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I’ve spent days testing the Thrustmaster T598 force feedback wheel and it’s the best entry point into direct drive wheels
5:00 pm | February 28, 2025

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

Thrustmaster T598: One-minute review

In a previous era, the line in the sand for racing wheels was drawn between those with force feedback, and those without. Today it’s about direct drive vs. belt-driven force feedback, and with the arrival of this innovative new T598 comes an affordable way to enjoy direct drive’s benefits.

Specifically, it delivers an ultra-smooth, cogging-free steering experience, powered by an axial DD motor which doesn’t judder or feel grainy when it sends resistance through your hands like belt-driven wheels can.

In fact, Thrustmaster says the new axial design allows for even smoother, more detailed feedback than existing – and much pricier – direct drive bases, and having spent months using this as my daily driver, I’m inclined to agree.

There are concessions to hit a competitive price point, most notably an all-plastic wheel with very basic inputs and no rotary dials, but importantly, the wheel itself is swappable for other Thrustmaster or third-party units. That makes this an excellent starting platform to build upon in the long term, especially when you consider the high quality pedals bundled with it.

Thrustmaster T598

(Image credit: Future)

Thrustmaster T598: Price and availability

  • List price: $499.99 / £449.99 (around AU$899.99)
  • Similar pricing to Fanatec’s CSL 5Nm Ready2Race bundle (around $399.95 / £400)
  • Also up against Moza’s R5 bundle: $599 / £460

What a time to be alive – multiple direct drive bundles available for under $500 / £500. Fanatec and Moza have the most popular products in this range, and the T598’s priced to take them on directly. It’s also considerably cheaper than Thrustmaster’s own belt-driven T-GT II wheel, and excellent as the latter may be, it makes sense to spend less on newer tech that provides better driving sensation.

While the Fanatec CSL 5Nm bundle may look cheaper on paper, the online pricing doesn’t include VAT for UK customers, and you may need to buy extras like the desk mount, depending on your setup. Availability is an ongoing issue with Fanatec stock, too.

Thrustmaster T598: Specs

Thrustmaster T598: Design and features

  • Basic but functional wheel rim
  • Odd wheelbase shape
  • The pedals look pro

Let’s start with that axial direct drive. What does it mean? It’s all about the design and positioning of the internal components that generate the torque resistance inside the wheelbase. While traditional motor design can generate an undesirable ‘cogging’ sensation where operating the wheel feels grainy or juddery, the T598’s axial flux motor has been designed to eliminate it and deliver smoother steering and feedback.

And that’s why, one suspects, the wheelbase itself is such an odd shape. While Fanatec and Moza offer box-shaped motors, the T598’s hexagonal base sits much taller. It’s been styled with some jet engine-like lines, but the fact remains that this thing looks quite conspicuous. Fortunately I was able to install it onto my Playseat Sensation Pro’s wheelbase shelf without too many dramas, and the tall base doesn’t impact visibility.

The wheel rim itself attaches via a quick release mechanism, although in name only - it takes considerably longer to install or take off the wheel from the base than Logitech’s G Pro wheel, or Fanatec’s QR2 system. Like the wheelbase, the rim’s predominantly plastic, with textured rubberized hand grips and a carbon fiber effect in the central panel that, frankly, isn’t fooling anyone.

Thrustmaster T598

(Image credit: Future)

A decent array of input buttons have been placed around the wheel in ergonomically sensible fashion. On the bottom-left and bottom-right corners you’ve got two four-way d-pads, with three console controller-style buttons in the middle. The four face buttons and two of the shoulder buttons are translated to two three-button clusters within easy reach of your thumbs. Then to the rear, of course, you’ve got two nice big aluminium magnetic shifters, with a satisfyingly mechanical thunk to their action.

The pedal offering here is particularly strong for a bundle, and features two load cell pedal units on an all-metal base. This is a modular design, so you can add a pedal and shift the unit placements to your taste, and swap out springs of varying stiffness to get you the brake and accelerator feel that you’re looking for.

Personally, even the stiffest spring set at the highest tension position doesn’t quite get me that high resistance, GT car-like stamp that I’m looking for, but I wouldn’t expect to be able to dial in such an exact preference from a bundle at this price. The main thing is that I’m able to swap parts in or out later to fine-tune that.

Similarly, you can use the wheelbase itself with multiple different wheel rims, including those already part of Thrustmaster’s range via an adapter, or natively using the new Hypercar wheel. Adapters can sometimes disrupt the immediacy of feedback, or the smoothness, so I’ll have to reserve judgment on how well it works with this particular wheelbase until I test it with some different wheels.

One final note on the design - tweaking the settings is currently handled via physical controls and a small LED screen on the wheelbase itself, rather than via Thrustmaster’s proprietary software. This is far from ideal, but I was able to dial in a few different profiles in this way without too much hair-pulling.

Thrustmaster T598

(Image credit: Future)

Thrustmaster T598: Performance

  • Butter-smooth actuation
  • Enough torque for most racers
  • Compatible games library is growing gradually

If the T598’s design is all about making small compromises to keep the price competitive, its performance and driving experience are where this new contender really shines.

The axial drive system really discerns itself from competitors. You do feel a difference in smoothness, both in comparison to belt-driven force feedback wheels like Logitech’s G923, and direct drive wheels like Moza and Fanatec’s similarly priced CSL 5Nm and R5 bundles, respectively. It’s not night and day, but considering the competitive pricing, it’s impressive to feel the benefits of a breakthrough tech in this package.

Since it hit the market there’s been some discussion among sim racers as to whether the stated 6Nm of torque is enough. Can it really actuate those severe traction loss events, and convey the feeling of dramatic weight shifts while steering under braking? Yes. Yes it can.

Indeed, using some of the profiles Thrustmaster sent me to use with Assetto Corsa Competizione, I found my hands actually aching after 10-15 laps from the sheer exertion of countering that torque. There’s plenty of resistance here.

Thrustmaster T598

(Image credit: Future)

Indeed, when you delve into the spec sheet you’ll see that the T598 has a 100% torque overshoot capability. So in theory it can actuate signals of up to 10Nm, and that axial arrangement means it’s easier to keep latency nice and low when that happens - torque undershoot or overshoot is usually the result of motor inertia lagging to meet the new torque demand, and that’s exactly what this new internal motor arrangement’s designed to minimize. In short: when torque overshoot does occur, it doesn’t produce cogging.

But let’s get our noses out of the theory books and back into the driving experience. While it’s definitely inconvenient to have to adjust universal wheel settings via a display on the wheelbase rather than using software, there are some cool features in here that add to the experience, like the gearshift jolt effect. When you turn this all the way up, you feel a surge of power which jolts you backwards on upshifts to simulate the momentary disruption in acceleration when shifting, then feeling the power being laid back down.

Like a lot of sim racers, I prefer to dial down the resistance a bit for easier, more consistent lapping, particularly over longer endurance races. It’s here, in the settings sweet spot (about 50-75% effects strength) where I particularly appreciate how smoothly the feedback’s delivered, and how rock-solid the connection between wheel rim and wheelbase is, even if it’s not connected via a fancy motorsport-style quick release mechanism as you’d find on a Fanatec wheel.

Given that such a bounty of great direct drive sensations is bundled with a sturdy pedal base that looks and feels much more expensive than it is, we’ve got a real winner in this bundle.

Should I buy the Thrustmaster T598?

Buy it if...

You’ve been on the fence about direct drive wheels
Now’s the time. This bundle perfectly demonstrates that they’re now affordable in bundles that don’t force major compromises on you.

You’re a smooth operator
It’s incredible how silky the feedback feels, and how the axial motor eliminates that cogging sensation.

You want a solid base to upgrade over time
Everything from the wheel rim to individual pedals can be swapped out or upgraded, so it’s a great foundation purchase.

Don't buy it if...

You’re not a tinkerer
It generally takes some settings tweaking in each game to get the right feel, and that’s done via physical controls on the wheelbase only.

You want a luxurious wheelrim
The rim itself is the weak spot of this package, and doesn’t look or feel very premium.

You like to adjust dials mid-lap
There are no dials or POV hat switches on the wheel rim’s input layout, which means changing TC, brake balance or ABS is a bit more fiddly than usual.

Also consider...

If the Thrustmaster T598 doesn’t grind your gears, consider these rival packages.

Thrustmaster T-GT II
Old school belt-driven force feedback tech, but it still feels weighty and articulate. Less tweaking required than the T598.

For more information read our full Thrustmaster T-GT II review

Logitech G923
It’s ubiquitous for a reason. Well-built, a smart button layout, and Trueforce feedback adds something extra to supported games when it comes to detailed articulation.

For more information read out full Logitech G923 review

How I tested the Thrustmaster T598

  • Two months of regular use during testing
  • Used with PC and PS5
  • Racing sims and arcade titles tested

As an Assetto Corsa Competizione obsessive, I put the majority of my hours spent with the T598 into hotlapping in an M4 and ranked endurance racing. Kunos’s new Assetto Corsa EVO also saw some serious hours, along with The Crew Motorfest on the arcade side of the spectrum, and F1 24. I tested the T598 as a PC racing wheel, and a PS5 racing wheel thoroughly on both platforms overall.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed February 2025

The Razer Handheld Dock Chroma offers Steam Deck owners a premium design and, of course, plenty of RGB
3:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Consoles & PC Gadgets Gaming PC Gaming Steam Deck | Tags: | Comments: Off

Razer Handheld Dock Chroma: One-minute review

The Razer Handheld Dock Chroma is the most stylish Steam Deck dock I’ve ever seen, offering a sleek all-black aesthetic that compliments the handheld PC perfectly in addition to some pleasingly bright RGB lighting.

While a similar price to the official Valve offering (and notably more expensive than the many standard laptop docks out there that also work with Steam Deck), it ranks among some of the best Steam Deck accessories thanks to a nifty integrated stand that provides a neat way to adjust the position of your Deck if you intend to play without an external display. This can also be folded down for easy transport and the use of durable metal components makes it easy to stash in a rucksack on the move without having to worry about potential damage.

There is also no shortage of ports, with the dock coming equipped with a USB-C input for charging, three 5 Gbps USB-A ports for your various controllers, a Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) port, and an HDMI 2.0 video output. The lack of a DisplayPort option is a shame, especially as there is one present on the official Steam Deck Dock, but realistically the up to 4K 60hz / 1440p 120Hz of HDMI 2.0 is going to be more than enough if you’re keen to hook your Steam Deck up to a TV.

While clearly designed with the Steam Deck in mind, the Razer Handheld Dock Chroma is also fully compatible with other handheld PCs including the Asus ROG Ally and even some Android gaming tablets.

There might be cheaper alternatives out there, but the overall proposition of the Razer Handheld Dock Chroma makes it well worth considering if you’re after a premium option.

Image 1 of 3

The Razer Handheld Dock Chroma as it arrives.

(Image credit: Future)
Image 2 of 3

The unfolded Razer Handheld Dock Chroma.

(Image credit: Future)
Image 3 of 3

The RGB of the Razer Handheld Dock Chroma.

(Image credit: Future)

Razer Handheld Dock Chroma: Price and availability

  • Costs $79.99 / £79.99 / AU$149.95
  • Available via Razer and Amazon
  • More expensive than your average laptop dock

The Razer Handheld Dock Chroma is readily available in the US, UK, and Australia via Razer and online retailers like Amazon. It comes in at $79.99 / £79.99 / AU$149.95, which puts it around the price of the official Valve Steam Deck Docking Station (which is $89 / £69). It’s quite good value compared to Valve’s offering, as it benefits from the adjustable stand and addition of RGB.

If you’re on a budget, however, you’re better off going for one of the countless cheaper laptop docks available via Amazon. These are not specifically designed for the Steam Deck, but generally will still work. To give an example, the Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1) costs just $34.99 / £19.99 and offers a cheaper but still effective way to get your Steam Deck on an external display.

Razer Handheld Dock Chroma: Specs

The ports on the Razer Handheld Dock Chroma.

(Image credit: Future)

Razer Handheld Dock Chroma: Design and features

  • Robust and sturdy design
  • Adjustable stand
  • RGB lighting

The Razer Handheld Dock Chroma has a very sleek design, coming in a slick matte black. It looks like a small rectangular box when taken out of the packaging, with the adjustable stand portion positioned flush on top of the box.

To set it all up, you simply have to pull the stand out and slot it into place, which creates a sturdy little shelf where your Steam Deck can rest while it’s plugged in via the attached USB-C cable. A ribbed rubberized strip helps support the Steam Deck when it’s docked, preventing it from sliding out easily and stopping it from picking up any scratches from the dock itself.

The stand is adjustable, with a few positions allowing you to angle your Steam Deck or a more vertical or horizontal orientation - which is great if you don’t intend to use an external display and want a clear view of the system’s screen from your seat. It also helps when you’re using the other supported devices, be that the Asus ROG Ally or a gaming tablet. I tested the recently released Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3 in the dock and, after some small adjustments, it was in the perfect position for watching videos or playing some Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile with a wired controller.

The majority of the Razer Handheld Dock Chroma is constructed with sturdy-feeling plastic, with a layer of soft foam on the underside to prevent slippage. The shelf where the Steam Deck sits is a robust metal, which is not only hard-wearing but also feels suitably premium given the price. At the bottom of the front of the dock is a thin RGB lighting strip that illuminates when the dock is in use. This is bright and attractive, with a plethora of in-built modes that you can cycle through via a small button on the right-hand side of the dock.

On the back of the dock are all your ports. There’s one HDMI 2.0, 3 x USB-A, 1 x Gigabit Ethernet port, and a USB-C port used for 100W power delivery with passthrough charging. This is a decent selection, though not as many options as you would get with a more specialist bit of kit like the Anker Prime Charging Docking Station (14-in-1, Dual Display, 160W).

The Razer Handheld Dock Chroma with a Steam Deck inserted.

(Image credit: Future)

Razer Handheld Dock Chroma: Performance

  • Perfect for Steam Deck
  • Seamless set up
  • Easy to store in a bag

The Razer Handheld Dock Chroma is perfect for Steam Deck and there’s very little to fault it on in performance terms. You simply slot the Steam Deck in, plug in your display, and use the USB-C ports for any desired accessories, be that a keyboard and mouse or a quality gamepad like the Xbox Wireless Controller, and you’re ready to play on your monitor or TV. It’s about as seamless as you can get and I didn’t encounter any problems getting it all set up on a variety of screens throughout my testing.

The lack of HDMI 2.1 support here is a shame on paper, especially compared to alternatives like the BenQ beCreatus GR10, though practically doesn’t really make that much of a difference. In my testing, I was not able to find a single game that I would be able to run on my Steam Deck OLED at an 8K resolution, or in 4K at above 60 fps.

Compared to other Steam Deck docks, the Razer Handheld Dock Chroma is also impressively portable. Being able to fold everything flat makes it easy to stash in your bag alongside your Steam Deck. It’s heavier than most given the incorporation of metal, but it’s hard to complain about that when the result is a product that really feels like it could take a beating if you happened to drop it out on your travels.

The folded Razer Handheld Dock Chroma.

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Razer Handheld Dock Chroma?

Buy it if...

You want a great-looking Steam Deck dock
With its slick design and RGB lighting, the Razer Handheld Dock Chroma is one of the best-looking Steam Deck docks out there today. Pick it up if you’re willing to spend more on an accessory for aesthetic reasons.

You want to use it without a monitor
The adjustable viewing angles of the Razer Handheld Dock Chroma are a big plus, making it significantly easier to play in the dock without an external monitor.

You want a sturdy dock
The incorporation of metal and general sturdiness of the Razer Handheld Dock Chroma is also superb. This is a dock that you can stash in your rucksack without fear of it picking up any substantial damage.

Don't buy it if...

Pure value is your number one concern
There are plenty of generic laptop docks that also work with the Steam Deck, and come in significantly cheaper than the Razer Handheld Dock Chroma.

Also consider...

Want some alternatives to the Razer Handheld Dock Chroma? Check out these two strong options.

BenQ beCreatus GR10
The BenQ beCreatus GR10 is more expensive than the Razer Handheld Dock Chroma and lacks RGB, but it does offer HDMI 2.1 support for those eager to crank up the video quality. It’s also a lot lighter.

Read our full BenQ beCreatus GR10 review

Anker Prime Charging Docking Station (14-in-1, Dual Display, 160W)
The Anker Prime Charging Docking Station (14-in-1, Dual Display, 160W) is a serious bit of kit that offers the complete desktop docking solution. Although designed for laptops, it also works with the Steam Deck and, while pricey, does frequently go on sale.

Read our full Anker Prime Charging Docking Station (14-in-1, Dual Display, 160W) review

How the Steam Deck connects to the Razer Handheld Dock Chroma.

(Image credit: Future)

How I tested the Razer Handheld Dock Chroma

  • Tested for over a week
  • Tried with a Steam Deck OLED and gaming tablet
  • Compared to other docks

I tested the Razer Handheld Dock Chroma for over a week, during which time I played plenty of games on my Steam Deck OLED including lots of Disco Elysium and Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake in addition to a few hours of play on the Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3 gaming tablet.

Throughout my time with the dock, I tried a variety of monitors and TVs in addition to accessories such as the Asus ROG Harpe Ace Aim Lab Edition mouse, Endgame Gear Kb65he keyboard, Xbox Wireless Controller, and more. I constantly compared my experience with my hands-on time with other laptop docks like the Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1).

Read more about how we test

First reviewed February 2025

The Dezctop Bifrost Elite 160 gaming desk is a sturdy, premium workstation that costs a pretty penny
4:00 pm | February 27, 2025

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

Dezctop Bifrost Elite 160: one-minute review

The Dezctop Bifrost Elite 160 is a gaming desk with a lot of optional extras, but not much in the way of integrated bells and whistles. It's a terrific option for anyone who primarily works from home and wants to jump into the world of standing desks, but not the cheapest model out there.

The build quality is absolutely top-notch, with a thick, polished wooden tabletop that’s impressively resistant to scuffs and stains. It has two chunky mechanized legs, a backboard with plenty of slots for shelves, monitor mounts, and other accessories, and some neat cable pockets to help with tidiness. It also rises to an impressive 51.2 in / 1.3m, and goes as low as 25.6 in / 65cm, which may seem excessive but it makes it appropriate for folks of any height.

Some competitors have additional features and can be picked up for a little cheaper, but it's by no means the most expensive standing desk on the block. So while adding in extra accessories ramps up the price, it's still one of the best standing desks and best gaming desks today.

The Dezctop Bifrost Elite 160 after being built in a plain room.

(Image credit: Future)

Dezctop Bifrost Elite 160: Price and availability

  • List price: $900 / £999.90 / Around AU$1,100
  • This is the price of the desk without any additional accessories…
  • If you want the whole hog, you're looking at another few hundred

Let's get the elephant in the room out of the way: this is a premium product and its price tag reflects that.

Coming in at $900 without any of the additional bells and whistles, or approximately $1,270 with everything featured in my review, this isn't the desk to go for if you're on a budget. If you want to take your working space to the next level however, and you need a premium desk to last for years to come, the Dezctop Bifrost Elite 160 may be the answer.

The Flexispot E7, which we consider to be the best standing desk overall, will set you back around £280 ($340). And even at that price, the E7 has some features that the Bifrost Elite 160 lacks, despite being around triple the cost. This is also more expensive than the premium Secretlab Magnus Pro, which is more geared towards gamers and comes in cheaper at $799 / £770.

Paired with one of the best gaming chairs, the overall price of your setup will be very high. So while I can't recommend Dezctop's offering enough, it's not the best choice for those keeping a close eye on their budget right now.

The Dezctop Bifrost Elite 160 set up, with two monitors and a keyboard.

(Image credit: Future)

Dezctop Bifrost Elite 160: Specs

Dezctop Bifrost Elite 160: Design and features

  • Solo assembly
  • Premium feel
  • A range of heights

Everything about this desk oozes quality, with the walnut tabletop being the prime example. It's thick and polished, giving off a premium feel you don't find in cheaper desks.

I've upgraded from a cheaper gaming desk to the Bifrost Elite 160, and while my former fixture was big and capable of holding both of my monitors with room to spare, the low-quality wood used was scuffed over years of use and had started to warp. It was also nowhere near as nice to the touch, with sharp corners and edges, as opposed to the smooth, rounded sides of the Bifrost Elite 160.

It is also very sturdy, with two chunky mechanized legs that you definitely don't want to drop on a toe when putting it all together. That process was daunting at first because there are a lot of boxes, especially with all the extras thrown in, but once you unpack it all and get rid of the packaging, it becomes much more manageable.

It lacks a physical manual - you instead must scan a QR code and then find the correct instructions from a list on your device - but if you can look past that, it's a fairly straightforward job. Building it solo, provided you make no mistakes along the way, can be done in an afternoon.

The control box can be affixed to either the left or right-hand side of where you stand (or sit, when your legs are tired), and it's very simple to use.

The buttons themselves are responsive, with just a split-second delay between holding down the arrows and the desk moving, and it has four memory slots for your preferred heights. At 5ft 8in / 176.8cm tall, my ideal settings are 3ft 7in / 115cm when standing and 2ft 7 in / 82cm when sitting, both of which are assigned to the first and second presets.

Building the Dezctop Bifrost Elite 160.

(Image credit: Future)

Dezctop Bifrost Elite 160: Performance

  • Features effective cable tidies
  • Plus good back board and monitor mounts
  • RGB lighting kit is poor

The biggest challenge this desk has - which is saying something, because it's hardly a problem at all when you've finished building it - is how weak the cable tidies are.

The underframe has slots for these plastic, 3D-printed clasps to slot into, but these pop out at even the slightest tug. When the desk is assembled, this isn't a problem - I haven't had them come out once - but during the building process, you'll be rueing them as you put them back in for the umpteenth time.

At the rear of the desk, you'll find three huge cable pockets. I'm notoriously bad with cable management but these are a godsend. With magnetic covers, they are big enough to hold all the cables you could possibly have. Mine has an entire extension lead in the middle with each socket in use and plenty of room to spare on both the left and the right. The cables themselves are still visible behind the desk, but it's far neater than I'd manage with any standard desk.

One of the biggest selling points of the Bifrost Elite 160 is the D-board, and while you can buy the desk without this, why would you? This backboard comes in four separate pieces that slot together effortlessly, and once affixed, are completely stable. Each one has a myriad of diamond-shaped holes for your various extras.

I have two monitor mounts - one large, one medium - taking up most of the space, alongside two shelves, a small bucket-shaped container for any loose bits you need at arm's reach, and a couple of extra hooks attached if I decide to store anything else. On the underside of the tabletop itself, I also have a cup holder, headset holder, and USB 3.1 hub that connects to my desktop below. All of these accessories are welcome additions and help keep my desktop free of the clutter I used to be so prone to accumulating.

There's only one accessory I can't recommend picking up, especially for the $70 / £85 price, and that's the RGB Lighting Kit. You can make your own version for far cheaper with some off-brand RGB lighting strips, and the lights themselves aren't particularly bright.

Not to mention the accompanying remote feels cheap and tacky (mine has actually stopped working after only a week, so I can no longer change the colors of the lights), and while there is a switch you can stick on the underside of your desk for those moments you want to pretend to release the hounds, Mr. Burns style, the velcro fasteners aren't strong enough to keep it in place. Now I've used a command strip, it's holding strong, but it's an expensive accessory that should be better.

The control panel of the Dezctop Bifrost Elite 160 standing desk.

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Dezctop Bifrost Elite 160?

Buy it if...

You want a quality standing desk that should last for years
Even after only a month of testing the Bifrost Elite 160 for this review, the build quality is so high that it's hard to imagine this not lasting for years to come.

You want more desk space
The available desktop space is impressive here, and when you include the D-board and mount your monitors, you have such a big workspace available.

You have the cash to invest in something premium
This isn't the most expensive standing desk available, but it is by no means cheap. If you can afford the outlay though, you won't regret picking this up.

Don't buy it if...

You're unsure if a standing desk is for you
This is a fantastic standing gaming desk, but it's a big investment if you want to test the waters first.

You're limited on space
This is a big ol' desk, so if you typically work from a laptop or don't have a dedicated working area, this is probably going to be overkill.

Also consider...

If you're still not sold on the Dezctop Bifrost Elite 160, here are two alternative standing desks to consider, both of which are a little cheaper.

The Bifrost Elite 160 may have the most premium feel of the options available, but that doesn't mean the others don't excel in other areas.

Flexispot E7
The Flexispot E7 is probably the most feature-complete standing desk you can pick up for a budget price, coming in at less than half the price of the Bifrost Elite 160. It also has a few more features, including an integrated Qi wireless charging port on the tabletop. If you're unsure about whether a standing desk is for you, this may be a safer investment.

For more information, check out our full Flexispot E7 review.

Secretlab Magnus Pro
Alternatively, if you're an avid gamer and need somewhere to work from, consider the Secretlab Magnus Pro. This is sleek and professional, with Secretlab known for its gaming peripherals, making this aesthetically more pleasing for that lifestyle. It also has plenty of optional extras, many of which are geared towards gamers.

For more information, check out our full Secretlab Magnus Pro review.

How I tested the Dezctop Bifrost Elite 160

  • Used for a month on a daily basis
  • Primarily during working hours in both standing and sitting positions
  • Also during some long gaming sessions with both mouse + keyboard, and controller

The Dezctop Bifrost Elite 160 has become my sole workstation and since I work from home, this means I'm using the desk for at least eight hours every single day, often more if I work into the evening or play any PC games.

I'll usually start my day standing for the first few hours, and since I always listen to music when I work, I'm often moving around to keep the energy up in lieu of having a walking pad to get my steps in. Claiming it's dancing might be a step too far…

I'll usually go to the sitting height for the afternoon, reverting to standing for any meetings, and the ability to switch between the memorized heights with just a press of a button is a godsend.

The polished wooden tabletop is smooth too, so when you're resting your arms against it typing for long periods, there's no abrasion like you might find with a cheaper desk. This extends into the evening when I'm gaming, and while playing games can be done standing, I prefer that aspect sitting down.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed February 2025.

I became businessperson of the year in cutesy management sim Two Point Museum and delighted in its distinctly British humor
5:00 pm | February 25, 2025

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

Two Point Studios have established a legacy of goofy simulators with their previous games, Two Point Hospital (the spiritual successor to 1997’s Theme Hospital) and Two Point Campus, asking players to succeed in institutional entrepreneurship through their set of distinctly silly business-building systems.

Now, the studio is solidifying its position with a third installment, Two Point Museum, which tasks you with fixing up a, you guessed it, failing museum after its previous owner suspiciously dipped out. Capitalizing on the series’ goofy sense of humor and forgiving gameplay, Two Point Museum isn’t hell-bent on reinventing the studio's tried and tested formula. Still, despite this overly familiar setup, Two Point has delivered a beginner-friendly management sim PC game that I found surprisingly hard to put down.

Review info

Platform reviewed: PC
Available on:
PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Release date:
February 27, 2025

In Two Point Museum, your time is spent balancing your income through ticket sales and donations, as well as compelling guests with rare exhibits and intriguing interactive equipment like dino playgrounds and sound booths. The people are fickle, though, and it’s not enough just to have a caveman trapped in ice or a stegosaurus tail slide. You’ll also need to dress up that caveman with thematic decor, as well as send your hardworking explorers out to find more icemen in the wild, too.

To do this, you’ll participate in a mixture of active and idle gameplay, setting up Expeditions — which play like a passive resource-collecting minigame — and maintaining your customer’s happiness by building up local amenities and cleaning the museum clean.

Your staff are the hardworking backbone of your success, with essential work split between Experts, Janitors, Assistants, and Security Guards. If you can manage and train them well, the outer wilds of the game’s map become your playground, with your team able to steal enough artifacts to make your museum the greatest tourist destination in the world. The Natural History Museum might have whale bones, but it doesn't have a plant that births a clown every few minutes, does it?

A screenshot from Two Point Museum showing dinosaur bones exhibits

(Image credit: Two Point Studios/SEGA)

You are not serious people

Early in the campaign, your primary consideration is whether to send your staff on expeditions or leave them back to work, though admittedly, this isn’t a particularly challenging choice. Both exploits earn them experience to level up and learn new skills that make them more efficient, and you can comfortably stretch to afford multiples of each staffing type from the early game. This is until you start to explore further afield, and the expeditions become more dangerous.

At first, the trips you’re making look straightforward, and you can choose your staff based on who will be missing from work rather than who is the least likely to die. That doesn’t last long, though, as certain areas on the map will eventually prop up complex Event Cards that dictate riskier barriers to success. Here, the goal becomes matching your worker and their skill to the event to nullify the issue or pay the price.

On one occasion, my under-prepared archaeology expert got IBS on a job and couldn’t work, so I had to ship him off to the hospital for a hefty cost. A few trips later, my favorite janitor went MIA, and I had to train another staff member to replace him, leaving me unable to run the missions until everyone was up to speed.

Unpredictable events also attempt to sully your best efforts and pop up mid-mission, asking you to make decisions about the expedition, with the wrong decision resulting in illness or worse. Where previously I had been haphazardly shipping off anyone to earn precious loot, I quickly began playing favorite, taking the time to neutralize threats. This consideration added a much-needed layer of strategy that did well to keep me focused and drew my attention towards staff management as an essential metric rather than an afterthought.

Best bit

There’s something so funny about sardonic British tannoy playing overhead in your local shop, a humour Two Point Studios clearly understands with Two Point Museum. As you potter along, designing exhibits and sending your employees on perilous expeditions, an occasional voice will sound off, delivering informational addresses loaded with contempt. While there were far too many good ones to choose from, my favorite arrived as I set up my first tour, with the voice overhead announcing: "Childish behavior will be met with childish retribution."

Outside of Expeditions, special events occur randomly, drawing your attention back to the Museum. For example, health inspections and unique visitors require the space to be in top shape when they arrive, with cleanliness and exhibit quality adding to the overall experience. While these metrics aren’t hard to hit, having a few more considerations to juggle on my way to total success was nice.

Two Point Studios’ wacky British humor is visible in almost every aspect of Two Point Museum. Throughout the campaign, I was delighted whenever a text window would pop up or a tannoy would play overhead, giving me another chance to giggle at the goofy writing. This style applies to the non-verbal aspects of the game, with the NPCs acting out and interacting with my historical pieces in unlikely ways.

As my exhibitor numbers skyrocketed, the space became more like a Where’s Wally book of cartoonish weirdos, and all it took was me to zoom in randomly and watch someone pop out of a carnivorous plant or lick an ancient amber pod. These irreverent moments of stupidity not only made me giggle but did well to break up the repetitive nature of Two Point Museums' more tedious management activities.

A screenshot from Two Point Museum showing dinosaur bones exhibits

(Image credit: Two Point Studios/SEGA)

Life finds a way

Designing rooms and exhibits is where Two Point Museum really shines, and I thoroughly enjoyed placing tropical shrubbery and plotting dinosaur feet decals as if guiding guests through a Universal theme park ride. Visitors are most attracted to exhibits with ‘Buzz’, a metric related to how new the piece is and how well it’s dressed. Certain exhibits require specific decor to earn Buzz boosts, offering light touch guidance to your interior design exploits.

Your exhibits must also have educational prowess, with some patrons preferring edutainment over pure pizazz. Much like the rest of Two Point Museum’s forgiving gameplay, balancing these metrics isn’t overly complicated. Thankfully, the UI sorts the specific set dressing by room, so you don’t need to trawl through random menus to find your missing piece.

If dinosaurs aren’t your thing, Two Point Museum also offers alternative Museum genres, each with its own unique goal. The ghost-infested Wailon Lodge encourages you to explore a rift between worlds and house found poltergeists in unique homes that match their time period. Alternatively, Passwater Cove asks you to dive for all manner of fish and build lavish coastal aquariums to house them in. The alternate areas aren’t just extensions of the base and offer unique decor and mechanics that flesh out Two Point Museum’s foundational gameplay nicely.

A screenshot from Two Point Museum showing the game's UI

(Image credit: Two Point Studios/SEGA)

Unfortunately, as much as I adored going big on design, a densely packed space was more profitable for success in nearly every scenario. While I did find time to flex my creative muscles through frosty flooring and flora-forward props, the urge to min-max my staff routes often fell higher on my to-do list than style alone. The call towards efficiency isn’t helped by the game’s ‘Kudosh’ currency, which allows you to unlock additional cosmetics by hitting specific achievements. When my bags of income arrived without much extra work, Kudosh enabled a more instrumental style play, occasionally creating a strange bottleneck for my design goals.

Thankfully, Two Point Museum’s Sandbox mode is the salve to many of these issues. Split into three sections (Creative, Career, and Hardcore), this mode opens doors to those who want to build bespoke structures, like myself, or those, ahem, masochists who are looking for a much more complex and punishing management experience.

Despite the pressure to deliver financial success and the plethora of passive systems to consider, my time with Two Point Museum was surprisingly worry-free. As I consistently dipped into the financial red and sent my overpaid workers on expeditions, I never found myself on the verge of bankruptcy or failure - a far cry from the heightened emotional investment of Frostpunk 2. Still, I felt compelled to return to my museum even without impending doom on my coattails coaxing me on, which speaks to the game’s idiosyncratic charm and accessability.

A screenshot from Two Point Museum showing a packed exhibit

(Image credit: Two Point Studios/SEGA)

Should you play Two Point Museum?

Play it if...

You like a management sim with a heavy dose of comedy
Two Point Museum might be a management simulator, but it doesn’t hold back on the jokes. Whether you’re watching your expert puke onto the floor or watching a visitor faceplant on a fossil.

You want to play something casual
Despite the management simulator tag, Two Point Museum is reasonably forgiving, so you can pick up and play without making any plans.

Don't play it if...

You want a super complex management simulator
While Two Point delivers a moreish hand approachable simulator, those looking for something more challenging like Satisfactory or Factorio might not be satisfied with its more forgiving array of systems.

Accessibility

In Two Point Museum, you can access the settings submenu from the Pause menu at any time in the game. From the main Game subhead, you can toggle on and off camera shake, flash effects, and character limit. You can also choose your Game Autosave frequency (Ingame - Every Month, Every Three Months, Every Six Months) and your Career Auto Save Frequency (Every Change, Most Changes). From here, you can also toggle on Subtitles and a Player Idle Message, as well as toggle UI Scale (Small, Medium) and Status Icon Filter (All Icons, Reduced Icons, Minimal Icons, Vital Icons).

Where sound is concerned, you can tweak individual streams, such as Tannoy, SFX, and UI, using a slider from the Audio submenu Settings menu. In the Controls Menu, you have the option to toggle on/off Inverted Vertical and Horizontal Camera Rotation, as well as Camera Edge Scrolling, Controller Input, and vibration. From here, you can also use a slider to dictate camera sensitivities for panning, pitch, zoom, and rotation. You can also rebind keys to suit your set-up.

A screenshot from Two Point Museum showing a packed floral exhibit

(Image credit: Two Point Studios/SEGA)

How I reviewed Two Point Museum

We played Two Point Museum’s campaign and sandbox mode on the base model Steam Deck and gaming PC for around 20 hours. I used an AOC 27-inch QHD VA 144Hz gaming monitor for my PC, a Logitech MX Master 3S mouse, and a Logitech G915 TKL keyboard. I used my external Creative Pebble V2 computer speakers and Audio Technica ATH-MX50X headphones plugged into a Scarlett 2i2 interface for sound. My GPU is an RTX 3080, and my CPU is an AMD Ryzen 9 3950X.

Thanks to the new combat in Monster Hunter Wilds I’m now a Hunting Horn-weilding menace that murders monsters with weaponized jazz
6:00 pm | February 24, 2025

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

Monster Hunter Wilds has some rather big shoes to fill. For one, it’s the sequel to the record-breaking blockbuster that was Monster Hunter World, a game that saw the long-running, and oftentimes niche franchise reach a whole new group of altogether more mainstream gamers. It also follows Monster Hunter Rise, which, while not as big as World, was extremely successful as an originally exclusive Nintendo Switch game, and introduced a host of new traversal systems.

Review info

Platform reviewed: PS5 Pro
Available on: Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC, PS5
Release date: February 28, 2025

In many ways, Wilds has had to walk a tightrope between the approaches showcased in previous games, providing something for the new fans, while appealing to those that have stuck around over the past 20 years. By streamlining the formula that shined bright in Monster Hunter World, and by finally offering a seamless open world, Monster Hunter Wilds manages to hit all of the right notes, while avoiding some of the more frustrating elements that have plagued the series since its inception.

Let's skip to the good part

A Hunter rides into a lush forest area. Monsters can be seen grazing atop crumbling ruins under a blue sky

(Image credit: Capcom)

Loading up a brand new Monster Hunter game is usually a mixed experience. To truly access the really good stuff, that being the High Rank endgame content, you need to first beat the campaign. In the past couple of games, this has been easy enough, though the shoehorned systems present in Monster Hunter Rise (Rampage Mode), and Monster Hunter World (colossal Elder monster battles) really dragged things out, extending the runtime of stories that were fun, but forgettable.

Monster Hunter Wilds is an entirely different beast with regards to its campaign, which is streamlined, slight, and punchy. For one, there’s no ‘gimmick’ to speak of, with the headline feature being the seamless open world with dynamic seasons and wildlife. There are no on-rails giant monster battles, no filler quests spent in quasi-tower-defense modes, just epic monster hunts, one after the other. One annoying side character aside, this is the best Monster Hunter campaign ever, punctuated by a final boss fight that’s already among my all-time favorites in all of gaming.

Best bit

A Hunter rides a Seikret towards the camera as lightning strikes behind them, sending sparks trailing up into the sky

(Image credit: Capcom)

The reverence that Monster Hunter Wilds shows for every single one of its monsters shines through from the very beginning. Doshaguma, a monster featured in the beta, and one that wasn’t particularly interesting at first, is introduced into the main game with an exhilarating sequence, as lightning sparks all around, and other monsters come to join in on the hunt. Several moments like these bookend other major hunts in the campaign, with every single main fight being a show-stopping event.

The Monster Hunter Wilds campaign is a globe-trotting adventure that encourages you to spend as little time in your base camp as possible. There’s still fun to be found in crafting new gear, building new loadouts, and specializing your Item Pouch, but largely, you’ll be encouraged to be out and about as much as possible.

One casualty of expanding the open world to include multiple hub villages is that the main hub, which you’ll have seen if you played the beta, doesn’t really measure up to the more dedicated locales like Astera, found in previous games. Much more focus has been applied to Pop-Up Camps, with Monster Hunter Wilds once again encouraging the player to set out and claim small pieces of the world outside, rather than get too settled at the ramshackle Base Camp in the Windward Plains. It’s a strange choice, though one that does tie into the game’s overall mantra. Cooking a meal in your camp just isn’t as fun as watching a team of Palico chefs preparing dishes for you back at Kamura Village or Astera, however.

Someone call Attenborough

A desert oasis, with a Chatacabra walking towards the water's edge

(Image credit: Capcom)

The vast open world of Monster Hunter Wilds is the main draw that sets the game aside from its predecessors. For the first time in the series, the map is an interconnected, seamless, and dynamic one. From camp, to hunt, to Field Investigations, there are no menus or loading screens getting in your way as you adventure. Of the handful of different regions that make up the world around you, each is visually distinct from one another, fostering its own specific collection of flora, fauna, and resources. Not only that but there are seasons to reckon with here as well. Fallow will strip away some of the biodiversity of a region, turning areas like the Windward Plains into dusty deserts, populated by only the hardiest of creatures.

Inclemency then rolls in, bringing sandstorms, riling up certain insects to boost passive effects that can be used on a hunt, and in some cases, completely changing the landscape. After the storm clouds fade, the season of Plenty comes about, and let me tell you, the change in conditions are seriously impressive. Gone are the barren dry lands of the Fallow, and the cloudy skies of Inclemency, as you look out over an Edenic environment teeming with creatures.

The campaign does a masterful job of leading you through this cycle for the first time, and the sheer dynamism of the world never really loses its charm. This doubling down on creating a living, breathing natural world follows the path laid in Monster Hunter World. This time though, the variety in the life that occupies each region is genuinely breathtaking.

Once I was given the freedom to explore at my leisure, I spent hours simply riding through each region, watching as small monsters and other endemic animals went about their routines. Pink-furred apes snooze peacefully in the sun, small birds can be seen riding on the backs of large reptiles, pecking and pruning as they go. Whether you’re there to witness it or not, there’s a natural cycle to the world of Wilds, and meticulous detail, from the huge raptors that soar in the sky, to the lines of tiny leaf-cutting ants that walk in formation across the branches of trees. You can practically hear David Attenborough narrating the whole thing.

Focus, Hunter

Four Hunters face off against an Alpha Doshugama monster in the Windward Plains

(Image credit: Capcom)

Monster Hunter games are rarely praised for their graphical fidelity, as they tend to put more resources into dynamic worlds and overlapping systems than boosting the resolution. Thankfully, Monster Hunter Wilds is very impressive to behold, though like a lot of other modern games this generation, does have some issues with looking washed out in certain environments. Some regions like the forest are impossibly dense, and I was regularly taken aback by just how many small monsters could be on screen at once. In fact, entire herds can be seen in some moments, running alongside large monsters as you give chase.

Performance-wise, the game runs smoothly on PlayStation 5 Pro, especially in the Prioritize Framerate mode. There is quite a hit to visual fidelity, but with how frenetic fights can get, you’re going to want those 60 frames per second (fps). What Monster Hunter Wilds may lack slightly in pure graphical prowess, it more than makes up for in the way its seasons change the world. Atmospheric fog effects, dust clouds that precede huge sandstorms, and puddles that follow the heavy rain all look spectacular, refreshing the palette with a complete change of scenery just before any one locale starts to overstay its welcome.

Should I play Monster Hunter Wilds?

A hunter and a Palico smile at a roasted piece of monster meat

(Image credit: Capcom)

Play it if…

You want to jump into the Monster Hunter series for the first time
Monster Hunter Wilds is the most accessible, most user-friendly game in the series yet. It still has some incredibly obtuse systems, but the campaign acts as a great tutorial to cover the main systems and combat options. By allowing you to switch between two weapons, it’s also easier than ever to get to grips with the game’s diverse array of swords, axes, and bowguns.

You’re looking for hundreds of hours of multiplayer fun
While the campaign for Monster Hunter Wilds can be beaten in around 20 hours, the endgame content offers up so much more, with hunts that are great to jump into with friends. If you’re looking for a new multiplayer game to get into, this is one that’s likely going to be supported for a long time to come.

Don’t play it if…

You’re an old-school Monster Hunter purist
Monster Hunter Wilds is a continuation of what World set out to do, and that’s to open up the series to more players by streamlining more complicated systems. By doing this, it’s a very different game to that of the older entries in the series. The combat is excellent, and the monsters are diverse, but if you’re expecting the depth of something like Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate, you won’t find it here.

Accessibility

Monster Hunter Wilds offers some accessibility options, namely in button mapping and colorblindness assistance (Trichromatic, Protanope, Deuteranope, Tritanope), but its convoluted control schemes could be tricky for some. Though the series has definitely streamlined its approach to combos for certain weapons, you’re still going to be managing a bunch of quick menus, weapon gauges, and aiming reticles at once. A simplified control scheme would be a welcome addition, especially for more complicated weapons like the Insect Glaive, which require multiple buttons to be pressed and held at once to execute moves. There are some basic auditory settings, motion sickness reduction, and an arachnophobia mode as well.

How I reviewed Monster Hunter Wilds

I played Monster Hunter Wilds for 30 hours on the PlayStation 5 Pro. During that time I completed the campaign (in around 18 hours) and then cleared through the start of the post-game content. In general, I tried to tackle side quests as they appeared and set out into each new region to explore for a while after they unlocked. There were three graphics options available during the pre-release period: Prioritize Resolution, Balanced, and Prioritize Framerate. I played the vast majority of the game in the Prioritize Framerate mode, keeping it at a solid 60fps.

On PlayStation 5 Pro, I played the game using a 4K Samsung TV (Samsung 43-inch RU7400 Dynamic). I used a PS5 DualSense Edge controller, with the Razer Blackshark V2 gaming headset connected via the controller port. Having started with Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate on Nintendo Switch, I’ve poured hundreds of hours into Monster Hunter since. Monster Hunter Rise is where I spent the most time, and I absolutely consider it to be one of the best Switch games, but recently I’ve gone back to Monster Hunter World to prep for the release of Wilds. In addition to being a fan, I’ve produced hundreds of Monster Hunter guides over the years, covering everything from the best weapon builds, to where to track down rare resources.

First reviewed February 2025

I’ve spent 20 hours rocking with the NEO S Purple Wave 5-Fret Fortnite Festival Edition and it’s a decent if nonessential way to play the rhythm game
5:00 pm | February 23, 2025

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

NEO S Purple Wave 5-Fret Fortnite Festival Edition: One-minute review

The NEO S Purple Wave 5-Fret Fortnite Festival Edition is a brand-new variant of CRKD’s Neo S controller. Functionally, the controller is the exact same as the regular one, but this specific variant comes bundled with a 5-fret attachment designed for Fortnite Festival and other rhythm games like Guitar Hero and Rock Band.

The fret attachment slots into the bottom of the controller via the headphone jack, and from there it’s good to go. The obvious comparison is that of the Guitar Hero: On Tour series of games, which featured a similar attachment for the Nintendo DS. However, the issues that plagued that release over a decade and a half ago still persist here.

The fret buttons are small with very little spacing in comparison to a regular guitar controller, and holding the controller in the guitar form can become quite uncomfortable – especially with bigger hands. I’ve tested the NEO S Purple Wave 5-Fret for three months or so now and found it difficult to play for over a couple of hours.

The biggest issue is that there’s no good way to strum in guitar-led rhythm games. The default option is to tap the RB button, which is useless when you have to strum in quick succession; meanwhile, mapping it to the stick works slightly better, but it’s still no substitute. If you’re looking for a way to play rhythm games casually, then it’s more than serviceable. But anyone looking to seriously delve into the genre is better off looking for a more suitable controller like the PDP Riffmaster.

The controller features an Xbox layout and has Bluetooth connectivity, making it great for the PC. However, it doesn’t connect to Xbox consoles (although this is promised in a future update). It does connect to the Nintendo Switch – but it’s awkward to play due to the buttons being swapped around from the usual Nintendo layout.

Neo S Fortnite Festival Edition

(Image credit: Future)

NEO S Purple Wave 5-Fret Fortnite Festival Edition: Price and availability

  • List price: $59.99 / £59.99 / AU$119.95
  • Available in the US via the CRKD website
  • Available in the UK via Argos and Amazon

The NEO S Purple Wave 5-Fret Fortnite Festival Edition launched back in November 2024 and costs $59.99 / £59.99 / AU$119.95 – making it $10 / £10 / AU$20 more expensive than the regular NEO S controller. However, it’s currently the only way to get the five-fret attachment for the controller. It’s compatible with Nintendo Switch, PC, smart TVs, and mobile devices at the moment, with Xbox support promised to arrive later down the line.

NEO S Purple Wave 5-Fret Fortnite Festival Edition: Specs

NEO S Purple Wave 5-Fret Fortnite Festival Edition: Design and features

  • Guitar attachment designed for rhythm gaming
  • Bespoke Fortnite Festival design inspired by the game
  • Programmable back buttons and fret buttons

One of the Neo S controller’s main gimmicks is the litany of custom designs available, such as one inspired by the Nintendo Famicom color scheme, 90’s-style translucent variants, and collabs with the likes of Rocket League and Hellboy.

The Fortnite Festival edition is a purple variant with a wavy design that features different shades of purple, while the d-pad, shoulder, and back buttons are bright pink. Meanwhile, the back of the controller is a solid purple shell. It’s a lovely-looking controller until you notice the gaudy Fortnite Festival logo slap-bang in the middle. A more subtle Fortnite design or emblem would’ve been preferable.

This design isn’t extended to the guitar attachment, which is also just a solid purple – although the lighter pink does appear at the fringe of each button. When the attachment isn’t on the controller, it does feel a bit flimsy, like the plastic could snap very easily.

This doesn’t help when getting it onto the controller can feel quite fiddly. You need to pop it on at an angle before pushing the top into the ridges, but lining the bottom up can be a bit cumbersome. This attachment comes with a Velcro strap, which you pop in between the controller and guitar, making it easier to hold like a standard guitar neck.

Neo S

(Image credit: Future)

The Guitar attachment features five buttons to emulate the classic Guitar Hero formula; these buttons are automatically mapped to the buttons used for each lane in Fortnite Festival.

The controller comes with three modes: one for Easy, Medium, and Hard modes in-game, another for Expert, and another for Pro mode (which is the one designed for guitar controllers). You can swap through all three of these modes by holding down all five frets, with the LED on the attachment changing color to represent another mode. You can also rebind these buttons to be used in regular games, although the position of them may not make this the most optimal.

Unfortunately, I found the NEO S Fortnite Festival Edition quite uncomfortable to hold after long sessions – more so than the discomfort of a regular guitar controller. However, it’s far more comfortable in wireless mode, as the USB-C port at the top of the controller gets in the way otherwise.

NEO S Purple Wave 5-Fret Fortnite Festival Edition: Performance

  • Solid battery life
  • Easy to set up
  • Custom button mapping requires using a mobile app

The NEO S works straight out of the box with a USB-C cable connection to PC, or by holding the CRKD button and left on the d-pad to enable Bluetooth connection for PC or mobile. For the Nintendo Switch, it’s as simple as holding the CRKD button while on the controller connect screen. The NEO S Fortnite Festival Edition’s battery life lasted around eight hours from my testing. I didn’t notice much difference in battery drain when using the guitar attachment.

The controller is fully remappable; however, if you’re looking to remap the buttons, you’ll need to do so in the CRKD app. This extends to the Guitar attachment too, which can be mapped to any button on the controller and works even outside of Fortnite Festival. However, there’s no way to actually select and enter a song in Fortnite Festival without using the regular controller.

Neo S

(Image credit: Future)

The default mapping for the strum bar is the bumper buttons, which is fine for casual play, but the issues become apparent once you’re faced with fast-moving songs like Metallica’s Battery. While a strum bar would allow you to alternate directions for faster moments, tapping one button makes this tiresome, or near-impossible in some cases. You can remap the control stick to work as a strum bar, which feels like the ideal solution, however, I couldn’t get this to work in Fortnite, but it does work in fan games like Clone Hero.

CRKD was founded by former RedOctane staff – who created the original Guitar Hero controllers – meaning that these buttons feel in line with the original series (namely the DS Guitar Grip). However, if you want to play this style of music game seriously, I’d recommend investing in a proper guitar controller.

Should I buy the NEO S Purple Wave 5-Fret Fortnite Festival Edition?

Neo S

(Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

You want a way to play Fortnite Festival Pro Mode or other guitar games
At the end of the day this controller is made with this in mind. It works for playing these modes casually and allows players the chance to experience the classic genre without forking out a lot for a guitar controller.

You’re getting a NEO S and like Fortnite Festival
For only $10 / £10 / AU$20 more I don’t see much reason not to pick this version up compared to the regular NEO S if you have even a passing interest in Fortnite Festival. Considering this is the only way to get the guitar attachment currently, I’d say it’s worth the upgrade.

Don't buy it if...

You plan on playing guitar games seriously
While it’s definitely possible for someone to tear it up with the NEO S Fortnite Festival Edition, the setbacks make this hard. If you were playing the likes of Metallica or Slayer on Guitar Hero, I’d invest in a regular guitar controller.

You have big hands or fingers
The NEO S is quite snug as a controller and the guitar attachment follows that form. The buttons on the guitar attachment do the job, but are very small and don’t have much space between them, making it easy to double-fret.

Also consider...

Still not sold on the CKRD NEO S Purple Wave 5-Fret Fortnite Festival Edition? Here’s how it compares to the other Guitar Controller on the market and a more regular pad for reference.

PDP Riffmaster
This is a great alternative because the PDP Riffmaster is the only proper guitar controller on sale right now. PDP was responsible for the last batch of Rock Band 4 guitars, so these are almost exactly alike.

For more information, check out our full PDP Riffmaster review

GameSir Nova
If you’re looking for a good Nintendo Switch and PC controller with stats comparable to the NEO S at a cheaper price point then the GameSir Nova may be up your alley. However, this obviously doesn’t support the Fortnite Festival guitar controller addon, but you are still able to play the mode with a regular controller!

For more information, check out our full GameSir Nova review

How I tested the NEO S Purple Wave 5-Fret Fortnite Festival Edition

  • Tested for around 15-20 hours
  • Used it to play Fortnite Festival and Clone Hero on PC
  • Used it as a regular controller on Nintendo Switch

I’ve been using the NEO S Purple Wave 5-Fret Fortnite Festival Edition on PC and Nintendo Switch since mid-December 2024 (so just under two months). During this time I’ve played a bunch of Fortnite Festival, but my true love affair has been with Clone Hero. I tested the controller in a variety of different musical situations: acoustic tunes that rely on strumming patterns with multiple notes, thrash tunes that require a ton of fast-paced strumming, and songs with wailing guitar solos (yes, I did play Free Bird).

In my experience, it worked best in slower songs and songs with a lot of hammer-ons and pull-offs due to my issue with the strum bar. The highlight of this experience was playing a custom chart of the full Flood album by They Might Be Giants, which featured a lot of piano (among other instruments) charted to Guitar Hero’s clear notes, which didn’t require me to strum.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed February 2025

I tried this seriously stylish budget gaming microphone for a week, but its middling sound left me wanting more
5:00 pm | February 22, 2025

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

JBL Quantum Stream Talk: One-minute review

The real highlight of the JBL Quantum Stream Talk are its design and feature set, which punch above its budget-friendly price point.

It’s super compact and very stylish, with a robust stand that incorporates metal elements to look and feel premium. It’s incredibly easy to adjust and position too, thanks to a small, foam-footed base and a smart swivel mechanism that allows the microphone to be rotated by a full 360 degrees.

The prominent LED ring indicator is a smart inclusion and something that you wouldn’t necessarily expect at this price point, providing a convenient and easy way to check whether the microphone is muted and even adjust some basic settings on the fly.

That said, the recording quality is a let-down out of the box. Its default configuration sounds very jagged and does a poor job of cutting out background noise. Luckily, the compatible JBL Quantum Engine software gives you everything that you need for better recordings. With a few settings tweaked, namely the EQ profile and noise reduction level, it’s perfect for chatting with friends or dialing into meetings - but still not clear enough to rank among the best microphones for streaming.

If you're interested in picking up a streaming microphone on a budget, there are options out there that look and feel substantially worse, but sound noticeably better such as the AKG Ara. If you can wait for a sale, you can regularly find old favorites like the Blue Snowball for not that much more than the price of the JBL Quantum Stream Talk which offers far more bang for your buck.

A close up of the JBL Quantum Stream Talk.

(Image credit: Future)

JBL Quantum Stream Talk: Price and availability

  • Costs $49.95 / £39.99
  • Available via Amazon and JBL
  • Easy to find in the US and UK

The JBL Quantum Stream Talk is readily available from both Amazon and JBL in the US and UK. It costs $49.95 / £39.99, making this the cheapest entry in the JBL Quantum Stream line right now. At this price, it’s a good value option overall for general use, especially if you’re looking for a more affordable choice that doesn't take up a lot of space on your desk.

That said, those seeking a microphone for content creation would be better off waiting for a sale and spending a little more on something like the HyperX DuoCast - which routinely drops down to around the $60 / £40 mark and offers higher quality recordings.

JBL Quantum Stream Talk: Specs

JBL Quantum Stream Talk: Design and features

  • Stylish and compact
  • Feels premium
  • Good set of features

The JBL Quantum Stream Talk is very stylish for a microphone of its price. It’s compact, with a circular plastic base complete with a small foam ring to help keep it in place on your desk.

It has a simple stalk-like design, with a cylindrical metal column and a small plastic capsule connected by a ball joint that allows it to be rotated a full 360 degrees. Also joining the column and capsule is a short wire with an orange and black braided that introduces subtle splash of color.

At the end of the capsule is a translucent ring illuminated by an LED. This is a bright green by default, turning red when the microphone is muted. The option to dim or even turn off this light would be appreciated, but it’s not particularly intrusive either way.

On the base, you will find a gray JBL logo and an adjustment dial. It's a good size and can be used to adjust the monitoring headphone volume when you’re connected to a 3.5mm headphone jack on the rear. It can also be pressed down to quickly mute the microphone, or held for a few seconds to adjust the microphone gain - indicated by the mic’s LED turning purple. It’s all very intuitive and one of the biggest reasons to consider the JBL Quantum Stream Talk.

While the microphone itself is a single unit, there is a removable USB-C cable. This is a good 6ft length and feels high-quality, matching the orange and black aesthetic of the wire found on the mic.

While I very much like the integrated stand setup, you should bear in mind that this microphone cannot be mounted to a boom arm unlike other budget picks, so is not suitable if that’s your preferred setup.

The JBL Quantum Stream Talk muted and rotavated.

(Image credit: Future)

JBL Quantum Stream Talk: Performance

  • Audio quality isn’t great out of the box
  • Sounds much better when you tweak the EQ
  • Noise reduction also helps

When you first plug the JBL Quantum Stream Talk into a computer, a popup automatically appears asking whether you would install the compatible JBL Quantum Engine Software - a convenient feature that saves you from having to dig around on a support website to find it. I would highly recommend installing it, as I found that tweaking the microphone’s settings is almost essential.

Out of the box, I was unimpressed with its performance - recordings sounded choppy with a flat, almost nasal quality to them. Booting up Discord for a quick call, background noise was very noticeable, as was any movement of the surface on which the mic was placed. This is a little strange, as the JBL Quantum Stream Talk uses a super-cardioid pickup pattern that should, in theory, really help it hone in on just your voice.

Still, you can achieve decent sound with the JBL Quantum Engine Software in hand. For me, the sweet spot was enabling the “Bright” EQ profile, which bumps up the level of almost every frequency, and turning up both the noise gate and noise reduction settings to medium. Listening back to recordings made with Audacity, my voice sounded a little sharp but otherwise more than ideal for casual chatting. With a few more tweaks, I am sure I could get it to sound even better.

The JBL Quantum Engine Software.

(Image credit: JBL)

JBL notes that the microphone is compatible with the PlayStation and Nintendo Switch too. Plugging it into my PS5, it provided significantly better sound than the integrated microphone of the DualSense Wireless Controller but is not up to par with any of the mics on the best PS5 headsets. Still, the option to use this model with your console is appreciated and increases its utility somewhat.

That said, this is also marketed as a streaming microphone and I am hesitant to recommend it for that purpose. If you’re able to spend a little more, you can find models that sound better out of the box.

This is doubly true if you’re shopping over a sale period, where the likes of the iconic Blue Snowball routinely have their prices slashed to just $20 / £20 or so more. Still, if your budget really can’t extend beyond the $49.95 / £39.99 mark and you just need something quick, this should just about suffice until you’re able to upgrade.

Should I buy the JBL Quantum Stream Talk?

Buy it if...

You want a small microphone
The JBL Quantum Stream Talk is a good option if you’re looking for something compact - its small size makes it easy to fit on your desk and it’s very stylish overall.

You want a good set of features
Its LED indicators, useful mute button, and decent set of options in the JBL Quantum Engine software all help the JBL Quantum Stream Talk punch above its modest price tag.

Don't buy it if...

You’re a content creator able to spend more
If you’re keen to get into streaming, then I would recommend spending a little bit more on a model that sounds better out of the box. Alternatively, wait for the sale and pick up a favorite like the Blue Snowball for cheap.

Also consider...

Want to weigh up your options? Here are two gaming microphones to consider alongside the JBL Quantum Stream Talk.

AKG Ara
The AKG Ara is a decent alternative at a similar price. It sounds better out of the box but lacks the gain control, looks worse, and feels cheaper in the hands.

For more information, check out our full AKG Ara review

HyperX DuoCast
The HyperX DuoCast is frequently available on sale for only slightly more than the JBL Quantum Stream Talk. This entry-level streamer mic offers better sound, two distinct polar patterns, and pleasant RGB lighting if you’re able to stretch the budget.

For more information, check out our full HyperX DuoCast review.

A close up of the branding on the JBL Quantum Stream Talk.

(Image credit: Future)

How I tested the JBL Quantum Stream Talk

  • Used for over a week
  • Tried with PC and console
  • Tested with calls and local recording

I used the JBL Quantum Stream Talk as my daily driver for over a week. During that time I tested it with both PC and console with a range of tasks including making calls to friends, recording audio files locally, and attending virtual meetings for work. I made sure to thoroughly test the compatible JBL Quantum Engine software, experimenting with its features to find the best setup.

Throughout my time with the microphone, I compared my experience with my hands-on testing of other models all across the price spectrum ranging from the likes of the Blue Snowball to the Blue Yeti and SteelSeries Alias.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed January 2025.

The Atari 7800+ is a decent retro gaming package with a few too many frustrations to fully recommend
9:00 pm | February 21, 2025

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

Atari 7800+: One-minute review

The Atari 7800+ is the latest attempt at a retro console from the iconic gaming brand. I was hopeful going into this one, as I was quite fond of the previous Atari 2600+ which I awarded four stars in my review. Unfortunately, I feel like the Atari 7800+ is a step down overall, offering little in the way of quality-of-life improvements and a genuinely terrible pack-in controller.

Now, I wasn’t the biggest fan of the 2600+’s included CX40+ joystick, citing its stiffness as a major point of contention. I like the CX78+ even less; the option of wireless connectivity is nice, but a lack of a pause or reset button (these are only on the console itself) and its bizarre D-pad / analog stick hybrid make for a miserable play experience. And don’t go thinking you can just swap it out for a third-party controller; the lack of USB ports on the console means that this is strictly not an option.

On a more positive note the VIP Boxset I was sent for testing came with a handful of Atari 7800 games, and they all are good fun. That Atari charm is still in full effect here, with its limited graphical and audio capabilities still allowing for a fascinating and unique gaming experience. It’s a shame that each game takes a decent chunk of time to actually load, but once you’re in, there’s undoubtedly plenty of enjoyment to be had here.

Overall then, the Atari 7800+ is only really recommendable to serious Atari enthusiasts. With its use of physical cartridges (that would need to be bought separately), lack of quality modernities and no support for third-party controllers, it’s authentic to a fault. For some, that’ll be great news. But for a more approachable and affordable retro gaming experience, you might want to consider something like the Evercade VS or the handheld brilliance of the Super Pocket instead.

Atari 7800+

(Image credit: Future)

Atari 7800+: Price and availability

  • $129.99 / £99.99
  • Includes the console and CX78+ gamepad
  • Also includes Bentley Bear’s Crystal Quest physical cartridge

The Atari 7800+ has been available since November 2024, and will cost you $129.99 / £99.99. You can buy it directly from Atari’s website, or at retailers including Amazon in the US and Argos across the pond in the UK. This is the same price that the Atari 2600+ launched at, and given the 7800+’s compatibility with 2600 game cartridges and controllers, it’s undoubtedly the one to choose today if you’re deciding between the two, though I do think the 2600+ is the more attractive unit from an aesthetics standpoint.

It’s a pretty expensive investment considering the console only ships with one controller and a single (relatively simple) game. But like devices such as the Evercade EXP and Evercade Alpha, you’ll likely want to buy it in the interest of building up a collection of games. On that note, Atari 7800 and 2600 cartridges can be purchased from the brand’s website for $29.99 / £24.99 a pop. These come with authentic cardboard packaging, adding to the overall value somewhat.

Atari 7800+: Specs

Atari 7800+ controller

(Image credit: Future)

Atari 7800+: Design and features

  • Feels lightweight and hollow out of the box
  • CX78+ controller is pretty terrible
  • Thankfully very easy to set up

Let’s get the positives out the way first. The Atari 7800+ is incredibly easy to set up, and you will be gaming with it within moments of taking it out of the box. In said box, you’re getting the console itself, a CX78+ wireless controller (more on this thing in a moment), and a single game cartridge for Bentley Bear’s Crystal Quest - a homebrew title from developer Robert DeCrescenzo. As an aside, I think it’s a wonderful thing that Atari is so prominently promoting members of its homebrew community here, but I’ll talk more about this in the performance section below.

The box has most of everything you’ll need to get the Atari 7800+ up and running on your TV or gaming monitor including a HDMI cable, a DB9 wireless dongle for the controller, and a USB-C cable for power. The console will work simply by plugging it into a USB port, but if you want to hook it up to the mains, you’ll need to source your own USB plug. Atari cites this omission as a means to cut down on e-waste, which is fair enough.

The console itself has little in the way of buttons or ports. The front houses two DB9 controller ports, while the rear has a single HDMI and USB-C port, as well as a switch to flip between 16:9 and 4:3 resolution. The top then has a large cartridge slot (which unfortunately doesn’t have a dust cover), and power, pause, select and reset buttons.

Atari 7800+

(Image credit: Future)

As I alluded to at the top, this is a pretty authentic package, albeit with the addition of a HDMI port for modern displays. I do wish Atari could’ve found some room for a standard USB port or two, to offer functionality for the best Xbox controllers or best PC controllers like we see on the Evercade VS and Evercade Alpha.

That’s largely because you’ll be relying on the pack-in CX78+ wireless controller for gameplay. In a word, this thing is awful. While appearing faithful to the original 7800 controller, its boxy shape doesn’t sit well in the hands and its D-pad / analog stick hybrid is beyond uncomfortable to play with. In fairness, its two face buttons are just fine, and it instantly paired to the console by holding down the pairing button for a second.

But there’s really not much else to say about the CX78+. It’s good that there’s one in the box, but it had me begging for third-party controller support.

One last gripe I have is with the cartridge slot. Cartridges never quite feel like they’re securely in place here. Yet simultaneously, you really have to jimmy the cartridges from side to side in order to dislodge them, which creates a rather uncomfortable squeaking sound as they come loose.

Atari 7800+: Performance

  • Simple, but very charming game library
  • Emulation is broadly excellent
  • Games can take some time to boot

Now I get to talk about my favorite part of the Atari 7800+ experience - the games themselves. Like with the Atari 2600+, I found myself surprised at how well many of these games held up as well as how much fun I was having. Look, I’m old, but Atari was still before my time. Cut me some slack.

The pack-in game, Bentley Bear’s Crystal Quest, is excellent. This is an Adventure Island-esque side-scrolling platformer with simple yet charming visuals and surprisingly moreish gameplay. You’ll run from left to right, dispatching enemies with a reliable projectile attack. Your health bar also acts like a timer, counting down as you progress, but thankfully it can be topped up with semi-plentiful health items. It’s good simple fun and has a decent level of challenge to it.

Atari 7800+ box

(Image credit: Future)

I was also a huge fan of Ninja Golf, which is exactly what it sounds like. Here, you whack your ball up a course, and you’ll then have to run towards it, eliminating enemy ninjas and wild creatures on the way. It again plays very well if you can get used to the CX78+ controller.

I also got to test out an impressive Rad Racer-like combat racing game in Fatal Run, as well as two relatively simpler experiences in Frenzy and Asteroids Deluxe. Overall, there’s a good amount of variety if you’re planning to shop around for extra cartridges on Atari’s website. I don’t personally own any old 2600 or 7800 cartridges myself, but Atari’s website claims the 7800+ has “near-perfect compatibility with original and third-party Atari games.”

It’s worth noting that each game did take a surprising amount of time to boot, often upwards of 10 seconds for games with more detailed visuals like Ninja Golf and Fatal Run. It’s also quite irksome that the CX78+ controller (likely for the sake of authenticity) doesn’t have a pause button - so you’ll need to rely on the one found on the console instead.

Should I buy the Atari 7800+?

Buy it if...

You want an authentic retro gaming experience
With top emulation and a reliance on physical cartridges, the Atari 7800+ is a fine choice if you’re looking to kickstart a new game collection especially if you’re enthusiastic about some of the earliest games in our medium’s history.

You already own a good number of old Atari cartridges
The Atari 7800+ is broadly compatible with authentic 2600 and 7800 game cartridges. As a result, the 7800+ provides a good excuse to dust away those cobwebs and put your old collection to use once more.

Don't buy it if...

You haven’t the cash to spare
The console itself is already pretty pricey, but you’ll also need to buy more cartridges separately. This can add up to a pretty hefty investment overall.

You were hoping for more controller support
Having the option to use an Xbox Wireless Controller or similar would’ve been a serious boon here. Instead, you’ll be relying on Atari’s own controller, and it isn’t particularly good.View Deal

Also consider...

If the Atari 7800+ isn’t quite doing it for you, you might want to consider one of these other retro console devices.

Atari 2600+
The Atari 2600+ is the 7800+’s predecessor and technically less capable given its lack of 7800 cartridge support, but I’m a big fan of its authentic look from its dip switches to elements of a wood finish. If you prize aesthetics, this console is more attractive than its successor.

Read our full Atari 2600+ review

Evercade VS
It supports the entire Evercade cartridge library, is more affordable and features four USB ports for its own controller as well as third-party gamepad support. This one’s a real winner if you’re keen to have a more arcade-focused collection from developers including Capcom, Taito, Technos and more.

Read our full Evercade VS review

Atari 7800+

(Image credit: Future)

How I tested the Atari 7800+

  • Tested over the course of a week
  • Played on a 24-inch AOC Gaming 24G2SP monitor
  • A wide selection of games tested

I played the Atari 7800+ over the course of about a week, primarily with it hooked up to a smaller display to get the best results out of its simplistic visuals. My monitor of choice here was the AOC Gaming 24G2SP monitor, with games played via HDMI at 1080p resolution. Though I did make sure to test games back and forth between 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios.

Games tested included Bentley Bear’s Crystal Quest, Fatal Run, Frenzy, Asteroids Deluxe and Ninja Golf. As I couldn’t play these games with a third-party controller, I had to make use of the pack-in CX78+ controller.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed February 2025

I’ve used the Hori Split Pad Pro with my Nintendo Switch for years and it’s still great, but there are some better options in 2025
7:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Consoles & PC Gadgets Gaming Nintendo | Tags: , , | Comments: Off

Hori Split Pad Pro: One-minute review

The Hori Split Pad Pro was easily one of the best Nintendo Switch controllers when it first launched in conjunction with Daemon X Machina over five years ago, offering a fantastic wired-only Joy-Con alternative that delivered superior comfort and performance at the cost of a few nice-to-have features like HD Rumble, motion controls, and wireless compatibility. It remains a decent option in 2025, especially given its relatively modest price point, but the rise of absolutely killer, feature-packed alternatives like the CRKD Nitro Deck or CRKD Nitro Deck+ mean it’s not quite the titan that it once was.

The full-size thumbsticks, larger face buttons, and massively improved shoulder buttons are among its biggest advantages still, especially compared to the standard Joy-Con controllers. It’s hard to overstate just how much this can improve some games, especially shooters like Borderlands 3 or Doom Eternal where the limited thumbstick motion and shallow triggers of the Joy-Con are a constant frustration. Even so, the absence of motion controls is a real shame in this regard, especially when most Nintendo Switch shooters now support them for more precise aiming, and makes it unsuitable for the likes of Splatoon 3 if that’s your preferred input method.

The D-pad of the Hori Split Pad Pro is a strong point too and perfect for precise platforming in games like Super Mario Bros. Wonder. It’s joined by some handy extras, like two remappable rear inputs and an optional turbo mode, though I don’t find myself reaching for either of these that often. All of this can be configured on the controllers themselves, which eliminates the need for any extra software.

There’s also the matter of the controller’s overall shape, which is significantly larger than that of the Joy-Con. Does this make your Nintendo Switch harder to stash in a bag? Absolutely, but I think this trade-off is worth it given the greater level of comfort that it brings. It makes the Nintendo Switch a joy to play over extended periods of time and can be a lifesaver if you're trying to game throughout a long journey.

Image 1 of 2

The Hori Split Pad Pro on a desk mat.

(Image credit: Future)
Image 2 of 2

The rear of the Hori Split Pad Pro.

(Image credit: Future)

Hori Split Pad Pro: Price and availability

  • Plain models go for $49.99 / £39.99
  • Licensed versions get expensive
  • Accessory pack available for TV mode wired play

The plain black version of the Hori Split Pad Pro is easy to find for $49.99 / £39.99 at online retailers like Amazon in addition to Best Buy and Walmart in the US or Argos and Currys in the UK. There are also a plethora of licensed versions available, though these are generally more expensive. To give an example, the The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom variant that I tested costs $59.99 / £53.99 at the time of writing, so only spring out for these editions if you’re willing to pay more for the aesthetic.

This price point puts the Hori Split Pad Pro in close competition with the $59.99 / £59.99 CRKD Nitro Deck, especially when you bear in mind that the latter is almost perpetually on sale for as low as $39.99 / £37.99. Having tested both extensively, I can say the CRKD Nitro Deck is definitively better thanks to a slightly more comfortable shape (though the Split Pad Pro is still comfy) and the addition of features like motion control and rumble. Still, the Hori Split Pad Pro is worth choosing if you prefer its smaller form factor - or want something that doesn’t need a mobile app to tweak.

You can also buy the Hori Split Pad Pro in a bundle that comes with a small attachment that goes in between the controllers for wired TV mode play and also enables PC compatibility. This comes in at $79.99 / £69.99 and is the only way to buy that attachment as it is not sold separately.

Hori Split Pad Pro: Specs

A close up shot of the Hori Split Pad Pro.

(Image credit: Future)

Hori Split Pad Pro: Design and features

  • Much more comfortable than the Joy-Con
  • But light weight feels quite cheap
  • Turbo mode, plus remappable buttons featured

Taking the Hori Split Pad Pro out of the box, the first thing you’ll notice is its light weight. These controllers come in at just 0.18 lbs / 80 g each - which is actually a little more than the standard Joy-Con but, because of the increased size, feels a lot less substantial in the hands. They come across as almost hollow, which isn’t the best first impression given the price. Thankfully, this is barely noticeable once you slot them into the Joy-Con rails, and they slide in seamlessly before securing in place with a reassuring click.

Hori has opted for an unusual, almost squashed look with the Split Pad Pro, giving the impression of a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller that someone has accidentally sat on. The grips are tiny, lumpy protrusions on the corner of each side of the gamepad, which honestly looks pretty ridiculous. That said, the company must be on to something here as the Hori Split Pad Pro is seriously comfortable to hold.

The grips fit nicely in my palms and the chunky depth gives you loads to grasp on to. The shoulder buttons are a massive improvement over those found on the Joy-Con, coming in larger and with a much softer press to them. The triggers are also enhanced, with a bit of extra movement for a more satisfying pull. Likewise, the thumbsticks have a great range of motion, allowing for more precise inputs than the fiddly tiny ones on the Joy-Con - though they are unfortunately not Hall effect like those of the CRKD Nitro Deck. There’s also a proper D-pad, with a satisfying, spongy feel (not too dissimilar to that of the Nintendo 2DS) and a slight concave shape that’s pleasant on the thumb.

When it comes to features, you have a modest selection to choose from. Each side of the Split Pad Pro has its own rear input, which can be mapped by holding the tiny ‘Assign’ button on the front. This can only be achieved while your Nintendo Switch is powered on but, thankfully, does save your selection in between uses. There’s also a turbo button, which you can hold to simulate rapid button presses without ruining your thumb - handy if you play a lot of arcade shoot-’em up style games.

As I’ve previously mentioned, this is a wired controller that can only be used attached to the Switch. Unlike the Joy-Con, you also don’t get HD Rumble (or any vibration for that matter), gyroscope controls, an IR camera, or Amiibo support which is a shame but not too surprising in the realm of third-party controllers.

A close up shot of the right hand side of the Hori Split Pad Pro.

(Image credit: Future)

Hori Split Pad Pro: Performance

  • Very comfortable to use
  • Perfect for shooters
  • Outclassed by the CRKD Nitro Deck

There’s very little I can fault the Hori Split Pad Pro on in raw performance. It feels great in the hands and remains so over extended sessions. I often find my fingers become cramped after multiple hours with the Joy-Con and that’s not at all the case here.

The buttons and D-pad are perfectly responsive and a great size for those with larger hands too, further adding to the comfort factor. The larger thumbsticks don’t have a lot of resistance so are ideal for quick motion, whether that’s in 3D adventures like Super Mario Odyssey or fast-paced driving games such as Rocket League.

My only complaint with the buttons is the use of a very soft rubbery material for the start, select, home, ‘Assign’ and turbo buttons, which makes them fairly dull and slow to press. These aren’t buttons that you’re going to be using all the time, of course, but plastic would be a big improvement. Although I do miss the ability to tweak settings like thumbstick sensitivity, the fact that you don’t need an app to access the rear button assignment and turbo is refreshing and would make this a particularly good fit if you’re shopping for a child.

Unfortunately, the Hori Split Pad Pro suffers because of its relative age. The CRKD Nitro Deck and CRKD Nitro Deck+ have launched over the last couple of years and outclass it in almost every regard - be that the presence of motion control, rumble, two more rear inputs, a HDMI port, or Hall effect components. Having tested both extensively, I even found that the Nitro Deck is a tad more comfortable thanks to its increased heft and certainly has a more premium build. The one area where the Hori Split Pad Pro comes up on top is the fact that it is smaller and easier to remove, so slightly more portable overall.

The Hori Split Pad Pro being used to play a Super Mario game on Nintendo Switch OLED.

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Hori Split Pad Pro?

Buy it if...

You want a simple Joy-Con alternative
If you want an easy-to-use handheld grip that doesn’t require an app to access any of its features, then the Hori Split Pad Pro is for you.

You love handheld play
The Hori Split Pad Pro is excellent for handheld play, offering a huge improvement over the Joy-Con controllers included with the Nintendo Switch.

You love the licensed designs
With designs inspired by The Legend of Zelda, Pokémon, and more, the Hori Split Pad Pro is definitely worth picking up if you’re a fan of the look.View Deal

Don't buy it if...

You want a wireless controller with all the features
If you want a controller with all of the features of the Joy-Con, you’re going to need to look elsewhere. The Hori Split Pad Pro can only be used in a wired capacity, and also lacks features like rumble, gyroscope controls, and Amiibo support.View Deal

The CRKD Nitro Deck is on sale
When it’s on sale, the CRKD Nitro Deck is practically the same price as the cheapest version of the Hori Split Pad Pro. It’s also noticeably better, with Hall effect components and a more premium build, plus loads of extra features.View Deal

Also consider...

Considering the Hori Split Pad Pro? These alternatives should also be on your radar.

CRKD Nitro Deck
The CRKD Nitro Deck is the closest equivalent to the Hori Split Pad Pro and offers a wider set of features, plus more remappable buttons, at a very similar price.

Read our full CRKD Nitro Deck review

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
If you want a fully-featured, wireless controller for your Nintendo Switch then you can never go wrong with the official option. The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller feels great in the hands and has best-in-class battery life.

Read our full Nintendo Switch Pro Controller review

A close-up of the Hori Split Pad Pro.

(Image credit: Future)

How I tested the Hori Split Pad Pro

  • Tested this unit for two weeks
  • Tried with a huge a variety of Nintendo Switch games
  • Compared to other Nintendo Switch accessories

Although Hori provided the The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom edition for the purposes of this review, I have owned the black version of the Hori Split Pad Pro for years with it being my main Nintendo Switch controller between 2021 and 2023, at which point I upgraded to the CRKD Nitro Deck. I have spent literally hundreds of hours with it, testing all of its functions and playing a huge variety of Nintendo Switch games.

For this review, I compared my experience with the Hori Split Pad Pro to that with other Nintendo Switch controllers and accessories - namely the CRKD Nitro Deck.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed February 2025

The Mobile Controller MG-X Pro is the most disappointing mobile controller that I’ve ever tested
9:00 pm | February 18, 2025

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

One-minute review

The Mobile Controller MG-X Pro is the most disappointing mobile gaming controller that I’ve ever tested. For the lofty price of $119.90 / £99.90 - which is a whopping $19.91 more than the Backbone One 2nd Gen in the US - you’re getting a mobile controller that performs worse, has a lower build quality, lacks a lot of major features, and, in the case of the iPhone variant that I tried, doesn't even fit properly on some recent phones.

There is simply no reason to consider this controller at its retail price - but that’s not to say that it is completely irredeemable.

The thumbsticks are a little loose for my taste but undeniably work well for fast-paced games like Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile. The large, Xbox-style buttons are also responsive and quite appealing if you intend to use them for Xbox Cloud Gaming - though it’s a shame that the D-pad is uncomfortably flat and imprecise. There’s also the fact that this is a Bluetooth gamepad, which, even though this means that it requires separate charging and does not feature charging pass-through, some might still prefer over the wired connection of the Backbone One 2nd Gen.

The Mobile Controller MG-X Pro is quite a unique shape too, being something of a middle ground between the compact Backbone One 2nd Gen and the full-size Razer Kishi Ultra, and comfortable in the hands for extended gaming sessions.

If you can find it on sale with a discount of 50% or above, I could see this being a solid, though certainly not leading, option. Otherwise, I’m hoping that manufacturer Nacon takes the Mobile Controller MG-X Pro back to the drawing board for an updated, overhauled successor.

The Mobile Controller MG-X Pro without a mobile phone inserted.

(Image credit: Future)

Mobile Controller MG-X Pro: Price and availability

  • iOS version costs $119.90 / £99.90
  • Android version is $99.90 / £74.90
  • Available via Nacon and Amazon

The Mobile Controller MG-X Pro sells for $119.90 / £99.90 on the Nacon website and similar rates over at Amazon. It’s available in both the US and UK, with two alternate versions to choose from. I tested the white ‘iPhone’ variant, which is compatible with iOS devices.

The Android, or ‘Xbox’ version, comes in black - with a larger Xbox-style home button. Despite being a licensed product, it’s bizarrely a little cheaper than the iOS one - at $99.90 / £74.90.

I wouldn’t say that this is good value, but at this lower price, the Mobile Controller MG-X Pro is a little bit more competitive in the face of the $99.99 / £99.99 Backbone One 2nd Gen.

Mobile Controller MG-X Pro: Specs

A close-up of the buttons on the Mobile Controller MG-X Pro.

(Image credit: Future)

Mobile Controller MG-X Pro: Design and features

  • Thick and comfortable in the hands
  • Plastic feels cheap
  • Face buttons are reliable

The Mobile Controller MG-X Pro’s design is a midpoint between smaller options like the Backbone One 2nd Gen and Scuf Nomad and larger mobile gamepads such as the Razer Kishi Ultra. It’s quite hefty, weighing 0.77lbs / 350g, with an overall shape that’s a bit reminiscent of the Xbox Wireless Controller, albeit with an extending spring-loaded back to accommodate the addition of a mobile phone.

The grips are thinner than Microsoft’s pad, however, and the overall layout is a little bit squashed in comparison - with the thumbsticks, buttons, and D-pad all very close together. It’s certainly not uncomfortable, even in my larger hands, and I actually quite like the way that little nook underneath the rear triggers provides a perfect little resting place for your middle fingers.

Still, the build quality is a letdown at this price point. There are cheap-looking seams on the sides of the controller, plus a few visible imperfections in the plastic molding. Some corners are quite sharp too, especially where the phone is attached, which occasionally led to me painfully scraping my hands on it while trying to get my device in and out. This is nowhere near the almost Apple-like construction of the slightly cheaper Backbone One 2nd Gen.

A close up of the Mobile Controller MG-X Pro's charging port.

(Image credit: Future)

This is a Bluetooth gamepad, so it has no physical connection to your phone. Instead, you need to turn it on by holding the small home button and waiting for it to connect to your device. Four small LED indicators show you its current status, such as its current battery level and whether it's in pairing mode. On the bottom of the controller is a USB-C port, used to charge up the controller. Bear in mind that, unlike the Backbone One 2nd Gen, there’s no charging pass-through here, so won’t be able to top up your device while it’s in use. There’s also no headphone jack, so many of the best gaming earbuds simply won’t work.

The Mobile Controller MG-X Pro is compatible with the MG-X Series App, which bizarrely only seemed to be available on iOS. This is fully functional, but lacks anything beyond the most basic features - only offering thumbstick calibration, a quick control guide, and the option to update your gamepad. There’s no button remapping here, no way to customize trigger sensitivity, no list of suggested compatible games, or really any reason to ever boot it up. It’s significantly behind the Backbone or Razer Nexus apps, which both function as game launchers and offer basic necessities such as button remapping in addition to a few killer features like, in Razer’s case, a fantastic virtual controller mode.

At least the setup process is mercifully straightforward, simply requiring you to turn on the controller and select it from your phone’s Bluetooth menu to pair.

The MG-X Series app.

(Image credit: Nacon)

Mobile Controller MG-X Pro: Performance

  • Strong battery life
  • Thumbsticks feel quite loose
  • D-pad is awful

The performance of the Mobile Controller MG-X Pro is just about acceptable, provided you ignore the price. The thumbsticks are roughly equivalent in size to the Xbox pad but with a thinner column and much more travel.

There’s not a lot of resistance, which makes them quick to use in fast-paced multiplayer games like Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile or PUBG Mobile, but at the same time means that they feel a tad slippery.

The face buttons have a flat design with a lot of surface area and a pleasant, membrane-feeling mechanism. The D-pad is also very flat and spongy, but unlike the buttons, I soon found that this made it very hard to make precise inputs. Pressing right would often also trigger an upwards input and if you play lots of platformers or retro games with D-pad controls, this is going to be a complete dealbreaker.

A note on accessibility

The Nacon MG-X Pro android mobile gaming controller in front of a PS5

(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)

Nacon sent me the Android variant for testing - and I've had a pretty positive experience with it from an accessibility standpoint. Thanks to its chunky design, it's the only mobile controller I've really been able to use and has let me enjoy Stalker 2 on the sofa via remote play. Each arm is perfectly sized and the buttons are arranged closely enough for my different hands to engage with. It's a shame about the price and build, but for those looking to try a uniquely shaped mobile controller, the MG-X Pro earns some credit.

- Rob Dwiar, Managing Editor, TechRadar Gaming

The iOS version of the Mobile Controller MG-X Pro also doesn't fit well if you’re using a larger iPhone. I tested the controller with my iPhone 15 Plus, where the large camera module makes it difficult to securely insert. It goes in fine enough at first, but is loose and could fall out if you’re not careful. After a quick look online, I discovered that this was quite a common complaint with a handful of customers saying that it didn’t fit an iPhone 14 Pro Max either.

Swapping over to an old iPhone 12, this was not an issue at all, so it’s clear that Nacon needs to revise the design for modern iPhones - or at the very least add a disclaimer to its store page clarifying exactly which devices it’s most compatible with. This makes it a mobile controller that you’re realistically not going to want to use out and about; after all there’s no point risking your phone coming loose and falling out onto a hard surface while you’re trying to game on the train.

The only area where the Mobile Controller MG-X Pro unreservedly delivers is in its battery life. Nacon claims that it will last “up to 20 hours” and I can attest that it gets very close to that figure. I was able to use the controller repeatedly throughout the week without ever having to worry about charging it up, which is excellent.

A mobile phone fitting poorly in the Mobile Controller MG-X Pro.

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Mobile Controller MG-X Pro?

Buy it if...

You want strong battery life
Easily the best element of the Mobile Controller MG-X Pro is its battery life. You’re getting close to 20 hours in standard use, which is great and cuts down on the need to charge it up between sessions.

Don't buy it if...

You crave the best value
The Mobile Controller MG-X Pro is far too expensive for what you get. It’s impossible to recommend above the many similarly priced and even cheaper alternatives out there today.

You want lots of features
The Mobile Controller MG-X Pro has a tiny feature set and a comically barren mobile app. If you want a controller that you can truly customize, then you need to look elsewhere.View Deal

Also consider

Looking for something a bit better than the Mobile Controller MG-X Pro? Consider these two strong alternatives instead.

Scuf Nomad
The Scuf Nomad is similar to the Mobile Controller MG-X Pro in that it’s also a Bluetooth mobile gamepad, but it has a significantly greater number of features and a much more high-quality design.

Read our full Scuf Nomad review

Backbone One 2nd Gen
The Backbone One 2nd Gen is the mobile controller to beat, and massively better than the Mobile Controller MG-X Pro. It’s wired, but fits more phones, is compatible with both Android and iOS at once, and boasts a great app.

Read our full Backbone One 2nd Gen review

A close-up of the thumbstick on the Mobile Controller MG-X Pro.

(Image credit: Future)

How I tested the Mobile Controller MG-X Pro

  • Test for a few weeks
  • Tried with a variety of mobile games
  • Compared to other controllers

I tested the iOS version of the Mobile Controller MG-X Pro for roughly three weeks. During that time I paired it with my trusty iPhone 15 Plus and, briefly, an old iPhone 12. I played a wide variety of compatible mobile games, including favorites like Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile, Zenless Zone Zero, Hitman Blood Money Reprisal, Call of Duty Mobile, and more.

Throughout my time with the controller, I compared my experience with my hands-on testing of other mobile gamepads including the Razer Kishi, Razer Kishi Ultra, Backbone One, Backbone One 2nd Gen, Scuf Nomad, Turtle Beach Atom, and GameSir X2s Type-C.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed February 2025

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