I'm blessed and privileged to have a few loves in my life. There's my partner who I wouldn't change a thing about. My family and family dog who I'm thousands of miles away from and miss every day. And then there's gaming. I've loved gaming for as long as I can remember, and I'm one of the lucky few who get to incorporate their love for something into their job.

As a reviews writer, I test the best gaming headsets, which gives me an excuse to skip social obligations and stay home to play my favorite games. It's for work, am I right? Over the years, I've curated a selection of video games I always play to test gaming cans. New titles get added to that list as and when they come out (if I like them, of course) — but there's one game I never skip, and its sequel is finally dropping in September.

Control Resonant, the sequel to the 2019 supernatural Control, drops on September 24, 2026. I've recently been playing a lot of Control, especially when testing gaming headsets, and it's the best test for bass, treble, directional audio, and spatial audio. It's also a game you shouldn't sleep on, and if you want to experience its stunning soundscapes it in all their glory, you need to grab a competent headset for yourself.

An unsettling, intense, eerie, incredible soundtrack

As someone who has played many, many video games, I believe Control has one of the most underrated soundtracks and background music. The background music isn't loud or bass-heavy; it's more ambient, subtle and otherworldly which makes it unsettling and eerie. Combine that with the supernatural Hiss spawning out of nowhere and you've got a winning (and terrifying) combination.

Speaking of music, if you're familiar with any of Remedy Entertainment's games, you'll know that the developer loves including songs by Old Gods of Asgard, or Poets of the Fall as they're known in real life (one of my favorite bands, by the way), in its games. Control is no exception to that rule, and 'Take Control' is one of the best video game songs I've listened to.

Ashtray Maze, the level the song soundtracks, is in itself one of the best video game missions I've ever played, and one of the reasons is 'Take Control.' That level, complete with the heavy rock/metal track, combat sounds, and the sounds of the warping landscape, make for a great stress test when I'm testing a headset's balance.

Control features excellent combat and battle sounds too, from Jesse Faden's parautilitarian abilities to the Hiss' distorted, high-pitched shrieks.

Jesse's Launch ability makes for a fantastic treble test, as grabbing objects with it makes a shrill suction-like sound that can easily overpower the rest of the soundstage. Throwing (or launching) those objects creates a loud, bass-first sound, and if they land with an oomph akin to a thud, the headset's done its job well.

All of these different elements — the chaotic combat, the otherworldly weapon effects, crumbling environmental sounds when objects are yanked of walls via telekinesis — come together to create a surreal yet highly satisfying soundscape. Because of how busy the soundscape can get, Control is a game I will never skip when testing gaming headsets (and I hope I'll feel the same way about Resonant, too).

The mark of a good set of cans

So, how can Control and its various sounds help me determine whether a gaming headset is worth the money? There are a few things I look out for, depending on the features a set of cans offers. For instance, to test imaging and directionality, I see if I can accurately tell if an enemy is shooting from above, behind or to my left or right.

Can I also hear the Hiss spawning around me, and can I pinpoint the exact direction where they've just spawned? If the answer to those question is yes, then the headset's got fantastic directional audio — like my trusty Razer BlackShark V3 Pro.

Control's superb for testing sound separation too. If a headset is competent, like the Alienware Pro Wireless, I'll be able to hear Jesse's Service Weapon firing and bullets whizzing through the air, even as the music swells and the Hiss bombers fly at me. If it all sounds like a messy wall of noise, then the headset isn't worth it. As I mentioned earlier, the combat helps me determine whether the treble is crisp and vibrant and if the bass is powerful with low-end impact, too.

Then there's dialogue clarity. Although Control isn't a dialogue-heavy game, like Baldur's Gate 3 or Detroit: Become Human, there's still plenty of human and supernatural spoken word to test a headset's mids and vocal clarity. The Hiss often whisper and speak in overlapping, surreal dialogue and a well-tuned headset, like the Asus ROG Pelta, should render the vocal layer crisp and intelligible while retaining its eeriness.

But it's not just the game's loudness that helps me test gaming headsets; it's also the quiet moments when I'm navigating the ever-shifting halls of the Oldest House.

The low droning of the fans in the Maintenance sector, the echoing chimes of nearby Control Points, Polaris' gentle, soothing and guiding hum — all of these add to the game's charm. Any headset worth its salt, like the Sony Inzone H6 Air, will make the game sound extremely immersive, spacious, and airy.

Everything I've mentioned up until now explains why I always play Control to test gaming headsets. Before we dive into my recommendations for the best cans, is there any game you think I should be playing to test gaming headsets? Tell me in the comments below!

The best gaming headsets for Control (and other horror games)

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Gaming headsets have come leaps and bounds in recent years, and today, you don't need to spend more than $100 to get a decent set of cans for awesome immersion. But it isn't surprising that many people are reluctant to buy a cheap headset, because they believe — naturally — that the pricier the cans, the better the sound.

In some cases, that's true, but in many, it isn't. Of course, you shouldn't expect a $69 headset to carry the same features and pack the same tech as a $299 headset — but that doesn't mean the former is all bad and not worth your money. I should give those two headsets names now, to make this article easier to understand, right?

The $69 PowerA LucidSound LS500 replaced my $299 Razer BlackShark V3 Pro for a week to see if the wallet-friendly wonder could take on one of the best gaming headsets I've had the pleasure of testing. I've been pleasantly surprised by the LS500's sound quality and comfort, and I've also been not-so-surprised by some of its shortcomings — obviously, given the price. Allow me to take you through it all.

Comfort and design? 10/10

The PowerA LucidSound LS500 is a mighty comfortable headset — despite feeling too plasticky in places, yes. Weighing just 9.34 ounces and utilizing a lightweight metal in its frame, the LS500 sits comfortable atop your head and its mesh headband helps relieve some pressure you'd otherwise feel. The earcups are spacious and they're made of... moisture-wicking cloth liner.

"What the heck is moisture-wicking cloth liner?" I hear you ask. Fret not, I've done my research. This material pulls sweat and moisture away from your skin and spreads it across the fabric’s outside so that it evaporates quickly. In practice, this means that your ears don't feel irritated or itchy from pooling sweat, so you can wear the LS500 for hours and hours without feeling uncomfortable.

Alongside feeling ridiculously comfortable, the LS500's design hasn't given me much to complain about either — though it isn't officially licensed for PS5, so you don't get the swanky console logo. What I love most about the design is the clever controls. Two wheels located around the "LS" logo on each earcup can be rotated to adjust volume, playback, and other settings.

You're probably wondering why I'm so excited about something that doesn't even sound that enthralling, but it's because most cheap gaming headsets I've tested sport the same old tired control scheme. They don't do anything different, but PowerA has, and that's what has me jumping up and down. It's practical and it's clever — and it makes the headset fun to use and control.

Great sound... for the most part

Now we get to the meat of this article: does the PowerA LucidSound LS500 sound any good? For the most part, yes, and if you're a casual gamer who just wants a comfy headset for FPS or racing titles, you'll be more than happy with it. The LS500's 50mm dynamic drivers cover a frequency response range of 20Hz to 20KHz (the entirety of the human hearing spectrum) so in theory, you should be able to hear soft footsteps as well as loud explosions.

And you can certainly hear one of those. In Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, I appreciated the neoclassical operatic and heavy rock soundtrack not overpowering the combat sounds and vice versa. I could still hear my sword slashing against enemies, and I clearly understood my party members when they yelled, “Parry it” or “Watch out, Verso.” Balanced soundstage? Check.

In Control, the LS500's directional audio worked excellently as I could pinpoint the exact direction in which the enemies spawned. I loved being able to hear the suction-like sound objects made when I grabbed them with Jesse’s Launch ability, even when surrounded by supernatural entities making weird sounds. Crisp treble? Check.

But powerful bass? Bass that you feel in your soul? That reverberates through your head? Yeah, that's not really there. To be fair, I wasn't expecting the bass to sound room-shaking simply because the LS500 is a budget headset, and it's something my Razer BlackShark V3 Pro delivers — but it's also a lot pricier. Through the LS500, bomb-like attacks in Expedition 33 didn't land with enough oomph and sounded tinny. It was a similar story with throwing objects at enemies in Control, too.

It's great for the price, really

There's no denying it: the PowerA LucidSound LS500 is one of the best cheap gaming headsets you can buy today. It's available for $69 at Amazon U.S., with worldwide availability expected later this year. For just under $70, you're getting a comfortable headset that boasts immersive sound (for the most part), decent mic performance, and a clever control scheme.

While you miss out on the most powerful bass and a companion app, those are trade-offs I'd be willing to make given how cheap the LS500 is. I've tested budget cans from Asus and Turtle Beach, and the LS500 takes the fight to them — and it comes out victorious.

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Playing video games is one of my favorite hobbies, so you can imagine how much joy I get from testing the best gaming headsets. I’ve spent a week testing the budget-friendly PowerA LucidSound LS500 and I’m seriously impressed. Available for just $69, the LS500 boasts great in-game sound quality with directional audio, and the headset is designed to be worn all-day long.

In addition to this, you get decent mic performance as well as a clever and practical control scheme too. But the LS500 isn’t perfect. Its plasticky build and underwhelming bass leave a lot to be desired. There’s no companion app for customization either. But for the sub-$70 price, those are sacrifices you might be okay with.

Should you still get the headset? Read my full PowerA LucidSound LS500 review to find out.

PowerA LucidSound LS500 review: Specs

PowerA LucidSound LS500 review: Cheat sheet

• What is it? A budget wireless gaming headset for PS5, Xbox and PC
• Who is it for? Casual gamers on a budget
• How much does it cost? The PowerA LucidSound LS500 is available for $69
• What do we like? The all-day comfort, great in-game sound quality, budget-friendly price, and clever controls
• What don’t we like? The underwhelming bass, plasticky build, and lack of a companion app

PowerA LucidSound LS500 review: The ups

The PowerA LucidSound LS500 is a fantastic budget-friendly headset, boasting all-day comfort and (mostly) superb in-game sound quality.

Lightweight and comfortable

Regardless of how much a headset costs, you shouldn’t spend any amount of money on it if it isn’t comfortable. Thankfully, the PowerA LucidSound LS500 definitely is!

The headset is lightweight, weighing just 9.34 ounces. It’s lighter than the Cherry XTRFY H3 ($99, 11.46 ounces) and the Asus TUF Gaming H1 Gen II ($49, 10.47 ounces). The frame is made of lightweight metal, and the mesh headband sits comfortably on your head and helps relieve some pressure you’d otherwise feel.

The LS500 features spacious earcups made of “moisture-wicking cloth liner.” This material pulls sweat and moisture away from your skin and spreads it across the fabric’s outside so that it evaporates quickly. This essentially means that your ears are protected against skin irritation from pooling sweat, and it results in a more comfortable fit. Marketing speak aside, I can confirm that my ears didn’t feel itchy or too hot, even after wearing the headset for seven straight hours.

Clever, straightforward controls

One of my grievances with the also budget-friendly Turtle Beach Stealth 500 ($79) was that its controls felt too cluttered, pooled together on one earcup. Thankfully, that isn’t the case with the PowerA LucidSound LS500. The headset sports a clever and straightforward control scheme, with physical buttons and dials located on both earcups. The power button is located on the left earcup, and it doubles as the Bluetooth/2.4GHz button when it’s held down for a few seconds.

You’ll find two rotatable wheels on both earcups, located around the LucidSound branding. On the left earcup, rotating the wheel changes the volume while pressing the ‘LS’ button once mutes the audio, twice tells you the battery level, and thrice swaps between three equalizer presets. It’s very easy to switch between bass boost, FPS and signature sound.

The wheel on the right earcup, on the other hand, lets you adjust the mic monitoring level (or sidetone) when the headset is in 2.4GHz mode, or change the track when you’re listening to music over Bluetooth. Pressing the ‘LS’ button on the right earcup plays or pauses playback in Bluetooth mode, too.

I really like the implementation of these rotating wheels. I haven’t seen any other headset do this, so it’s nice to see a brand try something different for a change.

Detailed sound for the price

The PowerA LucidSound LS500 boasts great sound quality, especially for a sub-$100 headset. It’s fitted with 50mm dynamic drivers which cover a frequency response range of 20Hz to 20KHz — so essentially the entirety of the human hearing spectrum. Regardless of the game I played to test the LS500, I felt immersed.

There are two ways to connect the headset to your PS5, Xbox Series X|S or PC: via the 2.4GHz dongle or Bluetooth 5.3. I plugged the USB-C dongle into the front of my PS5 Slim and I was good to go in mere seconds. I kicked things off by playing Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and I was immediately impressed with the well-balanced sound in battles. The neoclassical operatic and heavy rock soundtrack didn’t overpower the combat sounds and vice versa.

The treble sounded crisp and vibrant without piercing through the rest of the soundstage, so I was able to appreciate the beautiful backing tracks while still hearing my sword slashing against the enemies. I also liked being able to clearly understand my party members when they yelled, “Parry it” or “Watch out, Verso.” Their voices weren’t lost in the busy soundscape.

I then played Control and instantly felt immersed in the horror landscape as I made my way down the halls of the brutalist Oldest House building. I could pinpoint the exact direction in which the enemies spawned, as the LS500’s directional audio works excellently. Even when heavily surrounded by supernatural entities making all kinds of weird sounds, I was still able to hear the suction-like sound objects made when I grabbed them with Jesse’s Launch ability, which added to the immersion.

Alongside RPGs, the LS500 is fit for FPS titles too, or any game where listening for footsteps counts the most. I switched to the FPS EQ for 007 First Light, and this enhanced the sound of footsteps by boosting the mid-range. When I needed to infiltrate a heavily-guarded area stealthily, I could pinpoint the NPCs’ locations while hiding as their footsteps grew louder as they came closer to my hiding spot. This helped me execute timely takedowns without alerting the others.

Decent mic performance

Similar to the Turtle Beach Stealth 500, the PowerA LucidSound LS500 features a flip-to-mute mic. It’s omnidirectional which means it records audio from all directions. While that may sound counterintuitive, the LS500 has built-in noise filtering to reduce background noises — and it works well.

I recorded myself speaking while sitting in our office’s kitchen area, and my colleagues were speaking with one another and transporting guitars between studio spaces. In the clip above, all you can hear is my voice. The LS500 has done a good job of highlighting it, and I sound loud and clear. My words don’t bleed into one another so you can easily understand what I’m saying.

Budget-friendly

For those on a budget, the PowerA LucidSound LS500 offers great value for money as it doesn’t break the bank. It retails for just $69 at Amazon, making it a solid wallet-friendly choice. It’s cheaper than the likes of the Turtle Beach Stealth 500 ($79) and the Cherry XTRFY H3 ($99).

Though it’s a little pricier than the Asus TUF Gaming H1 Gen II ($49), it’s worth spending the extra $20 on the LS500 for wireless connectivity, better controls, and an overall nicer design.

PowerA LucidSound LS500 review: The downs

The PowerA LucidSound LS500 is a capable and competent headset, but the bass is lacking, the build is plasticky, and there’s no companion app.

Bass is a little lacking

While the PowerA LucidSound LS500 generally sounds good, it’s a little disappointing that the bass isn’t all there. This is something I experienced with the Logitech G325 Lightspeed ($79) too. As I mentioned earlier, the LS500 boasts great treble and a refined mid-range, but the lack of any substantial bass was clear.

For instance, in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, bomb-like magic attacks didn’t have much low-end impact to them. Lune’s Elemental Trick skill didn’t sound very powerful. I could hear the sharp crack of lightning and the hissing sizzle of fire, but the deep, resonant thud of earthen rock lacked the oomph. Her Elemental Genesis attack didn’t land with a nuke-like torrential roar either, and sounded tinny.

Similarly, even though I appreciated the suction-like grabbing sound in Control, when the objects were launched, they didn’t land with as much power either, which was a let-down. If you want a full-bodied, bassy sound, I’d recommend spending extra on the Cherry XTRFY H3.

Plasticky build

The PowerA LucidSound LS500 is an extremely comfortable headset, but I wish the build quality was better. It isn’t bad, per se, but you can tell it’s very plasticky. Tapping on the headset’s earcups with a fingernail reveals its weakness as the insides sound hollow. The plastic used doesn’t feel very high-quality either, which makes me question the LS500’s longevity.

For a better-built headset, check out the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3 ($99) or the Cherry XTRFY H3 instead. I’m aware that both headsets cost about $30 more than the LS500, but it’s the price you pay for better quality materials.

No companion app

Similar to the Cherry XTRFY H3 and the Asus TUF Gaming H3 Gen II, the PowerA LucidSound LS500 doesn’t come with a companion app. This means that you can’t customize the equalizer or remap the controls. I wouldn’t say this is a massive dealbreaker, though, as you do get access to three EQ presets via the onboard controls — which you can’t do on either of the aforementioned headsets.

If you do want a headset with a companion app, I’d recommend the Turtle Beach Stealth 500 — but the trade-offs are a cluttered control scheme and earcups that tend to get too hot.

PowerA LucidSound LS500 review: Verdict

You don’t need to spend a fortune to get enjoyable in-game sound, and the PowerA LucidSound LS500 proves that. For under $70, the LS500 delivers an impressive combination of comfort, ease of use via clever controls, and strong audio performance for gamers on a budget. Crisp treble, great directional audio, and balanced mids make the LS500 a compelling wallet-friendly option.

But it isn’t without its compromises. Bass response lacks the depth and impact some players may want, especially in explosive action scenes, and the plasticky build doesn’t do the LS500 any favors. Oh, there’s no companion app for customization either.

Even so, the strengths outweigh the shortcomings, given how cheap the LS500 is. This is an excellent value-focused headset that goes above and beyond with its comfort, practicality, and dependable performance.

When it comes to the best gaming chairs, you find they all follow the same rules — bucket seat-esque ergonomics, a sort of stiffer cushion to force a posture, and a head pillow that I always struggle to figure out how to position it just right.

Well, what if you took the full plushness and recline of a La-Z-Boy and paired it with a throne for play? You get the Cougar Arker, which is easily my favorite gaming chair of the past few years and one I can’t wait to complete my setup with when it comes out for a “targeted” price of $270.

Sleep or play? Your choice

Whenever I see a gaming chair fold completely flat, it’s always given me gimmick vibes. It’s a nice-to-have, but I’d never use it fully horizontal. The luxurious cushioning that you just fully sink into on the Arker makes that posture make sense. I could see myself totally taking a nap working while laid back on this thing.

And that Hyper-Dura leatherette upholstery did get me worried at first — thinking that my legs in shorts were going to stick to it. But no, that material doesn’t get uncomfortable, it doesn’t stick to your legs. It’s got the sensation of leather without gluing your skin down to it.

I seriously cannot understate how soft this seat truly is. No hard cushioning, this feels like a hug in chair form with well-placed arms too for a nice ergonomic posture to boot.

Kick back

Then there’s the full recline and that sneaky footrest you can pull out from beneath the chair. With it, you can fully lay back and to be honest, I was so close to napping.

Is this because I’m seriously sleep-deprived after going hard on covering Computex 2026? Maybe. Did Nvidia keep me awake much longer than anticipated with RTX Spark testing? Possibly.

But in a real-world scenario, I can see this slotting ideally under my desk — not just for working by day but playing and resting by night. Turning on some soft RGB and some LoFi to lay back and really vibe in a multi-sensory experience while I grab some Zs.

Outlook

But what shocked me most is when talking to Cougar about the chair, the price target for them is $270, which is crazy good value for money when it comes to gaming chairs. That’s especially true for something like the Arker, which the company has really found a sweet spot with for me.

For too long, I’ve been forced into different postures, and I know it’s for my health and everything, but it’s tricky for me to really get lazy on them. Turns out all your need to do is throw a lot of cushion at it and make the thing feel like your favorite couch from your childhood.

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One of my favorite things about the original Nintendo Switch was easily being able to bring it from room to room to play on another TV. I may have started out with just one dock, but after getting another Switch for my wife and then upgrading to the Nintendo Switch OLED, I soon had plenty of them.

Even then, though, there was just one problem with the original Switch dock: it was too big for my taste. So I did what anyone with a bit of DIY know-how would do: I reshelled it to make the dock significantly smaller while still using Nintendo’s official hardware. You see, at the time, I was really worried about bricking my Switch with a third-party dock, as I had seen countless people do so online.

Just when I thought I was stuck with the original dock, I finally tried a third-party one from Genki. Long story short, I loved the Genki Covert Dock Mini and even the larger Genki Covert Dock 2 so much that I ended up with several of them. This worked perfectly, as I could use my Switch on my TV or with one of the best monitors no matter where I was in my house. Then I upgraded to the Switch 2….

Once again, I was stuck with the official Switch 2 dock. I thought about buying a second one, but at $119 at launch and now $125, I just couldn’t justify dropping that much to be able to play my Switch 2 on another display. Fortunately, Genki recently released its new Covert Dock 3.

The Covert Dock 3 packs in even more power at 65W — versus 45W with its predecessor — and it has a cool new two-tone translucent orange colorway to boot. However, the best part is that even though it’s slightly more expensive than the Covert Dock 2, it’s still significantly cheaper than picking up a second official Switch 2 dock.

Dock meets power adapter

Instead of the dongle-like appearance of other third-party Switch docks, Genki’s Covert Docks look just like a standard power adapter. There’s a retractable plug on the back, while the front features a USB-C port, an HDMI port, and a USB-A port for connecting accessories like one of the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers. At first glance, you might easily mistake it for a regular GaN charger.

If you’re bringing your Switch 2 to a friend’s house or packing it for a trip, the official setup forces you to lug around both the dock and a separate power brick. With the Covert Dock 3, you just need the device itself and the included USB-C cable. Also, since the Switch 2 can't do high refresh rate gaming in TV mode, you can pretty much use any HDMI cable you want to.

In terms of size, the Covert Dock 3 measures 2.4 x 1.7 x 1.3 inches. While it stands a bit taller in the picture above than Nintendo's official Switch 2 power adapter, it's also noticeably thinner, making it much easier to slide into your bag.

Just like I did, you might be thinking about picking up a Covert Dock 3 to use with your Switch 2. However, it works just as well for your other devices with USB-C video out too. In fact, in the past, I’ve often used the Covert Dock Mini to play videos off my laptop when connected to a hotel TV.

With its higher 65W of power though, the Covert Dock 3 also works with the Steam Deck, the ROG Xbox Ally, and virtually every other handheld gaming PC you can think of. Heck, it even works with the iPhone 17 Pro Max and any other smartphone equipped with DisplayPort Alt Mode over USB-C.

A simpler way to play

Don’t get me wrong, the official Nintendo Switch 2 dock is a big step up over the original dock with 4K support at 60Hz via HDMI 2.1, active cooling, and a built-in Ethernet port. Likewise, it also helps protect your console if you have pets or kids running around. However, you do have to dock and undock your Switch 2.

With the Genki Covert Dock 3 though, I just have to plug my Switch 2 in to instantly go from handheld to TV mode. Besides traveling, it’s also easier to integrate a plug and a single cable into your entertainment center or your desk setup.

Here, I have it plugged into the wall behind my entertainment center with Genki’s braided USB-C cable running up the back. Speaking of the included cable, it’s one of my favorites overall and I really like how the side you plug into your Switch 2 is angled.

If you’re like me, you might be one of the only people in your household that’s upgraded to the Switch 2. While it should have been obvious to me, I didn’t realize that the Covert Dock 3 also works with the original Switch too until I started testing it out. Now, instead of having an original Switch dock and a Switch 2 dock both taking up space in my entertainment center, I just have a single cable that works with both consoles as well as my laptop, tablet and even my phone.

Although I wish the best TVs would add USB-C support like Hisense did with the U8QG and now the UR9, for now, Genki’s Covert Dock 3 (along with its predecessors) is the easiest way to add a one-cable connection for your laptop to any TV, or monitor for that matter.

The connectivity doesn’t stop there though. By pairing the Covert Dock 3 with Genki’s new ShadowCast 3, I was able to play my Switch 2 on the TCL NXTPAPER 14. This also works with Apple’s iPad and other tablets as well as with your laptop. While the ShadowCast 3 is designed for capturing gameplay, it’s also a great way to play your Switch 2 or other gaming handhelds on a slightly larger display.

Bring your own HDMI cable

At $70, the Genki Covert Dock 3 is almost half as expensive as buying another official Switch 2 dock. Add to this the fact that it isn’t limited to just Nintendo’s consoles and you have a pocketable dock for all your devices with enough power to use and charge your console or laptop at the same time. There is one thing missing from the package though, and that’s an HDMI cable.

As I said before, this is by no means a deal breaker since you can pretty much use any HDMI cable you have lying around or one already connected to your TV with the Covert Dock 3 and Switch 2. If you are in need of an HDMI 2.1 cable though, Genki does sell a braided one that perfectly matches its included USB-C cable for $20. However, you can certainly get a similarly specced cable for less online.

I’ve been waiting for the reveal of Genki’s next Covert Dock since the Switch 2 was first announced back in May of last year. Fortunately, the Covert Dock 3 has absolutely lived up to my expectations, and its new translucent design actually surpassed what I was initially anticipating from Genki this time around.

If you want to travel with your Switch 2 while leaving your official dock at home without being stuck playing in handheld mode, the Covert Dock 3 is easy to recommend. Likewise, if you just want a second dock for another TV at home or even to play your Switch 2 at your desk like I often do, I can’t recommend it enough.

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I’ll be honest: one look at the 8BitDo 64 Controller and I was sold on it. Styled in the colors of a classic Nintendo N64 pad — albeit with the ergonomics brought up to modern day standards — the 8BitDo 64 is all about sheer mid-90s nostalgia.

The ergonomics aren’t the only update, though. The 64 uses USB-C and Bluetooth, making it compatible with PC, Switch, Switch 2 and Android. Importantly, it’s also available in a 2.4G version that’s compatible with the original N64 (via a dongle). Meanwhile, both the Bluetooth and 2.4G versions work with the Analogue 3D — a retro console that plays original N64 cartridges. So, yes: you can play Mario Kart 64 and GoldenEye with this thing.

If that wasn’t enough, there’s a Hall Effect joystick to eliminate stick drift, retro-feeling triggers, and a very reasonable asking price. Sure, this isn’t the best gaming controller for esports, but it isn’t meant to be. It’s all about fun. And fun it is.

So, should you buy it? Keep reading my full 8BitDo 64 controller review to find out.

8BitDo 64 review: Cheat sheet

• What is it? A modern Bluetooth controller for N64 and classic Nintendo gaming
• What does it cost? It starts at $39 / £34, so not much
• What’s good? The nostalgia, retro gaming performance, affordability, battery life, and compatibility options (including the original N64 and Analogue 3D)
• What’s not? The layout can be a bit awkward, and it isn’t suitable for modern gaming

8BitDo 64 review: Specs

8BitDo 64 review: The ups

Ultimate retro styling (and feel), strong compatibility with appropriate devices, Hall Effect joysticks and a palatable price — what more could you want?

Sheer mid-90s nostalgia...

If you know anything about 8BitDo, you’ll know it’s no stranger to making some rather fetching gear — like the 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard, which our reviewer Nikita called “the best-looking keyboard” she’d ever tested. And I agree, having owned the dashing Commodore 64 version.

Well, the 64 Controller isn’t one to buck the trend. I find it hard to believe anyone would pass up having this thing on their shelf.

The 64 is available in a few different colorways. There are plain white and black versions — common to 8BitDo pads — which are great for minimalist setups or pairing with a white or black Analogue 3D. But it’s the N64 colorway that has my heart.

From the retro gray body and contrasting block color buttons, through to the right-hand-side button layout, and onto the damped triggers, this thing hits my nostalgia spot about as hard as is possible. On picking it up, I was immediately right back there: 8 years old, cross-legged on my best friend’s floor playing Super Mario 64 and GoldenEye on his big brother’s N64.

…With a modern-day twist

That said, while it looks the part, the 8BitDo 64 feels and acts like a modern gamepad. Its overall profile is essentially just that of the 8BitDo Ultimate Controller, which is a good thing.

The 64 is super comfortable in the hand, with chunky grips that make for a modern and more comfortable experience versus a triple-pronged original N64 pad (although it isn’t perfect, as I’ll cover later). It’s nice and lightweight too, at just 7.9 ounces, so it won’t be fatiguing to hold over long sessions.

Obviously, there are other modern, quality-of-life features, too. It’s wireless or wired, for a start, so no need to sit close to the screen like I did as a kid. You can pass the pad about from the luxury of your far-away sofa without the wire knocking over that glass of juice, or getting tangled with another pad.

The 64 also uses a Hall Effect joystick, to eliminate stick drift over time, giving you peace of mind about longevity. And you can update firmware using the companion software.

Appropriate compatibility

Huh? “Appropriate compatibility” — what the hell does that mean? It means exactly what it looks like. The 8BitDo 64 isn’t gonna work with your PS5 or Xbox, but why should it be? This is all about retro N64 gaming.

It is compatible, on the other hand, with the devices it should work with. The Nintendo Switch 2 and Switch, of course, as well as Android devices and the Analogue 3D console that runs N64 cartridges. There’s also PC as a catch-all for any folk who, like me, don’t game on any of the other supported devices (PCMR!). Importantly, if you buy the 2.4G version, you’ll lose compatibility with Switch and Android, but gain compatibility with the original N64 via a Wi-Fi dongle. Neat!

Awesome for retro gaming

The 8BitDo 64 is awesome for retro gaming. Obviously, there’s the N64 control layout, giving you that classic D-pad / single stick feel to movement. It was so nostalgic to be playing in this format, and took a while to de-configure my brain and remember that A/B were closer to the middle, but I got there.

The analog stick has an octagonal housing, allowing you to lock precisely into a direction — this is key to accuracy in older games not designed to cope with a true 360° stick. A nice touch is the addition of a metal collar around the stick stem, which stops the angled octagonal edges damaging the stem over time. As I mentioned above, the stick is Hall Effect, making it feel extremely quick and responsive.

I experienced no latency when gaming, even over Bluetooth, which kinda figures. The kind of games you’ll be playing with this pad aren’t the fastest-paced titles that demand the sharpest inputs. They’re older games with less precise controls. Still, it’s nice to know there’s the option for lower latency wired or 2.4G connectivity if needed.

PC — Doom 64

I started my testing on Doom 64. As I’ll cover below, I found it a bit annoying having to stretch my right thumb over the controller to hit the D-pad for camera control. But other than that, I had a great time.

I especially enjoyed gunplay with the 8BitDo 64. The triggers are damped and kinda mushy-feeling compared to modern-vibe controllers, like my Razer Wolverine V3 Pro ($199) with its snappy hair triggers, and my Gamesir Kaleid ($46) with its super smooth Hall Effect triggers. However, the 64 triggers have a nice thump to them, making each gunshot feel extremely satisfying — and again, this added to the retro 90s vibe.

Switch 2 — Mario Kart, GoldenEye, Star Fox

I then played some classic N64 games on the Switch 2. First, I played Mario Kart 64, which is the game I most enjoyed on the 8BitDo pad because it only requires the joystick for movement. I loved the octagonal groves here, which made it easy to lock in directions. Just like the OG N64 pad, the C buttons are right next to A and B, so you can quickly knock the C-down to launch powerups without taking your thumb off the gas.

I then played GoldenEye, which was even trickier to control than the OG game, as the Hall Effect stick is super sensitive — this made aiming with the reticule quite tricky. But I still had lots of fun on 007. I then finished off with some Star Fox, which was super easy to get up to speed with on the 8BitDo, and made good use of the 64’s Turbo function to cut down on thumb strain.

In all these games, Z (R2 on a modern pad) launched the game menu — with my brain programmed to modern gamepads where Z (R2) would be Fire, I had to do some reprogramming to stop hitting this and pausing my games. But you could just remap this in the controller button layout via the menu.

Decent battery life

The 8BitDo's rated battery life is (up to) 36 hours from its 1,000mAh cell. That’s a good amount of playtime, even if you’re gaming for 8 hour stints. It puts the 20 hours of my much pricier Razer Wolverine V3 Pro to shame.

I haven't needed to charge the 8BitDo gamepad at all while testing, from around 8-12 hours of use (a large chunk of which was spent on Doom 64 — which I can't get enough of).

Affordable price

Best of all, the 8BitDo 64 is reasonably priced, at $39 from Amazon for the black/white versions and the 2.4G gray version, or $44 for the Bluetooth version. In the U.K., all versions cost £34 at Amazon. Given the decent build quality and how much fun this pad is for retro gaming, I’d say it’s a steal. And hey, even if you don’t use it that much, at least you won't have dropped big bucks.

8BitDo 64 review: The downs

The 8BitDo 64’s flaws are very few, and fairly minor. It isn’t the best for smaller hands, thanks to 8BitDo jerry-rigging the triple-pronged OG N64 layout into a conventional modern controller design. Plus it’s no good for non-retro gaming.

Won’t be good for smaller hands

The original N64 pad wasn’t perfect, and seems very strangely laid out to modern sensibilities. Its layout served an important purpose at a time of emerging 3D gaming, and was the best Nintendo could do at the time… but it wasn’t perfect. You had to shift your hand between the prongs to play certain games.

Don’t get me wrong, I love the N64 gamepad, it’s just a quirk of the controller, and symptomatic of where 3D gaming was at the time.

The 8BitDo 64, while a big improvement on the N64 pad’s layout in many games, is actually trickier to use than the OG N64 controller in games that use the D-Pad rather than C buttons for camera control. With the three-pronged N64 pad you’d shift your hand between the prongs, so one thumb was on the D-Pad and the other on the joystick.

The 8BitDo 64 has no middle prong and the D-Pad and joystick are next to one another. That means you need to stretch your hand across the pad to control the camera. In Doom 64, this was a bit annoying. I got by, as I have larger hands, but if you’ve got smaller mitts, you may find this problematic.

No good for non-retro gaming

This isn’t really a flaw, as it’s by design. However, with the octagonal joystick and no second stick, the 8BitDo 64 is no good for modern gaming. Unless you only play retro Nintendo games, the 64 is always going to be a supplemental purchase to your main pad — thankfully, it’s cheap enough to make that a non-issue.

If you instead need a single all-rounder pad, look at something like 8BitDo Ultimate or GameSir Super Nova ($49) instead.

8BitDo 64 review: Verdict

I love this little pad. It isn’t perfect, sure. It’s limited in its scope to retro gaming only, which will make this a secondary controller purchase for many, and if it was pricey, that would be a problem. But it isn’t. Meanwhile, jerry-rigging the inherently flawed N64 controls into a modern form has made the controls a little frustrating at times, but has dramatically improved the ergonomic experience to make up for it.

Those are really the only things I can say against the 8BitDo 64, and as you can see, my qualms were both heavily caveated. It’s a great supplementary pad to heighten the experience of playing retro games, by bringing the experience close to what was originally intended. It’s cute-looking, affordable, has decent battery life, and decent compatibility — especially with the N64 and Analogue 3D. What’s not to love?

Gaming is one of my favorite hobbies. When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me sinking hours into my most-loved RPGs. I am, then, very lucky that I get to play video games for a living. Well, that’s a bit of an exaggeration — I test many gaming peripherals, including the best controllers, which means I get to play video games and call it work.

The most recent controller I’ve tested has, no lie, blown me away. They honestly don’t get better than this. The Asus ROG Raikiri II is a powerful gamepad for Microsoft’s consoles, and it beats the first-party Xbox Elite Series 2 in every which way.

It’s comfortable and packs performance in spades, and with extensive customization to boot, it gives you the advantage sought after by competitive players. Why do I say it’s better than the Xbox Elite 2? That’s what I’m here to talk about, so you’ll have to continue reading.

Spoiler alert: it might have something to do with the Raikiri II’s TMR thumbsticks and triggers…

‘TMR’ stands for ‘This Mechanic Rocks’

One of the things that stops me from recommending the first-party Xbox Elite Series 2 outright is its omission of Hall Effect or TMR sticks. The Elite 2 uses traditional analog sticks, although its triggers feature Hall Effect sensors. The downside of analog sticks is that they’re susceptible to stick drift — and as any gamer will know, stick drift is truly awful. To ensure longevity, many third-party manufacturers now fit Hall Effect or TMR sensors into their sticks.

Because the Asus ROG Raikiri II packs TMR tech into its sticks as well as triggers, it upstages the Elite 2 without breaking a sweat. TMR is an up-and-coming technology, and not many controllers feature it yet. TMR stands for Tunnel Magneto Resistance, and it uses weak electromagnetic waves rather than strong ones, which means that minute adjustments and movements are picked up by the sensor. It can get very technical but all you need to know is that it essentially gives you a massive competitive advantage — something analog sticks simply cannot do.

The Raikiri II goes a step further by using TMR in its triggers instead of Hall Effect, and becomes the first controller (at the time of writing) to do so. The triggers’ sensitivity can be changed between short clicky presses (great for FPS titles) and long presses (excellent for racing games), and they can be further extensively customized by Asus Gear Link. Once you start using a controller with TMR, it’s extremely difficult to go back to a non-TMR (or non-Hall Effect) one.

Even better in practice

So, in theory, TMR is excellent, which in turn makes the Asus ROG Raikiri II outstanding on paper, but how does the controller hold up in real-world usage?

Phenomenally, if you ask me.

I’ve used it extensively to play Cyberpunk 2077 and F1 25 on our testing rig, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 on an Xbox Series S. Being able to adjust each trigger’s sensitivity on the fly, via the locks on the back, is super handy.

In Cyberpunk 2077, I opted for short clicky presses as I didn’t want to press RT all the way down to rain gunfire down on NPCs, and my fingers didn’t feel fatigued either.

I opted for clicky presses in Expedition 33 too, as all I had to do to execute a Gradient Counter at the right moment was simply tap RT. Not only did this help me time my parries perfectly, but it also felt very satisfying as the short travel distance makes RT and LT feel like mouse clicks.

And those TMR sticks are something else too. Like I said earlier, TMR uses weak electromagnetic waves and even the most minute of movements is registered. With a sniper rifle equipped, I adjusted my aim ever so slightly in Cyberpunk 2077 to take out a specific NPC standing next to multiple others.

The extra-sensitive TMR sticks also had a chance to shine in F1 25 as they helped me make very slight changes to my car’s direction, especially when I was right behind another car and needed to overtake.

But is the price right?

Given that the Asus ROG Raikiri II utilizes the latest tech, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone that it costs a premium. The Raikiri II retails for $189 / £180 at Amazon which is quite a bit, but it’s also $10 cheaper than the first-party Xbox Elite Series 2. In my opinion, the TMR thumbsticks and triggers alone do more than enough to justify that price tag. Why would you spend almost the same on the Elite 2 when you can get the superior Raikiri II?

Alongside the fantastic triggers and sticks, you’re also getting 50 hours of battery life — 10 more than the Elite 2. There’s more customization potential too, and the Raikiri II even comes with a charging dock to neatly display your controller. I really can’t think of a better Xbox controller, and the Raikiri II has really made me question why anyone would pay full price for the Elite 2.

But what do you think? Have you tried the Raikiri II? Or are you happy with the Elite Series 2? Or do you use a third-party controller that isn’t the Raikiri II? Let me know in the comments below!

More from Tom's Guide

• ‘The Xbox Elite 2 better watch its back’: I just tested the Asus ROG Raikiri II and it puts every other competitive controller to shame
• So long Hall Effect — I'm only using controllers with TMR sensors from now on
• I’ve finally found a PS5 controller that’s better than the DualSense — and no, it’s not the DualSense Edge

The best controllers can give you a competitive advantage that makes your opponents weep — and equally, they can be excellent for single-player titles. In a crowded market, the Asus ROG Raikiri II is a cut above the rest, thanks to its impressive TMR thumbsticks and triggers, which are, in one word, glorious. Ergonomically designed, the Raikiri II is the ideal controller for those who play for long hours.

With long battery life and extensive customization available through user-friendly (and web-based) software to boot, the Raikiri II is a very easy-to-love gamepad. It isn’t without its shortcomings, of course, as the accompanying charging dock feels a little plasticky, and the controller doesn’t come cheap.

Should either of those drawbacks keep you from buying it? I don’t believe so. For the complete breakdown, read my full Asus ROG Raikiri II review.

Asus ROG Raikiri II review: Specs

Asus ROG Raikiri II review: Cheat sheet

• What is it? A wireless Xbox controller with 1,000Hz polling, and TMR thumbsticks and triggers
• Who is it for? Competitive gamers or even casual players who want best-in-class performance
• How much does it cost? The Asus ROG Raikiri II is available for $189 / £180
• What do we like? The ergonomic design, phenomenal gaming performance thanks to TMR sticks and triggers, long battery life, and extensive customization
• What don’t we like? The cheap-feeling charging dock and the premium price tag

Asus ROG Raikiri II review: The ups

From its comfortable design and extensive customization via Asus Gear Link to its powerful TMR sticks and triggers, the Asus ROG Raikiri II is a phenomenal controller.

Comfortable and ergonomic

If a controller isn’t comfortable and doesn’t let you play games all day long, you shouldn’t spend any amount of money on it, no matter how much. Thankfully, the Asus ROG Raikiri II wins full points from me in the design and comfort department.

The Raikiri II looks a lot like the first-party Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 ($199), and by that I mean it sports a rounded and contoured shape, one that fits naturally in your hands. Officially licensed by Microsoft, the Raikiri II packs asymmetrical thumbsticks, ABXY face buttons, and, of course, an X-shaped home button.

As soon as I took the controller out of the box, I was impressed by its design and chunky grips. Measuring 6.1 x 4.13 x 2.55 inches, the Raikiri II feels perfect for my medium-sized hands, and even those with bigger hands shouldn’t find this controller uncomfortable. It weighs 12.16oz, so it’s the same weight as the Xbox Elite 2. Though I’ve gotten used to the lighter weight of the Turtle Beach Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded ($209, 9.3oz), I’ve still enjoyed using the Raikiri II. It feels sturdy and substantial, and having used it for a six-hour gaming session, I can confirm it’s superbly comfortable.

Also aiding the Raikiri II’s ergonomics are the well-placed micro-switch back buttons. Unlike on the GameSir Cyclone 2 ($49), where the rear buttons felt slightly obtrusive, the buttons on the Raikiri II are placed lower on the grips, so my fingers didn’t keep unintentionally hitting them. Overall, the Raikiri II is worth its salt.

Phenomenal gaming performance

Analog thumbsticks are soooo 2010s — it’s all about TMR and Hall Effect now, and the Asus ROG Raikiri II employs the latest tech to deliver powerful gaming performance. Much like the Razer Raiju V3 Pro ($219), the Raikiri II utilizes Tunnel Magneto Resistance (TMR) in its thumbsticks and triggers — the latter makes this the first controller with TMR triggers that I’ve tested, and I’ll get into the performance shortly.

If you want an in-depth insight into how this technology works, read our explainer on TMR. In short, TMR achieves greater precision than Hall Effect because it uses weak electromagnetic waves, which allow the sensors to detect minute adjustments and movements, making TMR controllers unbeatable for competitive gaming. Sounds excellent on paper, right? It’s even better in practice.

TMR thumbsticks

I tested the Raikiri II by playing Forza Horizon 5, F1 25, and Cyberpunk 2077 on our gaming rig, as well as Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 on a friend’s Xbox Series S. Regardless of the game I played, I was thoroughly impressed with the gamepad’s performance, and its TMR sticks and triggers were an utter delight to use.

I’ll talk about the thumbsticks first, which showed their prowess in racing games. Turning tight corners was a walk in the park in F1 25, as I could make minute adjustments to my car’s direction. I was also able to execute split-second overtakes when I was within touching distance of the racer ahead of me, and this gave me a competitive edge as I overtook them with ease.

Jumping into Cyberpunk 2077 further emphasized the joysticks’ accuracy. I grabbed my sniper rifle and perched on a rooftop, and spotted a group of NPCs to take out. I then aimed my sniper at them and made minuscule adjustments to the right thumbsticks, taking them out one by one. What’s great about the sticks is that they come to a complete stop when you drag and let them go — something you can’t always do with analog sticks — which helped me aim at enemies one after another, and they never saw it coming.

TMR triggers

TMR triggers are similar to Hall Effect ones, as you can adjust the sensitivity of both. Via two switches around the back, the Raikiri II’s TMR Dual Mode triggers can be switched between short-travel, micro-switch, clicky ones, and full travel long presses (like on any other controller). Each mode is well-suited to specific game genres. For instance, in Forza Horizon 5 and F1 25 — so racing games — I opted for the triggers’ full travel distance as it gave me more control over throttle and braking, and I could manage my speed better.

On the other hand, in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Cyberpunk 2077 — so RPGs and FPS titles — I appreciated the triggers’ short-travel, clicky mode. When I needed to execute a Gradient Counter in Expedition 33, all I had to do was tap RT instead of pressing it all the way down, which helped me time it perfectly. The clicky presses feel like mouse clicks, and they gave me a competitive advantage in Cyberpunk 2077, too — and raining gunfire down on enemies didn’t feel as fatiguing.

Clicky face buttons

Last but not least, the Raikiri II’s micro-switch face and four back buttons are excellent too. Again, these feel like mouse clicks, and they register inputs instantaneously. I much prefer them over the spongy feel of the first-party Xbox controller’s face buttons. Combined with the 1,000Hz polling rate, I didn’t experience any latency issues or input lag.

Extensive customization

The Asus ROG Raikiri II is extensively customizable, too, and all you need to do to personalize it is access Asus Gear Link in a browser on a laptop. I really appreciate not having to download third-party software or bloatware onto my machine. Asus Gear Link sports a user-friendly interface, and there are no intrusive pop-ups.

Within Asus Gear Link, you can adjust each trigger’s start and end points if you’re using them in long-press mode, adjust the sticks’ response range based on a curve (or choose one of three presets), customize the back buttons, customize the level of vibration, and make adjustments to the RGB lighting. If your triggers are giving you a bit of trouble, you can calibrate them, too.

Long battery life

If it’s a long-lasting controller you’re after, the Asus ROG Raikiri II won’t give you much to complain about, as it boasts excellent battery life. Asus claims that with RGB and vibration turned off and over a 2.4GHz connection, the Raikiri II can last for 50 hours, which is outstanding. I know it doesn’t sound like a lot, but when you look at how the competition is lagging, you’ll appreciate it more.

For context, the first-party Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 lasts up to 40 hours; the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro ($199) has a 20-hour battery life; and so does the Turtle Beach Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded. Compared to all four alternatives, the Raikiri II is the longest-lasting gamepad.

Unlike its competitors, the Raikiri II comes with a charging dock so that you can display and charge your controller at the same time, and the case has a USB-C port for charging too — in case you want to give it some juice while traveling. Very cool, very useful.

Asus ROG Raikiri II review: The downs

There isn’t a lot wrong with the Asus ROG Raikiri II, but it’s important to note that its charging dock feels a little cheap, and the controller costs a premium.

Cheap-feeling charging dock

I love it when manufacturers include charging docks with their controllers, as they help me display my gamepads and lend a cleaner look to my setup. I loved the one that came with the GameSir G7 Pro ($79), and I so desperately wish the Turtle Beach Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded came with one too, as I use that controller nearly every day. Happily, Asus has included a charging dock in the Raikiri II’s box… but I’m not entirely happy with it.

You see, while the charging dock is sleek and good-looking, it feels a little cheap, and not something I’d expect from a gamepad that costs a premium (more on that next). It’s quite plasticky, and it doesn’t feel too sturdy, as the rubberized grip at the bottom doesn’t feel too grippy. Given that, it’s prone to getting knocked about, which is disappointing.

A little expensive

There’s no sugarcoating this: the Asus ROG Raikiri II will cost you a pretty penny. Such is the nature of many competitive controllers. The Raikiri II retails for $189 / £180 at Amazon, so it’s not too different from other serious gamepads I’ve tested. Naturally, the Raikiri II’s most prominent rival is the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, which has a retail price of $199. Then you’ve got the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro, which also costs $199.

I don’t think this is necessarily a drawback — but it’s something to consider before you pull the trigger. The thing is, there are plenty of budget options available today, which might make it difficult to justify the Raikiri II’s high price point. The GameSir G7 Pro, for instance, carries many of the Raikiri’s features (barring TMR triggers) and costs $79. Oh, and there’s the PB Tails Metal Crush Defender ($109). There’s no dearth of alternatives, so unless you’re sold on the Raikiri II’s design, it’s worth considering the cheaper alternatives.

Asus ROG Raikiri II review: Verdict

Competitive controllers don’t always come cheap, but the Asus ROG Raikiri II makes a compelling case as to why it’s worth the investment. By swapping traditional analog components for TMR in both its thumbsticks and triggers, the Raikiri II offers an extreme level of precision in all genres — RPGs, FPS, racing, you name it.

Ergonomically, it’s extremely comfortable and doesn’t give you much to complain about. Throw extensive customization and long battery life into the mix, and you’ve got yourself a winning combination. While the $189 price tag is a bit steep and the included charging dock feels surprisingly plasticky for such a premium product, these feel like minor issues, especially when you consider all the other goodies you’re getting.

For serious PC and Xbox players, and even casual gamers, there’s no better third-party controller on the market right now. The Raikiri II is a phenomenal, high-performance powerhouse that gets nearly everything right.

When Valve finally loosed the new Steam Controller on the world this past Monday (May 4) stock disappeared within 30 minutes and reportedly broke Steam. At the time of writing, it's currently sold out everywhere except for scalper listings on eBay where some greedy pockets are demanding up to three times the $99 price tag.

Today (May 7), Valve announced a new plan to help more gamers get their paws on a Steam Controller. The company also acknowledged that the "experience" of trying to buy it was "incredibly frustrating."

The Steam Controller is one of the best PC game controllers, so it's no surprise that it would get snatched up quickly. Valve's new plan aims to make buying one easier and while circumventing scalpers.

“We plan to continue replenishing stock as we get more in, but in the meantime wanted to share changes we’re making to improve the purchase experience and to limit reseller activity," the Valve announcement says.

Starting on Friday (May 8) at 10 am PT/1 pm ET/6 pm BST, Valve is opening a reservation queue for the Steam Controller. Initially, the queue will only be available in US and Canada with the UK, EU and Australia in the following weeks.

Adding yourself to the queue puts you in line. When stock is available and it's your spot, you will have 72 hours to buy the controller. Order emails will be sent to your associated account.

There are some stipulations.

Valve says that anyone who has already purchased a Steam Controller is ineligible to reserve another one. The company did not specify how long that will last.

Additionally, your account must be in good standing on Steam and you need to have made a purchase on Steam prior to April 27, 2026.

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Yes, I know that to the sim racers amongst you, this is a cursed image — an F1-style wheel with a gear shifter and handbrake. The layout is also cursed too, but you can blame the limited space to bolt addons to the PlaySeat Formula Instinct rig.

The big news here is that Revosim has teamed up with Aston Martin to bring this new F1 wheel add-on to the RS Pure Sim — including this flatter, wider F1-style wheel, magnetic mounting cap with the badge, driving gloves and the carbon paddles for £129. In my testing, for enhancing steering feel in these beasty cars, this definitely performs much better than the real-life team is doing right now (...that was low, apologies to the team).

But while I am very much a track racer, I want the flexibility to dip into rally and drifting too. So I got the £439 Revosim bundle with shifter, loadcell handbrake and clutch pedal too for the full experience, and while I absolutely suck at rallying right now, it’s a lot of fun with these. Let me explain.

P1 for F1 racing

So let’s talk about the Aston Martin tie in here to begin with, because this is a great attachment if track racing is your thing. For those not in the know, there are some real benefits to a formula-style wheel that fundamentally changes the ergonomics and physics of how you interact with the sim

For the 180-degree rotation range of a track car over the 360 degrees of a standard roadcar, you’ll have your hands permanently locked to the wheel in the 9-and-3 position. This is built perfectly for that with an ergonomic placement of comfortable hand grips (with the gloves adding a nice grippiness to them too).

You aren’t fighting the inertia of a larger, heavier outer ring, so my steering inputs react to the competition around me and hit that apex first much faster. For even more weight-saving, you can change those metal paddles out for carbon fiber, but I still prefer the chunky click of the originals personally.

The well-design width also ensures that the key controls are just a thumb’s reach away for managing ERS and Brake Bias on-the-fly during a qualifying lap. Throw in the magnetic Aston Martin badge (which can be taken off if you’re coping as a Ferrari fanboy…hi btw) and you’ve got a fully-branded, high quality sim racing experience with that full.

Would I have loved a standalone wheel with a built-in display for telemetry? Sure. But that’s where the bluetooth-connected app comes in, and there are already on-board lights for rev counter and whatnot. This is a solid attachment to specialize your setup.

“If in doubt, flat out”

Colin McRae said it better than anyone else could — easily one of the most legendary rally drivers in the sport’s history. Turns out when I started going flat out in Assetto Corsa Rally, I wrapped my Lancia around many, many trees.

This is seriously sim racing on hard mode (in my opinion), as there’s much more to think about from not just gear choice, but also how to approach each corner based on the surface you’re driving over, the tightness of it, whether there are small obstacles or holes on each side that could send you flying, and much more.

But while it took me a long time to get acquainted to it, I can’t blame the tools, as I absolutely love the satisfying chunk of the hybrid gear box and pressurized pull of the load cell handbrake. These feel incredibly well-built and hefty with solid handles and zero flex in the metal shells as you put them through their paces.

And when I finally managed to nail the perfect handbrake flick around a hairpin turn, it was so satisfying. It quickly became muscle memory, which is a testament to the precise readings of that handbrake, and powering out with a tactile click on every shift really amped up the immersion.

…did I end up driving off a cliff? Maybe. But it was worth it.

Outlook

If you remember my review of the RS Pure back last year, one of my main frustrations was that the ecosystem may take a while to gain steam. We still don’t have any PlayStation compatibility (yet), and these accessories are not available in the U.S. But at the very least, we’re getting the full accessory set on PC to make this the all-purpose sim setup you need.

The Aston Martin wheel attachment is a great addition for anyone looking to level-up their track racing, and the gearbox and handbrake have that satisfyingly hefty feeling that makes you feel like you’re firing a V10 monster from the 90s around a tight turn in the middle of the Welsh forest.

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• I felt like I was driving a real racing car when testing this sim racing rig — this is next-level simulation tech
• I drove 1,000 miles with the Asetek Forte sim rig and it humbled me in the best way

The new Steam Controller ($99 / AU$149) is arguably the best peripheral for playing Steam games on PC and on the Steam Deck. While we don’t yet have the Steam Machine this controller was supposed to ship with, having it available right now isn’t a bad compromise. Even without its parent console/PC hybrid, this is a brilliant controller that’s a major improvement over the controversial original that launched 11 years ago.

Don’t let pictures fool you, as the Steam Controller is only slightly bigger than an Xbox controller. Because of that, it feels natural to hold. Except for the large touchpads under the thumbsticks and four back buttons, the controller has the same basic layout you’re familiar with from other game pads.

Since this is a Steam device, pairing it with any machine running SteamOS or the Steam App is seamless. It’s also fun, as you can charge and pair the controller to your PC or handheld via an included puck. Though the puck makes charging and pairing simple, you can always connect via a USB cable or Bluetooth connection.

Though it’s pricier than a standard controller and isn’t compatible with gaming consoles, there’s no denying that Valve knocked it out of the park with the Steam Controller. As a dedicated Steam user, I might dabble with other controllers, but this will be my go-to from now on. Find out more in my full review.

Steam Controller review: Cheat sheet

• What is it? It’s an update of the original Steam Controller, with a more ergonomic and practical design.
• Who is it for? This controller is for dedicated Steam users who want a controller that works seamlessly with Valve’s ecosystem.
• What does it cost? The Steam Controller costs $99 / AU$149 and is available only on the Steam Store.
• What do we like? We like the comfortable design, easy pairing with SteamOS, smooth performance, and high customization.
• What don’t we like? We don’t like that it doesn’t support other PC launchers or consoles.

Steam Controller review: Specs

Steam Controller review: The ups

The Steam Controller is the perfect controller for Steam users thanks to its comfortable build, intuitive control layout, extensive customization options, and simple pairing and charging.

Ergonomic design

Design-wise, the Steam Controller is both traditional and unique. The top half has a layout similar to an Xbox controller, with a d-pad, face buttons, thumbsticks, and shoulder buttons. The bottom half is where things get interesting, as it’s rather large to accommodate the touchpads. This also gives your hands more room for a better grip.

The large back buttons are strategically placed right where your middle and ring fingers naturally rest. Since they’re pretty unintrusive, you can ignore them if you’re not a fan of back buttons. Like the back buttons, the shoulder buttons are also smartly placed where your fingers rest.

The controller has the same matte finish as the Steam Deck, which means it not only feels nice to hold, but it’s also very grippy.

Responsive controls

The Steam Controller is not only fun to hold, but it’s also extremely responsive. Valve could have easily just used the Steam Deck’s components, but the company went a step further by including some features you’d only find on pricier pro controllers.

First up are the new TMR thumbsticks, which are designed to be even more responsive and less prone to stick drift than Hall-effect sensors. I’ll spare you the details on how these magnetic technologies differ from one another, but suffice it to say that the TMR sticks on the Steam Deck feel amazing and allowed me to make small and large movements seamlessly.

Then we have the haptic touchpads beneath the thumbsticks. Every click and thumb movement makes them vibrate. Thanks to their large size, you can use them in place of thumbsticks, which isn’t just a gimmick, since it makes playing point-and-click games much more intuitive. The original Steam Controller had super huge touchpads instead of traditional thumbsticks, so I’m glad Valve shrunk them without sacrificing performance.

The other inputs are just as great to use. While I wish the ABXY face buttons were a tad clickier, they work as well as you’d expect. The left and right bumpers are also relatively quiet and have a satisfying travel distance. This also applies to the trigger buttons, though they don’t have trigger locks to cut down the actuation point.

Unique pairing and charging

One of the coolest features is the included Steam Controller Puck. It's a 2.4GHz USB-C transmitter that can also charge the controller and pair it with the device you’re playing on.

Speaking of pairing, you can connect up to four Steam Controllers to the puck in case you want to play games with friends locally. It also magnetically attaches to the controller with a satisfying click.

You connect the puck to your PC using the included USB-C to USB-A cable, though you can theoretically use any cable with power delivery. I like that you can keep the controller connected, easily snap it off to play wirelessly, and snap it back on when you’re done.

Valve claims the controller can last over 35 hours on a single charge. I haven’t had the controller long enough to fully drain it, but it has already lasted significantly longer than the PS5 DualSense. Based on what other reviewers have said about battery life, it appears Valve’s claims aren’t just baseless boasting.

Highly customizable

The Steam Controller offers a slew of customization options. For instance, you can program the dual touchpads to act as a mouse for shooters, a traditional D-Pad for 2D games, or even a scroll wheel for navigating menus. Other features also enable more fine-tuning for specific game genres, effectively giving you multiple controllers in a single device.

Naturally, you can remap all the buttons as you see fit. Beyond that, you can add visual overlays like Radial Menus to your screen to handle dozens of keyboard shortcuts with a quick thumb swipe. You can also make the haptic feedback provide clicks and notches to help guide your movements. These types of controls are perfect for games traditionally played with a mouse and keyboard.

There’s more I could detail, but let’s just say you could spend hours tinkering with all the customization options. And if you don’t, you can always download popular, pre-made configurations that players from the Steam community have created.

Steam Controller review: The downs

The Steam Controller is a brilliant peripheral for dedicated Steam users. However, it has one major flaw for those who play outside of Steam.

For SteamOS only

The Steam Controller works seamlessly with SteamOS. That’s certainly a strength, but it’s also its main weakness. If you hoped to easily use Valve’s controller on other PC game launchers like the Epic Games Store or the Xbox App for PC, you’re going to be out of luck. This also applies to gaming consoles.

If you’re like me and rarely leave Steam when PC gaming, then this likely won’t be an issue. And given how clever the PC gaming community is, I’m sure someone will find a workaround before I finish this sentence. Again, this won’t be the end of the world for most players given Steam’s ubiquity, but it’s worth keeping in mind.

Steam Controller review: Verdict

Some believe that $99 / AU$149 is too much for the Steam Controller, but I say the price is more than justified for dedicated Steam users. Sure, Valve’s peripheral costs $20 to $30 more than a standard console controller, but it packs pro controller-like features for $50-$100 less than you’d pay for those premium devices. In that way, you’re actually getting a fantastic deal.

Though it’s admittedly strange to have the Steam Controller without the platform it was designed for, I’m glad that Valve decided to launch this peripheral now so we can get acclimated to it before the Steam Machine’s arrival. Like I said before, switching to another PC controller won’t be easy, since this one gives me everything I need. If you live in the Steam ecosystem, I’m sure you’ll feel the same way.

Have you heard of "deinfluencing"? It's a popular social media trend where content creators advise their followers against buying overhyped or unnecessary products in a bid to combat excessive consumerism. My job, as a reviews writer, oftentimes feels like that.

I don't believe overconsumption is a good thing for us or the planet, and it's okay to not want the latest tech that everyone keeps talking about. See? Deinfluencing.

Today, I'm here to deinfluence you and tell you that you don't need two separate pairs of headphones for music and gaming. Historically, gaming headsets haven't been particularly great for audiophile listening because of how they're tuned, but I feel like that's changing — and leading the charge is the Sony Inzone H6 Air. It's one of the best gaming headsets as well as one of the best audiophile headphones I've ever tested, period.

I could go on all day about why the H6 Airs are wonderful gaming cans, but I want to talk about the audio quality instead, and tell you that this is the only set of cans you need. That's because the H6 Airs, unlike many other gaming-first headsets, have an ace up their sleeves: they use studio-grade drivers.

If you're an audiophile and a gamer, there is no better headset.

Open-backs > Everything else

The term "open-backs" is generally associated with regular, music-first headphones. Though Sony has a few open-back headphones under its belt, the Inzone H6 Air is the giant's first-ever open-back gaming headset (and it's nothing short of a triumph). Open-backs are usually more comfortable than closed-back headphones, such as the Fractal Design Scape gaming headset, or the Bose QuietComfort Ultra cans.

It's not that closed-back headphones are uncomfortable per se, all I'm saying is that open-backs are much airier and lighter than closed-backs. If you want a listening experience that's free of fatigue, open-backs are the way to go.

Rear air pressure buildup is extremely common on sealed cans because there's nowhere for the air to go (hence, the holes). The H6 Airs, like many open-backs, allow air to pass through the earcups (the holes, remember?), which reduces fatigue and eliminates sweat buildup, enabling you to wear the headphones for hours on end.

Also adding to their wearability is the fact that they weigh just 7.01oz — they're ridiculously lightweight. The suspended headband helps reduce pressure you’d otherwise feel on the top of their head. Finally, the H6 Air use light nylon ear cushions that nestle your ears like two clouds loosely hugging them.

I've tested the, extensively — for gaming and listening to music — and the longest I've gone wearing them has been nine hours straight. Whether you plan on gaming with them or listening to several albums back-to-back, the H6 Air has you covered.

Studio-grade drivers for audiophile sound

It's a good thing that Sony went wired with the H6 Air: Wired headphones are generally better than their wireless counterparts because there's no loss of information and compression occurring over Bluetooth. They transmit uncompressed audio data, leading to high-fidelity sound. Combine that with studio-grade drivers and you've got a winning formula — Sony does, at least.

The H6 Airs are fitted with 40mm Open-Back Dynamic which you'll also find in the Sony MDR-MV1 studio monitoring headphones. Naturally, as they're gaming cans, these drivers in the H6 Air have been re-tuned for gaming with enhanced bass. But they're still phenomenal for music.

You can read all about the gaming performance in the full review, so I'll discuss music quality instead. Hit play on the playlist below to listening along to my testing songs while you read my analysis.

The first thing I noticed while listening to ‘First Light’ by Lana Del Rey was the expansiveness of the H6 Air. It felt like I was standing in the middle of a crowded room at a gig, and my body was engulfed in the orchestral production.

The H6 Air feature spatial audio, and the headphones created a fantastic 3D effect in the 007 theme. Lana's "Will you? Will you?" whispers felt like they were positioned at different depths, and like they were swirling around my head instead of through detached left and right channels.

At the time of writing the review, I was obsessed with ‘Black Water’ by Poets of the Fall, and the song sounded the most beautiful it ever has through these headphones. The opening acoustic guitar carried startling clarity, with the zip of fingers sliding from note to note without sounding too harsh or distorted. The headphones never once got overwhelmed — whether that was when all the other instruments kicked in, or Marko Saaresto hit the highest note.

Despite being open-back, tight basslines are the H6 Air's specialty too. Airy high frequencies and accurate bass in 'No Chances' by Twenty One Pilots made me love the track even more. The bassline through the H6 Air reverberates in a way that you can feel it in your chest, and the subtle drop in notes felt apparent.

Lastly, 'Money' by Pink Floyd was another great testing track for the H6 Air, with the clinks of coins balancing well against the blues-based, driving riff played in an unusual 7/4 time signature.

One headset for two purposes

The Sony Inzone H6 Air have quickly become some of my favorite headphones, for gaming and listening to music. They're spacious and expansive, and they're extremely comfortable — perhaps the most comfortable over-ears I've tested so far. Being able to plug them into any device and console you own is a massive advantage, and the wired design means you're getting high-fidelity audio at all times.

You may still want a pair of wireless headphones for when you're traveling, and of course, open-backs doesn't boast the best active noise cancellation due to the limitations posed by their design. But if you want one pair of wired headphones for both gaming and careful listening, I can't think of a better option.

More from Tom's Guide

• The Sony Inzone H6 Air is a compelling case to ditch wireless cans and use open-backs for gaming — here’s my honest verdict
• I tested the JBL Go 5 vs JBL Go 4 budget Bluetooth speakers — and there’s a clear winner under $60
• Move over, Sonos — this Marshall soundbar is now my favorite for small spaces

At the time of writing, open-back headphones designed specifically for gaming haven’t been around for that long, and Sony has just dipped its toe into these waters. The Sony Inzone H6 Air is nothing short of a triumph, and the brand’s first-ever gaming open-backs offer studio-grade sound quality in both gaming and for listening to music.

Sporting a lightweight build that’s ridiculously comfortable for long gaming sessions, the H6 Air is a 10/10 in the design department. It’s compatible with an array of consoles and devices, making it the only headset you’ll ever need. The 40mm drivers are from Sony’s studio monitoring headphones, tuned here for gaming rather than production, so you know you’re getting best-in-class sound quality — regardless of what you’re playing or listening to. With a decent mic to boot, the H6 Air has quickly become one of my favorite sets of cans.

Is this the best gaming headset for you? Read my full Sony Inzone H6 Air review to find out.

Sony Inzone H6 Air review: Specs

Sony Inzone H6 Air review: Cheat sheet

• What is it? Sony’s first-ever open-back gaming headphones for all-day play
• Who is it for? Anyone who wants a comfortable headset with studio-grade sound quality
• How much does it cost? The Sony Inzone H6 Air retails for $199 / £179
• What do we like? The comfortable design, multi-platform compatibility, studio-grade sound, and great mic performance
• What don’t we like? The underwhelming software

Sony Inzone H6 Air review: The ups

There’s so much to love about the Sony Inzone H6 Air, from its comfortable open-back design and multi-platform compatibility, to the studio-grade sound quality in video games and music.

Ridiculously comfortable for all-day play

Not only have I reviewed my fair share of gaming headsets, but I’ve extensively used them outside of a work capacity. Comfort level is the first thing I consider before buying (or while testing) a gaming headset, because there’s no point spending any amount of money on an uncomfortable set of cans. The Sony Inzone H6 Air is the most ridiculously comfortable gaming headset I’ve used so far.

The H6 Air bears striking resemblance to the Sony Inzone H9 II ($349) but the biggest difference is that the H6 Air is an open-back headset. As is the nature of open-back headphones, the H6 Air offers superior comfort by allowing air to pass through the earcups. On sealed headphones, like the Fractal Design Scape ($199) and the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 ($199), rear air pressure buildup is common as there’s nowhere for the air to go. By opting for an open-back design, the H6 Air reduces fatigue and eliminates sweat buildup — and I can confirm that.

I’ve used the H6 Air extensively, and the longest I’ve worn it for has been a nine-hour gaming session. Not once did I feel like my ears were too hot or uncomfortable. Also aiding the H6 Air’s comfortable fit is its lightweight build. The headset weighs just 7.01oz (without cable and mic), making it much lighter than the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 (11oz) and the Fractal Design Scape (12oz). The suspended headband helps reduce pressure you’d otherwise feel on the top of their head, while the light nylon ear cushions nestle your ears like two clouds loosely hugging them. No complaints from me in the design and comfort department.

One headset to rule them all

A big advantage of using a wired headset is that, more often than not, it’s compatible with more consoles and systems than a wireless headset is. The Sony Inzone H6 Air, like all Inzone gear these days, is theoretically PC-gaming-first. However, it comes with a 3.5mm headphone jack as well as a USB-C Audio Box, so it’s compatible with essentially every console you own.

This includes PC, macOS, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, and iOS and Android smartphones. You’ll be able to use it with your Steam Deck and other handheld consoles too. I tested the headset with my PS5 Slim by plugging the 3.5mm jack into the DualSense controller, and it worked like a charm.

Exceptional studio-grade in-game sound

The Sony Inzone H6 Air is an exceptional headset offering detailed, crystal clear sound quality, regardless of the video game genre you’re playing. The headset utilizes 40mm Open-Back Dynamic drivers. You’ll also find these drivers in the Sony MDR-MV1 studio monitoring headphones, but for the H6 Air Sony has re-tuned them for gaming with enhanced bass, and they’ve given me nothing to complain about.

The H6 Air covers a frequency response range of 10Hz-20,000Hz, which is standard for the best gaming headsets, covering from the highest frequencies down to deep bass tones. I was able to hear every soft footstep and every loud explosion with the utmost clarity, and it made for an immersive gaming experience. To test the headset, I played Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Cyberpunk 2077, and Control.

Cyberpunk 2077

In Cyberpunk 2077, I found infiltrating enemy bases stealthily a walk in the park as I could hear NPCs clearly behind closed doors. I could pinpoint their movements exactly, and I made a mental note of their patterns so that I could quietly open the door, take them out, and continue my approach.

This doesn’t mean the bass takes a backseat. Cyberpunk 2077 features a busy, techno soundtrack that often kicks in when you’re fighting an enemy or executing a stealthy takedown. I found the tonal separation to be fantastic, and the soundtrack never once sounded muddy. Even with the soundtrack at its peak, I could still hear enemies flanking me in close quarters combat, which helped me determine the direction of my attack.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

I also loved the emphasis on sharp audio cues in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which helped me time my parries perfectly in battles. The treble never sounded overzealous or like it cut through the rest of the soundscape. On the contrary, every aspect of the soundstage was perfectly balanced. I could still appreciate the bass-heavy orchestra soundtracking my battles, while appreciating the sound of my magical and physical attacks landing.

Roaming the vast open world in Expedition 33 was thoroughly enjoyable too. The gloomy yet vibrant atmosphere of the game was conveyed well through the H6 Air. The transition between my character walking on concrete and then scattered petals was loud and clear as I could hear the soft crunch of the petals.

Control

In a similar vein, the spooky atmosphere in Control was exaggerated by the H6 Air, and it truly felt like I was walking through a derelict, haunted building. Hissing noises in the hallways, droplets trickling down walls, alien-like NPCs croaking, and the protagonist Jesse Faden’s shallow breathing after she’d just sprinted down the hall, all added to my immersion.

There are plenty of dialogue-heavy cutscenes in Control, and I was able to hear every word spoken with clarity. Words never bled into one another, and I love that the headset made it feel like I was there, with the characters. For instance, in a cavern, the characters’ voices echoed well, but not too much so that it felt unpleasant or like I couldn’t understand what they were saying. If it’s lifelike audio you’re after, the H6 Air should be your port of call.

Superb for music listening, too

Because the Sony Inzone H6 Air utilizes studio-grade drivers found in monitoring headphones, I had to listen to music to test the headset’s caliber — and I was not disappointed. The opening acoustic guitar in ‘Black Water’ by Poets of the Fall had startling clarity, and I could hear the zip of fingers sliding from note to note. When the other instruments kicked in, the headset never got overwhelmed. Sony’s 360 Spatial Sound made the vocals feel like they were swirling around my head rather than playing left or right.

The H6 Air’s drivers produce tight, accurate bass and clear, airy high frequencies, and this was apparent when listening to ‘First Light’ by Lana Del Rey. Although the track doesn’t have a pounding bassline, it provides a subtle backbone to the song, and the bass through the H6 Air sounded nice and airy. This, in turn, made the orchestral crescendo feel grand rather than simply loud.

The headset creates a great 3D effect with the secondary vocals in ‘First Light’ too. The "Will you? Will you?" whispers felt like they were positioned at different depths, and Lana’s primary vocals had the centerstage here. This made the Bond theme feel more immersive and cinematic.

Great mic quality

The Sony Inzone H6 Air utilizes a detachable cardioid boom mic. A cardioid mic is like a unidirectional one, with a heart-shaped polar pattern that is most sensitive to sound at the front, and least sensitive at the back. This type of mic is great for gaming headsets, as it ensures that the words coming out of your mouth are the only ones that are heard. While it won’t replace the best microphones for streamers, it’s still decent for a headset.

To test the H6 Air’s mic, I first recorded myself with nothing else playing in the background. As you can hear in the clip above, my voice sounds loud and clear. It also sounds textured and true to what I sound like without a microphone. Unlike the similarly priced SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 and the Fractal Design Scape, my voice doesn’t sound tinny or unpleasant, and there’s no clipping either.

I then played an episode of Veep in the background, at approximately 50% volume on my phone, to see if the H6 Air isolated my voice. In the clip above, you can hear some background noise (i.e. characters’ voices) but it doesn’t particularly overpower my voice. The plosives are still clear and my words aren’t bleeding into one another. Again, better performance than the other two headsets previously mentioned.

Sony Inzone H6 Air review: The downs

The only real issue with the Sony Inzone H6 Air is that the companion software is a little underwhelming.

Underwhelming companion software

To customize the Sony Inzone H6 Air, you’ll need to download Inzone Hub on your Windows laptop. There’s no software available on macOS, Android or iOS, so you’ll be left feeling shortchanged if you don’t have a Windows laptop to hand. While Inzone Hub is easy to use, there isn’t much you can do in terms of customization on the H6 Air.

You’ll need to plug in the H6 Air using the included USB-C Audio Box to customize the headset, and once you’ve adjusted the settings, they’ll be saved to the Audio Box so that you can use them across consoles. Within Inzone Hub, you can customize the 10-band equalizer, adjust the sidetone, and enable spatial sound. There’s also the option to boost the bass or toggle an FPS profile, but I found the former to be overpowering and the latter didn’t really make much difference, as the H6 Air’s already tuned to give you an advantage in competitive gaming.

Wired cans in general don’t usually have companion apps, or when they do, there isn’t much there in terms of personalization. If you want extensive customization, you might want to consider a wireless headset, like the Fractal Design Scape or the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2.

A little on the pricey side

The Sony Inzone H6 Air is a capable and competent gaming headset, and one of the finest I’ve ever tested. It’s a little on the pricey side but before you start panicking, trust me, this headset is worth the premium. The H6 Air retails for $199 / £179 at Amazon and, at the time of writing, hasn’t received any major discounts yet (as it just came out in April 2026).

But a great thing about the H6 Air is that it doesn’t feel like an overpriced headset. A ridiculously comfortable and lightweight design, studio-grade sound quality and multi-platform compatibility make it worth paying full price for — unlike the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 which we thought was $25-$50 overpriced. And hey, the H6 Air is cheaper than the Asus ROG Kithara open-backs, which costs a whopping $299.

Sony Inzone H6 Air review: Verdict

“Are open-back headphones good for gaming?” The Sony Inzone H6 Air certainly proves they are. Sony’s first open-back gaming headset is simply outstanding. Packing 40mm studio-grade drivers, the headset delivers well-rounded, fine-tuned sound in video games and music. You feel like you’re the main character. If, like me, you love spending your weekend gaming away, you’ll be pleased to know that the H6 Air is extremely comfortable and fit for the job.

Would I change anything about the H6 Air? The software could certainly use a bit more oomph, but as I mentioned earlier, that isn’t a dealbreaker. If you want powerful sound quality with exceptional bass, treble and mids, there’s no reason to not get the H6 Air. This headset has quickly become one of the best products I’ve tested so far, and I’m now hesitant to go back to wireless cans.

The Steam Controller is almost here, and I couldn’t be more excited. The first wave of Steam Controller reviews began circulating today (May 27), and they’re almost universally positive. I was already on board when Valve announced the controller and the Steam Machine, but after reading some reviews, I’m even more eager to get hands-on with this peripheral.

This isn’t the same Steam Controller from 11 years ago. It features a brand-new, more ergonomic design. Standout features include TMR thumbsticks, large touchpads, and a unique USB dongle that also serves as a charger. Though the controller looks large and unwieldy, reviewers say it feels extremely comfortable.

I’ll have a full review once I’ve had some hands-on time with the Steam Controller. For now, here are the three main reasons I’m excited to try it.

TMR thumbsticks

Hall Effect magnetic sticks and buttons have been all the rage for gaming controllers in recent years, but Valve has taken the next step by using more advanced TMR technology. In short, these sticks should be even less prone to stick drift because they use magnetic sensing with no physical contact, unlike traditional analog sticks. This should, in theory, keep the sticks performing like new for many years.

The Scuf Valor Pro controller I reviewed also features TMR sticks, which I find extremely smooth and responsive. Given that the Steam Controller uses the same technology, I’m expecting a similar experience. Thankfully, virtually all reviews I’ve seen say the sticks are great to use and extremely responsive.

I’ll need to test the controller’s thumbsticks for myself to see if they’re up to snuff, but I have faith they’ll be as great as I imagine. This alone could make the relatively steep $99 asking price more than worth it—but there are other features I’m excited about as well.

Customization

Since it’s designed for PC gaming, the Steam Controller is highly customizable and reprogrammable, so you can adjust it for whatever game you’re playing.

You can remap every digital control to virtually any PC input, such as keystrokes, gamepad buttons, mouse clicks, or more. Reviewers say that sensitivities for analog sticks, triggers, touchpads, and gyro are also adjustable. For instance, triggers support separate actions for half-pull and full-pull, allowing for more in-game actions.

Some reviewers say that programming the controller can be daunting because there are so many customization options. Given the numerous inputs, I’m inclined to believe this.

I’m eager to dive into the Steam software configurator to explore all the customization options. If said options are as robust as reviewers claim, it’s understandable why so many of them now consider this the perfect PC gaming controller.

Battery life and charging

Valve claims the Steam Controller can last 35+ hours on a single charge. Reviewers who tested the controller said this claim isn’t just boasting, as none of them had the controller run out of power even during extended sessions. Considering how the PS5 DualSense lasts eight hours if you’re lucky, over 35 hours of endurance would be incredible.

Charging the controller is interesting because it’s done via the included “Steam Controller Puck.” This is a small 2.4GHz USB dongle that doubles as a magnetic charging dock and snaps onto pins on the back of the controller. The puck connects to your PC or Steam Deck via a 5-foot USB cable. Before you ask, the cable connects to the puck via a USB-C port, in case you want to use a different length cable. Additionally, there’s a standard USB-C port on top of the controller if you want to charge it that way.

The only concern I have is that the puck reportedly connects only one way and can be finicky on some desks. Bluetooth is supported as a backup, but it’s not recommended for the best performance, as Gizmodo notes. This, like everything else, is something I’ll need to experience firsthand to see how it works.

Outlook

With most reviewers saying the Steam Controller is now their preferred way to play PC games, I’m very stoked to try it for myself. The original Steam Controller was unconventional and polarizing, so it’s good to see the company release a controller that has received so much universal praise.

Stay tuned for more updates on the Steam Controller, and let us know in the comments if this is a peripheral you’re interested in.

More from Tom's Guide

• Steam Machine pricing may have just leaked by retailer
• Steam Machine delayed
• I might ditch my gaming PC for the Steam Machine

The first reviews of the Steam Controller have gone live. This peripheral is effectively a redesign of the original Steam Controller from over a decade ago, and is meant to complement the upcoming Steam Machine. It’s also compatible with PC, and of course, Valve’s own Steam Deck.

As we reported over the weekend, an industry insider named Brad Lynch on X found evidence of a "Steam Controller Unboxing" video that was uploaded to SteamDB. Soon after, reports of a potential Steam Controller price leak circulated online, suggesting the peripheral would cost $99. Given how reviews have gone live, it seems some folks spilled the beans prematurely.

The Steam Controller features TMR thumbsticks, rumble support, capacitive touch, and gyro controls. Like most controllers, it has four face buttons, four shoulder buttons, and the aforementioned pair of thumbsticks. Unique inputs include the large touchpads beneath the thumbsticks and four back buttons.

We’ll have our review of the Steam Controller soon. For now, here’s what tech reviewers are saying about Valve’s new peripheral.

What are reviewers saying about the Steam Controller?

Steam Controller reviews are largely positive, with many sites and YouTube channels saying this is now their favorite PC game controller. That’s high praise, especially considering how controversial the original Steam Controller was.

TechRadar’s Matt Hanson says the Steam Controller is “a massive improvement over the flawed original, offering some great innovations while also coming with a more conventional — and user-friendly —design.”

This is a sentiment that PCMag’s Will Greenwald shares, saying that the controller is “fundamentally better in every way thanks to a deep feature set, terrific feel, and customizable controls like those on the Steam Deck.”

“I’ve spent so much time with Valve’s second attempt at its Steam Controller that I can’t imagine playing my PC games with anything else,” says Polygon’s Giovanni Colantonio. Similarly, IGN’s Bo Moore said it was his “favorite controller for PC gaming.”

So what do reviewers love about the Steam Controller? Matt Hanson says the more conventional design is a major factor. “This makes it much easier to get to grips with if you’re used to other gamepads.” Gizmodo’s Kyle Barr echoes this sentiment, saying that the “new Steam Controller feels far more natural for anybody used to a PS5 DualSense-like design.”

The new thumbsticks also won over reviewers, thanks to TMR technology for improved performance. Not only does this lead to quicker actions, but it also allows them to glide smoothly.

“The new thumbsticks are no slouches, either, thanks to tunneling magneto-resistance (TMR) technology, which is the tech of choice for most premium gamepads. This uses small magnets to measure even the smallest of movements, which improves precision, and excels in genres such as shooters and racing games, where even the smallest of movements need to be accurately recorded and reflected in-game,” says Matt Hanson.

Kyle Barr says that the Steam Controller’s “joysticks have the right amount of resistance to add a tactile feel to your movements.”

One sticking point is the controller’s price of $99. While that’s certainly less than many “pro” controllers like the PS5 DualSense Edge, it’s still $20-$30 more expensive than standard PS5 or Xbox controllers. However, given its features, most reviewers say the price is justified. “But considering everything it does,” says Will Greenwald, “the Steam Controller is a worthwhile purchase if you mostly play games on Steam.”

Right now, it seems like the Steam Controller is a hit among reviewers, and I’m certainly eager to go hands-on with it myself. I’m curious how the gaming community will view Valve’s latest peripherals. It won’t be long to get that answer, as the Steam Controller is set to launch on May 4.

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• I might ditch my gaming PC for the Steam Machine
• Steam Machine delayed

The Secretlab Magnus Evo is a dual-motor, electric standing desk that offers many of the "Pro" features of its predecessor at a more approachable price. Starting at $749 without accessories, it’s still a serious investment, but its sleek, less "gamer-focused" aesthetic allows it to work just as well in a professional home office as it does in a game room.

The most significant departure from the Secretlab Magnus Pro — which I consider one of the best gaming desks overall — is the desktop itself. Instead of an all-metal surface, the Evo features a two-tone top with a soft-touch, ultra-matte laminate finish. Additionally, while the Pro integrates a massive full-length cable tray into its frame, the Evo uses a smaller version that attaches to the underside. More importantly, the Evo retains a full-length metal edge at the back along with its metal legs and frame, which makes it compatible with Secretlab’s existing ecosystem of magnetic cable management accessories.

After using the Magnus Evo daily for the past six months, I’m impressed by how well it holds its own. You do lose the premium 3-stage legs and the ability to quickly transform the look of the entire desk with one of Secretlab’s magnetic MagPad desk mats, but the overall experience remains quite premium. However, there are a few downsides: the optional accessories add up quickly, and while that matte finish feels great, it is noticeably prone to micro-scratches.

My Secretlab Magnus Evo review will help you decide if this is the best standing desk for your setup, or if you’re better off with a simpler desk and putting that extra cash toward your gaming PC.

Secretlab Magnus Evo: Cheat Sheet

• What is it? An electric, sit/stand desk with a focus on cable management and magnetic accessories.
• Who is it for? It’s targeted at gamers but subdued enough to make it a good fit for anyone working from home that wants a high-tech standing desk.
• What does it cost? The Secretlab Magnus Evo costs $749 while the larger Secretlab Magnus Evo XL costs $849.
• What do we like? The simple and straightforward assembly process, the included cable management tray, the metal strip at the back of the desk for magnetic accessories and the integrated power supply column.
• What don’t we like? That its soft-touch ultra matte laminate finish is prone to scratches, how you’re limited to low-profile monitor arms and that the optional accessories can get expensive.

Secretlab Magnus Evo: Specs

Secretlab Magnus Evo: The ups

As the more affordable follow-up to its Pro predecessor, the Secretlab Magnus Evo manages to hold its own with a powerful yet quiet dual-motor system and strategic metal placement for the company’s full line of magnetic accessories. However, it’s the sleek, two-tone design and a more flexible, straightforward assembly process that really make this desk shine.

Pre-wired assembly

Much to my surprise, the Magnus Evo arrived in one large brown box. Normally, standing desks come in two — with a separate box for the legs and one for the desktop. Everything was extremely well-packaged with plenty of foam to protect all the pieces too. The reason everything fits in one box is due to the fact that Secretlab does a lot of the heavy lifting for you.

With everything unpacked, I was left with the center portion of the desktop, a pair of desk extensions, two legs and feet, and all of the hardware needed to put the Magnus Evo together.

After bolting the two extensions onto either side of the desktop, the rest of the build process was quite straightforward. This is because the Magnus Evo is largely pre-wired; the electrical control box is already mounted to the underside of the center panel. Since the motors are housed directly inside the leg columns, you don't have to worry about mounting them yourself. Instead, you simply plug the legs into the pre-installed control box and you're good to go.

One thing you do have to take into consideration is which side of the desk you want the integrated power supply column on. With the Magnus Pro, you only had one option: the left side of the desk. By giving you the choice between the left or the right leg for the power passthrough, the Magnus Evo is actually a lot more versatile.

From there, I installed the legs and attached their feet at the bottom using the included bolts and the specialized magnetic screwdriver. Of all the standing desks I’ve built, the Magnus Evo has been one of the easiest to assemble. In fact, I’d go as far to say that it’s as easy to put together as the Vari Electric Standing Desk which I consider the gold standard.

With the Magnus Evo built, all that was left was to flip it over and plug it in. Fortunately, Secretlab makes that even easier than with other electric standing desks.

Power where you need it

After setting up most standing desks, you usually end up with a messy power cable or a surge protector cord hanging down right from the middle of the frame. Secretlab solved this problem for good by integrating a power supply column directly into one of the legs of the Magnus Evo.

During assembly, you can choose to have this integrated power supply column on either the left or right side of the desk. Since I have a power outlet on the right side, I opted to use the right leg for this.

While the Magnus Pro’s recessed port looks a bit cleaner, the Magnus Evo uses a short, wired power inlet that makes positioning the cable slightly more versatile and helps keep costs down. Just be sure to keep any pets away from this cord; because since it’s hard-wired into the desk's internal electronics, you’d likely have to replace the entire leg if the inlet gets damaged.

Then, at the top of your preferred desk leg on the inside of the frame, you have a standard 3-prong power port. I plugged one of the best surge protectors into it and used one of Secretlab’s optional magnetic cable anchors to remove any slack and keep the cord neatly tucked away.

What I really like about Secretlab’s approach to powering the Magnus Evo — and everything plugged in at your desk for that matter — is that you don’t have to worry about your power strip’s cable getting caught or unplugged when moving the desk up and down. It’s a convenient little extra that helps justify the Magnus Evo’s higher price compared to other electric standing desks.

Not without my magnets

The Magnus Pro, with its all-metal desktop, was purpose-built for magnetic accessories, but Secretlab also managed to incorporate this functionality into the Magnus Evo. Instead of being made from soft-touch laminate, the entire rear edge of the desk is made from metal. This means you can use Secretlab’s magnetic cable anchors to hold your gaming PC’s cables in place at the back of the desk. This is also great if you want to have a permanent charging cable at your desk without it falling behind.

Given that the Magnus Evo also has metal legs and a metal frame, you can use magnetic accessories in both of these places, too. I particularly like Secretlab’s long metal cable sheaths for running an Ethernet cable from one of the best Wi-Fi 7 routers up from the floor and into the back of my PC.

At $55 for the standard cable management bundle or $74 for the extra-long version, these optional accessories aren’t cheap — but more on that later. Since you’re dealing with a metal rear edge, legs, and frame, you aren’t limited to Secretlab’s accessories. Anything with a strong enough magnet will do. For instance, I picked up these smaller magnetic cord holders online for just $15. They come in silver, so you may want to paint them to match the desk, but I used them on the backside of the Magnus Evo where they were completely out of sight.

Even if you don’t opt for Secretlab’s premium accessories, the included cable management tray also makes use of magnets. It bolts onto the back of the desk and uses a hinged design with magnets at the top, allowing you to quickly drop it open and securely snap it shut when plugging in a new device.

With the Magnus Evo built and plugged into the wall, it was finally time to set it up and start using it.

Sleek, solid and smooth

Despite being less expensive than its predecessor, the Magnus Evo immediately has a premium look to it thanks to its soft-touch matte laminate finish and two tone design. While I wish there were other color options besides black, knowing Secretlab, I can almost guarantee they’ll release a white version later on like they did with the Magnus Pro.

After assembling the Magnus Evo, I first tried it out with a more traditional single monitor setup with a small soundbar underneath my display. Then on the right, I powered everything using the Framework Desktop. As I had recently set up my first NAS, I spent a lot of time sitting at the Magnus Evo uploading old pictures and videos to it.

Whether sitting or standing, everything worked really well and felt very stable at either height. Although the Magnus Evo has just three programmable height preset buttons on the front, one thing I really like about its controls is that they’re built into the desk instead of attached underneath it. Likewise, the toggle on the far right lets you lock the desk’s controls but it also turns off the LED lights that show you the desk’s current height. This is great if you have small children like I do or just don’t want to have another LED display shining in your room at night.

From there, I moved the Magnus Evo over to the other side of my game room and put together a more complicated dual-monitor setup. I used Secretlab’s dual monitor arm to do so and to hide my PC, I used its under-desk PC mount. Now it’s designed for one of the best gaming PCs which are larger and bulkier. However, with a bit of jerry-rigging I managed to mount one of the best mini PCs — the vertically-oriented Atomman G7 Ti — there while using Secretlab’s magnetic headphone hanger to hold it in place. Unconventional I know but I really wanted to free up some much needed desk space while still having a dual-monitor setup.

Thanks to its powerful dual motors, the Magnus Evo is able to adjust from my preferred sitting to standing position in just over 10 seconds both ways. It’s also fairly quiet while doing so without the extra whirring you might hear from a single-motor electric standing desk. When coming down, it stayed between 45-47 dB on my sound meter which lines up with Secretlab’s under 50 db claim. However, when raising up, the Magnus Evo got as loud as 57 dB which is slightly over this. Still, adjusting this desk’s height isn’t going to be distracting for yourself or anyone else in the same room as you.

Even though I tested out the smaller, 60-inch wide, standard Magnus Evo, I still had plenty of room for my dual-monitor set up. I’ve used this desk setup for both work and play since the end of January and it’s been great. However, not being able to snap one of Secretlab’s MagPad desk mats on its desktop has led to some unforeseen consequences.

Secretlab Magnus Evo: The downs

The Secretlab Magnus Evo retains many of the best features of its predecessor at a more affordable price point. However, it’s not without its downsides, namely its more delicate desktop and the feeling of being locked into Secretlab’s premium ecosystem of accessories.

A desk mat isn’t optional

Though I’ve often used a desk mat in the past to protect the surface of my desk and to help reduce extra noise from typing on one of the best mechanical keyboards, I chose not to with the Magnus Evo. I did so for two reasons: I didn't want to cover the desk's beautiful finish, and I really liked how its soft-touch laminate felt under my forearms.

Unfortunately, when I moved the desk across my game room after a few weeks of use, I noticed small micro-scratches underneath where my keyboard had been. They aren't very noticeable from afar, but if you look closely, they stand out like a dead pixel on one of the best monitors. It's still very usable, but it is annoying when you’ve paid over $500 for a premium desk.

Secretlab’s MagPad desk mats are an elegant (if expensive) solution for the Magnus Pro, as they magnetically snap into place and cover the surface from end to end. However, because the center of the Magnus Evo's desktop isn't metal, they aren’t compatible. This means you’ll have to turn to a third-party desk mat if you want to keep the laminate surface looking pristine.

On a solid wood desk like the Oakywood Standing Desk Pro, you could simply buff or sand out surface-level imperfections. That isn't an option here. To its credit, the Magnus Evo’s laminate is very easy to wipe down, but it is far more susceptible to permanent wear than its more expensive, all-metal sibling.

Accessorizing at a premium

I’ve hinted at it throughout this review, but Secretlab’s ecosystem of first-party accessories isn’t cheap. For instance, the dual-monitor arm I’m using here costs $249, which is more than you’ll pay for most of the best monitor arms. The same holds true for its cable management accessories and under-desk PC mount.

With monitor arms in particular, it might be worth spending extra on one of Secretlab’s due to the Magnus Evo’s design. Since the cable management tray is right up against the back of the desk and you don’t have the option to position it elsewhere, if you’re clamping a monitor arm right at the center, it needs to be a low-profile one. If it isn’t, you’re going to have a much harder time turning the knob for its clamp. Depending on which third-party monitor arm you choose, this might not even be possible.

Although I used Secretlab’s dual monitor arm in this desk setup, I did manage to clamp a third-party accessory to the back of the Magnus Evo. Since I wanted my webcam in the center of the desk, I used a camera desk mount from SmallRig to put it between my two monitors. This took quite a bit of back and forth, given there’s not a lot of clearance between the desktop and the cable management tray, but I eventually got it to work.

Just like with one of the best iPhones, if you do pick up a Magnus Evo or even a Magnus Pro, prepare to set aside some extra cash for a few of Secretlab’s first-party accessories.

Secretlab Magnus Evo: Verdict

The Secretlab Magnus Evo is a sleek and impressive electric standing desk. Thanks to its more subdued design, it works just as well for your battlestation as it does for a dedicated work-from-home setup. The Magnus Evo is more affordable than its predecessor, yet Secretlab still managed to retain many of the best features of the Magnus Pro, like its integrated power supply column and support for magnetic accessories.

While I wish the Magnus Evo’s soft-touch laminate desktop was slightly more resilient, it does feel and look great. Likewise, since the cable management tray is a standalone unit rather than being integrated across the entire frame, you get a bit more freedom when it comes to using third-party accessories, which can be clamped more easily onto the left or right sides of the rear edge.

If you’re looking for a gaming desk that gives you the freedom to play while sitting or standing, the Magnus Evo is an excellent choice. It may not have the built-in storage of Corsair’s Platform 4 Elevate but it does have a more premium look and feel to it.

We're still waiting for a lot of info about the Steam Controller, but we may have just learned how much Valve's new peripheral could cost — and based on this potential price leak, if you're planning to pick one up, I'd start saving now.

Today (April 25), reports of a potential Steam Controller price leak circulated online, and if they're correct, it sounds like Valve's new hardware won't be cheap. If the leak is true, Valve's new Steam Controller could set you back $99 at launch.

I say "could" because this potential Steam Controller price reveal comes from a relatively unknown source. It was reported in a video review of the gaming peripheral that briefly appeared online (as reported by Vice).

Users on the Steam Controller Reddit have preserved a screenshot and reuploaded the full video online, and some have shared their concerns about the price (though users remain divided on whether the price leak is even real or not).

If the price they quote is correct, that would mean a Steam Controller will cost the same as a new set of Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Cons, and it'll be $25 more expensive than the PlayStation 5 DualSense controller.

Steam Controller launch seems imminent

Whether this Steam Controller leak is true or not, it nevertheless seems like we're due to get more info about Valve's new pad soon. Just yesterday (April 24), we learned that the company had uploaded a "secret" Steam Controller unboxing video online.

That news came from industry insider Brad Lynch. On X, Lynch shared that he'd found evidence that an unwatchable "Steam Controller Unboxing" video had been uploaded on SteamDB.

The video is set to private, but it nevertheless serves as an indicator that Valve is poised to reveal more about the Steam Controller soon.

Given Lynch shared his findings not long after Komodo Station — the Japanese storefront for Steam hardware — uploaded assets (which you can still view on the Internet Archive), all signs seem to point to an impending Steam Controller release.

And seeing as we still don't have a confirmed price point, precise specs or a Steam Controller release date, there's still more we need to learn about the new device. We'll just have to keep an eye on the Steam Hardware News Hub in the hope that Valve shares more details soon.

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Valve's Steam Machine may be taking its sweet time to arrive, but at least the company could be about to show off its new controller. According to a leak posted by industry insider Brad Lynch on X earlier this week, the Steam Controller could arrive any day now.

Lynch found evidence of a "Steam Controller Unboxing" video that was uploaded to SteamDB. It's set to private and can't be watched, but it serves as a good indication that the updated version of the controller is ready for primetime.

Separately, Lynch says he's seen shipping documents that suggest Valve has received its first large batch of the new controllers.

The Steam Controller was announced alongside the Steam Machine in 2025, but details have been very thin on the ground since then. While we expect it to be packaged with Steam Machine when it (eventually) launches, the controller is also going to be sold separately.

There's no reason why Valve has to release them at the same time; the company could easily decide to launch the peripheral first.

Assets appear on Steam's Japan storefront

Adding fuel to this fire came when Komodo Station — the Japanese storefront for Steam hardware — uploaded all the assets for the controller this week, before hastily pulling them down again. A trip to the Internet Archive will still let you see them, and since Komodo Station has a track record of following Valve's global sales schedule, the signs are good.

While we know Valve is also prepping the Steam Machine and the Steam Frame for launch, neither of those assets appeared on the storefront.

Of course, anyone that's following the Steam situation as it unfolds will know about the crushing impact of the current RAM crisis. Valve has already delayed the Steam Machine to "revisit" the cost of the device, but all these signs point to a new controller being the first product out the door.

There's still so much we don't know about the peripheral: pricing, release date, specs and feature updates — but hopefully it won't be a long wait before we find out.

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For most of the past seven years, I’ve been sitting on a $50 office chair I bought just a few months after graduating from college. Even as somebody who typically refuses to replace household items until they’ve reached a breaking point, its lifespan had stretched ludicrously far. And trust me, it was really showing its age with a worn-out, torn (fake) leather seat.

So, when I was given the chance to switch to the ThunderX3 Solo 360, I quickly found out it's a lot more than just a gaming chair. Within just a few days of use, my overriding feeling was that I probably should have made this change several years ago.

It would perhaps be an exaggeration to say it’s revolutionized my home setup, but my comfort levels have certainly shot up, and my back in particular has never been happier. The TX3 Solo 360 Gaming Chair is currently on sale for £139 (was £189) at Overclockers (or for U.S. readers, it’s available for $249 at Amazon). Here’s why I believe it’s a smart seating investment.

TX3 Solo 360 is a great chair choice, even for non-gamers

When you hear the term “gaming chair,” you might first think of a rather garish piece of furniture, but the TX3 Solo 360 comes in subtler shades. Available in light or dark grey, or a simple black, it’s a chair that doesn’t scream “manchild,” and that’s perfect for me. The collection of gaming figures and statues lining my office shelves already makes my inherent nerdiness very clear; I don’t need that message further reinforced by my desk chair.

While other gaming chairs I’ve tried in the past offer dedicated lumbar-support cushions and neck pillows, the TX3 Solo 360 dispenses with these. The fabric-upholstery seat, in a standard scoop shape, offers all the support my back has needed with firm foam padding that’s comfy, even after multi-hour sessions. There are six degrees of adjustment, and it takes just seconds to “lock” the chair into position once you’ve found the settings right for you.

One of the most highlighted features of the TX3 Solo 360 is the “3D x 360” armrests. Essentially, the armrests can be rotated a full 360 degrees. This gives you plenty of flexibility in how you wish to position them. Unfortunately, these are also my biggest (and only real noteworthy) pain points with this chair. The arm rests sit extremely high in their default position, and can only be adjusted higher still. They do fit under my desk, fortunately, but I’d have liked the ability to lower them for the times I’d like to rest my arms below my chest.

Another feature is a fabric pocket on the backrest. Retail listings note it “can be used to store your essential peripherals (or snacks!),” but frankly, I’ve found it functionally useless. It sits extremely tight against the chair, so unless you’re cool with your peripherals and/or snacks being squished, I’m not sure you’ll get much use from it. I guess you could store paperwork in the pocket?

Factor in the “car seat style headrest,” which, in layman’s terms, means a headrest connected via two metal stems and adjusted by gripping it firmly and pulling up or down, and that’s pretty much the TX3 Solo 360. It’s a chair that strips away a lot of the accoutrements found in higher-priced models on the market, such as a retractable footrest. However, these extras typically fall into the “nice to have” category, and I’ve not found myself wishing for them.

If you’re looking for an unassuming gaming chair that gets all the basics right, and can neatly fit into almost any office or games room setup, the TX3 Solo 360 is a smart choice. Plus, even after only a few weeks of use, I’m already confident I could spend seven years with this chair without feeling like an upgrade was overdue. It does the important job it sets out to do with ease.

Upgrading to the Nintendo Switch 2 finally let me play all of the best Nintendo Switch games in crisp 4K along with a ton of great new releases like Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza and Kirby Air Riders. However, there was just one problem: I now only had one dock.

Don’t get me wrong, playing the Switch 2 in handheld mode or even with a pair of AR glasses is fantastic. However, when possible, I like to play on a larger display, whether that be the TV in my game room or on my 32-inch monitor at my desk.

Over the original Switch’s lifespan, I ended up with several official docks from Nintendo and quite a few unofficial ones from Genki. Besides its absolutely tiny size, what I love about the Genki Covert Dock Mini is how I can play my Switch on a TV or monitor with just a single USB-C cable. Likewise, as it wasn’t one of the first unofficial Switch docks, I wasn’t worried about bricking my console when using it.

I’ve been waiting for almost a year now, but Genki finally released the latest version of its Covert Dock for the Switch 2. After using it for a month now, it’s certainly lived up to the hype as just like with the original, I can dock my Switch using a single cable. However, while testing it out, I realized it actually beats the official Nintendo Switch 2 Dock in one big way that makes it perfect for households with multiple Switch consoles and even PC handhelds like the Steam Deck.

Now with more power (and personality)

Right off the bat, Genki’s new Covert Dock 3 immediately stands out thanks to its atomic orange accents. It features a similar design to the company’s previous Covert Dock and unlike the Mini, you also get a USB-A port for connecting wired controllers, USB adapters and other accessories.

In the box, you get the dock itself along with a braided USB-C to USB-C cable. However, this new cable is rated for up to 65W of power output (as is the dock itself) whereas the previous one topped off at 45W. This is one of my favorite USB-C cables overall and I also like to use it when connecting a portable monitor to my laptop or PC too.

On the front of the Covert Dock 3, you have easy access to all of its ports. The USB-C one at the top is used for connecting your Switch 2, Asus ROG Xbox Ally X or any of the best handheld gaming consoles for that matter. At the same time, you can also connect your smartphone or your laptop which comes in handy when traveling, especially if you want to watch YouTube or Netflix on the TV in your hotel room from your own devices.

The HDMI 2.1 port underneath the USB-C one connects to your TV or monitor and like I mentioned, the USB-A port on the bottom is for connecting extra wired accessories or for 2.4 GHz USB dongles when you don’t want to use Bluetooth.

Then around back, the Covert Dock 3’s plug folds out to make the 2.4 x 1.7 x 1.3-inch dock even more compact. Another nice touch for international travelers is that Genki also sells a set of Covert Dock Global adapters that slide on in the back so you don’t have to worry about plugging the device into a separate universal travel adapter. With the Covert Dock 2, Genki included these adapters in the box but now they’re only available as an optional add-on for $10 which isn’t that expensive if you plan on using this dock abroad.

Finally, a one-cable Switch 2 dock that works

To get the Covert Dock 3 set up, I plugged it into the outlet under my TV, connected it to an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable and ran the included USB-C to USB-C cable up to my entertainment center. One other nice thing about that braided cable is that the end you plug into the dock is straight while the one you plug into your Switch 2 or other devices is angled to prevent any unnecessary strain on your device’s USB-C port.

With that done, I turned on my TV, booted up my Switch 2 and much to my surprise, everything worked on the first try. To test it out, I played a bit of the recently released Super Mario Galaxy as well as the new Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of Super Mario Bros. Wonder. When I checked my TV’s settings, my Switch 2 games were running in 4K at a smooth 60Hz with HDR enabled.

Now I’ve been meaning to upgrade to one of the best TVs with a higher refresh rate for a while now. Once I do though, on more powerful devices like a high-specced gaming laptop, the Lenovo Legion Go 2 or the ROG Xbox Ally X, you can actually push the Genki Covert Dock 3 all the way up to 4K at 120Hz. It also officially supports VRR or Variable Refresh Rate so you can enable AMD’s FreeSync or Nvidia’s G-Sync for incredibly smooth, tear-free gameplay.

As I’m the early adopter at home, I upgraded to the Switch 2 on launch day but my wife is still playing Animal Crossing: New Horizons on her original Switch. Previously, I had the official Switch 2 dock set up for myself and a Genki Covert Dock Mini set up alongside it for when she wanted to play her Switch on the big screen. Now though, I only need one dock for both Switch consoles because when I plugged my wife’s Switch into the Covert Dock 3, it worked perfectly.

A truly covert Switch 2 dock

Since I first set up my Switch 2 after picking one up at a midnight launch, I’ve been eagerly awaiting Genki’s next third-party dock. I did have to wait nine months to get my hands on it but it’s delivered and even exceeded my expectations thanks to the fact that it still works with the original Switch.

Unlike Nintendo’s official Switch 2 Dock which launched at $90 and recently went up in price to $124, the Genki Covert Dock 3 now looks like a steal at $69 without those optional global adapters. If you want to play on an iPad or even your laptop’s screen and be able to stream your game sessions, Genki also recently released its new ShadowCast 3 Pro capture card too.

One of my favorite things about the Switch and now the Switch 2 is being able to bring the console from room to room or even house to house and still be able to play on a larger display. I considered picking up a second official dock at launch just to do this but since I knew Genki definitely had a new dock in the works, I decided to wait and I’m glad I did.

While I haven’t travelled with it yet, I’m definitely packing my new Covert Dock 3 when we head out on our family trip this summer. From Computex in Taiwan to CES in Las Vegas, Genki’s previous docks have been a mainstay in my tech travel bag for years now. Here’s hoping Genki follows up this release with a new smaller and hopefully, slightly cheaper Covert Dock Mini 2 with Switch 2 support later on.

For now though, I plan to use the official Switch 2 Dock at my desk where I’m the only one playing and keep the Covert Dock 3 plugged in underneath my TV so both myself and my wife or anyone that stops by with a Steam Deck can play on the big screen with it too.

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I'm no stranger to weird or niche products. Weird: the other day, I dunked a $100 keyboard underwater and dropped soda on it because the brand claimed it was waterproof. Niche: I spent two weeks shooting exclusively in black-and-white on a monochrome camera. Yeah, I've seen my fair share of the good, the bad, the ugly, and the strange.

But none have been as niche in appeal as the Asus ROG Cetra Open Wireless, a pair of open earbuds designed specifically for gaming. Now, if you're familiar with open earbuds, you'll know that they're designed for people who want to remain aware of their surroundings while listening to music — so they're aimed at those who work out or run. Why do gamers who 99% of the time play indoors require open earbuds, then?

Unless you're playing Pokémon Go (if that's still a thing), I can't see many use cases for open earbuds designed for gaming. Sure, they're comfortable and don't exert pressure on your ear canals, but are poor bass and treble worth the trade-off? Having ditched my usual over-ear headphones for Cetra Open Wireless for a week, I'm conflicted and mostly unconvinced. Here's why.

Comfortable for hours

One of the biggest selling points of open earbuds is that they're extremely comfortable and they don't fall off your ears. This is also true in the case of the Asus ROG Cetra Open Wireless. Each earbud weighs 0.38oz and features an ear hook each that wraps over the top of your ear. Instead of sitting inside your ears like in-ear buds do, the speakers that house the drivers rest just outside your ear opening. You don't feel pressure in your ear canal this way, which helps prevent build-up of bacteria and sweat, and also ensures you're comfortable for hours.

I would certainly know, as I wore the Cetra Open Wireless for eight hours straight and didn't feel any discomfort at all. Another advantage of using open ears is that you can still hear everything happening around you. I never once missed the doorbell ringing and I could also have a conversation with my partner without having to remove the Cetra Open Wireless.

But while open ears are great for when you're outdoors, I'm not entirely sure they're a must-have for gamers who spend most of their time indoors. If you game and work out (not at the same time, of course), then it makes sense — you don't need to have two separate pairs. But if you want earbuds for gaming only, why wouldn't you just buy an over-ear headset, which is better in every regard when it comes to sound quality?

Underwhelming bass, overwhelming treble

The Asus ROG Cetra Open Wireless sound fantastic for all genres of games on paper. They're fitted with 14mm carbon-coated diaphragm drivers that cover a frequency response range of 20Hz to 20KHz — so the entirety of the human hearing spectrum. Their user-friendly companion app lets you make extensive adjustments to the equalizer too.

So what's wrong with them, in real-world use? Well, the bass is underwhelming and the treble is overwhelming, for starters, and those are two of the most important aspects of a soundstage that shouldn't be compromised on if you want a truly immersive gaming experience. What I mean by this is that loud explosions in combat sequences in, say, Control and Cyberpunk 2077, lack the oomph that makes it feel like you're engulfed in them.

The treble being overzealous, on the other hand, means that high pitched sounds cut through the soundscape. In my testing, the shrill sounds of bullets ricocheting against steel beams and walls cut through the rest of the soundstage, making it feel a little unpleasant. This, combined with the lackluster low frequencies, meant that the soundscape felt a bit too thin to me. My immersion couldn't be broken because I never felt immersed in the first place.

For the complete sound quality breakdown, read my full Asus ROG Cetra Open Wireless review.

Worth the premium?

So, with poor bass, subpar treble, and a niche appeal, are the Asus ROG Cetra Open Wireless worth the money? I'm not entirely convinced. They retail for a whopping $229 at Amazon, and when you can get some of the best headsets for the same money or even less, why would you buy them? If you want open earbuds specifically, then sure, as they're your only realistic option.

But if you aren't fussed about open earbuds — I personally hadn't even considered them for gaming until I tested the Cetra Open Wireless — there are so many options out there. Both the Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming Headset and the Asus ROG Delta II cost the same as the Cetra Open Wireless and are better in nearly every regard that counts. Then you've got the in-ear SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds that are $30 cheaper and, again, deliver simply phenomenal sound quality.

After having ditched my Razer BlackShark V3 Pro for the Cetra Open Wireless, I am convinced of one thing if nothing else: I'll be sticking with my Razer over-ears.

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• I just tested the world’s first open-ear wireless buds for gaming — here’s my verdict on the Asus ROG Cetra Open Wireless
• I tested Reddit’s favorite gaming headsets and there’s a clear winner (but not the one I expected)
• Best gaming headsets in 2026 — our expert picks

The best gaming headsets can make or break your immersion, and they should be comfortable enough that you can play all day long. Well, the Asus ROG Cetra Open Wireless do one of those things. At the time of writing, they’re the world’s first and only open earbuds designed for gaming, and thanks to their ear hook design, you can wear them all day long without breaking a sweat.

For stealth-based and dialogue-heavy games, the Cetra Open Wireless are almost perfect, as you can hear footsteps and spoken words loudly and clearly. They also pack good mic performance and long battery life. But are they worth nearly $230? I’m not entirely convinced, especially because they have a niche appeal and both the bass and treble performance proves poor.

To find out if these are right for you, read my full Asus ROG Cetra Open Wireless review.

Asus ROG Cetra Open Wireless review: Specs

Asus ROG Cetra Open Wireless review: Cheat sheet

• What is it? A pair of open-ear wireless earbuds designed specifically for gaming
• Who is it for? Anyone who wants to remain aware of their surroundings while playing
• How much does it cost? These are expensive buds, retailing for $229
• What do we like? The comfortable design, performance in stealth-based games, good mic, long battery life, and user-friendly software
• What don’t we like? The underwhelming bass, overzealous treble, niche appeal, and premium price

Asus ROG Cetra Open Wireless review: The ups

The Asus ROG Cetra Open Wireless are extremely comfortable and great for dialogue-heavy and stealth-based games. They boast long battery life too, and customization is easy via the user-friendly app.

All-day comfort

If you’re familiar with open earbuds, you’ll know that they’re preferred by runners and people who work out as, a) they help them remain aware of their surroundings, and b) they don’t fall off and are very comfortable. The Asus ROG Cetra Open Wireless are open earbuds designed for gaming, and boy are they comfy.

Each bud features an ear hook that wraps over the top of your ear, and the actual speaker housing the drivers rests just outside your ear opening. This means that, unlike in-ear earbuds, you don’t feel any pressure in your ear canal, enabling you to wear them all day long. I wore the Cetra Open Wireless for an eight-hour gaming session and never once felt like removing them.

This is also thanks to the earbuds’ light weight, as each weighs just 0.38oz. Though that’s a little heavier than, say, the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds (0.18oz, $199), the weight distribution is fantastic and my ears never felt like they were being weighed down. Oh, and the Cetra Open Wireless are lighter than the PlayStation Pulse Explore (0.48oz, $199) too.

Multi-platform compatibility

If you want a pair of gaming earbuds that’s compatible with nearly every console and smart device you own, the Asus ROG Cetra Open Wireless buds are for you. Thanks to Bluetooth and a 2.4GHz dongle, they’re compatible with PS5, Nintendo Switch 2 and Switch, Steam Deck, macOS, PC, iOS and Android.

The Cetra Open Wireless also feature simultaneous multipoint connectivity. With the 2.4GHz dongle plugged into my PS5 Slim, I paired the earbuds with my Google Pixel 10 Pro XL at the same time, and I was able to listen to music on my phone while playing games (hence the ‘simultaneous part, as standard multipoint would only allow you to do one at a time). Multipoint connectivity is something I desperately missed on the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds, while simultaneous multipoint is something we loved on the premium SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite ($599), so I’m really pleased the Cetra Open Wireless feature both.

Great for footsteps and dialogue

The Asus ROG Cetra Open Wireless are excellent earbuds if you play a lot of dialogue-heavy games or stealth-based games that require you to listen out for footsteps. They utilize 14mm carbon-coated diaphragm drivers to cover a frequency response range of 20Hz-20KHz — so the entire spectrum of human hearing. With the 2.4GHz dongle plugged into my PS5 Slim, I played a range of games, including Control, Cyberpunk 2077, and Baldur’s Gate 3.

Baldur’s Gate 3 is chock-full of dialogue: in-depth conversations with your party as well as idle chatter from NPCs. Through the Cetra Open Wireless, I could hear every single word loud and clear, as the soundstage’s mids packed plenty of detail and depth. Words never bled into one another, and I could also make out the emotion in certain character’s voices — as their voices quivered when they were upset or overwhelmed, for instance.

It was a similar case in Control, where I could feel Jesse Faden’s apprehension and anxieties in her voice as she traversed the shifting floors of the Oldest House. When NPCs in Control spoke devoid of any emotion to convey a sort of emptiness, I could feel that too, and even when there were multiple voices speaking at once, they never overlapped one another to the point that I couldn’t understand them.

For stealth-based gameplay, the Cetra Open Wireless are fantastic, as I found while playing Cyberpunk 2077. When I was infiltrating heavily guarded enemy bases, I could hear footsteps loudly and clearly. This helped me pinpoint exactly where NPCs were positioned so I could strategize accordingly and take them down without being noticed. I also appreciated being able to hear NPCs speaking with each other even when the techno, synthwave soundtrack was playing loudly, and it never once compromised my character.

One of the biggest advantages of using open earbuds is that you can still hear those around you, so I never once missed the doorbell, and I could still have conversations with my partner without having to remove the Cetra Open Wireless.

Decent mic performance

If you play online and need your friends or rivals to hear you loudly and clearly, you’ll be pleased to know that the Asus ROG Cetra Open Wireless boast good mic performance. The omnidirectional mics feature AI-powered noise canceling which means that only your voice is isolated and all background noise is cut out.

I tested the Cetra Open Wireless’ mic performance out in two ways. I first recorded myself speaking with nothing else playing in the background. As you can hear in the clip above, my voice sounds clear and textured.

I then recorded myself speaking with an episode of Schitt’s Creek playing in the background at 90% volume. In the clip above, the Cetra Open Wireless’ AI noise canceling mics do a good job of isolating my voice. While you can hear a little bit of the sitcom creeping in, it doesn’t overpower my voice.

User-friendly app

To customize the Asus ROG Cetra Open Wireless, you’ll need to download the Gear Link app on your Android or iOS smartphone. The app sports a clear interface and offers plenty of customization options. You can remap the touch gestures and commands, customize the equalizer or choose an EQ preset, make extensive adjustments to the colors and effects of the RGB lighting, and of course, update the firmware.

Gear Link is a delight to use, and reminds me of other apps I’ve used for earbuds designed for music. And truth be told, I’m just glad I don’t have to deal with Asus’ Armoury Crate bloatware, which is a pain to use but often required for tweaking the brand’s other gear.

Long battery life

Last but not least, the Asus ROG Cetra Open Wireless boast strong battery life. Asus says that the earbuds can last up to 16 hours before having to go back in their case, and the case provides an additional 32 hours of battery life — so 48 hours in total. Having used the earbuds for nearly 24 hours, I can confirm that they do indeed last for 16 hours. That’s amazing.

The Cetra Open Wireless’ rivals pale in comparison when it comes to battery life. The SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds are rated for 10 hours (30 hours with charging case) while the PlayStation Pulse Explore last a measly 5 hours (10 hours with charging case). Over-ear headphones, like the Asus ROG Delta II (110 hours, $229) and the Alienware Pro Wireless (70 hours, $229), naturally last longer as there’s more room for bigger battery packs, so the Cetra Open Wireless do well in that regard.

Asus ROG Cetra Open Wireless review: The downs

Alas, the Asus ROG Cetra Open Wireless aren’t perfect, as they’re designed for a niche audience, the bass is underwhelming while the treble is overwhelming, and they cost a premium.

Niche appeal

The Asus ROG Cetra Open Wireless earbuds clearly have a very niche market. They’re the world’s first open earbuds designed specifically for gaming. Most gamers, including myself, use either over-ear headphones or in-ear buds for gaming, like the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro ($249) or the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds. Who, exactly, are the Cetra Open Wireless for? The trade-offs are losing out on active or even passive noise cancellation and powerful bass (more on that shortly) — all the things that make your favorite games immersive and more enjoyable.

Open earbuds are usually meant for runners or gym goers who want to be aware of their surroundings or maintain some level of situational awareness so as not to get run over by a bike. You’re not going to be gaming when you’re walking, right? Unless you’re dabbling in some Pokémon Go, if that’s still relevant. I suppose if you’re a gamer and a runner, the Cetra Open Wireless negate the need for having two separate pairs of open-ears.

But at this price, it’s hard to recommend them outright purely for playing games indoors, especially when other headsets and earbuds offer better value for money.

Underwhelming bass and overzealous treble

While in-game dialogues and footsteps in the mid-range sound great through the Asus ROG Cetra Open Wireless, I’m not convinced by every other aspect of the soundstage. The earbuds deliver underwhelming bass and overzealous treble. I don’t know about you, but I love feeling a thump in my chest and ears whenever a loud explosion takes place in a video game, as it helps with my immersion, and in horror games too. Strip that away and you’ve got a soundstage that feels lackluster and hollow — that’s what the Cetra Open Wireless sound like to me.

Regardless of the game I played, I found the bass lacking while the treble felt way too emphasized. For instance, Control is a horror game that relies on low frequencies to ensure The Hiss sound terrifying, but the earbuds just didn’t pack the oomph needed to convey the terror. The creaking sounds of the Oldest House felt more clinical and less haunting, which for a horror game, isn’t good news.

Similarly, the soundstage felt devoid of any weight to it in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 too. A game in which every battle is soundtracked by powerful orchestral melodies suddenly felt thin and nowhere near as impactful. While the Cetra Open Wireless ensure that the mids are crisp, complex tracks sound tinny or muddy, and more fatiguing than epic. Also, the sound effects for counter-attacks and finishers are layered with heavy sub-bass distortion which I simply couldn’t appreciate through the Cetra Open Wireless.

Lastly, the treble. On the Cetra Open Wireless, the high-pitched sounds of bullets ricocheting off steel pillars in Cyberpunk 2077 felt too pronounced and like they were piercing through the soundstage. Combined with explosions not being very loud or bassy, it didn’t make for a very enjoyable experience.

Costs a premium

Another drawback of the Asus ROG Cetra Open Wireless is the price tag. These open earbuds cost a whopping $229 at Amazon, and is the price justified? I’m not entirely convinced. When you can get either equally as good or even better earbuds and headphones for the same price or less, the Cetra Open Wireless feel like an easy way to burn your hard-earned money.

Of course, if you want open earbuds specifically for gaming, this is realistically the only pair you can buy. But even so, they don’t provide the best sound quality, and in my opinion, it’s worth considering other over-ear headsets and in-ear buds. The Asus ROG Delta II ($229) and the Alienware Pro Wireless ($229) are my top picks for over-ears in this price range, while the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds ($199) are excellent in-ears.

Asus ROG Cetra Open Wireless review: Verdict

If you spend a lot of time playing first-person shooters and other stealth-based games, and need a pair of comfortable earbuds, then the Asus ROG Cetra Open Wireless are sure to please you. They’re extremely comfy, and they make footsteps sound detailed and textured. Good mic performance, long battery life, and easy customization make them a winner.

But is all of that worth $229? The Cetra Open Wireless will appeal to a niche audience, as there aren’t any other open gaming earbuds out there, at the time of writing. That’s not even the biggest drawback, though. Unfortunately, bass through these earbuds lacks the oomph you’d expect, and the treble cuts through the rest of the soundscape.

You can get better value for your money elsewhere, as long as you’re open to considering over-ear headsets or in-ear earbuds. Personally, I’ll be sticking with my headphones.

I love my PlayStation 5. It's one of the best things I've bought with my own money, and I've spent an ungodly amount of hours playing the likes of Baldur's Gate 3, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Alan Wake 2, and FIFA (sorry, EA Sports FC) on my PS5 Slim. While I take my Nintendo Switch 2 with me when I'm traveling, it just doesn't have the same, diverse game catalog that I like.

So, for a while now, I've been considering getting the PlayStation Portal — it was even sitting in my cart for a few days during the 2025 Black Friday sales. But truth be told, I'm not entirely convinced by the Portal because I've heard mixed reviews. Do I also want to pay nearly $200 for a remote player? Kinda but also no. Then it hit me: what if I just used the PS Remote Play app on my iPad and got a controller designed specifically for the iPad. Enter the Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL.

The Kishi V3 Pro XL is a beast — and I'm not just talking about its stature. It's fitted with powerful, highly responsive TMR thumbsticks, mouse-like clicky triggers and face buttons, and it features four additional remappable buttons too. Ergonomically designed and comfortable to hold all day long, it's an utter delight. Is it perfect? Nope. Do I still love it? Heck yes, and here's why.

Ergonomics galore!

There's no point in spending any amount of money on a controller if it isn't designed ergonomically and hinders you from being able to play all day. Thankfully, the Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL is an extremely comfortable gamepad, one that I've used for a six-hour long stint without feeling like my hands were cramping. That's thanks to the the controller's chunky grips, full-size thumbsticks and triggers, and offset sticks which, in my opinion, feel more ergonomic.

In terms of size, the Kishi V3 Pro XL's plate where the tablet sits measures measures 12.91 x 4.36 x 2.54 inches when the controller is outstretched. This means that it's big enough to accommodate even a 13-inch iPad Pro! It's a joy to handle too, and doesn't feel unwieldy even when a tablet is slotted in. Without one, it weighs 10.97oz. I used the controller with my iPad Air 10.9-inch which bumped the weight up 1.73lbs. Even so, I didn't find it uncomfortable to hold for long periods of time.

I can't tell you how much fun it is to game handheld on a screen that big. The PlayStation Portal's 8-inch screen is also good, no doubt about that, but I really like the iPad Air's bigger screen. It makes for quite an immersive gaming experience. Plug in your favorite gaming headset into the 3.5mm port on the right grip and you've got a winning combo.

So smooth, so powerful

There's a lot to love about the Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL's gaming performance. First of all, its thumbsticks are fitted with Tunnel Magneto Resistance (TMR) sensors, which are more responsive and longer-lasting than Hall Effect ones. They use weak electromagnetic waves which means that smaller adjustments and minute movements are picked up by the sensors, and the boost to accuracy in racing and FPS titles is certainly noticeable.

Then there's the Kishi V3 Pro XL's triggers, face buttons, two extra shoulder buttons and two back buttons, which are mouse-like to press. They feel like the ones you'll find on the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro. In fact, the Kishi V3 Pro XL feels like someone sliced the Wolverine V3 Pro down the middle and slotted a tablet in between the two grips. The performance is incredible, and I've had so much fun playing games like Cyberpunk 2077, Expedition 33, and Need for Speed Heat on this controller.

You can read all about the performance in my full review, of course, but in a few words, the Kishi V3 Pro XL gave me a competitive advantage in FPS and racing titles as I could tailor my movements down to a T, and all of my commands were promptly registered thanks to the 4,000Hz polling rate. I have no complaints in the performance department.

There's one problem though...

By now, I'm sure you know that I love the Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL. It's a fantastic iPad controller. But I'd be lying if I said it was perfect — after all, I gave it 4-stars in my Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL review. Unfortunately, the Kishi V3 Pro XL costs a premium, retailing for $199 / £164 at Amazon, which makes it the same price as a new PlayStation Portal. Of course, if you already own an iPad and want to game on it, the Kishi V3 Pro XL might be worth the investment.

But the lack of haptics and rumble makes it hard for me to recommend it to anyone who wants a truly immersive gaming experience. Having played games using the PS Remote Play app as well as the ones downloaded on my iPad, I instantly noticed the lack of rumble which came as a surprise to me, as Razer specifies "next-gen feedback" on the controller's product page. Here's the kicker: In very fine print, Razer notes that rumble doesn't work on iOS and iPadOS devices.

Now, this could be a limitation of iOS and iPadOS devices as, apparently, rumble should work fine with Android tablets. Or it could be a limitation of the PS Remote Play app. But does that stop me from feeling disappointed? Nope. Even so, not many controllers feature haptics, so can the Kishi V3 Pro XL really be chastised for it? I don't know. Is it a dealbreaker for me? Well, I'll happily use the Kishi V3 Pro XL until I eventually do get a PlayStation Portal, so we'll leave it at that.

More from Tom's Guide

• I’d given up on iPad gaming until I tried the Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL — now I don’t want to leave the house without it
• I already spend way too much time playing my PS5 — and this mobile controller just made things a whole lot worse
• I thought PlayStation Portal was pointless — here’s why I was wrong

I’ve owned an iPad since 2022, and I’ll be honest, I haven’t gotten much use out of it — until recently. I just tested the Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL that has turned my iPad into a gaming powerhouse and, honestly, has breathed new life into it. The Kishi V3 Pro XL is a powerful mobile gaming controller with fantastic TMR thumbsticks, four extra buttons, and clicky triggers, all packed into an ergonomic body.

Featuring full-sized triggers and thumbsticks as well as passthrough charging, this is the only controller you need if you’re a fan of on-the-go gaming. But is it perfect? Sadly not quite. The lack of rumble and haptics on Apple devices will make its premium price tag very difficult to stomach for iOS/iPadOS users.

To find out if this is the best mobile game controller for you, read my full Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL review.

Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL review: Specs

Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL review: Cheat sheet

• What is it? A gaming controller for iPads and USB-C tablets
• Who is it for? Anyone who enjoys gaming on the go and wants a comfortable controller
• How much does it cost? The Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL is available for $199 / £164
• What do we like? The ergonomic design, TMR thumbsticks, passthrough charging, and compatibility with many tablets
• What don’t we like? No rumble or haptics on iOS/iPadOS and the premium price tag

Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL review: The ups

From its ergonomic design and passthrough charging, to its powerful TMR thumbsticks and clicky triggers, the Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL is an absolute must-have accessory for iPad owners.

Extremely comfortable and ergonomic

I’ve tested and used my fair share of mobile and tablet gaming controllers. Some have been good; some have been bad; and a few have been peerless in the comfort department. The Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL falls into the third category as it’s one of the comfiest controllers I’ve used — despite its big footprint.

The Kishi V3 Pro XL’s plate where the tablet sits measures 12.91 x 4.36 x 2.54 inches when the controller is outstretched, enabling it to accommodate a 13-inch iPad Pro. Even so, it doesn’t feel unwieldy to handle. It weighs 10.97oz without a tablet inserted, and with my iPad Air 10.9-inch slotted in, the controller weighs 1.73lbs, and I haven’t found it too heavy to hold. Having used the controller for a six-hour straight gaming stint, my hands didn’t feel fatigued or like they were cramping from the controller’s design.

This is also partly due to the ergonomic, chunky grips which feel similar to the ones you’ll find on the likes of the Xbox Elite Wireless 2 ($179). In fact, the Kishi V3 Pro XL feels like what you’d get if you sliced a Razer Wolverine V3 Pro ($199) down the middle and slotted a tablet in between the two grips. That itself speaks volumes about the Kishi V3 Pro XL as the Wolverine V3 Pro is undoubtedly the best premium PC game controller on the market.

I love the full-sized thumbsticks and triggers too which, again, feel like the ones on the Wolverine V3 Pro. I’m a big fan of offset thumbsticks as they feel more ergonomic to me (and something I always miss on my PlayStation DualSense). All in all, the Kishi V3 Pro XL is an excellent, ergonomic controller designed for all-day play.

Compatible with many tablets

If you already own an iPad or an Android tablet, the Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL is the right choice for you. It’s compatible with the iPad Pro (11 and 13 inches), the iPad Air (11 and 13 inches), the standard iPad (10.9 inches), and USB-C Android tablets. You can connect it to your PC too, thanks to the included cable, and use it as a regular gamepad.

Included in the box are two sets of rubber bumpers for adjusting the controller to your device size, alongside two swappable thumbstick caps (one tall concave and one short convex). I found the rubber bumpers super easy to replace, and I’d recommend trying out the different sizes to ensure that your tablet fits snugly.

Powerful TMR sticks

The Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL boasts outstanding gaming performance, thanks to its TMR thumbsticks, mouse-like analog triggers, high polling rate, and more. I tested the controller with my iPad 10.9-inch, as I mentioned earlier, and played my favorite PS5 games via the PS Remote Play app. First, its polling rate can be set to either 1,000Hz or 4,000Hz, adjustable via the Razer Nexus companion app. Having tested both, I didn’t experience any latency issues or input lag.

Next, the TMR thumbsticks. Tunnel Magneto Resistance (TMR) sensors are superior to Hall Effect ones (which are also great in their own right), as they use weak electromagnetic waves rather than strong ones. This means that smaller adjustments and minute movements are picked up by the sensors, and the boost to accuracy in racing and FPS titles is certainly noticeable.

I tested this out by playing Need for Speed Heat, and I instantly noticed the performance difference between playing the game on my DualSense versus the Kishi V3 Pro XL. Thanks to the latter’s TMR sticks, I was able to not only maintain a straight line while driving, I could also go right up to the rear bumper of the car ahead of me and overtake right before making contact. This gave me a bit of a competitive advantage. I found the thumbsticks very comfortable too (I used the short convex caps), and thanks to how responsive they were, I was able to easily navigate down the winding mountain roads and turn tight corners.

I also appreciated being able to make minute adjustments in FPS titles, such as Cyberpunk 2077. With my sniper rifle pointed at a group of NPCs in the distance, I could move the right stick ever so slightly to choose the correct target, even though several of them were standing close together. It made me feel like I was in a James Bond movie, to be honest.

Mouse-like triggers and face buttons

Another thing I absolutely adore on the Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL is how the triggers and face buttons feel. The controller features analog triggers so while they aren’t as customizable as Hall Effect ones on the likes of the GameSir G8 Plus ($99), I’d be lying if I said they didn’t feel darn good to play with.

The triggers, along with the face buttons, two extra shoulder buttons and back buttons, feel mouse-like to press, similar to the ones on the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro. They’re extremely responsive and straight out of the box, they didn’t feel stiff at all. I jumped right into Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 to try them out. Each button and trigger press was instantaneously registered, and I appreciated the tactile feedback I got as well. I also found it handy that I didn’t need to press the buttons or triggers too hard for my commands to register. I was able to execute perfectly timed parries and dodges in Expedition 33, which helped me win crucial boss battles.

Drifting and braking in Need for Speed Heat was a walk in the park thanks to the triggers as well. They’re full-size which means that there’s plenty of room for your fingers to sit atop the longer R2 and L2 triggers. Again, I didn’t find it fatiguing to hold down L2 in drift challenges. I also appreciate the addition of four extra clicky buttons (two on top, two around the back). I remapped the M1 button on the back as the nitro (N2O) button so all I had to do was use my right middle finger to toggle it when I needed a speed boost, which freed up my thumb to remain on the right thumbstick.

User-friendly companion app

As I alluded to before, the Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL is accompanied by the Razer Nexus app which is free to download on iOS, iPadOS and Android. Razer Nexus sports a clean user interface and is your one-stop shop for all the games installed on your device, and for launching apps like PS Remote Play, Steam Link, and even emulators. It’s easy to navigate and there are no intrusive pop-ups that deter from the experience.

Razer Nexus is also your hub for customizing the Kishi V3 Pro XL. Within the app — which can be quickly accessed by hitting the Nexus button located under the right thumbstick — you can customize the four extra buttons, remap the others, adjust the TMR sticks’ deadzone, swap between analog and digital triggers, and adjust the controller’s polling rate. Simple enough to do, and thanks to native compatibility, you can even adjust a few of these settings from the iPad’s Settings menu too.

Passthrough charging

Last but certainly not least, the Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL features passthrough charging. It’s important to note that the controller doesn’t feature a built-in battery and is instead powered by your tablet, so passthrough charging is a must. This basically means that you can charge your iPad or Android tablet while it’s slotted into the Kishi V3 Pro XL. The USB-C port is located on the right grip.

Passthrough charging has quickly become a non-negotiable for me, and I hate it when a controller doesn’t feature it — the GameSir G8 Plus and the Scuf Nomad ($99), for instance. It’s also something we’ve seen on the Backbone Pro ($169) and the GameSir X5 Lite ($34) and, in all honesty, if Razer didn’t include passthrough charging at this price (more on that shortly) I would’ve been flabbergasted.

Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL review: The downs

Alas, the Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL isn’t perfect. There’s no rumble or haptics on Apple devices, and the price tag is a little difficult to stomach.

No rumble or haptics on Apple devices

One of the most disappointing things about the Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL, and perhaps a dealbreaker for some, is the fact that its rumble and haptics don’t work on iOS and iPadOS devices. You’d best believe it when I say that I let out the biggest sigh possible when I plugged in my iPad and there was no rumble in the games I played. Razer does state this on the official product page, but in small print that might get missed by most people as it’s accompanied by bold letters stating “Next-Gen Tactile Feedback” and “RAZER SENSA HD HAPTICS” in all caps.

This is a limitation confined to iOS and iPadOS (as the rumble works with Android tablets), but Apple added rumble support on iPadOS 15, so Razer isn’t off the hook here.

Even if it were an issue stemming from iPadOS or the PS Remote Play app, it would’ve been nice to have the incompatibility warning a little more prominent. I’ve seen many people complain about the lack of haptics on iPadOS on r/razerkishi and r/razer subreddits, and many have stated that they’ve ended up returning their Kishi V3 Pro XLs for this reason. I won’t lie, it’s certainly disappointing especially given that the controller is advertised as one designed for iPads.

But I’d also like to note that rumble and haptics aren’t found on that many mobile controllers. These are missing from the GameSir G8 Plus and the Backbone Pro, for instance, and are a limitation of iOS and iPadOS. I really can’t think of any other iPad controller that does feature haptics. This is a major pre-purchase consideration for you to chew over, and the only drawback of using the Kishi V3 Pro XL and other controllers with an iPhone or iPad. In the meantime, I’ve reached out to a Razer representative to get a clearer picture and understanding.

Costs a premium

While the Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL is an excellent iPad controller, there’s no sugarcoating the fact that it’s quite expensive. It retails for $199 / £164 at Amazon, making it the most expensive mobile controller I’ve tested so far (at the time of writing). This makes the Kishi V3 Pro XL as expensive as the PlayStation Portal ($199). The standard, smaller Kishi V3 Pro model designed for smartphones is a little cheaper at $149, but is the $50 price difference justified, especially when rivals like the GameSir G8 Plus ($99) are available for far less?

But the Kishi V3 Pro XL doesn’t have many other competitors. Most other controllers compatible with the iPad take the shape and form of your regular gamepad, like the PlayStation DualSense (which works just fine with the iPad). The biggest difference is, of course, the fact that you need to prop your iPad up on a table to use a standard gamepad, which you don’t need to do with the Kishi V3 Pro XL. It is, then, perhaps justified that the controller costs so much, but the fact that rumble and haptics don’t work as intended leaves a sour taste in my mouth.

Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL review: Verdict

Razer knows how to make a good gaming peripheral, and the Kishi V3 Pro XL is one of the best iPad accessories you can buy today, especially if you’re a gamer. The controller is ergonomically designed with full-size thumbsticks and triggers, making it perfect for all-day gaming. Passthrough charging also means that you don’t have to worry about your tablet running out of charge mid-gaming.

I love the TMR thumbsticks and mouse-like analog triggers and extra buttons. They’re all highly responsive in FPS, racing and RPG titles, and they can be customized via the user-friendly app too. But is all of this worth nearly $200, especially when there’s no haptics or rumble on Apple devices? Kinda. The Kishi V3 Pro XL has carved out a niche for itself, and if it’s an ergonomic iPad mobile game controller you need, it’s really the only one to get.

The Corsair Vanguard Pro 96 is a premium gaming keyboard from legendary gaming hardware manufacturer Corsair. It boasts a roster of today’s must-have gaming features — the two most notable being magnetic switches (and all their associated goodies, like adjustable actuation and Rapid Trigger) and 8K polling.

The Vanguard Pro has a number of virtues. It has the aforementioned gaming features under its belt, plus an LED screen for on-the-fly adjustments, custom assignable game buttons and easy-to-use companion software. It types nicely for a gaming board, is built fairly well, and comes with a magnetically attaching wrist rest.

There are some major frustrations, though. For all the potential the LED screen has, it’s cumbersome and frustrating in practice. It isn’t particularly pretty, and I can’t see much justification for the whopping $220, save the big-brand name (which usually doesn’t count for much in the keyboard world).

So, is it one of the best gaming keyboards you can buy? Find out in my full Corsair Vanguard Pro 96 review.

Corsair Vanguard Pro 96 review: Cheat sheet

• What is it? A 96% Hall Effect gaming keyboard from industry giant, Corsair
• Who is it for? Gamers who want a traditional-looking gaming deck with modern features
• What does it cost? $229 / £209
• What's good? It offers a decent amount of gaming performance and customization, and comes with a premium wrist rest
• What's not? You can get more features for similar or less money, and the onboard controls are frustrating

Corsair Vanguard Pro 96 review: Specs

Corsair Vanguard Pro 96 review: The ups

The Corsair Vanguard Pro 96 has some attractive features, including its magnetic gaming features, typing experience and thoughtful design elements.

Gaming performance

The most important thing any gaming deck needs to do is perform well in-game, especially at $229. Thankfully, there’s a rather juicy roster of gaming features on the Corsair Vanguard Pro 96. Most of this boils down to the switches. The Vanguard Pro 96 uses Corsair’s MGX Hyperdrive Hall Effect magnetic switches, allowing a wide array of handy features, including adjustable actuation (down to 0.1mm), dual actuations per keypress, Rapid Trigger and Last Key Prioritization SOCD (A.K.A ‘Snap Tap.’

Adjustable actuation

Like other magnetic boards, including the Keychron Q6 HE 8K ($239) and the Lemokey L5 HE ($220), the Vanguard’s actuation can be reduced to just 0.1mm. At 0.1mm, you can input commands extremely fast as the switches will actuate with just a tiny movement, for highly responsive gameplay (at the risk of accidental inputs).

Traditional mechanical switches often take up to (or over) 2.5mm before actuating — you have to press the key much further to trigger your input, making them feel much less responsive.

You can only adjust down to 0.6mm on the board itself, with 0.1mm available via the Corsair Web Hub web app. I dialed global actuation down to 0.6mm for Counter-Strike 2, lowering the WASD keys to 0.3mm for ultra responsive movement while keeping the risk of accidentally knocking other keys comparatively low (versus 0.1mm).

You can also assign dual actuation zones for the switches, meaning a single keypress can perform two actions at different points of the keypress (setting half a press to walk, a full press to run, for instance).

Rapid trigger and LKP

Interestingly, there are two Rapid Trigger modes. Typical Rapid Trigger allows you to consistently re-trigger the same key without needing to recycle the switch fully back to its reset point (as you would have to do with mechanical switches). We see this on almost all magnetic keyboards these days, including the Vanguard Pro. However, it also features a continuous mode to keep the trigger actuating repeatedly until the key is released — kinda like holding down a key when typing to get aaaaaaaaa load of lettersssssssssss.

There’s also Last Key Prioritization, A.K.A ‘Snap Tap,’ which facilitates easy counter strafing in games with inertia-mechanic-based accuracy penalties — like Counter-Strike 2 and Valorant. It works, although it’ll get you kicked immediately from CS2.

Poll rate

The Vanguard Pro 96 polls at up to 8,000Hz, to minimize input lag as much as possible. In reality, you’d be hard pressed noticing input lag from a 1,000Hz board, and even harder pressed to tell the difference between one of 1K and 8K.

8K can become a strain on system resources, but thankfully you can adjust the Vanguard Pro’s polling between 125-8,000Hz. I just left mine at 1,000Hz and didn’t notice any input lag whatsoever.

For comparison, the SteelSeries Apex Pro ($199) polls at 1,000Hz, while the Keychron Q6 HE 8K and the Wooting 80HE ($199) poll at 8K.

Custom game buttons

The Vanguard Pro 96 features five custom buttons down its left-hand side, allowing you to assign your most frequently-used binds and functions. You can also assign custom macros or keystrokes.

I actually found it quicker to stretch my left pinky to the fourth button than I did moving my third finger down to hit Z in Hell Let Loose, which instantly throws you prone. It’s super important to be able to hit this quickly in game, so I appreciated having the shortcut.

For even more custom game buttons, check out the NuPhy Field75 HE ($169), which has eight in total over its left and lower edges. I find the Field75 HE’s lower row particularly useful and easy to tap, as my thumb is nearby most of the time.

Decent customization options

The Vanguard Pro 96 is hot swappable, which isn’t a given with gaming brands (Corsair, Razer, etc.) as it has become with custom brands (Keychron, NuPhy etc).

To be fair, with magnetic boards, hot-swap is of questionable benefit at the moment. Magnetic switches are highly software reliant, meaning you can’t switch to just any brand of magnetic switches right now — it’s an industry-wide limitation. But hey, having hot-swap at your disposal might come in handy down the line if things open up a little.

More important for a magnetic board is the level of software customization at your fingertips, and any companion software’s ease of use. May the gaming gods be praised: I didn’t have to use Corsair’s clunky iCue app with the Vanguard Pro, as all tweaks can be done via Corsair’s Wub Hub browser app.

The Corsair Web Hub offers lots of scope for customization, from lighting through to poll rate, actuation distance and other magnetic features. It also lets you flash firmware, which was a necessity for me, as my board was janky as hell out of the box (more on this later). It’s easy to use and doesn’t require you to install any applications.

Admittedly, the Corsair app isn’t as slick as Keychron’s Launcher or NuPhy’s nuphy.io, but hey, it does the job.

Pleasant typing

The Corsair Vanguard Pro 96 is fairly pleasant to type on. It uses OEM profile keycaps, like the Wooting 80HE and SteelSeries Apex Pro. These are better suited to gaming than serious typing, thanks to their medium-high profile, fairly small top surface area and lack of any real ergonomic rake to the profile to make hitting outer keys easier.

That said, they’re fine gaming-skewed all-rounders, which is why you’ll see them equipped on many gaming boards. I had no issue putting in a super fast time while maintaining above average accuracy.

If you’re going to be typing lots, I would recommend an 8K magnetic keyboard with productivity-oriented keycaps. The NuPhy Field75 HE uses Cherry profile keycaps which are arguably the ultimate all-rounders for gaming and typing. I type a lot, so prefer a productivity-oriented keycap profile, like the Keychron’s ergonomic OSA profile, found on the Q6 HE 8K.

The MGX Hyperdrive switches are nice-enough to use, too. The moderately heavy spring tops out at 55g actuation force when the switches are set to their maximum actuation height. This results in a slightly firm, elasticky feel, which I quite like. Just like the magnetic switches found in productivity-biased boards like the Keychron K2 HE ($129), the MGX Hyperdrive switches use a dual-rail design, making them feel stable in use. And, as is expected with switches these days, they come pre-lubricated for smooth operation. Nothing groundbreaking, but nothing to complain about, either.

Corsair doesn’t specify the Vanguard Pro 96’s mount type, but it’s extremely firm, so likely either a top, plate or tray mount. As such, the Vanguard Pro 96 is less springy and comfortable than a gasket mounted productivity board like the Keychron Q1 Pro. This makes sense in a gaming board with ultra-sharp 0.1mm actuation, though, where it’s best to minimize as much unnecessary movement as possible for the most responsive and accurate inputs.

Thoughtful design

The Vanguard Pro 96 is, as the name suggests, a 96% full size board, meaning it packs the functionality of a 100% full-size deck — i.e. it retains the Num pad — while shrinking the overall profile slightly by chopping a few navigation keys and bringing everything closer together. It’s still a large board, though. In game, I like my keyboard placed far out to the left, which was very tricky with the Vanguard Pro 96. That’s why I prefer 60-65% boards for gaming, like the NuPhy Air60 HE ($139) and Keychron Q16 HE 8K ($229), or 75% decks like the Keychron K2 HE.

If you can’t live without a Num pad — perhaps you regularly work on spreadsheets — a 96% is about as much compromise between functionality and space as you’re gonna get. The Vanguard Pro 96 is slightly more compact than other 96% boards like the Redragon K686 Pro SE, although there’s not much in it.

The Vanguard Pro 96 comes with a spongy wrist rest that attaches magnetically to the bottom edge of the board, so they both stay together. This relieves pressure on your wrists and prevents your arms rubbing against desk edges. The board’s USB-C port is inlaid into the base of the board, with cutouts running to the edges of the case, allowing you to channel the cable towards your PC — I love this, as it helps further minimize desk footprint.

Corsair Vanguard Pro 96 review: The downs

For all its virtues, the Corsair Vanguard Pro 96 has some disappointing flaws given its high price, including frustrating controls and a bland design. You can get more for your money elsewhere, too.

Frustrating controls

Despite all its potential — with the LED display and companion web-app — the Vanguard Pro 96 is super frustrating to control. The screen is extremely unintuitive: despite me having switch actuation set up as a sub-menu, I simply couldn’t navigate to it on the display. Eventually, I set it up as the only sub-menu (given everything else I could control via the Fn row anyway), where it was, by default, easy to access.

The board seems often at odds with the companion software, though. In testing, for example, the web app showed 0.6mm actuation, while the board itself showed 1.0mm.

My keyboard was also incredibly janky out of the box, triggering duplicate inputs and sometimes missing them altogether. I flashed the keyboard’s firmware via the web app, and these problems disappeared, but it’s disappointing to see them in the first place from a brand as big (and expensive) as Corsair.

Bland "gamer" aesthetic

Obviously this is a subjective take, as beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. But I find the Vanguard Pro 96’s design so boring. Stock “gamer” styling, with the raised switches/keycaps, blacked-out everything, OEM caps etc., etc.

If you’re a 14-year-old with a full unicorn-puke-RGB gaming rig and run-of-the-mill “gamer” style peripherals, I’m sure it’ll fit right in on your desk. If you’d like something a little more adult, check out the Keychron Q6 HE 8K or Wooting 80HE. And if you’d like something a little more fun and colorful, check out the NuPhy Field75 HE or Air60 HE.

More for your money elsewhere

All those boards I just mentioned above bring me to my final criticism of the Vanguard Pro 96: you can get so much more for similar or less money with rivals. This isn’t a bad keyboard, but it’s nothing special. It isn’t doing anything new, and it looks bland. Why spend nearly $230 on it?

You’ll get more performance and gaming features from the Wooting 80HE and Keychron Q6 HE 8K — think more magnetic features, like quad actuation zones and customizable SOCD resolutions, to name but two — both of which cost a similar amount of money as the Vanguard Pro. The Wooting obviously lacks a Num pad, but the Q6 has you covered there, if you can accept a full 100% layout. Not only do they both offer more features than the Corsair, they’re better built, better looking, and nicer to type on. They both justify a circa-$200 price tag much more easily than the Vanguard Pro 96.

If it’s just features you’re after and you don’t care about layout, you can pick up a Hall Effect board for under $60, like the Epomaker HE68 ($59). All this begs the question: why would you drop $229 on the Vanguard Pro 96?

Corsair Vanguard Pro 96 review: Verdict

I think I pretty well summed this up already in the paragraph above, but I’ll rehash it here for good measure in case anyone has skipped right here. The Corsair Vanguard Pro 96 isn’t a bad board, but it does nothing new, and nothing particularly well.

It packs a decent array of gaming features, high(ish) levels of customization and bundles some thoughtful design features. It’s alright to type on, too. And sure, those things are all well and good.

But this keyboard is simply way overpriced. You can get much more for the same money, and get similar performance for cheaper. So why is the Vanguard Pro 96 priced at $229? It’s the Corsair name, of course, which in the keyboard market holds much more prestige than it deserves.

What do you get when a gaming headset and Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses get a bit busy in the bedroom? You get Razer’s Project Motoko, and after testing them, I’m convinced that this is now so much more than just a headphone/smart glasses mashup.

These debuted at CES 2026 as a prototype that the company promised will be released at some point, at a price that would compete with smart glasses. And at MWC 2026, I got to take another look at them.

Chances are you already know the spec sheet here — a premium pair of cans with two 4K cameras, a Snapdragon chip (that Razer’s not allowed to say what it is, which makes me think it's something new and unannounced), and a promised 36-hour battery life.

But what matters here is this form factor unlocks so much as an AI device, beyond what AI glasses can do. Let me explain.

Mission complete

Given these have the DNA of smart glasses, AI-wise, the use cases on show are your pretty standard affair. Point the dual 12MP cameras at something, ask a question and get answers.

I tested it in a gaming sense (because, Razer) and got rapid feedback on how to use my Minecraft inventory in the silliest way possible.

But then I went further into real-life examples like asking what dishes to avoid on a foreign-language menu based on allergies and asking what to cook with a bunch of ingredients. It honestly felt like going through a game tutorial for life moments.

Responses are fast, with a capture taken and processed within seconds, and the headset is AI model agnostic — open to Gemini, ChatGPT (more like QuitGPT) and more that you can tune to different tasks for a multi-modal experience.

Razer does tout more features coming too, including real-time AI assistance through persistent video, AI-enhanced visual awareness that uses those wide angle cameras to identify details you may miss in your peripheral vision, and even machine learning tools to train robots.

A mass-appeal form factor

The idea of what AI hardware will look like is a question so many companies are trying to answer in so many different ways. One of the most common answers has been smart glasses, but Qualcomm itself (the company behind the chip) finds the idea of camera buds “interesting.”

“If people don’t want to wear glasses, you could have a camera in each one and now you can pretty much do everything that smart glasses can do,” Zaid Asghar, SVP of wearables and personal AI told Tom’s Guide.

Because let’s be honest — glasses aren’t for anyone. Be it from a comfort perspective or a “I don’t want to look like a hipster by wearing glasses I don’t need” side of things, they cause a bigger visual statement than a humble pair of cans.

And that’s why I’m very intrigued by Project Motoko. It changes the dynamic of how you use them from being just something you use every now and then in glasses to something that can be with you at all times.

It’s rare you’ll find me without headphones on my neck or around my head, and chances are you’re the same too. This elevates it to an actually useful AI assistant you’d use on the regular, instead of something you use on vacations to tell you fun facts about buildings.

More from Tom's Guide

• I zoned out and stopped listening to my fiancée — and the Even Realities G2 made sure she never knew
• I tested the MemoMind One AI smart glasses — and I think I’m seeing double
• I tried Lenovo’s mindblowing modular ThinkBook concept — and now I want this in every laptop

The best cheap gaming headsets can deliver excellent in-game audio without breaking the bank, and the Logitech G325 Lightspeed is one such set of cans. Sporting a lovely, colorful design, the headset is extremely comfortable to wear for long periods of time. You get 24 hours of battery life, too, so it’s perfect for marathon gaming sessions. Thanks to multi-platform compatibility, it works with a range of consoles, including both PlayStation and Xbox.

For the most part, the in-game audio is superb. The treble and upper ranges are sharp and vibrant, giving you a competitive advantage in FPS and RPG titles. However, the sub-bass feels underwhelming, and the lack of a proper boom mic is less than ideal.

To find out more, read my full Logitech G325 Lightspeed review.

Logitech G325 Lightspeed review: Specs

Logitech G325 Lightspeed review: Cheat sheet

• What is it? A budget gaming headset compatible with practically every console and smart device
• Who is it for? For casual gamers on a budget
• How much does it cost? The Logitech G325 Lightspeed is available for $79 / £69
• What do we like? The extremely comfortable design, excellent in-game audio, multi-platform compatibility and long battery life
• What don’t we like? The creaking headband, slightly underwhelming sub-bass and absence of a proper microphone

Logitech G325 Lightspeed review: The ups

From its extremely comfortable ear cushions and headband to its in-game audio performance and multi-platform compatibility, the Logitech G325 Lightspeed is a formidable budget gaming headset.

Extremely comfortable

There are many areas the Logitech G325 Lightspeed excels, and it gets full points from me in the comfort department. If you’re on a budget, it’s the most comfortable headset you can buy. It weighs just 7.47oz, so it’s lighter than the likes of the Turtle Beach Stealth 500 (8.28oz, $79), the Cherry XTRFY H3 (11.46oz, $99) and the Cooler Master CH351 (14.24oz, $89).

The G325 Lightspeed’s low weight means that not only can you easily carry it while traveling, but it’s extremely comfortable to wear for long periods of time, as you don’t feel weighed down. The lightness is further bolstered by the breathable knit fabric plush headband, which feels soft to touch and relieves pressure on the top of your head. Its ear cushions are made of dual-layer memory foam, which feel breathable, and I didn’t notice any sweat pooling up or my ears heating up during extended playtime.

I’m not a fan of leatherette earcups, as they tend to get quite hot — something I experienced with the Turtle Beach Stealth 500. I much prefer memory foam ones, like the ones found on the G325 Lightspeed, so I have no complaints about the headset’s comfort. I wore it for an eight-hour-long gaming session and barely felt the G325 Lightspeed on my head and around my ears.

Girlypop or emo?

Another thing I really appreciate about the Logitech G325 Lightspeed’s design is that the headset comes in three different colors. You can pick it up in black, white or lilac. Logitech sent me the lilac model for testing, and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t love it. My go-to headset is the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro ($249), which sports an all-black design. It looks great, but all-black designs can feel boring after a while — not the G325 Lightspeed though. The lilac model also features accents of orange, seen on the volume up and down buttons as well as the cables emerging from the headband and making their way into the earcups — it’s so much fun.

Competitively priced

Before we move on to the Logitech G325 Lightspeed’s performance, I want to mention one very important buying factor: the headset’s price. The G325 Lightspeed is a budget, entry-level headset, and it retails for $79 at Amazon U.S. / £69 at Logitech U.K. It’s a fantastic set of cans to get if you’re a casual gamer who doesn’t want to spend hundreds on a competent headset.

I’ve tested my fair share of budget gaming headsets, and if there’s one cheap set of cans I had to keep, it would be the G325 Lightspeed. In contrast with the Turtle Beach Stealth 500, the G325 Lightspeed never gave me any connectivity issues. Compared to the Cooler Master CH351, I never felt uncomfortable wearing the headset. And unlike the Cherry XTRFY H3, you don’t need to worry about the G325 Lightspeed not being compatible with Xbox (though that headset does win in a few more areas, such as mic performance).

Multi-platform compatibility

If you own multiple consoles and smart devices and don’t want to buy separate headsets for each, the Logitech G325 Lightspeed should be right up your street. This headset is compatible with a plethora of consoles and devices, namely PC, macOS, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X and S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, Android and iOS.

The G325 Lightspeed features Bluetooth 5.2 to seamlessly connect to your phone or Nintendo Switch, and comes with a 2.4GHz Lightspeed USB-A dongle, which you can plug into the back of your PS5 (like I did) or your PC. You can also use it wired, thanks to the USB-C port on the left earcup, so you can plug it into your Xbox controller.

Many cheap headsets aren’t compatible with both Xbox and PlayStation, as you often need to choose the model at checkout, such as with the Turtle Beach Stealth 500, so this is a win for Logitech in my books.

Excellent in-game audio

The Logitech G325 Lightspeed is a formidable gaming headset when it comes to in-game audio quality. The headset features 32mm drivers that cover a frequency response range of 20Hz to 20,000Hz. This is fairly standard for a gaming headset, and it means that it can relay a wide array of sound frequencies, from soft footsteps up in the treble to loud explosions in the 20Hz sub bass range.

The much pricier Audeze Maxwell 2 ($349) and SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite ($599) have a wider frequency range, dropping down to 10Hz for the rumbling bass you can feel. They also have more tonal extension up top (50,000Hz and 40,000Hz, respectively). But this is of questionable benefit given human hearing tops out at around 20,000Hz, so the G325 Lightspeed should technically offer enough upper extension for clear and detailed treble.

As I mentioned earlier, you can use the G325 Lightspeed wired or wirelessly. To test it, I plugged the 2.4GHz Lightspeed dongle into the back of my PS5 Slim, which was simple enough as the headset has a plug-and-play interface, and I had a stable connection throughout my testing — no connectivity issues to report here. I played a few games, namely Neva, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and Control. Throughout all three titles, the G325 Lightspeed did a fantastic job of reproducing the in-game soundscapes.

Neva

Neva is a 2D side-scrolling game that doesn’t feature much spoken dialogue, and the only time the protagonist, Alba, speaks is when she’s calling out for her cub, Neva. The emotional storyline banks entirely on the music and artistic graphics, so this game proved to be a great test for the headset. Needless to say, the G325 Lightspeed was up to the challenge.

The mid-range is where the G325 Lightspeed shines. I love how the headset captured the subtle shifts in Alba’s tone and voice when she’s calling out for her cub. In the first chapter, Summer, her voice sounded playful and high-pitched but never shrill, while in the later chapters, the headset excelled at delivering the desperation in her strained shouts. Even when Alba was mumbling at the beginning of the Winter chapter, I could hear her loud and clear, and could even hear the trembling in her voice, brought upon by the snow and cold.

Neva features a lovely soundtrack that can feel fun and emotional at different points of the game. The G325 Lightspeed made the violins and shimmering synth sound crisp and characterful. During combat sequences against the enemies, known as the Corruption, the G325 Lightspeed did a good job of balancing the bloated roars against the fast-paced soundtrack, and it never felt muddied or as though the soundscape had lost its cleanliness. Alba’s footsteps were still discernible and clear too, even when the soundtrack was loud.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s reactive turn-based combat system is super fun, and while visual cues help you parry, audio cues are the secret to winning battles as each enemy has a distinct tell sound before an attack. These are often high-pitched, second-long sounds, which can be easily missed.

Because the G325 Lightspeed doesn’t have a bloated low-end, I found that these pings cut through the orchestral soundtrack with precision, and I could clearly hear them every time, regardless of the music playing in the background. To test out if it was my eyes helping me execute perfect parries or my ears, I closed my eyes and relied entirely on the headset to help me parry. Granted, I’ve played this game for over 150 hours, so I’m very familiar with the enemies I’m up against, but even so, the G325 Lightspeed gave me a competitive edge, and even with my eyes closed, I didn’t miss many parries.

This game also features one of the best gaming soundtracks of all time, with operatic, orchestral tracks soundtracking your battles and adventures. The G325 Lightspeed makes music sound crisp and pleasant, with violin harmonies feeling loud and clear, and Alice Duport-Percier’s ethereal vocals having plenty of warmth to them.

Respectable battery life

The cherry on top of the cake is the Logitech G325 Lightspeed’s battery life. Logitech claims the headset can last over 24 hours between charges, and this proved to be true in my testing. I only needed to charge the headset after 25 hours or so. This will, of course, depend on the usage conditions. I mostly played with the volume set to 40% or 50%, and the higher the volume, the quicker the battery will drain.

I will caveat this point by saying that the Turtle Beach Stealth 500 can last for up to 40 hours, the Cooler Master CH351 can last for 30 hours, and the Cherry XTRFY H3 has a battery life of a whopping 100 hours. In comparison, the G325 Lightspeed’s battery life is short-lived. However, since this is a budget headset aimed at casual gamers who are playing at home, I don’t think it’s a massive drawback. Of course, if you’re on the move and play a lot on your Switch while traveling, for instance, I’d recommend either the Turtle Beach or the Cherry headset mentioned above.

Logitech G325 Lightspeed review: The downs

Alas, the Logitech G325 Lightspeed isn’t perfect, as there’s a creaking sound when you move your head sometimes, and the lack of a proper microphone leaves a lot to be desired.

Creaking while moving

The Logitech G325 Lightspeed is an extremely comfortable headset, as I elaborated on earlier. However, in my testing, I noticed a creaking sound when I moved my head to either the left or the right, and it felt like the creaking was coming from the headband. I didn’t experience this very often, but there were a couple of instances.

This could be because of the headset’s plasticky build, which is disappointing. I also had this issue with the Turtle Beach Stealth 500 when I tested it, which is also quite a cheap-feeling headset. Although the G325 Lightspeed’s creaking didn’t bother me too much, I’d recommend spending the extra $20 on the Cherry XTRFY H3 if you think the creaking will get on your nerves.

(Slightly) underwhelming sub-bass

When I was testing the Logitech G325 Lightspeed, I was replaying Control in preparation for the then imminent release of Control: Resonant. A horror, sci-fi role-playing game, Control features many different sounds, many of which have been implemented to scare the player. While I enjoyed playing the game through the G325 Lightspeed, I’d be lying if I said the headset performed excellently here.

For the most part, it did really well. Action sounds, like my weapon firing, were loud and clear, as was dialog, with the voice inside Jesse’s head having a distinct, softer tone than the pointed words coming out of her mouth. But I immediately noticed that the G325 Lightspeed struggled with the sub-bass and lower frequencies.

The Hiss, your primary enemies in the game, are terrifying to listen to as they make chilling, alien-like sounds. When several of them were coming towards me and chanting in harmony, the low-end drone felt more like a buzz, and I couldn’t feel the environmental pressure that makes the Hiss so unnerving. The overall soundscape ends up feeling thin and hollow, and in a horror game where the environment is supposed to instill a bone-shaking fear in you, that’s no good.

Similarly, in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, while the soundtrack sounds pleasant, the headset fails to capture the epic scale, as the orchestral thrum that usually gives me goosebumps sounds dialed back. For a more rounded gaming experience, I’d recommend the Cherry XTRFY H3, whose 53mm drivers have more surface area for better sub-bass.

No proper microphone

Last but not least, the Logitech G325 Lightspeed doesn’t feature a boom mic that can be retracted or detached, as seen on the likes of the Turtle Beach Stealth 500 and the Cherry XTRFY H3. Instead, the G325 Lightspeed features a built-in omnidirectional mic, and Logitech says that this “beamforming microphone is designed so your voice can be heard clearly.”

As you can hear in the clip above, the G325 Lightspeed’s mic can be described as merely okay. My voice sounds a little thin, and the vocal timbre feels flat and hollow. It lacks the warmth and richness of a dedicated boom mic, like the one you’ll find on the Cherry XTRFY H3, which is better, in my opinion.

It’s also important to note that the mic has a frequency response range of 100Hz to 7,000Hz, so it has a tendency to remove the bottom end of your voice, which can make deep voices sound more high-pitched than usual.

Omnidirectional mics pick up sounds from all around, and not just the sounds coming from your mouth, as unidirectional mics do. This can be disadvantageous, but the G325 Lightspeed features AI-powered noise reduction, which helps reduce some ambient noise. I tested this by playing an episode of House M.D. on my phone in the background, and while the headset does a decent job of highlighting my voice, there is some muddiness where it sounds like my voice and the characters’ voices are bleeding into one another.

Logitech G325 Lightspeed review: Verdict

As budget gaming headsets go, the Logitech G325 Lightspeed is one of the best you can buy today. It doesn’t give you a lot to complain about, especially in the design and comfort departments. I found the headset super comfortable to wear for up to eight hours, and the long 24-hour battery life meant that I didn’t need to worry about running out of charge mid-session.

When it comes to in-game audio quality, the G325 Lightspeed is fantastic, making footsteps sound loud and clear even when loud music is playing in the background. High-pitched sounds are never shrill or piercing through the headset. However, if you want better sub-bass for a more immersive experience, I’d recommend the Cherry XTRFY H3. The G325 Lightspeed doesn’t feature a boom mic either, and its built-in mic is just okay.

If you don’t mind these drawbacks, the G325 Lightspeed is still an outstanding choice for casual gamers on a budget. For less than $80, it certainly punches above its weight.

I’m lucky. I get to test many of the best gaming headsets out there for my job. That means I literally get paid to play games and listen to music. Yes, I know I have the best job in the world.

Naturally, I need to do quite a bit of research around all the products I test. I don’t read other publications’ reviews before writing my own. But, where possible, I look for online discourse to check for any common issues users are experiencing. Myself and other reviewers often don’t have the luxury of using products for long periods of time, so we can sometimes miss chronic issues that the general public will end up having some way down the line. This isn’t always possible, of course, as we’re often testing products before or just after launch.

Case in point: I recently put the new Audeze Maxwell 2 to the test, and had a scour of Reddit to see what users were thinking; it had been out for a few weeks, so were there any pain points I needed to devote time to investigating?

During my research, I noticed a fair number of comparisons being made between today’s ultra premium headsets. The Maxwell 2 was repeatedly being weighed up against the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite and, interestingly, the much cheaper Fractal Design Scape — which often made discussions thanks to its excellent sound quality.

Well, it just so happens that the bulk of my headset testing takes place at the ultra-premium end of the market, including all of the above. So I thought I’d put together a rundown of my comparisons of them all. I added in another contender, though — the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro, which offers many of the Elite’s benefits at a much lower price.

Without further ado, here are some of Reddit’s favorite ultra-premium headsets compared and, most importantly, my winner.

The contenders

This test includes four high-end gaming headsets. The audiophile-geared Audeze Maxwell 2; the extravagantly-priced SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite; the ultra-premium SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro; and the beautiful Fractal Design Scape.

I've tested all of these headsets extensively. See that dashing gentleman in the image gallery above? Yeah, stop swooning. That's me! Wearing each of these headsets. I'm Pete, senior reviews editor here at Tom's Guide. I've been a PC gamer for well over two decades, so I've used more than a few headsets in my time.

Price

• Audeze Maxwell 2: $329 / £339
• SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite: $599 / £599
• SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro: $379 / £329
• Fractal Design Scape: $199 / £177

First, let’s talk about money. And there’s a clear loser here: the Arctis Nova Elite, which costs a whopping $599. As I mentioned in my SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite review, while it’s a brilliant headset with some awesome features, there’s no way it’s worth that money.

In the middle are the Nova Pro and Maxwell 2, and both are solid in terms of bang for buck — especially the Nova Pro, which can be found for around $299 at Amazon as I write this. From these two, it’ll be down to what you want: more connectivity features and punchier bass from the Nova Pro and its dynamic drivers; or a more refined, audiophile-esque sound from the Maxwell 2’s planar magnetic drivers.

If budget is your primary concern, the Fractal Design Scape takes the cake. It has its issues, as you’ll see throughout this article, but it offers sound quality comparable to the Nova Pro and Elite at a much more palatable price (I won’t say affordable, as $200 is still objectively a lot of money). In other words, it’s punching way above its price tag.

Winner: Fractal Design Scape

Comfort

Three of the headsets here utilize suspended inner headbands, meaning they easily come out on top. Unfortunately, the Fractal Design Scape uses an old-fashioned single padded headband, which started to dig into my head during testing. It’s a shame because the earcups are very comfortable.

The Maxwell 2, while featuring a much-needed earcup redesign from its predecessor, the OG Audeze Maxwell, is still the biggest and heaviest of the headsets by far. And it features a very restrictive adjustment mechanism with only three levels. It’s comfortable but annoying to wear, and its large curb weight means it falls off easily if you tilt your head downwards.

The Arctis Nova Elite and Nova Pro are essentially the same headset in their core design — the differences between them almost all relate to internal hardware, connectivity and features, with one exception that I’ll cover below.

They’re both exceptionally comfortable: the low weight and suspended inner headband allow them to sit like feathers on your head, and the earcups are incredibly comfortable. The Nova Elite pads use a slightly softer-touch faux leather. But is that worth the extra $220? Nope.

Winner: SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro

Sound quality

This is a really tricky one. All of these headsets offer excellent sound quality. It sounds like a cop out, but this’ll kinda depend on what you want. The Scape’s sound quality is fantastic, with strong tonal separation, bags of clarity in the treble and mids and decent-enough spatial audio. Plus there’s a 5-band parametric EQ to play with. Its frequency response range is a little shorter on the low-end than the other headsets here, stopping at 20Hz. Unlike the other headsets, it’s missing the super low 10-20Hz frequencies that you can feel (rather than hear) during gameplay — the rumble of tanks and artillery in war games, for example.

Both the Arctis Nova Elite and Pro sound similar, although the Nova Elite definitely edges it, thanks to its upgraded carbon fiber drivers and brass support ring for better control over bass frequencies. Still, both headsets are really very bassy. For gaming, this is great — bags of punchy bass down to 10Hz make for an immersive experience. For music, you’ll need to play around with EQ to stop bass overriding everything — especially in mid-heavy music like rock or metal. Both headsets have strong clarity up top though, especially the Nova Elite, and very good directional sound to help with enemy detection in competitive or stealth games.

In my opinion, though, the Audeze Maxwell takes the victory here. Its planar magnetic drivers can start and stop vibrating much faster than dynamic drivers, resulting in a cleaner, crisp sound with very good clarity, especially in high and mid frequencies. The trade off is a lack of power in lower frequencies — bass lacks thickness, so to speak, while sub-bass lacks that skull-shaking rumble. A lot of this can be addressed via EQ, though. In a word, the sound is more refined than the rest, making this the headset for audiophile gamers.

Winner: Audeze Maxwell 2

Microphone

Unfortunately, gaming headset manufacturers routinely cheap out on microphones, resulting in tinny audio. I can kinda see why — after all, a headset mic primarily needs to transmit your voice in game chat, which doesn’t need to be excellent quality.

But if you’re a streamer (and high end headsets are commonly aimed at streamers), you’ll need much better quality. Unfortunately, neither the Fractal Design Scape, Arctis Nova Pro or Nova Elite will deliver that. In my testing, their mics all sounded tinny, fuzzy and far from professional-/broadcast-quality.

The clear winner is the Audeze Maxwell 2, whose microphone sounds excellent — good enough for streaming (although still not as good as a dedicated broadcast mic like the Shure MV6). Its microphone noise cancellation affects audio quality significantly, but that’s common with noise cancellation. And besides, if you’re streaming, you’ll likely be in a quiet environment.

Winner: Audeze Maxwell 2

Features

The Maxwell 2 is the weakest in this regard, with little in the way of additional features except for its microphone noise cancellation, 2.4GHz dongle and companion app (which hosts the equalizer).

The Fractal Design Scape has some very interesting features, including a stand/charging dock that doubles as a pass-through port for the 2.4GHz dongle. There’s also a companion app with a 5-band parametric equalizer, and microphone noise cancellation (via the app).

On the features front, there’s no doubt that the two SteelSeries headsets offer the most. Both feature ANC and MNC; each comes with a USB hub/DAC for 2.4GHz connection, high-res audio streaming, device control and spare battery charging; and each pairs with both the SteelSeries GG/Sonar desktop app and the SteelSeries Arctis smartphone app.

The Nova Elite comes out on top, though, as its USB hub offers more connectivity than the Pro, with 3x Wi-Fi channels (2x PC + 1x console/PC) in addition to the headset’s Bluetooth channel. The Nova Pro, meanwhile, offers only 2x Wi-Fi channels (1x PC + 1x console/PC) and a Bluetooth channel. Again, if that’s worth $220, fair enough, otherwise the Arctis Nova Pro will suit you just fine.

Winner: SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite / Pro

Styling & build quality

All four of these headsets offer sublime build quality, using high quality materials and premium finishes. You shouldn’t have a problem with any of them in this department. The only let down is the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro, whose dials are the same cheap plasticky components found on the $199 SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 — they don’t befit a $199 headset, let alone a $379 one. The Arctis Nova Elite, by contrast, features milled metal dials which are much nicer in look and feel (and I’d bloody hope so, given it costs $599).

The Fractal Design Scape easily takes home the victory here, though. The Scandi-style design looks gorgeous and is complemented by subtle, diffused RGB (which is customizable in the web-based companion software). The materials are super high quality, too, like the metal volume dial on the left earcup. On its charging dock, it just looks so good slotted into place on my desk — it’s a sure fire upgrade to any setup.

Winner: Fractal Design Scape

Battery life

This is another tricky one, because it depends on how we define battery life. Do we mean the hours of play we get from a single charge; or do we mean how much life we get before we're forced into downtime for charging? Both Arctis Nova headsets come with a spare battery that charges in the USB hub while you play, so when one dies you simply switch out and you’re back to playing — no downtime, despite comparatively weak battery life on paper.

I’m going to judge this section on pure battery life, full to flat. In reality, most people game at home near a power source and don’t play for +18 hours at a time (the weakest of these headset batteries lasts 18 hours — the Nova Pro). As long as a headset lasts 8-16 hours, you won’t run out during even the longest sessions and can simply charge up when you go to bed. The Fractal Design Scape’s wireless charging stand makes that especially easy.

However, battery life matters most, in my opinion, if you’re gaming on the move — when traveling, for instance. In that case, it’s all about pure runtime. The Scape’s battery lasts 40 hours with RGB off (20 with it on); the Nova Elite’s batteries last 30 hours each, 60 in total; while the Nova Pro’s batteries last around 36-44 hours total, according to SteelSeries, although, in my testing, it’s definitely on the low side (I was literally watching the battery life go down on the SteelSeries GG app, and after 3 hours of mixed use had lost 25%).

The Audeze Maxwell 2, by contrast, has them all well and truly beat, offering 80 hours — it was actually a challenge to drain the headset in my battery testing.

Winner: Audeze Maxwell 2

Reddit’s favorite premium gaming headsets: Result

Victor: Audeze Maxwell 2

We have a winner! The Audeze Maxwell 2 comes out on top with three wins versus two for the Fractal Design Scape, two for the Arctis Nova Pro and one for the Arctis Nova Elite. I honestly went into this thinking the Nova Pro would clinch it — it costs a similar amount of money as the Maxwell 2 but has that super useful USB hub and excellent sound quality.

Of course, I seriously doubt you’d have many complaints about the Nova Pro, as it’s fantastic. The Scape is also excellent for the money, with crystal clear sound and that handy charging stand, but is slightly let down by its outdated headband design and crappy mic.

The only headset I wouldn’t recommend you buy over the others is the Nova Elite. Yes, it has the most features. Yes, it sounds great. Yes, it’s very comfortable. But is any of that worth nearly $600? Not if you ask me.

The Audeze Maxwell 2’s victory is well-deserved. Sound quality is, for many, the most important aspect of a headset, and the Maxwell’s planar magnetic drivers really deliver here. Its mic is fantastic, it’s comfortable, and (although this is kinda crazy) it’s the second cheapest on this roundup. As I pointed out in my Maxwell 2 review, if you already own the OG Maxwell, there’s no need to upgrade. Otherwise, the Maxwell 2 is the best of the high-end bunch.

Disagree with me? Let me know your thoughts in the comments. Or, if you have any other headsets you'd like me to compare, I'd love to hear about those too! You can find full reviews of these headsets linked below.

More from Tom's Guide

• The Audeze Maxwell 2 just ruined every other gaming headset for me — here’s why
• Audeze Maxwell (OG) review: the audiophile’s gaming headset
• I spent a month with the most expensive gaming headset on the market — here’s what happened
• Fractal Design Scape review: Is this the prettiest gaming headset ever made?
• SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless review

If we judged the best gaming headsets on looks alone, the Fractal Design Scape would’ve won the pageant, taken the money and sped off into the moonlight with one or more of the judges’ spouses. Just look at it. Pure Scandinavian grace.

It isn’t just a looker, either. It’s built beautifully and sounds great, with detailed, spacious audio and a wide soundstage. There’s a parametric EQ to play around with via the handy companion software. But the pièce de résistance is the included dock, which keeps your desk uncluttered and charges the headset wirelessly between use.

There are some caveats to those pros. Chief among the Scape’s drawbacks is its microphone, which sounds pretty tinny. Battery life is fairly poor versus the competition, although the charging dock is a major (but not total) antidote to this. And I found the headset a little uncomfortable after a couple of hours.

But could this headset be the one for you? Find out in my full Fractal Design Scape review.

Fractal Design Scape review: Cheat sheet

• What is it? A gorgeous-to-behold mid-range gaming headset from Fractal
• Who is it for? Gamers wanting great sound quality and a sleek addition to their desk
• What does it cost? $199 / £177
• What’s good? The sound quality, companion app, styling and wireless charging stand
• What’s not? The mic is crappy, it’s a little uncomfortable and battery life is weak with RGB enabled

Fractal Design Scape review: Specs

Fractal Design Scape review: The ups

Strong audio quality, gorgeous styling, easy-to-use companion software and a super handy charging dock. There’s a lot about the Scape I love.

Strong sound quality

Obviously, the most important aspect a gaming headset needs to nail is sound quality. And the Scape has that covered.

Frequency response isn’t the widest at 20-20,000Hz, so it can’t replicate super low 10-20Hz frequencies. I missed the skull-shaking rumbles of artillery and tanks in Hell Let Loose, which you’ll get (or rather, feel) from headsets with the 10-20Hz range covered. The Audeze Maxwell 2, SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite and SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro all go down to 10Hz, while the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro goes down to 12Hz. That said, 20Hz is still plenty low and allows for most deep sub bass.

Up top, 20,000Hz is around the maximum frequency the human ear can perceive, meaning the Scape can provide strong clarity and detail in the treble. The Maxwell 2 (50,000Hz), Arctis Nova Pro / Elite (40,000Hz) and BlackShark V3 Pro (28,000Hz) ostensibly have the upper hand here, covering far beyond the range of human hearing. But you can’t hear what you can’t hear, so anything over 20,000Hz is kind of redundant.

Just like the Maxwell 2 and Nova Elite, the Scape supports (via its 2.4G dongle) wireless streaming in 24-bit/96kHz — that high resolution audio. The PS5 can only output in CD-quality 44kHz/16-bit, though, so PC gamers are the primary beneficiaries here.

The audio itself is very spacious, demonstrated particularly well in Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 (KCD2). Wide dining halls felt truly expansive, with the clattering of cutlery and the hubbub of feasts in the background. Cellars and tunnels sounded cavernous, with the echoes of water and vocals ricocheting off dank masonry. All rather immersive.

There’s lots of detail in the treble, plus a wide soundstage (which gives three-dimensional sound), making the Scape great for competitive gameplay. Using the Scape’s “Clarity” EQ present on Counter-Strike 2 and in Sniper Elite: Resistance, I could easily detect enemy sound cues, footsteps and reloading sounds, and pinpoint where they were coming from.

Bass is nice and meaty, especially using the parametric EQ (which I’ll discuss later) to add some extra power to those 60-250Hz frequencies. Again, while it wasn’t skull-shakingly deep, there was still a nice punch to the sounds of artillery in Hell Let Loose and Isonzo.

Music

The Scape is a highly competent headset for music, too. That super crisp treble and punchy bass is perfect for electronic music, and worked wonders for the snappy percussion and powerful driving bassline of Sub Focus’s Miracle.

The airy treble and spacious sound work particularly well in lighter or atmospheric songs, like the surreal, disparate elements of Mk.Gee’s Dream Police, all of which sounded three-dimensional and well-defined. Likewise, it’s often easy for the ethereal vocals of Burn Water’s Ikigai to get buried behind the sound’s huge bassline. Not so on the Scape, although I missed a few of the subtler vocal echoes that I could so easily pick out on the Maxwell 2 with its exceptional top-end clarity.

Again, bass is mostly very good, although intensely sub-heavy tracks like Skream’s Sub Island felt a little thin at the lower end, and I noticed the occasional hint of distortion on the most powerful bass thrums of Foreign Concept’s Breaking Again.

Instrument separation is decent, too, and the mid-range is nice and clean. The two distorted guitar riffs of Melvins’ Honey Bucket — a tricky test for mid separation — didn’t get muddied by one another's sludge. I often have to mess around with mids and treble in EQ for this song's riffs to shake free of the bass, and of one another, but the Scape's Balance EQ was perfect from the off. Overall, a strong display befitting $199.

Parametric custom EQ

The Fractal Design Scape’s companion software (covered below) gives you access to a five-band parametric equalizer, which allows you to precisely shape your EQ curve. There are three presents (Depth, Balanced, Clarity), which are all adjustable. You can also switch between these on the fly using a dedicated button on the headset, which I love.

I got on just fine with the base presets. Depth provided a nice boost to bass frequencies and more immersion in louder war games like Hell Let Loose. Balanced suited wider soundstages and musical scores better, in games like KCD2. And Clarity worked well for boosting footsteps in competitive FPS games. Still, I enjoyed dialling in some extra volume to low frequencies on the Balanced EQ, for some extra fatness to the bass.

I called my new custom EQ "Balance+" and saved it as a new custom EQ profile, so it didn't overwrite any of the original three presets (but you can always reset those with a single click). You can then select from the base or your own saved presets ad apply them to slots 1-3, which correspond to a physical button on the headset that cycles through EQ profiles (with an LED to tell you which you're using). This is super handy, and lets you quickly flick between your favorite EQs while gaming, without needing to switch applications.

Browser-based software

The Scape is adjusted via Fractal’s Adjust Pro web app, which I like a lot. Firstly, I’m a big fan of browser-based software to begin with, at least in theory. Browser software naturally means you needn’t install any software on your device, plus it lets you tweak your hardware from any computer. It’s just quicker, slicker and more versatile.

Adjust Pro is pretty good, too. You can update the headset or dongle, tweak the RGB lighting and, of course, adjust EQ. It isn’t anywhere near as comprehensive as SteelSeries’ GG app, with its exhaustive array of EQ presets and multi-channel mixer. But hell, I don’t really need all that. A solid EQ and a way to update the thing, wrapped in a quick-to-open and easy-to-use package? You had me at “a solid EQ”.

Gorgeous design

I love having this thing on my desk. It’s probably the best-looking headset I’ve seen, let alone tested, with the only competition being the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro. Even still, the Razer can’t match the Scape’s sheer Scandi sophistication.

It’s available in black or white and looks just as good in either. That’s saying something, as white is an easy color with which to make a headset look gaudy — looking at you, Alienware Pro and SteelSeries Arctis Nova [insert any model here]. I prefer the black, but I wouldn’t turn down the white variant either.

There are RGB lights in each of the earcups, but these are fairly small and inoffensive. It’d have been easy to ruin the look with tacky RGB, but Fractal has implemented the lighting with restraint and employed a diffuser. The result is that the soft glow of the LEDs enhances rather than spoils the headset’s sleek aesthetic.

Build quality is exquisite, too, helping justify the $199 price tag. The earcups are highly padded and made from high-quality fabric, allowing breathability. The headset feels very sturdy and uses high-quality plastics for the earcups and headband, with lightweight aluminum for the adjustment mechanisms. I love the digital crown for volume on the left earcup. It’s aluminum, feels lovely and has a pleasing level of resistance to stop you turning it accidentally. A far cry from the cheap dials of the similarly-priced SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 I reviewed immediately before the Scape.

Charging dock

I test a lot of headsets, and storing them is a perennial headache. They don’t sit well unless on a stand, which very few manufacturers supply by default. So kudos to Fractal for supplying a stand to begin with, wireless charging or not. Third-party stands are often shaky and fragile thanks to their thin, upright nature, but the Scape’s stand supports it all magnetically from the bottom. That means a low center of gravity and a very sturdy stand.

Given how good the Scape looks, I’ve chosen to keep it on my desk (instead of my shelf of loose headsets), where it tucks conveniently into a gap between my monitor and speakers. It’s always at hand when I want it, and always charged…

See, the dock’s magnetic attachment points feature wireless charging pads, so the headset is always at 100% when I pick it up. I’ll cover the comparatively weak 20-hour battery life in more detail below, but the dock is essentially a complete antidote to that. Let’s be real: I don’t know anyone who games for 20 hours straight. But if you do, you shouldn’t. So when gaming at home, you’ll always have a charged headset when you start playing.

The dock plugs into your PC via USB-A and also serves as a pass-through hub for the 2.4G dongle, which slots into the underside of the base. Another small feature that helps keep your desk and laptop/motherboard slots tidy.

Fractal Design Scape review: The downs

While I love the Scape, it isn’t perfect. The tinny microphone is its main flaw, although I had some minor comfort issues, and battery life isn’t the best, which could hamper gaming on the move.

Tinny microphone

Unfortunately, the Scape’s microphone is very poor. On day one of testing, I used a work meeting to put the headset through a conference call test. This specific call was a particular toughie, including the entirety of the Tom’s Guide TV/AV and reviews teams.

I entered the call and informed my colleagues I was testing the mic, only to find myself staring at a screen full of scowls. “Tinny,” “quiet,” “distorted,” “Yuck.” And that was the polite stuff. Their feedback was mirrored in my recording tests afterwards. You can hear from the audio clip below that it isn’t a strong show.

This is obviously disappointing on a $199 headset, but admittedly, it isn’t uncommon. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2, also $199, features a similarly tinny mic. In fact, most gaming headset mics are designed to be fine for in-game chat and nothing more.

If you want to (or already) stream, opt for the Audeze Maxwell 2, whose mic is excellent, or invest in a proper streaming mic like the Shure MV6.

Minor comfort issues

I’ve seen online reports that the Scape’s headband is quite tight, resulting in temple pressure and headaches. This’ll depend on your head shape, but I can see where they’re coming from. I initially found the headband a little tight, but the larger earcups gave me the leeway to drop the cans down a little and resolve the problem.

The headband padding is also a little too thin at the front, so the headband itself can dig into your scalp at certain angles. After a few hours, this started to get a little uncomfortable, although a quick reposition solved it. Again, everyone’s head is different, so what’s uncomfortable for me may be fine for you.

I wish Fractal had used a suspended inner headband design, though. I just don’t see why any manufacturer would go for a single padded outer band — an outdated design now. Suspended inner bands are much more comfortable, relieve pressure and should last better too, as there’s no padding to go flat over time.

A few worthy alternatives with suspended bands are the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro, Audeze Maxwell 2 and Asus ROG Pelta.

Relatively weak battery life

This is a very soft con, but I can see it being problematic for certain users, so it’s made the list nonetheless. The Scape has a rated battery life of 40 hours with RGB off and 20 hours with it on. And those figures are on point. Each hour I gamed with RGB on, the Scape dropped around 5% of charge.

Compared to other headsets, 20 hours is fairly paltry. The Maxwell 2 boasts 80 hours, while the Alienware Pro and BlackShark V3 Pro can both last 70. The thing is, how often do you play past 20 hours? If you’re doing that regularly, you shouldn’t.

Otherwise, realistically, you’ll never reach the furthest extent of the Scape’s lowest rating before you can charge it. And it’ll live in its dock when not in use, so it’s not like you’ll have to make an effort to plug it in.

Where I can see this being a problem is gaming on the move. If you’re travelling with your Switch 2 or Steam Deck, you’ll need as much battery life as possible. Even the 40-hour RGB-off figure is still half of rivals. The fact remains that less is less, and here, that’s what you’re getting.

Not for Xbox owners

Unfortunately, the Fractal Design Scape is not compatible with Xbox. According to Fractal Design, this is because “Xbox has its proprietary Xbox Wireless protocol that requires certain hardware to be installed for full compatibility. Since we do not have that proprietary hardware, our Scape headset will not be able to connect to an Xbox console.”

So basically, for whatever reason, Fractal Design couldn’t or chose not to license the hardware required for Xbox compatibility. That’ll be frustrating for Xbox users, no doubt. From a tech reviewer’s perspective, we see plenty of console exclusive hardware here, so I’m not holding a grudge against Fractal for this. If you want a premium headset for Xbox gaming, though, check out the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro.

Fractal Design Scape review: Verdict

I really, really like the Fractal Design Scape. Aside from the tinny mic (which should only really impact people wanting to stream), most of its flaws are fairly forgivable. I had some very minor issues on the comfort front and battery life isn’t the best, but with the dock, you won’t be running out of juice unless you game in +20-hour stints anyway. The elephant in the room is the lack of Xbox compatibility, but that’s more of a pre-purchase consideration in my mind — we test plenty of console exclusive gear here, so it’s not a huge deal for me.

Anyway, the Scape’s design is gorgeous, and the inclusion of the wireless charging dock is extremely handy, keeping your desk neat and ensuring the headset stays charged. Most importantly, the sound quality is very strong, making this an excellent all-rounder for gaming and music. And come on… just look at it.

When it comes to video games, I love story-driven RPGs. Or story-driven side-scrolling games. Give me any game with a solid storyline and I'm hooked. It's no surprise, then, that my favorite games (right now) are Baldur's Gate 3 and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, two titles with phenomenal storytelling. And I'll be honest, I've never been a massive fan of racing games.

That's primarily because they don't have the most compelling storylines, but also because I've never been particularly good at them. Although Need for Speed was a big part of my childhood, my interest in the series faded as I got older. As a Formula One aficionado, I tried the F1 games but again, I wasn't very good at them... that was true until I tested the Turtle Beach Racer Wireless, and I finally "got gud" at F1 25.

Though I've used racing wheels at arcades, testing the Racer Wireless was the first time I actually spent a substantial amount of time with one — and it's the one thing that has been missing from my gaming setup. It's affordable, accessible, compact, versatile, and boy, is it fun to use! I've raced over 600 (virtual) miles with the Racer Wireless, and I'm here to tell you that if you're a fan of racing games, you need this wheel in your life.

Stupendous ergonomics

Even though the Turtle Beach Racer Wireless is a budget-friendly racing wheel, Turtle Beach hasn't compromised on the build quality or the ergonomics. This is a very versatile racing wheel, as there are two ways of using it with your Windows 11/10 machine, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and Xbox One: wireless via the 2.4GHz dongle, or wired via the USB-A to USB-C cable.

There are two ways to place it too. You can either use the built-in desk clamp to mount the wheel on to the edge of a table, or you can install the metal lap rests to use it... well, in your lap. The latter is my favorite way to use the Racer Wireless as it enables you to use the wheel while you're sitting on your couch and playing on your console which is connected to your TV. And though the lap rests are made of metal, they don't poke into your clothes or skin, so they're very comfortable.

I also love the wheel's layout. Its face buttons are inspired by the Xbox controller's ABXY layout, and all the buttons are within easy reach. The wheel itself is comfortable to hold and use, and even when your hands get sweaty, they never slip off the wheel. I didn't notice any fingerprints being left behind on the wheel either. Overall, you're getting bang for your buck and then some.

Pressure-sensitive and immersion-inducing paddles

Let's talk about what I consider one of the biggest wins for the Turtle Beach Racer Wireless: its pressure-sensitive paddles. These are located behind the wheel so your fingers naturally fall on them when you're gripping the wheel. I absolutely adore these. As they're pressure-sensitive, throttle and braking can be done gradually, which gives you more control over the car you're driving.

When I played F1 25, for instance, the gradual throttle application aided me in long-term tire management. Being able to brake slightly rather than fully meant that I could easily turn tight corners and ensure I wasn't bumping tires with another racer when we went wheel-to-wheel.

The Racer Wireless is really snappy too, which I appreciated while weaving through Mexican traffic in Forza Horizon 5. Close calls didn't feel like close calls anymore as I could make last-minute swerves to get past NPCs. I like how the face buttons give good tactile feedback when pressed too, which I instantly noticed when hitting X to do a 360-degree spin to take down rivals' cars in Asphalt Legends.

If you want to be able to shift gears manually in the likes of F1 25 and Forza Horizon 5, there are two remappable F1 and F2 function buttons under the navigation ones on the Racer Wireless' left-hand side. I did this to feel more immersed and have more control over my car, especially in F1 25, and it worked like a charm. I found the buttons easy to hit with my left thumb without taking my hand off the wheel.

If you want a snappy racing wheel that makes you better at racing games, the Racer Wireless is your port of call. I've absolutely loved racing with this wheel and it's left me wondering how and why I've gone so long without it!

An all-in-one package

The Turtle Beach Racer Wireless is an all-in-one package. Well, with a couple of caveats. It doesn't come with peddles for acceleration and braking — that's what the aforementioned pressure-sensitive paddles are for. There's also no force feedback, which ruins your immersion a little bit as you can't feel the track you're racing on. But is that such a bad thing? I don't think so.

This is a budget, entry-level racing wheel. The Racer Wireless costs $179 / £139 at Amazon, and it's designed for those new to sim racing. The lack of peddles and force feedback isn't a massive drawback because this wheel is here to give you a taste for sim racing, and you can always upgrade to a proper setup later down the line.

For those who want an easy, compact, affordable racing wheel that can be used from the couch with just your hands, there's no better recommendation than the Racer Wireless, in my humble opinion. It's made me a better gamer at racing titles, and if I, an RPG aficionado, can "git gud," I'm certain anyone can.

More from Tom's Guide

• I went wheel-to-wheel with and beat Max Verstappen for the first time — and it’s all thanks to this $179 racing wheel
• I felt like I was driving a real racing car when testing this sim racing rig — this is next-level simulation tech
• Building the best sim racing rig for $500 — driving on the cheap is a lot better than you think

Last year, I wrote about how the DualSense Edge had become my new favorite PS5 “Pro” controller thanks to its comfortable ergonomics and extra buttons. While it’s still a fantastic peripheral for dedicated PS5 owners, its battery life isn’t great, and you have to pay $20 for replacement stick modules if you need them. Again, cool peripheral, but it’s not perfect.

Thankfully, I found a serious rival in the Razer Raiju V3 Pro.

Released late last year, Razer’s controller ditches features such as adaptive triggers and battery-draining haptics to deliver the kind of precision professional and hardcore gamers look for. The TMR thumbsticks are the main reason I think this controller is fantastic, but its solid ergonomics and clicky buttons are great as well.

Though you can’t go wrong with the DualSense Edge, the Razer Raiju V3 Pro is a brilliant alternative for both PS5 and PC. Here’s why I’ve fallen in love with this controller and why hardcore gamers should keep it on their radar.

Raiju V3 Pro: Features

Let’s take a look at what makes the Raiju V3 Pro so awesome. While this might look like a regular Razer controller with some extra buttons on the back, it has some special features that make it stand out.

The main one is the TMR (Tunneling Magneto-Resistance) sensors. What the heck are TMR sensors? I’ll spare you the details, but it’s technology that’s even more precise and durable than Hall Effect sensors. Not only do they effectively eliminate stick drift, but they also draw less power, making for better battery life.

Then there are the extra six buttons: four on the back and another two on top beside the shoulder buttons. The back buttons have a satisfying mouse-like click, and you can even remove them if you find them intrusive. In case you were wondering, yes, all of these buttons are fully remappable.

Speaking of buttons, the face buttons and 8-way floating D-pad are also clicky and responsive. This is impressive considering these are actually membrane switches, which don’t usually produce satisfying clicks.

Other features include trigger locks for the L2 and R2 buttons, compatibility with PS5 and PC (via wired or the 2.4GHz dongle), and a claimed 36 hours of battery life. Given how I used this controller for an entire weekend of extensive gaming before I had to charge it, this claim is spot on.

You can read our full Razer Raiju V3 Pro review for more details, but suffice it to say this peripheral has everything you'd want from a pro-grade controller.

Precision over immersion

Before moving on, I want to reemphasize that I’m a fan of the DualSense Edge controller. If you’re a die-hard PlayStation fan, you won’t be disappointed with it. However, I can’t dismiss some of the controller’s flaws—flaws that are rather glaring, given that it’s a $200 device. Yes, the Raiju V3 Pro costs more, but it addresses some of the Edge’s issues.

The DualSense Edge is first and foremost a PS5 controller designed for the PlayStation experience. That means you get features like haptic rumble, which let you “feel” every grain of sand in Astro Bot, while the adaptive triggers add resistance when you pull a gun’s trigger in games like Returnal. These features are fun, but they can be a liability.

For example, haptics can be detrimental when you’re playing Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 or Apex Legends competitively. That’s because vibrations can mess up your aiming, and trigger resistance slows your reaction time. This is why competitive gamers turn these features off.

The Raiju V3 Pro does away with vibration, haptic feedback, and rumble. While this can make single-player games feel less immersive, it greatly helps in competitive titles. Also, doing away with vibration motors drops the Raiju’s weight to 250g, which is 100g lighter than the Edge. While I personally like the Edge’s heavy weight, I can see how first-person shooter players might find it off-putting.

TMR sensors to the rescue

Stick drift has plagued the PS5 DualSense controller for years. That’s why it’s disappointing that Sony's solution is replaceable thumbstick modules that cost $20 each. It’s even worse when you consider that a good number of pro-grade controllers frequently utilize magnetic Hall Effect sensors that drastically reduce stick drift.

The Raiju V3 Pro utilizes a different kind of magnetic sensor technology called TMR that’s supposed to be even more precise and durable than Hall Effect. I obviously can’t vouch for this, given how long both sensor technologies last, but they must certainly be more durable than standard analog sticks, which have physical parts rubbing together that eventually wear down. I can say these sensors make the thumbsticks glide smoother than traditional analog sticks. You can immediately tell the difference.

We’re seeing more and more TMR controllers, which makes the DualSense Edge feel behind the times since it doesn’t even have Hall Effect. Pardon the pun, but Razer’s controller definitely has the edge here.

The Razer Raiju V3 Pro is the real deal

At $219, the Razer Raiju V3 Pro is pretty expensive for a gaming controller. This is especially true when you can pick up a regular DualSense controller for around $75. Asking nearly triple that for a device lacking features like haptic rumble and adaptive triggers is admittedly a tough sell. However, I think Razer’s controller is worth every penny for gamers who demand precision.

If you’re an average PS5 user who wants to feel every raindrop in Returnal or the tension of a bowstring in Horizon: Forbidden West, the DualSense Edge (or a regular DualSense) provides a more immersive experience. But if you’re a competitive gamer who sees your controller as a tool (or weapon), you should give the Razer Raiju V3 Pro serious consideration.

More from Tom's Guide

• The best PC game controllers
• I tried a racing controller with a steering wheel stuck to it
• I went hands-on with HyperX’s first leverless controller

If you want to take your first steps into the vast world of sim racing and wheels, the Turtle Beach Racer Wireless is a great place to start. It features pressure-sensitive paddles that give you a competitive edge in racing games, and its buttons can be extensively customized.

Featuring wired and wireless connectivity, as well as a lap rest so that you can use it while on the couch, this is a very versatile racing wheel. That isn’t to say it’s perfect, though. Given that this is a budget-friendly wheel and doesn’t cost nearly as much as more premium or direct drive setups, it’s worth noting that there’s no force feedback, and it doesn’t come with pedals.

Is this the right racing wheel for you? Read my full Turtle Beach Racer Wireless review for the complete breakdown.

Turtle Beach Racer Wireless review: Specs

Turtle Beach Racer Wireless review: Cheat sheet

• What is it? A beginner-friendly racing wheel
• Who is it for? Racing game enthusiasts on a budget, or those buying their first sim racing wheel
• How much does it cost? The Turtle Beach Racer Wireless is available for $179 / £139
• What do we like? The comfortable and ergonomic design, pressure-sensitive paddles, connectivity options, and detailed companion software
• What don’t we like? There’s no force feedback, no peddles, and it isn’t compatible with all racing games

Turtle Beach Racer Wireless review: The ups

From its comfortable and ergonomic design, to its stellar performance in racing titles such as F1 25 and Forza Horizon 5, the Turtle Beach Racer Wireless is a fantastic racing wheel for casual players or sim beginners.

Comfortable and ergonomic

If you’re on the hunt for a comfortable and ergonomic racing wheel, the Turtle Beach Racer Wireless should be right up your alley.

Given that this isn’t an expensive wheel and is aimed at beginners, it’s nice to see that Turtle Beach has ensured the wheel is still comfortable. First of all, the build quality is excellent for the price. Though the wheel is made entirely of plastic, it feels high quality, with no hollow-sounding parts or creaking under intense steering.

The Racer Wireless has got good weight to it too, with the entire unit measuring 4.06lbs without the included lap rest. When the lap rest is attached, the weight jumps to 5.91lbs. This might sound like a lot but it isn’t.

Thanks to good weight distribution, you don’t feel like you’re being weighed down when the Racer Wireless is sitting in your lap, but it’s just enough to make the wheel feel substantial. The Racer Wireless’ wheelbase measures 11.46 x 10.75 x 10.28 inches so it doesn’t take up too much space, but is still comfortable to use — at least I found it so, with my medium-sized hands.

Let’s talk about its ergonomics now. I’ve found the Racer Wireless to be extremely comfortable to hold and use. The face buttons, laid out in the Xbox ABXY layout, and the other function buttons are all well-placed and within easy reach of your thumbs. I never once felt like my hands were off the wheel or my index, ring and middle fingers were off the left (brake) and right (throttle) rear paddles.

I also love the inclusion of two lap rest attachments. It feels like a nice and inclusive touch from Turtle Beach, especially for those who don’t have a desk setup and just want to play sitting on their couch.

The metal lap rests are easy to attach — simply follow the easy-to-read instructions in the Quick Start guide — and they can be extended from 11.42 to 17.72 inches. This range provided more than enough room for the wheel’s lap rests to sit comfortably on my thighs. I also found the lap rests comfortable to use for long periods of time, as they didn’t dig into my clothes or skin.

If you want to use the wheel at a table, you can mount it onto the edge of a desk with the built-in clamps. Again, simple enough to do.

Two ways to connect

The Turtle Beach Racer Wireless is a versatile racing wheel, as there are two ways for you to connect it to your machine.

Firstly, the wheel is compatible with Windows 11/10, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, and Android smartphones. Secondly, as the name suggests, the Racer Wireless can connect wirelessly to your PC and Xbox via the 2.4GHz USB-A dongle. The USB-A dongle slots into the bottom of the wheel base for safekeeping.

If you want to use the wheel with your Android smartphone or tablet, you can connect it wirelessly over Bluetooth 5.1. Both the 2.4GHz dongle and Bluetooth offer a range of up to 30ft / 9.14m. Being able to connect it wirelessly frees you from the mess of cables that comes with other racing rigs, so you can play your favorite games while sitting on the couch. You have the option to connect the wheel via a USB-C to USB-A cable too.

I tested the wheel over the 2.4GHz and wired connection, separately, and I didn't experience any input lag or latency issues.

Stellar gaming performance

If this is your first time using a racing wheel or you’re ditching your controller or keyboard for the first time, you’ll be pleased to know that the Turtle Beach Racer Wireless is a stellar wheel to race on. I tested both mounting systems and I have to say, I prefer the lap rests as I felt more in control, but I still enjoyed using the wheel when it was attached to my desk.

To test the Racer Wireless, I played a few games on a Windows 11 laptop, including F1 25, Asphalt Legends, and Forza Horizon 5. Across all three games, I had a great degree of control on my vehicle, whether I was drifting in Asphalt Legends and Forza Horizon 5 or maintaining a respectable distance between myself and a rival racer when we went wheel-to-wheel in F1 25.

In F1 25, when I was chasing Max Verstappen down a long straight, I could confidently rely on the left paddle to brake right behind him so as not to crash into him. The paddles never let me down, as they were quick to register my inputs depending on how deeply I was pressing them.

Turning tight corners was a piece of cake too, as was making minute adjustments to my car’s position to ensure I didn’t bump into another driver in F1 25. Having used standard controllers for racing games prior to the Racer Wireless, I have to say that this might be the closest I’ve come to beating peak Verstappen!

The gradual throttle application also meant that I could manage tire wear more easily and effectively, which is crucial in a game like F1 25. The back paddles are assigned to the actions of braking and accelerating, and these can’t be remapped to function as gear shifts.

Back paddles on wheels are usually assigned to shifting gears while foot pedals enable braking and acceleration. This might not sound ideal as it can break your immersion, but in my opinion, it broadens the Racer Wireless’ appeal as it’s more accessible for casual gamers.

For those who do want manual gear shifting, you can assign gear up and down functions to the wheel’s F1 and F2 buttons, as I did. It’s a good solution for players who do want manual control over gears, and I found it worked well in both F1 25 and Forza Horizon 5. I was able to easily hit the F1 and F2 buttons with my left thumb as and when needed, and they were quick to register my commands.

I also found the Racer Wireless snappy in Forza Horizon 5 and Asphalt Legends, and this made weaving through traffic effortless. The face buttons give good tactile feedback when pressed and they don’t require a lot of force, taking the fatigue out of the action. This made hitting X to do a 360° spin to take out rival NPCs in Asphalt Legends.

Following the racing line and keeping within track limits in F1 25 felt much easier with the Racer Wireless than it has ever done with another controller or a mouse and keyboard too.

Detailed companion software

The Turtle Beach Racer Wireless can be extensively customized via the Turtle Beach Control Center 2 software, available to download for free on Windows. The software is extremely intuitive and easy to use, so those picking up their first racing wheel should have no issues getting to grips with it. Everything is clearly signposted and explained.

Within the software, you can customize the paddle response and choose one of three settings: Standard, Precision and Fast. These determine how analog input translates to digital. Think of it like the response curves for the sticks of a traditional controller. You can adjust the paddles’ deadzones too.

The wheel’s rotation angle can be adjusted as well, as you can choose between 360° and 180°. Basically, it determines how far the wheel needs to be physically rotated to reach the maximum steering wheel rotation. Locking at 180° means you don’t need to turn it fully to make your car go left, for instance. I preferred playing with the wheel rotation locked at 180° as it ensured faster input.

Other settings include the ability to remap buttons, assign functions to the F1 and F2 buttons, and adjust headphones settings (as there’s a headphones in jack on the left-hand side of the Racer Wireless). You can customize the equalizer, adjust the mic monitoring and the chat mix too. I’d recommend spending some time experimenting with the different settings to find what fits your gamestyle best.

Competitively priced for beginners

The Turtle Beach Racer Wireless is aimed at casual racing enthusiasts buying their first wheel, and it’s priced as such. The Racer Wireless retails for $179 / £139 at Amazon, which is a lot cheaper than most other racing wheels or sim rigs we’ve reviewed at Tom’s Guide.

The Racer Wireless is priced similarly to the Thrustmaster T128 ($199) and is cheaper than the Logitech G29/G920 ($329). It’s also cheaper than its stablemate, the Turtle Beach VelocityOne Race ($649) but you also get pedals for that price, which aren’t included with the Racer Wireless.

Turtle Beach Racer Wireless review: The downs

Though the Turtle Beach Racer Wireless is excellent, it’s not perfect. It isn’t compatible with every racing game, and there’s no force feedback.

Not compatible with every racing game

Unfortunately, the Turtle Beach Racer Wireless isn’t compatible with every racing game on the planet.

You can’t just plug the wheel in and fire up that obscure racing game that no one else has heard of and expect the wheel to work, sadly. Turtle Beach has a list of games the Racer Wireless is compatible with, so it’s worth reading through it before you buy the wheel.

No force feedback

One of my biggest gripes with the Turtle Beach Racer Wireless is that there’s no force feedback. Force feedback is, basically, akin to the vibrations produced by the best controllers to make you feel more immersed in the game you’re playing.

Similar to how a standard controller’s vibrations are created by rumble motors, force feedback in sim wheels is created by radial, magnetic or axial flux motors — and the Racer Wireless features none.

This means that there is no force feedback whatsoever, and the Racer Wireless cannot emulate the physical sensations of driving, such as tire grip, weight transfer and road textures.

There’s no vibration or rumble whatsoever, which makes you feel less immersed. But it’s also important to note that this is a very budget-friendly wheel, so while it’s disappointing, it isn’t a dealbreaker, in my opinion. It’s worth spending extra on the Thrustmaster T128 if you do want force feedback.

No pedals included

This brings me to my last point, and this isn’t a massive drawback or flaw, but a pre-purchase consideration. The Turtle Beach Racer Wireless is just a wheel. It doesn’t come with pedals or a gear shifter. That’s why it’s for beginners and casual racers, taking their first steps into the world of sim rigs.

If you want a proper sim racing setup with pedals and the works, you’ll have to spend a lot more on the likes of the Turtle Beach VelocityOne Race ($649), the Thrustmaster T598 ($499), or the Logitech G29/G920 ($399). The good thing about sim racing is that you can always upgrade later, once you’ve gotten a taste for it after using the Racer Wireless.

Turtle Beach Racer Wireless review: Verdict

If you’re buying a racing wheel for the first time, are on a budget, or don’t know where to start, I can’t recommend the Turtle Beach Racer Wireless enough. It’s perfect for those on a budget, and it’s an all-in-one package so it’s very accessible. Adding to its versatility is its wired and wireless connectivity options, and the included lap rests which enables you to use the wheel without a desk.

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed using the Racer Wireless. It boasts excellent performance in titles like F1 25 and Forza Horizon 5. The wheel is snappy and its pressure-sensitive paddles feel intuitive to use.

Though the package is missing pedals and there isn’t any force feedback, this wheel is a great starting point for beginner sim racers and enthusiasts. It’s compact, affordable, versatile, and oh-so-fun. I never want to play racing games without the Racer Wireless again.

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 is the successor to the Arctis Nova 7, a gaming headset that sort of straddles the mid-range and premium ends of the market. The Gen 2 brings some subtle but welcome upgrades (particularly to battery life and connectivity), while maintaining the same MSRP as the original model. On paper, that’s all great news.

As I mentioned, at $200, the Nova 7 Gen 2 is right on the price category border. For most other brands — Razer, Alienware, Logitech, etc. — $200-$250 is more or less where things top out. Not so for SteelSeries, whose lineup soars up another 200% to the $600 Arctis Nova Elite.

For SteelSeries, then, this is a mid-ranger, yet it’s mixing with some very premium competition. Does it do enough to compete with some of the best gaming headsets we’ve tested? Mostly, although there are a few issues I have, especially given the price.

Find out more in my full SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 review.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 review: Cheat sheet

• What is it? An upper-mid-range gaming headset
• Who is it for? Most gamers except pros and streamers
• What does it cost? $199 / £179
• What’s good? The sound profile, companion app, comfort, connectivity and battery life
• What’s not? The mic is rather tinny, some elements feel a little cheap, and it’s a tad overpriced

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 review: Specs

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 review: The ups

The Nova 7 Pro packs decent sound quality with impressive spatiality and powerful bass. It’s comfortable, offers respectable battery life and brings some handy connectivity upgrades, too.

Excellent sound for gaming

The Nova 7 Gen 2 sounds rather nice. You’d expect that to be the case given that: a) this is a nearly-$200 headset, and b) SteelSeries has form with making excellent-sounding cans. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite, while wildly expensive, sounds incredible, as does the $300 Nova Pro.

The Nova 7 Gen 2 drivers haven’t been given the same attention to detail as the pricier models, but the 40mm neodymium dynamic units still produce a decent sound and are a solid choice for gaming.

Chief among the headset’s virtues are its strong three-dimensional sound and bright treble — both essential in a competitive headset, allowing you to pinpoint where enemies are in relation to you. In Counter-Strike 2, I could hear enemy footsteps and tell precisely where they were coming from. As such, I had advanced warning to avoid being killed, and was able to score kills I might otherwise have missed by popping up on my foes unexpectedly.

Like most general consumer headphones and headsets with dynamic drivers, the Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 is tuned for a bass-heavy profile. I’ve no complaints about this, it’s great for music-heavy games and helps with immersion in bass-heavy titles — the sound of artillery in Hell Let Loose and Isonzo, for example, had the appropriate terrifying boom to it.

Tonal separation isn’t the best, and busier soundtracks like the cinematic interludes of Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 sounded a tad muddy. If that’s something you care about, I’d recommend stepping up to something with higher-end drivers, like the Audeze Maxwell 2 ($329).

Decent for casual music listening

The Nova 7 Gen 2 is also fine for music. Again, there’s a big skew towards loud bass, but that’s just what many casual music listeners want. The masses want bass.

With lesser drivers, the sludgy simultaneous dual guitar riffs of Melvins’ Honey Bucket can all too easily get stuck in one another’s mud or become bogged down amid the song’s bassline. Indeed, it wasn’t the cleanest rendition I’ve heard, and those thick mids felt a little muddy, but this is a mid-range headset. It wasn’t an awful performance.

Bass is lovely. The pounding sub-bassline of Burn Water’s Ikigai sounded warm and powerful, free from distortion.

As I saw in game testing, tonal clarity up top is pretty good, with airier productions sounding great. The delicate vocal harmonies of Mocky’s Just a Little Lovin’ stood out nicely, with each voice distinguishable from the other.

What I enjoy most about this headset is the spaciousness. As I mentioned in the gaming section, spatial audio is really rather good. Mk.Gee’s Dream Police, with its lofty production and wide soundstage, felt fittingly three-dimensional. As did New Low — another of Mk.Gee’s — with its surreal industrial percussion reverberating from front, to sides, then to back.

Strong companion software

I’m a big fan of the SteelSeries GG app. It’s a slick, polished piece of software that gives you a decent amount of control over your SteelSeries gear. In particular, there’s Sonar, which allows you to control the mixing, levels and EQ of your devices (including the headset mic and audio channels separately), which is super handy.

I especially love the wide array of game-specific EQ presets you can find on there. The list is arguably far too large for a simple dropdown, as there are hundreds. But once you locate an EQ for your game, you can tailor your sound to the specific title you’re playing with minimal fuss. The first thing I did when I began testing was fire up GG and set the EQ to Hell Let Loose — I had to make sure I could hear those enemy footsteps.

The Nova 7 Gen 2 also brings smartphone compatibility via the SteelSeries Arctis App, so console gamers can control their device from their phone during play. This is also handy for PC gamers, allowing them to tweak the headset without being forced to switch apps away from their game.

Lightweight and comfortable

The Arctis Nova Gen 7 is an extremely comfortable headset, primarily thanks to its low weight and employment of light, breathable (yet high-quality) materials. It weighs 325 grams / 11 ounces, so not much lighter than the pricier SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (12 ounces) and Nova Elite (13 ounces). One or two ounces doesn’t make a huge difference. However, I went into testing the Nova 7 straight from the Audeze Maxwell 2, which weighs 1.2 pounds — a substantial weight off my shoulders, literally.

The Nova 7 Gen 2’s earcups are made from a lightweight fabric. This lacks the pizzazz and premium feel of the leather(ette) cups on the Arctis Nova Pro ($379), Nova Elite ($599), Maxwell 2 ($329) and Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming headset ($229). This isn’t uncommon in the mid-range arena, though, with the Fractal Scape ($199) and Razer BlackShark V3 Pro ($229) also using fabric. Either way, I find fabric quite comfortable and much more breathable than leather. I had no problems gaming for hours without getting hot ears.

The Nova 7 Gen 2 also uses a suspended inner headband design, which I love. It’s becoming almost ubiquitous these days, although you’ll still see other mid-range and even high-end headsets using a traditional padded single headband. The Fractal Scape, Alienware Pro and BlackShark V3 Pro, to name a few.

The suspended headband lets the Nova 7 Gen 2 sit very lightly on your head, without applying too much pressure in any one spot. It’s also adjustable, giving you more customization over the fitment, alongside the stepless earcup adjustment.

Respectable battery life

SteelSeries won’t be winning any awards for the Nova 7 Gen 2’s battery life, but it’s nevertheless respectable at 50 hours, which is up by 40% from the original Nova 7, according to SteelSeries. In my testing, I was able to play for about 12-14 hours on around 25% charge, so the manufacturer’s figures track.

Unlike the Nova Pro and Elite, which have removable batteries (and ship with two), the Nova 7’s battery is built in. That means downtime when you need to charge. Happily, 15 minutes will net you six hours of use, so you can take that necessary eye break… before coming back for another multi-hour session. Honestly, it’s very rare that my headsets ever run out of juice anyway, as they’re often charged overnight when I’m not playing.

Simultaneous wireless connectivity

One of the most useful features of any audio device is multi-point connectivity. Gaming headsets these days take that a step further, though, with simultaneous connectivity. That means you can take a call on your phone or work computer while gaming and, importantly, hear them both at the same time.

Without the USB hubs of the Nova Pro and Nova Elite to quickly mix channel levels in real time, this can get a bit messy, but it’s still super useful to have, and a welcome upgrade from the original Nova 7.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 review: The downs

While the Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 is a decent mid-range headset, a weak microphone and some cheap design elements rankle, given the $200 MSRP.

Tinny microphone

The Nova 7 Gen 2’s mic is a little disappointing, given that this is a $200 headset. As you can hear in the audio clip below, audio recorded using the microphone is tinny and low-quality.

Now, headset mics aren’t usually the pinnacles of clarity, so I can forgive this flaw to some extent — especially since the headset isn’t aimed at or heavily marketed to streamers. And don’t get me wrong, it’ll do the job for game chat. I played a lot of the mic-heavy strategic shooter Hell Let Loose during testing, where microphone communication can be the make-or-break of a squad. My fellow players had no issues hearing me clearly.

It’s certainly not going to win any awards for fidelity, though. So, if you’re streaming, you’ll want to spend extra on something with broadcast-worthy recording, like the Audeze Maxwell 2 or a dedicated mic like the Shure MV6.

Finish a little cheap in places

This is another minor con, because overall the Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2’s general build quality is pretty good — with its metallic headband, premium plastics and soft fabrics. But letting the show down for me slightly are the buttons and controls. The dials in particular feel super cheap and flimsy.

I get it — this isn’t SteelSeries’ top-o’-the-range headset. But it still costs $200, and for that money, cheap-feeling dials rankle me. It’s also important to consider that for almost every other manufacturer, $200-ish is high-end, with build to suit. The Fractal Scape ($199) and Alienware Pro ($229) are similarly priced, while the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro ($249) can often be found for around the $220 mark. And those headsets are each finished exquisitely. Both the Fractal and Razer feature metal control dials, which are particularly gorgeous.

And that’s a rather neat segue into my next point…

Mildly overpriced

SteelSeries has form in overpricing. The scale ranges from “wildy” with the Arctis Nova $600 Elite, down to “mildly,” which is where I’d say we’re at here.

As I mentioned above, taking a look at the competition, the Nova 7 Gen 2’s $199 / £179 price tag is where many other brands top out. In other words, their top-line premium headsets are sitting at or just above the $200 mark — the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro, Alienware Pro and Fractal Scape, for instance. I’m not saying they’re all perfect, but they’re all built exquisitely and feel truly premium. The Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2, by contrast, feels truly mid-range.

That’s not to say I think this is a bad headset. Far from it. It just feels like a $150-$175 product to me. This would still differentiate it from the lower-tier SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 ($129).

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 review: Verdict

The Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 isn’t perfect. I think it’s priced a little too high, given the slightly cheap finishing touches and tinny microphone. Theoretically, I wouldn’t mind either of those issues as this is a mid-range headset — not one aimed at esports players or professional streamers. But I feel the trade-off should be a decidedly mid-range price. $25-$50 cheaper would’ve been the sweet spot for me.

Regardless, the Nova 7 Gen 2 does a decent job at most of the priority aspects. Sound quality is decent, with a bright treble and deep, punchy bass — making this a solid headset for both competitive and casual gaming, as well as listening to music. It’s highly comfortable, built well for the most part and packs respectable battery life, too. So, although I’d advise waiting for a sale to buy it, I’m still happy to recommend the Nova 7 Gen 2.

The Audeze Maxwell 2 is the latest gaming headset from Californian audio manufacturer Audeze (pronounced Awd-Ee-Zee: a rough portmanteau of “audio” and “odyssey”), a brand famed for its high-end open-back audiophile headphones.

Succeeding the original Audeze Maxwell — a headset I’ve also reviewed and been using for around 18 months as I write this — the new model packs the same enormous 90mm planar magnetic drivers. There are a few modest updates, though, including Audeze’s SLAM driver modulators and microphone “AI” noise reduction.

I’ll get this out of the way early: if you’re wondering whether you should upgrade from the OG Maxwell, don’t bother. In its own right, though, the Maxwell 2 is one of the best gaming headsets out there, especially for gamers who moonlight as music connoisseurs.

Find out more in my full Audeze Maxwell 2 review.

Audeze Maxwell 2 review: Cheat sheet

• What is it? A gaming headset with planar magnetic drivers
• Who is it for? Audiophiles who also game
• What does it cost? $329 / £339
• What’s good? The sound quality, mic clarity, equalizer, comfort and battery life
• What isn’t? The annoying headband adjustment and lack of simultaneous connectivity

Audeze Maxwell 2 review: Specs

Audeze Maxwell 2 review: The ups

The Maxwell 2’s core features are impressive. Planar magnetic drivers deliver a refined (albeit un-bassy) sound profile, the mic is excellent and it’s a comfortable headset to wear for long stints.

Fantastic sound quality

Like its predecessor, the Maxwell 2’s sound quality is solid. Via its 2.4G Wi-Fi dongle, the Maxwell 2 can wirelessly stream 96kHz/24-bit high-resolution audio — the same as the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite. Xbox and PS5 can only output CD-quality 44kHz/16-bit, though, so PC gamers are the only beneficiaries of the headset’s full wireless range in-game.

Frequency response is 10Hz-50kHz, meaning any high frequency you can hear, it’ll reproduce. Extension down to 10Hz means the Maxwell 2 can reproduce deep sub bass, while the 50kHz top end delivers increased clarity in high frequencies and a more spacious sound.

Like the original Maxwell, the second iteration headset uses enormous 90mm planar magnetic drivers instead of the dynamic drivers found in most headsets and headphones. Planar magnetic drivers start and stop vibrating much quicker than dynamic drivers, delivering tighter sound with more clarity and definition, plus more bass notes relayed.

The trade-off is volume: more bass notes, less loudness to those notes. To the end user, that means a lack of oomph down low. One Maxwell 2 update is Audeze’s SLAM technology: plates that modulate pressure in the drivers and, according to Audeze, deliver up to 6dB more volume in the bass. In a back-to-back test with the two headsets, the Maxwell 2’s bass felt that much thicker and richer, although I wouldn’t say enough to warrant an upgrade.

There isn’t the sheer “slap-you-in-the-face” bass you’ll get from hefty dynamic drivers, as in the Arctis Nova Elite, for example. Artillery explosions in Isonzo or Hell Let Loose (HLL) felt a little thin through the Maxwell 2 — when I’m in the midst of an artillery barrage, for immersion’s sake, I want to feel it. You can obviously dial up bass substantially via EQ, and the magnetic drivers ensure everything stays clean and distortion-free. But the Maxwell 2 still lacks that super thick, subby power of dynamic drivers.

That said, the pared-back bass isn’t a huge deal in competitive titles like Counter-Strike 2 (CS2), where the Maxwell 2’s flatter sound profile and high-end clarity help with the detection of footsteps. Spatial audio helps here, too, and I was able to detect where enemies were approaching from in CS2 and HLL. Note that the Xbox variant is pricier because it includes a subscription to Dolby Atmos software, although both Xbox and PS5 variants support Dolby Atmos, which is all handled at the source device.

Where I’ve enjoyed the Maxwell 2 most, though, is in immersive, music-heavy titles. The drivers aren’t overly bassy, sure, but their strong extension, balanced profile and wide soundstage lend themselves perfectly to games with magnificent soundtracks and/or elaborate audio effects. Kingdom Come Deliverance 2’s (KCD2) medieval score sounded beautiful through the Maxwell 2, with strong tonal separation — no mistaking your lute for your harp here, thank you very much.

The spacious sound worked wonders for immersion, too. In KCD2, I could feel the dank spaciousness of a medieval Kuttenberg cellar, the echo of each character’s voice on the masonry, the hubbub of the upstairs tavern in the background. I don’t spend much time in medieval cellars, but that’s exactly how I imagine they should sound.

Great for music

Unsurprisingly, given Audeze’s pedigree, the Maxwell 2 is arguably the best headset on the market for music consumption. The soundstage is spacious, and there’s plenty of tonal separation. Just like the original Maxwell, I’d recommend the second iteration for any gamers who also take their music seriously. For $329, these are a decent set of dual-purpose cans.

Lighter, layered productions sound particularly lovely. Mk.Gee’s diaphanous Dream police was a spacious experience — each of the analog, discordant elements perceptible in three dimensions as they materialized and dissipated around me.

Floating through the ethereal intro of Dusky’s atmospheric Falling was equally enjoyable, demonstrating the headset’s airy treble and strong tonal separation: the layers of delay-filled percussion and echoed claps ricocheting and delicately fading in stereo sound, each staccato note distinct from its neighbors.

Falling gets pretty bassy, too, with a deep, plodding, tubular bassline. Again, no points to the Maxwell for pure bass loudness, but everything low was present and clean, if not a little restrained.

For something really bassy, I tried Skream’s Sub Island, an early U.K. dubstep deep cut composed almost entirely of an enormous bass and sub-bass warble. The upper bass notes were relayed nicely; warm and fuzzy but free of distortion. Again, even with some EQ dialed in, I missed a little of the song’s thick, skull-shaking sub-bass.

10-band equalizer

Complementing the inherently strong sound is the Audeze companion app, which has received a wholesale redevelopment for the Maxwell 2… literally — it’s an entirely different app. The previous companion app looked rather dated, so I appreciate the slicker entry this time.

The app’s primary purpose is as a delivery vehicle for the 10-band graphic equalizer — it serves very little purpose otherwise, aside from updating the headset/dongle or adjusting game/chat and sidetone mixing.

The EQ is reason enough for an app, though. And it’s good! 10 bands, 6 presets and 4 custom presets give you a lot of space to play around with sound. Admittedly, I mostly stuck to the Immersive preset, which, as a “U” curve, worked well for general-purpose EQ.

Excellent microphone

The Maxwell 2’s detachable boom microphone sounds fantastic. A day into testing, I used the headset for a work call to reports of excellent sound — clear vocals with a rich, warm and bassy profile. I had no problems communicating in games either, especially playing the strategic Hell Let Loose, which is heavily reliant on mic communication.

In the clip above, recorded without microphone noise cancellation, my voice sounds clear and warm, so I’d recommend the Maxwell 2’s mic to streamers.

For comparison purposes, above and below are two control tests featuring background noise, with no noise reduction applied.

Obviously, there's a fair amount of background noise making it into the recordings, but the sound quality is still great and my voice is clear. Compare these clips to the Noise Reduction samples below.

Noise reduction (Low)

The Maxwell 2 features an “AI-powered” noise reduction (NR) filter. I’m always skeptical of brands bandying the “AI-powered” crap, but the NR turned out to be pretty good (with caveats).

In the clips above and below, the “Low” NR did a solid job at removing background noise. Above, ambient sound from a loud coffee shop backing track was removed while I was silent, and only just crept in when I spoke.

Above, keyboard noise was more noticeable as I spoke, although not too intrusive. This was a better show than the Arctis Nova Elite’s NR, which was fairly poor in comparison.

Noise Reduction (High)

“High” NR works slightly more effectively, cutting more of the ambient sound in the clip below as I speak.

And it’s more of the same story with keyboard noise in the track below.

In both NR modes, though, and especially “High,” audio quality takes a big hit. My voice sounds thin, compressed and clippy. This is a natural drawback of noise reduction, but best not to use NR for streaming.

There’s no microphone EQ, though, which is a shame. Given the Maxwell 2 is marketed as a “professional” gaming headset with streamers included in that sphere, it would’ve been nice to see presets for quickly tailoring sound — as with SteelSeries’ headsets. Still, there are third-party mixing applications that’ll do the job, including SteelSeries’ Sonar.

Comfortable cans

With such fat cans, you’d expect the Maxwell 2 to be comfy, and it is. Those enormous earcups provide plenty of padding, while maintaining breathability. I had no issues gaming for over six-hour stints without hot ears. The suspended inner headstrap, meanwhile, has been resized and widened, for more support and ventilation, and I find it more comfortable than the OG Maxwell’s thin band.

Importantly, the shape of the Maxwell 2’s inner earcup has been widened versus the original to accommodate more users — a big win for me. The OG Maxwell earcup opening didn’t fit my ears properly, causing pressure on my lobes and upper ear. This has also helped mitigate an ongoing problem with the strap adjustment, which I’ll cover later.

I’ve seen mixed reports online about comfort, with some users disliking the tighter fit of the second iteration. Comfort is always going to be a personal affair — what one person finds comfortable, another may not. But in general, I’ve found it to be a very comfortable headset.

Strong battery life

As I mentioned above, planar magnetic drivers generally deliver more clarity, but to achieve loudness, they need to be fed extra power. As such, the battery in this headset is chunky, at 1,800mAh — the same as the original Maxwell.

But that hefty battery also delivers impressive battery life. Audeze claims 80 hours, and I’ve no reason to doubt it. I’ve gamed with this headset for two weeks and still have 64% charge left. For context, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite’s 670mAh delivers 30 minutes per charge, while the Arctis Nova Pro’s 700mAh delivers 44 minutes — although each comes with two for no downtime while charging.

Audeze Maxwell 2 review: The downs

My grievances with the Maxwell 2 are all fairly minor and can be fairly easily overlooked given the excellent sound quality, which, let’s face it, is what you’re paying for.

Annoying headband adjustment

My biggest grievance with the OG Maxwell is the ridiculous headband adjustment. Unlike virtually every other headphone and headset, there’s no sliding stepless adjustment mechanism. Instead, you adjust by unclipping the inner suspended headband and moving up or down to one of three levels.

This is cumbersome and provides nowhere near enough precision. What if, like me, you’re between two levels? The answer: tough. You have to set one side at a different height than the other, resulting in a lopsided headset.

Unfortunately, the Maxwell 2 employs the same system. It’s mitigated somewhat by the reshaped earcups, but still vexes me. Why not employ a sliding stepless adjustment mechanism? If there’s no space on the earcups, fine: add one to the outer handband. The headset’s suspended inner band means Audeze could’ve used any design it wanted on the outer band without affecting comfort.

No simultaneous wireless connectivity

The Maxwell 2 lacks simultaneous wireless connectivity. So, while you can connect to two devices (1x Wi-Fi and 1x Bluetooth), you can’t play the audio from both simultaneously. If you get a call while you’re gaming, your game audio will mute.

It’s incredibly handy to be able to take calls while gaming and hear both. That might sound like a mess, but when done well, it’s more seamless than it might appear. On the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro and Arctis Nova Elite, you can mix the levels of each channel using the included USB stations, as per your requirements, to keep the channels balanced. So handy.

Chunky design

The Maxwell 2 is thicker than a bowl of Scottish porridge (that’s oatmeal to those in the U.S.). That’s mostly fine, because it’s primarily designed for home use. But I enjoy using other headsets out and about as typical headphones — not really possible with the Maxwell 2… unless you want to look like you work on the F1 Pit Wall.

The large size and increased weight over the original Maxwell (up from 490g to 560g or 1.2lbs, thanks to the SLAM plates) also makes the Maxwell 2 cumbersome. Tilt your head forward — if you’ve dropped something, for instance — and it’s off.

Obviously, closed-back planar magnetic cans were never going to be small, especially with a 1,800mAh battery. It’s still something to consider based on your wants and needs, though.

Driver tick

This one’s super minor and is common on planar magnetic drivers, but the Maxwell 2 suffers from driver tick. Essentially, the ultra-thin drivers are moved by changes in air pressure, resulting in a ticking sound.

You’ll only hear this when audio isn’t playing or is very quiet, so it isn’t a huge deal, but if you think it’ll annoy you, opt for something with dynamic drivers, like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro or Razer BlackShark V3 Pro.

Kinda pricey

What a world we live in, where the Maxwell 2 and its $329 / £339 price tag is now considered mid-range. Thanks, SteelSeries (which launched the Arctis Nova Elite at $600). $329 is objectively still on the pricey side, though.

Now, does that mean it’s overpriced? I don’t think so. This is an excellent gaming headset with a stellar mic and, most importantly, a refined audio profile. Indeed, the Maxwell 2 can (just about) double up as a set of audiophile headphones (and in the audiophile headphone arena, $329 is beginner territory).

Regardless, if you’re on a tighter budget, look elsewhere. The Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming Headset costs $229; the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 and Asus ROG Pelta cost $129; and the Cherry XTRFY H3 costs $99. All scored very highly in our testing, although they won’t deliver the Maxwell 2’s sheer audio fidelity.

Audeze Maxwell 2 review: Verdict

The Maxwell 2 is a solid gaming headset. Its planar magnetic drivers offer refined sound, suiting the headset well to immersive gaming and music. The inherent limitations of the drivers mean it isn’t the bassiest headset around, but what it lacks in loudness it makes up for in fidelity.

The microphone is particularly impressive, sounding extremely clean, with effective noise reduction also on hand to clear up environmental noise, albeit at the sacrifice of recording quality. Battery life is excellent, too, offering weeks of gameplay from a single charge.

Admittedly, the changes made to the formula aren’t substantial enough that I’d recommend OG Maxwell owners dump another $329 into the upgrade. That said, I’m a big fan of the earcup redesign, which has dramatically improved comfort for me over the first model.

My complaints with the Maxwell 2 are mostly just annoyances: the lack of simultaneous wireless connectivity, the frustrating headback adjustment and enormous size of the things. Nothing that’d stop me buying the Maxwell 2, nor make me regret it afterwards.

I love sim racing because it fires up the brain neurons that play to my strengths — the combination of being data driven and feeling. Getting an understanding of where you can improve lap times and pairing that with making sure the car is just right so you’re getting the most out of it delivers a real sense of satisfaction.

Mid-range sim gear is going through a similar phase at the moment, as more companies dip into this area to show you that racing isn’t just a rich man’s game. Up until now, my own personal champ has been the Thrustmaster T598, but today, that crown has been taken by the Logitech G RS50.

It’s simply a spectacular bridge between being accessible for beginners, offering more immersion when you’re ready to step up to intermediate, and a decent amount of headroom for when you do go a little more pro. It’s that versatile in its detail of direct drive force feedback, and seriously durable in its premium construction.

This almost feels like the team over at Logitech took a checklist of all the mid-range wheels and pedals I’ve been reviewing over the past year, seeing the things I complained about, and fixing them.

That’s not to say it's completely perfect. I always end up coming to odds with the G Hub software’s limited options to tune the wheel itself to whatever type of driving I’m doing, and while other sim racing setups offer a bundle option, you’ve gotta buy the Pro Racing Pedals separate here.

But whether it was a 24-hour endurance race at Monza, rallying across Monaco or a rather intense time trial session in F1 cars at Silverstone, the finite detail in the force feedback, the ergonomics of the wheel and the metallic build keeps this one of the best drives for the price you’re paying.

Logitech G RS50: Cheat Sheet

• What is it? This is a direct drive sim racing wheel and pedals (pedals sold separately).
• Who is it for? This is for intermediate sim racers who are looking to make the jump from their beginner setup.
• What does it cost? The wheel and base are available for $599, while the Pro Racing Pedals I tested here will set you back an extra $379. There’s a $169 shifter and handbrake, but I didn’t test this.
• What do we like? This wheel offers the best force feedback and detailed racing haptics at this price point — all in a premium, durable direct drive package with a solid-feeling wheel and well-placed buttons.
• What don’t we like? For those who like the more granular levels of wheel customization, the G-Hub software is a little limited for that.

Logitech G RS50: Specs

Logitech G RS50: The ups

Jumping into my Ford GT40 in Gran Turismo 7, I took the G RS50 out for its first test drive. 5,000 miles later (and roughly 150 different cars later), I’m a little mindblown by how good this is for the price.

Pole position racing

One of the best driving experiences I’ve had right out of the box has been the Logitech G Pro (supplanted recently by the pricey Asetek Forte Formula Pro setup). And while the RS50 doesn’t quite match the lofty heights of these systems that are at least double the price, it comes scarily close for its affordable cost.

The 8nm of direct drive strength paired with TRUEFORCE give you both the strength and intricate detail to really feel the car beneath you — allowing me to really clearly sense indications of oversteer to correct and ensure I don’t overdrive the car in moments of trailbraking.

Whether it’s the long swooping corners at Silverstone, or the dirt tracks of Costa Rica, every sensation is propagated through the force of the wheelbase. This ensures that either you’re in full control of the car, or in the moments you’re not, that you have some telltale feelings in the wheel to learn from.

As for the wheel itself, this is usually one of the elements that are compromised in the build quality of a mid-range sim setup. But the solid metallic construction with faux leather around the outside feels comfortable to grip on and durable for a lot of confidence in those more strenuous wrestling matches around tight turns.

Those magnetic shifters have a nice satisfying click, the buttons and jog wheels are placed in sensible locations to ensure ergonomic comfort while keeping both hands on the wheel, and the diameter is at that sweet spot both both track racing where your hands are locked in place and rally for all the hand shifting.

A great set of pedals

While I didn’t get the RS pedals to test, I did get a set of the Pro Pedals. And they are the epitome of the lesson the CEO of Asetek taught me — the most important upgrade you can make to any sim racing setup is in the pedals.

It’s rather underestimated, but a good set beneath your feet can be the difference between having to brake hard to make corners, or getting an extra few tenths per turn by trailbraking. First off, these are certainly built to last with a 2.5mm thick steel internal structure and brushed aluminum pedals. It exudes a premium, durable nature.

And second, those pedals have a gorgeously smooth, linear feel to them, as the load cell on that brake builds pressure in a way you can map to the feel of a car. If you need to adjust them, no problem! There’s plenty of customizability on the stiffness of that brake and its completely tool-less.

Premium build — affordable price

Then let’s get to the actual build quality of this system. This wheel base feels hefty, but the dimensions keep it small and easy to attach to your desk or sim seat. That direct drive motor is housed in a premium metal construction with easily accessible ports around the back (that are finally USB-C).

The display up front is bright and easy to read along with the rev lights on the wheel for good visual indicators in your peripheral vision when driving. The wheel doesn’t bend or contort under pressure, as the driving column has a solid grip. And setup is made pretty easy with the attachable clamps or easy-to-find screw holes.

By the way, if you do clamp it onto a desk, make sure you do reduce that force feedback strength a little. Chances are with a more expensive desk, 8Nm is not going to be a problem, but I felt my cheap L-shaped desk creak under the pressure and got rather nervous!

But to say you get this wheel base and wheel for $599 is an impressive bang for your buck in the sim racing space. The bridging gap that can run the whole spectrum from beginner to pro and last you a good long while.

Logitech G RS50: The downs

At this point, I’m roughly at my 4,000th mile and it’s time to lock in with some Le Mans Ultimate. Normally on other wheels, I have some tweaking to do to ensure I can keep a grasp of the car. But that’s where I ran into my slight problem.

Limited software customization

I have no beef with wheel compatibility — only a couple hiccups here and there on more niche titles. However, the amount of settings you can tweak to get the driving experience just right per game are more limited when you do want to go pro with this thing.

You get the essentials in basic force feedback adjustment, sensitivity and rotation, but I’m not able to tweak the slew rate (speed of torque delivery), friction or damping to fine-tune the wheel to each surface I drive on.

Then again, this is designed to be an out-of-the-box experience, which it does nail in its plug-and-play simplicity. So it's one of those things that’s really only an issue when you’re getting real nerdy about it.

Logitech G RS50: Verdict

Mid-range sim racing gear is becoming the new battleground for a lot of peripheral makers, and Logitech just slotted itself into the lead with the RS50. Nothing out there at the moment feels like a more complete, premium package than this does.

It’s built seriously strong, the wheel feels good in the hand, and the driving sensation is impressively accurate with enough strength to satisfy a vast range of levels of experience.

A new standard of competitive PC gaming has arrived, and the Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike wireless gaming mouse is here to introduce you to it. It's not due to a bold new design or improved polling rate, either. It's all to do with haptics.

Wait, haptics in a gaming mouse made for esports? Surely that would completely disrupt a winning shot if you feel a buzz in your fingers or palm just for immersion, like a PS5 DualSense controller. That was my initial thinking, but Logitech G is using haptics the smart way — with the sole purpose of delivering faster clicks.

With its world-first Haptic Inductive Trigger System (HITS), replacing traditional gaming mouse switches with a combination of real-time haptics tech and inductive analog sensing, the Pro X2 Superstrike's mouse buttons can be customized to adjust actuation points. That, along with Rapid Trigger support, makes for blazing-fast click speeds that you feel in control of.

Throw in its ultra-high 44,000 maximum DPI, 8,000Hz polling rate and premium, lightweight build (taking cues from the excellent Pro X Superlight 2), and this becomes the best gaming mouse you can grab today. Well, if you're willing to spend top dollar for it. It's also worth remembering that this is made for top-level esports players, so more casual competitive gamers may not see huge benefits from using it.

Is the Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike the gaming mouse for you? Let's dive in.

Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike: Cheatsheet

• What is it? A wireless gaming mouse with real-time haptic feedback, made for competitive gameplay.
• Who is it for? Esports players, competitive enthusiasts and anyone looking for faster clicks.
• How much does it cost? It's a pricey one. The Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike is available for $179 in the U.S. and £159 in the U.K.
• What do we like? The customizable haptic triggers in the mouse buttons feel and perform excellently, pro-level specs across the board, lightweight and comfy design, onboard dongle storage and the companion app for fine-tuning.
• What don’t we like? Not a lot, but it's a premium purchase, there's no onboard DPI selector and not everyone will make full use of its features.

Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike: Specs

Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike: The ups

The Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike fires off on all cylinders, from its classic, lightweight design for smooth gliding to its 44,000 DPI and 8,000Hz polling rate. Oh, and it's newfound haptics tech, no less. More importantly, it says a lot that an actual professional Rainbow Six Siege esports player, Davey "Freq" Hendriks, said, "when I’m getting faster response times, there’s no point going back,” when I asked about using the all-new mouse over others.

HITS for faster clicks

First, let's address the scared elephant in the room (they're definitely afraid of mice, after all). The Pro X2 Superstrike is the first to come with Logitech G's haptic tech, which is dubbed HITS. Thankfully, I can confirm that this isn't a gimmick.

The left and right mouse buttons use haptic triggers in place of the usual microswitches found in gaming mice, including the Pro X Superlight 2's hybrid optical/mechanical switches. The result is a pronounced "click" sensation that we're all used to, but one that I feel more in control of — even if it's subtle.

Don't worry, this isn't pure haptics. The mouse buttons will still physically go down when clicking, but it's the haptics that you'll feel, and even hear. For example, when the Pro X2 Superstrike isn't turned on (or the haptics are switched off), the mouse buttons won't have any "click" when pressing down on them. Switched on, however, and you'll immediately notice a click that feels like any other mouse.

Essentially, it feels as natural as ever, but I'm a huge fan of the precise, tactile sensation of each click and the subtle yet noticeable sound it makes. It's what you'd want in a gaming mouse, but Logitech G takes it a step further by allowing for faster click speeds and extended levels of customization (more on this later).

As Logitech claims, the Pro X2 Superstrike delivers up to a 30ms latency drop in click speed, which is a huge claim. For pro-level gameplay (and more casual), that's the difference between landing a winning shot against an opponent first in games like Counter-Strike, Overwatch, Valorant and plenty more.

This is due to the precise nature of HITS, along with the inclusion of Rapid Trigger, which is generally found in the best gaming keyboards. The latter allows the register of a click to activate and reset instantly, delivering faster repeated clicks.

I put this to the test using CPS Test, comparing it to the click speed of my usual daily driver, the NZXT Lift Elite Wireless. I also tried using my MacBook Air M3's Force Touch trackpad, which also uses haptic feedback.

Even after using the Pro X2 Superstrike for over a week, I've seen a substantial gain in CPS over the NXT gaming mouse and even the MacBook's trackpad. Apply that to competitive gameplay, and I'm just over a full click faster than the competition (if they have the same CPS as my NZXT score, that is).

It's the fastest I've ever clicked before, and while I'm impressed with my 10.2 CPS, when put in the hands of an esports gamer, I've seen it achieve 11.0+ CPS. Still, while it's made for tournament-level gameplay, the Pro X2 Superstrike even manages to improve click speeds of casuals like me. And that's a huge advantage to have.

Tried-and-true design

Think the Pro X2 Superstrike looks familiar? It should, as it borrows the same design as Logitech G's other gaming mouse used in esports: The Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2. Like many, we're huge fans of that build, so Logitech rightfully decided not to mess with the formula.

For context, Logitech brought in 40 pro and non-pro gamers to gather real-time data when developing the Pro X2 Superstrike, and this test group was happy with the symmetrical shape of its predecessors. "We kept the shape because people love the shape," a Logitech rep told me, and I'm happy they did.

So, same minimalist yet sophisticated design, no RGB lighting (except for a small LED light to show its battery life on top) and identical PTFE feet for smooth, low-friction surface gliding. Plus, you'll find optional grip tape in the box if you need more friction.

It's not completely the same, as the Pro X2 Superstrike (4.72 x 2.57 x 1.53 inches) is slightly smaller than the Pro X Superlight 2 (4.92 x 2.5 x 1.57 inches). It's also a very tiny bit heavier at 2.15 ounces (61g) over the Superlight's 2.11 ounces (60g), but that hardly makes a difference. What you're getting is a lightweight gaming mouse that offers the same sturdy and premium feel.

Otherwise, the mouse comes with five buttons, including left- and right-click buttons, two thumb buttons placed on the left side and a clickable scroll wheel. These are all mappable with different macros and actions, including in specific games and apps, which is the icing on the cake. I will say the thumb buttons don't feel as premium, but they work as intended and aren't too big to accidentally press, either.

Pro-level performance

Putting its design and features together delivers gaming performance that's hard to beat, whether that be for competitive play or single-player action. It also helps that it boasts a maximum dots-per-inch (DPI) of 44,000, which is one of the highest I've seen in a gaming mouse, along with up to an 8,000Hz polling rate.

When playing as Junkrat in Overwatch (my go-to character for the chaos), I was effortlessly launching bombs in precise directions post-haste, causing a rain of explosives exactly when and where I wanted. But even playing as Ana, the medic sniper, I was dropping health (and KOs) with pinpoint accuracy, and I was able to snap my reticle where it needed to be to give high-mobility characters like Doomfist or Genji health boosts.

The same applied to other competitive shooters, like Counter-Strike, while peeping around corners or locking on for a headshot, and more single-player driven games. Just as I'm on a trend of playing classics, it was great to quickly nail vital hits in bullet time mode in Max Payne 3, as I had more accurate, swifter movements when aiming at thugs when falling slowly — taking everyone out in one swoop.

I'm sure esports players can take this to the next level, but considering the Superlight 2 comes with a 32,000 DPI and 4,000Hz polling rate, the Keychron M3 Mini V2 8K with up to 30,000 DPI and 8,000Hz polling and the NZXT Light Elite Wireless at 26,000 DPI and 8,000Hz polling, this still pushes gaming mice to new limits.

Being able to adjust DPI, polling rate and plenty more to suit my game of choice is also a boon to have. Speaking of...

Customization perks

Like other Logitech G devices, the Pro X2 Superstrike comes with a reliable, intuitive companion app that makes it easy to completely customize your clicking experience on the fly. But this time, more than ever before.

As usual, the Logitech G Hub app lets you adjust DPI and polling rate, remap buttons, customize specific profiles (which saves up to five profiles on board) and check the battery life of the mouse. What's more, it's compatible with both Windows and macOS systems.

But with HITS comes a new level of configurations. For both the left and right mouse buttons, you can easily adjust the actuation point of a click, which is a game-changer in controlling a "click" to your liking. With 10 levels of actuation, you can have a short click with minimal travel distance, which is perfect for those rapid-fire shots when playing Overwatch, or a longer click for a controlled, precise blast for something more long-range in The Finals or Valorant.

There's also Rapid Trigger sensitivity adjustment with five levels to choose from, so I could find the right level of speedy clicks that work for my level of gameplay. Finally, you can also adjust click haptics, so you can have a subtle, weaker-feeling click or a super strong, pronounced one. Or, with any of these configurations, something in between! The customization is in your hands.

It's all done through an easy-to-use slider system, and I found each change offers a noticeable difference, no matter how incremental it is. And yes, you can turn haptics and Rapid Trigger off, with the former feeling very off without any feedback.

Never lose that dongle!

This is a quick shoutout to Logitech G for still including onboard dongle storage right on the underside of the mouse. It means I'll never lose track of the 2.4GHz USB-A dongle (which also comes with a USB-C connector) when it's not in my laptop or PC.

Just like the Pro X Superlight 2, it has a compartment right under the sensor that uses magnets to hold a plastic cover. It's a simple yet effective design, and it doesn't budge unless I interact with it. That's miles better than the NZXT Lift Elite Wireless, Glorious Model O 2 and the SteelSeries Aerox 3 we've tested.

Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike: The downs

Honestly, as far as wireless gaming mice go, it's hard to pinpoint any major downsides for the Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike. Like its Superlight 2 predecessor, though, it's a pricey rodent, and don't expect any onboard DPI selector.

A pricey rodent

The price of the Pro X2 Superstrike is a double-edged sword. On one side, it's actually the same price as the Pro X Superlight 2 at $179 / £159, which means you're getting upgraded HITS and Rapid Trigger in a near-identical, winning design. But on the other hand, that's still quite a pricey venture.

Recently, we've tested many gaming mice that are well below $100, and that includes Keychron M3 Mini V2 8K ($69 / £74), NZXT Lift Elite Wireless ($79 / £74) and Redragon M916 ($44 / £45). These all come with pro-level gaming performance and specs, so the Pro X2 Superstrike's cost is steeper than most. Oh, and you'll find these will come with a DPI selector button to easily switch between DPI levels, unlike the Superstrike.

But, just like the Logitech MX Master 4, you get what you pay for, and this is a premium mouse at the top of its game.

Casual gamers, beware

As you might have guessed, I'm a huge fan of the HITS tech on the Pro X2 Superstrike and the faster clicks I gain from it. But let it be known that Logitech G's pro-level gaming mouse is made for competitive tournaments and geared toward esports players, so you may not find a clear benefit from the speedier clicks it offers.

For casual gamers, there are plenty of other gaming mice that offer high specs across the board and are considerably more affordable. For competitive play, don't expect this to be a cheat sheet to win a match; I've still lost plenty of times in a quickdraw in games like Valorant.

When it comes down to it, it's about a gamer's own reaction speeds and prowess in a game. But that's not to take away from the Pro X2 Superstrike, as it still closes the gap to perform faster clicks on a gaming mouse with excellent performance.

Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike: Verdict

These days, it's hard to find evolution in devices that are being fine-tuned to the highest degree, but the Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike has hit a new gold standard for competitive gameplay. And that's thanks to its surprising use of haptics.

Its HITS technology brings a new level of control in the otherwise simple "click" of a mouse, delivering the fastest, most customizable clicks I've ever seen. And it's just as lightweight, precise and speedy as its renowned Pro X Superlight 2 sibling, just with a higher DPI and polling rate for accurate, fast-rate tracking.

Right now, it's the best gaming mouse I've used, and I'll continue to use it as my main driver to help me master and gain more control over clicks, all while making full use of its other pro-level customization perks. Is it expensive? Yes, but this mouse aims to be your go-to gaming equipment to bag even more wins.

After having just tried the world's first wireless gaming mouse with real-time haptic technology, it's safe to say that I've seen the next big step in competitive gaming — and it comes in the form of the Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike.

Now, I'm a huge fan of competitive gaming, but I would never stand a chance against the outstanding capabilities of an esports athlete. These champs are on another level of accuracy, speed and reflexes, whether that be in Counter-Strike or League of Legends. Well, Logitech G's Pro X2 Superstrike took me a step closer to tasting pro-level gaming performance.

From the outside, this looks like a gaming mouse we're all familiar with from Logitech G. In fact, you'll find it shares a very strong resemblance to the popular Pro X Superlight 2. But after one click, you'll quickly discover that the new haptics tech under the hood plays a pivotal role in making this esports-geared mouse stand out from the best gaming mice today.

After taking the Pro X2 Superstrike for a test drive over at Logitech's labs in Switzerland, I can already tell this wireless gaming mouse will be a game-changer in not just the esports space, but in competitive gaming as a whole.

'HITS' right

First things first. This isn't the same type of haptics you may be thinking of, like in, say, a PS5 DualSense controller. It's not used for immersion in gaming. Think of it more like the Force Touch trackpad on a MacBook, but with more to it.

The Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike uses a Haptic Inductive Trigger System (HITS) for both mouse buttons. However, it blends inductive analog sensing and real-time haptic feedback, meaning you can still press down, but haptics will change how the click feels.

The goal? Faster click speeds, as you're able to adjust the actuation point and rapid trigger reset, along with the strength of the haptic click feel. For esports players, that's a vital factor in gaining the upper hand or losing to the competition; in a first-person shooter like Counter-Strike, the faster a click is registered, the sooner you hit an opponent before they do.

More impressively, HITS also reduces click latency by 30ms compared to other gaming mice that use traditional microswitches. That may not mean much for casual players, but in the competitive scene, especially at a pro level, that's a huge difference in speeds.

At first, I was skeptical of trying out haptics in a gaming mouse. Would clicks feel off from the switches we're used to? Does it leave more room for technical errors? Will it drastically impact battery life? But immediately after using it, along with tweaking its haptic settings via the Logitech G Hub, my worries were put to rest.

Not only does this feel like a regular, satisfying click, but I could sense and literally see the level of control I had in reaching the mouse button's actuation point. It's an eye-opening sensation, one that I never realized on my usual NZXT Lift Elite Wireless — and that's a great gaming mouse.

Logitech G has clearly done the legwork to make sure this PC peripheral was made for pro-level competitive play. So much so, in fact, that Logitech gathered real-time data from 40 pro and non-pro gamers to develop the Pro X2 Superstrike. At Logitech headquarters, Thadeous Cooper, Head of Design by Collaboration, told me that the team collected 2.22 terabytes of data to "understand pros." That's a lot of data.

But seeing the mouse in action helped me better understand how HITS is elevating the performance of clicks for esports players and, more impressively, for more casual gamers like myself.

Control that 'clicks'

Internally, the Pro X2 Superstrike is dubbed "Quickstrike" by Logitech G, and I can see why. With haptics onboard, the mouse achieves a 10% increase in CPS (clicks per second), and in competitive matches that last 30 minutes or more, like in League of Legends, that leaves room for more actions to be taken.

Even without a test, I could've told you that my CPS isn't very high, especially when compared to the blistering speeds of an esports player. Without the Pro X2 Superstrike's HITS and rapid trigger tech, I would get an average of 7.8 CPS in CPS Test over a 10-second period (that's a rank of a "Rabbit" with three out of five stars, according to the test).

With the features of the Pro X2 Superstrike turned on, though, I boosted my CPS to an incredibly satisfying 9.0 CPS. Alright, truth be told, it took me a couple of tries to reach that speed, but I was still over my average in each test. With the Superstrike, I was getting a better feel of where the actuation point was, sticking to a mid-point in the click so I wasn't reaching the bottom — shaving off precious milliseconds.

Logitech's G Hub also helps visualize the pressure you use when pressing down on the mouse buttons. I could see (and feel) when I was approaching the actuation point of a registered click, and if this wasn't to my liking, I could always adjust so that the "click" was right at the top of the button. But everyone has different playstyles and games they play, which makes the Pro X2 Superstrike's customization options a huge perk.

In my brief time with the mouse, I was already seeing improvements in my CPS. I would like to think I'm fast, but seeing Logitech's scoreboard of esports players reach 11 CPS and above grounded me. However, it also showed that the Superstrike was benefiting the CPS of these pro-level gamers, too.

At headquarters, Rainbow Six Siege esports player Davey "Freq" Hendriks talked about using the Superstrike, and how it didn't take him long to adjust to an all-new gaming mouse to use in tournaments. I asked whether he would go back to previous pro-level mice: “No. When I’m getting faster response times, there’s no point going back.” I mean, if a bona fide esports player is saying this is the mouse he'll continue using, I'd say that speaks volumes.

It was fascinating to see the strides Logitech G has taken to improve the potential of a gaming mouse, even if it's just to do with a simple click. But these "small" upgrades see massive gains that are instrumental for esports, and it aids more casual players to reach the heights of the pros.

Reaching the pros

There's still plenty to test on the Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike, but I'm already convinced this wireless gaming mouse will change the landscape of competitive gaming, thanks to it incorporating real-time haptics.

When it was collecting data from players for the mouse, a Logitech rep stated that "an 18-year-old Fortnite player said he felt like he was 14 again." This player was talking about their click and reaction speeds, which is funny, as here I am trying to grasp what I had in my 20s...

But it shows that there's still room for gaming technology geared for esports to grow, and Logitech G is taking a bold step forward in the right direction.

The Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike is available to pre-order now in the U.S., priced at $179 / £159, and will be on shelves soon. Stay tuned for a full review of the mouse, and in the meantime, I'll be trying to bump up that CPS.

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If you know me personally or have been following my journalistic work, you'll know that there are few things I love more than gaming. When I'm not working, you'll usually find me sinking hours into my favorite RPGs. They're like my safe space, and playing single-player games like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Baldur's Gate 3 feels therapeutic to me.

My favorite and go-to console is the PS5 Slim. I've logged in thousands of hours on it. When I test the best gaming headsets or the best controllers, I usually play on my PS5. But I also review the best computer speakers and the best gaming keyboards, and I test them by playing games on the Dell Alienware 16X Aurora.

Recently, I've tested some gadgets that make them feel like they would make the ultimate gaming setup. So if you're looking to upgrade your monitor or add a new controller to your collection, let me take you through my must-have peripherals.

A monitor with a rapid refresh rate

The first and most important thing you need to elevate your PC gaming setup is a good, competent monitor. There are so many out there, though, that it can be overwhelming to make a decision. I'm here to make that easier. Get the Lenovo Legion R27qe Gen 2 if you're based in Europe, or get the first-gen R27qe if you're based in the States (as there isn't much of a difference between the two models).

Lenovo's R27qe Gen 2 is an absolute beast for productivity and gaming. You get a QHD panel, and a 200Hz refresh rate and 0.5ms response time which means you don't experience motion blur, choppiness or input lag. The monitor also brings all the dark and light shades to life thanks to impeccable color accuracy and coverage, as shown in our lab testing too — the results of which you can see in my full Lenovo Legion R27qe Gen 2 review.

I love just how bright the R27qe Gen 2 is too, with SDR brightness topping at 321.2 nits and HDR brightness at 222 nits. This is more than enough, as I was able to read and see everything on screen accurately and in great detail. The monitor itself is well-built and its head has a -5° to +22° tilt, 30° left and right swivel, and a -90° to +90° pivot, providing great flexibility.

Speakers that pack meaty bass

I've tested many speakers in my time so believe me when I say that the Edifier QR65 are some of the best-looking speakers money can buy today. Wrapped in textured faux leather that's soft to touch and fitted with customizable LED lighting panels, the QR65 strike a great balance between gaming and bookshelf speakers. One of the reasons why they still haven't left my desk is their design; the "infinity mirror" lighting effect really does turn my frown upside down.

Of course, there's no point in spending any amount of money on speakers if they fail to create immersive soundscapes — and the good news is that the QR65 excel at that. Fitted with two 1.25-inch tweeters and two 2.75-inch mid-low drivers, they cover a frequency response range of 55Hz-40KHz. Sound is reproduced faithfully, and Night City in Cyberpunk 2077 comes to life, while you can hear the quiet hum of dungeons while thoroughly enjoying the power ballads in in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.

If you're an FPS player, you'll appreciate just how clearly footsteps sound through the QR65. What I also love is that the speakers create a sort of virtual surround sound where you can hear audio not just around you, but above you too. This makes you feel immersed and you end up feeling like the main character. The QR65 are the perfect computer speakers for those who want aesthetic flair as well as bonkers sound quality.

An ergonomic Hall Effect controller

As a console gamer, I'm more comfortable using a controller than a keyboard and mouse for gaming. Few controllers are better than the GameSir G7 Pro, especially if you're a PC gamer who doesn't mind a wired gamepad. If you game for long periods of time, the G7 Pro should be right up your alley as it's inspired by the Xbox Elite Series 2, so it sports chunky grips that are comfortable to hold.

There's one area where the G7 Pro upstages the Xbox Elite Series 2, and that's performance. Unlike the first-party Xbox gamepad, the G7 Pro is fitted with Hall Effect triggers with adjustable sensitivity, and TMR thumbsticks which register even the most minute adjustments. User-friendly companion software makes customization easy too, and 1,000Hz polling means latency issues are basically non-existent.

The G7 Pro is compatible with an array of consoles and devices too. You get Bluetooth LE and a 2.4GHz dongle to effortlessly and wirelessly connect to PC and Android devices. You can use the controller with your Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S too, by simply plugging it in. This versatility makes the G7 Pro the controller to beat.

A 96% keyboard for work and play

If you're someone who loves gaming but also types for a living, the best keyboard you can get right now is the Keychron Q12 HE. This 96% layout keyboard packs Gateron Double-Rail Hall Effect switches whose sensitivity can be adjusted all the way down to 0.1mm for ultra-responsive gameplay in FPS titles. The 1,000Hz polling rate should suffice most players, and it means that you don't experience any latency issues or input lag.

The Q12 HE is a joy to type on too, with double-shot PBT keycaps which feel soft to touch. Being able to adjust each switch's sensitivity means you can tailor it to your liking. The keyboard also sports a southpaw design, meaning the numpad is on the left-hand side, saving you space to move your mouse around freely, and using the numpad with your left hand feels more natural.

If you want a well-built keyboard that will stand the test of time, I can't think of one better than the Q12 HE. The durable PBT keycaps won't be worn down or get glossy from sweat, and the full CNC-machined case means this deck could probably fell a tree!

A speedy mouse

Any gaming desk setup is incomplete without one of the best gaming mice — after all, you need it to accompany your keyboard, right? For competitive gamers, an 8,000Hz polling rate and 30,000 DPI are non-negotiable. These give you a competitive advantage and enable you to tailor the settings to your gamestyle. Oh, and who can forget angle snapping? The Keychron M3 Mini V2 8K packs all this and more, and it's my top pick for PC gamers.

The M3 Mini V2 8K's 8,000Hz polling means there are no latency issues or input lag, and the DPI button on its body enables you to change it on the fly, so no need to dive into companion software to adjust it. Aside from boasting powerful gaming performance, the M3 Mini V2 8K is built of high-quality plastic and it's lightweight but sturdy. The mouse itself is ergonomically-designed so it's comfortable to use for long periods of time.

What's great about the M3 Mini V2 8K is that it doesn't break the bank, so it's perfect for gamers on a budget. It packs pro-level specs and delivers them at an affordable price, and it's the cheapest 8,000Hz polling mouse I've tested yet.

More from Tom's Guide

• I’ve been testing Lenovo Legion’s 200Hz QHD monitor for a week — and it 'puts most other budget screens to shame'
• ‘I didn’t think a traditionally budget brand could make such good premium speakers’ — here’s why the Edifier QR65 are never leaving my desk
• I’ve tested dozens of gaming keyboards and this Keychron deck is the only one I’m using from now on

Edifier, a Chinese audio brand, is well-known for manufacturing headphones, earbuds and speakers that are budget-friendly. I, personally, have either reviewed or used many of Edifier's products, and they've always been decent if not great. But that recently changed, and I've started seeing this traditionally "budget" brand for more than just that — and it all happened when I tested the Edifier QR65 gaming speakers.

It's always a great time when I get to test the best computer speakers. Right behind testing cameras and drones, it might be my favorite thing to do at work. After all, I just listen to my favorite tunes and play my favorite games and analyze the sound quality — who could complain? And testing the QR65 has made me a very happy camper.

As soon as I took the QR65 out of the box, I was obsessed with their look — who doesn't love a bit of infinity mirror LED lighting and faux leather! But their looks aren't all that the QR65 have going for them. Technologically well-endowed with two tweeters and two mid-low drivers, the QR65 pack plenty of punchy bass and deliver clear vocals, regardless of whether you're listening to music or slaying bosses in an RPG. Here's why they've become a permanent part of my setup.

Love at first sight

If there's one thing the Edifier QR65 succeed at (although there are plenty), it's their drop-dead gorgeous design — and that's coming from someone who's quite picky when it comes to the design of products. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, of course, and what looks good to me doesn't necessarily mean it'll look good to you — but one thing I can say for certain that the QR65 are sure to please most people.

The rectangular speakers are wrapped in textured faux leather which feels soft to touch and lends the QR65 a premium look. It feels like touching the dashboard of a fancy new car, to be honest, and I love it. The speakers come in black or white and regardless of the model you get, both come fitted with LED lighting on the inside which gives an "infinity mirror" effect.

Thanks to the customizable LED lighting and their shape, the QR65, essentially, combine the aesthetic flair of gaming speakers with the acoustic DNA of high-end bookshelf speakers — a winning combo, really. You don't even really need to be a gamer to get the QR65. Because they sound so good when listening to music, I'd recommend them as bookshelf speakers too, to use with your record player or your TV. They're like the gaming equivalent of the also excellent Edifier S880DB MKII.

Plenty of 'oomph' for everyone

In a few words, how do the Edifier QR65 sound? Really, really good. The QR65 utilize two 1.25-inch tweeters as well as two 2.75-inch mid-low drivers to cover a frequency range of 55Hz to 40KHz. While the sub-bass is a little lacking as it goes down to only 55Hz, you can plug in an external subwoofer for additional oomph.

Featuring directional audio where sound travels from one channel to the other, the QR65 create immersive soundscapes, especially in RPGs and FPS titles, where you feel engulfed in the hums of cities and echoes of tunnels. And when you're listening to music, it feels like you're in the artist's studio. You can read all about my in-depth testing in my full Edifier QR65 review.

The reason I say the QR65 would serve you well as just bookshelf speakers is because of the plethora of connectivity options at play, which makes them very versatile. You've got an "active" speaker which houses all the buttons and various ports, and a "passive" speaker which needs to be connected to the former.

The "active" speaker houses... a lot. Around the back, you've got RCA and USB-A input, a subwoofer out port, and two USB-C and a single USB-A port for charging your devices (because the QR65 has got a built-in 65W GaN charger).

If you want wireless connectivity, you've got that in spades too. You get Bluetooth 5.3 with support for SBC, AAC and LDAC codecs, and the QR65 supports hi-res 24bit/96KHz playback when using a music streaming service like Qobuz. The QR65 has a lot going for it, and the fact that I can quickly swap between playing games on my laptop and listening to music on my phone with the touch of a button is one of the primary reasons why they're never leaving my desk.

Worth the premium?

I'll be honest: I didn’t think a traditionally budget brand could make such good premium speakers, but I'm always happy to be proven wrong. The Edifier QR65 has done just that. Priced at $499 / £329 at Amazon, they're far from the cheapest speakers out there. If you're on a budget, the Edifier G2000 Pro might be more your speed — great speakers in their own right.

But if you aren't on a budget, I can't see why you wouldn't want to get the QR65. These are the most good-looking speakers I've ever had the pleasure of reviewing. Their LED lighting, faux leather, and 10-degree stands make them look and feel premium. The sound quality can only be described as peerless, with powerful bass, good low-end impact and clear vocals with plenty of warmth to them.

If you want a pair of speakers that look good and sound even better, the QR65 should be your port of call. That LED lighting really puts a smile on my face in the mornings — and it makes my desk look über cool.

More from Tom's Guide

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• Best computer speakers in 2026
• 'Punch way above their weight' — my new speakers are a masterclass in how to shuck off a 'budget' stereotype

As someone who loves gaming and being immersed in her favorite titles, I think the best computer speakers are a great way of elevating your gaming experience. The Edifier QR65 are, in one word, phenomenal.

Firstly, they look premium, covered in soft faux leather and featuring customizable LED lighting. Secondly, they sound superb, packing punchy bass and delivering clear vocals in gaming as well as when you’re listening to music or watching movies.

There are plenty of connectivity options, from wired to wireless, and the speakers feature a built-in charger and three charging ports. They’re accompanied by a user-friendly smartphone app, but note that there’s no PC/macOS app, and you’ll be paying a premium for a set of premium speakers.

For the complete breakdown, read my full Edifier QR65 review.

Edifier QR65 review: Cheat sheet

• What is it? A pair of desktop speakers for gaming, compatible with PC, macOS, TVs and smartphones
• Who is it for? For gamers who want immersive soundscapes and who enjoy listening to music, too
• How much does it cost? The Edifier QR65 speakers are available for $499 / £329
• What do we like? The stunning design, LED lighting, powerful in-game sound quality and plethora of connectivity options
• What don’t we like? There’s no macOS/PC companion app, and they’re expensive

Edifier QR65 review: Specs

Edifier QR65 review: The ups

From their stunning design with LED lighting and wide array of connectivity options to their in-game sound quality, the Edifier QR65 are outstanding speakers — outside of gaming, too.

Easy on the eyes

Here at Tom’s Guide, we’ve tested many speakers from Edifier, and one thing that all of them share is that they’re very good-looking. The Edifier QR65 are no different. They come in either white or black — I tested the black model, and I think they look fantastic. They’re covered in faux leather, which lends them a premium edge. It’s quite nice to touch.

Comprising a left and right channel (2.0 configuration), each rectangular-shaped speaker feels well-built. The “active” speaker, which houses the ports and buttons, measures 8.53 x 8.38 x 5.57 inches, while the “passive” speaker is a little smaller at 8.38 x 8.34 x 5.11 inches. Together, they weigh 11.68lbs, heavy enough not to get accidentally knocked about.

Similar to the Edifier G2000 Pro ($199), each speaker features panels of LED lights, which can be customized either via the dial on the active speaker or through the mobile app (more on that soon). I love these LED lights, which look like an infinity mirror tunnel, and there are 11 presets to choose from. LED or RGB lighting is most commonly associated with gaming gear, which further solidifies the QR65’s position in the gaming speakers market.

If you want to angle the speakers upwards, the QR65 come with two 10-degree aluminum stands to give them some height. These can be used to direct the sound to ear level for a more immersive gaming experience.

Connectivity galore

There’s no dearth of connectivity options when it comes to the Edifier QR65. These speakers are compatible with PC, macOS, TVs, and Android and iOS smartphones. How, you ask?

First, you’ve got wired playback. There are two speakers at play here: an “active” speaker that houses all the inputs, outputs and other ports, and a “passive” speaker, a port to connect it to the active speaker. Once you’ve plugged the active speaker into the mains and connected the passive speaker to it via the included cable, you can use either the USB-A or the 3.5mm to RCA audio cable to connect to your PC or macOS machine. It sounds long-winded, I know, but the setup is fairly quick and took me under five minutes.

Similar to the Edifier S880DB MKII ($449), the existence of a USB-A port means you can stream hi-res music without any bulky 1/4-inch or XLR cables. Oh, and you can plug in a flash drive and play music directly from there, old school style. On top of it all, if you want even punchier bass, there’s a subwoofer out port, too.

Then there’s wireless connectivity. You get Bluetooth 5.3 if you want to play music wirelessly from your smartphone or other Bluetooth-enabled device. Pressing the power button lets you swap between wired and wireless sources — simple!

In addition to these, the QR65 also have a built-in GaN charger that can pump out 65W total power to charge your external devices via two USB-A ports and a USB-C port. This, essentially, doubles the QR65 as a power source, and as someone who uses many chargeable peripherals, trust me when I say you can never have too many power sources. I plugged in my Google Pixel 10 Pro XL, and I instantly got a prompt that it was rapidly charging. Excellent.

Peerless in-game sound quality

The Edifier QR65 are well-endowed speakers, fitted with two 1.25-inch tweeters as well as two 2.75-inch mid-low drivers. Combined, they cover a frequency range of 55Hz to 40KHz. This is better than the Edifier G2000 Pro (75Hz to 20KHz) and the SteelSeries Arena 3 ($129, 50Hz-20KHz), so they reproduce lows and highs very well and clearly.

This frequency range is also similar to the Edifier S880DB MKII’s (50Hz to 40KHz), and my colleague, Erin, rated those very highly (which says a lot!). Regardless of the game I played to test the QR65 on a Windows 11 laptop, I was highly impressed, and I felt fully immersed.

Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core Reunion

I kicked things off by booting up Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core Reunion, a JRPG that features loud combat as well as an awesome soundtrack with rock ballads, violin pieces and more. In battle sequences, I could clearly hear the swipe of Zack’s sword, and I could make out exactly when the steel made contact with Shinra soldiers’ armor.

Even with the battle music playing, I could hear Zack’s heavy combat boots hitting the ground, and the sound changed as he went from running on gravel to running on cement pavements. Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core Reunion is a fairly dialog-heavy game, with plenty of cutscenes. Each line of spoken word sounded clear to me. When music was playing in the background during tense cutscenes, the wobble in characters’ voices when they were speaking emotionally was also abundantly clear.

Though Edifier doesn’t specify whether the QR65 features virtual surround sound, the speakers still created a sort of wrap-around effect, so it felt like there was an actual chopper flying over my head when it did in the game. There’s also directional audio, so the sound travels from one speaker to the other depending on where the source is, creating an immersive environment that makes you feel like you’re the main character.

Cyberpunk 2077

A good way to test gaming speakers and headsets, I’ve found, is by playing FPS games, especially games where some degree of stealth is involved — so I played a couple hours of Cyberpunk 2077.

Infiltrating a heavily guarded enemy base felt like a walk in the park as the QR65 are very adept at ensuring you hear footsteps loud and clear. I could pinpoint where enemies were positioned, and this helped me strategize better.

Via the Edifier ConneX smartphone app, you can pick from a few equalizer presets, and the “Game” mode basically enhances the soft sounds of footsteps. This worked exceptionally well in Cyberpunk 2077. Even with the loud techno music blaring through the speakers, I had no problems hearing enemies walking behind closed doors or approaching me when they’d thought they’d spotted me. I was then able to quickly move to a different hiding spot and catch the NPCs by surprise.

The world of Cyberpunk 2077 is colorful and filled with idle chatter. The QR65’s wide soundstage shone here, creating a layered soundscape, and I thoroughly enjoyed the hum of Night City. Directional audio, again, meant that I could hear people chatting to my left and then moving to my right. Gunshots, in combat, sounded loud, and I could hear the bullet cases falling down on the ground as I emptied a magazine.

Jammin’ to your favorite tunes

In addition to being awesome for gaming, the Edifier QR65 are great for listening to music too — and chances are, you will be doing that when they’re hooked up to your computer. LDAC can be enabled via the companion app, and you can play music either wired or wirelessly, with hi-res 24bit/96KHz streaming available. I used my Google Pixel 10 Pro XL to test the QR65’s musical capabilities. As I do when I’m testing headphones or earbuds, I listened to an array of songs and genres on Qobuz, the best music streaming service for hi-res audio.

The bassline in ‘Pet Cheetah’ by Twenty One Pilots sounded warm and punchy without being too overpowering or booming. Every note sounded clear, and Tyler Joseph’s vocals during the rap were crystal clear, with every word discernible. Moving on, ‘Elephant’ by 070 Shake engulfed me with its synthesized, wobbly bass, and Shake’s vocals felt well-balanced against the loud instruments.

Hozier’s high notes in ‘Angel of Small Death & the Codeine Scene’ never sounded piercing to my ears, even when I bumped the QR65’s volume up to around 90%. Speaking of, there’s no distortion at high volumes. I listened to ‘Two Faced’ by Linkin Park with the volume at its highest and even then, Emily Armstrong’s voice remained free of any distortion, especially when she was yelling towards the end of the song — the speakers even made my desk rattle!

Listen along to my review with the Edifier QR65 testing playlist:

Customization at your fingertips

If, like me, you enjoy playing with the equalizer to find your perfect sound, you’ll be happy to know that the Edifier QR65’s EQ can be fully customized — all you need is a smartphone app for it. The Edifier ConneX app can be downloaded for free on iOS and Android. It’s easy to use with a straightforward, intuitive user interface. Note that you don’t necessarily need Connex to use the QR65, as they are plug-and-play speakers — it’s there for added personalization, though.

Over Bluetooth, you can customize the six-band EQ (between 62Hz and 16KHz), adjust the LEDs, their effects and colors, and of course, update the QR65’s firmware. It also gives you a detailed overview of the active charging ports and the power they’re providing. Within the app, you can enable LDAC for hi-res playback.

Edifier QR65 review: The downs

The Edifier QR65’s don’t have many flaws, but it’s important to note that there’s no PC or macOS app for customization, and the speakers themselves are quite expensive.

Where’s the PC app?

While the Edifier ConneX smartphone app is great and easy-to-use for customizing the Edifier QR65, it’s disappointing that there’s no app on macOS or Windows to do the same. Sure, you can use the dial on the speakers to adjust the lighting, but there’s no way to customize the equalizer without the mobile app.

The omission of a desktop app is also surprising given that, you know, these are desktop speakers. What gives, Edifier? If you want a pair of speakers with Windows software, the Edifier G2000 Pro are a great shout.

It’ll cost ya

There’s no sugarcoating this: the Edifier QR65 are premium speakers that cost a premium. Edifier is generally considered budget or mid-range, and seeing the brand’s name before the model’s name might make you think the QR65 cost somewhere around the $200 mark. Well, think again.

The QR65 belong to neither of those categories. Retailing for $499 / £329 at Amazon, the QR65 are priced similarly to the Edifier S880DB MKII, which are primarily designed for music listening. Think of the QR65 as their sibling who’s all about locking themselves up in a room with a good game.

If you’re on a tight budget but still want excellent in-game sound, I’d recommend the Edifier G2000 Pro ($199) or the SteelSeries Arena 3 ($129). There are also the Edifier R1280T ($149), which aren’t aimed at gamers, but given how well-rounded they sound otherwise, should more than suffice.

Edifier QR65 review: Verdict

The Edifier QR65 are a jack of all trades, master of many. They combine the aesthetic flair of gaming speakers, thanks to the LED lighting, with the acoustic DNA of high-end bookshelf speakers. Not only do they look great, but they sound incredible, too. Delivering punchy bass that powers loud explosions and fighting sequences, and detailed footsteps across many game genres, the QR65 are the ideal speaker for gamers.

With plenty of connectivity options and charging ports available, the QR65 are versatile speakers. If you’re a gamer who enjoys listening to music or watching movies, they’re up to the challenge.

Though the $499 price tag can be hard to digest and the lack of a dedicated desktop app is a head-scratcher for PC-centric gear, the QR65 are still extremely easy to recommend. Personally? They’ve become a permanent part of my setup. Seeing that infinity mirror lighting light up really puts a smile on my face.

The Nintendo Switch 2 has been out for around eight months now, and while it's a solid console overall, its stock controllers still struggle with ergonomics and the looming shadow of stick drift.

There's also been a distinct lack of third party Joy-Cons designed specifically for the console — until now: the NYXI Hyperion 3 has officially arrived as the first true alternative to the Switch 2's official Joy-Cons, offering a Pro-controller experience for those who primarily play in handheld mode.

Now available for pre-order from NYXI's official website, the Hyperion 3 is admittedly far more expensive than Nintendo's official Joy-Cons, priced at $170 / £126 / AU$252, though there is an early-bird price available for those who order before the January 23, 2026 deadline, bringing the price down to a more manageable $119 / £88 / AU$177.

NYXI Hyperion 3: Key features

In discussing the things I love about my Nintendo Switch 2, I praised the console's "larger, more comfortable Joy-Cons" as one of its big improvements over the original Switch. And while that still holds true, there's no denying that they can still feel a bit cramped during extended gaming sessions.

Thankfully, the NYXI Hyperion 3 addresses that with a more ergonomic design that should prove significantly more comfortable to hold, while still magnetically attaching to the console.

Additionally, the Hyperion 3 sports larger micro-switch face buttons, along with both faceted and cross-style D-pads, programmable rear buttons, dual-stage linear triggers and adjustable turbo functionality. There are also dedicated buttons for screenshots, GameChat and waking your Switch 2 from sleep mode.

Of course, the biggest selling point for many will be the Hyperion 3's Hall-effect sticks, which use magnetic, contactless sensors to effectively eliminate stick drift from occurring — an issue that plagued the original Switch's Joy-Cons.

The Hyperion 3 also comes with its own version of Nintendo's official charging grip, dubbed the 'Rechargeable Mid-Bridge', allowing you to use it like a regular gamepad while playing in docked mode.

NYXI Hyperion 3: One major flaw

The most significant drawback of the NYXI Hyperion 3 compared to the official Nintendo Joy-Cons (apart from its exorbitant price) is the absence of an optical sensor. This means you can't turn the right half of the Hyperion 3 on its side to use as a mouse.

While this might not concern every user (I personally found the mouse controls too laggy in Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and opted not to use them), players who rely on a mouse pointer for shooters and real-time strategy games will need to look for an alternative solution.

If you can overlook that one flaw, you may find the NYXI Hyperion 3 to be the Switch 2 controller you've been waiting for. We will hopefully get to check the Hyperion 3 out for ourselves once it starts shipping on March 1, 2026.

More from Tom's Guide

• I test gaming controllers for a living — here are the 6 best for each platform
• Forget Joy-Cons — this $20 accessory brings PS5/Xbox controller support to the Switch 2
• I just tried Nacon’s new Xbox controller — and I never want to play with a regular controller again

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite is the most expensive gaming headset I can remember seeing. Feel free to correct me in the comments if I’m wrong, but with its $600 MSRP, I don’t think I am.

That’s right! Six. Hundred. Dollars. So what does that get you?

Well, excellent sound quality for a start. The Arctis Nova Elites can mix it with the best gaming headsets out there in the sound department — the Audeze Maxwell being the primary contender (the headset I’ve been using for around 18 months now).

The mic is fairly good, it’s super comfortable, there’s a handy USB hub included and battery life is phenomenal. I’m not sure any of that adds up to $600, though, especially when the headphone and microphone noise cancelation is fairly lackluster.

Could this be the right headset for you, though? Find out in my full SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite review.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite review: Cheat sheet

• What is it? A premium gaming headset from SteelSeries
• Who is it for? Gamers with lots of spare change
• What does it cost? $599 / £599
• What’s good? The sound quality, comfort, battery life and USB hub
• What’s not? The price (obviously) and lackluster noise cancelation

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite review: Specs

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite review: The ups

Excellent sound, endless comfort, a handy USB hub and supremely strong battery life — there’s a lot to like about the Arctis Nova Elite.

Fantastic sound

To put it simply, the Arctis Nova Elite sounds fantastic. The headset can handle high-resolution 96kHz/24-bit audio (although Xbox and PS5 can only output CD-quality 44kHz/16-bit). For game testing, I used the headset wirelessly over 2.4GHz via the USB hub to stream sound in hi-res.

Its 40mm drivers are smaller than the 50mm drivers on the Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming Headset and the 90mm units on the Audeze Maxwell. But it isn't all about driver diameter — the Maxwell’s are planar magnetic (which are typically larger), delivering more clarity in the highs but slightly less bass. The Nova Elite’s dynamic drivers are made from carbon fiber, with a brass support ring around the edges to reduce movement, shaking and distortions. I’m not sure how much the support ring is actually doing, but either way, audio is very clean, even down to sub bass.

The drivers have a 10-40,000Hz frequency response range, meaning they can replicate a very wide array of sound. The Audeze Maxwell drivers have a 10-50,000Hz response range, but the extra high frequencies are a fairly moot point, as the human ear can only hear up to around 20,000Hz.

10Hz is nice and low, for plenty of bass detail. And indeed, low frequency response is excellent. The drivers were able to faithfully replicate the huge, deep booms of artillery in Isonzo and Hell Let Loose, not to mention the rumbling of approaching enemy tanks in the latter.

Sound separation is also very good. Higher frequencies are generally where you’ll find footsteps and lighter noises, which can give enemies away, but with lesser drivers, these can often get lost and muddied among other sounds. Not so with the Nova Elite. I was able to discern footsteps and puddle splashes among the gunfire, artillery barrages and loud voice chat of Hell Let Loose, giving me an advantage when sneaking around behind enemy lines.

A wide soundstage and spatial audio also help here. During the aforementioned snooping, I was able to discern not just that enemies were approaching me, but also where they were coming from.

Music

The Arctis Nova Elite headset is marketed by SteelSeries as being suitable for daily use as a standard set of headphones. As such, I also tested the headset with an array of music via Qobuz, our favorite music streaming service for audiophiles thanks to its high-res 192kHz/24-bit playback. For music testing, I used the headset wirelessly over 2.4GHz via the USB hub, and over Bluetooth when away from my desk.

Again, sonically, the Arctis Nova Elite performed well. Dream police by Mk.gee nicely demonstrated the headset’s wide soundstage and strong tonal separation. It felt like being sat in the studio as Mk.gee recorded it: bongos on the right; some soft clacky percussive thingy on the left; bass enveloping me on all sides; the lo-fi, discordant riff and Mk.gee’s semi-surreal vocals floating above everything.

Next up, Honey Bucket by Melvins, whose two simultaneous guitar riffs can easily blend together in the mid-tone sludge. Not so here: I could pick ‘em both out with ease.

Listen along to my testing playlist below:

To round off the testing, some bassy stuff: Ikigai by Burn Water, a melancholic, ethereal piece of modern ambient electronica; and Sub Island by Skream, an early U.K. dubstep humdinger and shatterer of my teenage car speakers. The 40mm drivers excelled for both, with powerful, rich sub bass and not a hint of distortion or shakiness.

Admittedly, the sound isn’t quite as refined as a pair of truly excellent audiophile headphones; there’s not quite the same space as I’m used to with my B&O Beoplay H95s, for instance. But for a gaming headset (even an expensive one), it’s a solid showing.

Very comfortable

I find the Arctis Nova Elite headset extremely comfortable. My previous headset was the Audeze Maxwell, but I prefer the taller shaping of the Nova Elite earcups, which feel much more spacious.

The earcup pads are pillowy soft, with memory foam innards and vegan leather outers. The outers are definitely less breathable than on other headsets I’ve used, and I’ve found my ears getting a little hot around the 4-5 hour mark. But nothing the occasional off-and-on-again doesn’t solve.

The suspended headband design — now commonplace on higher-tier headsets — is lovely, helping the Arctis Nova Elite sit weightlessly on your head. I’ve used the headset for numerous 7-8 hour stints with very few complaints, aside from the slightly warm ears mentioned above.

Adjustment of the Arctis Nova is done via sliding the earcups (y’know, the normal way). See, on my Audeze Maxwell headset, adjustment is seriously frustrating. It’s done by moving the inner suspended headband, and there are only three levels of adjustment. I’m in between two levels, the only solution to which is having the Maxwell adjusted higher on one side than the other — this leaves the headset feeling lopsided. After 18 months on the Maxwell, it’s been such a relief to have a headset sitting symmetrically again.

Useful USB hub

The Arctis Nova Elite headset comes with a supremely handy USB hub, which can connect to three devices via USB-C (2x PC/PlayStation, 1x PC/Xbox). There’s also a line-in for an external mic, and a line out for wired playback. This allows you to hook up multiple devices simultaneously and mix the sound.

I only game on PC, so I just had my gaming rig and work laptop hooked up to the hub. I found it incredibly useful during testing to have the sounds of my work calls mixed into the games I was playing for testing. I could work and game at the same time (to an extent).

You can use the USB hub to mix two of the USB channels, although it’s a little crude. You’re better off using the Sonar panel in the SteelSeries GG app, which we’re well acquainted with here at Tom’s Guide from testing previous SteelSeries gear like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5. Sonar is probably the easiest way to keep your channels mixed and audio balanced when using the Arctis Nova Elite, especially if running more than two and/or an external mic simultaneously.

The hub controls are best suited for fiddling with quick, important settings on the fly while gaming, letting you tweak audio levels, EQ, ANC and microphone gubbins without needing to switch to the GG app.

Thanks to the multiple-device connectivity it allows, not to mention the easy control it gives over settings, the hub is probably my favorite thing about the Nova Elite. It has me seriously considering whether I want to return to the Audeze Maxwell.

Fairly good microphone

The boom mic’s core performance is fairly good, as gaming headsets go (although the environmental noise cancelation isn't, as I'll cover later). It’s certainly a lot cleaner-sounding than the mics of the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro and Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming headset.

On all my test recordings and on calls with colleagues, my voice is nice and clear. There’s a bit of fuzziness, which none of the microphone EQs helped very much — not even the two broadcast EQ presets — as you can hear in the audio test clip below.

That’s all fine and dandy for in-game chat, although this is a $600 headset, so it ought to be good. It’s important to remember, though, that a headset boom mic won’t ever compete with one of the best mics for streaming, like the Shure MV6 ($149), Shure MV7+ ($279) and Cherry Ngale R ($96). If you’re going to be on stream and do have $600 going spare, I’d recommend you pick up a cheaper headset like the Audeze Maxwell or Razer BlackShark V3 Pro and invest in one of the dedicated mics above.

Strong battery life, no downtime

SteelSeries rates the Arctis Nova Elite for 30 hours per full battery, which I can confirm to be accurate. On my battery test, after around 15 hours of mixed use, I still had 53% of charge remaining.

The battery life doesn’t really matter, though, at least when using the headset at home. In the box are two batteries, one of which you can leave on charge in the USB hub (which has a battery charging port). You charge one while using the other, meaning you always have a fresh battery, so no downtime.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite review: The downs

The Arctis Nova Elite’s attributes are undermined by its unfathomably high price, and when something is priced this steeply, its other flaws have nowhere to hide.

Ludicrous price tag

Unfortunately, despite all its virtues, the Nova Elite is massively overpriced at $599 / £599. Something we’ve previously loved about other SteelSeries gear, like the Arctis Nova 3 and Nova 5, is the balance of affordability and performance, so it’s frustrating to see the Nova Elite priced so steeply.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s a premium headset with some very attractive features, and high-end gear like that will always cost you. But come on, SteelSeries… $600?

The sound is good, yes, perhaps better than the $300 Audeze Maxwell, but there’s really not much in it, and there’s certainly not a $300 delta. I mentioned my high-end B&O H95 headphones earlier — those are about $600 these days, and the sound is much more refined. In other words, $600 is seriously-good-headphone-money. And as good as the Arctis Nova Elite sounds for a gaming headset, I seriously doubt it’d make a recently-$600-poorer audiophile feel pleased with their purchase.

Sure, you get a very handy USB hub and a spare battery, but again, that ain’t worth an extra $300 in my book, either.

Subpar microphone noise cancelation

If SteelSeries’ marketing is to be believed, the Arctis Nova Elite’s microphone noise rejection “removes up to 97% of background noise. So powerful, even a helicopter can't beat it.” Well, I’m not so sure about that.

In the first clip below, I played a coffee shop ambient noise backing track at around 50% volume on my iPhone 17 Pro Max, which is still audible in the recording. There isn't a huge difference between the 'High' and 'Low' settings either.

More importantly, in the second clip below (recorded using the High noise reduction setting), I typed with my NuPhy Halo75 V2 — a moderately loud keyboard — while talking. The keyboard noise is clearly audible. I also had to ask my wife to stop typing during all of my microphone tests, as the light clack of her Keychron V8 Max was also making it through the noise rejection algorithm. Now, I’m no pilot. I haven’t spent much time on airfields. But I’m pretty sure helicopters are louder than coffee shops and keyboards.

The noise rejection isn’t totally useless — it certainly cuts out some background noise. But I’d argue that a $600 gaming headset that’s marketed as being “so powerful, even a helicopter can't beat it” should be able to cut out the sound of a keyboard.

"Best ANC in gaming"?

According to SteelSeries, the Arctis Nova Elite boasts the “best ANC in gaming.” Another rather far-fetched claim. Without anything playing, the ANC is pretty poor. In the office, with the ANC enabled and set to “high,” I could still hear my colleagues speaking and typing on their keyboards.

With media or games playing to help mask sound, things are admittedly better. However, in quieter games, I still experienced intrusive external noise. During some quieter downtime exploring the countryside of Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, I could hear my wife’s keyboard, the road noise outside and even one of my dogs crying downstairs (she expects her dinner at precisely 5.30 p.m., and not one minute later). When testing in the office, even with music playing, I was still able to hear colleagues talking around me.

The ANC isn’t awful, and it’s pretty good at cutting lower frequencies, but it certainly isn’t best-in-class. It’s nothing on the ANC system in the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro headset, for instance. And I wouldn’t be satisfied with the Nova Elite’s ANC if using the headset out and about for general daily use.

Earcup caps fall off easily

The sides of the Arctis Nova Elite earcups are covered by a circular plastic cap, which is held in place magnetically when rotated to the correct position. Unfortunately, the magnet isn’t particularly strong, meaning the disks are liable to rotate and subsequently dislodge. This doesn’t affect performance, but it’s annoying and exposes the battery to the elements and/or potential loss.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite review: Verdict

This has been a supremely tricky review to write. There’s a whole lot of stuff I love about the Arctis Nova Elite headset. It sounds fantastic, is supremely comfortable, has a truly handy USB hub and plenty of connectivity options and boasts phenomenal battery life.

It just costs way too much, which is why I haven’t awarded one of our higher scores that come with a Tom’s Guide Recommended or Editor’s Choice badge. SteelSeries has seemingly based the pricing primarily on the audio quality, and yeah, it’s good, but it doesn’t sound like a $600 set of cans — nor does it sound $300 better than the fantastic Audeze Maxwell. The high price also compounds the Arctis Nova’s other flaws, primarily in the noise cancelation department — with a $600 MSRP, there’s nowhere to hide.

This isn’t a bad headset by any means, which is why I’ve awarded our 3.5-star Good rating. If you wanted a TL;DR, it’d be: good product, silly price.

Technology continues to become more and more accessible as the years go by, and today, you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars to get one of the best PC game controllers. GameSir is a reputable brand known for creating budget-friendly peripherals that, though cheap, are powerful enough to give you a competitive edge, like the GameSir G7 Pro.

The G7 Pro, the successor to the GameSIr G7 SE, is a fantastic Xbox, PC and Android controller, featuring customizable TMR thumbsticks and Hall Effect triggers that deliver precise, powerful performance. Comfortable to hold for long periods of time thanks to rubberized grips, the G7 Pro is the ultimate Xbox Elite Series 2 alternative — especially if you’re on a budget.

Should you buy this gamepad? Find out in my full GameSir G7 Pro review.

GameSir G7 Pro review: Cheat sheet

• What is it? A tri-mode connectivity controller featuring TMR thumbsticks and Hall Effect triggers for Xbox, PC and Android
• Who is it for? Xbox and PC gamers looking for a gamepad that can give them a competitive edge
• How much does it cost? The GameSir G7 Pro is available for $79 / £89
• What do we like? The ergonomic design, connectivity options, competitive price tag and excellent gaming performance across genres
• What don’t we like? Some rivals feel more “pro,” and it can’t be used wirelessly with Xbox

GameSir G7 Pro review: Specs

GameSir G7 Pro review: The ups

From its low-key and ergonomic design to its Hall Effect triggers and TMR thumbsticks, the GameSir G7 Pro is a fantastic controller for casual as well as competitive gamers.

Low-key, thoughtful design

GameSir continues to “wow” on the design front, as the GameSir G7 Pro sports an inconspicuous, low-key design. It’s available in two standard colors: Mech White and Shadow Ember. I tested the latter, a combination of red and black, and I think it looks great. The matte finish makes it look premium, too — more premium than the plasticky GameSir G7 SE — and negates the possibility of fingerprints appearing just after a few hours of use.

If you want to change up the G7 Pro’s looks, you can easily pop out the magnetic faceplate and replace it with another. GameSir sells faceplates for $11 each, and there are plenty of colors to choose from.

Included in the box is a charging dock, similar to the one you get with the GameSir Super Nova ($49). It doesn’t take up much space on my TV stand and is a great way of displaying the G7 Pro. The charging dock’s bottom is covered in rubber, which is grippy enough to ensure you don’t unintentionally knock it over.

A USB-C port is located on the dock’s back to power it and charge the G7 Pro. An LED strip lights up in white to indicate it is charging. I also love that it has a storage compartment for the USB-A 2.4GHz dongle so you don’t lose it.

Ergonomic with rubberized grips

Just because a controller looks good doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s comfortable. Thankfully, the GameSir G7 Pro checks both boxes. The controller features chunky grips similar to the ones on first-party Xbox controllers, and both sides of the gamepad are covered in texturized rubber grips. These make the G7 Pro feel grippy, especially during long gaming sessions.

The G7 Pro measures 5.98 x 4.06 x 2.28 inches, and as someone with medium-sized hands, I found it comfortable to hold. It weighs 9.6oz, so even though it’s lighter than the 11.5oz GameSir Tarantula Pro ($69), it feels substantial in your hands. I used the G7 Pro for three hours, and not once did my hands cramp up.

Tri-mode connectivity

The GameSir G7 Pro features tri-mode connectivity, which means there are three ways to connect the controller to your console or smart device. If you’re using it with an Xbox Series S, an Xbox Series X or an Xbox One, you’ll need to plug in the 3m cable. You can also plug the G7 Pro directly into your PC — as I did to test the controller.

There’s wireless connectivity at play, too. You can use Bluetooth LE to use the controller with your Android smartphone. This worked seamlessly with my Google Pixel 10 Pro XL. Then there’s the 2.4GHz USB-A dongle, which can be used with a PC.

Peerless gaming performance

The GameSir G7 Pro is a highly competent controller for the Xbox, PC and Android. It has one thing the much pricier Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 ($179) doesn’t: magnetic sensors in its thumbsticks and triggers. The G7 Pro’s thumbsticks utilize Tunnel Magneto Resistance (TMR) sensors, while its six triggers and bumpers are packed with Hall Effect sensors and clicky Micro Switch trigger stops. In comparison, the GameSir G7 SE doesn’t feature TMR, making the G7 Pro the better choice.

Analog tech feels like a relic of the past, and the G7 Pro’s triggers and sticks, together, deliver peerless and precise performance in FPS, RPGs and racing titles. The controller also has a 1000Hz polling rate on PC (Xbox limits it to 400Hz, unfortunately), and as I tested it primarily on a computer, I didn’t notice any latency issues or input lag.

In FPS titles, being able to aim extremely precisely at your enemies is one of the most important things, and the G7 Pro’s thumbsticks let me aim and change my aim in minuscule increments. This is thanks to the TMR sensors, which use weak electromagnetic waves and pick up tiny adjustments.

I noticed the boost in accuracy, especially in Cyberpunk 2077, where, during a particular mission, I had to take out enemies with a sniper. When there were two NPCs standing next to each other, I was able to rapidly take one out and then quickly move to the next target with just a short shift of the stick. The sticks come to a sudden stop if you’re panning while searching for your target and want to stop as soon as you spot them. This came in clutch in tight shootouts in Counter-Strike 2.

The G7 Pro’s triggers are just as formidable, if not more. Each trigger’s actuation distance can be shortened via the trigger stop switches, so you can keep them at either long-press or swap them to short clicky ones. In Cyberpunk 2077, I set the right trigger to a short click and the left trigger to its default setting. This made the game feel more immersive, but I also liked that I didn’t have to press the right trigger all the way down to unleash a rain of gunfire.

Two additional shoulder buttons are located next to the primary triggers, and these can be customized via the GameSir Nexus app. You can assign specific actions to these buttons, such as swapping between weapons, and execute them without having to move your fingers too much or your thumbs off the sticks — this adds to the G7 Pro’s ergonomics.

Competitively priced

Priced at $79 / £89 at Amazon, the GameSir G7 Pro is an affordable alternative to the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 ($179). The first-party Xbox controller doesn’t feature Hall Effect tech, making the G7 Pro the more “pro” gamepad. It’s priced similarly to the GameSir Tarantula Pro ($69), and it’s cheaper than the PB Tails Metal Crush Defender ($109).

There are cheaper controllers yet, such as the GameSir Cyclone 2 ($49), but if you want an Xbox-compatible gamepad with versatile connectivity, you can’t go wrong with the G7 Pro. There’s also the GameSir G7 SE ($44), but if you want best-in-class performance with TMR sticks, I’d recommend spending the extra $30 on the G7 Pro.

GameSir G7 Pro review: The downs

The GameSir G7 Pro isn’t a perfect controller. You’ll need to spend extra if you want wireless connectivity with your Xbox, and some rivals feel more “pro.”

Wired-only on Xbox

This isn’t a massive flaw or drawback, but more of a pre-purchase consideration. The GameSir G7 Pro can only be used with the Xbox if you plug the cable into the console. Thankfully, the cable is 3m long, giving you plenty of flexibility.

There is, however, a special wireless Wuchang edition — inspired by the game Wuchang: Fallen Feathers — you can buy for $148 direct from GameSir. Double the price of the standard, wired edition, yes, but still cheaper than the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2.

Some rivals feel more “pro”

For a controller that has the word “pro” in its name, I expected the GameSir G7 Pro to pack more pro-level features. For instance, there are only two back buttons. Similarly priced controllers like the Manba One ($69) and the PowerA OPS v3 Pro ($99) come with four rebindable back buttons, so it’s surprising that the G7 Pro doesn’t. In fact, at the time of writing, no GameSir controller offers four back buttons (although a GameSir rep confirmed on Reddit that this is in the works).

The G7 Pro’s face buttons and thumbsticks can’t be swapped either, limiting its customizability and modularity. If you want to be able to swap face buttons, I’d recommend the GameSir Tarantula Pro instead. The ability to swap thumbsticks is usually reserved for pricier controllers, like the Turtle Beach Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded ($209), but if you want some degree of customization, you can at least adjust the height of the PowerA OPS v3 Pro’s sticks.

GameSir G7 Pro review: Verdict

As budget controllers go, the GameSir G7 Pro is one of the best you can buy today. For under $80, you’re getting a gamepad that’s extremely comfortable to hold for long hours, thanks to an ergonomic design. The G7 Pro’s prowess lies in its gaming performance, bolstered by Hall Effect triggers with customizable trigger stops and TMR thumbsticks that are precise and accurate.

While you can use it wirelessly with PC and Android smartphones, the G7 Pro can be used wired-only with Xbox — but it comes with a 3m cable, which is plenty long. I do, however, wish the G7 Pro had more than two back buttons and swappable thumbsticks, but for the money, it’s still a formidable alternative to the first-party (and much pricier) Xbox Elite Series 2.

Racing wheel peripherals have always fascinated me, but considering how I don’t often play racing games and that I live in a small apartment, I never seriously considered buying such a large and expensive peripheral. Thankfully, our friends at GameSir are set to launch a racing controller that’s ideal for folks like me.

During CES 2026, I went hands-on with the GameSir Swift Drive. And as you can see in the images on this page, it’s a game controller with a steering wheel stuck in its center.

GameSir says the controller is powered by the world’s smallest drive direct motor, which the company developed. This allows the small steering wheel to provide realistic steering. It also has reactive RGB lighting and haptic motors to deliver a more immersive experience.

Using the Swift Drive is an interesting experience, to say the least. I found that keeping your thumbs in the “10 and 2” position gives you the most control, just like with a real steering wheel. The wheel rumbles and twists realistically for its size. While the motors and haptic feedback can be powerful, I was told you can adjust the sensitivity to make it less intense.

The actual wheel has a textured surface that grips nicely to your thumbs. It also feels nice when it’s spinning. The controller is somewhat smaller than an Xbox or PlayStation controller, which is smart since it makes it easier to reach the trigger buttons on the back for accelerating and braking. Despite the steering wheel in its center, I found that the controller was easy to hold and well-balanced. It’s also pleasing to the eye thanks to its white and gray tones.

Though this is a controller designed specifically for racing games, you can use it to play other games. For instance, the right thumb stick on a typical controller exists here as a small nub. It’s admittedly odd to use, but it works well enough for moving the in-game camera around.

The face buttons, shoulder buttons, and left thumb stick also feel good to use and have a great response. Also, the left thumb stick and right nub utilize Hall Effect sensors, so they shouldn't wear out on you any time soon.

One pleasant surprise is that the Swift Drive controller is platform agnostic. That’s important because controllers are usually compatible with just PS5/PC or Xbox/PC (for example). I can’t speak to how well the controller works across different games and different platforms, but the fact that you can ostensibly use it on your gaming machine of choice is significant.

Outlook

The GameSir Swift Drive is easily the most innovative controller I’ve ever seen. While there have been controllers that attempted to include a built-in steering wheel, the Swift Drive takes things further by incorporating a fully functional steering wheel that acts almost identically to the ones on larger peripherals. If I could only play racing games with just one controller, it would be this one.

We don’t yet have pricing for the GameSir Swift Drive, but I was told to expect the controller to launch later this year. As soon as it comes out, you can bet I’ll put it to the test and let you know if it lives up to the hype. If it does, don’t be surprised if it finds a spot in our best PC game controllers list.

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The best gaming headsets can elevate your experience by making you feel immersed in the game you’re playing, and the Final VR3000 EX does just that. It is the latest addition to the Japanese giant’s lineup of gaming headphones, and it’s a triumph.

Featuring a flip-to-mute mic that makes you sound loud and clear, the VR3000 EX is built for competitive and online gamers. It delivers detailed sound quality with a dedicated footsteps clarity mode for FPS gaming. Long battery life and multi-platform compatibility are the cherries on top of the cake.

But the headset isn’t perfect, as its earcups tend to get hot after hours of wearing it, and I wish the control scheme was better laid out and not so confusing. To find out if this is the right headset for you, read my full Final VR3000 EX review.

Final VR3000 EX review: Cheat sheet

• What is it? A wireless gaming headset compatible with low latency connections of 25ms or less
• Who is it for? Anyone who wants an immersive gaming experience and a headset that’s compatible with many consoles
• How much does it cost? The Final VR3000 EX is available for $149 / £99
• What do we like? The highly detailed sound quality with a dedicated footsteps mode, long battery life, broad compatibility, and clear boom mic
• What don’t we like? The earcups can get hot after a while, and the controls are confusing

Final VR3000 EX review: Specs

Final VR3000 EX review: The ups

There are many things to like about the Final VR3000 EX, such as its detailed sound quality, footstep clarity mode, long battery life, multi-platform compatibility, and more.

Very comfortable

There’s no point spending any money on a gaming headset if it isn’t comfortable and doesn’t allow you to play for hours on end. Thankfully, the Final VR3000 EX doesn’t fall into that camp, as it’s rather comfortable. Its earcups are big and spacious and they provide a good degree of noise isolation in lieu of active noise cancelation (ANC).

I really like the VR3000 EX’s headband which is made of high-quality mesh. This provides a cushioned feel and negates any pressure you may feel on the top of your head otherwise. The headset doesn’t weigh a lot either at 13.72oz. Though it weighs more than the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (9.3oz, $129), the Sony PlayStation Pulse Elite (12.2oz, $149) and the Asus ROG Pelta (10.89oz, $129), it doesn’t weigh you down.

I wore the VR3000 EX for a six-hour gaming session and didn’t feel any discomfort… barring the earcups, which tend to get a little hot (more on this soon).

Multi-platform compatibility

The Final VR3000 EX is the perfect headset for anyone who owns multiple gaming consoles or smart devices, thanks to its broad compatibility. Using the low-latency 2.4GHz USB-A dongle, you can use the VR3000 EX with the PlayStation 5 and the PlayStation 4. There’s also Bluetooth 5.3 if you want to use the headset with the Nintendo Switch 2, the OG Nintendo Switch, macOS, PC, as well as iOS and Android smartphones.

I did all my in-depth testing with the USB-A dongle plugged into my PS5 Slim, but I also used it to play a couple of games on my Switch 2. I paired it with my MacBook Air M2 to record myself speaking to evaluate the mic’s performance (more on that soon). All three times, it worked like a charm with no connection drops.

However, the VR3000 EX doesn’t feature multipoint connectivity, so you can’t have it connected to more than one device at a time. Not a major drawback, but still worth pointing out. If you want multipoint connectivity, it’s worth considering the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 instead.

Detailed sound quality

The one thing the Final VR3000 EX excels at and didn’t give me anything to complain about is the sound quality. While Final doesn’t specify the driver size, its drivers are powered by the brand’s f-Core DU processor which reduces distortion to deliver a crisp sound profile. The headset has a frequency response range of 20Hz-20KHz. This means that you can hear the softest of footsteps as well as the loudest of explosions in great clarity.

Final says that the VR3000 EX has been tuned to deliver a “3D extra wide sound stage” which basically means that it features spatial audio to make you feel immersed in the title you’re playing. What I love is that spatial audio isn’t limited to front, rear, left and right, but overhead as well, and I’ll discuss it in detail below.

To test the VR3000 EX, I played a few games on my PS5 Slim, including Alan Wake 2 and Cyberpunk 2077. The USB-A transceiver enables low latency connections of 25ms or less and I didn’t experience any connection drops or lags. The headset didn’t disappoint regardless of the game I played.

Alan Wake 2

As I was testing the VR3000 EX, I had an excuse to start a new playthrough of Alan Wake 2, my favorite horror game. It’s one I’ve always played to test other gaming headsets so I’m familiar with the many sounds of that world. Playing it through the VR3000 EX terrified me as it made the area in and around Bright Falls feel extremely immersive.

Dialogue moves from one earcup to the other depending on the direction your in-game camera is facing, as do footsteps and combat sounds. I could clearly hear Cultists scuttering behind me when I walked through the woods as Saga, and wolves howling behind me in the distance. The Cultists’ footsteps eventually got louder as they approached me and I heard them moving from right to left behind me, which helped me gauge their position, so I quickly whipped around and blasted them with my flashlight.

The headset does a fantastic job of balancing music against other sounds as well, as I found while playing the We Sing chapter as Alan. ‘Herald of Darkness’ by Old Gods of Asgard plays throughout this level while Alan navigates a maze and gets ambushed by aggressive Shadows. Not only did the song sound detailed and hi-res, it didn’t impact the combat sounds, delivering a well-balanced experience.

Cyberpunk 2077

Cyberpunk 2077 is a first-person shooter and RPG featuring plenty of stealthy gameplay, should you choose to do so. The neon Night City features lots of idle chatter from NPCs as well as loud altercations between gangs and cops, and the VR3000 EX does an excellent job at ensuring you hear everything loud and clear.

I thoroughly enjoyed the headset’s wide, spatial soundstage here, as I could clearly hear helicopters hovering overhead. Not just that, but I could tell the trajectory of when an enemy threw a grenade over my head. This vertical spatial information came in handy in heated combat and it made the game feel much more immersive too.

This game proved to be a great test for the headset’s footstep clarity mode which boosts the mids and highs, and can be toggled via the C button on the left earcup. When I was infiltrating an enemy den, I could pinpoint exactly where NPCs were positions which helped me strategize better. Enemy footsteps were highlighted but not overly emphasized which meant I could still gauge the distance without it feeling unnatural or artificial.

Loud and clear mic

If you play online or competitively, it’s necessary to have a gaming headset with a competent mic. The Final VR3000 EX is aimed at competitive players so I was expecting big things from its mic, and it didn’t disappoint. It’s fitted with a boom, flip-to-mute mic, so if you flip it up, it automatically mutes itself — and vice versa.

I first tested the VR3000 EX’s mic by speaking into it in a quiet room with nothing else playing in the background. As you can hear in the clip above, my voice sounds loud and clear with every word sharp.

I then played an episode of Broadchurch on my phone, with the volume set to around 90%. You can still hear the characters talking in the background, in the clip above, but it doesn’t overpower my voice, so you can use this headset’s mic even with other people around or in a noisy environment.

Long battery life

On top of it all, the Final VR3000 EX boasts solid battery life too, rated at 55 hours when using the 2.4GHz transceiver. This lines up with other headsets in a similar price range. For instance, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 is rated for 60 hours, while the Asus ROG Delta is rated for 60 hours. It even lasts longer than the similarly priced Sony PlayStation Pulse Elite which lasts only 30 hours between charges.

I’ve used the VR3000 EX extensively for the better part of three weeks, and in my testing, the headset promptly died after just over 52 hours, confirming the rating provided by Final. I was mostly using the headset with volume set to around 70%, and battery life will depend on the usage conditions, so it’s best to use the official number of 55 hours as the reference point.

Final VR3000 EX review: The downs

While the Final VR3000 EX is a capable headset, it isn’t without its faults. Its earcups tend to get hot when wearing for long periods of time, and the control scheme is too cluttered and user-unfriendly.

Earcups get a little hot

While the Final VR3000 EX is generally a very comfortable headset, as I mentioned above, I must point out that I found the ear cushions getting hot after a couple of hours or so of playing. Unlike the mesh fabric ones on the Asus ROG Pelta or the breathable memory foam pads on the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5, the VR3000 EX is fitted with stiff, leather cushions. There isn’t a lot of room for your ears to breathe, leading them to feeling hot.

I had to remove the headset a few times in the space of six hours to let my ears get some air. This is far from ideal, and if it’s something that might bother you too, I’d recommend considering other options. The ROG Pelta, Arctis Nova 5, and even the much cheaper Cherry XTRFY H3 ($99) feature better, comfier ear cushions.

Cluttered control scheme

Another issue I have with the Final VR3000 EX is the headset’s cluttered control scheme. There are no touch controls — similar to other gaming cans — and all the physical buttons and wheels are placed on the left earcup alone. The buttons to change the connectivity mode, enable footstep clarity, the power button, and the volume wheel are all very close together. I can’t count how many times I accidentally hit the Mode button when all I wanted to do was enable footstep clarity.

I expected better, given that the VR3000 EX costs nearly $150. This problem could have easily been prevented by placing a couple buttons on the right earcup. You won’t face this issue with the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 or the Asus ROG Pelta.

Final VR3000 EX review: Verdict

If you’re looking for a headset that doesn’t scrimp on sound quality, there are few better than the Final VR3000 EX. Its drivers deliver crystal clear audio in nearly every genre, and the dedicated footsteps clarity mode gives you an edge in FPS and competitive gaming. It’s a great set of cans for online gaming too, thanks to the boom mic, and the battery life is long and reliable.

But there are better headsets when it comes to ear cushions. The VR3000 EX’s cushions, in my opinion, tend to heat up after a couple of hours of wear. I’m not a fan of the control scheme either as it feels cluttered and confusing. If those are compromises you’re not opposed to making, you’ll love the VR3000 EX. It feels great, lasts long, and is a sheer delight when it comes to sound quality.

I’ve had a rocky history with Dell, the owner of Alienware. Having built my own gaming PCs for over 25 years, I’ve always been skeptical (to say the least) about Dell and Alienware prebuilts — their historically proprietary hardware makes them difficult, if not impossible, to customize.

I’ve also had a tricky time with a Dell monitor in recent times, which I had to send off for replacement no less than three times, with all subsequent replacements sent to me under warranty turning up damaged.

As you can no doubt understand, I’d vowed not to use another Dell-made monitor for a while. Then the Alienware AW2725D dropped on my desk (metaphorically) for testing, and I rather quickly realized my own words needed eating.

I’ve been testing this 280Hz QD-OLED 27-inch gaming monitor for around two months now, and it’s handled everything I’ve thrown at it: work, gaming, production, you name it. I think this is one of the best gaming monitors you can buy in the mid-range price bracket. Read my full Alienware AW2725D review to find out why.

Alienware AW2725D review: Cheat Sheet

• What is it? A mid-range 1440p QD-OLED gaming monitor
• Who is it for? Gamers (...duh), although it’ll suit some light production too
• What does it cost? $499 / £509
• What’s good? The beautiful QD-OLED panel, speedy performance, vibrant and accurate colors, and strong contrast
• What’s not? Not a lot, although I wish it had more ports and built-in speakers

Alienware AW2725D review: Specs

Alienware AW2725D review: The ups

From its beautiful 27-inch QD-OLED panel, through to its high 280Hz refresh rate, premium design and suitability for tasks beyond gaming, this is an excellent mid-range display.

Beautiful QD-OLED panel

The Alienware AW2725D features a 1440p QD-OLED panel, which is frankly gorgeous. You can also buy the 27-inch monitor in different sizes, from 25 inches up to 34 inches; and different resolutions, from 1080p to 4K. Naturally, this affects price, as well as refresh rate, with the 27-34-inch 4K models topping out at 240Hz instead of the 1440p’s 280Hz refresh rate.

Given my desk setup and the games I play, 1440p at 27-inches is the sweet spot for me. 27-inches is wide enough for a fairly immersive experience, while also avoiding me having to turn my head to see different ends of the display. That said, if you want a truly immersive experience, an ultra-wide display like the Lenovo Legion Pro 34WD-10 ($1,199) is where you’ll want to look.

I find 1440p is plenty of resolution for 27-inches, and the panel relays plenty of fine detail and looks extremely sharp. You can also buy the 27-inch model with a 4K panel, which is the Alienware AW2725Q ($899). As I mentioned above and will cover below, you lose some performance (and more of your cash) by stepping up to 4K, but the differences aren’t huge.

Rich color, strong contrast, decent brightness

Helping that panel look so lovely, of course, are the rich colors and deep contrast from the AW2725D’s QD-OLED pixels. This is an OLED display, meaning each pixel lights itself rather than needing a backlight, resulting in true blacks as each pixel can turn itself off completely — this results in more contrast than IPS or VA (both LCD) panels which use a backlight to illuminate their pixels.

The ‘QD’ slapped on the front stands for ‘Quantum Dot’ — these little dots are essentially tiny semiconductors that produce extremely vibrant colors and also enhance brightness. So, with a QD-OLED, you’re getting better brightness than a standard OLED, and even more vivid colors.

I tested this display by playing a variety of games, three of which were Cyberpunk 2077, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 (KCD2) and Total War: Rome II. Cyberpunk's vivid, contrasty scenes looked awesome on the AW2725D, with super inky shadows contrasting against bright neon signage. I tended to leave this game in the monitor’s standard mode, which maintains bright highlights — otherwise (in RPG mode) the game felt a little too dark.

KCD2 and Total War: Rome II also looked fantastic, with their warm, saturated palettes done full justice by the monitor’s standard color mode. I switched out the monitor’s color mode to RPG for KCD2 though, which clips the highlights a little to aid in that warmer, historical and cinematic feel. I tried the display’s warm mode, but this felt a little too yellow.

Across the board, there’s tons of contrast on offer, while colors look fantastic and nicely saturated, while still feeling fairly natural in the standard display mode.

Now for brightness. In the table above, I’ve compared the AW2725D’s lab test results against other QD-OLED rivals. The AW2725D offers better peak brightness (measured using the central 10% of its display) than its 4K stablemate the AW2725Q. It also offers comparable peak brightness to both the MSI MPG 272URX ($1,099) and the Lenovo Legion Pro 34WD-10, despite being much cheaper than both. The MSI is a 4K panel, though.

OLED panel brightness rises or drops depending on how much of the screen is in use — this is for screen longevity. While we measure peak brightness at 10% screen usage (right in the center), we also measure at 100%, which gives you a real-world brightness figure. The AW2725D performs similarly to other QD-OLED rivals here, with very little in it. I had no issues using the monitor in bright sunlight, even with a window behind me, in large part thanks to the monitor’s anti-reflective coating.

Burn-in protection

It’s worth noting that the AW2725D also features burn-in protection. It’ll flag you a warning after using it for some time, before automatically turning itself off (by default) to protect the panel. It also features a panel health flag when you access the main menu — this uses a traffic light system to tell you quickly how things stand. If you’re on orange, you can perform a quick panel refresh and be back to green!

Stellar gaming performance

The Alienware AW2725D also has plenty of gaming features up its sleeve, as you’d expect from a gaming monitor. Most notably, its refresh rate tops out at 280Hz, which ensures ultra-smooth gameplay free from motion blur and input lag.

It also boasts a 0.03ms GTG response time. GTG means gray-to-gray and measures how quickly the pixels can change color. A 0.03ms response time is very good, helping to reduce motion blur and ghosting.

Smooth gameplay is, of course, beneficial in virtually all gaming, but these ultra-quick stats are most important in fast-paced titles like first person shooter (FPS) games. I played Counter Strike 2 and Isonzo, two FPS games, and suffered no noticeable input lag or ghosting. In Counter Strike 2, I was running at a consistent 270-280Hz on my hardware — buttery smooth.

The AW2725D also has some handy secondary gaming features. Within the display settings, you’ll find a black stabilizer, which allows you to boost the brightness in black areas of the screen, helping you see enemies hiding in dark areas, for example. There are three “Alienvision” modes. Two of them (Vision 1 and Vision 3) apply a central reticule to the display, with the Vision 1 mode also applying a darkened target box around the reticule. Vision 2 mode applies color peaking around contrast areas to help you detect shapes quickly. All of these will be useful for players wanting every available competitive edge possible.

Not a one-trick pony

The Alienware AW2725D isn’t only good for gaming — in fact, I can’t own or use a monitor that is so. As the cameras editor here at Tom’s Guide and a photographer in my spare time, I use my monitor for a lot of photo and video editing. The AW2725D proved itself highly capable, thanks to its high color accuracy.

As you can see in our lab test results in the table below, the AW2725D demonstrated a Delta-E figure of 0.14. This essentially measures color variance. We use calibrated color spectrometer devices to measure how much the color on screen varies from the color sent to the monitor by the computer. The lower the better and 0.14 is a fairly strong score, showing low variance and meaning the colors you see on screen are true. It isn’t as outright impressive as the 4K variant, the Alienware AW2725Q, but it’s still better than the BenQ PD3226G ($1,099) I tested in late 2025 — and that’s a monitor designed purely for design work.

More impressive is the AW2725D’s coverage of the two most common color gamuts: sRGB and DCI-P3. The monitor covered 190% of the sRGB gamut, which is the most common color space used online. Of course, more than 100% is unnecessary, but it demonstrates that this monitor has a very wide tonal range. Any color that’s in the sRGB gamut can be relayed by this display. The same is true for the DCI-P3 gamut, which is commonly used for cinematic video editing, and which the AW2725D more than covered at 135%. A splendid show.

This means the AW2725D will be a solid choice for gamers who also dabble in a spot of creative work, such as photo editing or making videos for online sharing. If you are printing images or you’re a professional video editor, naturally you’ll want a monitor with a wider array of color modes, such as Adobe RGB (for printed photography) and Rec. 2020 (used in the production of video for television). The AW2725D only has sRGB and DCI-P3 modes, but then again, it is primarily a gaming monitor.

Reasonable price

While it isn’t exactly a budget monitor, the Alienware AW2725D is priced fairly for the performance it offers. One of the gripes we had about the 4K AW2725Q variant was its steep $899 asking price. I’m glad to see the 1440p variant isn’t priced quite as highly.

Like I said, at $499 / £509, it isn’t cheap — but I think this is a reasonable asking price for the beautiful panel with its rich colors and vibrant contrast, not to mention the rapid gaming specs and high color accuracy. The AW2725D is also built very well, looking high quality and finished in a textured, matte plastic that gives a premium feel, again helping justify its price.

Alienware AW2725D review: The downs

I really can’t think of much wrong with the Alienware AW2725D. It’d be nice to have a few more I/O ports and some built-in speakers, I guess, but that’s kinda splitting hairs.

Limited onboard I/O and no speakers

As I alluded to directly above, I’m aware this is splitting hairs, but I’d have liked to see a few more onboard I/O ports on the Alienware AW2725D. I’m used to my BenQ PD3226G monitor which, with its plethora of I/O and Thunderbolt 4 connectivity, serves as a USB-C hub.

The AW2725D, by contrast, features 1x USB-A and 1x USB-C downstream ports, the latter of which is rated for 15W of power delivery. That’s fine for charging a couple of devices, but it proves a little limiting when you want to hook up multiple devices for complex workflows. Again, this isn’t a huge issue, and stems partly from me being a spoilt professional tech reviewer who is accustomed to his monitors doubling up as USB hubs.

It’s also worth noting that there’s no headphone jack, nor any internal speakers built into the monitor. Again, I don’t think this is a huge deal as you’ll be hooking this thing up to, y’know, a computer, where you can plug in a headset. Still, it would’ve been nice to see built-in speakers for people who don’t have any external speakers — I know from first-hand experience that when you’re building your PC paycheck-by-paycheck, built-in monitor speakers are a welcome temporary solution.

Alienware AW2725D review: Verdict

The Alienware AW2725D is one of those products where I’ve had to scratch my head for negatives. And realistically, there just aren’t that many. The AW2725D is a lovely monitor, in large part thanks to its beautiful QD-OLED panel, rich colors, inky blacks and strong contrast. Its color accuracy and gamut coverage are excellent, while brightness is on par for a QD-OLED, if not a little better than I’d expect. There is a plethora of gaming features and some handy creative ones too, and on top of all that, the monitor is reasonably priced given the performance.

Sure, I’d have preferred some more ports, and the lack of built-in speakers will be annoying to anyone without an external set; and while it’s fairly priced, it isn’t cheap. But heck, given those are the worst things I can say about it, the AW2725D is doing pretty well. I’m happy to say that the Dell-shaped demons from my past have been well and truly exorcised.