouch with space for another pair of Joy-Con 2 controllers and a charging cable (there's also one in the box). I'm constantly losing chargers. Even yesterday I was struggling to find the official charger for my OLED Switch that I needed to start the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Nintendo Switch 2 system transfer - so having an extra one at hand is a godsend.

There's also a screen protector in there, but I ꧟haven't yet had the time to attach it to the new 9.7-inch LCD display of the Switch 2. What I have managed to test is the case itself, which has been keeping my Switch 2 nice anℱd safe, despite how clumsy I am with even the newest bits of tech.

My favorite feature of the case itself has to be the game storage, which sits in the middle. The side that rests upon the Switch 2 display is padded with a soft fleece material, which has kept my display free of mark💝s and scratches. Previous cases I've owned for the original handheld would constantly leave marks on my screen, but this $45.45 / £19.99 version has kept the new display nice and streak-free.

STEALTH Twin Controller Grips

As you can probably guess, I've got a lot of STEALTH Switch 2 accessories at hand right now. With all t🐼he products I have from the accessory brand it's hard to narrow it down my main recommendations based off of first impressions alone, but the Twin Controller Grips are definitely up there - especially if you're a Joy-Con hater like me.

T🐼hese little grips have spaces to easily pop in your new Joy-Con 2 controllers, and make them far more comfortable to hold. STEALTH has made sure to included ꧟a textured surface to the ergonomically shaped handles so they don't slip around in your sweaty palms.

When taking these out for a spin during some local Mario Kart World co-op, I was more drawn to the uniquely designed shoulder buttons. The twin controller grips have these large plastic plates which are easy to press, and a nicer alternative to the awkward finger stretch maneuver I have to perform in order to use the Joy-Con 2's shoulder buttons when its perched on its side.

There is still sadly some stretching involved, due to the nature of the actual Joy-Con design. Nonethel🔯ess, these controller add-ons have already make Mario Kart World a joy when playing th🐬e new kart racer with my fiancé.

SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds

Okay, so the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds have been out for a while now - long enough to have won the top spot among the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming earbuds I've tested so far. But it just so happens that SteelSeries' signature buds are also compatible💟 with the Nintendo Switch 2, via Bluetooth and the accompanying slim 2.4GHz dongle.

When it comes to handheld gaming, especially of the Nintendo Switch variety, I much prefer to game in the comfort of my bed, and these game buds make that more convenient than ever. The first night I had the Switch 2, I was able to curl up under the duvet with the 90s-themed limited edition game buds in my ears, and it made free-roaming in Mario Kart World feel almost th🧸erapeutic. Not to mention, I was able to roll onto my side without the fea✅r of a bulky headset digging into my skull, which is never not going to be preferable.

The 6mm neodymium audio drivers found in these $199.99 / £159.99 buds isn't the loudest and best sound quality you can get for the Switch 2, or any handheld for that matter. And right now, they are a bit on the qui🤡et side, even after toggling off the volume restriction settings on the Switch 2. However, thanks to its active noise-✱canceling feature, I've been able to play Legend of Zelda Wind Waker in bed without hearing any unwanted noise.

With the Arctis Game Buds at my disposal, playing through a childhood GameCube favorite has been more immersive than ever, and I can't wait to test them with🐟 the rest of the Nintendo Switch Online game library in the weeks to come.

Check out our guides to the best Nintendo Switch microSD Express Cards, the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Nintendo Switch 2 cameras, and the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Nintendo Switch controllers to get even more value out of your new Ninty handheld.

So far, 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Nintendo Switch 2 mouse and keyboard support seems to be a mixed bag. However, upon launching Cyberpunk 2077 with the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 DEX and SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 connected to the dock, my colleague Tabitha Baker found herself prowling the streets of Night City just like you would on 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming handheld contenders like the Steam Dec🤡k. Even 2.4GHz wireless dongles work alongside wired connectivity, which is a bonus considering we're talkin♋g about a home console.

Just keep in mind that Switch 2 Mouse Mode support is limited to a shortlist of games, and even those releases aren't guaranteed to also work with a gaming keyboard. That ultimately could crash my dreams of playing 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Metroid Prime 4: Beyond just like🌊 I would any other PC shooter, even though it'll work ꦜusing the new JoyCon setup.

The fact that Cyberpunk 2077 is also playable with a 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:gaming mouse and keyboard setup on Xbox Series X/S means this could be a CD Projekt Red one-off. 🍎Again, you can't navigate the Switch 2 home screen using desktop peripherals, so it might be the case that USB accessory compatibility is down to individual developers.

Still, I'm pretty amused at the idea of t✃he Switch 2 muscling in on a playstyle that used to be unique to desktop rigs and handheld gaming PCs. I'm picturing a world where I can use Nintendo's handheld to get my regular competitive Overwatch 2 sessions in using a mouse and keyboard whil💦e also hitting 1440p 120Hz thanks to the new portable's punchier performance.

Perhaps that's a pipedream, but I'll be joining the team in further testing Switch 2 mouse and keyboard compatibility in the weeks ahead. I'm not getting my hopes up, but maybe I'll have a reason to pitch up a second dock at my gaming desk connected to all my PC peripherals and even a webcam instead of a 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Nintendo Switch 2 Camera soon.

Putting together a new setup? Swing by the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Nintendo Switch accessories for new gadgets. You might also want to peek at the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming monitors or 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming TVs to treat yourself to a new screen.

Not to mention, this is a hotly anticipated war following on from the last console generation. The Nintendo Switch and the PS4 both became two of the best-selling game consoles of all time, so it's only natural that we size up the next era of hardware sales wars we'll be watching for the next couple of years. The PS5 has been on the shelves since 2020, so Nintendo has had nearly five years to watch on and prepare for the fight ahead. Of course, the PS5 was aꦏlways going to be more powerful in terms of raw specs since it isn't trying to be something you take on the go.

But this isn't just a battle of raw specs. Game consoles today are pricey, especially if you have to balance their costs with rent, bills, food, pets, and even kids you're raising. The PS4 and the first Switch were a bit more affordable, which allowed more gamers to grab one of ❀each after they had both been discounted. The PS5 and Switch 2 are both a bit more expensive, so you may find yourself choosing between one or the other. I'm💖 here to break down the pros and cons of each in all the separate categories that matter, so read on to get the fight underway.

Price

Since the first Nintendo Switch was the affordable kid on the console block, it's a little surprising to come straight out of the gate and realise that the PS5 is actually ahead of the Switch 2 in the pricing race. Sure, the PS5 Slim and PS5 Pro do take over from the Switch 2 as a premium option, but if you're looking for either console as cheap as they come, the digital edition of the PS5 is cheaper than a Switch 2. Moreover, the PS5 is꧂ older, which means it's more likely to get discounts more often. We've seen this in the past, and🥃 the record-low prices of both PS5 models can claim to be cheaper than the Switch 2.

This is a tough round to call, depending on what it is you're looking for from a console. The Switch 2 only has one edition so far, but it has a lot of versatility in its price tag. It's also cheaper than many of the opposing handhelds on the shelves with equivalent specs. T🅺he PS5's cheaper versions cut some of its versatility out, meaning if you want to play physical media, you'll need to spend more.

Portability

This round goes the way you might expect, although it's not the clear-cut win that you might think. Certainly, since the first Switch launched, the PlayStation ecosystem has really upped its portable game to combat both the Switch's appeal and the growing 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming handheld market.

The PS5 now has the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:PlayStation Portal, which, although sold separately, does allow you to take your PS5 gaming sessions on the go. Thankfully, cloud streaming on it is now a thing, meaning you're not just limited to Remote Play for a PS5 that has to be on while you play in another room or when you're out and about. Not only do we have the PlayStation Portal, but Remote Play via one of the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best mobile controllers is also an amazing way to keep playing when you can't make it to the couch. It's annoying that PlaySta🧸tion Plus doesn't have the same cloud s🤪treaming credentials as Xbox's Game Pass, though.

As valiant an effort as that is, PS5 doesn't really stand up properly to the Switch 2 if you're looking for a truly versatile, from-the-ground-up portable experience. The Switch 2 is a handheld device first and foremost, so it's naturally going to win the portability contest. Just like the or♑iginal Switch, the versatility here is almost unmatched, especially due to the detachable Joy-Con controllers.

Comfort

A few of these rounds come down to personal preference, but maybe n💖one more so thanꦉ comfort.

Depending on what you prefer, the Switch 2 and PS5 can both be plenty comfortable to use in longer sessions. I'm going to say that for most people who want a traditional console-on-the-couch experience, the PS5 is going to be a better stay-at-home setup since that's what it's designed to do. At the same time, its controllers are a bit larger, they're more rounded, and thus far, there are more of them. If you prefer a heavier controller, the DualSense and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:DualSense Edge have a bit more substance to them, not🍒 lea💯st because of their haptic feedback and trigger resistance.

In handheld mode, the Switch 2's increased size 🤡over the original Switch makes it a bit easier to hold. Similarly, its new matte texture feels a bit more premium than the first Switch, but does make it a tad slippier. It does feel like Nintendo has missed a trick in upgrading the comfort of Switch 2 when you compare it to the more recent handheld PC rivals it now faces on thౠe shelves. Having some rounded grips, back buttons, or a slightly bulkier design may not be as appealing as the slimline design of the first console, but it'd make it a lot more comfortable to hold for longer periods of time.

It's also a shame that the Switch 2 kept its asymmetrical thumbstick layout, since this brought in some discomfort for people, namely, thumb cramps. The offset vs symmetrical thumbstick debate has been raging on for decades, so I'll let you decide what you prefer, but certainly in handheld devices, we've noticed that the more recent options like the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Nitro Deck+ and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Scuf Nomad, which have symmetrical sticks, are much more comfor💜tabཧle.

Display

Since the PS5 doesn't actually have its own display, this is another comparison of apples and oranges. The Switch 2's enlarged display now supports 1080p resolution, which is more than the Steam Deck can say. It's an LCD, HDR-compatible screen that has a 120Hz refresh rate. That makes for some really smooth handheld gaming and gives some of the handheld gaming PCs like the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Asus ROG Ally X a run for their money.

In doc😼ked mode, things change, however, since the Switch 2 can only handle 4K 60fps, which is a bit limited compared to the PS5, which can boot 4K games out at your eyeballs at up to 120Hz, so long as you have a compatib𓆏le display.

PS5 has more power under its ho🐭od, so for those lookin🧸g to max out the visual fidelity that's possible on a console, the PS5 is the clear choice. However, in handheld mode, the Switch has an impressively vivid display despite not opting for an OLED panel.

Controls

Both consoles have their wins in this category. The Switch 2's controllers are versatile, probably more than any other gaming platform around today, if you don't count the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Lenovo Legion Go. The Joy-Con 2 controllers are easy to use in handheld mode, in a more comfortable grip for a traditional gamepad feel, or to flip on their side, pass to a friend, and use in multiplayer. That versatility does put the PS5 to shame,ཧ since playing multiplayer will mean an additional purchase of a separateᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ𒀱ᩚᩚᩚ controller, which doesn't come in the console's box.

The Switch 2꧋ also has an official pro controller, and probably an accumulating line of officially licensed third-party controllers in the pipeline. The official one has back buttons, but doesn't seem to change too mꦉuch compared to the original Switch's Pro pad.

There's one big potential issue with the Switch 2's controlsꦆ, though,🅰 and only time will tell if it's going to cause trouble this generation.

Nintendo hasn't been able to get the words "Hall Sensor" out of its mouth in the lead up to Switch 2's launch, and that's not exactly encouraging when its last generation of controllers have been plagued by stick drift. Even if the Joy-Con 2 controllers and the official Pro Controller have been redesigned from the ground up, it's hard to imagine that if Nintendo wasn't usinඣg a stick drift-immune technology here, it wouldn't make a show of it.

Then again, it's not as though the PS5ꦛ's DualSense hasn't been plagued by this issue either. Fortunately, Sony's gamepad has a lot more going for it in the way of haptic feedback and trigger resistance, which may not be as versatile as the Joy-Con's motion controls or funky new mous🐼e controls, but certainly do a lot to ground you in virtual worlds when implemented properly.

Looking into the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best PS5 controllers, you can actually see plenty of versatility if you're willing to pay extra for it. There's the Access controller, there are guitar controllers, there's an upcoming fight stick, and there are excellent Esports controllers like the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Victrix Pro BFG as well.

Connections

As you can see from the table above, the connection battle is pretty close between the Nintendo Switch 2 and PS5. Honestly, this one might be a clear-cut draw, because even when you take accessory possibilities int🅘o account, both platform🥀s have their strengths.

Potentially, PS5 does sneak past in this round thanks to its HDMI 2.1 compatibility, which allows for higher refresh rates at 4K. For the most part, however, this is a close calꦜl.

Games

Both the PS5 and 澳洲幸运5开奖号🦋码历史查询:Nint🌜endo Switch 2 feature backwards compatibility with their previous generations. The PS5 can play PS4 games, the Nintendo Switch 2 can play original Switch games. Both seem to have gone about this problem in similar ways, by making the large base of games compatible with the new-gen hardware, but ꦚby opting for paid "next-gen upgrades" for some of the heav༺iest hitters.

There have been PS5 exclusives this generation, but Sony has put🍸 more of an emphasis on remasters and remakes, as well as third-party publishing and acquisitions for them to now call their own. From the standout first-party family that arguably won Sony the PS4 generation, things haven't been quite as exciting, and even Spider-Man 2, Horizon Forbidden West, and God of War Ragnarok felt very similar to the last-gen entries we had seen already. Newcomers like Returnal and Helldivers 2 have been standouts, and we're still awaiting new work from Naughty Dog and Sucker Punch this generation. Remasters of Horizon Zero Dawn, The Last of Us (parts 1 and 2), Days Gone, Demon Souls, Horizon Zero Dawn, and more have shown that Sony is happy riding on the coattails of its previous successes.

At the same ti𝐆me, its investment in l👍ive service has left a lot to be desired, with Concord being the biggest showing of how that's gone.

Switch 2 Editions of games like BOTW and TOTK seem to be taking a similar approach, and although we've started the generation off with Mario Kart World and the first 3D Donkey Kong game in decades, mainline Mario and Zelda games feel like they're missing from the launch lineup. These will undoubtedly arrive in the next few years, but it'll be interesting to see just how much onus is now going to be put on ෴remaking what's come before with the Switch 2.

Something else to consider is that Sony has opened its doors this generation, bringing its new releases to PC players. It's very much following the footsteps of Xbox, which has made its games (even the supposed exclusives) available on everything with an internet connection. In fact, Nintendo now enters the fray as the last bastion of exclusive platforms in the games industry. It'll be interesting to see how that impacts the brand going forward, but it means that the Switch 2 is the only place you can play Nintendo games. If you want to play PS5 or Xbox games, you c🐽an play on a PC and not miss too much.

Remember also that both platforms have their online subscriptions. PS Plus gives you access to three free games every month, as well as a catalog of classics and current-gen games to download and play. Switch, on the other hand, only gets you virtual cꦑonsole libraries from previous eras.

All told, this round has a lot that remains to be seen. It may well come down to 🤡the Switch 2's performance in third-party games. Third-party support for the PS5 is already set in stone at the moment for the majority of games that come out. The first Nintendo Switch started out great with its third-party support, but the limitations of its hardware let it dꦿown after a few years, with fewer and fewer demanding titles making the leap across to Nintendo's platform. Indie support, however, has always been good on the Switch, but the same is true of PS5 as well.

Performance

The Nintendo Switch 2 was never going to be able to compete with the PS5 from a performance perspective. Playing Cyberpunk 2077 on each one, side-by-side, reveals the weaker hardware🔯 at play from Nintendo. This is still impressive performance - the device is a fraction of the size of the PS5, and it's running a game that gave the PS4 some trouble just a few years ago.

If, however, you're looking for docked-only gameplay and want the best textures, most sophisticated ray-tracing, and the h🔯ighest quality distance rendering, the PS5 makes far more sense.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is still zippy in these harder performance tests - in fact🌸, I've been surprised by just how smooth action feels in both handheld and docked modes. It's just not quite got the power grunt behind it that the PS5 does.

In real-world terms, that means a drop in s🦹harpness and detail, especially across more complℱex objects like faces and hair. The difference isn't as large as you might expect from a handheld, but it's certainly still there.

Storage

The Switch 2 puts up a solid fight in this round thanks to its up to 2TB of additional storage, but the PS5 has storage supremacy tha▨nks to its additional M.2 port. Even without that, the close to 🌱1TB of space you get out of the box means you have plenty of space for those beefy 4K game files.

That brilliantly integrated extra storage slot means you can put any Gen 4 SSD inside the PS5 and benefit from its loading times. Storage and fast loading times are one of the hills PS5 has always been willing to die on, so it's no surprise that this was a feature the brand wanted to ensure was there. With up to 8TB of extra space thanks to the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best SSDs for PS5, Sony takes this round in a clear victory.

Nintendo Switch 2 vs PS5: which should you buy?

All in all, this is actually a pretty close race. In the end, it's going to come down to you, what your playing habits are, and what games you simp♏ly can't do without.

If you play mainly on the go, or you just can't miss the nexꦿt entries in some of Nintendo's biggest franchises, a Switch 2 is the only place you'll be able to get that truly portable experience you can take with you. It's also the only place you'll be able to play those games because Nintendo refuses to move iꦐnto the current era with the rest of the gaming industry.

If you mainly play at home but still want some portability options, the PS5 is going to be the better option. It has higher resolution and frame rate capabilities, more power under its hood, and has been designed as a home console more than a do-it-all and do-it-everywhere device. Moreover, if you want to ensure you have a gaming platform for all sorts of third-party gam♌es, and don't want to risk not having access to these titles (or not waiting a year or more for a seriously downgraded version), then the PS5 is your winner.

Luckily, both have their merits in terms of price, and there's a close call in many of the rounds we've listed above. Console gaming has two serious contenders with the PS5 and Nintendo Switch 2, and in a few years, it'll be very intriguing to see how the two platf🍸orms sell against one another and compare to the successes of the PS4 and Switch race.

For more on Nintendo's new console, check out the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Nintendo Switch accessories, the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Nintendo Switch controllers, and the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Nintendo Switch Vs Switch OLED.

If you're setting out to 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:buy the Switch 2, or already have the (around $22.81) and manage to take up even less room. There aren📖't many third-party options at the likes of Amazon right now, but they will likely start to show up in the coming weeꦰks and serve as satisfying space savers in your case.

On that🌜 note, even the slightly larger official Switch 2 power adapter is going to fit much nicer in travel cases. I reckon we might end up with slimmer zipper shells that'll accommodate the small brick too, and the Jsuax Carrying Case I have to hand right now just about has enough room for it. But, even if you opt for the lavishly large official Carry Case or launch things straight into your backpack♌, the brick's compact nature and removable cable are going to make things far easier.

I know, this is all super dull compared to everything else the Switch 2 has to offer, but I'm pretty pleased with the new power brick and smaller third-party alternatives. I like to ta🦹ke handhelds with me regularly, and as someone who prefers to use the right adapter for each, I always found myself breaking that rule with the OG Swi𓆉tch due to its cumbersome nature.

It's worth highlighting too that if you already use a compact all-in-one charger dock like the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Genki Covert Dock Mini, you'll currently experience Switch 2 compatibility problems. My hardware accomplice Tabitha Baker says the gadget will seemingly only charge the handheld right now, but since the official adapter is around the same size, you at least won't have to wrestle with something as bulky as the OG p🌌lug.

Trying to decide if Ninty's console is the right call? Check out the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Switch 2 vs Steam Deck and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Switch 2 vs Switch OLED for side-by-side comparisons.

Now that the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Nintendo Switch 2 has arrived, my ni🤪ght-time handh🍸eld gaming routine has been shaken up a notch. But the good news is, not only is the Switch successor compatible with the gaming earbuds, but both the Bluetooth and the 2.4GHz wireless connectivity work a treat. I was already pretty smitten with SteelSeries' first foray into the world of buds, but the Switch 2's release has just made me even more smitten than ever before.

I've only had the Switch 2 for one night, but that was enough to be reminded of why the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:SteelSeries Arctis Game Buds are my go-to bit of audio tech when it comes to handhelds - and just about every console when a headset isn't up for the task. Driving through the lush and vivid world of the new 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Mario Kart World as my girl꧂ Princess Peach felt almost cathartic as I was comfy under the covers, and even better once I had popped the wireless dongle onthe handheld's top USB-C port.

Immediately, there were zero compatibility issues, and the moment I switched to 2.4GHz mode, the smooth jazz OST from the new kart rac꧋er sounded stunning through the little buds. For the time being, it is a little too quiet for my liking, even with the handheld's built-in volume restriction settings toggled off. However, I suspect this will be remedied once the inevitable future firmware updates for the Arctis Game Buds roll out, as is usually the case with audio gaming tech when there's a new console afoot.

The Arctis Game Buds are still legendary

However, where the Game Buds shined the most was when I swi🐷tched things up to the new Nintendo Switch Online GameCube game library. As a Legend of Zelda die-hard fan, I immediately wanted to see how the score of Legend of Zelda Wind Waker sounded through the earbuds, and I was not disappointed.

Again, things were a bit on the quiet side, but the second the intro ༺started rolling, I had goosebumps from the sound the little buds could muster. I fully intended to spend the upcoming weekend playing an unholy amount of hours in Mario Kart World, but the fact that I can now play Wind Waker in bed, and get extra immersed with thanks to the game buds active noise canceling feature means I'll likely re-play through the Zelda classic for the 100th time instead.

It's not just the Nintendo Switch 2 that pairs with the SteelSeries' signature buds. If you still haven't picked up the new handheld or want t♒o wait a while, you can use them alongside your gaming PC, PS5, Xbox Series X (if you get the Xbox version), Steam Deck, and the original Switch, too. I managed to snꦿeak in some time with the new Deltarune chapters on the PS5, and the buds' wireless dongle easily connected to the USB-C port at the front-facing side of my Sony console and made Toby Fox's brand new tunes sound sublime.

Just don't expect the kind of eardrum-bursting sound quality as the brand's Arctis Nova headset range. Or even a similar sound to that of the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best wireless headsets like the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Astro A50 X- as I said before, there are only 6mm audio drivers powering these little buds. But𝐆 rather than offering up the best possible sound quality out there, the Arctis Game Buds combine a huge range of high-end features into one super convenient package - which is why they now never leave my side.

The Nintendo Switch 2 compatibility means I have all the more reason to ensure I take them wherever my new handheld goes. I just hope SteelSeries starts to roll out Switch 2 game audio presets as part of its Arctis app, and gives the volume some tweaking,ꦆ to ensure their new rightful place in my new Switch 2 gaming setup.

Our best Nintendo Switch Micro SD Express Cards, 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Nintendo Switch 2 Cameras, and the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Nintendo Switch controller guides are bursting at the seams with accessories that will give you more value out of your brand-new handheld.

I think we were all itching for something more when the 9000 series finally arrived with us in August of last year. Intel was on the back foot, scrambling to resolve its Raptor Lake stability issues, and AMD had time and time again proven to us that its Zen architecture was second to none. Certainly over the last seven years, its dramatic IPC advancements and serious improvements in gaming performance and efficiency have had Intel on the ropes every single time. It wౠas like the blue team was constantly scrambling to keep up and, in its haste, had let in one too many bugs in the process.

In fact, it's that architectural dominance, the introduction of chiplets, and scalable designs that are the reason so many Zen chips grace those 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best CPU for gaming lists out there, because, time and time again, they've consistently delivere♒d, with massive improvements on the lineup year 𒈔on year. That is, until these wee beauties here.

Behind the scenes

The 9000 series, compared to its 7000 kindred, is unabashedly rather underwhelming. Sure, there are some AI advancements and latency improvements, and yes, AMD has significantly rebuilt the branch predictors and bumped up the heftiness of those information ports and reorder buffers. And yes, that has led to improvements in more complex, 🍰deeper workloads, but for the vast majority of us, that's just technical jargon and hardware that doesn't particularly bolster the applications that we most commonly use.

For standard gaming, for rendering, and for streaming, the effect these tweaks and twists, and turns have had is, well, minor to say the least. More suited for high-end data crunching and server work rather than the humble gamer. And you can understand why, as these 9000 series chips are entirely based on that new Zen 5 architecture, and to be blunt, it's an architectural design whose scope encompasses far more than just your standard run-of-the-mill home-grown 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:gaming PC. AMD is aggressively targeting th🦂e server market right now, as that's where the big money is, and 🤡so designing its latest chips to leverage that is a matter of urgency.

And then, of cou🐽rse, once the dust had settled and AMD's full product stack finally hit the shelves, Intel launched the carnage that was the Core Ultra 200 series, and all hell ensued. AMD was a dull upgrade on the 7th generation chips, sure, but ꦿat least it wasn't a downgrade compared to the previous platform, something only Intel had managed to achieve at that point.

Still, times have changed, and well over half a year later, Intel's Core Ultra 200 series is finally starting to come together. Combined with some seriously aggressive price drops and the more fervent arrival of 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:AMD's newest X3D lineup, it got me thinking. Are these X series chips still worth thꦅe while? Can this 12-core chip still run with the pack, or is it just too darn ex🍃pensive for its own good?

Specs & Features

If I'm honest, compared to the Ryzen 9 7900X, the 9900X is, well, quite dull. If you were playing Top Trumps with these things, you'd be hard-pressed to spot the difference. Both feature the same 12 cores, the sa🎃me 24 threads, both come with 64 MB of L3 cache, and both tout a 5.6 GHz clock speed. From a pure hardcore performance per༒spective, the numerical advantages are basically nonexistent.

Effectively, the way AMD's Ryzen processors work is that they are modular by design. Each CPU has a number of "core complexes" on it that house the cores in question, and AMD can add or subtract them from each chip design, incr𓆉easing or decreasing the total number of cores on the unit. The problem is that these complexes need to talk to each other and transfer informaꦡtion between themselves. This is done thanks to what AMD calls its "Infinity Fabric".

Unlike Intel's approach to year-on-year multiplicatio🐭n, though, there are no additional cores or threads here, and AMD seems content maxing out those chiplet designs at 6-8 cores per core complex die. At least for the tiꦦme being.

That's not to say everything is the same, mind you; AMD has r✤eworked those finer details to improve laten🧸cy between the cache memory and the core complexes themselves, and that in turn has led to significant improvements in computational and rendering workloads (just don't expect that to carry over quite so readily to gaming).

Also, thanks to AMD shifting some of its manufacturing processes and adding a number of efficiency improvements with its new Zen 5 architecture, total power 🎃draw has been cut down by 50W on the last gen, which is a serious win for both temperature management and your electricity bill.

As for pure I/O and compatibility, fortunately, the 9900X is still based o🎀n the AM5 socket, compatible with any motherboard that supports that, and it continues to have DDR5 and expanded support for PCIe 5.0 as well. Unlike Intel's latest chips, which require a whole new board.

There's also an iGPU thrown in for good measure based on the RDNA2 architecture, although to be absolutely clear, that's not something I'd recommend you use for gaming (that's a crown entirely reserved for the likes of the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Ryzen 7 8700G and 8600G, respectively).

The real Achilles’ heel, though, is the pricing. Particularly how the 9900X competes with both the previous gen and Intel's now operational Core Ultra series t🧔oo. On the surface, it initially looked like a good deal compared to the 7900X. At launch, it debuted at just $500 or £460 total, about $50 less than what the 7900X launched at. Since then, pricing hꦕas fallen further, and you can now pick one up for just shy of $380 or £390.

T🐻he only problem with that is what it's up against. Namely, Intel's Core Ultra 7 265K. Now, yes, Intel has been on the back foot, and it has taken its sweet time getting the Core Ultra 200 series fully operational, but recent price shuffles on its lineup have made the Ultra 7 in particular ridiculously aggressive in comparison. In fact, you can pick one of those up right now for $80 or £160 less than the 9900X, and that's a real problem for Team Red right there.

Performance

The metrics, though, they're kinda where you'd expect for a chip of this caliber. I've spent these last few weeks aggressively testing all of the CPUs I have at my disposal, across all manner of different benchmarks and workloads, on a consistent test bed💃. The Ryzen 9 9900X is also what I consider my primary CPU for testbeds in general as well, at least for the time being. I use it both here and for a few other brands I write for, as it's a nice middle-of-the-road chip for testing graphics cards and SSDs as well, particularly when combined with any of the X870E boards out there.

The good news is that, pound for pound, the 9900X puts in a seriously strong showing against Intel. Particularly if you can pair it with one of the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best memory kits out there. Ideally, you're lo🌳oking for a kit that's around the 6,400 MT/s mark to better take advantage of that Infinity Fabric scaling.

Infinity Fabric is effectively a PCIe-like interconnect woven between the core complexes. The unique thing about it is that its speed is directly tied to your RAM speed up to a certain point. So the faster your memory kit, the better the performance of your CPU. That said, it is very much a case of diminishing returns, and past a certain point, you'll no longer see improvements. That's why it's pivotal as a Ryzen user that your memory profile is☂ always enabled in your motherboard BIOS.

We're not talking a huge amount of performance, no, it's not double or anything insane like that (DDR5 defaults to 4,800 MT/s after all) but it's enough to have a significant impact both in-game and in computational workloads. In some cases, it can bring improvements upwards of 10% or more. With that, I'm actually using a 64GB kit of Team Group T-Create at 6,000 MT/s, as it features both Intel XMP and AMD EXPO profiles, to keep timings tight and consistent across both platforms. You may see slightly better performance from a 6,400 - 7,000 MT/s ki🐟t and above.

RAM speeds aside, the 9900X did incredibly well in Cinebench 2024, putting in a strong showing of 1,767 in the multi-core test and 128 in single-core. Decent enough numbers, yet although the single core matched the C♋ore Ultra 7, it did fall short somewhat on the multi-core, with a 9% difference between the 🧔two. Blender similarly saw a win when utilizing CPU only on Junkyard, by 7 samples, but again fell short when utilizing the graphics card. And then we get to the gaming…

So I test all the CPUs I get in with three separate titles at 1080p, 1440p, and 4K. The games in question are designed to stress the CPU as best they can, either through entity loading, simulation, or frame-generation management. I use Total War: Warhammer 3 with its Mirrors of Madness benchmark, Cyberpunk 2077 with DLSS on Qual꧃ity and MFG on x2, and Final Fantasy XIV Dawntrail with FSR enabled as well. All♌ on the Ultra preset.

Because 1080p typically produces higher frame rates, you usually see larger performance jumps between chips, as they become the bottleneck for the graphics card at those higher frame-rate levels. That might not sound that important to the average Joe, but if you're a competitive esports player dabbling in the 200-300 fps range, and you've got a 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:gaming monitor that can support it, it can be a big deal.

So, 1080p, then, is really interesting. The 9900X absolutely tanked in Total War compared to the Core Ultra 7, landing an abysmally poor 96.5 fps (admittedly better than the Ryzen 7 7700X, which only managed 89.9). Compare that to the Core Ultra 7, and it managed 109.8 fps. That's a 12% drop in comparable performanc𝔉e. Jump over to Final Fantasy, though, and the tables turn with Intel falling foul and AMD clawing back a win, with an 8% bump in average frame ra🐬tes.

Why that's fascinating is that these differences dissipate at different resolutions. At 1440p, that Total War delta fades into nothing, yet AMD still has the edꦗge over Intel in Final Fantasy with a 10fps difference on average frame rate. Jump up to 4K, and it's almost level pegging across all three titles with both chips, and if you take the averages across all three resolutions and average those, the two chips basically end up identical.

As for the old T&Ps, that too provided an interesting mixed bag of results. AMD's 9900X was marginally more efficient in heavy computational workloa🌺ds than the Core Ultra 7 was, with 316W of draw in Cinebench versus 330W and 302W in Blender versus 315W for the Ultra 7. Temperatures ranged from 2 to 8 °C higher here as well, despite the lower power draw, but nothing too crazy to make me worry.

In-game, however, once more the coin flipped the other way, and AMD drew significantly mor🍌e power than its Intel counterpart. Even at 4K, when CPU load should be diminished, there was a 25W difference in draw between the two. At a guess, I suspect that's down to AMD's idle states being significantly more hungry than Intel's.

Should you buy the AMD Ryzen 9 9900X?

Straight up answer here? Probably not. The issue right now is that it's just far too expensive for the improvements it gives you over the previous version of this processor. At $380, 9 months on, it's just not a tantalizing proposition. If you want pure gaming performance and are keen to stick with AMD, then you'll go for something like the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Ryzen 7 7800X3D or its modern c꧙ounterpart. If you want to go with pure multi-core grunt and something that's equally as gifted in gaming but for $80 less than, you'd go with Intel's Core Ultra 7 265K. If you want the absolute best bang for the buck, then Intel's last-generation Core i5-14600K is a far better pick across the board, no matter what.

That puts the Ryzen 9 9900X in a tricky position. On the surface, it's a well-balanced, nicely ꧅configured, new-generation chip that's efficient, decently optimized, and just works, particularly if you've got the supporting motherboard and RAM already. Yet, the sad reality is, even compared to AMD's own product stack with the likes of its X3D chips and more, it's just kinda dull. It doesn't stand out, and that's a real problem. When the CPU market is so heated right now, going for literally anything else will inevitably net you a better deal, and that ain't good.

How we tested the AMD Ryzen 9 9900X

Like all of the CPUs that I get in for review, I tested the 9900X in its own dedicated testbed with hardware that could be utilized across all of the other chips to eliminate any variables. Not only did I utilize a wide range of benchmarks and tests with the 9900X, mixing gaming and rendering, I also use this predominantly as my permanent test-bed CPU when benchmarking both SSDs and grap꧙hics cards as well, giving me an incredibly deep understanding of how it operates in Windows.

Additionally, throughout testing, I monitor average and maximum temperatures in each load segmen𝔉t and maximum power draw too. I also utilize a generated index that I create that averages performance out per dollar spent at its current pricing at the time of review.

For more on 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:how we tes♈t gaming PCs and components, check out our full 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

Looking to build your perfect rig? Check out the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best graphics cards, the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best PC cases, and the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best computer speakers.

Early teardowns of the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Nintendo Switch 2's Joy-Cons are showing that the thumbsticks use almost the exact same sensor as the original ones, albeit with some metal reinforcement in p💖laces and a smaller overall size.

The form factor of the Joy-Cons themselves doesn't lend itself to a larger Hall Sensor thumbstick module, even if other controller manufacturers like Hori have managed to fit this technology into similarly-sized 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Nintendo Switch controllers. Hall Sensor controllers often come in che🦹aper than their potentiometer counterparts as well, so it's hard to point to price as being the reason Nintendo opted for a traditional drift-prone thumbstick sensor.

In fact, now that we've been hands-on with the Switch 2 for a bit longer and seen those early teardowns, the reason seems to be far more practical. Since the Sꦰwitch 2's Joy-Con controllers attach to the sides of the console using magnets (which are pretty darn strong), Hall sensor and TMR thumbsticks would likely be disrupted by the strong magnetic forces aꦬcting on them and likely wouldn't work as intended.

Hall Effect and TMR thumbsticks are immune to drift because they use small electromagnetic sensors, rather than physical resistors that wear down over time. These tiny magnets would no doubt face interference and calibration issues if they were put in a controller that literally attaches via an even stronger magnet right next to it, so it seems like Nintendo decided this way of joining its controllers to its console was a b🐲igger priority than fixing arguably the biggest technical fault with its first Switch.

It'd be safe to assume that the Switch 2's Pro Controller will be a similar bag, especially since the brand seems so proud of its next-gen peripherals. Nate Bihldorff, Nintendo of America's Senior VP of Product Development & Publishing, told back in April, "Every time we put out a new hardware, whether it's a new system or an accessory, [Nintendo is] designing from the ground up to be the best possible experience for our consumers, whether it's the immediate effect of the Joy-Cons that you're playing, how they're interacting ꦬwith the game, or durability.

"🐼They take it and rebuild i♔t so that we can give the best possible experience," he said.

What will be really interesting to watch is the third-party suppoꦬrt for Nintendo's new console. The officially licensed market was filled 𒁏to the brim with Hall sensor options last generation to counter Nintendo's lack of durability. Should third-party peripheral makers be bound to using the console's magnetic rail attachments, I'll be keen to find out if they manage to find a workaround for Hall sensors without disruption.

Only time will tell if Nintendo's Joy-Con 2 controllers will suffer from the same drift as the first console did. For now, we're testing as many third-party Switch controllers as we can with the newꦓ console to see how compatibility lines up.

Keep up with our thoughts on the latest console by checking out our 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Nintendo Switch 2 review in progress. You can also hear more about the Switch 2's Pro controller vs the original, and check out a full list of 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:upcoming Switch 2 games.

Just to be clear, while the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Nintendo Switch 2 cameras use USB-C, you can use compatible USB-A webcams with the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:gaming handheld. Everywhere you look online rig🎀ht now, you'll see the phrase USB-C haunting the narrative, especially on Ninty's own site. Therefore, it feels only right to spread the word before any of you spend needlessly on adapters and diff💧erent accessories.

So, why is Nintendo obsessed with telling you to use a USB-C camera? I'm guessing it's down to the fact you'll only be able to use USB-A accessories in docked mode without an adapter. This isn't the first time Nintendo has implied incompatibility via its guidance, as a few months ago it claimed your old Switch HDMI cable "isn't compatible" with theও Switch 2, which isn't fully true.

Of course, I don't want you to get too excited and just assume every webcam ever will work with the Switch 2. The laws of compatibility still apply, and there are even USB-C options like the monstrous Elgato Facecam Pro that aren't going to fly. Not that I'd ever suggest using a $300 piece of streaming gear just to add your disgruntled face to 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Mario Kart World, but it does♚ mean you'🧔ll need something that requires a little less USB power.

I'm only at the start of my Switch 2 accessory testing journey, but so far, I've plugged in a few cameras. The general vibe is that st൲icking with something more traditional is more likely to yield success, and I was able to easily use my trusty old Logitech C920 with the console straight into the dock. Our very own Tabitha Baker has also tested the Logitech StreamCam out and managed to get it working just fine, just in case you have the fancier electric eye lying around.

That being said, I do think it's♒ worth keeping dedicated Switch 2 Cameras on your radar. While many of you may have grabbed a compatible webcam during the pandemic in the name of virtual socializing, I can see why fans of first-party accessories would want the real McCoy pitched up next to the handheld. Plus, third-party options like the HORI Piranah Plant are stinking cute and make for a pretty affordable 𓆏alternative to the official add-on and desktop alternatives.

Trying to find the perfect portable? Check out the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Nintrendo Switch 2 vs Steam Deck and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Switch 2 vs Switch OLED for handheld comparisons. You'll want to swing by the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Nintendo Switch controllers too if you're planning multiplayer sessions.

"These occurrences were isolated to a single store in Staten Island, NY.♐ The affected customers—who represented a very small fraction—were swiftly given replaceme♋nts."

Original story:

The 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Nintendo Switch 2 retail launch has✤ spawned a dramatic tale of two retailers in the US. In one corner, a GameStop has reportedly ruined some brand-new consoles by stapling reꩵceipts straight into their screens. In the other, Walmart has... included free chips and soda because gamers need their brain food.

The painful GameStop incident, shared by folks like game de🤡als hound , started with Reddit user Konflick, . They s🤪aid their Nintendo Switch 2 had a receipt stapled to the top of the box, apparently with a stapler so heavy-duty that it punctured straight through to the screen of the console, leaving a hefty scratch.

This was just one GameStop location in New York – which I've been unable to reach despite multiple phone calls, though the number on Konflick's receipt is indeed legitimate – but it made for a nightmare of a story tꦗhat has spread around the gaming community.

, Konflick claims a manager told them "they haꦿve replacement Switches coming from another store so they took m🎀y name and number down and told me that they’ll give me a call when they come in and we’ll just do a simple exchange."

It's currently unclear how many other Switch 2 owners may also be seeking an exchange as a result of stapler 𝓰damage.

Why use a stapler on something packaged this way? Konflick says there were concerns that, due to the broken ༺air conditioning in the store, the adhesive on the normally used tape and stickers would melt and slip off. "It was hot and humid in the store," Konflick confirmed.

"I actually fee♚l terrible a simple mistake might cost these guys their job," Konflick said.

"I sort of feel bad for the manager and she looked very visibly upset because she said she was probablyꦅ gonna get fired, but she was very sweet about the whole thing and was super apologetic," they added. (As someone who worked at GameStop over a decade ago, I also feel bad for these folks. My first question would be: why wasn't the air conditioning fixed by corporate?)

In happier news, many new Switch 2 owners who pre-ordered their consoles from Walmart not only got them on time and scratch-free, they were also surprised by goodie bags of chips and s🀅oda. No Doritos and Mountain Dew, though; we've got Pringles and Coke, baby.

Tons of Switch 2 buyers have shared their Walmart goodies on social media, and the official Walmart Twitter account has replied to a lot o🌃f them.

"I knewꦦ you'd need snacks," to one♑ new Switch 2 owner.

A spokesperson for Walmart told me that the company "thought it would♍ be a fun surprise and delight to include the chips and the Coke for anybody that pre-ordered theꦺir Switch 2 with us."

"No motivaꦬtion other than just to say thank you and to celebrate launch da🅺y," they said.

I do want to point out that this follows a wave of Switch 2 pre-order cancellations that Walmart may well have been looking to bounce back from. But this representative said "it was really just an idea that came 💞out from somebody within the teams that was working on this and said, that could be a really cool idea, let's figure out if we can make it happen."

Note that these goodie bags were today-only, exclusive to Walmart Switch 2 pre-orders. The sna🎉ck bundles were indeed available at "all store locations" acro🉐ss the US.

Nඣow for the important part. I was told that there were plans to use "three different varieties of Pringles and two different flavors of Coke" – obviously I asked – with the snacks each person received coming down to random chance.

Based on the user reports that Walmart has replied to online, the Coke flavors are classic and orange cream. But the Pringl🐼es gradient, as we in the business cal🅠l it, swings wider.

There seem to have been three primary flavors of Pr🦩ingles used – pizza, sour cream and onion, and barbecue – but flavors like Hot Ones, original, and cheddar and sour cream have evidently been sent to some Switch 2 owners as well. Perhaps some Walmart stores had different Pringlesꦯ stocks, or had not received the Three Flavor Memo from on high.

Where to buy Nintendo Switch 2: live updates from launch week.

To make picking the right camera for your brand-new Ninty handheld easier, I've tested as many USB-C c⛦ompatible options as I could and whittled them down to my tℱop picks so you can GameChat with your friends in no time. As the console has only just launched, bear with me as I continue to test and add more to this list.

The Quick List

The best official Nintendo Switch 2 camera

The Nintendo♔ Switch 2 is brand-spanking-new, so there isn't a huge batch of official cameras to choose from. That being said, out of the cameras available on the market right now, the aptly named 'Nintendo Switch 2 Camera' is what I'd recommend if you care most about specs and want to get the best picture, while still sticking with a first-party accessory.

For one, the official camera, which we first got a glimpse of in the Switch 2-cen🐻tered Nintendo Direct on April 🦹2, 2025, has a 1080p resolution, which is what you want if you don't want to come across as a blurry mess to your friends over GameChat. Sure, how well lit up your gaming environment is will also greatly affect your visual clarity, but the higher the resolution, the better you're going to look on-screen - the most important factor of any camera.

For now, the Nintendo Switch 2 camera is also the only first-party accessory of its kind to offer up that 1080p resolution, with both of Hori's officially licensed alternatives only reaching resolutions of 480p, respectively. It can also be used in handheld mode, which is great news for those of you who🍰 plan to spend ample time playing your Switch 2 on the☂ go, but you'll still need to have a spare flat surface at your disposal.

The best budget Nintendo Switch 2 camera

The Hori USB Camera for Nintendo Switch 2 has the same $59.99 MSRP as the official Switch 2 camera, however, deals on the lead up to launch day have already seen it be marked down considerably less than its almost $60 price range in the US. In the UK, it's a much more budget-friendly option compared to the other cameras on the market, as it has a more than affordable £29.99 MSRP, which sets it 𒉰more firmly apart from the rest.

For that low price, you may not be getting the highest specs out there. However, this 480p accessory is ideal for handheld gaming fans as it attaches via the top USB-C port of your Switch 2, making it one of the mꦍost portable cameras on this list. There are actually three ways you can use this camera, ranging from handheld mode, using the attached mount to hook onto your TV, or hooked up to your Switch 2 dock while it remains sitting in its sleek and sturdy camera base.

Similary to the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best webcams, for its $59.99 / £29.99 MSRP, this Hori camera also coౠmes with a built-in sliding lens for privacy, and it has an adjustable neck so you can get the best viewing angle in GameChat or while playing the soon-to-be-released Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Swit🌱ch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV.

The best Nintendo Switch 2 camera design

It's hard not to see why the Hori Piranha Plant Switch 2 Camera had ever♏yone talking when images of it first appeared online. Instead of dishing out another plain, all-black camera, Hori took it upon themselves to take the iconic Suꦑper Mario series baddie, the Piranha Plant, and transform it into one of the best-looking Switch 2 accessories to date.

The base of this officially licensed camera is represented by🉐 a Mario warp pipe, which also acts like a stand. The main bulk of the camera, the Piranha Plant head, can be placed within the pipe base when connected up to the new Switch 2 dock. Alternatively, you can actually take the ferociously designed camera out of its base and place it within the USB🍎-C port on top of the handheld to be used in handheld mode - ideal for those who are more privy to gaming on the go.

While this Hori camera only has a resolution of 480p, and so doesn't quite offer the best visual quality out of all the official Switch 2 cameras to date, it does add extra levels of ingenuity and design that make it p🌳erfect for Super Mario fans. Instead of a typical privacy screen, the camera's mouth can be closed when you aren't using GameChat, and the stem can be ad🗹justed so you can get that perfect viewpoint - this is truly one for the Mario fans.

How to choose the best Nintendo Switch 2 camera

Choosing the right Nintendo Switch 2 camera isn't that dissimilar to choosing the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best webcam for your gaming PC. To begin, you need to consider your budget, as not everyone has the means to fork out a ton of cash, especially after the already pricey investment that is the Nintendo Switch 2.

If you're sticking to the officially licensed options, the official Switch 2 camera has an MSRP of $54.99 / £49.99, whereas the HORI Piranha Plant Camera has an MSRP of $39.99 / £34.99. Hori also has another option, with the simply named USB Camera for Nintendo Switch 2 for $59.99 / £29.99.

Ideally, even if your budget is limited, you'll still want to gravitate towards the camera that's at least 1080p, to ensure you have the best image quality possible. For now, only the official Switch 2 camera is 1080p, with both HORI's options being 480p. In the UK, the HORI Switch 2 cameras are more affordable, and where they lack in the specs department, they make it up with their flashy designs and handheld mode compatibility.

Alternatively, you could save even more cash by reusing an existing USB-C webcam you have lying around. Currently, we'r🅠e putting our existing camerಌas through their paces to see what existing webcams, from brands like Razer and Elgato, are compatible with the Switch 2.

The best Nintendo Switch 2 camera FAQ

If you want to complete your new Switch 2 setup, adding one of the澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询: best Nintendo Switch accessories, from one of the best Nintendo Switch 2 microSD Express Cards, to the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Nintendo Switch controllers into the mix can unleash the full potential of your brand-new handheld.

Additionally, anyone who finds the Joy-Con uncomfortable will get a lot of use out of a wireless controller. Grabbing a high-quality USB-C camera will also go a long way in improving the quality of hangouts over the new 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Switch 2 GameChat feature. But at the same time, cutting down on the amount of extras you grab for your new console can save a lot of cash.

No one really needs to grab any accessories from the get-go, as the Switch 2 comes with everything you need to get it set up on day one. However, if you want to get more value out of the new 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:gaming handheld and keep it protected straight from the get-go, I've narrowed down the most important aꦓccessories and how they can improve your time☂ with the Switch 2.

Nintendo Switch 2 cases

I always like to grab a protective case (and a screen protector for that matter) for my gaming handhelds as soon as possible. I'm pretty clumsy, and I'd like to tell you I haven't dropped my launch Switch on the floor on several occasions, but I'd be lying. Having one of the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Nintendo Switch cases as soon as possible meant my beloved first Switch was able to avoid any additional harm, which is why I always advocate for having one of your own as soon as humanly possible, especially for your Switch 2.

Not all cases are made equal, and some are going to be made of much sturdier material than others. But no matter which one you pick, any protection is better than leaving your pricey Ninty handheld out in the open. Plus, if you plan to travel a lot with your Switch 2, a case means you can safely store it away in your bag, and even have some extra space for games and a charger.

Nintendo has a few options available from launch day, from the Carrying Case and Screen Protector set to the massive All-In-One Carrying Case, which even has space for your Switch 2 dock and six game cards. Third-party accessory brands have also got plenty of options available. The STEALTH Premium Travel Kit for is what I'd recommend if you don't plan on taking your dock with you, but want ample storage for your games. The all-black case not only has room for your Switch 2, but 12 games, and even an extra pair of Joy-Con 2 controllers. For just under $50, you're not just getting hardened protection for your new handheld either, but the kit also includes a 2 metre USB C-C charging cable and screen protector for good measure.

If you'd🥂 rather some protection that wraps around your handheld, the Killswitch Switch 2 case is now available from , and is designed to let you detach your Joy-Cons all without removing the case. It even comes with an adaptor for your Switch 2 dock, so once it's on, you never need to take it off, whether you're privy to playing in docked or han𒁃dheld mode.

Verdict: If you want some extra protection for your Switch 2, grabbing a case will help ensure less wear and tear is caused to your handheld whenever it's not in its dock or in your hands. Plus, it's easier to take your Switch 2 on the go when you have an easy way of storing it.

Anyone who sticks t🌸o playing the handheld in docked mode and docked mode only will likely have no need to grab a case on launch day, or in the future. But even if you rarely dabble 𓆏in handheld mode, a compact travel case is a must for keeping your Switch 2 safe and sound.

Nintendo Switch 2 storage

The Switch 2 relies on the use of microSD Express Cards, rather than the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Nintendo Switch SD Cards that are compatible with its predecessor. These new cards were chosen by Nintendo "for faster data reading and writing speeds", but it also means you'll need a specific type of car♑d to upgrade your storage.

Luckily, there are two licensed microSD Express cards available right now. Both Samsung and Sandisk have their own 256GB cards, which are available for and other retailers. At the moment, 256GB is as high as these official cards go, but you'll get a funky Super Mario design if you grab them. (A design you'll rarely see once it's actually in your Switch 2, but alas.)

Not everyone is going to need a brand-new microSD Express Card, as it all depends on how you play your Switch 2. For example, someone who's eager to play every brand-new release might easily fill up the 256GB worth of onboard storage in no time - especially when games like Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Edition and Cyberpunk 2077 require 24.2GB and 59.8GB, respectively. If you stick with small indie releases and regularly archive your new virtual game cards, 250GB will be more than enough for the time being.

Verdict: An extra 256GB doubles the space of the Switch 2, and gives more opportunities for installing more games, as well as a wealth of screenshots and game clips. However, if you prefer to stick to indie titles that typically don't have demanding storꦫage requirements, and regularly transfer your screenshots to your PC, more storage right now shouldn't be your biggest priority. In the latter case, I'd wait at least a few months to see how the starting storage fares with your playing habits before you drop $50 on a brand-new microSD card.

Nintendo Switch 2 headsets

Unless I've got Netflix on in the background, I always prefer to have a gaming headset on my head so I don't miss a beat of whatever Switch game I'm currently playing. Hearing your games clearly can be pretty important if you're having to listen out for audio triggers in turn-based games like the Mario and Luigi series, or where bullets are whizzing past you in Fortnite. But most importantly, the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Nintendo Switch headsets can really up the immersion factor.

If you want to keep costs low, especially after the hefty amount of cash you laid down on the handheld itself, you don't have to pick up a new headset. In fact, thanks to the console's inclusion of a 3.5mm jack port and its Bluetooth support from the get-go, it's very likely you'll have an existing pair of cups that'll work with the Switch 2 without issue. You'll just want to make sure that whatever you pick has a high-quality enough microphone if you plan to make use of the new GameChat feature and don't want to sound like a garbled mess to your friends.

For those who haven't yet added one of the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming headsets to their growing Nintendo setup, having one at the ready from day one will mean you can experience every ounce of new games as clear as day. Nintendo hasn't yet officially unveiled a Switch 2 licensed pair of cups (and neither have any third party brands), but there's a ton of high-quality options out there, from the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Razer Barracuda X to the more premium 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro that will work with the handheld. The latter has spatial audio support, so you'll be able to hear the sounds of any compatible games in a more realistic 3D soundscape. The Razer's Barrauda X is a better pick for most, though, with its value-oriented price point and excellent audio.

Verdict: In the end, if you want to keep costs low and⛦ don't have anyone around ꦇyou who might find the loud sounds of Mario Kart World, or the new NSO GameCube game library, hard to cope with, you don't need to grab a brand-new Switch 2 gaming headset. The new handheld's various ports and Bluetooth compatibility mean you'll also likely have a compatible pair of cups already lying around that'll work a treat.

On the other hand, if you're ne🎃w to gaming headsets and need a mic to chat to your friends through the Switch 2, a gaming headset will go a long way in making the handheld's audio truly sound next-gen.

Nintendo Switch 2 controllers

Additional controllers for your Switch 2 are a lot easier to recommend from day one, especially if you weren't a fan of the feel of the original Joy-Cons. In my own experience, I always resorted to using the included Joy-Con grip or a wireless controller like the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:8BitDo Ultimate C for a more comfortable grip.

The Nintendo Switch 2 includes a grip that transforms the two controllers into one, just like the original Switch. That's better than nothing, but it can feel flimsy and can still be uncomfortable after hour-long gaming sessions. That's where the Switch 2 Pro controller comes in, offering up an ergonomic shape and all the NFC-reading tech and buttons you need to play whatever your heart desires.

The new Switch 2 Pro controller also has some improvements over the original, including the new 'C' button to activate GameChat, two new GL and GR remappable back buttons, and the upgraded HD rumble 2. As you can imagine, this does come at a price, and will mean you forking out another at launch. It was unfortunately caught in the recent price hike crossfires in the US, so you will need to keep that in mind if you're after an additional controller but would rather keep costs low. Fortunately, it's always remained at its RRP of , in the UK.

Verdict: If you liked the feel of the original Joy-Con controllers and have a tight budget in mind, I'd leave grabbing a new Switch 2 controller until later. However, the new Switch 2 Pro controller is a great alternative for those who don't vibe with the flat-backs of the Joy-Cons, it just comes at a bigger cost - especially if you're based in the US.

Alternatively, the oꦅfficial Joy-Con grip, or using a compatible wireless third-party controller, is another viable option. As is the official NSO GameCube controller, if you want a more nostalgic way to play the brand-new GameCube game library at launch. (But you will need an active NSO subscription to order it.)

Nintendo Switch 2 cameras

The Switch 2 camera was one of the newest accessories announced, allowing you to video chat with friends over the GameChat feature. It's also compatible with some games, like Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition ＋ Jamboree TV, so if you're desperate to see yourself on screen, you can pick up the official Switch 2 camera for , or the Hori USB Camera for, and make use of the newly added in-game features.

I'd personally wait a moment before diving into the world of Switch 2 cameras. Super Mario Jamboree, the main game used to advertise the official camera, isn't out until July 24, 2025. If you're a paying NSO member, you will be able to at least use the camera for GameChat, but there's a big chance you'll already have a compatible camera at hand, as the handheld is compatible with some USB-C cameras already on the market.

Verdict: The Switch 2 is c🌺ompat🌺ible with other USB-C cameras, so if you actually want to make use of GameChat to video chat with your friends, or make use of the new features in Mario Party Jamboree, you might already have a compatible webcam at your disposal.

However, not many games make use of the camera atꦦ launch, so I recommend waiting if you're strapped for cash before deciding to add one to your Switch 2 setup from day one.

Which Nintendo Switch 2 accessories do you need on launch day?

No one really needs to purchase any additional accessories for the Switch 2 and have them locked and loaded for launch day. In fact, the only accessory I'd say most players need at launch is a case. The handheld comes with all you need to get it up and running, including a set of Joy-Con 2 controllers, the Switch 2 dock, and an AC adaptor. So long as you have a compatible TV and a spare power socket, you'll be good to go.

However, if you want to get a little more out of your Switch 2 and have the cash to burn, that's where accessories come in. You'll need some Switch 2 accessories to make the most of the handheld's new features. For example, is the 256GB worth of onboard storage isn't enough for the games you intend to play, you'll need to upgrade sharpish. Additionally, having the Switch 2 camera will mean you can use GameChat straight away.

The Switch 2's compatibility with a range of other add-ons, however, mea𓃲ns you can make do with what you have if you have a budget to keep to. The original Pro controller is compatible, as are a range of headsets. There will be some features you won't be able to make the most of (eg, only the Switch 2 Pro controller has HD rumble 2), and using the latest official accessories is usually going to result𓂃 in a stress-free setup.

Our 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Nintendo Switch 2 preview provides a better look at the brand new device, but check out our 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Nintendo Switch 2 game and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Nintendo Switch 2 vs Nintendo Switch guides to see what you can expect to play and how each handheld measures up.

澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Joy-Con drift was obviously a loud, very public problem ꦐduring the OG Switch era, causing the analog sticks to quite literally move by themselves whether you're touching them or not. And it's a problem Nintendo's only vaguely a𒁃ddressed in the lead-up to its new handheld console.

Switch 2 producer Kouichi Kꦦawamoto said the new Joy-Cons have "larger and more durable" thumb sticks in an 'Ask the Developer' , while Nintendo's just promised the controllers have been rebuilt from the ground up this generation.

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At least one early adopter has now stripped their Joy-Con 2's down to the bone to see what's really going on. "I took one of the Joy-Con 2's apart and the markings seem to point to them being Alps, and💖 they look so similar to the original Joy-Con sticks inside," they said in a recent Reddit post. "Joy-Con drift lives on in the Switch 2 generation?" (Good spot, !)

There is some hope that, despite the similar-looking design, the "larger" stick size that Kawamoto alluded to could spread the inevitable wear more evenly and, in essence, give stick sensors a bigg﷽er canvas to work with, hopefully preventing any would-be drifting.

Joy-Con drift always seemed like one of those things that was decided by Lady Luck. Some people would have faulty thumb sticks right out of the box, while others went the entire generation without needing to replace their little Joy-Cons, even wi♍thout a clear correlation between play time and wear or drift. Only time will tell if Nintendo has actually avoided another stick drift situation with the Switch 2, though.

Check out our 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Nintendo Switch 2 review in progress to see what we think of the new console, live.

The world of the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming handhelds has been dominated by two models for the last few years. We've already seen how the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Nintendo Switch 2 vs Steam Deck battle plays out, so I'm turning my attention to the best handheld PC on the market; the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Asus ROG Ally.

I first reviewed the ROG Ally back in 2023, and then took on the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Asus ROG Ally X just a year later. With their AMD Ryze🦋n Z1E chips, full-sized controls, and chunkier form factor, they both offer a very different experience to Ninty's family-friendly console. Now that I've got the Nintendo Switch 2 firmly in my hands, I'm ꦫpitting it against the very system that saw its predecessor collecting dust on my shelf.

Price

There's a considerable jump in price between the Nintendo Switch 2 and the Asus ROG Ally (and then again up to the X model), however there's a little more nuance to these numbers as well. The Asus ROG Ally Z1E is no stranger to sales, and it's dropped to $449.99 /♏ £399.99 a few times in the last year. That's the same rate as the Switch 2 at launch (a set of numbers I don't expect to be falling any time soon).

If timed correctly, the Asus ROG Ally could be the same price as the Nintendo Switch 2 - though discounts are far less forgiving on the boosted X model. That's a $700 device even on sale and I haven't seen any price cuts in the UK at the time of 𝔍writing. That price in🧸crease does come with sturdier specs and a slightly better design, but it's only going to make sense for a select number of players.

There's also a cheaper version of the Asus ROG Ally, with a Z1 rather than Z1E chipset. However, it's harder to find🌃 on the shelves these days and seems to be fading into the sunset now. If you do spot it, though, it's usually sitting ♔at around $399.99 when on sale.

At full price, the Nintendo Sꦕwitch 2 takes this one. It's $200 /🔥 £200 cheaper than the Asus ROG Ally Z1E, but it's well worth looking out for discounts on the latter.

Winner: Nintendo Switch 2

Portability

These are handhelds, so they need to be easily portable. Of the bunch, the Nintendo Switch 2 is the lightest and thinnest, measuring in at on﷽ly 0.55-inches thick and weighing 535g. The Asus ROG Ally Z1E is considerably bulkier, and the Ally X slightly more so, at 1.28-inches and 1.45-inches respectively.

That means your case is going to be significantly larger if you opt for the Asus ROG Ally. I've been transporting both, and it's much easier to squeeze Ninty's system into a backpack. Even a slimline fabric🅠 ROG Ally case is still bulky and heavy, whereas I can slip skinny Switch clamshell into even a smaller bag and still have space left over.

Winner: Nintendo Switch 2

Comfort

The Nintendo Switch 2 is certainly far more c🎀omfortable than its predecessor, but it still sacrifices the extra grips of the Asus ROG Ally in favor of a slimmer form factor. That means it's lighter and easier on the wrists overall, but💟 with smaller controls and less to hold onto I do still feel a slight cramp after longer play sessions.

This year's Joy-Con are taller, but t𒀰hey're not much wider. Pair that with the scaled-down face buttons and thumbsticks, compared to the full-sized iterations on the Ally, and larger hands will still struggle to stay relaxed during marathon runs.

The Asus ROG Ally is built more for ergonomic comfort than the Switch 2. It features large protruding grips around the rear that provide additional leverage and promote a more natural hand placement. These grips are coated with a textured surface for a more precise hold, whereas Nintendo's device is completely matte. One isn't necessarily better than the other, this is largely down to personal preference. I mಞuch prefer the softer feel of the Switch 2 compared to the original console, but it🍸 can feel a little slippery compared to the rougher surface of the Ally.

The slanted edges around the front are also more gentle on the palms compared to the completely flat Joy-Con 2. I still find the corners of Nintendo's controllers can dig into my hand꧋s after a bit, whereas I've never experienced the issue on the Ally.

Nintendo wins in weight. If you're holding the device in the air, rather than reꦯsting it on your lap or a table, the additional heft of Asus's handheld does make itself known. Overall, however, this one goes to the PC.

Winner: Asus ROG Ally

Display

O✨n paper, the Nintendo Switch 2 and the Asus ROG Ally have very similar displays. They're both 1080p LCDs runni🐓ng at 120Hz, though there's a 0.9-inch size difference. Overall, Ninty's pulled this one off particularly well.

The Switch 2's panel isn't as bight as the Ally's 500 nits, but it does come with HDR support. Asus's display is crisp, sharp, and has excellent range, but side by side there's a little more pop in Nintendo's displaღy (notably more so in games like Cyberpunk 2077 with HDR switched off) - even if the Asus is a little sharper on occasion.

Despite only hitting the shelves a⛎ couple of years ago, Asus's device suffers from fairly large bezels around the display itself. It's a factor that can make the Ally feel a little outdated and, while the Switch 2 still keeps similar bezels in play, the larger panel makes it a little easier to forgive.

It should also be noted, and I'll getඣ into this more later in the Performance section, that both the Nintendo Switch 2 and the Asus ROG Ally can output at 4K 60Hz when connected to a compatible display. The difference is the Ally is a PC and the Switch will have games specifically optimized for this level of resolution. You'll have a much easier time getting your games looking good on a 4K gaming monitor with the Nintendo Switch 2 to hand.

Winner: Nintendo Switch 2

Battery

It's undeniable that the Nintendo Swi🦩tch 2 has a weaker battery than the Asus ROG Ally (and a much smaller one compared to the X). That's not the full story, though. Yes, at 5,220mAh (and running at 3.7v), you're not even getting half the WHr size of the Ally in the Switch 2 - and yet the device's actual runtime easily keeps up.

That's because the Ally is working much harder to play its games. The Nintendo Switch 2 is a heavily optimized device, as most consoles are. That means the titles you're playing have bee𝓡n built for your system - even ports are re-j🐼iggled to run well on the handheld. PCs like the Asus ROG Ally live in a wild west where different games have different system requirements and optimal settings.

A more demanding game could run your Ally charge down to zero in as little as an hour, but a lighter title on th🐷e right power preset could have you playing for up to six. The story is similar on the Nintendo Switch 2, with a tie between these two handhelds.

That's where the Ally X comes ☂in. This upgraded model comes with a monster battery at 80WHrs. Suddenly your heaviest games can last from three hours - the longest 🌊stretch I've managed to squeeze out of this handheld is 8.5 hours. That's two hours more than the Switch 2, with the handheld doing significantly more work during that time.

Winner: Asus ROG Ally X

Controls

This is a tight one. The Nintendo Switch 2 has a lot going for it from a control perspective; detachable Joy-Con make multiplayer sessions a breeze, the new mouse sensor offers inbuilt precision, and the improved rumble is far more nuanced than 🍬Asus's. However, the Ally benefits from full-sized thumbsticks and face buttons, additional programmable paddles on the back, and a far more sophisticated d-pad.

There's a battle here between functionality and quality. The Nintendo Switch 2 can do more🐟, but the Asus ROG Ally feels much better doing less. I'm far more precise with my aiming and movement when using Asus's taller thumbsticks (🦂and even better on the X where they feel much tighter), and directional inputs are more comfortable with the full d-pad.

No, you can't remove one side of it and use it as a pointer but the Asus ROG Ally can easily connect to any 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:wireless gaming mouse you'🌞ve got for a, potentially, much better experience instead.

At the end of the day, I prefer Asus's controls for single-player adventures and online multiplayer. They're more comfortable and more precise at the same time. However, if you know you're going to be pr🐓ioritizing couch co-op gameplay the additional features of the Joy-Con 2 will prevail.

Winner: Asus ROG Ally

Connections

The Nintendo Switch 2 and Asus ROG Ally X both have two USB-C ports, perfect for those who use wireless accessories via 2.4GHz receivers and still want to keep their handhelds plugged in. The regular Ally Z1E, however, only has one USB-C connectio🃏n.

That's the only major difference between the two handhelds' port selections. The Asus ༺ROG Ally does feature a proprietary connection for its own XG Mobile eGPU hubꦫ, but that's an incredibly expensive add-on that very few will be looking to purchase. If you've got an extra few grand to play with, though, you can add RTX 4090-level performance to your Ally via this port.

The Switch 2's second USB-C port clinches ꦓthis one.

Winner: Nintendo Switch 2

Games

Settle in, this is a complicated one.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is far more powerful than its predecessor, which means more demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Borderlands 4 are coming to the system. That opens the Switch library considerably, blockbuster releases have a much higher chance of also landing on the Switch 2 than they did the original model. Not only that, but you will only be able to play first-party (and some third-party) Ninten𝓀do Switch games on the system itself - Ninty is hard on its own exclusivity.

That leaves the Asus ROG Ally in an interesting position. This is a full Windows PC, so you can run anything you could on a laptop or desktop on here (in theory). That's a much bigger library, pretty much everything (outside🔥 of those aforementioned exclusives, as well as those of the PS5) can be played on this device in some form.

You're also not beholden to one eShop here. Rather than living by Nintendo's prices, yo𒁏u can shop around between Steam, Epic, and other launchers.

Similarly, the ROG Ally has one final trick up its sleeve; Game Pass. Love it or hate it, Microsoft's♏ subscription service is the best-value way to play new and old releases if you're not building a physical collection. A massive catalog of blockbusters and a healthy roster of day one releases means this is a fantastic to﷽ol in the arsenal of any Asus ROG Ally owner.

If you're a Nintendo fan you'll want to prioritize those first-party exclusives, if you're a gaming fan looking for one device to play a much wider range of releases, the Asus ROG Ally is a much better pick. The Switch 🐻2 is promising better Triple-A compatibility, but nothing is concrete until it's out on the di𝐆gital shelves.

For a better picture of the difference between the platforms, I've collected every game featured in this year's The Game Awards nominations and compared platform availability between the two. Compatibility is only ticked if there is an officially confirmed version of the game heading to Nintendo Switch 2.

Winner: Asus ROG Ally

Performance

The Asus 🦄ROG Ally is a PC, but it's not going to give you conventional PC performance. Yes, it's an efficient system and it's run nearly every game I've tried on it comfortably (the ROG Ally X is a particularly potent beast), b🐟ut there are more steps to getting that frame-perfect experience.

The Nintendo Switch 2 picks up its new resolution and sprints with it. This is a seriously impressive achievement considering the size of the device and while the final result isn't quite as texturally sound as yꦓou'll see in lower resolutions on the Ally it's still a smooth, enjoyable exper✤ience.

The Asus ROG Ally can run in 4K, but it generally prefers not to. The X model is far better suited to this kind of high-resoღlution gaming, with its boosted RAM, but you're still restricted to lighter games. Cyberpunk 2077 could never.

Nintendo is running a custom Nvidia chip inside its new handheld, whereas the Asus ROG Ally is a full AMD build. The performan🌟ce of that Z1 Extreme chip puts it at the top of the current handheld PC market, out-gunning cheaper options like the Steam Deck easily🍷.

It's likely that Nintendo is relying on Nvidia's own DLSS upscaling tech to keep its 4K 120fps promise, whereas the Asus ROG Ally use🍒s AMD's FSR kit. Both a similar in their framerate-boosting capabilities, but both also leave behindဣ their own visual defects from time to time.

In my testing of Cyberpunk 2077 so far, the Asus ROG Ally and Nintendo Switch 2 have played to different strengths. The Switch is much smoother, with no screen tearing and very very few judders. Textures and li🌸ghting are generally similar between the two, with both taking a heavy drop during faster gameplay moments. However, the Ally has a crisper level of detail on its visualsꦫ than the Switch 2 - most notable around character faces. That's running the Asus ROG Ally on Steam Deck graphical settings, things are a lot choppier once you start moving into full RT offerings.

The Asus ROG Ally is capable of more than the Nintendo Switch 2 is, but you'll need to jump through more hoops to get there. That could even things upℱ, if it weren't for the Asus ROG Ally X. With a massive 24GB of faster 7500MHz RAM, this is where true framerate chasers need to be looking.

Winner: Asus ROG Ally X

Storage

The Nintendo Switch 2 has seen a massive increase in storage this generation, upping the Switch OLED's 64GB to an excellent 256GB starting position. That's still half of the 512GB SSD inside the Asus ROG Ally, though, and a quarter of the 1TB Ally X. Those num🐽bers aren't to be taken at face value, though, the runway you've actually got from those drives differs.

That's because game sizes are on the up. While original Switch games may have taken up a few gigabytes, Cyberpunk 2077 will require around 60GB of space. As Nintendo starts t𒐪aking on these chunkier games, the Switch 2's built in storage is going to suffer just as much as its predecessor did. These are PC-sized game files, and even the Asus ROG Ally struggles with double the space.

Both devices are upgradeable, with the Switch 2 only accepting MiജcroSD Express cards and the Ally offering a swappable internal SS🌼D and extra storage via a MicroSD as well. While it's a big leap in sheer size, Asus still wins this competition.

Winner: Asus ROG Ally

Nintendo Switch 2 vs Asus ROG Ally: which should you bu🦩y?

Nintendo wins out in price, portability, display, and connections, while Asus takes the lead in comfort, battery, controls, games, storage, and overall performance. Thatও doesn't mean everyone should be flocking to the Ally, though.

The console experience is still very different to that of a PC, even in 2025. Driver patches, graphical settings, and varying system compatibility among games mean handheld PCs are still far from the slick, streamlined experiences of a purpose-built operating system. The Nintendo Switch 2 is much more pleasant to use outside of actual gaming. You know the games you💦 buy will run, you don't have to dig through updates an🧸d settings menus to get them going perfectly.

If⛎ you're buying for younger kids or you simply want fewer barriers between you and your games, the Nintendo Switch 2 is the better buy. If you're looking to play all the latest and greatest games on one portable device, though, Asus is still going to be your best friend.

Buy the Nintendo Switch 2 if:

Buy the Asus ROG Ally if:

You can find out exactly 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:where to buy Nintendo Switch 2 with our launch day live reporting, or check out the best Nintendo Switch 2 MicroSD Express cards available now. I've also been refereeing the Nintendo Switch 2 vs Nintendo Switch OLED battle as well.

Now you're all ready to start using your ♛Nin🔜tendo Switch 2. Congratulations!

The 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Nintendo Switch 2 uses one of those pesky Lithium batteries that, if left at full charge for too long, can actually degrﷺade it in the long term and make it so you'll be happy to get a solid 30 minutes in handheld mode. Like a lot൲ of digital devices these days, you don't want to keep this thing plugged in and charging for too long, all the time, and so to futureproof the platform for the coming years, Nintendo has added a clever Battery Preservation feature.

So what does this d🍸o? Well, let's say you plug in your shiny, new Switch 2 to give it a charge. Using today's quick USB-C charging cable standards, it'll zip up to 80% in no time. What Nintendo's Battery Preservation feature does is slow dow🧔n the rate of charging when you hit 90%, and then continues to maintain it at that amount.

Sounds great, right? And sounds like a way to ensure your Switch 2 keeps running nice and smoothly into the future. For t🅺hat reason, we'd recommend that everyone turn theirs on. Here's how to do it:

1. Head to your System Settings Menu
2. Select System > "Stop Charging Around 90%"
3. Toggle on to enable battery preservation

All you need to do is toggle that on, and yo꧋u'll be good to get back into your Cyberpunk 207♏7 playthrough, Mario Kart Grand Prix, or whatever game it is you're glued to.

For such a solid quality of life feature, I'm a litt🐼le surprised to see that this setting isn't on by default, but then again, some people a💫re already very wise when it comes to charging etiquette.

For more on Nintendo Switch 2, check out the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Nintendo Switch controllers, a full list of 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:upcoming Switch 2 games, and an explainer about 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Switch 2 backwards compatibility.

The Quick List

The best Nintendo Switch 2 mic🌳roSD Express Card overall

With AAA game releases getting more storage-demanding by the day, having an extra 256GB at your disposal is as low as I recommend you go. There are 128GB microSD Express Cards out in the wild, and by SanDisk too, but they're only marginally more affordable than this officially licensed card, and won't help you futureproof your new Ninty hardware.

This officially licensed SanDisk 256GB microSD Expressꦰ Card will put you in good stead if you want storage that not only looks the part (thanks to its cute Super Mario-themed branding) but also provides just enough storage for a few big releases, and some small indie games too. Of course, you can archive your new virtual game cards on the Switch 2 to save some room. But this 256GB is plenty of space to download that 22GB-sized digital copy of Mario Kart World if you opted for the Switch 2 bundle at launch, and any of your existing game library you move over from your older Switch device.

MicroSD Express Cards by nature are pretty speedy, but SanDisk's official storage has write speeds up to 650MB/s2 and read speeds up to 880M𝓡B/s, which are a notable step up from SDXC cards released in the past for the original Switch. This means that loading times will be faster on the new hardware, and the sustained write speeds of 210MB/s will make your game captures extra 💫crisp on the new device too.

If the Switch 2's lifespan is just as fruitful as the original handheld, eventually 256GB won't be enough - especially if you have a preference for digital games. Fortunately, brands like Lexar already make 1🀅TB compatible microSD Express Cards, but until you reach that point, the 256GB licensed SanDisk microSD Express Card is what I'd recommend as you start your Swit♋ch 2 gaming journey.

The best budget Switch 2 MicroSD Express Card

No matter what Switch 2 compatible card you choose, they're going to be pricey, and with microSD Express Cards still a relatively new form of storage, there's isn't a lot of options out there to choose from. For now, that makes it harder to grab some new extra Switch 2 storage on a budget, which is why the officially licenced Samsung 256GB microSD Express Card with an MSRP of $59.99 / £49.99 is what I'd recommend for those who don't have all the cash in the world to fork out on even more Nintendo hardware.

The Samsung 256GB microSD Express Card specs haven't been released to the public. For now, all we know is that it's a 256GB microSD Express Card, with that same adorable Super Mario branding as its SanDisk counterpart. However, if it shares the same read, write, and transfer speeds as its officially licensed brethren, it'll be enough to bring those faster load times to your favorite Switch games and provide the transfer speeds you'd want from a brand-new handheld.

There are smaller capacity cards available, like the SanDisk 128GB microSD Express Card, for an MSRP of $52.99 / £41.99. However, while it's cheaper in price, it's not better in value. For just $8 more, you can get double the storage (an extra 128GB) by sticking to this Samsung SD card - which will help you cope with that existing older digital Switch library of games, anಞd any of the plethora of launch titles now available.

The Best Sꦇwitch 2 MicroSD Express Card for eShop Fans

MicroSD Express Cards have existed well before the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, from brands like SanDisk and Lexar, and including this decked-out Lexar 1TB Play PRO microSD Express Card. This isn't an officially licensed bit of Nintendo storage like the previous picks for this list, but its ‎microSDXC classification means it'll be compatible with your new Ninty hardware.

This is great news for those of you who want as much extra storage as possible, as so far, there aren't any official Nintendo microSD Express Cards that go beyond the 256GB capacity threshold. If you want 1TB worth of space for your virtual game cards, Switch 2 screenshots, and game clips, this Lexar card is one of your only options available on the market today.

On the plus side, that does narrow down your choices, so you won't be left wi🅠th a ridiculous onslaught of microSD Express Cards to choose from. However, that also means there isn't much leeway when it comes to its pricey $199.99 MSRP. The longer we get into the Switch 2's lifespan, the more large-capacity options will start to spring up, but so far, if you want 1TB worth of space on top of the handheld's 256GB onboard storage, the Lexar 1TB Play PRO microSD Express Card is my recommended option - if you can manage to find it in stock.

How to choose the best Nintendo Switch 2 Micro SD🌊 Express Card

The first microSD Express Cards originated back in February 2024, with Samsung's first 256GB models. Unlike UHS-I-based microSD cards, they're still relatively new, so there aren't many to choose from. However, the longer we get into the Nintendo Switch 2 lifespan, the more new SD cards will be available, ranging in not just storage capacity, but speeds and even in design - if the previous best Nintendo Switch SD cards are anything to go by.

For now, the main consideration you need to undertake when looking at what card to buy is predominantly down to its storage capacity. The Nintendo Switch 2 comes with 256GB worth of onboard storage, and if that's enough for the kind of games you want to play, then you won't need a microSD Express Card at all. On the other hand, if you plan to play multiple AAA games at a time and want them installed on your device, having that extra space can go a long way.

Games like Mario Kart World and Cyberpunk 2077 require 23.4GB and 64GB, respectively, which combined already fills up a hefty chunk of that 256GB. You can double up this storage with the officially licensed SanDisk and Samsung 256GB Switch 2 microSD Express Cards. Alternatively, SanDisk also has an unofficial version of their 256GB card available on the market with forgoes the Super Mario branding but keeps its faster speeds in check. If you want the highest capacity card available right now, Lexar Play PRO microSD Express Card is available in a 1TB variant.

Another factor to consider when choosing the right microSD Express Card for your Switch 2 is price. From the get-go, these faster cards are more expensive than their non-express counterparts, with the SanDisk and Samsung 256GB versions starting at $59.99 at Amazon. Like with most gaming storage, the higher you go, the more you're likely to spend, and that's also true for the Switch 2. Right now, the 1TB Lexar microSD Express card retails for $199.99, which is almost half the price of the Mario Kart World Switch 2 bundle - if you can believe it.

Until we start to see a wealth of new microSD Express Cards hit the market, these two factors s⛎hould be your priority when choosing what is right for your Switch 2 gaming needs.

Nintendo Switch 2 Micro SD Express Cards: FAQ

If you want to complete your brand-new Switch 2 setup, our 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Nintendo Switch accessories guide is full of some the best the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Nintendo Switch headsets, and the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Nintendo Switch controllers compatible with the brand new console.

However, there are some benefits to consider. That OLED display doesn't just improve color contrast, it also contributes to a much larger battery life, plus the age of Ninty's predecessor means it's considerably cheaper than the 2025 release. The improvements in the Switch 2 make it the superior handheld overall, but if you're looking to spend as little as possible while still enjoying Nintendo's original catalog, the OLED does still have its moments. It's been one of the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming handhelds for the last couple oﷺf years for a reas🔯on, after all.

I've put the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Nintendo Switch 2 against the Nintendo Switch OLED head to head, to see exactly what that extra $100 gets you in 🃏the new device.

Price

The Nintendo Switch 2 launches at a $100 / £86 price increase over the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Nintendo Switch OLED, but that's not the full story. With th꧃e new model landing on the shelves, the older device is seeing some particularly heavy discounts. The lowest those price cuts have taken us is $299.99 in the US and just £239.99 in the UK. That's a price difference of $150 and £156.

If you're going for the lowest price possible, the Nintendo Switch OLED wins this one - especially considering there are only a handful of Switch 2-ex🐲clusive titles available at launch.

The value of those price tags may well change as Ninty's library fills with Switch 2-only titles, but for now the Switch OLED has the better rate. After all, you're getting a much more powerful console, new mouse features, and a better docked experience. Until then you'll mostly be playing the games you could play on t🍬he older device, just souped-up a little.

Winner: Nintendo Switch OLED

Comfort

Despite looking and feeling a lot more svelte, the Nintendo Switch 2 is actually the same thickness🌊 as th💟e Nintendo Switch OLED. That's both a good and bad thing.

It's still the slimmest handheld on the market, making it easily portable even in smaller bags. However, those with larger hands may still struggle to feel truly comfortable during longer play sessions on either device. The lack of chunkier grips around the back (which you'll find on both the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Steam Deck OLED and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Asus ROG Ally) forces the hands to hold both the Switch 2 and Switch OLED in a flat position. Thꩵrow in smaller controls and you'll be stretching those palms out regularly during marathon runs.

There are two other arenas where these handhelds battle it out, though;💎 weight and surface material.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is heavier than the OLED, but I haven't noticed any additional strain during my testing sessions so far. It feels denser and more substantial, but the extra 115g isn't getting in the way of play either on my lap or held in the air. It could still prove troublesome if you struggle in a handheld position, though. The Nintendo Switch OLED is lighter and shorter than the Switch 2, which means it's easier to hit the +/- buttons 🧜and sideways Joy-Con action is less of a stretch as well.

However, the slightly stickier plastic surface makes for a less comfortable experience overall. The matte finish on the Nintendo Switch 2 feels fantastic in the hands. It's more slippery, yes, but there's still enough grip to maintain a sturdy po🌱sition during gameplay and I've noticed significantly less irritation on my palms so far.

So, the Switch 2 is heavier but much better feeling while the Switch OLE🧸Dꦰ is lighter and easier to reach all your controls if you have smaller hands. Overall, the new model wins out in this race.

Winner: Nintendo Switch 2

Display

There's so much more to the Nintend🌱o Switch 2 vs Nintendo Switch OLED display debate than the type of panel used. The new model drops us back to an LED screen, a move that many decried as a downgrade from the OLED model. In a way, it is. You won't get the pop of color contrast or the dark, inky blacks of the previous device on the 2025 release, and that is noticeable in everyday use.

However,🍸 LED panels have come a long way even in the last few years. I ca𒅌me to the Nintendo Switch 2 expecting a washed out experience compared to the OLED I've been using for the last few years, but I was pleasantly surprised by the vividness of this display. No, it's not got the contrast of an OLED - and brighter moments don't quite pop in the same way against dark backgrounds.

However, there's excellent color reproduction in here, even if HDR is washing out scenes i😼n my early testing.

That's not even mentioning the boost up to 1920 x 1080 resolution. The Nintend🌟o Switch OLED caps out at 720p in💧 handheld mode, only jumping to 1080p when docked. The new Nintendo Switch 2 looks far crisper on the handheld screen itself, and ramps all the way up to 4K when docked. The difference is pretty night and day, from finer details like the clear stitching on Mario's overalls in Mario Kart World to sharper landscape scenes and more defined objects in the distance.

All those sharperꦰ, more detailed images run much smoother across the screen as well. The Nintendo Switch 2 features a 120Hz refresh rate in handheld mode, double that of the 60Hz Switch OLED. Both are sti🍸ll comfortable for the human eye, but the new device gives you a little extra time to react in smaller ways and keeps faster action looking slick as well.

All that takes place on a larger 7.9-inch panel, a considerable upgrade that feels far more immersive in the h💞ands than the original's 💎7 inches.

Yes, you're dropping the contrast and blacks of the OLED panel, but I'🌄ll take a larger screen with a higher resolution image and better ᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ𒀱ᩚᩚᩚmotion handling any day.

Winner: Nintendo Switch 2

Battery

The Nintendo Switch OLED may have a smaller 4,310mAh battery, but its display is far more efficient. That me⛄ans it can more than double the Nintendo Switch 2's minimum runtime 🌼on more demanding games, reaching all the way up to 9 hours max compared to the Switch 2's 6.5.

The newer handheld is doing a lot more under the hood, with a more power-intensive screen, so that smaꦆller battery is inevitably going to drain quicker. If you're going for longevity, you're better off sticking with the Switch OLED.

Winner: Nintendo Switch OLED

Controls

The new Nint🧸endo Switch 2 comes with a refreshed set of Joy-Con. These gamepads are taller, covered in the same matte finish as the tablet, and pack a whole host of new features. It's not all upgrades, though. I'm finding that the larger height of the controllers themselves make for a harder time fi🥂nding buttons towards the top, and when playing horizontally (particularly on the right pad) the thumbstick is even more of a stretch to reach.

Still, that's abou꧒t the only feather in the Switch OLED's cap. These are new and improved in every other way.

The biggest new addition is the mouse sensor hidden away in the magnetic connection on each side. This opens you up to far more precise controls in certain games, with Metroi𝄹d Prime 4:🔯 Beyond seeing the biggest benefits in my preview testing. The Nintendo Switch OLED keeps you stuck with a set of relatively imprecise thumbsticks, more cumbersome than the snappier sticks of the Pro Controller or even third party alternatives.

That's not all, the Nintendo Switch 2 also comes with enhanced HD Rumb🍸le 2 fꩵor a far more nuanced feel overall. Side by side, the difference is pretty impressive - there's more tuning to the newer device. It's not necessarily a more powerful set of motors, but they're far more nimble and the result makes for a detailed feeling overall.

Winner: Nintendo Switch 2

Connections

There's only one difference between the ports on the Nintendo Switch 2 vs the Nintendo Switch OLED, and it comes in the form of an extra USB-C 🥂at the top. That's enough to seal the deal, though, keeping everything you need to charge your device, connect wirelessly over Bluetooth, and still have access to an addᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ𒀱ᩚᩚᩚitional accessory connection at the same time.

It's a small addition, but excellent for quality of life - especially if you use one of the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming headsets with your handheld. I've been using the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Razer Kraken V4 to test the Nintendo Switch 2 so far, and have been able to keep it plugged into the top port whi🅘le keeping the batter🙈y charged up underneath as well. Of course, it can also be used to connect extra devices while the Nintendo Switch 2 is docked as well.

Winner: Nintendo Switch 2

Games

At the time of writing there are just a handful of Nintendo Switch 2 launch exclusives that can'tꦫ be played on the Nintendo Switch OLED. Obviously, however, that roster is going to grow pretty quickly.

There are a few original Nintendo Switch games that the Switch 2 can't play, and more that you'll need a set of classic Joy-Con for, but overall the new device is going to have a much larger𒊎 library than the original. It can play pretty much everything the Switch OLED can plus its own catalog. Not only that, but with update patches and full Switch 2 Edition upgrades, existing titles run better as well.

Winner: Nintendo Switch 2

Performance

The Nintendo Switch OLED brought no performance upgrades over the original Switch system, a device that launched way back in 2017. That meanꦚs we were well overdue an upgrade when the Nintendo Switch 2 was announced. Now that we've got both in-hand, it's obvious what we were missing out on.

We🍒 still don't know exactly what's powering the Nintendo Switch 2, but it makes some clever plays with AI upscaling, raw power enhancements, and a vastly improvedꦫ screen to offer a far more capable device overall. It's running Cyberpunk 2077, for crying out loud.

Yes, it's not exactly offering up a PC-like experience in CD Projekt Red's blockbuster, there are a few textures going awry, a co🍌uple of stutters, and some fading at the edges. This is a tiny device, though, outputting at 4K resolution without breaking a sweat. That's some serious engineering.

The Nintendo Switcꦏh 2 is faster in its processing and load times, while being capab💛le of rendering much further into the distance at higher resolutions and with better motion smoothing. It's capable of ray tracing and motion syncing with Nvidia G-Sync, with 12GB RAM under the hood. That's a far more powerful device than the Nintendo Switch OLED.

There's a but here. I have noticed in my testing that the Ni♓ntendo Switch 2 doesn't use those game updates (the free ones, not the Upgrade Packs) to bump up resolutions to 1080p when running Nintendo Switch 1 games. That means you're still playi🥂ng at 720p in handheld mode, even if the title supports 1080p docked play.

Winner: Nintendo Switch 2

Storage

The Nintendo Switch OLED shipped with 64G🐟B of internal storage, unbelie𝔉vably an upgrade from the original system's 32GB. Nintendo has upped that again this time around, quadrupling storage up to 256GB.

Importantly, though, some of that space is taken up by the🃏 system's own operating funct🐟ions, whereas this was completely partitioned on the older device. That's not going to make much of a difference, but it does mean that you'll have slightly less than 256GB to play with on day one.

At fir🌼st sight, it might look like you won't even need to use the expandable storage tray. After all, many were content with a 256GB MicroSD card in the Switch OLED - we're getting that straight out the box. However, the Nintendo Switch 2 is capable of running much bigger games and there's only so much optimizing Ninty can do. Game sizes are growing considerably for this system, which means you'll still need to add some extra space.

The Nintendo Switch 2 supports much faster MicroSD Express cards, but isn't compatible with the cheaper versions used by the Switch OLED. The OLED does have some fight in 𝐆this battle, but ultima📖tely it has to go to the new contender.

Winner: Nintendo Switch 2

Nintendo Swit🉐ch 2 vs Nintendo Switch OLED: which should you buy?

The benefits of the Nintendo Switch 2 are obvious. The handheld features a far more powerful internal system, with countless upgrades to performance overall while also improving overall form facto🌞r and design, display resolution and speed, and storage capacity. That's without even considering the new mouse controls and GameChat features, or the compatibility with both the original Switch library and new releases.

That extra $100 is well worth spending if you're after the best performance on the best display, but if you're just looking to experience older games for the first time without investing too much cash the Switch OLED still holds up. You can save plenty of cash and still have access to most of the same games folks will be playing on the Switch 2 anyway, all while bumping up your battery life and grღabbing better contrast in that OLED panel as well.

Buy the Nintendo Switch 2 if:

Buy the Nintendo Switch OLED if:

I'm also comparing the Nintendo Switch 2 vs Asus ROG Ally and we've been busy with our 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Nintendo Switch 2 vs Steam Deck debate as well. If you're already set on your new device, check out the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Nintendo Switch accessories on the market.

Ninty frames GameChat as a main reason to 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:buy the Nintendo Switch 2, but I'll forgive you for wondering what it'll bring to the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:gaming handheld. Just like Discord, Xbox Party Chat, or Parties on PS5, GameChat is designed to be the console's central social hub. Not only will it save you from using the Nintendo App on your phone for chatting - it🍌's also a way to share real-time gameplay with your friends.

I've been using Nintendo consoles since the glory days of the SNES, and GameChat feels like a bold step in the future for Nintendo. If you've just picked up the handheld, or you're planning on in the future, you'll no doubt be wondering how the feature actually works, what you'll need to access it, and any potential caveats, and I'm here to t▨ell you every vital detail.

What is Switch 2 GameChat?

Making its debut alongside the Switch 2, GameChat is a new console feature that will allow you to voice chat with up to 12 other players while gaming on the handheld. The app will also let you stream your gameplay to 🌠four players in real-time, broadcast yourself using a compatible USB-C camera, or both.

The latter element works a bit like using a green screen on Twitch or the faux feature available on apps like TikജTok. Effectively, the Switch 2 will take a cutout of your body and layer it on top of whꦏatever game you're playing at the time. You'll be able to switch to other backdrops or simply stream your footage too, like a traditional webcam, but the core idea is that you'll be able to do a Zoom-esque call using video chat and gameplay.

Streaming gameplay ties into Switch 2 GameShare, an additional feature that'll let your friends virtually join your session using one game copy. At the moment, there are only six games that support over-the-net multiplayer, but more favorites should ♐gain compatibility over time.

How to use Switch 2 GameChat

The Nintendo Switch 2 comes with a built-in microphone, so you'll💎 be able to use GameChat out the box. You will natu𒀰rally also need an internet connection, but Ninty is offering up the service to everyone for free until March 31, 2026, so you won't need a Nintendo Online subscription straight away.

To use the video elements of GameChat, you will need a compa♒tible USB-C webcam. While Nintendo has its own first-party Switch 2 Camera, you'll actually be able to use a wholeไ host of different options, including existing desktop PC peripherals and new third-party options.

To check compatibility, you'll have to connect your chosen webcam using USB-C an🦋d press the "Test USB Camera" button within the system settings menu. In theory, most options should work, but there are some that will require more power and bandwidth than the handheld can provide via its ports.

To access GameChat on the Switch 2, you can either press the 'C' button on the new right-hand JoyCon or Pro Controller or select the app on the home screen. The latter will help you still create and j💞oin group sessions, but the dedicated gamepad toggle will let you instantly jump in while running a game.

Upon entering GameChat, you'll be prompted to invite friends to joi❀n your group. The app will show you a list of friends who are avai🌠lable to join your session, but you'll also have the option to add players using 'chat history' by hitting the X button. That will then send an invite to your chosen pals, allowing them to join by hitting that aforementioned 'C' toggle on Switch 2 controllers.

Once the session has started, you'll have access to a nav-bar of options that'll let you enable your microphone, connected US🧸B camera, and screen sharing. The latter two features are available in groups of four, whereas you'll be able to use voice chat with up to 12 players.

Each player will get their own box along the bottom of the screen that'll display webcam and gameplay 🅰footage if active. Your own broadcast will feature in a larger window at the top, but if you do want a closer look at what your pals are up to in-game, or just want to look at their gorgeous faces, you can press on each box using the 'A' button to expand things.

Switch 2 GameChat Verification

If you aren't showing up on your friend's Switch 2 GameChat screen, or you can🌼't find your pals listed, you might have to verify your Nintendo account. To do so, you'll have to link a phone number to yꦚour profile and authenticate using SMS using the following steps:

• Sign in to your Nintendo account at
• Select Nintendo Accounts Overview
• Press Account Settings, then Sign-in and security settings
• Navigate to Phone Number, then click edit
• If prompted, verify your email address using a generated code
• When asked, double-check your area code and enter your phone number
• Wait for the code via SMS and use it to verify your number

Your account will not be verified by SMS, which should, in turn, make your account visible t🌠o other Switch 2 GameChat users. Your friends will also have to do this to join your sessions and invite you to groups, so you'll want to carry out the above steps before you get your handheld.

Just got hold of Ninty's handheld? Swing by the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Nintendo Switch accessories for a range of compatible add-ons. You'll also want to peek at the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Nintendo Switch 2 vs Steam Deck if you're trying to find the perfect portable pal.

As spotted by , the official now has a page dedicated to providing details on the Switch 2 firmware update, releasing June 5, bringing the hardware up to version 20.1.1. Remember those 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:unofficial unboxing videos claiming the console was bricked until launch day? Wel🌠l, it appears that information was accurate, as many of the Switch 2's core features aren't even enabled until tomorrow.

As explained in the update log, the 20.1.1. update will unlock features like the "use of compatible Nintendo Switch softwar🃏e," Nintendo Switch Online, GameChat, GameShare, Nintendo eShop, virtua🎃l game cards, and "system transfer from Nintendo Switch."

Furthermore, Nintendo says you won't be able to use any of your Switch 2 game cards until you've downloaded the update. Just in case you thought you could get away with skipping thඣe update and using a microSD🅘 card, don't even think about it.

Of course, you don't have to to worry about update 20.1.1. if you, like me, haven't been able to 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:buy a Switch 2 just yet. Pre-orders were snapped up at a shocking speed and those📖 invites we all registered for have proven elusive for many. There's still some hope for in-store launch day success, but that all depends on how much stock retailers are carrying and how many people turn out in hopes of getting one.

Thankfully, Nintendo was kind enough to supply our hardware team a unit for our 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Switch 2 preview.

"I still remember the day Iwata-san shared his dream with us," Nvidia CEO Jensen Hua🌄ng says in a new video message. "He wanted to create something no one had seen before. A console powerful enough for biಞg cinematic games, but small enough to take anywhere. It sounded impossible. But that vision became the original Nintendo Switch."

Iwata died in 2015, well before the Switch actually launched, but he oversaw the early development of the Nvidia-powered console. Huang sa🌃ys Iwata's "clarity" and "purpose" continues to inspire the team at Nvidia "every day."

The chip powering Switch 2, then, is "a technic🍃al marvel," according to Huang. "It delivers performance, intelligence, and beauty in the🍎 palm of your hand. Switch 2 is more than a new console. It's a new chapter worthy of Iwata-san's vision."

Over the past few decades, Nintendo has shied away from big tech buzzwords when promoting its new consoles, but that's changed with Switch 2. We've learned about 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:120fps display modes, 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:4K visuals, and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:DLSS upscaling right up front, and it certainly seems Switch 2 will make good on that idea of ꦅa console "powerful enough for big cinematic games," which wasn't✤ necessarily the case with Switch 1.

"It is wonderful to see Mr. Iwata's vision come full circle," Nintendo of ܫAmerica president Doug Bowser said in response to Huang's message. "Tha꧟nk you, Jensen and the NVIDIA team, for driving us into this next chapter with #NintendoSwitch2."

Here are all the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Switch 2 launch games you need to know about.

To see that tariffs were having an immediate impact on the Switch 2 situation, you need only cast your mind back a couple of months to Nintendo announcing that pre-orders were being delayed in the United States "in order to assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions." Although some feared an immediate price increase could be on the cards, this didn't happen (even though certain accessories did get a price hike).

A few weeks after this, GamesRadar+ reached out to a number of games industry analysts to get their take on the situation, and so we could ask if ⛄we should expect the console to ge൩t more expensive in the US down the line. And, yes, many do believe that the console might not remain at its current price tag forever.

"If the tariff talks do not progress quickly and Nintendo runs out of the first batch of hardware, price increases are certainly possible," Dr. Serkan Toto, CEO of Japan games industry consuꦕltancy Kantan Games tells us. "It's not only chaos but an absolute c𝕴lown show, so nobody knows what is going to happen even 24 hours from now."

This is a point echoed by Circana executive director and games industry analyst Mat Piscatella, who tells us: "Absolutely, there's the potential for future price increases in the US for any video game product that is sourced from t❀ariff-impacted countries.

"As to how likely this is and the potential timing of further price increases, well, the crystal ball doesn't help much there," he continues. "The chaotic nature of the tariff rollo♏ut – and the rapid shifts in policy we've seen – do not provide a firm fo✱undation for predicting scale and timing of potential price increases."

On the other hand, David Coಞle, CEO of market research and consulting firm DFC Intelligence, is slightly more optimistic, noting that "when it com🦹es to pricing, Nintendo is in a tough spot because they've announced the price." He adds: "If prices rise, many consumers may hold off waiting for them to come down. The threat of tariffs has been around for a while and we assume Nintendo modeled that in when doing the initial pricing. So we consider further price increases unlikely."

However, games industry researcher Joost van Dreune🉐n, who writes the and teaches at , isn't convinced that the price already being announced will protect the console from increases in the future.

"There is a real risk of further price increases in the𝔉 United States, despite Nintendo's public commitment to maintaining the initial price point," he tells us. "The economic pressures from abrupt policy changes present ongoing challenges that could necessitate adjustments.

"While the re🥀cent 90-day tariff postponement provides temporary relief, it also creates additional mar🍃ket uncertainty," he continues. "If tariffs exceeding Nintendo's built-in buffer (which I estimate was designed for 10-20% increases) are eventually implemented, we could see price adjustments by late 2025."

Van Dreunen notes that, while Nintendo "has historically emphasized economic accessibility, with inflation-adjusted console prices generally becoming more affordable over time," when it comes to the Switch 2, the consᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ𒀱ᩚᩚᩚole's "pricing trajectory represents a deviation from this pat✱tern, reflecting both global inflationary pressures and the specific challenges of the current trade environment."

He continues:🅰 "Rather than immediate price increases, we might first see changes in bundle configurations or reduced holiday discounting before formal price adjustments."

Nintendo itself already when it announced the actual Switch 2 pre-order date in the US that "other adjustments to the price of any Nintendo product are also possible in the future depending on market conditions." More recently, Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser pointed out that the tariffs make for a "very fluid situation, and it's difficult to determine what may be happening in the upcoming months or weeks."

At the start of last month, Xbox consoles got a significant price increase globally, with Xbox Series X consoles now costing $600 in the US – $100 more than before. This shortly followed what was the PS5's second price hike iꦚn less than three y⛦ears in many countries, including the United Kingdom, Europe, and Australia (notably not the United Statesꦅ). Let's just hope that Nintendo isn't set to follow in its competitors' footsteps here.

Keeping up with 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Nintendo Switch 2 news? While you're here, make sure to check out our list of 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:upcoming Switch 2 games.

But how do these things compete against the likes of the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best microphones for ꦏstreaming and gaming? Are these tiny wireless solutions something that content creators in the gaming space should invest in when there are already so many moving parts to a strea🌳ming setup? Usually, I’d say the answer is no. Certainly, in years gone by, the mic quality just hasn’t really lived up to a mainstay XLR or USB alternative, but the Wireless Go Gen 3’s sound quality would give the very best of them a run for their money.

Mind you, it’ll also give you a run for your money, because even a starter set of these mics is goi𒐪ng to set you back $299 / £279.99. That gets you a set of two microphones and one receiver, and while you can accessorise, anything to help you with versatility is going to set you back even more. With the market exploding with cheaper options, is tha𝐆t going to be worth it for you and the content you want to create? I’m confident that no other wireless mic is going to give you the ridiculous quality Rode can offer here, but are you willing to pay for it?

Design

The Rode Wireless Go Gen 3 mimics the small-form-factor design of the previous lapel mics from this brand. At a first glance, they’re a bit strange. They’re tiny, square things that don’t exactly look like microphones, and there are certainly smaller options out there. I think there is an argument to be made for Rode making its 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best streaming gear a bit more distinct to stand out, and that’s certainly what it’s done here. As I’ve already mentioned, your money gets you one receiver and a set of two micr🧸ophones. These come in a practical pouch that comfortaඣbly holds them and their fluffy wind socks, an assortment of small USB-C, 3.5mm, TRS, and other cables that help you connect to a camera, PC, or mobile device. You also get a handy charging cradle that connects all three parts into one convenient strip.

So what’s the difference versus the Rode Wireless Pro? In short, not very much. The🦄 pro version gets you tw🌞o mics and a receiver - and they’re the exact same as the ones found in the Gen 3, but you also get a smart charging case for them. Is that worth the bump in price of up to $379 / £369? I’ll let you decide.

In fact, with the cheaper Wireless Go Gen 3, you get to personalise a bit more for the smaller price of entry. You can choose between loads of different, vivid colors, which is perfect for a content creation market that’s desperate to show off so many different personalities. Th🐈e Wireless Pro, interestingly, is only available in black.

All three parts of the Wireless Go are the exact same in terms of their design and physical dimensions, which makes them so easy to take on the go, albeit 🔜a tad confusing at a glance to tell which one is which. The wireless receiver, which we’ll call the brains of the operation, has a small display on it that shows you which mic is connected to it, and what its gain level is picking up. On top, it has a small Rode logo button which acts as its power and record start/stop button, and on its left-hand side, it has a USB-C port and a small TRRS port for plugging it into a camera. On the bottom, you’ll find two small navigation buttons.

The Transmitters have a more centralised logo on their faces since there aren’t displays to fit into the equation. You can also distinguish them thanks♔ to their indicator LEDs, one of which indicates battery level, one of them indicates recording status, and the other, a connection to the receiver. Transmitters have their catch-all power a༒nd recording button too, a locking TRS input, and a specialised recording button. Last but not least is a metal grate which, as you might guess, is where the microphone is.

On the back of all three devices is a small clip to let you attach them to your clothes, a lapel on a jacket, or whatever works for you and your recording needs. If you’re up to date on your TikTok trends, you’ll probably look more flashy just piཧnching and holding it in front of your face. The Rode Wireless Go Gen 3 might not be so suited to that, however, since their reflective surfaces are a magnet for finger smudges and oils from your skin.

Features

Rode’s clever wireless mics feature a solid 2.4GHz digital transmission with 128-bit encryption. This means you can record audio on one of the wireless transmitters and have the receiver up to 260m away, so long as it has a clear line of sight and nothing is blocking the signal. On board, you have loads - and I mean loads of space for recordings. Up to 40 hours of 32-bit float recording ensures you won’t lose interviews or important moments, and Intelligent GainAssist means you can tweak sound levels if you’re recording with someone who speaks louder or quieter than you. A battery life of up to 7 hours is pretty impress✅ive and is likely more than enough for a day out at an event, capturing all sorts of on-the-go footage.

If you’re already bought into the Rode ecosystem, the Wireless Go Gen 3 has full compatibility with other Series IV devices like the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:RodeCaster Duo, for example. This will be a useful benefit for podcasters who occasionally have more than one or two guests and still want to channel recordings through the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best streaming mixer. If you’re not an owner of t🥃he RodeCaster devices, you can still easily connect these mics to your smartphone or computer, and the newly streamlined Rode Central app makes configuring sound settings, recording formats, and file transfꦗers super easy.

But what about the actual microphone bits? The Wireless Go Gen 3 harnesses an omnidirectional polar pattern and a condenser capsule, and from testing, I can say it’s all fairly generous for a lap▨el mic, but it manages to focus on the sound you actually want. There’s a frequency range of between 20Hz and 20KHz, and a signal-to-noise ratio of 72dB. If all of that sounds like jargon to you, essentially, the Wireless Go Gen 3 mics can capture sound from all sorts of directions within a small bubble of proximity, and their sound quality and clarity are up there with a lot of the 𒉰stay-at-home microphones you’ll see on a streamer’s desk.

Then, of course, there are the accessories and various ways to buy one of these mics. The Interview GO has to be my favorite, as it’s a sleek handheld anchor for one of the transmitters to clip onto before you slip over a wind sock. This lets you present like a broadcast news corresponde♏nt, and if you’re like me, that’s a really fun way to channel your personality into a camera. If you’re a bit short of cash, you could always opt for the Wireless Me, which just gives you one receiver in your bundle - this might suit creators who don’t plan on interviewing folks or capturing more than one voice. You can also buy the Charging Case I mentioned from the Wireless Pro if you have more budget to spend.

Performance

I have to say, as so🐼meone who has always been super sceptical about the quality of wireless mics - particularly in the last few years, as so many cheap and cheerful solutions have arrived on Amazon, I’m blown away by the sound quality of the Rode Wireless Go Gen 3. For the YouTube videos I make, I’m so protective over the sound quality in particular, mainly because I think it’s one of the things that can make or break your audience retention. I can’t count how many times I’ve watched a reel or YouTube Short with someone using a tiny wireless microphone in the last couple of years and been appalled by the lack of quality, and the fact that speaking normally into one ꦰis enough to blow out the recording. When I wanted to test out a wireless mic for myself, I knew I wanted to avoid that.

On the other hand, I knew that quality was achievable. Having used all sorts of radio mics for theatre performances and interviews, I’ve experienced excellent tiny microphones, but I still wasn’t expecting the sort of quality I found with the Wireless Go Gen 3. It gave the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Shure SM7dB a run for its money, a꧙nd that’s saying something.

If you don’t believe that claim, you can compare , in which I use the Shure flagship mic, with where I present to camera using the Wireless Go. As a handheld option goes for creators who usually stay at home, this worked so much better for me than , for which I decided to hold the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:SteelSeries Alias in front of my face. That resulted in a lot of cable noise I had to edit out, and the less I talk about the extra annoyance that added, the better. Besides my moving the mic around in front of my face as I ges𓆉ture, the sound quality is crystal clear and really consistent. I’ve added the same dynamics processing setting to each of those videos’ voice-over tracks, and you can hear that the results are pretty even.

It is a bit of a shame that there isn’t much of a digital popper stopper here, which Rode’s biggest rival managed to get into its cheapest 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Shure MV6 mic recently. There were a few times when I thought an extra form of pop filter, and even sometimes a De-Esser, could have done a lot of work for me. With Rode Central now being a dedicated hub for these mics, I hope they find a way to add it to the Wireless Go’s settings menu. Even so, this is hardly going to ruin a r𝔍ecording, and since you can add this sort of thing in post, it’s hardly a big issue.

For an omnidirectional micr⛦ophone, I was pleasantly surprised by the pattern of this mic. Recording the audio for my recent Supermarket Together video, I was worried that both an echoy quality, and the noise from my building’s rather loud stairway might leak i🐷ts way into my recording, but I was pleasantly surprised to hear back when it came to editing that the noise I had stopped speaking for wasn’t picked up to begin with.

As you’ll hear in the test audio sample recording, these mics are actually brilliant at levelling out background noise. The A Short Hike soundtrack I played there t🥀o talk over was actually really loud, probably to the annoyance of my neighbours. The transmitter didn’t seem to care at all, and it was c🐼oncentrating solely on what I was saying.

Practicality-wise, Rode’s little wireless solution does earn a win in my book. It’s amazing how many 💧scenarios you could use these in, and for me, they open up a world of recording possibilities I previously didn’t have access to. It is a bit of a shame that the new version of Rode Central can be a bit buggy at times. On a few occasions, when transferring audio files or just connecting to the transmitters and receivers, the app has stalled. Who knows, though, this could easily be a Windows 11 problem.

Should you buy the Rode Wireless Go Gen 3?

If you’re in need of a wiꦍreless microphone system for creating all sorts of content, there are few more versatile, and even fewer that will offer the kind of sound quality that Rode’s do. As someone who has been a stay-at-home mic purist for years now, I never thought a wireless mic like this wou♑ld win me over, but if any brand could do it, it’d be this one.

Annoyingly, this isn’t going to be the most affordable option, even if there are various bundles and options available. Similarly, if you’re not planning on creating content on the go, delivering piece𒅌s to camera in interesting places, or straying at all from your at-home setup,🅷 there isn’t much need for a wireless mic. Your average Twitch streamer may not find much use, but I do think something like the Wireless Go is a versatile tool to have in your back pocket for those times when you want to do a bonus stream that involves anything other than you at a desk, playing games.

If you need a wireless microphone and don’t want to compromise on sound quality, this is the one to get, but it is going to run you back a considerable amount of your budget, soﷺ cheaper options are undoubtedlꦑy going to steal some of Rode’s market here. If you’re not a professional and you’re looking for a quick fix while you build your audience, look elsewhere, but if you’re sparing no cost and want the absolute best, this is what to go for.

How I tested the Rode Wireless Go Gen 3

I put the Rode Wireless Go Gen 3 mics to the test over a few weeks before writing this review. In that time, I spent a good while setting them up, using them in a few different scenarios, and of course, speaking into them. I also got to grips with the new version﷽ of Rode Central to customize their quality and retrieve audio files from them.

I used the Wireless Go Gen 3 ꧑for creating my own video content for YouTube, and compared both the quality they offered me and their practicality with the stationary,ꦐ wired mics I’m used to using.

For more on how we test, check out the full澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询: GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

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