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Scuf Nomad review: a solid mobile controller that struggles to stand out
2:14 pm | August 27, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming Gaming Accessories | Comments: Off

One-minute review

The Scuf Nomad is a good mobile controller. If you’re looking for a portable gamepad that boasts similar features to the Backbone One but makes use of Bluetooth rather than a physical connection, then this is the product for you. Having to keep its battery topped up is a little less convenient than the plug-and-play nature of wired controllers, especially as the Scuf Nomad does seem to lose charge rather quickly while not in use, but still has some advantages - namely reducing the impact on your phone’s battery life as your play.

When it comes to build quality, the Scuf Nomad ticks all of the right boxes. Like many of the best PC controllers, it feels reassuringly robust in the hands, with a good weight. It also has a very smooth extension mechanism that helps it fit snugly around your iOS phone. Its smooth plastic exterior looks good and features some pleasant tactile elements, like the slightly softer textured rear grips, too. Although not mechanical, the face buttons and d-pad are comfortable to use and responsive despite their relatively small size. 

Its Hall effect thumbsticks are also decent, though feel extremely loose compared to much of the competition. I personally didn’t mind this and found it to be a good fit for fast-paced titles like Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile and Zenless Zone Zero, but it could be a dealbreaker for those who want something to play slower role-playing games (RPGs) like Stardew Valley.

While the thumbsticks are concave by default, two alternate convex thumbstick shapes are also included in the box. This is a great inclusion on paper, but the method of swapping between them is incredibly fiddly and not something that you would realistically want to do more than once - if at all. It’s a shame, as these minor frustrations are what holds the Scuf Nomad back from greatness.

The SCUF Nomad without a phone on a colorful desk mat.

(Image credit: Future)

Scuf Nomad: Price and availability

  • $99.99 / £89.99 / around AU$179.99 
  • Available via Scuf and Amazon 
  • No Android edition for now 

The Scuf Nomad is available for $99.99 / £89.99 / around AU$179.99 either directly from Scuf or at online retailers like Amazon. This price point puts it roughly on par with the cost of a Backbone One, which is clearly the product that Scuf intends this controller to compete with. 

Although a Bluetooth device, the Scuf Nomad is not compatible with Android devices - a fact that is clearly stated on the box and store listings. I found that the controller does actually pair with an Android device, though it does not function correctly in most games, for example by failing to register certain inputs. 

While the sample provided for review came in black, the Scuf Nomad is also available in a rather striking white and gray colorway. 

Scuf Nomad: Specs

The thumbsticks of the Scuf Nomad.

(Image credit: Future)

Scuf Nomad: Design and features

The design of the Scuf Nomad has clearly taken plenty of cues from the overall form factor of the Backbone One. It features a similar extending back mechanism, though it feels considerably smoother and higher quality on the Scuf Nomad which is definitely a welcome upgrade. 

The area where your phone rests is also home to a really lovely grippy texture that features a subtle hexagonal design that looks a little bit like camouflage from a distance - a brilliant little nod to the Scuf brand’s roots in first-person shooters (FPS) accessories and a practical addition that helps keep your phone firmly in place. There is also a small slot for a rubber adapter, which you can slide in easily and helps create a little more room for larger phones. 

The two grips are both a little thicker than those on the Backbone One, making them noticeably more comfortable for those with larger hands. They are also a more ergonomic shape, plus each features a customizable rear input in addition to the usual face buttons, thumbsticks, shoulder buttons, and triggers. While the thumbsticks are Hall effect, the buttons and d-pad are not mechanical which is a little disappointing given the clear focus on premium-feeling components elsewhere.

I was also unimpressed by the two included alternate thumbstick tips, which are a more convex design. The process of swapping between these tips is incredibly fiddly and annoying, involving plenty of pushing and pulling with an uncomfortable degree of force that had me convinced that I was about to break the controller. It’s not a process that I would ever want to repeat.

The rear remappable inputs of the Scuf Nomad.

(Image credit: Future)

On the bottom of the left grip, you can find a USB-C port, which is used to charge the controller with a high-quality braided USB-C cable that is included in the box. On the other side, there is a small Bluetooth pairing button, which puts the controller into pairing mode. The only other notable design element is the four LED lights positioned next to the Menu Button. These illuminate to denote the controller’s current battery level or pairing status.

The Scuf Nomad’s most significant features are all accessed through the aptly named Scuf Nomad Mobile Companion App. This includes the ability to quickly launch compatible games, update controller firmware, and save a wide range of customizable profiles. You can seriously tweak almost any aspect of the controller in these profiles from trigger dead zones to thumbstick sensitivity, and even assign new buttons to every single input.

There are also a range of presets available for the thumbsticks and triggers, which would be perfect for those just eager to dive right into games with the ideal setup. It’s also worth noting that the app does not require any subscription services to access all of its features, which is noteworthy in the face of the Backbone Plus membership offered with the Backbone app.

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The Scuf Nomad companion app.

(Image credit: SCUF)
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The Scuf Nomad companion app.

(Image credit: SCUF)
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The Scuf Nomad companion app.

(Image credit: SCUF)

Scuf Nomad: Performance

I found the performance of the Scuf Nomad to be fairly impressive across the board. It sits comfortably in the hands and offers a good level of responsiveness, despite relying on only a Bluetooth connection. The small d-pad and buttons are easy to reach and well-suited for rapid presses. The thumbsticks are also a good size, but it is worth noting that they do feel particularly loose which might not be for everyone.

There was one notable occasion where the triggers and left thumbstick stopped working entirely halfway through a battle royale game. This was incredibly annoying but fixed by quickly rebooting the controller, so likely the result of a connection issue rather than any hardware problems. It was also not repeated again during my hands-on testing of the controller, so does not seem to be a persistent issue.

I played my usual gauntlet of Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile matches, plus some cloud gaming via Amazon Luna and plenty of time in Zenless Zone Zero, and found every part of the experience to be on par with the Backbone One and Razer Kishi Ultra V2 - which is to say more than acceptable for the price. 

The only real issue that I did notice was that, while the controller boasts up to 16 hours of battery life (which appeared to be accurate in my testing), it does seem to deplete charge quickly between uses. If I made sure to charge it up in the morning, things were okay but there were some occasions where I took it out of my bag after a few days of no use only to find the controller completely out of juice.

Whether the result of the controller turning itself on during my travels or a less-than-stellar battery, it’s pretty unfortunate. Luckily, it does charge quickly and can be played from dead after just 20 minutes - so this didn’t cause much of a problem in the times when I had access to a plug socket. 

The Scuf Nomad and a mobile phone on a colorful desk mat.

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Scuf Nomad?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider

If you’re not keen on what the Scuf Nomad has to offer, then consider these two excellent alternatives. 

The Scuf Nomad and a mobile phone on a colorful desk mat.

(Image credit: Future)

How I tested the Scuf Nomad

  • Tested over the course of month 
  • Used with an iPhone 15 Plus ts

I tested the Scuf Nomad over the course of a month, using it a few times a week as my primary mobile gaming controller. During that time I played plenty of mobile titles including the recently released Zenless Zone Zero and Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile in addition to some cloud gaming on Amazon Luna. I used the controller with an iPhone 15 Plus and was careful to experiment with all of its hardware and software features via the compatible Scuf Nomad Mobile Companion App.

Throughout the testing period, I compared my experience to my hands-on testing of other mobile controllers including the Backbone One, Razer Kishi Ultra, Razer Kishi V2, Turtle Beach Atom, ROG Tessen, GameSir X2s Type-C, GameSir X2 Pro, and much more. 

Read more about how we test

First reviewed August 2024

Star Wars Outlaws review: the open-world Star Wars adventure you’ve been looking for
3:00 pm | August 26, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: | Comments: Off
Review info

Platform reviewed: PS5
Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
Release date: August 30, 2024 (August 27 for Gold and Ultimate Edition owners) 

Star Wars Outlaws promises the excitement of being a scoundrel and rogue in the famous sci-fi universe - and it delivers brilliantly on this, with everything being housed in an authentic Star Wars setting, aesthetic, and experience. 

Everything in this action-adventure game from serial third-person open-world makers Ubisoft (its Massive Entertainment studio, specifically) combines to make for a fulsome, moreish, and compelling experience. Be it undermining the crime syndicates, stealthing through strongholds with your companion Nix to steal specific treasures, roaming the lands for experts to learn skills from, or soaking up the beautiful worlds and vistas on offer, there’s rogueish enjoyment around every corner. There are Ubisoft fingerprints all over Outlaws too with new variants on The Division’s pulse mechanic, eavesdropping from Assassin’s Creed, and the hacking from Watch Dogs; while it’s familiar when such things all come together, the payoff is a thrill.

It’s not totally blemish-free, however, and some characteristically Ubisoft open-world-isms, including quest repetition and labored and pedestrian traversal sections which are grating and make the experience stutter.

Far, far away

A screenshot of a crashed ship in Star Wars Outlaws

(Image credit: Ubisoft/LucasFilm Games)

Outlaws’ open-world experience not only offers an open-world experience for discovery, exploration, and enjoying beautiful places that channels the pedigree Ubisoft has for making beautiful and expansive worlds. Outlaws serves up some incredible vistas and stunning environments - that aren’t covered in a carpet of question marks - to explore. but a desire and deliver them authentically too.

Complementing that is a dedication to Star Wars authenticity in everything from aesthetics and styles, to audio and overall ambience. It really is a true Star Wars experience and feels like it constantly, earning its place in the universe’s canon (Outlaws officially takes place between the The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi films). The beeps of droids and machines, the alien-language chatter in cantinas, the construction of buildings, ships, and apparel all feel ripped right from the screen. 

This is on top of beautifully realized landscapes such as the expansive emptiness of Tatooine or the lush verdancy of Akiva, and wonderfully immersive and detailed cities like the wintry urban setting of Kijimi City (my personal favorite place in the game so far).

Getting between these planets is easy and smooth in Kay’s spaceship, The Trailblazer, with the transitions between space travel, landing, and exiting the ship being exceptionally cool and swift. On-planet travel on a speeder is a little less exciting, particularly after a while, however. It was fun for a while, getting to know how this shopping cart-come-wheel-less-motorcycle accelerates, handles, and turns, but it didn’t take me that long to start comfortably relying on fast travel locations or bombing in straight lines on my speeder between locations.

You like me because I'm a scoundrel

A screenshot of Kay and Nix sneaking in a stronghold in Star Wars Outlaws

(Image credit: Ubisoft/LucasFilm Games)

Navigating these worlds and places as protagonist Kay Vess with her animal companion Nix, however, is what truly brings the game to life. 

Kay is a likable protagonist and is a tremendous ‘normal’ person to explore the galaxies through, free from The Force and all that lightsaber nonsense. The Han Solo inspiration is clear, though she’s a rogue and scoundrel who stands on her own two feet with clear strengths and distinction between her and Harrison Ford’s iconic character.

One of the clearest demonstrations of this is in her relationship with Nix, her animal companion. Nix feels like much more than ‘just’ a sidekick or travel buddy; there’s clearly an incredibly strong bond here, with the pair doing everything together. They even eat street food together in wholesome quicktime events which is a great microcosm of their relationship - the food even ends up giving Nix bonuses or extra little skills to deploy, too. As a result, I quickly became very invested in their relationship, which helped one particular rescue mission particularly resonate with me.

Best bit

Kay Vess looking at a screen in a dark room in Star Wars Outlaws

(Image credit: Massive Entertainment)

Living out a Star Wars scoundrel fantasy as a normal person in the sci-fi universe is one of Outlaw's greatest strengths. I’ve consistently had the most fun when I’m scratching around cities for credits, chasing weird parts for my gear, stealing items to play off syndicates against each other, and tracking down experts to teach me skills.

In practical application, however, Nix accentuates and complements Kay’s scoundrel and thief-like action in-game. Nix can help in combat by taking enemies out temporarily, and is a great boon in stealth, recovering items, powering off devices, and distracting guards while you stay undetected.

This scoundrel roleplay you can engage Kay in is perhaps the greatest strength of the game, too. On a micro-scale and macro scale: from the moment to moment, sneaking, lockpicking, and hacking through bases to lift high-value items, planning searches for parts and upgrades for your, blaster, speeder, or ship, and going on a multitude of missions and side quests to change your standings with the crime syndicates, it’s a brilliant rogue’s life. 

In fact, planning and engaging in all the scoundrelly side content in the game is where most of the game’s best depth and interest lies: there’s so much to do and think about and you can get so much out of contracts, intel chasing to fill out your journal with tasks and quests, loitering in places to pick up on overheard conversations, and general exploration, while the mini-game of Sabacc (a card game) is a seriously moreish addition. Where’s the standalone version, Ubisoft? 

Never tell me the odds

A screenshot of Kay and Nix walking in the snow in Kijimi City in Star Wars Outlaws

(Image credit: Ubisoft/LucasFilm Games)

The missions and quests in Star Wars Outlaws have some of the best places and environments in the game. They’re very deliberate settings that make for great self-contained adventures, such as the rusting remains of huge ships. 

These come further alive when applying Key’s stealthy and sneaky approach, taking advantage of the multiple routes that are almost always open to you. Stealthing through missions to quietly turn off alarms, set off distractions, silently take down guards, and sabotage equipment is a thrill. It reinforces the fact that Kay is a normal person, a thief, and a rogue, and so has to reply being sneaky. Perfecting infiltrations as such a comparatively underpowered character is incredibly satisfying.

However, such missions also house some of my biggest frustrations with the game. There is some annoying checkpointing in some which can lead to big chunks of progress lost if you make the smallest mistake. Some of the side quests too can fall into the trap of being repetitive, following that very well-trodden and familiar pattern of: ‘go to the place, infiltrate the place, find the thing in the place, shoot some baddies in the place, leave the place.’ Almost all missions will involve similar infiltration tactics too, such as finding vents to bypass areas, scaling cliff edges and building ledges, and climbing ladders. There are a lot of ladders.

It certainly doesn’t help that traversal feels very plain. While Kay’s grappling hook is a great tool to have, it can only be used in a few spots and with quite sluggish animations. Worse still, the Uncharted-esque scaling of walls and grates feels boring, overly simplistic, and is just highly forgettable. 

A rogue's toolkit

A screenshot of Kay and Nix using the grappling hook in a stronghold in Star Wars Outlaws

(Image credit: Ubisoft/LucasFilm Games)

That said, completing said missions with the rest of Kay’s abilities and toolset is a highlight. While she can ‘slice’ (hack) her way into security systems and computers by cracking (simple) codes by matching symbols, her data spike is the best of the bunch and demands some skills to use. It has you match inputs rhythmically to a click sound and light flash on the lock to break it open by matching the pattern. 

In a clever twist on leveling up and acquiring skills and abilities, Kay has to find the right expert to teach her said abilities. It makes sense and matches the scoundrel lifestyle she leads - she only gets better at things when she learns them. As a result, skills feel truly earned. This also neatly ties in progression to world-building - and vice versa - successfully making you and your actions feel part of an active world, not someone passing through it to pick up points transiently.

I didn’t collect all the experts on my playthrough and definitely missed out on some helpful tools and abilities as a result, so it really is worth gathering them up when you have the chance.

Another brilliant skill is Kay’s slick adrenaline ability that enables her to tag and dead-eye blast enemies. It’s not something I haven’t seen before, but still feels worthy of Han Solo himself and is even more satisfying when hightailing it across a landscape while being chased by stormtroopers. 

Speaking of blasters, Kay has three types of ammunition by default: basic plasms, an Ion one for disrupting shields and some enemies, and a charged powerful shot. Her blaster can also be upgraded as you go, offering different variations of delivering blasts, boosts to recharges, and more. 

Hand-to-hand combat is okay on the whole, with each punch delivering a decent level of impact. There are some cool moves or finishers that can happen depending on where you are, though the stealth takedowns are a bit disappointing. They feel sluggish and the time they take Kay to perform can be annoying when you’re trying to  quickly move between targets or areas undetected.

Playing the game

Kay Vess meets a Hutt

(Image credit: Ubisoft)

Another major factor to consider is the crime syndicate and reputation system - it’s a seriously meaningful mechanic that tangbily impacts how you play the game. 

There are four crime syndicates, with at least two inhabiting each world vying for power and influence. Kay has to make the best of fluctuating relationships with all of them and her reputation quickly changes along a scale with every completed mission. The four different stages of approval noticeably change how the factions interact with you, from goons that shoot you on-site all the way to getting preferential treatment and exclusive access.

While you can earn favor from all the syndicates separately, it’s incredibly difficult, bordering impossible, to achieve this at the same time - instead you’ll have to constantly balance being in favor with some with being out of favor with others. This adds jeopardy and meaning to your choices, forcing you to think carefully about decisions, such as dialogue choices that can sway the outcome of a mission in an instnat, and what quests you want or need to do.

It's a familiar combination, sir, but it checks out

Much like other Ubisoft open-world games, when each element of Star Wars Outlaws comes together it makes for some compelling magic that’s brilliant fun. 

Part of me feels frustrated by the flaws in the game and the truly amazing adventure that it could have been, but then another part of me can’t wait to get back to being an inter-planetary scoundrel, navigating the seedy underbelly of the Outer Rim. It has its faults but Star Wars Outlaws is easily one of the most enjoyable games I’ve played this year and must for any Star Wars fans. 

Accessibility

Star Wars Outlaws has numerous accessibility options, and its dedicated menu splits them up into five areas: gameplay, cognitive, colors, vision, and hearing. We’ve attached images of all of them below to give you an insight into what’s on offer.

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Star Wars Outlaws accessibility screenshot

(Image credit: Ubisoft/LucasFilm Games)
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Star Wars Outlaws accessibility screenshot

(Image credit: Ubisoft/LucasFilm Games)
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Star Wars Outlaws accessibility screenshot

(Image credit: Ubisoft/LucasFilm Games)
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Star Wars Outlaws accessibility screenshot

(Image credit: Ubisoft/LucasFilm Games)
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Star Wars Outlaws accessibility screenshot

(Image credit: Ubisoft/LucasFilm Games)
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Star Wars Outlaws accessibility screenshot

(Image credit: Ubisoft/LucasFilm Games)

As well as the dedicated difficulty options in the accessibility menu, there are also a host of other options that can be played around with to get the right balance for you, from visual changes to mini-game mechanics.

Should I play Star Wars Outlaws?

Play it if...

You’ve been yearning for an open-world Star Wars game and experience
Star Wars Outlaws is a tremendously fun open-world game to explore. It simply magical to mess around in the rich settings it has and the wider Star Wars universe and is perfect for fans to immerse themselves in.

You want to be an interplanetary rapscallion
Working in the underworld of the Star Wars universe is a joy and makes for some really fun experiences, missions, and political machinations. If working like a rogue is of interest to you, then this is going to be a winner.

You revel in Ubisoft-style open-world games
If you enjoy playing other open-world adventures from the developer where there’s plenty to do and get your teeth into, then Outlaws will be perfect thanks to its abundance of compelling side content.

Don't play it if...

You want a bombastic lightsaber-wielding Force-driven adventure
One of Star Wars Outlaws’ greatest strengths is playing as a regular person with no special Jedi-like abilities. If you’re all about lightsabers and slicing down imperial guards, then you should try the Star Wars Jedi series instead. 

How I reviewed Star Wars Outlaws

I have played roughly 25 hours of Star Wars Outlaws and managed to complete the main storyline as well as a host of other quests, missions, and exploration. However, I still have plenty to do, including recruiting a couple of experts, so I’m excited to jump back in.

Playing the PS5 version, I tested both graphical (performance and quality) and resolution (full screen, 16:9 and 21:9) settings. I found the performance mode better for play and quality making the worlds look even more beautiful. When it comes to resolution I found the fullscreen option was superior as the cinematic one removed a whole lot of screen and game instantly.

I tested the game with a regular DualSense Wireless Controller, and played the game on my Samsung Q6F 4K QLED TV and Samsung HW-J6500 curved soundbar I also played some when plugged into the PS5 Pulse Elite headset and SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless headset. I also played a fair chunk on my PlayStation Portal combined with my Pulse Explore earbuds and found the game was a great match for the PS5 remote play device.

Thrustmaster T-GT II force feedback wheel review: as good as belt-driven force feedback gets
2:00 pm | August 25, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming Gaming Accessories | Tags: , | Comments: Off

Thrustmaster T-GT II: One-minute review

The mid-range of the best racing wheels is a tricky space where competing technologies vie for space, but Thrustmaster makes a compelling argument with a wheel, wheelbase, and pedals bundled for $799.99 / £699.99. 

That’s a lot pricier than Logitech’s all-conquering G923 bundle, but the advantages are clear: a quick-release system that lets you install new wheels and a particularly refined force feedback sensation that feels somewhere between traditional belt-driven and direct-drive servos. The underlying tech is still belt-driven, but it’s been engineered so carefully to deliver its considerable power smoothly and convincingly, with fewer of those notchy, snappy moments you usually get with belt-driven motors. 

The controls on the wheel feel premium and long-lasting, particularly the four notched dials, which are really handy for mapping traction control, brake balance, engine modes, and fuel maps. Being a licensed wheel for Gran Turismo 7 and pitched as one of the best PS5 racing wheels, the giant ‘GT’ logo at the center of the wheel won’t be to everyone’s taste, and the overall look of the wheel - and particularly the plasticky pedal base - does this bundle a disservice. Despite the high volume of plastic and a slightly ‘gamey’ look this is up to the task for serious sim racers, who’ll appreciate the ability to fit different wheels for different disciplines. 

Thrustmaster T-GT II

(Image credit: Future)

Thrustmaster T-GT II: Price and availability

  • $799.99 / £699.99 (around) AU$1,221.99
  • Sits between entry-level force feedback and direct drive wheels
  • Pricier but more feature-laden than a G923 

It might look like a lot of money for a non-direct drive wheel at first glance, but it all makes sense after a few hot laps. The wiser money would be spent investing in a Fanatec Ready2Race McLaren bundle for the same price, but ongoing stock availability issues make that a tricky purchase as of summer 2024.

Thrustmaster T-GT II: Specs

Thrustmaster T-GT II: Design and features

  • Looks inspired by Gran Turismo
  • Bulky servo
  • Feels better than it looks

There’s a line in the sand in sim racing gear. On one side, Moza and Fanatec have decided to take their visual cues directly from motorsport, rather than gaming peripherals. Their wheels and pedals look like they’ve been crowbarred out of a racing car and attached to your desk. On the other, Logitech and Thrustmaster - who also make a broad range of gaming peripherals besides wheels - have a design philosophy that sits closer to gaming mice, gaming keyboards, and gaming headsets. 

Who’s right? That’s totally subjective, of course. To me the less automotive appearance of the T-GT II comes off as a bit less premium than this bundle really is, particularly the plastic casing around the servo and on the pedal base, which really doesn’t look like it should be part of an $800 / £700 racing bundle.

Thrustmaster T-GT II

(Image credit: Future)

However, these aesthetic missteps have no bearing on the performance of either the wheels or pedals, and since the wheel’s detachable, you could replace it with a more motorsport-inspired option like Thrustmaster’s Ferrari SF100 if you like. 

The wheel itself is finished in nicely stitched pleather which makes for a grippy surface while you’re racing, with no need for racing gloves, unlike pricier Alcantara-finished wheels which can get a bit crispy over time if you subject them to your palm sweat. 

Being a PlayStation-compatible wheel as well as PC, all the DualSense controller’s inputs are mapped onto input buttons on the wheel itself, including two tiny analog sticks. Four dials complete the input array on the wheel face, and satisfyingly chunky paddle shifters with magnetic actuation sit at the rear. All the buttons feel substantial and the dials in particular are a joy to use, notched and manufactured from aluminum for a lovely weighty feel. The analog sticks and d-pad feel flimsy by comparison, but I didn’t find myself using them - there are plenty of other buttons to map important inputs to. 

Those four dials are the stars of the show. They’re placed conveniently within thumb’s reach, and having four of them is especially useful in games like Assetto Corsa Competizione (ACC), where I find myself adjusting traction control and brake bias frequently from lap to lap as track conditions and tire wear levels evolve. It’s rare to find more than two dials on wheels at this price, and I find myself missing having four now when I use other wheels. 

The pedals don’t feature a load cell design, so you can’t swap out the cells to adjust the resistance, but they are built with convincing resistance per pedal. The brake is particularly well-judged for stiffness, and you can add an additional rubber stay for some increased resistance right at the end of its path of travel.

Thrustmaster T-GT II: Performance

  • Powerful but smooth force feedback delivery
  • Easy to calibrate
  • Recognized by most racing games

Let’s quickly state the obvious: although this wheel was designed in collaboration with Gran Turismo developer Polyphony Digital and bears the PlayStation racer’s branding, it’s compatible across pretty much every racing game you throw at it on PS5 or PC. Assetto Corsa Competizione and F1 24 had profiles ready to go as soon as I loaded them up with the T-GT II connected, and I had no problems setting it up in The Crew Motorfest or Forza Horizon 5. You’d expect pretty much universal support across racing titles in 2024, and this wheel delivers it. 

What discerns the force feedback on this wheel from the perennially popular Logitech G923, and indeed Thrustmaster’s own cheaper wheels, is the smoothness and detail of its feedback. It’s a subtle difference, not quite akin to the jump from belt-driven to direct-drive wheels, but it’s particularly noticeable in demanding sims like Assetto Corsa Competizione, whose force feedback implementation is absolutely exemplary. You can feel when your platform’s on the very limit, and rather than getting those snappy moments that feel like something inside the servo has let go, the T-GT II’s wheel stays smooth even when it’s doling out extremely forceful feedback. 

In some instances, it feels too strong. In most games, the centering spring strength needed some adjustment using a combination of in-game settings and Thrustmaster’s own Control Panel software, and in ACC in particular I ended up reducing it down to as little as 20 per cent in order to find a realistic feel. However, once you do get a convincing feel dialed in, the detail and fidelity you feel through your hands is extremely impressive.

Thrustmaster T-GT II

(Image credit: Future)

What about Gran Turismo 7? As you’d expect, it’s excellent with this wheel. Polyphony’s is a particularly weighty handling model in the first place, and it’s perfectly tuned to this wheel when you connect it to your PS5.    

However, the fact remains that direct-drive wheel bundles are available at the same price point, and that makes life difficult for this particular wheel. It’s demonstrably better than its belt-driven contemporaries from other manufacturers, and lower down the Thrustmaster range. But it’s no match for a setup built around Fanatec’s CSL direct drive servo. Cheaper Fanatec bundles than the T-GT II generally feature an inferior two-pedal set, but the Ready2Race McLaren bundle uses a three-pedal base with load cells, and the McLaren GT-style wheel feels more luxurious and automotive than this model. 

The best mandate for opting for this instead of a Fanatec bundle, then, is that you play primarily on PS5, put in a lot of hours with Gran Turismo 7, and want to use the same setup for some PC sim racing. 

Should I buy the Thrustmaster T-GT II?

Thrustmaster T-GT II

(Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

Gran Turismo 7 is your go-to racing sim
This wheel’s PS5 and PC compatible, and designed in partnership with Polyphony to work especially well in GT7. Drifting a Demio never felt better. 

You like a powerful force feedback sensation
The centering spring is set heavy by default, and there’s a lot of power behind the feedback going into your hands. 

You plan to swap between multiple wheels
Like to race rally titles as well as F1 games and GT? Thrustmaster’s add-on wheels are a solid option for making your rig more customizable, all using the T-GT II wheelbase.  

Don't buy it if...

You race on Xbox
It’s not Xbox-compatible, simple as that. Fanatec and Logitech offer better PC/Xbox bundles for the money.

Direct drive bundles are within your budget
As impressive as the sensation is for a belt-driven motor, DD is a superior feel and it’s available for roughly the same outlay.

You’re new to sim racing
It’s a lot of money for a racing bundle, and the benefits to its feel are subtle. Logitech’s G923 is better suited to beginners, and comes in PC/Xbox and PC/PlayStation varieties.

Also consider...

If the Thrustmaster T-GT II isn’t quite what you’re after, alert yourself to these other candidates.

Thrustmaster T248
A cheaper, less powerful option that’s great for newcomers, if lacking centering spring snap. Surprisingly good pedals for the price, too. 

For more information, check out our full Thrustmaster T248 review

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

For more information, check out our full Logitech G923 review

How I tested the Thrustmaster T-GT II

  • Over a month of regular use during testing
  • Used with PC and PS5
  • Racing sims and arcade titles tested

We installed the T-GT II into our Playseat and used it as our daily driver in Assetto Corsa Competizione, Gran Turismo 7, The Crew Motorfest, and Forza Horizon 5 for a month of virtual racing on both PC and PlayStation 5. You don’t want to know how much of a hassle it was to get the rig downstairs in front of the PS5... 

Read more about how we test

First reviewed August 2024.

Alienware AW3225QF review: 4K 240Hz OLED gaming glory
2:00 pm | August 24, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: , , , | Comments: Off

Alienware AW3225QF: Two-minute review

QD-OLED 4K gaming screens these days are becoming more numerous. That can make it particularly difficult to pin down a model that’s just right for you, with the right spec, at the right price. Fortunately, Alienware’s AW3225QF might well be the best gaming monitor of the bunch, certainly today. It’s not cheap, but the build quality, image quality, specs, warranties, and overall design do give it a considerable edge in contrast to some of its competition, and go a long way to justify its price tag.

Top-line stats are out of this world. The true panel size actually falls at around 31.6 inches, giving you a pixel density of 139.87 dpi. Combine that with a 240Hz max refresh rate, broad color depth thanks to that impressive individual illuminated QD-OLED tech, and a solid 250-nits brightness on SDR content, plus a 2.1 ms MPRT response time, and this thing soon becomes a top-tier choice rather rapidly. 

If you’ve got the graphical horsepower to drive it at 4K, gaming it on is unlike anything else. Even without HDR, titles like The Witcher 3, Elden Ring, and Cyberpunk 2077 look and feel exceptional. Textures are crisp and sharp, anti-aliasing smooth as butter, and that refresh rate combined with G-Sync (or FreeSync) just delivers an event unlike any other. Is this the best gaming monitor money can buy? On PC, it’s a close bet.

Still, that price tag is a lot to swallow, and for some, the 32-inch 16:9 form factor can be particularly difficult to adapt to, especially if you’re used to the 21:9 or ultrawide aspect ratios. While the 240Hz refresh rate takes it beyond what the modern consoles can achieve, it’s still a belter of a PS5 monitor or Xbox Series X monitor; it will automatically pivot to 120Hz and you still get that brilliant image quality, colors, curved immersion and everything else the monitor offers.

The Alienware AW3225QF QD-OLED monitor on a desk

(Image credit: Future/Zak Storey)

Alienware AW3225QF: Price and availability

  • Seriously pricey
  • Readily available from parent company Dell
  • Flagship spec is unmatched

You can buy Alienware’s AW3225QF both in the US and the UK right now and it’s readily available at parent company Dell. It’s based on Samsung’s QD-OLED panel tech, as a result, there are five total models out there from different brands and manufacturers, all with effectively the same screen at their core. 

Alienware’s is the second most expensive offering with both the Gigabyte Aorus FO32U2P and Asus ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDM coming in joint first, for typically an extra $100 / £100 added on top. MSI’s MPG 321URX QD-OLED is the cheapest of the bunch, but again only by $50-100 so not exactly bank-breaking, and you do get a worse stand if you’re going that route.

Otherwise, top-line specs remain the same, 3840x2160 resolution over a 31.6-inch panel, 240Hz max refresh rate, and 0.03ms gray-to-gray response time, all packed into a 16:9 aspect ratio. Alienware’s stand and cabling solution does look the slickest out of the lot, and it’s opted for a curved screen, giving it a unique edge over the competition.

Alienware AW3225QF: Specs

The Alienware AW3225QF QD-OLED monitor stand on a desk

(Image credit: Future/Zak Storey)

Alienware AW3225QF: Design and features

  • 3rd Gen OLED delivers hard
  • Super-low response times leads to no ghosting
  • HDR in Windows is carnage still

Straight out of the box, the AW3225QF is a thing of beauty to behold. General construction is a breeze, the stand comes in two parts, the main neck, and the base. You attach those two together and secure them with a single thick screw at the bottom. Then with the panel carefully placed on a table or desk, you slide and click the stand into place behind it and you’re done. There’s a release button on the back, and that’s about it. Super fast, super easy. At the base of the panel itself, there’s a removable cover to hide all your cable management, and a hollowed-out segment of the stand helps run your cables and keep everything hidden and out of the way behind the monitor.

The stand is seriously sweet, with a wide-based stance, decked out in a matt white plastic that does give it somewhat of an imperial empire vibe, but it works really incredibly well for an aesthetic. On the rear of the panel, Alienware’s baked in some fairly minimal RGB lighting. It’s okay, and not particularly bright, which feels like a bit of a misstep, certainly with the amount of RGB LED ambient lighting solutions out there right now.

But let’s be clear here, it’s the panel on this 4K gaming monitor that’s the show stopper. It’s a beautiful design, with thin bezels and a slight curve to it (1700R) with a 31.6-inch radius and a gloss finish. There’s some Alienware branding at the very bottom of the screen, but once again in no way is it distracting or even that visible.

The Alienware AW3225QF QD-OLED monitor's rear ports on a desk

(Image credit: Future/Zak Storey)

Still, it’s the top-line spec of the thing that really draws you in. The AW3225QF packs in a 3840x2160 resolution into that 31.6-inches, complete with 240Hz refresh (DSC enabled) and a 0.03ms gray-to-gray response time (2.1 ms MPRT in testing). The panel itself is actually Samsung Display’s QD-OLED third gen, which was showcased first at CES in January 2024. Compared to second-gen, it features a Quantum Enhancer AI processor that’s bespoke for each panel directly, Samsung claims this should increase panel durability by a factor of two, along with providing improved brightness and power efficiency over the last-gen models. Samsung’s also using a new Pico-inkjet printer technology to produce a higher quality quantum-dot layer (the part of the panel that applies the color to each pixel), which is now more accurate and efficient, making it cheaper and easier to mass produce the screen tech. That means we should see the price of these panels fall dramatically over the course of the year.

On top of that barrage of specs there, the AW3225QF also features G-Sync certification, Free-Sync support, and Vesa’s AdaptiveSync certification eliminating screen tearing, alongside HDR support for Dolby Vision and VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400.

The Alienware AW3225QF QD-OLED monitor's rear on a desk

(Image credit: Future/Zak Storey)

Alienware AW3225QF: Performance

  • Outstanding gaming experience
  • 240Hz is a game changer
  • HDR in Windows is still underwhelming

I’ve been testing gaming and professional monitors since I started in tech journalism many years ago, and I can wholeheartedly say that this screen is something else. 

240Hz refresh rate, combined with a 4K resolution and that super low 2.1 ms MPRT, it’s just outstanding. There’s not a moment in game, certainly on PC, where you’re not impressed by it. Going from 60Hz to 120 or 144Hz feels good, really good. It’s smooth, but you can tell there’s still judder there. Going to 240Hz though, it’s like frames become incomparable at that point. It’s as close to real life as it gets, in how fluid it is, as long as your graphics card can drive it at that refresh rate, and that is going to be the bigger challenge.

We do have tech to help alleviate some of those issues. DLSS and FSR, along with Nvidia’s Frame Generation tech make a massive difference here. Still even with the very best of that tech-enabled, and in its lowest configuration, if you take something like an RTX 4080 Super, and run Cyberpunk 2077 with DLSS in its Ultra Performance mode (and put up with the terrible anti-aliasing as a result) you’re still not going to max out that 240Hz refresh rate. AAA titles require a seriously beefy graphics card. That said, if you’re playing older games, or less graphically intense titles that don’t have 200 rays bouncing around the environment, it’s unlike anything else, and arguably becomes one of the best high-refresh gaming monitors as a result. Ghosting is non-existent, every test I ran it through I couldn’t spot any of it, but that is a tell-tale trait of a good OLED panel after all. 

The Alienware AW3225QF QD-OLED monitor on a desk

(Image credit: Future/Zak Storey)

As for general content streaming. Netflix, Amazon Prime. It’s equally such a joy to use, the HDR support is rich and vibrant, and impeccably immersive, the colors are deep and saturated where they need to be, and it’s truly tantalizing. There are problems, however, and that mostly comes down to how Windows handles HDR in particular. On desktop, It’s still a mess, with a cornucopia of settings, and if you don’t get it right it looks and feels washed out in general day-to-day web browsing, and underwhelming on video content. Likewise, Alienware also included an arsenal of HDR profiles and settings on the display itself to further add to the confusion, with some profiles working well in one bright scene, only to fall foul in a darker scene two seconds later. It’s problematic, but still more of a general issue in HDR on PC anyway, with less to do with the actual display itself.

Similarly, there’s a total of 12 different preset modes by default even for SDR content. All of which slightly tweak brightness, contrast, and color warmth. In my opinion, SPORTS or Standard modes are the way to go out of the box.

There's not a noticeable difference between gaming on PS5 and PC with the Alienware AW3225QF. It provides beautiful imagery, excellent gaming performance, and one of the best monitor companions you can get for the current-gen consoles. The only caveat is that, naturally, as it's built with a PC focus, you won't be able to get all the benefits of its top-draw specs, like the maximum refresh rate. If you're you're looking for the absolute best monitor to team with a PS5 or Xbox Series X or gaming on a dual PC and console setup, then it's perfect for you. However, it is worth bearing in mind that you can probably save a few bucks elsewhere for a PS5 monitor if you're savvy in choosing the right spec combination.

Alienware’s AW3225QF is ultimately an exceptional screen. If money is no option, it may well be one of the best gaming monitors out there right now. It's fast, crystal clear, with low latency, and a beautiful color depth and brightness that really does give it an edge over the previous generations of OLED. Better yet it’s leaps and bounds ahead of anything that even the best LCD panel can muster. If you’re after the absolute best of the best, the AW3225QF is it.

The Alienware AW3225QF QD-OLED monitor on a desk

(Image credit: Future/Zak Storey)

Should you buy the Alienware AW3225QF?

Buy it if...

You want the best 4K gaming experience available
With a super sharp resolution and an outstanding refresh rate, combined with low latency and phenomenal color breadth, the AW3225QF is on another level when it comes to 4K gaming on PC or current-gen console.

You’re concerned about OLED burn-in
Not only do Samsung’s third-gen OLED panels come with an enhanced AI chip to double the life expectancy, Alienware’s also include a three-year burn-in warranty as well.

Don't buy it if...

You’re looking for a wallet-friendly QD-OLED model
It’s the second highest priced QD-OLED of this generation, with Asus and Gigabyte models pipping it to the post, but only just. There are cheaper options out there.

You want simple HDR
HDR in Windows is complicated enough, but multiple HDR profiles don’t help on Alienware’s AW3225QF.

Also consider

If the Alienware AW3225QF isn't quite for you then consider these great alternatives of different screen resolutions to widen your search.

MSI MPG271QRX

Looking for something a little slimmer, easier to drive with your gaming PC, but still packs in that impressive QD-OLED high refresh punch with primo color accuracy? The 271QRX is a good pick, and with a 360Hz refresh rate, it’s truly outstanding to behold.

Read our full review of the MSI MPG 271QRX here. 

Samsung Odyssey OLED G9

There’s something to be said for that what twin 27-inch screens side-by-side offers. Samsung cut out the middle bezel and combined two OLED panels into one with the G9, and it is faultless if you’re after a 32:9 gaming behemoth.

Read our full review of the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 here. 

How I tested the Alienware AW3225QF

  • Tested for multiple weeks across a variety of games and platforms
  • Professional industry tests applied
  • OSD fully explored

To put the AW3225QF through its paces I used it as my primary office monitor for three weeks before testing, and the write-up. I used it side-by-side next to a Viewsonic VP3268a-4K, a professionally calibrated artwork and creative 100% sRGB display.

I tested the AW3225QF through a multitude of different content types, including gaming across The Witcher 3, Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree, and Total War: Warhammer III. I also streamed YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon Prime on it, with both SDR and HDR content. Additionally, I tested it using a Playstation 5, and took advantage of Blur Busters array of tests to diagnose any ghosting, or MPRT issues too. 

Read more about how we test

First reviewed August 2024

Audio-Technica AT2040USB microphone review: Budget-friendly and studio-quality
6:00 pm | August 23, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: | Comments: Off

Audio-Technica AT2040USB: One-minute review

It used to be this simple: need a USB mic for gaming? Go and get a Blue Yeti. As recently as five years ago, streaming, podcasting and crisp in-game comms was a relatively unexplored space. In 2024 the latest Yeti is still a strong option, but models like this Audio-Technica AT2040USB show just how much the market’s evolved. 

In its build quality and recordings, this is a studio-quality mic that happens to have swapped out its XLR connection for a USB one that doesn’t require an intermediary audio interface between your mic and PC. That’s really the only distinction between the AT2040USB and a traditional studio mic - along with the relatively budget-friendly $149.99 / £129.99 pricing. 

What makes this such an enticing option for anyone who streams, records podcasts, does voiceover work, or just wants to treat their friends’ ears in the Discord chat is that the sound quality’s right there out of the box. Its hypercardioid polar pattern means it’s laser-focused on the sound source right in front of it, and tunes out ambient noises like mechanical keyboard clicks or air conditioner hum. There’s a low pass filter control on the mic for an even sharper sound, and that makes it incredibly easy to set up and start recording. Just connect directly to your PC, point and shoot. 

The bomb-proof build quality (note: the validity of this statement has not been tested literally) and sophisticated studio looks are a welcome bonus, too. 

The Audio-Technica AT2040USB microphone on a mic stand in front of a monitor

(Image credit: Future/Phil Iwaniuk)

Audio-Technica AT2040USB: Price and availability

  • List price: $149.99 / £129.99 (approx. AU$255.50)
  • Cheaper than the Blue Yeti X and SteelSeries Alias
  • Great sound and build for the price

This isn’t the outright cheapest option out there. It’s possible to find a great USB mic for under $100 / £100 now, but we think the audio sparkle, ease of setup, and studio-grade build quality on offer in this AT2040USB more than justify what’s still an affordable price. It stacks up favorably against Blue’s flagship Yeti X, although it’s pricier than the base Yeti, and it’s also less than a SteelSeries Alias which also offers great out-of-the-box sound. 

Audio-Technica AT2040USB: Specs

The Audio-Technica AT2040USB microphone on a mic stand in front of a monitor

(Image credit: Future/Phil Iwaniuk)

Audio-Technica AT2040USB: Design and features

  • Studio-like looks
  • Simple to use
  • Direct mic monitoring input

I'm seriously impressed by the construction quality of this capsule for the price - though not entirely surprised, given Audio-Technica’s decades of studio renown. Dynamic mics like this one are a bit less fragile than their condenser cousins, and can usually withstand a few more knocks. That’s why you generally see dynamic mics used for live vocals, for example. The inner workings of the AT2040USB are likely pretty robust, then, which is why it’s all the more impressive that they’re encased in such a sturdy metal case. 

No stand or arm is supplied with this mic, so you will need to source either one separately. That’s also something to factor into the pricing since there are cheaper USB mic options out there with a similar feature set which do come with their own stand. 

The overall look is refreshingly non-gamer-y, so if you’re looking for something you can sync up to your gaming setup’s RGB scheme you’ll need to look further afield. There is a ring light around a touch-to-mute button to indicate power and mute status, but that’s it. We’re a long way from SteelSeries Alias territory, with its on-capsule lighting displays. Personally I always prefer audio equipment to take its cues from the studio, rather than the world of games. It’s a classic look that ages well and conveys that this piece of kit is serious about its intended purpose. 

The Audio-Technica AT2040USB microphone on a mic stand in front of a monitor

(Image credit: Future/Phil Iwaniuk)

In terms of on-mic controls, in addition to the USB-C connector, there are some additional features. Volume and monitoring volume scroll wheels sit beneath a low pass filter toggle switch, which is the smallest I’ve ever encountered. So much so that due to the fact it’s also placed in a recessed spot, I actually find it tricky to toggle at times. 

Next to the USB-C connection, there’s a 3.5mm input jack for direct mic monitoring, a very handy feature, particularly for anyone with aspirations to use this mic in a musical home recording scenario. 

The polar pattern and input type take a lot of the hard work out of the setup. Once the mic’s connected directly to your device, it’s simply a matter of cueing up your recording software of choice and arming a track, or telling Discord that this is your new audio input now. The audio quality’s already there, with essentially no need to bring plugins in.

Given that fact, there’s no supplied software from Audio-Technica for this mic, nor is any such bloatware required. Hooray. 

The Audio-Technica AT2040USB microphone on a mic stand in front of a monitor

(Image credit: Future/Phil Iwaniuk)

Audio-Technica AT2040USB: Performance

  • Naturally blocks out unwanted noise
  • Rich, warm vocals
  • Harder to use as an instrument/dual vocal mic

Fundamentally, the sound quality here is one of the AT2040USB ’s most impressive assets. Every decision along its design journey has been made with vocals in mind specifically, from its dynamic capsule to the hypercardioid polar pattern and the tuning of the low cut. As such, you get creamy spoken vocals with plenty of detail that sound almost as if they’ve had some light EQ applied to them. It’s an absolute win for ease of use. 

That does mean that this is a very specialist beast, though. While some USB mics offer a choice of polar patterns that might make dual vocal recordings possible (eg two of you recording a podcast together in the same room) and instrumental applications (against an amp speaker or as a room mic for drums or guitar), that’s a lot less possible here. Not a downside, but rather a concession to the AT2040USB being so brilliant at its intended purpose. 

In practice, the hypercardioid polar pattern is tuned brilliantly for a home use setting, where passing traffic, keyboard noise and general ambiance from nearby electrical appliances can make recordings noisy and can impact the clarity of your team comms. I usually use a Bertom Denoiser plugin for my voiceover recordings, but before I robotically reached for it and dragged it onto my recorded track, I paused and wondered if there was any point with the AT2040USB ’s recordings. 

I’ve got mixed feelings about the touch-to-mute button, though. On one hand, it avoids that ungainly ‘thunk’ sound you sometimes get from mechanical mute switches when you turn the signal on and off, but it’s a little bit fussy and if your fingers are clammy it’s not the most reliable way to mute in an instant. 

That’s a tiny issue in what’s otherwise a glowingly positive experience. For podcasting, streaming, and Discord chat this is an absolutely fantastic option with little setup required and very few downsides. 

The Audio-Technica AT2040USB microphone on a mic stand in front of a monitor

(Image credit: Future/Phil Iwaniuk)

Should you buy the Audio-Technica AT2040USB?

Buy it if...

You want a no-fuss USB setup for recording vocals
The hypercardioid polar pattern makes for fantastic vocal recording quality and minimal background noise.

You’re rough on your audio equipment
This is one tough mic capsule. The construction can withstand a fair few knocks and drops, so if you’re clumsy, the AT2040USB will survive some mishaps. 

You already own a boom arm
There’s no stand or arm provided with this mic, so you’ll need to shell out on the additional hardware unless you feel like holding it the whole time. 

Don't buy it if...

You want to record more than vocals
This mic’s paying attention to a narrow field directly in front of it - great for vocals, less so for instrument recordings. 

You podcast with a group
To get clear, balanced audio from podcasting sessions with multiple speakers, you’d need a mic each. 

USB input isn’t a big draw
Already own a fancy audio interface? Consider XLR mics that’ll make use of it. 

Also consider

If the AT2040USB isn’t shouting out at you, consider these other USB mic options.

SteelSeries Alias

A little more inspired by the gaming world, featuring a striking aesthetic and similarly great out-of-the-box audio.

For more information read our full SteelSeries Alias review. 

Rode X XCM50

Another mic that excels at background noise cancellation, and a strong option for those on a tighter budget.

For more information read out full Rode X XCM50 review. 

How I tested the Audio-Technica AT2040USB

  • Several weeks of professional and personal use
  • Used to record voiceover, in Discord chat, and music projects
  • Somehow never dropped

In addition to the shameful number of hours I spend on Discord shouting at people to clear banana and that 'T' spawn needs a flash, I record voiceovers weekly for YouTube content. The AT2040USB took on both responsibilities for several weeks of testing and also went through its paces in music recording scenarios. 

Read more about how we test

First reviewed August 2024.

Corsair TC500 Luxe Gaming Chair review: as lavish as it gets
4:00 pm | August 18, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming Gaming Accessories | Comments: Off

One-minute review

Before you've even assembled it, the Corsair TC500 Luxe feels like an unbelievably high quality gaming chair. From its quilted fabric seat to its steel frame, it's hard not to praise every aspect of the chair. However, a chair this high quality means a relatively higher price point. But, I believe the Corsair TC500 Luxe is well worth the investment. 

Alongside its sturdy and comfortable build, it's got a plethora of features to help you tailor it to exactly what you need from your seat. In-built lumbar support is easily adjusted with two dials on each side of the backrest, and the magnetic neck support pillow is much easier to change the height for than the one attached to a strap like on the Boulies Master Series gaming chair which I am used to using, and used to readjusting when the strap inevitably slips off the top of the chair. 

In addition, omniflex armrests are ready to move around to suit however you're sitting and support your elbows and arms. For such a high level of personalization, it's hard to argue against its price point. Frankly, there's no other product I would recommend to someone looking for a gaming chair that is so comfortable and supportive in this price bracket.

A close up shot of the top of a Corsair Gaming Chair in a plain room.

(Image credit: Future)

Price and availability

  • $499.99 / £499.99
  • Available through Corsair
  • 2 year warranty

The Corsair TC500 Luxe is an expensive chair. If you're a first time buyer when it comes to gaming chairs, the price tag might be overwhelming. But for $499.99 / £499.99 you're buying a chair that is guaranteed comfort from the second it's built, and a level of customization you wouldn't find in even the best budget gaming chairs. You're paying for premium and you’re getting it. 

Three colorways are currently available. Frost, Sherwood, and Shadow. All three, although fairly basic colors, feel like a sophisticated approach to gaming furniture. I'm used to seeing quite garish designs on chairs like the League of Legends Secretlab series, or even the Herman Miller Sayl gaming chair. Having three muted yet modern colors on offer  almost guarantees you'll be able to find something that suits your setup's aesthetic. 

A two year warranty is available from purchase as well, which is worthwhile but not as significant as other products currently available at a similar price point. For example, the Herman Miller Sayl is double the price of the TC500 Luxe, but offers an incredible 12-year warranty, or the Razer Fujin Pro which offers a slightly more humble five years. But, two years is still decent, and welcome.

Specs

Design and aesthetics

The Corsair TC500 Luxe has been designed with comfort as its main focus, but that doesn't mean any corners have been cut elsewhere. Rather than having your standard decals or colorful flourishes you'd see on other gaming chairs such as the Secretlab Titan Evo series or the Razer Enki, a more sleek design has been taken on board with a dark gray color for the chair itself and then black accents through its armrests and wheelbase.

The fabric of the chair itself is soft and breathable, which I found to be a nice change to the pleather or suede feel fabric used on cheaper chairs. It's not plush, but it's more comfortable and easy to move around on. The stitched details such as the diamond design sewn onto the seat and backrest are also a nice addition, reinforcing the premium, sophisticated feel of the chair. A Corsair logo stitched on the neck support pillow and the side of the chairs headrest is another detail which I appreciated.

The seat base is wider than my previous chair too. The TC500 Luxe has a seat base width of 59cm, which is significantly wider than the width of the Boulies Master Series gaming chair which was 53cm including the sides. On paper, it doesn't seem like a huge difference but when in use, that extra 6cm gives you a surprising amount of additional space. I'm a huge fidgeter, and having a seat base which is wider overall helped me find a position that suited me much faster than usual.

A side on shot of a Corsair Gaming Chair in a plain room.

(Image credit: Future)

Comfort and adjustability

The TC500 Luxe isn't in short supply when it comes to customizable features. Its omniflex armrests give you complete freedom of movement, so you can adjust the height and direction of your armrests, alongside how far forward or backwards you want them. The only downside to this feature is that the armrests don’t lock into place, so if you lean on them at an angle with too much force (which I did more than once when adjusting my position in the seat) they will move out of place.

The wider seat gives you plenty of space to sit comfortably, and as someone who usually sits with their legs up on the seat, there was never a moment where it felt like a squeeze. But one thing I did immediately notice about the chair is how firm the seat cushioning is. A lot of the gaming chairs I've used previously such as the Boulies Master Series and the Secretlab Titan have a slight give on the seat to make it feel softer. The TC500 Luxe on the other hand is an incredibly firm seat. At first, I thought this would make the chair more uncomfortable when used for long periods, but it actually did the complete opposite. Instead, my whole body felt supported by the backrest and seat, and I didn't find myself slumping down into a position with terrible posture as I was before.

The back of a Corsair Gaming Chair in a plain room.

(Image credit: Future)

This is definitely helped by the in-built lumbar support of the chair which can easily be adjusted either side of the backrest with two wheels. One shifts the lumbar support vertically, while the other tailors support from left to right so you can perfectly pinpoint where you need support. In the past I've used this in-built support as a one-and-done thing, adjusting it the first time I sit in the chair and then leaving it to inevitably be ignored even when I shift position. But given how easy it is to adjust with the TC500, it was a feature I was happy to make the most of frequently. 

The magnetic neck support pillow is also a lavish flourish, and one of my personal favorite parts of the chair. I don't like how a lot of gaming chairs attach their neck support pillows to a fabric elastic band for you to pull over the headrest. They are clumsy, and the slightest shift in your position tends to result in the pillow moving around. The TC500 uses magnets, so once you've placed the pillow it will stay there until you need to remove it or change positions manually. Also, the pillow itself is made from plush memory foam, so that in itself exudes comfort and quality.

Assembly

I expected there to be a lot more steps to construct a premium gaming chair, but putting together the Corsair TC500 Luxe was surprisingly easy. Besides needing a bit of help guiding the base of the seat onto the wheel base, assembly can largely be a one person process. Instructions are easy to follow, and you only need a total of ten screws to build the whole chair included in the box. 

Inside its parts box, the allen wrench is also equipped with a large handle to help make screwing parts together even easier. If you're not using this, then a lot of the chair fits together by pushing parts into place such as wheels into the wheelbase or caps into open holes in brackets. 

The chair also has a slide bracket to support one side of the backrest when you're building, much like the AndaSeat Kaiser 4, which makes the process a lot easier. This is usually the part of assembly that makes construction a two-person job, since someone needs to support the backrest while another screws brackets into place. But, the addition of the slide bracket means you have all the support you need. I did have to use a fair bit of strength lining up the other side of the chair which wasn't supported by a slide bracket, but it was nowhere near as challenging as other chairs I've built. 

The assembly process also shows off a lot of the details on the chair, which Corsair has carefully considered to help support the premium labeling of the product. The plastic caps are embellished with Corsair logos, which isn't something I've seen on any other gaming chairs. It's not a detail you'd think to note since it's something so small and easy to overlook. But, it’s details like these that help the TC500 Luxe feel like a chair worth boasting about since everything feels so premium and detail-oriented.

Should I buy the Corsair TC500 Luxe Gaming Chair?

Buy it if...

You want a chair that blends seamlessly with an office space
The sleek design of the TC500 Luxe fits perfectly in a gaming or office space. Its relatively muted design means that it is perfectly suited for someone looking for something for both office work and gaming. 

You need some extra support without relying on pillows
The TC500 Luxe is well equipped with additional support, so you'll be able to tailor your seat to support you where you need it most. You also won't have to fork out for additional pillows to make the seat comfortable, since all its lumbar support is already available.

Don't buy it if...

You don't spend a lot of time with a gaming chair
To make the most of the TC500 Luxe, you need to use it pretty consistently. If you're forking out $500 / £500 for a gaming chair, you want to make the most of it. If you're not using a gaming chair while at your desk or for gaming already, then you might not want to pay for such a premium product.

Also consider...

If you're not quite convinced by the TC500 Luxe, we've got some alternatives you might want to check out. 

Herman Miller Sayl Gaming Chair
Even though the Herman Miller Sayl is more expensive than the TC500 Luxe, it offers a lot more variation in color. You're also investing in a longer warranty for your product, with a whopping 12 years on the line, which will be important to anyone looking to protect their gear for even longer.

For more information, check out our full Herman Miller Sayl Gaming Chair review

AndaSeat Kasier 4
If you're looking to make the most out of lumbar support, the AndaSeat Kaiser 4 is worth considering too. It's got a similar level of customization to the TC500 Luxe, alongside a similar price point, but there's a lot more variation in its appearance. You have a number of colors to choose from, alongside a variety of materials, which is more appealing to someone looking to match their chair to a certain aesthetic. 

For more information, check out our full AndaSeat Kasier 4 review

How I tested the Corsair TC500 Luxe

  • Used over two weeks
  • Used for work and gaming
  • Compared against other gaming chairs

I used the Corsair TC500 Luxe over a two week period for everything from daily work to gaming in the evenings and even watching movies at my PC to see if the chair is comfortable for more leisurely activities. While testing it for gaming, I played games such as Creatures of Ava, Tekken 8, and The Garden Path, alongside mobile games like Hello Kitty Island Adventure. At no point did I feel uncomfortable while using the chair, or as if I needed to shift my position to feel the benefits of its support. 

It's been my primary chair every time I've sat at my desk, but I've closely compared it to the Boulies Master Series and Secretlab Omega to see how it performs to similarly priced products. Each time, the TC500 Luxe impressed me with how supported my spine and shoulders felt, and there has been a noticeable improvement in my posture while in use. Two weeks of consistent use has convinced me that the TC500 Luxe is the only chair I'll need at my desk. 

Read more about how we test

First reviewed August 2024.

Black Myth: Wukong review: monkey business
5:00 pm | August 16, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: | Comments: Off
Review info

Platform reviewed: PC
Available on: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
Release date: August 20 (TBC for Xbox) 

Chinese games are increasingly making a name for themselves on a global scale, although their impact beyond domestic borders has been mostly limited to the free-to-play scene through titles heavily influenced by Japanese anime. This is in part reflective of tastes within the Chinese market generally, a sector dominated by PC, mobile and free-to-play gaming, although as a result of this divergence in tastes it has made it difficult for titles beyond those like Hoyoverse’s Genshin Impact to resonate internationally. Could Black Myth: Wukong change all that?

It’s difficult to say. While the game has certainly captured imaginations pre-release for its richly-detailed worlds inspired by historical China and Journey to the West, even as it has dealt with controversy over its sexist and misogynistic remarks against female players, from a gameplay perspective the final experience is one that feels lacking in numerous key areas. While it certainly looks capable of standing toe-to-toe with the biggest Western AAA titles of the moment, actually sitting down with the game is a different story.

Although no means without merit, this is a game that is screaming for more polish and refinement in its moment-to-moment gameplay. Instead of feeling truly immersed in this journey through classical China, every strength the game had is compounded and diluted by a plethora of other issues that accumulated in a frustrating case of form over function.

Mythol-ouch-ical

The protagonist discovers a chest in Black Myth: Wukong.

(Image credit: Game Science)

Playing as the Destined One, you face various Yaoguai that roam this mythical world, exploring everywhere from barren desert-like landscapes to towering mountains and dense forests as you face and harness the powers of Chinese mythological beings and enact revenge. The journey of the novel which inspired it has been adapted cross-culturally and across every medium for centuries, so it should come as no surprise that the tale of revenge and into new worlds feels right at home in a game. It’s perfect subject matter for adaptation, although in this case its adaptation is surprisingly lacking in story and character.

Narrative is certainly not the focus here. Mythological beings both friend or foe rarely feature for more than a single-scene cameo, and without deep prior knowledge of Chinese myth, the fact each is meticulously recreated from Chinese legend means little. The game barely builds these beings to feel as omnipotent or powerful as they really are; a surprising choice when emphasizing their status would certainly have elevated the stakes of some battles. Journey to the West tales are dominated by the joys of the characters accompanying Son Wukong, and with creatures of myth barely more than an obstacle for a single boss fight before being forgotten and without a companion by your side, this is stripped for something solitary and unfortunately cold. 

Best bit

A dramatic combat scene in Black Myth: Wukong.

(Image credit: Game Science)

Although the fights themselves are a mixed bag, the boss designs are a consistent treat, taking their cues from Chinese mythology but imbuing it with a new perspective on a classic tale.

Worse, this lack of character and lack of true introduction to any mythological being we fight robs the game of drive or a clear end goal, and it often feels aimless as you wander through environments unsure what the point is of continuing on our path. It feels unbalanced, an issue which permeates much of the game far beyond its lacking story.

Although often described as a soulslike adventure, this is much more of a typical action adventure in the realm of titles like Bayonetta in terms of action (albeit with a staff as your solitary weapon of choice). A few familiar mechanics pioneered by Dark Souls have clearly influenced and been integrated into the title: your flask in this instance is a gourd you consume in the heat of battle to restore your health. 

Still, this is otherwise a traditional action title, fast-paced and combo-driven without the deliberately-laborious nature of uninterrupted animations that allows for more reaction-based action and freedom. A well-timed dodge and a good counter means more, but learning a boss’ strategy is similarly key to victory - button mashing won’t be enough.

Yet it is possible to have too much of a good thing, and the impact of overcoming a boss fight is lost when your game is little more than a 30-40 hour boss gauntlet. For all the world is visually impressive at a glance, it soon becomes clear that much of its beauty is mere set dressing, as we continue through a railroaded corridor with little room for deviation from the path for much of our adventure. In the moments where players could diverge from the path, it felt almost discouraged due to the game’s baffling lack of a map, often leaving me lost on where to go next or fighting waves of enemies thinking I found the answer, only to reach a dead end.

Then again, even if we did have a map, it would simply emphasize how little time we have to adore the stunning scenery. It’s only by getting lost that there’s time to appreciate these environments, as you otherwise spend little more than a minute or two walking through a few brief corridors before being thrust into yet-another battle arena for a mini-boss or major opponent. Boss fights are an overabundance to the point of robbing us of exploration and puzzles, with many chapters hitting double-figures and throwing them at you in such frequency they merge into an amorphous blob where few are memorable by the time the credits roll.

Boss Myth: Wukong

The protagonist kneels down in Black Myth: Wukong.

(Image credit: Game Science)

The bosses that do stick out in my memory unfortunately do so for the wrong reasons. A lack of polish in some fights leaves them feeling unfair, especially when it comes to the game’s numerous optional side-bosses. In the Black Bear Guai fight I felt I finally turned a corner in my struggles to overcome this boss as I understood his pattern of abilities. As he jumped in the air, I moved out of the way of his momentum, sure I would dodge, only for him to contort his momentum to my new location in a way that would seem impossible considering his movement and trajectory.

In a fight against the electrical Tiger Vanguard I would find it difficult to dodge his attacks without reaching higher ground on rocks placed inside the arena. Yet it would also be possible for him to destroy these platforms and leave no solace from his attacks, often causing my inevitable demise in a manner that felt undeserved.

A boss encounter in Black Myth: Wukong.

(Image credit: Game Science)

In cases where these boss fights don’t feel unpolished, they simply lacked an excitement or edge to make them feel anything more than average. It’s an unfortunate summary for much of the game. There’s little here that will offend, and indeed it's easy to find joy in aspects of Black Myth: Wukong’s world, visuals and combo-driven action. One of the major factors that got me through the game to its end was how refreshing it felt to see this Chinese setting come to life, bringing to life a world and mythology so rarely portrayed and explored in the medium despite the rich tapestry any game in this setting can explore. At times the way this culture is brought to life left me slack-jawed in awe.

At others I’m merely left frustrated. It’s a lack of polish and time that makes this a game difficult to recommend without numerous caveats. The groundwork for greatness is here. With fewer, more refined boss fights, more expansive environments accompanied by a map to help players when they’re lost, and a bit more story to give the whole adventure direction and purpose, I truly believe there is potential for something special in Game Science’s next project provided the lessons from this experience are internalized.

As things stand, I’m reminded of a nostalgic era of PS2 AA action titles with exceptionally high levels of polish and that’s no bad thing! These were not always the most refined games in the world, often lacking a spark to elevate them into the realm of greatness, but there was always fun to be had in such experiences. I expected more, and don’t think I’m alone in this. 

Accessibility

The game is mostly lacking in accessibility settings, with controls unable to be customized except when using keyboard and mouse, though it does offer a colorblind mode. Subtitles are available for dialogue, but text is small, difficult to read in many circumstances, and can’t be altered. 

Should I play Black Myth: Wukong?

Play it if...

Boss fights are your thing
The game is full of major fights and spectacle, so if that’s what you seek you won’t be disappointed.

Don't play it if...

You prefer variety and polish
There’s joy to be found in what is here, but you have to overcome the game's quirks to find that fun and strategy.

How we reviewed Black Myth: Wukong

I completed the game in just over thirty hours using an Asus ROG Ally on its 30W Turbo setting at Medium-Low graphics. The game was able to run at 60fps with only occasional drops in this configuration. This setup also allowed for the game to be played both on a large monitor and on the handheld device itself. 

WD Black P40 Game Drive review: speed comes at a price
5:00 pm | August 11, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Computers Consoles & PC Gadgets Gaming | Tags: | Comments: Off

WD Black P40 Game Drive: One-minute review

The WD Black P40 Game Drive is an external SSD geared towards gamers. It’s compatible with PlayStation, Xbox, and PC and offers impressively fast file transfer speeds. Just bear in mind that, as an external storage device, if you intend to use this drive with a PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, or Xbox Series S, you won’t be able to run current-generation releases directly from it - only store them Still, it’s an extremely compelling game storage solution if you don’t want to have to wait too long to copy your desired games back to your console.

It boasts a sleek and modern design that’s extremely compact and impressively durable, covered in a slick layer of black aluminum that makes it easy to recommend if you’re looking for a drive specifically to take out and about. It even features colorful RGB lighting, which is an excellent touch.

That said, there are some major drawbacks to choosing an external SSD like this over an external hard drive. Firstly, there's the matter of the price. The WD Black P40 Game Drive is available in 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB capacities. While the 500GB model is the most affordable, its limited size means it’s ill-suited to storing most large, modern games. That means you’re left with the 1TB and 2TB models, which are both substantially more expensive than a hard drive. 

You can even find 5TB gaming hard drives, like the Seagate FireCuda, that come in a little cheaper than the 1TB WD Black P40 Game Drive. While a hard drive would be much slower, it is still a better option for those purely focused on getting the most storage at the lowest cost. 

A top-down view of the WD Black P40 Game Drive on a desk.

(Image credit: Future)

WD Black P40 Game Drive: Price and availability

  • 500GB costs $99.99 / £78.99 
  • 1TB costs $129.99 / £135.84 
  • 2TB costs $219.99 / £247.40 

The WD Black P40 Game Drive is available in three capacities: 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB. As a rule of thumb, you should avoid the 500GB model as that space is going to fill up extremely quickly. Instead, pick the 1TB model, which costs $129.99 / £135.84, or 2TB model, which is $219.99 / £247.40. Both of these are readily available at Amazon in the US and UK. They also frequently receive substantial discounts, so consider waiting for a sale before making your purchase.

WD Black P40 Game Drive: Specs

WD Black P40 Game Drive: Design and features

The design of the WD Black P40 Game Drive is seriously sleek and impressively compact. At 4.2 x 2 x 0.51in / 106.98 x 50.82 x 13mm in size it can easily be slipped into a pocket and taken out and about. It’s very lightweight, though still feels durable thanks to its ribbed aluminum case. Unlike a traditional external hard drive, this external SSD does not feature any moving parts so it’s able to withstand the odd bump without much risk of data loss or damage. If you’re looking for an Xbox, PlayStation, or PC external storage device to take on the go, then this is easily one of the best options right now.

While the top of the drive is relatively plain, adorned with a white WD Black logo and some basic model information, its underside is home to two small RGB strips. These illuminate with an eye-catching rainbow by default, but can be further customized or disabled entirely with the WD Black Dashboard software on PC.

WD Black PC software.

(Image credit: WD Black)

The software is easy to use and there’s an impressive range of presets available, including support for Razer Chroma RGB, Asus Aura Sync, and more. It’s a fantastic suite of options for a storage device and makes it easy to find a look that perfectly matches your existing setup.

The drive connects to your system through a Type-C port with an included 11in / 300mm Type-C cable. A handy USB Type-A to Type-C adapter is also included in the box, so you don’t need to worry if you’re working with a limited number of free Type-C ports.

Console owners should be aware that, as an external storage device, this drive cannot play any PS5 or Xbox Series games installed on it. It can be used to play PS4 and Xbox One titles via backwards compatibility, however, where it performs well.

The WD Black P40 Game Drive on a colorful desk mat.

(Image credit: Future)

Seagate Game Drive for PS5: Performance

The overall performance of WD Black P40 Game Drive is significantly faster than an external hard drive, though not too remarkable compared to other external SSDs. On PS5, transferring a 90.23GB installation of Alan Wake 2 took 8 minutes and 3 seconds - less than half the time it took on the competing Seagate Game Drive for PS5. The PS4 version of Dishonored 2, which comes in at 67.21GB, was playable from the drive in just 4 minutes 23 seconds.

Hatsune Miku: Project Diva Future Tone and add-on that totalled 38.30GB transferred in 2 minutes 32 seconds. The Alone in the Dark remake, which is 30.67GB, took 2 minutes and 43 seconds. A slightly smaller PS4 game, Mirror’s Edge Catalyst, copied in an impressive 1 minute 8 seconds. Transfer time became almost negligible when it came to much smaller titles, with the 7.31GB Stray copying over in just 43 seconds and the 1.63GB Angry Birds Star Wars taking just 7 seconds.

On PC, the drive averaged a read speed of 1,048.90 MB/s and a write speed of 978.68 MB/s in a 32GB sequential test using CrystalDiskMark 8.0.5. This was on the lower end of the advertised sequel read and write speeds of up to 2,000MB/s and 1,950MB/s respectively, but did not noticeably impact performance when used to play a selection of PC games during my testing.

I did note, however, that the WD Black P40 Game Drive has a tendency to become very hot to the touch over periods of extended use. While this is unlikely to affect console users copying the odd game or two, those on PC looking to frequently transfer large files (such as video) should be aware of the potential for reduced speeds due to thermal throttling.

The RGB lighting of the WD Black P40 Game Drive.

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the WD Black P40 Game Drive?

Buy it if...

You want a portable external storage device
Thanks to its durable aluminum case and extremely sleek design, the WD Black P40 Game Drive is absolutely perfect for shoving in a pocket and taking out and about.

You are a PC gamer
While console users can’t take advantage of the WD Black P40 Game Drive’s speeds to play the latest games, this isn’t an issue for PC gamers. This makes it a good choice if you’re looking for a fast external drive to play games from. 

Don't buy it if...

You can make do with a hard drive
Most console players could make do with a slower external hard drive. You can save a fortune if you’re happy to spend a little longer transferring your games.

Also consider...

Want some alternatives to the WD Black P40 Game Drive? These two external hard drives are cheaper picks that are a perfect fit for consoles.

Seagate Game Drive for PS5
The Seagate Game Drive for PS5 is an excellent choice for PlayStation players. It’s compatible with PS5 and PS4 and offers larger capacities than the WD Black P40 Game Drive for much lower prices.

For more information, check out our full Seagate Game Drive for PS5 review

Toshiba Canvio Flex  
Those on Xbox or PC should consider the Toshiba Canvio Flex. This external hard drive is slower than the WD Black P40 Game Drive but comes in at a much more affordable price, particularly in its 1TB capacity.

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

The USB adapter included with the WD Black P40 Game Drive.

(Image credit: Future)

How I tested the WD Black P40 Game Drive

  • Used for one week 
  • Tested with a PS5, Xbox Series S, and PC 
  • Compared to other storage devices 

I tested the 500GB model of the WD Black P40 Game Drive for a week. During that time it became my go-to external storage device on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series S. On consoles, I transferred a range of games in order to measure the time that it would take to copy a game in an average scenario. 

On PC, I played games that were installed directly on the drive including Counter-Strike 2 and Last Epoch to see whether there were any noticeable performance issues. I also tested the drive using a range of benchmarks in CrystalDiskMark 8.0.5 and carefully evaluated the features of the compatible WD Black dashboard software. 

Read more about how we test

First reviewed August 2024.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 4 Wireless review: top-tier cable-free audio with an average mic
6:00 pm | August 10, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: | Comments: Off

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 4 Wireless: Two-minute review

If there’s one thing SteelSeries has delivered on when it comes to the Arctis Nova 4, it’s the sound. This thing absolutely slaps when it comes to driving that audio. Bass is well-rounded, with a broad depth to it, without compromising on any of the mids or the high-end treble whatsoever. The mids themselves are surprisingly clean, and the treble doesn’t feel muted like you’d find on other headsets at this price point. What that means is you get an incredibly crisp listening experience, with an EQ that’s entirely reminiscent of a slightly tweaked flat profile that you’d typically expect to see in more pricier HiFi-esque units. 

Is it going to blow a $300 audiophile grade headset out of the water? No, it’s not, but it’s a good 85% of the way there, and for such a reasonable outlay it makes it remarkably tantalizing for any gamer who’s just as much into their music as they are fragging scrubs on a Friday.

Overall headset design is great too. From the geometry, to the materials and the branding, and of course the now iconic ski-goggle headband. SteelSeries has leaned into that as well, including a set of stickers in the packaging, along with a few touches here and there to denote its gamer heritage. That’s no bad thing. There’s far too many headsets out there that are “perfect for the office or your gaming den”, so having an option that’s specifically built around that age old pastime that drew us into this hobby of ours to begin with is incredibly refreshing.

So, downsides? The microphone is underwhelming. It’s a retractable bi-directional noise canceling affair, sure. And it captures audio fine. But it just lacks the clarity that you can find on other competing solutions at this price point, which is a little disappointing. It’s very much akin to something from a decade ago, and although you’ll be clearly heard, given the caliber of mics available out there, it just doesn’t quite hit the mark. Additionally, connectivity is just okay. You get a USB-C multi-platform dongle, channeling 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity as standard, along with a couple of cables (mostly intended for charging), but there’s no Bluetooth connectivity here, which feels like a bit of a missed opportunity.

Is this one of the best gaming headsets around though? That’s going to entirely depend on your preferences. For audio, it’s absolutely next-level, and that alone really does elevate the headset to new heights. Still, if you absolutely want top-tier clarity for your raid leading or eSport comps you might want to look elsewhere. 

A photo showing the bottom of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 4 Wireless headset.

(Image credit: Future)

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 4 Wireless: Price and availability

  • $119.99 / £119
  • UK has the 4X version
  • Deal pricing makes it exceptional value 

As of today, you can pick up the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 4 Wireless without too much hassle in the US. Amazon is your best bet, and it’s often on sale, hitting prices as low as $80 during some of the holiday periods. That makes it an absolute steal if you’re after a wireless gaming headset with stellar battery life.

Things are a little more complicated in the UK however, with the Arctis 4 being surprisingly hard to come by. The far more readily available 4X is around for a similar price though, as an added bonus that X does denote that it officially has Xbox support unlike the standard model.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 4 Wireless: Specs

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 4 Wireless: Design and features

  • Gamer design is attractive 
  • Exceptionally comfortable 
  • Lack of connectivity  

There’s something quite nice about picking up a gaming headset that looks like it was built with gamers in mind. I’m not talking about those cheap plastic things that we often deride as being a bit too gaudy, but something that treats the hobby with a bit of decorum. The shapes, materials and design choices behind the Arctis Nova 4 very much lean into that aesthetic in a way that’s genuinely pleasing to the eye. 

This isn’t going to fit in at your office, or on your commute, and honestly that’s no bad thing. We’ve had enough of those ‘professional’ designs at this point; having something that stands-out from the crowd is a nice change of pace. SteelSeries has even gone the whole hog on that front and included a set of stickers in the box too.

The Nova 4 otherwise follows that age-old Arctis styling, with a sleek ski-goggle headband design that allows it to rest and adjust perfectly to your cranium. These do tend to have a habit of weakening over time admittedly (not something I’ve witnessed testing the Nova 4), but you can replace it, and SteelSeries do sell a number of custom ear-pads and bands, giving the headset some serious longevity if you plan on sticking with it for the next few years and beyond. 

Overall headset comfort is top-tier, although admittedly it is better suited to those with smaller ears. Still, you can adjust the length and position of the earcups easily enough, and they rotate plenty too, assuring you’ll be more than set regardless of the shape of your skull. Earcup materials are soft and plush, not memory-foam, but still comfortable enough, and although the cloth padding does look a little abrasive at first-glance, they’re far more comfortable than they first appear.

A photo showing the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 4 Wireless headset on a wooden surface.

(Image credit: Future)

The microphone is a retractable bidirectional noise-canceling affair. Its tab hides on the left-side of the headset, and, with the headset on, can be difficult to identify by touch. Now, if you’re trying to extract that during an intense online firefight, you’re going to have a bad time. Although more on that in a moment.

Button layout is pretty standard too. You get power-on and mic-mute buttons as well as a volume scroll wheel (with volume thankfully separate to Windows as well, so it can get seriously loud).

As for connectivity, 2.4 GHz wireless is the name of the game, with a rather oblong USB-C dongle included. It’s clearly been designed for consoles first, with its compact form-factor better suited to sitting relatively flush to the Nintendo Switch, PS5 or any other console-esque device. It is however a bit of a pain to stick it in the back of a motherboard’s Rear I/O (I may have accidentally shoved it in a USB Type-A port, and shorted my entire PC at one point). SteelSeries do include a USB extension cable as standard though, so you can eliminate that problem.

A photo showing the accessories included with the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 4 Wireless headset on a wooden surface.

(Image credit: Future)

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 4 Wireless: Performance

  • Exceptional audio quality 
  • Phenomenal when discounted 
  • Microphone is average at best 

So, what’s the Arctis Nova 4 like to listen to? Exceptional. Outstanding. Beyond impressive given the price. The bass is deep and well-rounded, it doesn’t cause distortion at any other wave-length, and still has that gaming gravitas that we all love for our epic explosion moments. Mids, likewise, are beautifully balanced, without being too desaturated by the other two ends of the spectrum, and the treble is crisp and clear. Not quite as muffled or muted as some of the other wireless headsets available around this price point. It’s not absolutely perfect, for myself in particular I would’ve loved to have just a touch more crystallization at the very top-end, but that may just be my aging ears.

SteelSeries' Engine software is exceptionally in-depth, and does give you the opportunity to fine tune the audio profile to exactly what you like, along with the usual armada of EQ presets available too, if you’re not a fan of dialing it in just for you (or don’t know where to start).

Otherwise though, what you get with the Nova 4 is an incredibly well-balanced audio profile, with a touch more bass, and a little less treble than you’d find on far more expensive hi-fi options.

Then we get to the microphone, and oh boy. Right now, at this price, even for wireless headsets, there are a number of options out there with outstanding microphones. Some that even come close to sounding like fully dedicated XLR setups. The one in the Arctis Nova 4 Wireless though, despite being “AI Powered” and offering noise-canceling just sounds really mediocre by comparison. If you put this side-by-side with a headset from a decade ago, you’d be hard pressed to tell the difference. It works, it’ll pick up your voice, and deliver that in a clear manner, but it lacks the clarity, and the breadth that you’d expect from a headset at this price point, which is really quite disappointing.

Otherwise battery life is about where SteelSeries itself rates it, and I managed a full week of working from the home office without needing to charge.

Ultimately, the Arctis Nova 4 Wireless, for the price, is a solid pick. If audio is the only thing you’re interested in, it’s top-tier, and you can forgive the lackluster microphone as, after all, you’ll still be well-understood. What is worth noting, though, is how low in price the headset tends to go when it’s on offer. I’ve seen it as low as $80 during peak sales periods throughout the year. When it hits that kind of pricing it really does elevate it into some serious top-tier territory.

A photo showing the bottom of SteelSeries Arctis Nova 4 Wireless headset on a wooden surface.

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 4 Wireless?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider...

Here are two alternatives if you’d like to weigh up some other options before deciding on the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 4 Wireless.

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 4 Wireless headset in the hands.

(Image credit: Future)

How I tested the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 4 Wireless

  • Tested across multiple consoles 
  • Games, music and media listened to 
  • Software fully explored and configured 

I spent over three weeks testing the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 4 Wireless. I switched from my current daily driver combo of the Corsair Virtuoso Pro XT and the Audio-technica ATH-M50xBT and exclusively used the Nova 4 in all of my gaming pursuits. 

I’ve got fairly sensitive ears when it comes to audio testing, and prefer a deeper bass note, and higher treble, typically achieved through crystallization effects and similar.

I tested the battery life by charging the Nova 4 to full, then using it exclusively without charging throughout my working week. As for music testing, that was a combination of YouTube Music and Spotify Premium, across all manner of genres to best gauge just how well the drivers performed.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed August 2024.

Herman Miller Sayl Gaming Chair review: a compact chair that doesn’t compromise on comfort
7:06 pm | August 7, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming Gaming Accessories | Tags: | Comments: Off

One-minute review

The Herman Miller Sayl Gaming Chair is easily one of the best gaming chairs and most comfortable gaming chairs on the market if you’re shopping specifically for something that will fit in a smaller setup. Its frameless design is quite unlike anything else available right now, using a slightly flexible plastic mesh that gently curves to support the shape of your spine. 

There’s no backrest cushioning or a lumbar pillow in the traditional sense, but the results speak for themselves. This chair is incredibly comfortable to sit on and offers a formidable range of adjustment options, including the manufacturer’s popular Harmonic Tilt, to help maximize support for your back.

Despite the chair’s slight profile, its seat pad is still wide and spacious and has a generous level of cushioning and a contoured shape that cuts down on fatigue. Although predominantly constructed using plastic, materials are uniformly top-notch. Parts are cleanly produced and feel seriously durable to the touch. Add on a 12 year manufacturer warranty, and you’ve got a chair that’s going to be able to endure years of daily use. The unique design also lends this chair a very striking overall appearance which is only further enhanced by the wide range of bright color options to choose from. 

In fact, the only area where the Herman Miller Sayl Gaming Chair falls short is in its lack of any real head or neck support. There is no headrest present on this model at all, which is an understandable limitation given the clear intention to keep the size down but will be a deal breaker for those who need one.

The backrest of the Herman Miller Sayl Gaming Chair.

(Image credit: Future)

Price and availability

  • $1,020 / £755
  • Available from Herman Miller
  • 12 year warranty

The Herman Miller Sayl Gaming Chair is available directly from Herman Miller in the US and UK where it costs $1,020 / £755. It’s not widely available in Australia yet, though. There are a range of color options to choose from, including bright Neon Green, clean Studio White, plain Black, Red, purple Interstellar, and, my personal favorite, the electric blue Ocean Deep.

Shoppers in the US can also choose a Slate Grey seat color, rather than the standard Black, at no extra cost. This is in addition to a ‘High Height Range’ height adjustment option, which takes the price up to $1,075 and allows you to adjust the seat height a few extra inches. Neither of these customizations are available in the UK right now.

Purchases include a 12 year manufacturer warranty, which is significantly better than the warranties offered by most competitors. Both the Razer Fujin Pro and Secretlab Titan Evo, to name two examples, are covered by shorter 5 year warranty periods.

Specs

Design and aesthetics

The Herman Miller Sayl Gaming Chair impresses when it comes to design and aesthetics. It’s effectively a recolored version of the existing Herman Miller Sayl, which is sold as an office chair, but that works to its advantage. The more abstract form factor is a real breath of fresh air in a market that is dominated by more generic designs inspired by racing seats. Its mesh-like backrest is eye-catching, highly breathable, and comfortably soft, though still rigid enough to provide plenty of support where it counts.

The majority of the chair is constructed from a sleek black plastic with a slightly textured finish. There are still some brightly colored elements depending on your choice of colorway, including the backrest and the adjustment controls underneath the seat, making them easy to identify and adding a very pleasing level of contrast to the overall look. 

The seat cushion is a slightly curved shape, keeping you centered while you sit. Its cover is slightly rough compared to the usual synthetic leather or soft fabric found on other gaming chairs, but this creates a good amount of friction and stops you from sliding around. 

The chair’s base is constructed from plastic, with five casters that work well on both hard surfaces and carpets. Like the rest of the chair, these casters are very high quality and can glide across floors smoothly and with little noise.

The seat and backrest of the Herman Miller Sayl Gaming Chair.

(Image credit: Future)

Comfort and adjustability

The Herman Miller Sayl Gaming Chair offers plenty of adjustability. Its backrest features a Harmonic Tilt mechanism that causes it to automatically recline as you lean back. The level of force required to cause the chair to tilt can be increased or decreased by turning the tilt tension knob, which is found on the right hand side underneath the seat. It sits alongside a lever which can raise or lower the seat height.

On the other side of the chair’s underside, you will find a mechanism that adjusts the limit of the recline. This can be set at three levels, ranging from an upright to partially and fully reclined position. There is also a forward tilt lever, which allows the backrest to move further forward as you lean in.

You can adjust the overall seat depth too, moving it either closer or further away from the backrest. This allows you to adjust the amount of space between the back of your knees and the edge of the seat which is ideal for ensuring a healthy sitting position.

The adjustment lever of the Herman Miller Sayl Gaming Chair.

(Image credit: Future)

The armrests can be adjusted either up or down, or pivoted a few degrees if you’d prefer to use them at an angle. Their width or depth can also be easily tweaked by simply pushing the top of each armrest and sliding it in your desired direction.

The manufacturer's online adjustment guide provides a detailed explanation of each of these functions, in addition to some helpful tips on how to correctly use them. With everything fully adjusted, the Herman Miller Sayl Gaming Chair offers a seriously impressive level of comfort. The backrest provides absolutely perfect support and feels extremely natural as it shifts in conjunction with your body. That said, I often sit leaning slightly forward. Those who prefer to lean back would likely be better served by a model with a headrest, like the Herman Miller x Logitech Vantum, for that added support.

The armrests of the Herman Miller Sayl Gaming Chair.

(Image credit: Future)

Assembly

The Herman Miller Sayl Gaming Chair comes fully assembled in a large cardboard box. Setting it up is as simple as cutting open the box, wheeling out the chair, and removing a couple small product tags. The overall process is quick, easy, and absolutely perfect for those who are not familiar with assembling gaming chairs. A QR code that links to a brief online manual is included in the box should you require it.

The cardboard box of the Herman Miller Sayl Gaming Chair.

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Herman Miller Sayl Gaming Chair?

Buy it if...

You want a high-quality, compact chair
The Herman Miller Sayl Gaming Chair is small, but still offers a fantastic level of comfort. It’s well worth considering if you want a premium gaming chair but don’t have the space for any of the larger alternatives.

You love the look
There’s nothing else that looks quite like the Herman Miller Sayl Gaming Chair on the market right now. This makes it ideal for those who want a break from more traditional racing seat style designs or just love its brightly colored appearance.

Don't buy it if...

You want head support
The Herman Miller Sayl Gaming Chair doesn’t feature a headrest. This keeps it small, but those who need dedicated neck or head support should look at other options.

Also consider...

If you’re not sold on the Herman Miller Sayl Gaming Chair, then these two alternatives are worth considering.

Herman Miller x Logitech Vantum
The Herman Miller X Logitech Vantum is the way to go if you want the same excellent build quality, warranty, and design as the Herman Miller Sayl Gaming Chair but with the addition of a dedicated headrest. 

For more information, check out our full Herman Miller x Logitech Vantum review

Razer Fujin Pro
The Razer Fujin Pro is a good alternative if you’re looking for other chairs that prioritize comfort. Assembly is slightly more complex, though it offers similarly top performance while you play.

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

The back of the Herman Miller Sayl Gaming Chair.

(Image credit: Future)

How I tested the Herman Miller Sayl Gaming Chair

  • Tested for over three weeks
  • Used for office work and gaming
  • Compared to other gaming chairs

I tested the Herman Miller Sayl Gaming Chair for over three weeks at our London office. I used it as my primary chair as I completed productivity tasks and played a selection of games. This included a range of titles on Amazon Luna, such as River City Girls, XDefiant, Fortnite, and more, in addition to mobile phone games including Zenless Zone Zero and Dicey Dungeons.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed August 2024.

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