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Thrustmaster T300RS GT Edition review: a responsive racing wheel with a few too many rough edges

7:00 pm | January 19, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming Gaming Accessories | Tags: PC | Comments: Off

Thrustmaster T300RS GT Edition: One-minute review

The Thrustmaster T300RS GT Edition is a belt-driven racing wheel designed for PlayStation and PC. Considering it’s a GT Edition, this isn’t the most auspicious looking racing wheel. Its rather plain design isn’t helped by the lack of color. However, the leatherette material adds a touch of class and appears to be hard-wearing.

The pedals also feel durable, and feature plenty of adjustments. However, the base can slide around on smooth flooring, so rugs and carpets are best.

Installing the wheel base on a table is somewhat of a hassle, owing to the stiff fastening screw (at least on the unit I had), requiring some lubrication to make it easier. It’s also quite heavy, which means you’ll have to hold it in place while fixing it to a table. The clamping mechanism is also quite clunky, since it’s prone to moving out of position while installing, and gets in the way of the handle on the fastening screw.

Once installed, you should watch out for the self-calibration procedure that takes place as soon as you power it on, as the wheel spins quickly and forcefully. Thankfully, this is the only form of setup when using the T300 RS GT Edition with a PS5 – as you would expect from an officially licensed PlayStation product.

Things were a little more difficult on PC, though. The software tool doesn’t feel the most modern, and it took a few restarts to run correctly and update the firmware successfully. However, it does offer the settings and tweaks you would expect of one of the best racing wheels, including numerous force feedback options.

The T300RS GT Edition performs well in certain areas, but not so well in others. The steering is precise enough, and the pedals offer enough resistance without being too hard. There’s an optional conical stop you can install behind the brake pedal to lend a different sense of feedback, but I found this limited travel too much – which I found a tad too short to begin with.

The wheel can also feel very notchy, especially at the start of rotations; most noticeable when making the slow, gradual movements you might when playing more sedate driving sims. The paddles aren’t damped well enough either, feeling a little harsh in use.

While the button selection is good for PlayStation users, it’s a shame there are no rotary knobs for typical on-the-fly racing adjustments. And on PC, some buttons failed to work in my experience, although quite where the blame lies on this front isn’t exactly clear.

All of these are disappointments for a wheel of this price. The Thrustmaster T248, for instance, is considerably cheaper, yet we think it’s the best racing wheel overall thanks to its excellent performance-to-price ratio. You can of course spend a lot more on a racing wheel, such as the Thrustmaster T-GT II, but we think this is the best premium racing wheel around, as it rivals direct drive wheels – the zenith of racing wheel technology.

Close-up of buttons on Thrustmaster T300RS GT Edition — (Image credit: Future)

Thrustmaster T300RS GT Edition: Price and availability

$449.99 / £379.99 (about AU$725)
Available now in one color
Some rivals are cheaper

The T300RS GT Edition costs $449.99 / £379.99 (about AU$725) and is available now in one colorway. It comes with a pedal set but not an external shifter, although one can be connected.

This makes it quite a lot more expensive than the Thrustmaster T248, our pick as the best racing wheel overall. This wheel offers similarly good pedals and we liked the force feedback with certain games, but again we had some issues with the steering feel.

If you want a more luxury belt-driven experience, then the Thrustmaster T-GT II is one of the best in this category, and comes close to rivaling state-of-the-art direct drive wheels. We still found the rotation wasn’t as seamless as it could be, though, and it’s considerably more expensive than the T300RS GT Edition.

Thrustmaster T300RS GT Edition: Specs

Thrustmaster T300RS GT Edition review: Design and features

Plain looks
Violent self-calibration
Useful software

The T300RS GT Edition cuts a rather bland figure, with a monochromatic colorway and a lackluster wheel design that fails to inspire or excite. Considering this is the variant officially licensed by PlayStation and the Gran Turismo series, I was expecting something a little more special.

The pedals are similarly plain, although the metal heads do lend an element of sophistication. There’s also an optional conical stop, which can be screwed in behind the brake pedal to offer a different level of resistance.

The wheel has a satisfactory feel to it, being neither too thick nor too thin. The leatherette finish feels hard-wearing but offers little in the way of padding. There’s also some perforation to help with grip, and I had no issue handling it securely.

Thrustmaster doesn’t give a weight for the wheel base alone, but it’s reasonably heavy with a bias towards the front, which can make installation a little tricky. The pedal base, on the other hand, is much lighter, which can be a problem for those with low-friction flooring, as I did find it was prone to sliding unless I had a carpet or rug underneath.

Installation wasn’t the most seamless experience. The wheel attaches to the base relatively easily, requiring several turns of the Quick Release ring before tightening a small screw to secure it in place. However, attaching the base to a table is more awkward. The fastening screw in the unit I had didn’t thread smoothly, requiring some lubrication to get it working correctly.

Close-up of pedals for Thrustmaster T300RS GT Edition — (Image credit: Future)

You have to hold the wheel up while you attach it, as it will fall forwards otherwise. This means tightening the fastening screw one-handed, or using your chest to prop it up while you turn it with both hands, which is the method I preferred. The handle for turning the screw kept getting in the way of the attachment system used to clamp the base to the table, which is an annoying design flaw. What’s more, this attachment system is prone to rotating out of position whilst fastening – another irksome fault.

The pedals do have a pleasing number of adjustments, made easily using the included Allen key. You can adjust the height, angle, and spacing, although I would’ve liked a wider range for the latter, as I found my legs were always too close together, but this could be a personal gripe not shared by others.

The self-calibration for the wheel begins as soon as the T300RS GT Edition is powered on and plugged in, and it took me by surprise: it’s sudden and quite forceful, so make sure to keep your hands completely clear of the wheel.

In order to adjust various calibration and force feedback settings, the Thrustmaster Control Panel for Windows is required. This failed to install on first try for me, although a couple of restarts seemed to fix the issue. The same was true of a required firmware update, but this was successful in the end.

Once up and running, the Thrustmaster Control Panel offers many of the usual customization options you’d expect of a racing wheel. You can set the maximum rotation angle and make multiple force feedback adjustments, with static settings for the constant and periodic forces, as well as dynamic ones for the spring and damper effects. All these are easy to make thanks to the basic layout of the UI.

I had no problem connecting the T300RS GT Edition to a PS5, making it as easy to use as the best PS5 racing wheels out there. The button layout on the wheel is also similar to a controller, which makes navigation simple. It’s a shame, however, that there are no rotary dials, useful for adjusting common racing settings such as traction control and brake balance.

Thrustmaster T300RS GT Edition review: Performance

Balanced pedal feel
Notchy steering
Overly strong force feedback

The T300RS GT Edition offers a mixed performance. The steering feels accurate and precise, although the paddles were too clicky for my liking, lacking the satisfying action better damped switches offer.

The pedals provide enough resistance to let you feel how your inputs translate in-game, yet light enough to make them easy to press without fatigue. The clutch pedal offers just the right amount of travel; while I would’ve preferred a bit more for the brake pedal, it still offers enough control. It’s also reassuringly weighted, although I found the optional conical stop added too much resistance, and further decreased the already-wanting travel.

However, my chief grip with the T300RS GT Edition is the notchy feel of the steering wheel. No matter what you do with the settings in the Control Panel, this is always present. I found it particularly noticeable when making small movements close to the center of the axis, which you are likely to do in slower-paced driving sims, as opposed to outright racing sims.

Close-up of paddle on Thrustmaster T300RS GT Edition — (Image credit: Future)

The other settings available in the Control Panel do make a difference to performance. There’s plenty of scope within the force feedback for most gamers to find the right setup. The maximum setting was far too strong for me, with the wheel being too hard to turn and flailing wildly when losing traction in-game. As a result, I preferred having the overall strength setting quite low, at about 15%.

The buttons on the wheel all perform well enough, but don’t match the premium feel of those on the best PC controllers. I did have an issue with the POV hat failing to work with some PC games, but this could’ve been a fault with the game rather than with the input itself.

Should I buy the Thrustmaster T300RS GT Edition?

Close-up of L3 and R3 buttons on Thrustmaster T300RS GT Edition — (Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

You want good pedals
The pedals of the T300RS GT Edition provide enough feel while being easy to actuate. The multiple adjustments are also useful, although I would’ve welcomed more range for the spacing.

You want multiple platform support
The T300RS GT Edition works with three PlayStation consoles and PC, which means you can use it with plenty of high-end racing sims, from various Gran Turismo titles to Assetto Corsa.

Don't buy it if...

You want the best steering feel
The T300RS GT Edition is rather notchy, especially at the start of its turns, so those who’ll be making slow, gentle movements might want to look elsewhere.

You want the best design
The clamping system is quite awkward and not the best engineered solution. The pedal base also has a tendency to slide on smooth surfaces.

Also consider...

If the T300RS GT Edition doesn't sound right for you, then take a look at these excellent alternatives.

Thrustmaster T248
As the best racing wheel overall in our opinion, the T248 offers a perfect balance between price and performance. It’s considerably cheaper than the T300RS GT Edition, but we think it has great build quality and a useful feature set, all of which help to make it a great all-rounder for those embarking on their racing sim journey.

Read our Thrustmaster T248 review

Thrustmaster T-GT II
If you’re after another belt-driven wheel, then the Thrustmaster T-GT II is one of the best there is in our view. It even gives direct drive wheels a run for their money, which are the gold standard for sim racers. We were impressed with its excellent force feedback and extra buttons, making it a practical wheel. You will have to pay considerably more than the T300RS GT Edition for it, though.

Read our Thrustmaster T-GT II review

How I tested the Thrustmaster T300RS GT Edition

Tested for one week
Used on PC and PS5
Plentiful racing sim experience

I tested the T300RS GT Edition for about a week, during which time I used it on PC and PS5. I installed it myself and made sure to adjust as many hardware and software settings as possible, such as pedal positioning and force feedback. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to test the T300RS GT Edition with an external shifter.

I played Gran Turismo 7 on PS5 and Assetto Corsa on PC – two two-tier racing sims on their respective platforms. I also played American Truck Simulator to test the wheel for slower, more controlled steering and pedal movements.

I have been gaming for over 25 years, with racing sims being one of my favorite genres. I play numerous titles across various sub-categories such as F1, touring car racing, and rallying.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed January 2025

Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex review: a racing peripheral with impressive wireless tech, but not much else

8:00 pm | December 29, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming Gaming Accessories | Tags: PC, UK | Comments: Off

Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex: One-minute review

Look, it’s hard to make one of the best racing wheels at an affordable cost. Compromises have to be made in order to hit a lower price point, and there are no good options when it comes to what to jettison.

In the Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex, Hori has managed to retain decent build quality and even an impressive wireless function that far pricier wheels don’t feature, but after a few hours of use it’s clear that this is a Pyrrhic victory - the driving experience makes you miss the features it’s gone without.

Specifically: a longer brake pedal actuation, a sturdier pedal base that stays in place, and - although it’s a stretch at the price - force feedback. With these elements missing, the fundamental fun and increased precision you gain from inputting via a wheel is unfortunately offset by too much fiddling and repositioning with the pedals, and an unsatisfying on/off feel to braking.

Of course, that’s the sim racer in me talking, with an awareness of how far more expensive direct drive setups feel in the best racing games. If you put this wheel in the hands of a younger gamer whose curiosity for racing might not warrant sinking two grand on a Fanatec direct-drive rig quite yet, they’ll likely just appreciate the pros and won’t miss the cons too much.

The same goes for casual players whose appetite for racing is infrequent and who just want to try a different style of controlling their vehicles in game. Ultimately, then? The Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex's quality hinges entirely on the use case, and the audience. Just know that there are dramatically better options out there for only a small amount of extra cash.

The side profile of the Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex.

(Image credit: Future)

HORI Wireless Racing Wheel Apex: Price and availability

List price: $119.99 / £159.99 / around AU$319
As budget-friendly as you’ll find for a racing wheel
Logitech’s G29 is only £40 more now in UK, and offers force feedback

You can’t fault Hori’s ability to achieve a really attractive entry-level price point – in fact, you’ll struggle to find a cheaper model from a reputable brand. This pricing alone makes the Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex worth considering.

It’s up against dominating competition from an old stalwart, the Logitech G29, in the UK which is now going for £199 and offers force feedback, superior build qualit,y and functionality. In the US, where the G29 still costs $299, the Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex seems a lot more reasonable.

Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex: Specs

Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex: Design and features

Smart appearance
Ergonomic layout
Flawed pedal design

You’ll find even less metal here than at the Teen Choice Awards, but this wheel’s finish and aesthetic do a lot to flatter the plastic construction materials. This being a PlayStation wheel officially licensed by Sony, you’ll find all the buttons from a DualSense Wireless Controller mapped around the centre of the wheel in a sensible ergonomic layout. Behind them are two plastic paddle shifters, and above the central PlayStation logo are a couple of toggle switches for PS4 / PS5 / PC compatibility.

It’s an attractive peripheral for the price, and the chromed plastic on the lower half does a lot to elevate the look. The gold centre band is a useful touch that adds some motorsport cred to the design, and all the face buttons feel really nice to press – perhaps owing to Hori’s chops in the fight stick market.

I also appreciated the rubberized grips, which added a lot to the feel during a race and kept my hands exactly where I needed them, even in sweatier sessions.

The button layout of the Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex. — (Image credit: Future)

Down at your feet though, the design fares less well. There’s no hiding how plasticky that throttle and brake are, nor how insubstantial they feel to operate.

A lot of this comes down to the design. The base just isn’t big enough to distribute your stamping force across a wide enough surface area to prevent the pedals from shifting or twisting under your feet. Even if you push the unit right up against a wall so it can’t move backwards, you still feel a twist if you brake hard. There’s not much that can be done about this - there are no mounting holes for a racing seat, and the rubber stays aren’t sticky enough to keep it in place on carpets or hard floors.

Time for the ace up the Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex’s sleeve, though: wireless operation. Alright, not totally wireless - you still need to connect the wheel to the pedals, via an old-school modem-like input (like the ones Thrustmaster and Fanatec use in bases). But from wheel to console or PC, it’s cable-free.

Up to 10 hours of battery life is promised on the spec sheet, and pairing it to the USB-A dongle is a simple procedure. It’s a genuinely impressive addition, although you can’t help but wonder if the overall experience might have benefitted from that expense being spent on the driving feel instead.

Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex: Performance

Functional but basic
Limited steering angle and brake actuation
Centering spring hampers car feel

There are two ways to appraise this wheel. Given that it’s aimed squarely at the beginner end of the market, the first is to simply weigh up the merits of using a wheel input versus a controller – the increased precision offered, the way you can catch those spins quicker and correct them more easily. The advantage of holding a consistent steering angle through a corner is something that’s much trickier when you’re trying to be precise with a tiny analog stick. It won’t make you faster straight away, but in the long run, you’re always going to feel the benefits of a wheel peripheral over a pad.

The second approach – and this is where Hori is sweating – is to evaluate this wheel against similarly priced competitors. And that’s where it struggles to make a compelling argument.

Here are the elements that hamper your performance: firstly, the brake pedal. In addition to the issues with keeping the pedal base in place, the brake pedal itself has a tiny amount of actuation, and that creates the sensation that you’re pressing the brake button, rather than applying progressive pressure to the brakes. In other words, it negates the benefits of braking using a pedal instead of a trigger on a pad.

It’s not all bad, though. To the Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex’s credit, there’s a decent amount of resistance to the spring on the brake, slightly more than on the throttle, which feels just about resistant enough. And which, crucially, has just about enough travel.

The pedals of the Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex. — (Image credit: Future)

Next performance-limiting issue: the centering spring strength of the wheel. This is not a force feedback peripheral, so there’s no tarmac rumble, no dynamic resistance to turn-in, and no steering wheel snaps when your back end hits traction loss and steps out. That’s fair enough. This is a budget wheel, and implementing both the hardware and the software compatibility for force feedback aren’t cheap.

So in its place is a simple spring which brings the wheel back to its centre point when you’re not exerting steering inputs to the left or right. The amount of tension when you’re moving the wheel from centre to a degree of rotation feels fine, and likewise when you’re moving it back from that rotated position. But as it hits the centre point, the wheel snaps into position so aggressively that it affects a car’s stability in-game.

There’s also the 270-degree rotation range to consider. It’s enough angle to enjoy the feeling of sending a car through a corner in most scenarios, but it’s quite limited by the standards set by its peers and situations will crop up where you’ll wish for more angle. Taking the hairpin at Monaco in F1 24, for example, or trying to park in Euro Truck Simulator 2. Many wheels offer up to 900 degrees, and truthfully I’ve sometimes felt like I could get away with much less until I used this Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex.

And that leads to the final point about this wheel. It’s not to be knocked or ruled out of contention, because the build quality and features are decent for the price. But that caveat is crucially important. It’s the only context in which such a wheel makes sense.

And that means you should consider if this wheel is going to satisfy your needs in the long run, or whether you’ll probably end up buying a more expensive upgrade later down the line that adds in the features you’ll miss here.

Should I buy the Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex?

The complete Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex setup. — (Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

You’re new to racing peripherals
The pricing and feature set are aimed squarely at the entry level of the market, making the Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex a low-cost way to see if wheel peripherals are for you.

You’re buying for a younger gamer
The smaller size of the pedals and wheel would suit a junior racer who’s newer to the genre.

You’re not going to upgrade later
Spending slightly more could unlock access to wheels with force feedback, more rotation, better pedals and sturdier construction, so be sure that this is all you’re going to need.

Don't buy it if...

You're an Xbox racer
The Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex is PS5, PS4, and PC-compatible, so if you want a Forza rig you’ll need to look elsewhere.

You want force feedback
You get a lot more information from a force feedback wheel which helps you to improve as a racer in the long run.

You’ve got a heavy foot
The small pedal base, plastic construction and limited brake actuation aren’t ideal for heavy brake or throttle inputs.

Also consider...

If the Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex doesn’t meet your need (for speed), these similarly priced rivals are worth a look.

Thrustmaster T248
A decent all-rounder with sturdy build quality, gratifying magnetic shifter paddles and a lot of torque generated by a dual-motor force feedback servo.

For more information, check out our full Thrustmaster T248 review

Logitech G920
The elder statesman of racing wheels remains as dependable and feature-complete as ever, even if its position in the Logi G hierarchy is confusing following the G923’s arrival.

For more information, check out our full Logitech G920 review

How I tested the Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex

One week of regular use during testing
Tested with PC and PS5
Racing sims and arcade titles tried

Since the Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex's pedal base can’t be mounted to a sim racing rig, my Playseat gathered dust for a week while I clamped this wireless rig to my desk and put in the hours with Gran Turismo 7, F1 24, and The Crew Motorfest.

I’ve been testing wheels since the early 2010s when the Logitech G27 sat resplendent on the sim racing throne, and in the intervening year,s I’ve taken hairpins and sent many a purple sector with high-end direct drive models and budget offerings alike.

As a point of comparison, I dug out Thrustmaster’s similarly priced T128 wheel for a feature, build quality and driving feel reference, setting aside my usual Thrustmaster T-GT II belt-driven wheel (and the sim rig it’s attached to) for a while

Read more about how we test

First reviewed December 2024

WD Black SN850P review: one to grab on sale

5:00 pm | December 28, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming Gaming Accessories | Tags: Far Cry | Comments: Off

WD Black SN850P: One-minute review

As a big proponent of the WD Black SN850, I can’t deny that I’m a little disappointed with the WD Black SN850P. Although faster on paper, I found that the real-world performance of the SN850P actually lags behind that of the older SN850 - even scoring slightly lower in the PS5's internal storage benchmark. The design has taken a bit of a step back this time around too, as the SN850P ditches the cool, though admittedly slightly impractical, LED of its predecessor in favor of a much plainer, and presumably cheaper to manufacture, look.

This wouldn’t be a huge issue, but the SN850P comes in a little more expensive than not only the SN850 but also some of the best SSDs for PS5. When officially licensed alternatives like the Seagate Game Drive M.2 SSD for PS5 can be found cheaper and will run a bit better, there’s no real reason to pick up the SN850P above the rest. That is unless you manage to find the 1TB or 2TB models on one of their fairly regular discounts, where price cuts of up to $50 / £30 make these products much more competitive.

There are also the larger capacity variants to consider. Seagate’s licensed drive doesn’t come in capacities above 2TB, so the SN850P is one of the only options if you want to keep things official at that size. The 8TB variant is also one of the few 8TB PS5 SSDs on the market right now from a major brand and is quite reasonably priced for what it is. If it’s either of these versions that you were considering, add half a star to the score above.

Otherwise, the WD Black SN850P is underwhelming on the whole. It’s a fine PS5 SSD that, thanks to its slightly overambitious price tag, fails to stand out.

The WD Black SN850P on a white surface. — (Image credit: Future)

WD Black SN850P: Price and availability

1TB is $119.99 / £107.99
2TB is $189.99 / £184.99
4TB is $319.99 / £329.99
8TB is $749.99 / £705.99

The 1TB WD Black SN850P retails for $119.99 / £107.99, though can be found hovering slightly below that price at online storefronts such as Amazon. The 2TB costs $189.99 / £184.99, though again you can expect to pay a little less if you buy online.

Outside of sales, both these models cost a bit more than the Seagate Game Drive M.2 SSD for PS5 equivalents (the 1TB model goes for $99.99 / £99.90 while 2TB is $159.99 / £159.90) - again, a drive that performed slightly better in my testing.

The cost then increases substantially as you move towards the 4TB model, which is $319.99 / £329.99, or 8TB, which goes for a massive $749.99 / £705.99. Although the most recent arrival, the 8TB has already started receiving discounts of about $50 / £50 that put the price in line with most other 8TB PS5 compatible SSDs making it a solid option if you can afford it.

WD Black SN850P: Specs

WD Black SN850P: Design and features

Design is a step down from the SN850
Heatsink included out of the box
5-year limited warranty

The design of the WD Black SN850P is, in my opinion, a step down from the SN850. It’s got a similar overall look, with a sleek black heatsink constructed from a very robust feeling metal but lacks the little LED that was on top of the SN850. This was never a huge selling point, after all, you can’t exactly see it when it’s been inserted inside a PS5. But it still makes for an SSD that looks a bit cheaper on the whole.

Otherwise, you have the same white WD Black branding, plus a little label stating the name of the product. One noticeable departure is the introduction of a white PlayStation logo on the right-hand side, which matches everything nicely.

Although it looks very similar from a distance, the heatsink has actually been redesigned with a slightly different shape and a few more gaps for dispersing heat. Given that I never experienced any noticeable thermal throttling on the SN850, I can’t say that this seems necessary but it definitely doesn’t hurt. It also fits perfectly in the PS5 or PS5 Pro.

In the box, you get the SSD in a little clamshell package, in addition to some warranty and service information. You’re covered by a five-year limited warranty here, which does offer some peace of mind and means that this drive will likely see you through the rest of the PS5’s life if you opt to get one.

The rear of the WD Black SN850P. — (Image credit: Future)

WD Black SN850P: Performance

Performance could be better for the price
Initial benchmark score was very poor
Reasonable results in real-world tests

When I first inserted the WD Black SN850P, the PS5’s internal benchmark measured it as a shockingly low 5,966 MB/s. This is still above the recommended SSD specs for the console, but nowhere near the advertised 7,300 MB/s or really what you would reasonably expect from a drive at this price. Luckily, when I reformatted the drive and ran the test again a little later it scored a more reasonable 6,338 MB/s so I’ll chalk that first number up to chance.

This second figure was still lower than I wanted, though, as the SN850, which is actually advertised with a 7,000 MB/s read speed, achieves figures in the 6,400 MB/s range on my machine. It also puts this behind the Seagate Game Drive M.2 SSD for PS5, which recorded 6,459 MB/s.

Thankfully, the WD Black SN850P did fairly well in a series of real-world tests. Moving to the drive from the PS5’s internal storage, a 23.24GB copy of Vampire the Masquerade: Swansong was copied in just 12.61 seconds. A 33.35GB installation of Lords of the Fallen then took 15.89 seconds, while a 45.98GB installation of The Crew Motorfest took 21.02 seconds.

Testing some larger files, 101.9GB of Far Cry 6 took 43.74 seconds to copy while a selection of multiple games totalling 226.9GB copied in 3 minutes and 14 seconds. These figures are all adequate and not more than a few seconds behind equivalent transfers on the Seagate Game Drive M.2 SSD for PS5.

Copying back to the PS5, the 21.30GB Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising was ready to play in 1 minute 27 seconds, while Stellar Blade, which is 32.41GB, took 2 minutes and 15 seconds. Finally, the 38.34GB Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands copied back in 2 minutes and 34 seconds. These figures are all perfectly adequate, and realistically more dependent on the PS5’s internal write speed than anything else.

Ultimately, you’re not going to run into any performance problems using the WD Black SN850P. Every game I tested was smooth, with decent loading times and no noticeable slowdown. Just bear in mind that, unless you buy on sale, you can get drives with more oomph for the price.

The logo on the front of the WD Black SN850P.

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the WD Black SN850P?

Buy it if...

You find it on sale
The WD Black SN850P frequently goes on sale and if you manage to find it with a decent discount, it could be a much better value PS5 SSD.

You want an 8TB drive
The WD Black SN850P is one of the few PS5 compatible SSD drives available from a big brand in an 8TB capacity. It’s worth picking up if you’re in the market for the biggest possible storage upgrade.

Don't buy it if...

You want the greatest value
The 1TB and 2TB models could be cheaper. When there’s such strong competition, there are plenty of alternatives you can pick up that save a few bucks and run a bit better.

Also consider...

Wondering what to choose instead of the WD Black SN850P? Check out these alternatives. You can also see our guide to the best PS5 external hard drives for some external options.

Seagate Game Drive M.2 SSD for PS5
This officially licensed drive from Seagate comes in a bit cheaper than the WD Black SN850P, but performs slightly better in the real world. It’s the one to pick if you want an officially licensed drive.

For more information, check out our full Seagate Game Drive M.2 SSD for PS5 review

Kingston Fury Renegade SSD
This model is cheaper than the WD Black SN850P and much faster, clocking an impressive 6,500 MB/s score on the internal PS5 benchmark. Choose this for more bang for your buck.

For more information, check out our full Kingston Fury Renegade SSD review

The WD Black SN850P in the hands. — (Image credit: Future)

How I tested the Seagate Game Drive M.2 SSD for PS5

Used as primary PS5 SSD
Tested over the course of a week
Tested with a range of titles

I tested the WD Black SN850P over the course of a week, using it as my primary PS5 SSD drive and playing a wide variety of games from it. During my time with the drive, I was careful to look for any noticeable impacts on performance compared to the console’s internal storage.

I also assessed the drive’s performance using the built-in PS5 storage benchmark and by copying a large library of games in order to measure the time taken. I compared my experience to my hands-on testing of other PS5 SSD models including the Samsung 990 Pro, WD Black SN850, Seagate Game Drive M.2 SSD for PS5, and more.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed December 2024.

Seagate Game Drive for Xbox review: great for Game Pass

4:00 pm | December 8, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming Gaming Accessories | Tags: Forza Motorsport, Xbox Game Pass | Comments: Off

Seagate Game Drive for Xbox: One-minute review

If you’re shopping for an Xbox external hard drive, then you can’t go wrong with this officially licensed model from Seagate. Although a little more expensive than non-Xbox branded options, it’s still one of the best Xbox Series X hard drives and SSDs right now, delivering a solid level of performance and plenty of space for many of the best Xbox Series X games.

The Seagate Game Drive for Xbox is significantly more affordable than the Seagate Xbox Storage Expansion Card and comes in much larger capacities, including 4TB and 5TB, but it has some extra limitations due to its form factor. First and foremost, as an external hard drive it cannot be used to play Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S optimized games.

Its primary use case is to store large game installations between uses, cutting down on the need to constantly redownload files. This makes them particularly suitable for those with slow or limited internet connections. It’s a fantastic fit for Xbox Game Pass too, giving you the option to keep a considerable number of games on hand at a time.

It’s worth noting that older titles for the Xbox One, Xbox 360, or original Xbox will still run off the external hard drive - albeit with increased loading times compared to internal storage in most cases. If you have a large library of backwards compatible games that you don’t want clogging up your internal drive, this will be the perfect solution. This also means that those still sticking with an Xbox One can rest easy knowing that they will have no issues accessing their entire libraries.

As far as hard drives are concerned, the Seagate Game Drive for Xbox also looks superb overall. It’s constructed from a sleek black plastic, decorated with an Xbox logo and a small strip of green LED lighting. It fits perfectly next to a black Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S 1TB console, though owners of white variants like the launch Xbox Series S or recent Xbox Series X Digital Edition might prefer to go for a white alternative to better fit their systems instead.

The bright LED lighting on the front of the Seagate Game Drive for Xbox. — (Image credit: Future)

Seagate Game Drive for Xbox: Price and availability

2TB costs $89.99 / £79.99
4TB costs $134.99 / £116.99
5TB costs $149.99 / £132.99

The Seagate Game Drive for Xbox is available in 2TB, 4TB, and 5TB capacity options which come in at roughly $89.99 / £79.99, $134.99 / £116.99, and $149.99 / £132.99 respectively. The 4TB model is the best value model, as it frequently receives substantial discounts to around the $90 mark. If you’re able to find it on sale for this price, I would definitely recommend snapping it up.

While it is the cheapest, I would try to avoid the 2TB model as that more limited storage capacity is going to fill up quite quickly - especially if you intend to use it for a few large, modern games.

Seagate Game Drive for Xbox: Specs

Seagate Game Drive for Xbox: Design and features

Matches black consoles very well
Green LED lighting is bright and attractive
But looks out of place next to white consoles

As far as external hard drives go, the Seagate Game Drive for Xbox is a stylish choice. It is constructed from sleek black plastic, which is pleasant to the touch and looks perfect placed next to a black Xbox console. In addition to small embossed Xbox and Seagate logos, there is a bright green LED positioned on the front of the drive lending it some extra flair.

I don’t have any complaints about the design, but I will say that it really stands out next to a white console. Given this drive’s price compared to a generic external hard drive, it’s undeniable that you’re paying a little more for the look. This makes sense if you own an Xbox Series X (or the black Xbox Series S 1TB) and want a fully color-coordinated setup, but not when it’s going to look out of place.

There are, of course, other reasons to choose this hard drive like its strong performance but it’s just something that owners of Microsoft’s white machines should bear in mind. Seagate also makes a white Starfield Special Edition hard drive in 2TB and 5TB capacities, which could be a better choice in purely aesthetic terms.

Setup is easy right out of the box, as the drive comes packed with a Micro USB that can be slotted into a free USB port on the back of your console. It also comes bundled with a free month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate which is a fun little bonus.

A top down view of the Seagate Game Drive for Xbox. — (Image credit: Future)

Seagate Game Drive for Xbox: Performance

Faster than a game download
But slower than internal storage
Still a good fit for Xbox Game Pass

I tested the 5TB model of this external hard drive and found it to be perfectly sufficient as a game storage medium, though noticeably slower than both external SSD options and the console’s internal storage.

To give some real-world examples of what it can do, I moved a handful of games to and from the drive on my personal Xbox Series S 1TB. Moving to the drive, a 14.5GB installation of Dustborn was transferred in just 1 minute 54 seconds while a 16.8GB installation of Mirror’s Edge Catalyst was copied over in just 2 minutes 8 seconds.

Increasing the file size yielded roughly proportional results, with a 40.3GB copy of Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 accomplished in 5 minutes and 14 seconds. The two largest games I tested, the 74.3GB Dead Island 2 and the 104GB Forza Motorsport were then transferred in 9 minutes 49 seconds and 14 minutes 19 seconds respectively.

Speeds were similar moving games back from the drive. A 48.1GB copy of Agents of Mayhem, for example, took 5 minutes 40 seconds while a smaller 5.2GB installation of Rumble Roses XX was fully playable from the internal storage in just 39 seconds.

Unless you have some kind of NASA-level connection, all of these times are going to be significantly faster than an internet download - which is exactly what you want from the external hard drive. This would be especially useful if you’re an Xbox Game Pass subscriber who loves downloading new games to try, as you will be able to keep a vast library of included titles saved and on hand whenever you want to dip back into them.

The rear of the Seagate Game Drive for Xbox. — (Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Seagate Game Drive for Xbox?

Buy it if...

You want a more affordable storage expansion
The Seagate Game Drive for Xbox comes at a significantly lower cost than a Seagate Xbox Storage Expansion Card, letting you increase the number of games you can save locally on the cheap.

You’re sick of waiting for game downloads
An external hard drive like the Seagate Game Drive for Xbox is a great alternative to uninstalling your games. If you find yourself running out of space often and are sick of waiting for big game downloads each time you want to return to an old favorite, this is for you.

Don't buy it if...

You want to play modern games natively
An unavoidable drawback for any external hard drive is the inability to play Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S optimized games natively. If that’s what you want from a storage device, you’ll have to look at an Expansion Card instead.

Also consider...

Consider these three alternatives if you’re not sold on the Seagate Game Drive for Xbox.

Toshiba Canvio Flex
This budget-friendly hard drive comes in a sleek silver color. You lose the Xbox branding, but it’s small, portable, and is available in a range of capacities up to 4TB. It’s also a fair amount cheaper.

For more information, check out our full Toshiba Canvio Flex review

WD Black P40 Game Drive
This external SSD from WD is smaller and lighter than the Seagate Game Drive for Xbox, with significantly better speeds. It is much more expensive, though, and is only available in capacities up to 2TB.

For more information, check out our full WD Black P40 Game Drive review

Seagate Xbox Storage Expansion Card
If you want to play Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S games on your storage device, and can afford its lofty price tag, then the Seagate Xbox Storage Expansion Card is for you.

For more information, check out our full Seagate Xbox Storage Expansion Card reviewView Deal

A close up of the Xbox branding on the Seagate Game Drive for Xbox. — (Image credit: Future)

How I tested the Seagate Game Drive for Xbox

Used for over a month
Tested with an Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X
Performance compared to other storage devices

I tested the Seagate Game Drive for Xbox predominantly with my Xbox Series S 1TB console, but I also spent a few hours checking compatibility with an Xbox Series X. I tested the external hard drive for over a month, using it as my primary external storage device for all things Xbox.

During my testing of the drive, I compared the performance to that of other hard drives, including the Seagate Game Drive for PS5 and WD Black P10. I also checked how it would stack up against external SSD options, such as the WD Black P40 Game Drive, and the official Xbox Storage Expansion Card.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed December 2024.

HyperX Quadcast 2 review: great audio with zero hassle

9:00 pm | November 10, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming Gaming Accessories | Tags: RGB | Comments: Off

The HyperX Quadcast 2 is an excellent pick for content creators who want a USB microphone. Just plug it into your PC and out of the box it will deliver great audio, with no tweaking of audio settings required.

Part of that ease of use comes from the HyperX app not offering lots of audio settings that you need to fiddle with. This won't be a dealbreaker for less demanding users considering the high-quality performance this mic delivers, but if you prefer having plenty of customization options you may want to look elsewhere.

Design-wise there’s not much to fault, with the mic coming equipped with useful tools like an in-built shock mount, a USB adapter so it can connect to your PC via USB or USB-C port, and useful RGB lighting which shows you which audio pattern is selected,. and if the mic is live or not.

The RGB lighting being only in red is a disappointment – if you want more variety in your lighting effects the upgraded HyperX Quadcast 2 S comes with full-color RGB options at an added cost.

Speaking of cost, at $149.99 / £124.99 the Quadcast 2 isn’t the priciest option out there, but it isn’t the cheapest either. You certainly get what you pay for, but while complete newcomers to content creation might appreciate this mic’s ease of use, its price positions it as more of a step-up option for those looking to make their first setup upgrade to one of the best microphones for streaming.

HyperX Quadcast 2: Price and availability

The HyperX Quadcast 2 is available in the US and UK for $149.99 / £124.99. The full-RGB HyperX Quadcast 2 S costs $199.99 / £169.99 – it comes with 32-bit / 192kHz audio compared to the base Quadcast 2’s 24-bit / 96kHz audio.

This means you get solid, high-quality audio out of either mic, though the HyperX Quadcast 2 S is worth upgrading to if you want the solid sound and visual boost it offers.

HyperX Quadcast 2: Specs

HyperX Quadcast 2: Features and Design

Simple audio features
Red RGB only
Different audio recording patterns

The HyperX Quadcast 2 offers four recording options – basically the standard set you’ll find on other mics: cardioid, stereo, omnidirectional, or bidirectional. You can flick between them using the HyperX Ngenuity app, or by holding down the mic’s volume knob for two to three seconds. The top of the mic will glow with different patterns to tell you which mode you're in: the front quarter for cardioid, the full ring for omnidirectional, the side quarters for stereo, and the front and back quarters for bidirectional.

Beyond the polar pattern the app also lets you turn the high-pass filter on or off and adjust the gain (mic volume), and that’s it. Given that the HyperX QuadCast 2 does a pretty good job out of the box, this lack of in-app audio manipulation isn’t a big loss. However, those who prefer having more control over their sound will want to turn to third-party audio apps, or grab a different mic like a Blue Yeti and its Logitech G Hub app.

The HyperX Quadcast 2 shown in the HyperX Ngenuity app. — (Image credit: Future)

Design-wise there’s plenty to like, even if here too the HyperX Quadcast 2 is relatively simple.

It comes with an in-built shock mount to reduce vibrational noise, and the in-box mic stand puts it at a good height for recording but it easily connects to a mic arm if you have one (HyperX’s own arm or a third-party alternative). The USB-C cable comes with an adapter so you can plug the mic into your PC’s USB-C port or a Type-A port – which is handy if you have plenty of PC attachments and are running low on port options.

There’s also a little bit of foam-like material inside the black honeycomb pattern of the mic's frame, but it doesn’t provide much in the way of an in-built pop filter to your harsh plosive ‘b’ and ‘p’ sounds. You can outfit the microphone with an add-on like the official HyperX shield (or a third-party alternative) but there’s also a free and low-tech workaround. For a solo recording simply angle the microphone at a 45-30 degree angle and position it so that you’re talking slightly over the top of it. In the cardioid setting it’ll still pick you up fine, but it won’t capture those annoying pops.

My favorite feature is the light. Not because I'm some RGB obsessed gamer, but because of its utility. Using the app you can set the mic to different presets to make it pulse or have the mic light up as you talk, but my go-to is the ‘Solid’ option at about 25% brightness.

Close up of the HyperX Quadcast 2 microphone's top, showing the cardioid lighting effect — (Image credit: Future)

It’s a super-handy and obvious indicator as to whether or not the mic is hot – as the light is off when it’s muted and on when it’s not. It greatly minimizes the risk of embarrassing mishaps in a work meeting or your livestream chat because you thought you the microphone wasn’t recording when it was. To mute it simply tap the top of the mic, and tap it again to unmute.

My only gripe is that the base model is stuck with red for the lighting color. For full light controls across the RGB spectrum you’ll need the HyperX Quadcast 2 S.

HyperX Quadcast 2: Performance

Great sound out the box
Good background noise cancellation
Cardioid is the only option worth using

As a plug-and-play microphone for recording vocals, you won’t be disappointed by the Quadcast 2’s performance. Recordings are warm, and the cardioid mode boasts crystal-clear clarity; whether you’re hopping on a Discord call, taping a voiceover, or relying on the mic for your next gaming stream, you’ll sound great – and you won’t be disrupted by background noise.

What makes this performance especially awesome is the HyperX Quadcast 2 sounds this good out of the box. There are no fiddly audio settings that you have to spend time customizing, or add-ons you need to buy in order to get to a good baseline – you literally just plug the microphone into your PC and off you go.

Close up of the HyperX Quadcast 2 microphone's volume knob — (Image credit: Future)

I’ve been using this mic to record all of my at-home content for the TechRadar TikTok channel, and for participating in my regular Discord D&D sessions with friends, and it’s fantastic. The background noise cancellation is well-tuned – cutting out the distractions but not my voice – and my VO comes through really clear, even as I move around a little while gesticulating.

On settings other than cardioid, however, the mic is noticeably worse at cutting out background noise, so if you’re podcasting with multiple users you'll need to get every person their own microphone.

Should you buy the HyperX Quadcast 2?

Buy it if…

You need something simple
The Hyper X Quadcast 2 just works, straight out of the box, and it sounds pretty darn good too. If you’re looking for a simple audio upgrade this is a mic to consider.

You need an all-rounder
This microphone is great for podcasting, streaming, shorts, and even as a gaming mic on PC or on a PS5. Plus, you can unhook it from the shock mount to make it a more portable and handheld microphone option for IRL content creation.

You want great audio
This mic delivers crystal-clear and great-sounding audio with zero hassle.

Don’t buy it if…

You’re on a tight budget
The Quadcast 2 isn’t the cheapest microphone out there, which means it isn't the perfect starter microphone for a newbie content creator. That said, if you can afford to splash out on it, the ease of use and audio quality count in its favor.

You want full RGB control
If you go for the base model you're stuck with red for the lighting color. For full control of the microphone’s lighting effects you’ll want to upgrade to the Hyper X Quadcast 2 S.

You need a non-USB mic
While this microphone has an adapter for flipping between USB and USB-C, you’ll need different hardware if you’re after a non-USB mic like an XLR.

Also consider

Rode PodMic USB microphone
This Rode mic is a little pricier but has a few advantages, such as an XLR connection option as well as USB.

For more information read our full Rode PodMic USB microphone review. View Deal

SteelSeries Alias
Another mic that's inspired by the world of gaming the Alias has its own striking aesthetic and offers similarly solid audio out of the box.

For more information read our full SteelSeries Alias review.

How I tested the HyperX Quadcast 2

To test the HyperX Quadcast 2 I used it as my go-to mic for several weeks. I’ve used it for Discord calls, producing content, and in-game chat. I also performed some test recordings in Audacity and listened back to those.

During my time testing the microphone I also downloaded the HyperX Ngenuity app to explore the light and audio settings it offers.

First reviewed November 2024

JBL Quantum Stream Wireless review: simple and portable

4:00 pm | November 3, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming Gaming Accessories | Tags: LED | Comments: Off

JBL Quantum Stream Wireless: One-minute review

If you’re a content creator who needs a portable microphone for a convention, or even just some on-the-go video making, you really can’t go wrong with the JBL Quantum Stream Wireless. This pocket-friendly lapel mic comes with a convenient charging case, much like a pair of wireless earbuds, and works readily with your phone right out of the box. You simply insert the included Lightning or USB-C dongle and you’re ready to go.

I’ve been impressed with the performance during my testing and found that the JBL Quantum Stream Wireless delivers clear sound even in quite loud environments, especially when paired with the noise-canceling capabilities of the compatible JBL Headphones mobile app. The manufacturer touts a 24-hour battery life, with six hours from the microphone and another 18 from its charging case, and this figure was broadly accurate - giving you more than enough juice for an entire day.

Factor in a few more handy features, such as the onboard microphone mute button, and you have a very robust overall package. My one complaint would be that the included windshield, useful for outdoor recording, is a touch fiddly and can be quite hard to securely install.

Potential buyers should also weigh up whether they actually need a lapel mic. The performance is good for a small, portable device, but you will still get superior sound quality from many of the best microphones for streaming - which would be a better choice if you want to record at home.

The JBL Quantum Stream Wireless mic and its charging case. — (Image credit: Future)

JBL Quantum Stream Wireless: Price and availability

$99.95 / £89.99
USB-C and Lightning variants
Launched in March 2024

The JBL Quantum Stream Wireless is readily available for $99.95 / £89.99 directly from JBL and at retailers like Amazon. This might seem like a fair chunk to spend on any microphone, but means that this model sits neatly between super-budget offerings and more premium portable microphones from companies like Rode and DJI. The DJI Mic, for example, features two transmitters and a similar storage space but comes in at roughly double the price of the JBL Quantum Stream Wireless.

JBL Quantum Stream Wireless: Specs

JBL Quantum Stream Wireless: Design and features

Portable size
LED power indicators
Good app

The design of the JBL Quantum Stream Wireless shares quite a lot in common with your average pair of wireless gaming earbuds. Its black carrying case is compact, with a subtle embossed JBL logo and a small row of four white LED indicators used to denote its current charge level. On the back of the case, you can find a type-C charging port, compatible with the included charging cable.

The top of the case opens up like a lid on a hinge, revealing slots for the clip-on microphone and dongle. Both are secured by magnets, though just the microphone also has two metal contacts that allow it to charge while it’s in the case. Removing the microphone gives you a good look at its design, which is mainly constructed from plastic. The front has a smooth grooved pattern, with a little JBL logo, while the back has a generously sized clip for attaching it to your clothes.

On the side of the microphone is a small button, which can be used to quickly mute it. There’s also a bright indicator LED, which is red when the microphone is disabled. Otherwise, it flashes white before turning a solid color when paired with your phone.

There’s very little to report about the dongle itself, which is rectangular and quite light and thin. It attaches to your phone via a type-C or Lightning connector depending on your model of choice, but also has its own USB port for pass-through charging. This is a great little feature and means that you don’t have to worry about not being able to charge your phone while the microphone is in use.

Most of the microphone’s core features are accessed through the JBL Headphones mobile app or JBL Quantum Engine PC software, both of which are compatible with this product. Given the clear focus on portability, I mainly relied on the app which offers the option to check battery levels, alter mic gain, enable AI noise canceling, flick between a few preset effects, and tweak power settings like LED brightness and the automatic power off.

The software isn’t anything revolutionary, but it’s got a decent selection of options and is, importantly, very responsive and well-presented.

The JBL Quantum Stream Wireless mic on a flat white surface. — (Image credit: Future)

JBL Quantum Stream Wireless: Performance

Effective noise cancellation
Works well at events
Great battery life

It’s hard to fault the performance of the JBL Quantum Stream Wireless. I mainly tested the product at events, including the busy halls of Gamescom, and found that it did a great job of cutting through the background noise to deliver perfectly understandable recordings despite its small size.

You do notice a dip in quality when things get quite loud, with my voice often taking on a slightly robotic edge in particularly large crowds, but that was still preferable to the frankly incomprehensible recordings produced by my phone’s microphone in the same areas. This is also true of its performance outdoors, particularly with loud wind or vehicles. Expect a more natural sound when you’re out on a calm day.

It is a tad unfortunate that the included windshield is so fiddly, though. It clips on the top of the microphone via two little holes but is quite hard to align. I struggled to do it in poor lighting and was often unsure whether it was actually attached. This is not a dealbreaker, but it is worth bearing in mind if you intend to use the windshield a lot.

In terms of battery life, the JBL Quantum Stream Wireless is more than capable. I only have to charge up the case every couple of days with semi-frequent use and never had the microphone die during a recording session. Unless you want to wear it, turned on, for hours and hours at a time, you’re not going to run into any problems here.

The JBL Quantum Stream Wireless mic case on a flat white surface. — (Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the JBL Quantum Stream Wireless?

Buy it if...

You want a plug-and-play solution
The JBL Quantum Stream Wireless is incredibly easy to use. You simply clip the microphone to your clothes, plug the included dongle into your phone, and you’re ready to go.

You want to create content on the go
The JBL Quantum Stream Wireless is a good option if you’re looking to take your content creation out and about, improving the quality of your audio recordings compared to your phone.

Don't buy it if...

You want a desktop microphone instead
Unless you intend to capitalize on its portability, the JBL Quantum Stream Wireless is not for you. For more general gaming or streaming, consider a standard desktop microphone instead.

You need even more features
More expensive models offer even more expansive feature sets and could be a better pick if you want a more professional recording setup.

Also consider...

If you’re not keen on the JBL Quantum Stream Wireless, you can consider these two top gaming and content-creation microphones instead.

DJI Mic 2
If you have more to spend and want a similar set of microphones but with two receivers and compatibility with more specialist video equipment, consider the DJI Mic 2.

For more information, check out our full DJI Mic 2 review

JBL Quantum Stream Studio
JBL also offers a robust option for content creators in the JBL Quantum Stream Studio. It’s not as portable, but it is still simple to use and offers great performance for the price.

For more information, check out our full JBL Quantum Stream Studio review

The JBL Quantum Stream Wireless mic case open and empty. — (Image credit: Future)

How I tested the JBL Quantum Stream Wireless

Tested over a few months
Used at various events
Tried indoors and outdoors

I tested the JBL Quantum Stream Wireless over a period of roughly five months with an iPhone 15 Plus. During that time I took the microphone to a variety of gaming events and tested it in a wide range of conditions both indoors and outdoors. I was careful to evaluate its performance and test all of the available features in its mobile app.

I compared it to a number of desktop mics such as the Asus ROG Carynx, SteelSeries Alias, SteelSeries Alias Pro, and more.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed October 2024.

Secretlab Ergonomic Recliner review: a seriously luxurious add-on

6:00 pm | October 22, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming Gaming Accessories | Comments: Off

Secretlab Ergonomic Recliner: One-minute review

It should be very easy to work out whether the Secretlab Ergonomic Recliner is the add-on for you. If the idea of additional leg support when you kick back in your Secretlab gaming chair to watch a movie or even sneak in a quick nap in between competitive games isn’t appealing enough to justify the hefty $199 / £159 price tag, then stop reading now because I doubt that there’s anything that I can say to change your mind.

If that prospect does sound up your street, though, then the Secretlab Ergonomic Recliner is well worth your consideration. This useful accessory adds dedicated leg support to any Secretlab Titan Evo or Secretlab Classics Series chair, many of which rank among some of the best gaming chairs, bringing all the comfort of a traditional recliner to a considerably more compact format that would fit under any of the best gaming desks. It’s incredibly easy to install too, securely locking to the bottom of your chair in a matter of minutes.

The overall build quality and design are also up to the high standards that you would expect from a Secretlab product. Its plush exterior is soft and cozy and the company’s excellent PlushCell Memory Foam is used to good effect, providing the perfect level of support without ever feeling overly firm or stiff. The recliner can be freely adjusted to a range of angles via a conveniently placed lever, making it well-suited to a number of sitting positions, and can be smartly tucked away underneath the bottom of the chair when not in use.

The many metal elements of its construction do make the accessory very heavy, though, which makes it considerably more difficult to roll your chair around when it’s fitted. This seems like an almost unavoidable limitation given the choice of material and is definitely preferable to a more flimsy plastic design, but is still worth bearing in mind if you need to frequently move your chair from place to place. Otherwise, the experience of using the Secretlab Ergonomic Recliner is hard to fault if you have the cash to splash and want to invest in some serious comfort.

The Secretlab Ergonomic Recliner add-on tucked away between uses. — The recliner's roughly 20 inch wide soft cushion (Image credit: Future)

Secretlab Ergonomic Recliner: Price and availability

$199 / £159 version coming soon
Limited Founder’s Edition costs $249 / £199
Available via Secretlab

The Secretlab Ergonomic Recliner that I tested will be available in early 2025 and will cost $199 / £159. If you don’t want to wait, you can pick up the limited Founder’s Edition which is on sale right now via the Secretlab website. This costs $249 / £199 and features an added layer of cooling gel in addition to a special quilted pattern and Founder’s Edition metal tag.

The idea of a limited edition for die-hard Secretlab fans is quite appealing, but it’s frustrating that it comes in at a higher price when the other model isn’t available yet. Rather than being a cool bonus for early adopters, this seems designed to push these upgrades on shoppers who might not want to spring out for them given the choice.

Launching both at the same time, with the Founder’s Edition offered as a pricier limited edition alternative, would have been a much more consumer-friendly move.

Specs

Secretlab Ergonomic Recliner: Design and aesthetics

Sleek black look
Matches most colorways
Durable materials

The Secretlab Ergonomic Recliner comes in a sleek black design that compliments many of the existing Secretlab Titan Evo colorways. I tested the accessory with the already fantastic looking bright Plush Pink Secretlab Titan Evo and found that it fitted the overall design perfectly, matching the black accents of the side of the chair and the black magnetic neck pillow.

There are two gold details on the recliner: a Secretlab logo and a tag that’s labeled with the product name. They’re just small enough not to be intrusive and the gold color adds to the premium look. The same is true of the subtle pattern on the recliner’s cushion, which features two stitched grooves for some added texture.

Cushion aside, the majority of the rest of the recliner, which hangs just underneath the seat of the chair, is constructed from a durable feeling metal. For movement, it has a pneumatic gas spring that provides up to 80 degrees of motion. This is controlled via an easy-to-reach plastic lever that neatly slots next to the chair’s existing height adjustment controls.

The mechanism of the Secretlab Ergonomic Recliner. — The recliner attached to a chair and viewed from the side (Image credit: Future)

Secretlab Ergonomic Recliner: Comfort and adjustability

Very spacious and pleasantly soft
Range of supported seating positions
Can withstand lots of force

It’s hard to fault the Secretlab Ergonomic Recliner in terms of raw comfort. It’s spacious, soft, and provides a good level of support for your legs. Images of a number of suggested positions are included alongside the instruction manual, each geared towards different activities.

For everyday work or playing in an upright position, the cushion can be positioned at a slight angle. I found the sensation of having something pressed up against the back of my legs a little disconcerting for the first few hours, but it was easy to appreciate the added support once I got used to it. If you’d rather sit upright with nothing touching your legs at all, you can always lock the recliner out of reach by pushing it backward with the adjustment lever raised - a very convenient feature.

As you begin to recline the backrest you should set the recliner to increasingly greater angles, taking pressure away from your lower back and leading to a more natural body position. It’s great if you want to kick back and watch a movie on your PC display or just need to change up the feel of your seat while you take a break and browse social media on your phone.

With the recliner set all the way out to the full 80 degrees and the backrest fully reclined, your Secretlab chair becomes the perfect vehicle for relaxation. It’s comfortable enough for a nap and is perfect if you really want to stretch out and give yourself a bit of a rest after a long day or particularly intense gaming sessions.

That being said, users who frequently recline their chairs to this position are the ones who will notice the biggest benefits here. I do it quite often, so I really appreciated the addition of the Secretlab Ergonomic Recliner. If that’s not you, then it’s safe to say that you’re better off just sticking to your existing chair on its own.

On a final note, there’s no need to be concerned about any potential issues if you use an XL chair. The accessory is fully compatible with them and should provide more than enough space for most legs. The mechanism it uses is also extremely high quality and durable. Throughout my testing, I repeatedly pushed down on it with as much force as I could muster and it didn’t budge an inch.

The adjustment mechanism of the Secretlab Ergonomic Recliner. — The accessory's adjustment lever (left) (Image credit: Future)

Secretlab Ergonomic Recliner: Assembly

No tools required
Incredibly quick setup
Impressively easy

No tools are required to install the Secretlab Ergonomic Recliner. A large and clear set of instructions is included in the box, which have you fitting some small rubber clips to underside of your chair and then sliding the recliner on to them and pulling a lever to fasten it all in place.

The manufacturer states that everything can be installed in just three minutes, so I timed myself to see how this claim would stack up. Although I expected to exceed that estimate, I actually managed to complete the process in just 65 seconds. This didn’t include getting the product out of the box, which I had done a few hours earlier, but I can’t imagine that taking more than about a minute to accomplish.

It’s incredible to see such a substantial and mechanically complex addition installed so quickly and easily, so hats off to Secretlab. The process was so smooth that I would even go so far as to say that it partly justifies the high price tag.

Although it’s not required in any way, a spare chair assembly toolkit with an allen key and magnetic screwdriver tool is still included too, which could be handy if you want to adjust the armrests or tighten up any screws before getting the add-on in place. Top marks across the board.

Installing the Secretlab Ergonomic Recliner add-on. — Preparing the chair for installation. (Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Secretlab Ergonomic Recliner?

Buy it if...

You want a high-end accessory
If you love luxury and will only settle for the very best, then the Secretlab Ergonomic Recliner is a great addition to your setup. It’s pricey, but feels incredibly premium.

You love a cheeky nap
Users who recline their chairs all the way are going to benefit the most from the Secretlab Ergonomic Recliner. If you want to catch some Zs in between matches or after a long day at work, then this is a great choice too.

Don't buy it if...

You can make do without
This accessory really doesn’t come cheap, so unless you’re completely sold on the concept you’re probably better off without it. If you still really want to pick up an official add-on for your chair, consider the two cheaper options highlighted below.

Also consider...

For some other ways to customize your Secretlab chair, take a look at these two official accessories.

Secretlab Skins
These chair sleeves allow you to customize the look of your Secretlab Titan Evo with ease. They’re pretty pricey for a bit of cloth, but still come in cheaper than shelling out for a whole new model in your desired color.

For more information, check out our full Secretlab Skins review

Secretlab PlushCell Memory Foam Armrest Top
If you want to add some extra comfort to your chair without breaking the bank, the Secretlab PlushCell Memory Foam Armrest Top is a great choice. It adds some pleasant extra padding to each of the armrests.

For more information on this accessory, see the section in our full Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 review

Gold details on the Secretlab Ergonomic Recliner. — The recliner's gold tag. (Image credit: Future)

How I tested the Secretlab Ergonomic Recliner

Tested with a Secretlab Titan Evo 2022
Tested for over two weeks
Compared to other hands-on testing

I tested the Secretlab Ergonomic Recliner for over two weeks with a Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 provided by the manufacturer. During that time I made sure to use the chair and accessory daily, assessing its overall performance and the level of comfort that it provided.

I carefully compared my experience to my hands-on testing with some of the most comfortable gaming chairs plus other models including the Razer Iskur V2 and Herman Miller Sayl Gaming Chair in addition to the feeling of sitting on the Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 on its own.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed October 2024.

Razer Iskur V2 review: sleek design and superior support

9:00 pm | October 18, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming Gaming Accessories | Comments: Off

One-minute review

The Razer Iskur V2 is an excellent seat, with many compelling features that put it right up there with some of the best gaming chairs and most comfortable gaming chairs today. Its flagship innovation is its 6D lumbar support, offering six directions of adjustment which the manufacturer claims is a world first.

This is effectively an in-built lumbar pillow, with an adjustable height and depth that can be easily tweaked via knobs on each side of the backrest. It’s a similar system to that found with the Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 and the original Razer Iskur model but has the unique ability to swivel and pivot alongside your body rather than just being a static part of the chair.

If you’re like me and frequently shift around while you sit, the additional comfort that this brings will be immediately noticeable. The 6D lumbar support system keeps the lumbar pillow pressed up against your back as you lean, ensuring that you always maintain the correct posture. The feeling definitely took some getting used to at first and might be a poor fit for those who prefer a more relaxed sitting position, but I found that it offered some of the best support that I have ever experienced in a chair at this price.

The 4D armrests are also a standout inclusion. They’re constructed with plenty of durable metal elements and feel completely stable and solid while still offering all of the adjustability that you could feasibly need. That’s not to say that the rest of the chair isn’t uniformly high-quality though. I tested the stylish Black / Green colorway and the upholstery was flawless across the board. The casters are also superb, as is the thick metal chair base.

My only complaint is more of a nit-pick than anything else and relates to the included head pillow. It’s a nice bonus and is very comfortable and soft, but I found that it was quite difficult to keep attached to the chair. It uses a rather unwieldy strap which, despite my best efforts, sometimes allowed it to slide right off the top of the backrest and onto the floor.

This is not a complete dealbreaker of course, as many prefer to avoid head pillows entirely, but it is the one area where the Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 takes a clear lead. That chair’s magnetic neck pillow is simply better and would make it my choice if you know that you really need one.

A close-up top of the Razer Iskur 2. — (Image credit: Future)

Price and availability

$649.99 / £599.99
Available via Razer and Amazon
EPU leather and fabric options

The Razer Iskur V2 costs $649.99 / £599.99. This is about $130 / £185 more than the Secretlab Titan Evo 2022, which is going to be its biggest competition in this price range. Although I think the build quality and features of the Razer Iskur V2 are great even when factoring in the cost, the question of which you should choose is going to come down to your usage habits.

If you often use a dedicated lumbar pillow, the Razer Iskur V2 is the clear winner. A lumbar pillow is not included with the Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 and the Secretlab Lumbar Pillow Pro is sold separately for $79 / £69, taking a decent chunk out of that price difference. I also found the 6D lumbar support system to be superior to a conventional pillow, which definitely justifies the added expense.

The Razer Iskur V2 comes in two finishes: EPU leather and fabric. EPU leather is available in both a striking Black / Green and a more plain Black, while the fabric only comes in a dark gray. All of these options should pair nicely with many of the best gaming desks, which tend to come in darker colors.

Specs

Design and aesthetics

Very attractive design
Lovely EPU leather finish
Feature-rich 6D lumbar support system

The Razer Iskur V2 follows quite a conventional gaming chair design, with that recognizable racing seat look. Although it's nothing revolutionary, the overall aesthetic is elevated by some excellent little details. My Black / Green model features some bright green stitching which adds some pleasant contrast to the chair’s silhouette. There’s also quite a subtle carbon-fiber-like texture on its trim, adding another visual element to keep things interesting.

It's a little different on the seat itself, though, which has an almost scaly look. This extends to the 6D lumbar support system, which sits at the bottom of the backrest where you would normally position a traditional lumbar pillow.

A close-up of the adjustment knobs on the side of the Razer Iskur V2. — (Image credit: Future)

On the right-hand side of the backrest, you’ll find an adjustment knob, which increases or decreases the depth of the 6D lumbar support system. It offers a fantastic range of adjustability, increasing the support system’s curvature by quite a large degree. As someone who has always preferred quite a firm lumbar pillow, I was able to find the absolutely perfect setting in a matter of minutes. There is an adjustment knob on the other side of the backrest too, designed to raise or lower the 6D lumbar support system. The effects of this knob are much less pronounced, but it does let you raise or lower its position on your back by a few centimeters.

The armrests are generously sized and topped with quite a soft rubber material. Plenty of metal is used across the chair’s construction, from the armrests to the chair base, and everything feels impressively durable.

While the 6D lumbar support is built-in to the chair and can't be removed, a separate head pillow is included in the box. It’s very soft with a plush exterior and an adjustable strap that attaches it to the top of the backrest.

A close-up 6D lumbar support system of the Razer Iskur 2. — (Image credit: Future)

Comfort and adjustability

Very spacious
Brilliant levels of comfort
Head pillow is a bit annoying

The Razer Iskur V2 is fantastic in terms of comfort. It has a generously sized seat, with much more space than the Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 but doesn’t feel overly large. The same is true of the backrest, which I found almost perfectly followed the overall curve of my back and shoulders without ever seeming too tight or cramped. The 6D lumbar support system is seriously comfortable, especially after you spend a few moments finding your ideal settings. I sat on the chair for hours at a time throughout my testing period and never found it to cause any kind of stiffness or discomfort.

The included headrest is also pleasant but, unfortunately, no matter how much I tightened the strap I found that it would end up all over the place. It would loosen itself and slide further down my back over the course of a few hours or even end up on the floor as I repositioned my shoulders to sit upright. It’s a bit of a shame, as this one setback stops the Razer Iskur V2 from offering a simply perfect level of comfort.

When it comes to adjustability, you have the option to tweak the depth and position of the 6D lumbar support system on top of everything that you would expect from a premium gaming chair. This includes gas lift height adjustment up to 90mm, a backrest recline up to 152 degrees (which can be locked at your desired angle), the ability to enable a seat title and determine its tension, plus 4D armrests.

Each of these armrests is controlled via three buttons, one allows you to twist it or move it inwards and outwards, another lets you twist or move it from front to back, while the last lets you adjust its height. All of the adjustments are intuitive to use and detailed extensively on the Razer support website.

A close-up of the arm rests of the Razer Iskur 2. — (Image credit: Future)

Assembly

The assembly of the Razer Iskur V2 is absolutely flawless and is easily among the smoothest that I’ve experienced with a gaming chair. All the required tools are included in the box, alongside a nifty pair of gloves to protect your hands. Every important screw is already in the right position when the chair arrives, making the process extremely straightforward. You simply have to take each set of screws out, slot the chair together, and then put them back in.

The armrests come pre-attached, though you might want to tweak their position out of the box, and an exceptionally clear instruction sheet is included too. The process took me just under 20 minutes and, while I am very experienced with putting chairs together, I would have no qualms recommending this to someone who has never built a gaming chair before.

Should I buy the Razer Iskur V2?

Buy it if...

You love lumbar support
The standout feature of the Razer Iskur V2 is its excellent 6D lumbar support system. It’s superior to a conventional lumbar pillow, offering greater comfort if you frequently shift around in your seat.

You want a great looking chair
The Razer Iskur V2 looks superb, with a sleek design that has plenty of subtle details to help set it out from the crowd. If you’re a fan of Razer’s aesthetic, this would be a great addition to your setup.

Don't buy it if...

You need a more secure head pillow
The head pillow can be a bit of an annoyance, especially if it comes loose while you’re playing. Consider something like the Secretlab Titan Evo 2022, which uses magnets in its pillow, if you’re a big head or neck pillow user.

Also consider...

If you’re not completely on board with the Razer Iskur V2, then these two alternatives are worth considering.

Secretlab Titan Evo 2022
The Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 is definitely the Razer Iskur V2’s biggest competition. It comes in cheaper and offers a similarly high quality build, though does not include any lumbar support out of the box.

For more information, check out our full Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 review

Razer Fujin Pro
If you’re after a Razer chair but have an even more generous budget, then the Razer Fujin Pro is the absolute cream of the crop. It’s highly adjustable and very comfortable.

For more information, check out our full Razer Fujin Pro review

A close up of the head pillow of the Razer Iskur V2. — (Image credit: Future)

How I tested the Razer Iskur V2

Tested for a month
Used for work and gaming
Compared against other gaming chairs

I tested the Razer Iskur V2 for over a month, using it every day in our London office. During that time I sat on the chair for extended periods and tested it with a mix of productivity tasks and gaming via cloud streaming services such as Amazon Luna.

In my time with the chair, I endeavored to test all of its available features and carefully compared the experience with my hands-on testing of other chair models including the Secretlab Titan Evo 2022, AndaSeat Phantom 3, Herman Miller Sayl, and more.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed October 2024.

Lexar Play 2280 review: really needs a price cut

2:21 pm | October 1, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming Gaming Accessories | Tags: SSD | Comments: Off

Lexar Play 2280: One-minute review

I would recommend the Lexar Play 2280 if you’re able to find it at a heavily reduced price. At the moment, the 2TB model will set you back around $229.99 / £174.99 and the 4TB is available for $379.99 / £329.99. This wouldn’t be too bad in most cases but it’s important to note that this is a dynamic random access memory (DRAM)-less model that uses host memory buffer (HMB) technology. A reliance on HMB would normally be associated with a much cheaper product and, although not a complete disaster on PS5, does mean that you lose a lot of potential speed on console.

When drives with DRAM, like the blazing fast Samsung 990 Pro and licensed models like the Seagate Game Drive M.2 SSD for PS5, can easily be found at similar prices to the Lexar Play 2280, there are very few reasons to consider this model above the others.

It’s a shame, as the Lexar Play 2280 still manages to scrape by in real-world scenarios. Though slower than other models in our copy testing, it achieved an okay reading of 6,135MB/s on the internal PS5 benchmark and offered perfectly serviceable performance with no major hiccups in the games themselves. The 2TB and 4TB capacities are also a good fit for most modern game libraries, especially if you own lots of large titles like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and Horizon Forbidden West.

With an 8TB model on the way later this year, I could still see the Lexar Play 2280 finding a good niche as a lower-cost alternative to many of the best SSDs for PS5 or best PS5 external hard drives. Lots of the manufacturer’s other drives have received substantial price cuts in the time after release, especially around major sale periods, so I’m optimistic that this will eventually be the case.

The Lexar Play 2280 SSD viewed from above. — (Image credit: Future)

Lexar Play 2280: Price and availability

2TB is $229.99 / £174.99
4TB is $379.99 / £329.99
Very high price for the specs

You can pick up the Lexar Play 2280 via Amazon. A 2TB model is available, which costs $229.99 / £174.99, in addition to a 4TB variant for $379.99 / £329.99. Both of these prices seem extremely high for what you’re getting, especially considering the lack of DRAM. You can easily find higher-spec alternatives at roughly the same prices, including premium options like the Samsung 990 Pro, Corsair MP600 Pro LPX, or Seagate FireCuda 530.

Even other Lexar drives are much better value. The 4TB Lexar NM790, another HMB model with a PS5 compatible heatsink fitted, costs just $281.99 / £229.99 at the time of writing. This is about where I would expect the Lexar Play 2280 to be, so it’s a little baffling that it’s currently not available at around this price.

Lexar Play 2280: Specs

Lexar Play 2280: Design and features

The Lexar Play 2280 has quite a stylish design, though not as elaborate as some competitors. It's fitted with an absolutely mammoth heatsink, one so large that I was initially slightly worried that it wouldn't fit in the PS5. Thankfully, the installation process was very smooth and it slotted in nicely under the console’s SSD bay cover. The heatsink is predominantly black, though does have two silver fin-like shapes on top that give it some extra flair. It’s also labeled with a white Lexar Play logo, creating some pleasant contrast.

In terms of features, this is an HMB drive. As previously outlined, this means that it does not have any DRAM. DRAM is usually used to store mapping information, effectively telling your machine where to find certain pieces of data quickly. This can improve performance and drive longevity, but often makes SSDs with DRAM more expensive than other models. In an HMB drive, this information is all normally stored memory of the host device instead. This is no problem for a PC but is not something that is currently supported by the PS5.

In practical terms, this can lead to much more uneven performance on your console. Sony itself states that users with an HMB drive “may experience slower-than-expected performance because the PS5 console does not support HMB.”

The Lexar Play 2280 SSD stood upright on a desk mat. — (Image credit: Future)

Lexar Play 2280: Performance

Despite the lack of DRAM, I found that the Lexar Play 2280 performed acceptably on the whole when you don’t consider the price. The 4TB configuration achieved a 6,134MB/s read speed in the console’s internal SSD benchmark, which is towards the lower end of what you would expect but still above the 5,500MB/s recommended by Sony.

It’s the kind of reading that you would find with a budget drive, which goes even further to show that the current cost of this model is a little ridiculous. For the sake of comparison, this figure is far below the just over 6,500MB/s achieved by the Samsung 990 Pro in the same capacity - a top-end drive that is a little cheaper than the Lexar Play 2280 right now.

Performance was just about okay in my other testing, which saw me copying a wide variety of files to the drive from the PS5’s internal storage. A 69.75GB installation of Zenless Zone Zero took 34 seconds to copy, while the 49.97GB Star Wars Outlaws was fully playable in 24 seconds. A 90.23GB installation of Alan Wake 2 copied in a respectable 48 seconds and the 85.72GB The Last of Us Part 2 came in at 38. Stellar Blade, which is 31.46GB, was copied in 17 seconds.

The Alone in the Dark remake, which comes in at 30.67GB, was copied in 18 seconds, and finally, the 9.49GB Asphalt Legends Unite was copied in 17. That very last figure is particularly high for the relatively small file size, demonstrating some of the shortcomings associated with HMB drives.

Thankfully unless you sit around moving games all day, you likely won’t notice a lot of this. I’ve been using the drive for a few weeks now, playing my usual rotation of games on it. During that time I did not experience any noticeable in-game performance differences when compared to playing on the PS5’s internal storage. Don’t get me wrong, the performance of the drive is fine overall, but just nowhere near what you would want or expect for the price.

The Lexar Play 2280 SSD viewed from the side. — (Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Lexar Play 2280?

Buy it if...

You want a high-capacity drive
The Lexar Play 2280 is available in both 2TB and 4TB capacities. This could make it a solid option to consider if you’re after a particularly large model for your game library.

You find it on sale
The one thing the Lexar Play 2280 needs to properly compete in the SSD space is a sizable price cut. If you can find it at the right discount, this model could be a great alternative to more premium options.

Don't buy it if...

You want top performance
The performance of the Lexar Play 2280 is fine for a HMB model, but it’s not what you would expect for the price. Consider high-end options like the Samsung 990 Pro if performance is your biggest concern.

Also consider...

If you want to weigh up the Lexar Play 2280 against some other options, here are two great alternatives.

Seagate Game Drive M.2 SSD for PS5
The Seagate Game Drive M.2 SSD for PS5 is a great officially licensed pick. It loses out in terms of capacity, with just 1TB and 2TB options, but is worthwhile if you want a drive that will deliver flawless PS5 performance.

For more information, check out our full Seagate Game Drive M.2 SSD for PS5 review

Samsung 990 Pro
The 4TB model of the Samsung 990 Pro is often available on sale for around the same price at the Lexar Play 2280. It’s significantly faster, features DRAM, and has a more stylish overall design.

For more information, check out our full Samsung 990 Pro review

The Lexar Play 2280 SSD viewed from the bottom. — (Image credit: Future)

How I tested the Lexar Play 2280

Used for over two weeks
Tested daily in my PS5
Compared to other SSD models

I tested the 4TB Lexar Play 2280 for over two weeks, fitting the drive to my personal PS5 and ensuring that it was used during my daily play sessions. During that time I was careful to assess the performance of the drive, both in-game and when moving a wide variety of files around on the system. I also recorded the data from the in-built PS5 storage benchmark.

I constantly compared the experience using the drive to my previous hands-on testing with a wide range of other PS5 SSD models. This included the Samsung 990 Pro, WD Black SN850, WD Black SN850P, Seagate Game Drive M.2 SSD for PS5, Samsung 980 Pro, and more.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed October 2024.

Asus ROG Tessen review: brilliant mobile FPS performance

7:00 pm | September 21, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming Gaming Accessories | Tags: Forza Horizon, FPS | Comments: Off

Asus ROG Tessen: Two-minute review

The Asus ROG Tessen is an excellent mobile controller that’s well-suited for FPS gaming in spite of some small setbacks. Its overall design is mostly superb, with durable metal rear paddles and a unique folding mechanism that makes it even easier to take on the go. Its tactile face buttons and d-pad are satisfying to use, though the latter is definitely better suited for fast-paced competitive games than any retro titles or traditional platformers, even if it is on par with the feel of some of the best PC controllers.

While not utilizing Hall effect technology, its thumbsticks perform well and the triggers are a highlight - delivering a quick but satisfying motion that makes every match of Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile that much more enjoyable. Throw in some pretty RGB lighting (which is unfortunately controlled by a rather underwhelming app) and compatibility with most mobile phone cases and you have a very strong overall package.

Even so, there are a few areas with room for improvement. The more angular design of its grips won’t be for everyone and I found that they could often be a little uncomfortable during longer sessions, digging into the palms of my hands. It’s by no means the worst, but it is one of the few areas where the comparable Backbone One 2nd Gen takes a clear lead.

There’s also the fact that the Asus ROG Tessen only officially supports Android despite being a wired USB-C controller. I’m sure there’s some nitty gritty technical reason why this is the case, but it’s still disappointing now that iPhone 15 (and soon iPhone 16) series phones use the connector standard. The lack of a 3.5mm audio jack for headphones is also a notable, and mildly annoying, omission. Hopefully, a small hardware revision will be able to remedy these complaints in the future.

Overall, the Asus ROG Tessen is still remarkably close to being a best-in-class mobile controller at its price range. If you’re willing to look past these few minor frustrations, it offers a very capable and enjoyable mobile gaming experience.

The Asus ROG Tessen folded. — (Image credit: Future)

Asus ROG Tessen: Price and availability

$109.99 / £109.99 / AU$179
Available via Asus and Amazon
Slightly more expensive than the Backbone One

The Asus ROG Tessen costs $109.99 / £109.99 / AU$179 and is available directly from Asus or at online retailers such as Amazon. It comes in slightly more expensive than the Backbone One 2nd Gen which costs $99.99 / £99.99 / AU$179.99. This price seems quite fair given the additional features found on the Asus ROG Tessen though, such as the rear paddles and folding mechanism.

That said, this controller does not offer any iOS support, so those who often switch devices would be better off saving the cash and picking up a Backbone One 2nd Gen instead. I would also recommend that those who can stretch for the $149.99 / £149.99 / AU$269.95 Razer Kishi Ultra do so, as that controller is significantly more comfortable, offers iOS support, and features Hall effect components - though loses in terms of portability due to its much larger size.

Asus ROG Tessen: Specs

The RGB strips of the Asus ROG Tessen. — (Image credit: Future)

Asus ROG Tessen: Design and features

Great overall look and feel
Folding mechanism
Fits most phone cases

Much of the Asus ROG Tessen looks and feels premium. It has a very similar design to most telescopic mobile controllers, though with the addition of two hinges on its extending portion. These allow the controller to be folded cleanly in two for greater portability. As a result, I had no trouble fitting the Asus ROG Tessen in a rucksack and could even cram it into the large pockets of my cargo jeans. Despite its compact form factor, there’s still plenty of space for a full phone case when you’re using the controller which is very convenient.

It is a tad unfortunate that, due to the orientation of the mechanism, the thumbsticks are left sticking out when the controller is folded, making it easy to catch them on your bag if you’re not careful.

The controller has pleasantly springy triggers with a good level of travel and shoulder buttons that are clicky and responsive. Thumbsticks are on the smaller side and have little friction, though I found them to be smooth and perfectly comfortable to use. The face buttons and d-pad are mechanical with a very pronounced tactile click. They’re enjoyable to press and the shallow travel distance of the d-pad is ideal for quickly organizing your gear in a battle royale like Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile.

It’s not perfect in games that require extensive use of the d-pad for movement, though, and I soon found myself missing the softer, more spongy d-pad of the Backbone One 2nd Gen after a few hours of Dead Cells. On the back of the controller, you’ll find two rear paddles, both made of aluminum and sporting a pleasant grippy texture. They’re easy to press and well-positioned and the use of metal gives them a more premium feel.

In addition to the standard home, menu, and start buttons, the Asus ROG Tessen features a dedicated button to open the Armoury Crate software. This is, unfortunately, extremely basic, with an ugly UI and few features beyond button remapping and the ability to configure the bright RGB strips located on the bottom of each grip. These lighting elements, on top of a few subtle printed graphics and plenty of different textures, lend the controller quite a distinctive aesthetic - which is appreciated.

The rear paddles of the Asus ROG Tessen. — (Image credit: Future)

Asus ROG Tessen: Performance

Best for fast-paced games
Compatible with native titles and cloud gaming
Grips can be uncomfortable

The Asus ROG Tessen is a fantastic fit for fast-paced games, particularly first-person shooter (FPS) titles. I was impressed with its snappy responsiveness in both Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile. The use of a wired connection also eliminates any potential latency and facilitates pass-through charging via a USB-C port on the bottom of the right-hand grip.

I was pleasantly surprised by the performance of the thumbsticks, which have more than enough motion for navigating tight corners in Asphalt Legends Unite and power through dungeons in Zenless Zone Zero.

As previously mentioned, the d-pad is very shallow so can be quite harsh on your fingers if you’re playing very d-pad-centric titles. In addition to native games, the Asus ROG Tessen performed well when it came to cloud gaming, with full compatibility with Amazon Luna and Xbox Cloud Gaming.

The rear paddles are easy to reach and can be fully customized through a range of possible inputs. My only real complaint with the Asus ROG Tessen is that the very angular shape of its grips can be uncomfortable over extended playing sessions. Spending a few long train journeys with the controller, I found that they uncomfortably dug into the palms of my hands after just a few hours which wasn’t ideal.

This won’t be a problem if you intend to play in shorter bursts, but could be a very compelling reason to choose another product if you love to pour hours into mobile games at a time.

The left-hand grip of the Asus ROG Tessen. — (Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Asus ROG Tessen?

Buy it if...

You value FPS performance
With its lovely tactile buttons and handy remappable rear paddles, the ASUS Rog Tessen is a great fit for playing fast-paced FPS games on your phone.

You want some premium features
Although similarly priced to the Backbone One 2nd Gen, the Asus ROG Tessen sports some premium features like RGB lighting and its remappable rear inputs.

Don't buy it if...

You play for very long periods
The biggest issue with the Asus ROG Tessen is its quite angular grips, which can be uncomfortable over long play sessions. Consider an alternative like the Razer Kishi Ultra if you want to game for hours with ease.

Also consider

Not fully sold on the Asus ROG Tessen? Here are two very strong alternatives to consider.

Backbone One 2nd Gen
The Backbone One 2nd Gen is a small revision of the original Backbone One design. Like the Asus Rog Tessen, it’s compatible with most phone cases but has more comfortable grips and offers iOS support.

Read our full Backbone One 2nd Gen review

Razer Kishi Ultra
The Razer Kishi Ultra is the definitive mobile controller if you have the budget. Incredibly comfortable with full-size console controls, RGB lighting, rumble effects, and more, it’s easily the leader in the mobile controller space.

Read our full Razer Kishi Ultra review

The Asus ROG Tessen lying flat on a desk. — (Image credit: Future)

How I tested the Asus ROG Tessen

Tested for over a month
Tried with top mobile games
Directly compared to other mobile controllers

I tested the Asus ROG Tessen for over a month, using it as my main Android gaming controller. I paired the controller with a Samsung S23 Plus and played a wide variety of games. This included native mobile titles like Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile, Call of Duty Mobile, Vampire Survivors, Don’t Starve: Pocket Edition, Diablo Immortal, Asphalt Legends Unite, Zenless Zone Zero, Genshin Impact, and more.

I also tried the controller with various game streaming services, such as Amazon Luna and Xbox Cloud Gaming. On Amazon Luna, I played Watch Dogs Legion, Mighty Switch Force Collection, River City Girls, and Star Wars Outlaws while Xbox Cloud Gaming saw me enjoy a few hours of Forza Horizon 5.

During my time with the controller I relied on a pair of Beats Solo 4 and Beats Studio Buds+ headphones for audio and compared my playing experience with my hands-on testing of many other mobile controllers such as the Backbone One 2nd Gen, Turtle Beach Atom, Scuf Nomad, and Razer Kishi Ultra.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed September 2024

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