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I tried Lenovo’s new gaming PC and its build and performance are top-tier – but another aspect impressed me even more

12:36 am | October 28, 2025

Lenovo Legion Tower 5: Two-minute review

The Lenovo Legion Tower 5 is a high-end gaming PC with a formidable spec designed to handle modern games without sacrificing much in the way of graphical fidelity.

It looks understated yet elegant as far as tower PCs go, thanks in no small part to the matte finish and rounded corners. The vibrant yet tasteful RGB lighting on the fans and through the front panel logo also adds to its allure.

What’s more, its premium appeal is more than skin deep: the Legion Tower 5 can lay claim to having one of the best gaming PC cases in terms of build quality. Every material feels solid and durable, including the glass side cover.

The only aspect I disliked was the top ventilation panel, since its sharp undulating design is uncomfortable to hold. Thankfully, there’s a grab handle at the front for when you need to move the Legion Tower 5; and you’ll certainly need the purchase it provides, since it’s a monstrously heavy unit.

There’s some scope to expand the potential of the Legion Tower 5, but not by much. Three M.2 drives and one HDD can be installed simultaneously, but 32GB is the maximum RAM allowance. I could see two spare SATA ports and one PCIe slot free, but that’s all.

The usual ports can be found on the Legion Tower 5, with plenty of USB-A ports and audio ports on the rear. The front panel is quite sparse though, and the inclusion of a USB-C port at this end might be disappointing to some, depending on the peripherals they have.

As you would expect given its components, the general performance of the Legion Tower 5 is excellent. It’s also free from bloatware, with Lenovo’s bundled software proving unintrusive and even useful. Lenovo Vantage offers some useful system functions and details, while LegionSpace is a simple and effective way to adjust performance settings and fan speeds.

Gaming with the Legion Tower 5 is a joy. It effortlessly runs AAA titles with fps figures in the hundreds. What’s more, it does so in near-silence and without approaching temperatures beyond the mildly tepid.

All this quality and performance does come at a price, but it’s not as eye-watering as some rivals. There are cheaper 5070 builds, but considering the quality of the case and components, not to mention its exceptional cooling abilities, the Legion Tower 5 might just be worth it for those after top-draw performance without sacrificing peace and quiet.

Lenovo Legion Tower 5: Price & availability

Close-up of Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 GPU inside the Lenovo Legion Tower 5, on a desk with pink wall in background — (Image credit: Future)

Starts from $1,449.99 / £1,395 / AU$2,069
Available now
Decent value

The Legion Tower 5 is available now in the US, UK, and Australia, starting at $1,449.99 / £1,395 / AU$2,069 for the AMD Ryzen 10th Gen builds, while the Intel-based Tower 5i Gen 10 starts at $1,319.99 / £1,116 / AU$2,519.

For the AMD builds, numerous configurations are available, peaking at builds with a Ryzen 9 7950X3D and an RTX 5070 Ti, while the Intel builds feature up to an Intel Core Ultra 7 265F and an Nvidia RTX 5070 Ti. Maximum capacities for RAM and storage are 32GB and 2TB, respectively – although the latter is expandable with separately purchased drives, thanks to its three M.2 slots and an extra space for a HDD (although storage bays are only available on some models).

This isn’t a bad price considering what’s on offer, but there are still cheaper alternatives. The HP Victus 15L and HP Omen 16L cost significantly less, but you will have to settle for much lower specs. However, we found their performance capable enough for 1080p gaming and their relatively small size and generous front port selection add to their appeal.

A more closely-matched rival to the Legion Tower 5 is the NZXT Player PC, which is similarly priced to the Legion Tower 5 and likewise features an RTX 5070. Like the Legion Tower 5, it’s built to a very high standard, yet it just about undercuts it on price in some regions.

Value: 4 / 5

Lenovo Legion Tower 5: Specs

Close-up of rear fan with RGB lighting on inside the Lenovo Legion Tower 5, with pink wall in background — (Image credit: Future)

Lenovo Legion Tower 5 (30L, Gen10) review specs
CPU		AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D (8 cores), 4.2GHz
Graphics		NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070, 12GB
RAM		32 GB DDR5-5600MT/s (UDIMM) - (2 x 16 GB)
Storage		1TB NVMe M.2 SSD
Ports		Front I/O: 1x USB-A (5Gbps), 1x USB-C (5Gbps), 1x combo audio Back I/O: 1x RJ45, 1x USB-C (10Gbps), 2x USB-A (5Gbps), 4x USB-A (hi-speed USB), 3x audio
Wireless		Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3

Lenovo Legion Tower 5: Design

Close-up of ports on front panel of the Lenovo Legion Tower 5 — (Image credit: Future)

Superb case
Very heavy
Limited expandability

The Legion Tower 5 makes a good first impression, with its steely but elegantly designed case. The bright RGB lighting of the fans and front “Legion” logo livens up the unit without being brash.

It’s built to a high standard, too. The materials feel as premium as they look, and every panel feels sturdy and durable, even the glass side cover. The downside, however, is that the Legion Tower 5 is quite large and very heavy, so moving around can be difficult.

And you won’t want to grab it from the top, as the ventilation mesh has a spiked design that can dig uncomfortably into the hand. Fortunately, there’s a useful grab handle just behind the front ports you can hold instead.

There’s some scope for expanding components, but not much. There are four DDR5 memory slots, but only a maximum of 32GB is supported. Up to three M.2 SSDs and one HDD can be installed simultaneously, and there are two spare SATA ports and a spare PCIe 4x slot.

On the rear you’ll find the usual selection of ports. There are six USB ports, although only two of them utilize the SuperSpeed standard. There are also the obligatory headphone, microphone, and line-in connections.

Birds-eye view of black mouse and keyboard and bottom portion the Lenovo Legion Tower 5, on a grey desk — (Image credit: Future)

Oddly, the PSU is located at the top, resulting in a dangling power cable: this is never ideal, but here it can potentially obscure other rearside connections, too. What’s more, this placement effectively shortens the length of the cable if your outlet is close to the floor.

At the front, port selection is more scarce. There are two USB ports, although one is type-C, which could prove contentious depending on what you’re connecting. Personally, I would’ve preferred both to have been type-A, given most of my peripherals use this standard – and I suspect many others’ do as well.

My Legion Tower 5 review unit came with a mouse and keyboard: basic affairs that were perfectly functional, but clearly designed for productivity rather than gaming. The keys’ short travel and lack of feedback make them better for typing than WASD use, while the mouse has no DPI selector or even side buttons. Needless to say, Lenovo certainly hasn’t provided the best gaming keyboard or the best gaming mouse here.

Design: 4.5 / 5

Lenovo Legion Tower 5: Performance

Close-up of power button and grab handle on the Lenovo Legion Tower 5, with pink wall in background — (Image credit: Future)

Excellent AAA performance
Impressively cool and quiet

Lenovo Legion Tower 5 Gen 10 (30L AMD) CPU benchmarks:
Benchmark	Score
Geekbench 6.4 Single-core	2,594
Geekbench 6.4 Multi-core	13,554
Crossmark Overall	1,846
Crossmark Productivity	1,734
Crossmark Creativity	2,127
Crossmark Responsiveness	1,454
Cinebench R23 Single Core	1,693
Cinebench R23 Multi Core	17,376
Cinebench R24 Single Core	104
Cinebench R24 Multi Core	934

The performance of the Legion Tower 5 is excellent, with the RTX 5070 in my review unit delivering on its promises.

As you would imagine, everyday tasks are handled equally well. Document and spreadsheet workloads are processed instantly, while 4K streaming is seamless, lacking the significant buffering times that can plague less capable machines.

Lenovo Legion Tower 5 Gen 10 (30L AMD) GPU benchmarks
Benchmarks	Score
3DMark Fire Strike	43,845
3DMark Steel Nomad	5,495
3DMark Solar Bay	107,638
3DMark Solar Bay Unlimited	105,290
3DMark Speed Way	5,960
3DMark Port Royal	14,302
3DMark Wild Life Extreme	43,652
3DMark Wild Life Extreme Unlimited	42,947

More impressive, however, is just how quiet the Legion Tower 5 is. During my entire time with it, the fans never rose above a gentle whir, even when the system was set to Performance mode.

What’s more, the unit remained remarkably cool throughout, never exceeding lukewarm temperatures. The Legion Tower 5 is exclusively air-cooled, utilizing six fans that offer up to 180W of power – and they certainly seem effective.

Lenovo Legion Tower 5 Gen 10 (30L AMD) gaming benchmarks
Game	Average FPS
Cyberpunk 2077 (1080p, Ultra)	72
Shadow of the Tomb Raider (Highest, 1080p)	208
F1 2024 (Max, 1080p)	119
Total War: Warhammer III (Ultra, 1080p)	172

Thankfully, the Legion Tower 5 isn’t saddled with bloatware. In fact, the two included utility apps, LegionSpace and Lenovo Vantage, are unobtrusive and quite useful; the former for viewing detailed system specs and performing functions such as BIOS updates, and the latter for adjusting performance and fan settings.

The Wi-Fi card was also exemplary. My connection speeds were fast, and I experienced no dropouts or instability.

Performance: 5 / 5

Should I buy the Lenovo Legion Tower 5?

Close-up of bottom-rear portion of the Lenovo Legion Tower 5, with pink wall in background — (Image credit: Future)

Attributes	Notes	Rating
Value	The Legion Tower 5 is expensive, but the value is good considering the performance and build quality.	3.5 / 5
Design	The case feels very premium and durable, although it’s very heavy. It’s not the most expandable, either.	4.5 / 5
Performance	The Legion Tower 5 tears through AAA titles without breaking a sweat. It’s also eerily quiet.	5 / 5
Average rating	The Legion Tower 5 is a top-tier gaming desktop that delivers superb gaming performance. It’s large and heavy, and not the most expandable, but the premium design and its hushed operation might be enough to justify its cost.	4.34 / 5

Buy it if...

You want great build quality
The case is as premium as they come, looking smart and seeming very durable.

You want excellent gaming performance
The 5070 in my review unit blasted through AAA games without issue, all the while staying perfectly cool and incredibly silent.

Don't buy it if...

You want plenty of expandability
You can only have up to 32GB of RAM, and there aren’t many other slots left spare for upgrading.

You want minimal real estate
The Legion Tower 5 is no mini PC; it’s large and heavy, and the sharp vent panel on the top doesn’t exactly help with ergonomics.

Lenovo Legion Tower 5: Also Consider

Here are some equally desirable alternatives to the Lenovo Legion Tower 5:

NZXT Player PC (5070 Intel Edition)
Despite having the same RTX card and the same RAM capacity, but twice the installed storage, the NZXT Player PC is a little cheaper than the Legion Tower 5. It doesn’t skimp on quality, either: we were impressed with its ample ventilation and smart, solid construction. The lack of visible expansion slots was about the only drawback we could find.

Read the full NZXT Player PC (5070 Intel Edition) review

Alienware Aurora (ACT1250)
The Alienware Aurora ACT1250 offers an excellent experience at 1440p and beyond, as well as a host of configuration options that allow you to build up the perfect gaming PC for performance needs. It's not great on expandability, though.

Read the full Alienware Aurora (ACT1250) review

How I tested the Lenovo Legion Tower 5

Tested for two days
Used for gaming and benchmarked
Plentiful PC gaming experience

I tested the Legion Tower 5 for a couple of days, during which time I used it for a variety of tasks.

I used it for working, browsing, streaming video, and, of course, gaming. I played AAA titles such as Cyberpunk 2077 at various settings, including the highest preset. I also ran TechRadar’s series of benchmarks, to assess various aspects of its performance.

I’ve been PC gaming for over a decade, and have used a variety of systems and components during that time, and have built my own machines. I’ve also reviewed plenty of gaming hardware and laptops.

First reviewed October 2025

The RIG R5 Spear Pro HS gaming headset surprised me with rich, crisp audio that punches above its price point

7:00 pm | October 25, 2025

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

RIG R5 Spear Pro HS: one-minute review

Nacon RIG R5 Pro HS — (Image credit: Future)

Quality gaming audio doesn’t have to cost the earth; something that Nacon’s RIG brand has proven time and again with some of the best PS5 headsets around. Now, its RIG R5 Spear Pro HS wired gaming headset has landed around the top end of the budget spectrum, and yes, it’s also a winner.

I’m usually wary of cheapish gaming headsets as there’s usually always at least one glaring weakness, even if other aspects impress. However, the R5 Spear Pro is a fantastic all-rounder, providing great build quality, a high level of comfort thanks to its plush ear cups, and superb audio for both gaming and listening to music.

I guess the one big ‘weakness’ here is that the R5 Spear Pro is a wired-only gaming headset, an advantage the aptly named SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless would have over it, for example. That means you won’t be going wireless via 2.4GHz or Bluetooth. But the silver lining here is that the headset will work with any platform, device, or controller that has a 3.5mm headphone jack.

The R5 Spear Pro is advertised as a PlayStation-facing headset, compatible with PS5 and PS4, while also supporting the brand’s Tempest 3D audio profile. However, you can expect it to work just fine on Xbox Series X, Series S, Nintendo Switch 2, and others, given its simple wired connection.

I really have very little to complain about here, so expect a review on the shorter side. Some on-board features would’ve been nice, like mic muting or EQ switching, but what’s here is impressive for the price.

RIG R5 Spear Pro HS: Price and availability

List price: $69.99 / £69.99 (around AU$99)
Available now in the UK and Europe; US release on November 1
Comparable in price to the Epos H3 and Corsair HS50

The RIG R5 Spear Pro HS gaming headset is having a bit of a staggered release right now. It’s available in the UK and Europe now, but US folks will have to wait until November 1. It retails for $69.99 / £69.99 (around AU$99), and can be bought from Nacon’s website or regional stores.

It’s a pretty fair price tag for what you’re getting here, finding itself between the retail prices of the Epos H3 - our pick for the best wired gaming headset - and another budget banger in the Corsair HS50. Though at this price and sound quality, RIG might just knock Epos’s long-conquering headset off its throne.

RIG R5 Spear Pro HS: specs

Price	$69.99 / £69.99 (around AU$99)
Weight	0.74lbs / 0.34kg
Drivers	40mm graphene
Compatibility	PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X\|S, Xbox One, Switch, Switch 2, PC
Connection type	Wired (3.5mm)

RIG R5 Spear Pro HS: design and features

Out of the box, the R5 Spear Pro presents a seriously no-frills package. You’re getting the headset itself and a pair of PlayStation-branded mod plates for the ear cups’ exterior. More on those soon.

The headset doesn’t draw much attention to itself with a largely matte black finish. The RIG logo is emblazoned on top of the headband and mod plates, but it’s an otherwise low-key aesthetic. Which, hey, we definitely expect at this price point.

The headset, like other RIG products, is made from sturdy plastic that’s strongly resistant to wear and tear. RIG headsets are always impressively durable, and it’s a similar story here. It’s incredibly comfortable, too, with plush material for the headband and earcups resting nicely on your head without irritating over longer gaming sessions.

The headset naturally features a mic attached to the left earcup. It’s unfortunately not detachable, meaning you probably won’t be leaving the house with it, but it’s impressively flexible and easy to shape into a position that feels right for you.

The centerpiece of the R5 Spear Pro’s design, though, is its bespoke magnetic mod plates, which attach to the headset’s ear cups. As mentioned, the box contains a pair with the PlayStation logo slapped onto them, but you can buy other official designs separately. That includes one specifically designed for the EVO fighting game tournament.

RIG R5 Spear Pro HS: performance

The R5 Spear Pro simply provides brilliant, crisp audio for the price. When I got to testing by plugging it into my DualSense Wireless Controller for a Ghost of Yotei play session, I was immediately struck by the impressively layered audio that picked up on everything from the swaying breeze to distant clashes of swords.

Directional audio is brilliantly accurate, too, with audio flitting between left and right channels in an impressively immersive manner. The absorbing soundtrack of Tetris Effect Connected really came alive here, its audio-reactive gameplay really playing to the R5 Spear Pro HS’s strengths. Its 40mm graphene drivers, overall, provide pristine audio with little distortion even at higher volumes. I’d have preferred its bass register to be a little stronger, but it’s by no means underwhelming here.

Microphone quality is also solid. Not quite as impressive as with the RIG 900 Max HS’s crystal clear quality, but this one still more than gets the job done. It certainly works best on consoles, this flip-to-mute mic, as on my Windows PC I did have to wrestle a bit to get it to recognize the mic. However, using it while connected to a controller on PC solved that issue for me in the short term.

As mentioned, there isn’t much in terms of on-board functionality. The cable does have a volume slider, though it’s honestly a little stiff, and I ended up preferring using software settings on console and PC to adjust the headset’s audio.

Should I buy the RIG R5 Spear Pro HS?

Buy it if...

You want exceptional audio quality for less
It’s hard to find sound quality this good at this price point. While not the absolute cheapest budget-friendly headset out there, I feel the R5 Spear Pro HS comes in at a very reasonable price given its fantastic audio and strong build quality.

You play on a variety of platforms
Whether you’re on PlayStation, Xbox, or Switch consoles or PC, the R5 Spear Pro HS is an impressively versatile gaming headset, delivering stellar audio quality across all major platforms.

Don't buy it if...

You prefer having on-board buttons and features
Aside from its volume slider, there are no quick shortcuts or buttons on the headset itself. It doesn’t need many, to be fair, but it means you won’t have access to desirable features on other headsets like EQ profiles.

You want better customization
With no compatible companion software, the R5 Spear Pro HS is very much a case of ‘what you hear is what you get.’ Not a terrible thing in and of itself, as you can always rely on Dolby Atmos or Tempest 3D, but those after a more customizable audio experience won’t find it here.

RIG R5 Spear Pro HS: Also consider

Here are a couple more gaming headsets that come highly recommended if you’re not keen on the RIG R5 Spear Pro HS.

	RIG R5 Spear Pro HS	Turtle Beach Atlas 200	SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3X Wireless
Price	$69.99 / £69.99 (around AU$99)	$59.99 / £49.99 (around AU$79)	$109.99 / £99.99 / AU$109.99
Weight	0.74lbs / 0.34kg	0.62lbs / 0.28kg	0.57lbs / 0.27kg
Drivers	40mm graphene	50mm Nanoclear	40mm Neodymium
Compatibility	PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X\|S, Xbox One, Switch, Switch 2, PC	PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X\|S, Xbox One, Switch, Switch 2, PC	PC, Xbox Series X (Xbox version only), PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android
Connection type	Wired (3.5mm)	Wired (3.5mm)	Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless (USB-C receiver)

Turtle Beach Atlas 200
A real budget powerhouse, once again providing shockingly good audio for the price. Throw in a comfy fit and a crystal clear mic, and this one just may tempt you away from the RIG R5 Spear Pro HS for good reason.

Read our full Turtle Beach Atlas 200 review

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3X Wireless
One for consideration if you’re looking for wireless options instead, but want to keep costs down. The Arctis Nova 3X Wireless is a brilliant, cost-effective gaming headset that’s multiplatform-capable and has a lightweight build that remains comfortable for hours on end.

Read our full SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3X Wireless review

How I tested the RIG R5 Spear Pro HS

Tested for two weeks
Tested across PS5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC
Compared to other RIG headsets like the RIG 900 Max HS

I tested the RIG R5 Spear Pro HS for two weeks for this review. While I mostly played games with the headset, I also used it for work purposes, as well as casually listening to music in my spare time.

I used the headset across all major platforms, including PS5, Xbox Series X Digital Edition, Nintendo Switch 2, and my gaming PC. For this review, I played titles including Ghost of Yotei, Final Fantasy 14 Online, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, Tetris Effect Connected, PUBG Battlegrounds, and Tekken 8.

During testing, I went back and forth between the R5 Spear Pro HS and the pricier wireless offering, RIG 900 Max HS. I found audio quality to be largely identical across both products, though, as you might expect, build quality is better on the more expensive product, which also feels more durable thanks to its metallic, flexible headband and better materials used overall. Still, the R5 Spear Pro HS isn’t far off.

First reviewed October 2025

Read more about how we test

I’ve spent a few weeks with the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite, and it is simply the best gaming headset I have ever used

1:59 pm | October 24, 2025

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

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite: one-minute review

If you’re someone who craves the best in gaming audio and the most performant gaming accessories, then the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite is the only wireless gaming headset you need to consider buying - it is the best I have ever tested, and probably the best gaming headset, period.

While its price tag means it’s more expensive than most of the best gaming consoles, if you’re someone who strives to build the most performant gaming setup, or someone who craves the highest-quality audio for gaming, then the Elite is for you - and boy does it prove to be worth it for that audience.

Its design and build are something I’ve never experienced before, and I simply have no complaints here. The headset is extremely robust with its all-metal frame, and is as comfortable to boot with its super plush leatherette ear pads. All controls and buttons are intuitively placed and a joy to use, with genuinely satisfying motions to the volume wheel and microphone.

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite headset on headset stand in front of a white brick background and on a wooden surface — (Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)

The feature set is even more impressive. First and foremost, it really is the first certified Hi-Res (96kHz/24bit) wireless gaming headset on the market, and it’s such a joy to use in all its premium quality audio goodness. This is in no small part provided by its 40mm carbon fiber drivers that are stretched over a brass surround ring inside each cup, and supported by a brilliant GameHub DAC unit, which also offers multiconnectivity and even multimedia play - simultaneously. The brilliant SteelSeries’ Infinity Power battery system returns, and the microphone is now dual-fold with a brilliant boom mic supported by a beamforming built-in mic – taking over automatically whenever the boom one is retracted.

The performance of the Elite is otherworldly when it comes to gaming audio. It’s rich and detailed, with zero harshness or muddiness, and only the best, most rounded and fulsome profiles being directed down your ears at all times. It is relentlessly good. Throw in the fact that you can make it your own audio-wise with the Sonar PC app, or the mobile Arctis App to change things on the fly, and it’s elevated further.

Whether you're looking for a PC gaming headset, PS5 headset, Xbox headset, or even a Nintendo Switch headset, this is the ultimate one to strive for, and one that all other premium gaming headsets should now be measured against. In a similar vein to how I described the Garmin MARQ Golfer (Gen 2) premium golf watch I reviewed recently, if you want to go once, go hard, go premium, and go big on a gaming headset, then this is the one.

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite headset in front of a white brick background and on a wooden surface — (Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite: price and availability

List price: $599.99 / £599.99 / AU$1,349
The most expensive gaming headset I’ve tested, and nearly twice the price of the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
Offers its own premium, audiophile-grade vision of value

There’s no denying that the SteelSeries Arctis Elite is expensive. At the above price, it’s more than a PlayStation 5 and not that far off a PlayStation 5 Pro either. You could also get two 512GB Xbox Series S consoles for the same price or almost three DualSense Edge controllers. Anyway, it’s expensive, but where does it sit in the market?

In terms of direct competitors at the price point, in the gaming headset market, there are basically none. SteelSeries’ own Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is generally my pick for a premium gaming headset with its $350 / £330 sticker price (though it is often discounted now) - but the Elite comes in at nearly twice the price of that now. Similarly, outside of the SteelSeries ecosystem, it’s also comfortably more than the likes of the audiophile-focused Audeze Maxwell and Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro, too.

To find direct competitors pricewise, you’re looking to the core audiophile headphone market and products like the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2, Focal Bathys, and the Elite is still even more expensive than the Sennheiser HD 660S2 as well - and they all, of course, do not feature any gaming headset features or enhancements.

However, and hopefully this review shines light on all the reasons why, I genuinely believe that there is robust value in the Elite if you are the precise audience it is targeting. If you are that ultimate setup gamer, or an audiophile gamer who wants the best gaming audio money can buy above all else, then the Elite is absolutely for you, and you will see and hear the benefits and boosts.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite: specs

	SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite
Price	$599.99 / £599.99 / AU$1,349
Weight	13.4oz / 380g
Drivers	40mm carbon fiber with brass surround
Compatibility	PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X\|S, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac, Mobile
Connection type	Hi-Res wireless (2.4Ghz via dongle), Wired (audio jack), Bluetooth 5.3 + LE Audio
Battery life	Up to 60 hours (2 x fully-charged batteries), Infinite Power System
Features	Certified Hi-Res audio (96kHz/24-bit) ClearCast Gen 2.X - Retractable Boom Mic and Smart-Switching On-Ear Beamforming Microphone with AI noise rejecting, ANC, Omniplay GameHub (connect four devices simultaneously),
Software	SteelSeries GG/Sonar, SteelSeries Arctis Companion App (iOS & Android)

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite: design and features

Every part of the build is premium and of superb quality
A host of first-ever premium features built into its DNA
Two great colorways and a robust but comfortable build, epitomized by the metal frame

Starting off with the obvious, yes, this is another headset cut straight from the same SteelSeries Arctis Nova cloth as many others - at least, in terms of overall aesthetic, shape, and form. Which is fine - if it isn’t broken, why fix it? Instead, enhance it, as the Elite does, by offering a metal frame and hinges made of rolled steel and aluminum for starters.

However, elsewhere, literally every part of the Elite’s design and build looks and feels premium. This includes the volume wheel, which is incredibly satisfying to use, offering a lovely click with each notch you reach. The trademark retractable mic extends and rolls away with a new level of smoothness that I haven’t felt on any headset before, let alone a SteelSeries one, and the comfort of the plush leatherette earpads is something like never before, too.

It also comes in two distinct colorways, with the sage and gold combination being particularly striking and very evocative of the luxurious lifestyle device that SteelSeries is keen to describe the Elite as being. The other obsidian colorway is more familiar on a gaming headset, but the shine of the metalwork of the build gives it a chic edge. The dial on the accompanying GameHub DAC unit matches the gold or obsidian, respectively, of each colorway, too.

Ensuring we cover the necessities, on the left cup, we have the retractable bidirectional, 32KHz ClearCast Gen 2.X boom mic, the mic mute button, the power button (which also acts as the ANC and transparency mode button), the volume wheel (which can also be pressed in to remotely control the GameHub’s function), and audio jack port. On the right cup, we have the Bluetooth button (which controls media on your connected devices too, with a range of different presses) and the secondary beamforming mic, a ClearCast on-ear microphone, to be precise.

Both earcups have the swappable metal plates on the outside that SteelSeries fans will know and love, and they both hide something important, as they do on other headsets from the brand; on the right, it’s the replaceable battery, and on the left, it’s the USB-C port.

As with Nova Pro headsets, the Elite comes with a DAC unit that connects to your device. The version with the Elite is called the GameHub with OmniPlay and is a beefed-up version of the ones that accompany the Pros, which still offers the way to charge your removable batteries and tinker with settings, but has a trick up its sleeve.

This time, you can connect to all types of consoles or platforms from this one unit, from PC to PlayStation, and from Switch to Xbox - on top of the added Bluetooth connectivity the headset has too. The result is that you can connect up and listen to the audio of four different sources all at the same time - hence the term, OmniPlay. And it really is magic.

Underneath the physical features is where the real magic lies, and one of the most unique things about the Elite, which makes it truly different among its peers. First and foremost are its brand-new drivers: custom-designed 40mm carbon fiber drivers with a brass surround ring. These offer a frequency response of 10-40,000Hz and are at the core of the Elite’s bona fide, certified Hi-Res (24-bit/96kHz) audio offering - a first in gaming headsets.

The ANC onboard is formed of a four-mic hybrid active noise cancellation that features a transparency mode, and complementing that is the mic’s AI noise rejection tech, which is also witchcraft, given how much noise it can block out when in chaotic environments like busy streets and when trains scream past. You’ve also got the brilliant multi-faceted Infinity Power system (two removable batteries, one of which can always be charging in the GameHub, while also offering a USB-C port for quick charging), so you’ll likely never run out of battery, and a convenient method of charging the headset. Plus, Bluetooth codec support is excellent, with the 5.3 version supporting LC3 and LC3+.

I think the only feature missing from such a premium headset package would be a hard case, or at least something more protective than the leatherette one included.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite: performance

Simply the best gaming audio from a headset I have ever experienced
Seamless and abundant connectivity, with a brilliant mic
Brilliantly comfy and easy to use, and perfect for all other media

Where do I start? The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite simply excels in every single audio manner, on every platform, and for every media and genre of game you can throw at it. That’s it, I could leave it there.

But I won’t, naturally. In practice, the audio is incredible on the Elite. I can immediately hear a difference from other sets I have to hand, like a SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 or the also excellent Drop + Epos PC38X, and it’s almost certainly better than my Sennheiser HD 550 headphones, which I put above many gaming headsets.

Across all my testing on PC, console, and mobile, the Elite excelled. The world of Ghost of Yotei was alive through audio alone; the chaos of hectic scenes in the Battlefield 6 campaign on PS5 was incredibly bombastic and rich, without ever being muddy or boomy; and the details of Control and Frostpunk 2, to name but two, on PC were a sheer delight.

Technically, the Elite is fully unleashed as a PC gaming headset due to the PS5 and Xbox Series X, sadly, not being able to output at the highest res - though you’ll also need to manually change a setting or two in Windows to ensure your PC outputs in Hi-Res too. Given that Hi-Res edge that the Elite has on PC, it does leave me wondering whether it’s an equally wise investment for someone who exclusively games on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, or Nintendo Switch. It feels almost like a disservice to the headset - and the money you spent on it - to leave it tied to any single platform, and maybe more so a console that can’t unleash the full power of the Hi-Res headset.

However, that really isn’t to say you’ll not be having an awesome, spectacular time on console, so don’t let that put you off either, especially if you’re an audiophile who plays on PS5, for example. As previously mentioned, I still had a breathtaking time on console with the Elite, so you’ll still have a super quality headset for console, and the Elite’s other premium qualities will make it shine.

Away from gaming, as a pair of bona fide enthusiast audiophile headphones, the Elite absolutely holds up. They certainly sound just as good as my Sennheiser HD 550s, and perhaps better, after testing them across a range of music and video. Basically, if you’re at all concerned about how the Elite transposes its gaming audio prowess to other media, don’t be. This was echoed by my time using the Elite out and about as a set of contenders for best headphones on walks or travel; the audio never failed to impress, and the ANC is impressive too.

As with other modern SteelSeries audio devices, you can get even more out of the Elite with the companion app on mobile to give you flexibility and customization options on the fly - great when playing on console. And on PC, you can tap into all the SteelSeries GG and Sonar have to offer to tailor the Elite even more acutely to your preferences if need be.

Should I buy the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite?

Buy it if...

You want the absolute best gaming headset money can buy
Simply put, if you want the best of the best, then this is the headset to get, no matter your preferred platform; as close to perfection as you’ll get from build quality and feel, to audio quality and feature set.

You’re an audiophile gamer
If you are a gamer who prioritizes your audio, no matter what games you play or how you play them, and crave the highest audio quality money can buy, and you want to remain cord-free, then my advice is simple: buy the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite headset.

You want a single, premium solution for all your devices
If you’re looking for a total solution across your consoles, PC, and mobile devices, then the Elite can do it all and be your one, single awesome headset to service each and every one of them - in an exquisitely premium manner.

You want your gaming headset to also be a top pair of headphones
The Arctis Nova Elite headset shines as a pair of everyday headphones as well as for gaming. The ANC is a joy, the headset is supremely comfortable and robust, and you can change your audio preferences on the fly via your phone for music and podcasts, too.

Don't buy it if...

You play on console only and don’t need best-in-class features
If you only play on console and aren’t convinced you’ll be able to make the most of all the class-leading features and Hi-Res audio the Elite offers, then it’s likely not for you.

You’ve already got a quality mid or high-end headset and don’t crave Hi-Res audio
If you have already thrown a bit of cash at your gaming headset in the past few years, and are on the fence about needing Hi-Res audio, then you’re probably fine to skip the Elite - unless you crave one or more of its particular features. Otherwise, it’s an upgrade for a specific range of folk.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite: Also consider

If the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite is either not what you’re after or a bit rich for you, then here are two competitors that might hit the mark.

	SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite	SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless	Audeze Maxwell
Price	$599.99 / £599.99 / AU$1,349	$379.99 / £329.99 / AU$735	$329 / £319 / about AU$450
Weight	13.4oz / 380g	9.5oz / 266g	17.3oz / 490g
Drivers	40mm carbon fiber with brass surround	40mm neodymium	90mm Planar Magnetic
Compatibility	PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X\|S, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac, Mobile	Xbox Series X\|S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac, Mobile	Playstation or Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PC, Mac, Mobile
Connection type	Hi-Res wireless (2.4Ghz via dongle), Wired (audio jack), Bluetooth 5.3 (LE Audio, LC3, LC3+)	Wireless (2.4Ghz via dongle), Wired (USB-C), Bluetooth 5.3	Wireless (2.4Ghz via dongle), Wired (USB-C & audio jack), Bluetooth 5.3 (LC3plus / LC3 / LDAC / AAC)
Battery life	Up to 60 hours (2 x fully-charged batteries), Infinite Power System	Up to 60 hours (2 x fully-charged batteries), Infinite Power System	80+ hours
Features	Certified Hi-Res audio (96kHz/24-bit), 40mm carbon fiber, brass ring surround drivers, ClearCast Gen 2.X - Retractable Boom Mic and Smart-Switching On-Ear Beamforming Microphone with AI noise rejecting, ANC, Omniplay GameHub (connect four devices simultaneously)	Companion App, 40mm Neodymium magnetic drivers, 360-degree spatial audio, retractable ClearCast 2.X mic	Detachable hypercardiod mic, beamforming mic with physical and AI reduction, FILTER™ Noise Reduction Technology, embedded Dolby Atmos license (Xbox),
Software	SteelSeries GG/Sonar (PC), SteelSeries Arctis Companion App (iOS & Android)	SteelSeries GG/Sonar (PC)	Audeze HQ (PC)

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
The closest competitor within SteelSeries' own impressive lineup, the Arctis Nova Pro is a fine choice for those looking for impressive audio and connectivity, while not spending as much money as the Elite demands. A super wireless headset, no matter your platform.

For more information, check out our full SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless reviewView Deal

Audeze Maxwell
Offering perhaps the closest wireless audiophile gaming headset experience to the Elite, Audeze’s Maxwell headset is a solid alternative. It still demands a sizable price of admission, but offers excellent audio from its planar magnetic drivers.

For more information, check out our full Audeze Maxwell reviewView Deal

How I tested the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite

Tested almost daily for nearly five weeks for work, gaming, and on the go
Used on PC and PS5 Pro on a wide variety of games, and work and home tasks
Compared directly to a set of Sennheiser HD 550 headphones, as well as other gaming headsets

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite has been my daily gaming headset for work and play for around five weeks for review. I have integrated them into both my gaming PC and PS5 Pro setups, as well as used them out and about as a pair of audiophile headphones.

On my RTX 3090 gaming PC (a machine teamed with an Acer Predator X32QFS gaming monitor), where I was able to test the Hi-Res audio after changing a setting in Windows, I played a host of games, including the Titan Quest 2 Early Access build, Frostpunk 2, Control, and Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 3. I also used them extensively for work and video calls.

On console, I primarily tested the Elite with my PS5 Pro, but also with my office setup’s PS5 Slim for good measure. On PS5, I tested the Elite with almost my entire playthrough of Ghost of Yotei, as well as some of Death Stranding Director’s Cut, Battlefield 6, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice (the PS5 version) and the Claws of Awaji expansion for Assassin’s Creed Shadows, and for multiplayer testing I used the Elite for finishing a Ghost Recon: Breakpoint playthrough with my buddies as well as an Aliens: Fireteam Elite playthrough.

As well as using the Elite as headphones while on dog walks, I also tested them with music and entertainment. I used them as I normally would with the likes of Spotify and YouTube, but also hi-res audio providers like Tidal. During my testing, I was able to compare the Elite to my set of HD 550 headphones as an audiophile headphone reference point, as well as a Drop + Epos PC38X headset, and a SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 headset.

First reviewed September-October 2025

Read more about how we test

With this one tweak, the Turtle Beach Velocityone Race KD3 wheel becomes the best in the budget market

3:00 am |

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

Turtle Beach Velocityone Race KD3: One-minute review

Previously a headset specialist, Turtle Beach has expanded into the more distant shores of sim peripherals lately and has had some especially impressive first forays into flight sim gear. The original VelocityOne direct drive bundle didn’t stick the landing quite as well over in the sim racing space, but this revised KD3 version addresses a lot of user feedback, and the result is simply our favourite budget-end direct drive bundle.

Both the wheelbase and pedals are equally at home on a desktop setup or installed on a racing seat, which is a smart move at this price point since the split of users who race one way or the other is far more even than at a higher price. Although there’s some plastic present on both the base of the pedals and the framework of the wheel, this doesn’t detract from what’s a solid and detailed driving sensation.

Torque weenies will be quick to point out the low 3.2Nm output from Turtle Beach’s direct drive motor, but in reality, it doesn’t feel weak to drive. There’s enough muscle here to make a car feel weighty, and to articulate a rear-end slip well enough for you to react to it.

Turtle Beach Velocityone KD3 — (Image credit: Future)

Conversely, the wheel is the weak point of the whole bundle. The buttons are uninspiring and feel cheap to press, and while the magnetic shifters feel great, the visual design isn’t going to turn many heads.

But Turtle Beach has a plan: a rather excellent FR-X formula-style wheel unit, sold separately for $225 / £189. If you buy that wheel plus the base bundle, you’re still in competitive pricing territory with the Thrustmaster T598, Moza R3, and Nacon Revosim, and you’ll have arguably the best wheel out of the lot.

One question mark to consider before purchasing is that, since Turtle Beach is just getting started in the sim racing space, the product ecosystem is limited at present. There’s nothing to upgrade to higher up the pricing ladder, so if you wanted to swap in a better set of pedals one day, or affix that FR-X wheel to a motor with a higher torque output, you’re banking on Turtle Beach continuing to expand its range of gear. With that said, at this price, it’s well worth the gamble.

Turtle Beach Velocityone Race KD3: Price and availability

List price: $449.99 / £329.99 (around AU$690)
Cheaper than both the Nacon Revosim and Thrustmaster T598
Worth factoring in the $225 / £189 FR-X wheel upgrade

Truthfully, the price is what makes this bundle as exciting as it is. There’s been a lot of activity in and around the $500 / £500 direct drive bundle mark in 2025, but the build quality, sensation, and design of this one make it the best value of all. Turtle Beach has undercut Nacon’s Revosim, and the Thrustmaster T598 - two bundles that offer extraordinary value in their own right.

The tradeoffs to hit this pricing aren’t obvious or troublesome, either - a basic wheel with a mostly plastic construction, and a plastic pedal base. Most value-conscious sim racers can live with that in order to enjoy the considerable benefits.

The FR-X wheel is the jewel in Turtle Beach’s nascent ecosystem, and it’s a borderline-mandatory upgrade to this bundle, which unlocks mechanical switches, a great input layout, and a much more premium look and feel. It’s priced at $224.99 / £189.99, and you should add that amount to the price of this bundle unless $399.99 / £329.99 is the hard limit of your budget.

Turtle Beach Velocityone Race KD3: Specs

Weight	14.4lbs / 6.5kg
Peak torque	3.2Nm
Features	Magnetic shifters, adjustable angle, killswitch, rev display
Connection type	USB-A
Compatibility	Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
Software	VelocityOne Tuner

Turtle Beach Velocityone Race KD3: Design and features

Solid, adjustable pedals
A lot of detail from just 3.2Nm
Well-designed for desktop use, suitable for sim rigs too

Turtle Beach has clearly been paying attention to the feedback it garnered when it brought the first VelocityOne bundle to the sim racing market. This newest iteration looks more sophisticated and takes more of its design cues from the world of motorsport than gaming, allowing it to sit flush against the likes of Fanatec and Moza’s grown-up, serious-looking wheel bundles.

I’m a particular fan of the compact, no-nonsense motor design. It’s surprisingly small and neat, with a killswitch at the top and some additional buttons on the right-hand side, which add inputs for the three central buttons on an Xbox Wireless Controller.

The wheel mounts to the motor via a sturdy quick-release design, which doesn’t require any screwdrivers. Just pull the quick-release mechanism back towards you, then pull the wheel off. It feels secure and tight when the wheel’s affixed, and allows you to swap between two different wheel models easily – more on that below.

The supplied wheel is the weakest element of the bundle, but by no means is it unfit for purpose. It’s simply that there’s a plasticky feel to the upper and lower portions of the wheel, north and south of the texturized grips, and a rather basic finish quality. There are 20 total inputs to assign, the majority being simple face buttons, but there are two scroll wheels, reachable with the thumb while driving, for mapping to functions like traction control or engine mappings.

Is it a thing of beauty? Not particularly. But it deserves credit for a sensible ergonomic button layout, and for its size. Not many wheels at this end of the price bracket are full-size, and when you’re driving in titles that really benefit from a round wheel like EA Sports WRC, it’s a real benefit to have that full-size maneuverability.

There’s a two-pedal base supplied with this bundle, and although the brake doesn’t feature a load cell design with different elastomers that can be swapped in and out manually, you can still adjust the tension by twisting the spring housing.

Turtle Beach FR-X wheel

Available for $224.99 / £189.99, Turtle Beach’s formula-style FR-X wheel expands the company’s nascent racing ecosystem and… well, it’s just fantastic.

Everything about it, from the full-scale size, rubberized grips, to the mechanical buttons and aluminum dials, feels incredibly premium. It’s such a step up from the rather basic round wheel that’s bundled with the KD3 that I’d personally just add on this wheel’s price to the bundle and consider it mandatory.

That still keeps it in the realm of the Thrustmaster T598 and the Nacon Revosim, but offers you the additional value of having two wheel shapes to swap between when you play, say, a track racing sim and a rally title.

If the point needed labouring any more, it’s worth mentioning that the construction quality and layout are certainly on par with Fanatec wheels that sell for double the price. Well done, Turtle Beach.

Typically, you find that budget-end direct drive bundles offer less stamping resistance, since it’s the more experienced and serious sim racers who want the all-out leg workout of a GT car’s brake pedal resistance, and so it proves here. For my personal driving style, I found I was able to dial in enough tension in order to apply plenty of braking and find the sweet spot just before locking up. That’s the most important aspect. If you want your sim racing setup to feel exactly like a GT car, you’ll need a stiffer brake. If you just care about lapping quickly and consistently, Turtle Beach’s design works very well.

The plastic base that houses the pedals is another concession to this bundle hitting an affordable price point, and when compared to Thrustmaster’s very sturdy, all-metal pedal base construction for the T598, it does look and feel cheaper and offers less customization. However, it stays put admirably well on a variety of floor surfaces, making it pretty ideal if you prefer to race at your desktop rather than in a sim rig.

In fact, while both the pedals and wheelbase can be easily mounted to a racing seat, it’s during desktop use where their practical and sensible design really shines through. Take the desktop mounting clamp, for example: this is often an aspect of affordable direct drive bundles that feels like an afterthought, but here, one simple but sturdy part slots into the underside of the motor and lets you screw it into place, with minimal chances of your legs knocking into it. Simple as that.

It’s definitely worth noting here that while the supplied wheel feels quite basic, for $224.99 / £189.99, the FR-X wheel is an absurdly well-put-together formula-style wheel with loads of luxurious touches, and it really elevates the whole experience. See our boxout for more details on it.

Turtle Beach Velocityone Race KD3: Performance

More torque than you’d expect
A sturdy and detailed driving experience
Comfortable layout

Sim racers love to talk… well, torque. The Nm output of a direct drive wheelbase is often cited as a crucial spec when someone’s weighing up their options, and on those terms, the 3.2Nm on offer from this model seems meager.

However, using torque output as a measure of how detailed or immersive a wheelbase can be is simply too reductive. The Thrustmaster T598, for example, has 5Nm on paper, but it’s capable of 100% torque overshoot and, in real terms, feels as powerful and resistant as any wheel I’ve tested.

It’s a similar story with this wheelbase. While it isn’t so powerful that I feared for my thumbs when I crashed, it’s got more than enough torque to articulate subtle weight transfer, traction loss, road rumble, and brake lockups. And yes, when you crash, it feels like you’re crashing.

If it lacks anywhere, it’s in how quickly it delivers those sensations. At times, particularly when racing lightweight vehicles like F1 25’s F1 cars or open wheelers in Automobilista 2, the front end feeling is slightly dull and imprecise. However, in road cars and GT vehicles that you’d find in Assetto Corsa Competizione or Assetto Corsa Evo, I noticed this far less.

In the end, that slightly dull delivery is another concession to price. Just like the stamping force on the brake, it takes you marginally out of the immersion of controlling a real vehicle, but has little to no impact on your lap times.

Elsewhere in performance terms, I love the spacing of the pedals, the size of the round wheel, and the articulation of the large aluminum magnetic shifters. That lets me compete in longer races without feeling fatigued, and having all the face buttons arranged within easy reach of my thumbs helps a lot, too.

Should I buy the Turtle Beach Velocityone Race KD3?

Buy it if…

You drive with a desktop setup, but might move to a rig
Desktop mounts seem to be a stumbling block for many bundles, at the budget end or otherwise, but Turtle Beach’s smart design makes it easy to clamp the motor to a desk, while the pedals stay put on any floor. That said, it’s equally at home mounted to a Playseat.

You’re feeling thrifty
This really is some incredible value Turtle Beach has crammed into one box, and if you can live with some high-plastic construction to the wheel and pedal base, there are few other tradeoffs.

You race rally and road
Spend the extra $225 / £190 for the magnificent FR-X wheel, and you’ve got a mini-modular setup with both a round wheel and a formula-style option, depending on the driving style you need.

Don’t buy it if…

You want to buy into a big ecosystem
Turtle Beach is just getting started in this vertical, so as yet, the future upgrade options are limited when compared to Fanatec’s range, for example.

You’re a torque snob
Only 3.2Nm? Surely you can barely feel the road? In reality, there’s plenty of power here, but if Nm is what counts to you, there are similarly priced rivals with higher output.

You’re a Gran Turismo fan
Bad news, Autumn Ring Mini aficionados – this one’s PC and Xbox-compatible, so your PS5 racing activities will need separate hardware – consider the Thrustmaster T598 instead.

Turtle Beach Velocityone Race KD3: Also consider

If the Turtle Beach Velocityone Race KD3 doesn’t bring you out of your shell, try these similar alternatives.

	Turtle Beach Velocityone Race KD3	Thrustmaster T598	Nacon Revosim
Price	$449.99 / £329.99 (around AU$690)	$499.99 / £449.99 (around AU$899.99)	$799.99 / £699.99 (around AU$1435)
Weight	14.4lbs / 6.5kg	14.1lbs / 6.4kg	52.9lbs / 24kg
Peak torque	3.2Nm	5Nm	9Nm
Features	Magnetic shifters, adjustable angle, killswitch, rev display	Modular pedal base, detachable rim, 100% torque overshoot	Direct drive, customizable button covers, quick release wheel, two-pedal base, phone mount attachment
Connection type	USB-A	USB-A	USB-A
Compatibility	PC, Xbox Series X\|S	PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC	PC

Thrustmaster T598
Thrustmaster does things differently than the competition with this industry-disrupting, axial drive wheel. Sure, the motor is massive and a strange shape, but it delivers an incredibly nuanced and powerful drive. Those who complain that its 5Nm torque output isn’t enough clearly haven’t driven one with the feedback strength maxed - it’s more than enough to snap your thumbs off.

The big consideration here is compatibility - if you’re a PC-only sim racer, then both are great options, but the Turtle Beach is Xbox-only on console while the T598 is PlayStation-only.

For more information, read our full Thrustmaster T598 review

Nacon Revosim
Priced higher than the others, Nacon’s Revosim does its best to justify the extra outlay with bombproof build quality and tons of extras, including a smartphone mount and several load cell configuration options for the brake, bundled in the box. The feeling is robust and detailed, but like the Turtle Beach wheel, the ecosystem is as yet very small, so there’s not much long-term upgrade or expansion potential.

For more information, read our full Nacon Revosim review

How I tested the Turtle Beach Velocityone Race KD3

Tested in F1 24, F1 25, Rennsport, ACC, and AC Evo
One week of testing on a desktop
Both the bundled KD3 wheel and FR-X wheel tested

Force feedback implementation and input schemes can vary from one title to another, so my testing process when a new bundle shows up at the door always involves a variety of games. And, indeed, a variety of vehicle types within them.

For the past week, I’ve been hotlapping in F1 24 and F1 25, obsessing over tire temps in Rennsport, whittling down the odd hundredth from my PBs in Assetto Corsa Competizione, and trying to ignore the low frame rates in Assetto Corsa Evo. In all titles, the KD3 feels powerful and just agile enough to convey the key info about the platform. Button mappings and default axis values all feel sensible, too.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed October 2025

The Razer Raiju V3 Pro is a great premium PS5 controller, but it hasn’t blown me away like its Xbox counterpart did

6:00 pm | October 23, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: Final Fantasy, PC | Comments: Off

Razer Raiju V3 Pro: one-minute review

After roughly two weeks with the Razer Raiju V3 Pro, I can confidently say it’s one of the best PS5 controllers I’ve tested to date. While it’s arguable that the space doesn’t have all that many compelling third-party options - outside of the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded at least - Razer’s controller nonetheless sets a new standard for PS5 pads.

It accomplishes this partly through its inclusion of tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) thumbsticks. That’s not as glamorous as it sounds - simply providing a highly drift resistant pair of sticks similar to Hall effect - but it’s an overdue inclusion among the best PS5 pads that significantly cheaper offerings on rival platforms have had for a number of years now. See the GameSir Tarantula Pro or 8BitDo Ultimate 2 for proof of that.

But that’s not the only reason to consider buying the Razer Raiju V3 Pro. Like with the Xbox-compatible Razer Wolverine V3 Pro, Razer’s own mouse click tech powers its remappable rear buttons, bumpers, and triggers, and they all feel so amazingly satisfying to press. As an esports-facing controller, rapid responsiveness for button presses is paramount, and the immediacy on offer here is simply excellent.

Aspects that I loved about the Wolverine V3 Pro are here on the Raiju. Razer has arguably the best trigger locks in the business, again leveraging that mouse clickiness for quick and satisfying results. The circular d-pad design remains one of my favorites, too, allowing for a heightened level of precision over traditional 4-way d-pads; truly a wonderful thing for the best fighting games, especially.

So far so good, then, and the inclusion of a carry case is a welcome one if you’re inclined to take your controller out with you to local tournaments or just to a buddy’s house. But I have to mark down the Raiju V3 Pro slightly in its overall build quality.

While still certainly on the higher end of PlayStation pads, it just doesn’t feel quite as premium as its Xbox counterpart. The face buttons, too - while still making use of tactile microswitches - don’t feel quite as satisfying or clicky as they do on the Wolverine V3 Pro. A shame, especially given that the Raiju is more expensive than the Wolverine in the US and the same price as it in the UK.

Razer Raiju V3 Pro: price and availability

List price: $219.99 / £199.99 (around AU$339)
Available now at Razer and select retailers
Similarly priced to the Wolverine V3 Pro

The Razer Raiju V3 Pro is available to buy now for $219.99 / £199.99 (around AU$339). You can pick up the PS5-compatible controller from Razer’s own website, or stocking retailers in the US and UK. An Amazon listing is due to go live at a later date.

In terms of price, it falls in the same territory as other premium-adjacent PlayStation 5 controllers. For example, the DualSense Edge comes in at $199.99 / £199.99, while the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded is available for $209.99 / £179.99.

But why are these controllers so expensive? Truthfully it usually comes down to two things. For one, they’re aimed at a specialist market - usually competitive gamers. Secondly, such gamepads typically come loaded with extra features like enhanced thumbsticks, trigger locks, remappable buttons, microswitches and more. There may or may not be a bit of a brand tax in the mix, too.

Razer Raiju V3 Pro: Specs

Price	$219.99 / £199.99 (around AU$339)
Weight	9.8oz / 279g
Dimensions	6.6 x 4.2 x 2.6in / 168 x 105 x 65mm
Compatibility	PS5, PC
Connection type	Wireless (2.4GHz), Wired (USB-C)
Battery life	Around 10 hours

Razer Raiju V3 Pro: design and features

While a counterpart to the Wolverine V3 Pro, the Razer Raiju V3 Pro actually looks a lot more similar to the Wolverine V2 Pro from a few years back. It has the same general silhouette, albeit with an entirely matte black finish rather than a clean white. It’s a very unassuming look, with even the PlayStation face button iconography sharing the same black as the pad itself.

Expect a similar layout to that of the DualSense Wireless Controller, or indeed the DualSense Edge. Symmetrical thumbsticks, a central Home dashboard button, along with a large center (and functioning) touchpad with Options and Share buttons on either side. The triggers and bumpers are a bit of a departure, though, feeling more similar to that of the Xbox Wireless Controller.

Usual suspects aside, the feature set is practically identical to the Wolverine V3 Pro. Two claw grip bumpers (essentially secondary bumpers lodged next to the triggers) are joined by four remappable rear buttons situated behind the pad’s grips. There’s also a pair of two-way trigger lock switches at the top rear, and between those, switches for swapping between wired and wireless play, and PC and PS5 connectivity.

The textured grips feel wonderful, and let you get a firm, comfortable grasp of the controller during play. The remappable buttons are positioned so that your fingers rest conveniently on them, too.

It’s a very solidly built controller, overall. But a nagging feeling I had during testing was that it just doesn’t feel quite as nice as the Wolverine V3 Pro. For that Xbox controller, I found its build quality to be one of the highlights, feeling suitably weighty and well-built.

The Raiju V3 Pro is noticeably lighter, which isn’t a bad thing in and of itself, but materials used here just feel a touch less premium overall, from its chassis to its sticks and buttons. Plus, the fact the USB-C port juts outwardly is an awkward blemish on the controller’s looks. And it could also mean that cables beyond the one Razer has included might not fit.

Razer Raiju V3 Pro: Performance

I at least can’t fault the Razer Raiju V3 Pro when it comes to gaming performance. Like its Xbox cousin, the Raiju provides a superb play experience especially in online multiplayer environments.

TMR sticks are a really welcome addition here. They achieve much the same as Hall effect by eliminating the risk of stick drift. However, they’re a lot closer to traditional analog sticks in feel, if that’s something you prefer. If you’re jumping over from a DualSense, you should feel right at home here, then, albeit the sticks on the Raiju are leagues ahead in durability.

Like the Wolverine V3 Pro, the Raiju is an exceptionally satisfying pad from a play perspective. The tactile immediacy of its buttons, d-pad, bumpers, and triggers (provided you’ve got those trigger locks enabled) just feels great in practice.

While I dabble in Fortnite and PUBG Battlegrounds, fighting games are my go-to competitive experience. And I’m as happy with the Raiju in this regard as I was with the Wolverine V3 Pro. The clicky, circular d-pad helps tremendously with rapid movement and motion-based inputs, whereas with traditional 4-way d-pads, it’s a lot easier to fumble commands or hit something you didn’t mean to. I’d genuinely love it if this circular design became the standard across most gamepads going forward; it just feels so nice in comparison.

In terms of battery life, it’s a similar story with the Raiju as it was with the Wolverine V3 Pro. I got around 10 hours out of the controller before it started to drop off and lose connection. Not brilliant, especially compared to the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded and Revolution 5 Pro, but certainly a step up from the DualSense Edge’s 5-6 hours on average.

Should I buy the Razer Raiju V3 Pro?

Buy it if...

You want a more fulsome premium PS5 controller experience
The DualSense Edge is nice with all its PlayStation-centric features, but it doesn’t offer TMR sticks, claw grip bumpers, or the same tactile feeling. The Raiju addresses all of this, making for a more complete competitive-ready controller overall.

You play a lot of online multiplayer
Whether it’s shooters, fighting games, or otherwise, this controller is tailor-made for competitive play, and absolutely succeeds in delivering a satisfying, expertly responsive experience.

Don't buy it if...

You want to enjoy the DualSense’s bespoke features
You won’t be getting PlayStation’s haptic feedback or adaptive triggers here while playing on PS5 or for compatible PC titles. If you really want those extra layers of immersion or tactility, you should stick with a DualSense or DualSense Edge.

Razer Raiju V3 Pro: Also consider

If the Razer Raiju V3 Pro isn’t quite what you’re looking for, there are other premium controller options for PS5 you might want to consider instead.

	Razer Raiju V3 Pro	Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded	DualSense Edge
Price	$219.99 / £199.99 (around AU$339)	$209.99 / £179.99 (around AU$322)	$199.99 / £199.99 / AU$399.95
Weight	9.8oz / 279g	9.3oz / 265g	11.4oz / 322g
Dimensions	6.6 x 4.2 x 2.6in / 168 x 105 x 65mm	6.3 x 4.1 x 2.4in / 160 x 105 x 60mm	6.3 x 4.2 x 2.6in / 160 x 106 x 66mm
Compatibility	PS5, PC	PS5, PS4, PC (Xbox version sold separately)	PS5, PC
Connection type	Wireless (2.4GHz), Wired (USB-C)	Wireless (2.4GHz), Wired (USB-C)	Wireless (PS5 native), Wired (USB-C)
Battery life	Around 10 hours	Around 20 hours	5-6 hours

Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded
An excellent premium PS5 controller with a unique selling point; the ability to swap out dedicated stick and button modules to your liking. This lets you adopt either symmetrical or asymmetrical stick layouts, for example. An included fightpad module is also excellent for fighting games.

Read our full Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded review

DualSense Edge
Not quite as impressive when compared to its immediate competition, but it does offer PlayStation’s unique haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. A pair of handy function buttons also let you swap button profiles on the fly, which is a nice touch.

Read our full DualSense Edge review

How I tested the Razer Raiju V3 Pro

Tested for two weeks
Played a range of PS5 and PC games
Compared directly to its Xbox counterpart, the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro

I tested the Razer Raiju V3 Pro for around two weeks for this review. In that time, I played a handful of games across PS5 and PC - both single player and online multiplayer-focused. These include Monster Hunter Wilds, Fortnite, Final Fantasy 14 Online, Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8, and the recently-released Ninja Gaiden 4.

I compared my experience with the Raiju to that of the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro. I certainly prefer that Xbox counterpart thanks to its more premium-feeling build quality. But overall, both are top performers when it comes to gaming proper, and I could easily recommend both depending on your platform of choice.

First reviewed October 2025

Read more about how we test

The new Asus ROG NUC might actually be the best compact gaming PC I’ve ever seen – and it’s smaller than a PS5, too

7:56 pm | October 22, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets Gaming Computers Gaming PCs | Tags: AI, PC, UK, US | Comments: Off

Asus ROG NUC (2025): Two-minute review

I'll start this review off by simply saying this: the Asus ROG NUC absolutely belongs on our list of the best mini PCs, and perhaps indeed the best computers overall - expect to see it make an appearance on those pages in the near future.

Asus has been hard at work on the NUC series, which was originally conceived by Intel as a new breed of compact desktop PCs before being sold off to Asus in 2023; amidst Intel's multitude of troubles at the time, it was deemed a necessary move to streamline the company and focus on chipmaking rather than PC production. The NUCs were historically pretty good devices, but it's clear that Asus has taken them to an entirely new level.

The new-for-2025 ROG NUC is a wonder; an ultra-compact desktop system packed with some of the most powerful cutting-edge gaming components, including a 2nd-gen Intel Core Ultra processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5000 GPU (the one in my review unit is an RTX 5080), plus 32GB of RAM and a 2TB SSD.

The Asus ROG NUC photographed on a dark marbled worksurface with a painted sunset in the background. — (Image credit: Future)

The whole system is essentially constructed around that graphics card, which is technically a laptop GPU - one can only assume that a full-scale desktop 5080 would be too chunky, even though Nvidia worked hard to scale down the comically gigantic cards of the RTX 3000 and 4000 eras. As you might expect, performance is excellent; expect high framerates and smooth gameplay at 1440p and even 4K, though the sorry state of modern PC game optimization means you'll probably need to turn on DLSS in some titles at 4K.

Those powerful components mean the ROG NUC is also a competent workstation system, which could prove to be a boon for professional creatives who need a powerful PC but have limited desk real estate to work with (and don't want to jump ship to macOS with the admittedly excellent M4 Mac mini).

Of course, a spec sheet like that does mean that the Asus ROG NUC is far from cheap. I'll get into the details in the pricing section below, but my review unit will set you back $3,199 / £2,599 (around AU$4,925) - no small sum for anybody, and a lot more than Apple's signature mini computer will cost you. Of course, any pre-built RTX 5080 desktop from a reputable manufacturer is going to cost you at least somewhere in the range of $2,800 / £2,000 / AU$5,000, so it's not an entirely ludicrous proposition even if it does place the ROG NUC beyond the budgets of many PC gamers.

Despite this, I loved using the new Asus ROG NUC, and having tested NUC devices in the past, I can comfortably say that it's one of the best iterations on the formula yet. If you've got the money to spend and want something that delivers a lot of power in a small package, this device is the way to go.

Asus ROG NUC (2025) review: Price & Availability

Starts from $2,599 / £2,129 (about AU$4,000)
Available now in the US and UK
Both RTX 5070 Ti and 5080 models available

Starting at $2,599 / £2,129 (about AU$4,000) for the base configuration, which sports an RTX 5070 Ti rather than the 5080 in my review unit, along with less storage and RAM as you can see in the spec table below, the new ROG NUC isn't exactly what I'd call affordable. Meanwhile, the 5080 model featured in this review - which is externally identical - will run you a hefty $3,199 / £2,599 (around $4,925).

Still, it's not absurdly priced for what it offers; considering the sheer lack of powerful compact PCs on the market, the best option for many potential users will be to build your own ITX system, and having spent plenty of time mucking about with compact PC cases in my years as a computer hardware journalist, I can say with certainty that it'll be a lot harder than simply buying a ROG NUC. Oh, and it most likely won't be as small, and will potentially end up being more expensive too!

So while the NUC is undeniably a pretty expensive piece of kit, I can't mark it down too much for that; if a powerful but ultra-compact PC for serious gaming or content creation work is what you want, this might be the single best option out there right now. Of course, a PS5 Pro will cost you a lot less... but it also doesn't fill the role of a fully capable desktop PC.

The Asus ROG NUC (2025) is already available to purchase direct from Asus and partner retailers in the US and UK, but it seems our Aussie friends will have to wait a little longer - though Asus did confirm that the new model will indeed be coming to Australia. Regional pricing for Australia is currently unconfirmed (the figures listed above are only conversions).

Value: 4 / 5

Asus ROG NUC (2025) review: Specs

Asus ROG NUC (2025) Intel Specs
	Asus ROG NUC (2025) Base Config	Asus ROG NUC (2025) Review Config
Price	$2,599 / £2,129 (about AU$4,000)	$3,199 / £2,599 (around AU$4,925)
CPU	Intel Core i5-13420H (8 cores, 2.10GHz)	Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX (2.70GHz)
GPU	Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Ti 16GB Laptop GPU	Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 16GB Laptop GPU
RAM	16GB DDR5	32GB DDR5
Storage	1TB PCIe NVMe 4.0 M.2 SSD	2TB PCIe NVMe 4.0 M.2 SSD
Ports and Connectivity	6x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 2x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (Thunderbolt 4), 2x HDMI 2.1, 2x DisplayPort 2.1, 1x RJ-45, 1x 3.5mm combi audio jack, Kensington Lock	6x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 2x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (Thunderbolt 4), 2x HDMI 2.1, 2x DisplayPort 2.1, 1x RJ-45, 1x 3.5mm combi audio jack, Kensington Lock
Dimensions	11.1 x 7.4 x 2.2in / 28.2cm x 18.8cm x 5.7cm	11.1 x 7.4 x 2.2in / 28.2cm x 18.8cm x 5.7cm
Weight	6.79lbs / 3.12kg	6.79lbs / 3.12kg

Asus ROG NUC (2025) review: Design

Amazingly compact design
Surprisingly good amount of ports
Limited upgrade potential for a desktop PC

Making a compact PC chassis can take designers in a lot of different directions. Do you aim for a low, flat design like Apple's Mac mini, or build upwards with a small footprint like the fantastic Corsair One i500?

As you can no doubt tell from the pictures, Asus has gone for the latter approach, with a thin tower design that produces a footprint of less than eight-by-six inches (full dimensions in the spec sheet above). It can technically also be laid on its side with the stand removed - ideal for putting it in a TV stand as a console-style living room PC - but after disassembling it, I can say that I wouldn't particularly recommend that unless you're willing to prop it up on something to ensure that the exhaust fans have enough breathing room to vent properly.

Speaking of disassembly: I don't always dig around in the guts of pre-built systems, but this was one case where I felt obliged to. See, the NUC series (standing for 'Next Unit of Computing') was originally founded by Intel in 2013 with the goal of creating a small-form-factor barebones PC with customization and upgrade potential.

Asus has clearly moved away from this ethos somewhat, as the ROG NUC is not only a fully-fledged system, but also has relatively little upgradability.

Upgrade options here are effectively limited to the RAM and SSD, and you'll need to discard the old RAM if you want more, since there are only two DIMM slots and they're both already occupied. There is, however, a spare M.2 slot for fitting a second SSD, should you want to expand your storage.

Really, this level of upgradability might be a slight step down from the more classic barebones NUCs Intel used to make, but it's pretty par for the course as far as modern mini PCs go.

The case is also easy enough to open up for any upgrade work, which is nice to see; I've dealt with mini PC cases that seemed determined not to let me get at the goodies inside.

Thermal management is handled by multiple fans, with vents on both flat sides and the top. It's quite effective at keeping the whole unit cool (even at the peak of my benchmarking process, the ROG NUC didn't get particularly warm to the touch), although I would note that the fans can get rather loud when running resource-intensive games; if you're planning to play in 4K, I'd recommend a headset or one of the best computer speakers.

Overall, I like the design; it's a bit less visually busy than last year's model, while still managing to fit in a good range of physical ports for connecting your devices. In addition to two HDMI and DisplayPort video outputs for connecting multiple monitors, you also get two Thunderbolt USB-C ports, six USB-A ports, an RJ-45 Ethernet slot, and the good ol' 3.5mm headphone jack. As mini PCs go, this NUC has it all.

Design: 5 / 5

Asus ROG NUC (2025) review: Performance

Runs AAA games at high settings
Strong performance in creative and AI workloads
Fans do get rather noisy

Asus ROG NUC (2025) Benchmarks

Here's how the Asus ROG NUC (2025) performed in our suite of benchmark tests:

Geekbench 6 (Multi Core): 19,683; (Single Core): 2,977
Geekbench AI (Single Precision): 28,951; (Half Precision): 50,926; (Quantized): 22,406
Cinebench R23 (Multi Core): 34,413; (Single Core): 2,188
Cinebench R24 (Multi Core): 2,011; (Single Core): 132
Crossmark Overall: 2,338
3DMark Fire Strike: 39,680; Steel Nomad: 5,309; Solar Bay: 106,741; Speed Way: 5,809; Port Royal: 14,233
BlackMagicDisk Read: 4,333MB/s; Write: 4,928MB/s
25GB Copy Test: 1,493MB/s
Shadow of the Tomb Raider (1080p, Medium): 225 FPS; (1080p, Highest): 219 FPS; (Balanced Upscaling, 1080p, Highest): 224 FPS
Total War: Warhammer III (1080p, Medium): 319 FPS; (1080p, Ultra): 176 FPS
Cyberpunk 2077 (1080p, Medium): 178 FPS; (1080p, Ultra): 148 FPS; (Balanced Upscaling, 1080p, Ultra): 157 FPS
Metro: Exodus (1080p, Medium): 239 FPS; (1080p, Extreme, No RT): 102 FPS; (Balanced Upscaling, 1080p, Extreme RT): 137 FPS

As you'd hope from a system with an Nvidia RTX 5080 - even the trimmed-down laptop version inside the ROG NUC - the gaming performance on offer here is undeniably strong.

Our standard benchmarking process uses games tested at 1080p (primarily without any upscaling tools, like Nvidia's DLSS) to provide a realistic comparison point between systems. Needless to say, the ROG NUC absolutely blasted through these, offering stellar performance with triple-digit framerates in literally every test I ran.

Bump things up to 1440p and you'll get similarly great performance, especially if you do turn on DLSS (no need for frame-generation here, honestly). At 4K, I found most games could still clear that prized 60fps mark, with only Cyberpunk 2077 and Metro Exodus requiring DLSS to maintain a stable framerate when turning on maximum ray-traced graphics. It's worth bearing in mind that upscaling has more of an impact at higher resolutions; at 1080p, DLSS in Balanced mode only gained me an extra nine frames per second in Cyberpunk at the Ultra graphical preset, while at 4K that differential increased to a whopping 38.

I'd also like to address some of the concerns many gamers clearly have about DLSS (yes, I spend too much time on Reddit, I see those posts too). It literally works great. That's all I have to say; the tech is four generations in at this point, and it's been refined enough that I noticed no discernible difference in gameplay at 4K.

Frame-generation is a different story, of course - 4x Multi Frame Generation from Nvidia is frankly still wonky even if it does boost your FPS - but at this stage, we should all be using upscaling for playing games at any resolution above 1080p.

Outside of raw gaming performance, the ROG NUC performed admirably in synthetic tests across graphical, AI, and creative workloads.

The 3DMark graphic benchmark suite brought back results that were broadly what I anticipated: strong, but not quite on par with the 'true' desktop RTX 5080, so don't buy this if you're expecting a fully-fledged 5080 desktop experience squeezed into a compact chassis. At a fundamental level, this is more like a 5080 laptop in a desktop form factor.

Still, the results were good; the Intel Core Ultra 9 CPU also delivered solid numbers, with great performance in the Geekbench and Crossmark benchmarks, placing it comfortably on par with laptops equipped with the same processor. AI performance was also good, since the presence of a discrete GPU easily outweighs anything the Intel chip's built-in NPU brings to the table.

Lastly, the SSD that comes with the ROG NUC is fast. With read and write speeds in excess of 4GB/s, the only thing that'll constrain you in terms of file transfers is your internet connection. Games load up fast, and Windows 11 boots up faster.

Performance: 4.5 / 5

Should I buy the Asus ROG NUC?

Asus ROG NUC (2025)Scorecard
Attributes	Notes	Rating
Value	Although it's far from cheap, the pricing doesn't place it ludicrously higher than similarly-specced systems, and the compact chassis is quite unique.	4 / 5
Design	A fantastically compact design that somehow manages to cram in a ton of physical ports, the ROG NUC is one of the best-crafted mini PCs I've ever seen.	5 / 5
Performance	Great gaming performance at any resolution, along with strong performance in creative and AI workloads - just bear in mind that this isn't a full-fat desktop GPU.	4.5 / 5
Total	The ROG NUC is, simply put, one of the best compact gaming PCs I've ever seen. I do wish it wasn't quite so expensive, but Asus has really made something special here.	4.5 / 5

Buy the Asus ROG NUC (2025) if...

You want something powerful but compact
On a fundamental level, there are very few systems out there that can match the gaming capabilities of the ROG NUC while still offering such a tiny form factor.

You want to connect lots of peripherals
If you're a power-user (or just a bit gadget-crazed), the ROG NUC has enough ports to support a whole bunch of monitors, mice, keyboards, webcams, speakers, stream decks... you get the idea.

Don't buy it if...

You're on a tight budget
Yeah, this thing is pretty dang expensive. If you just want an RTX 5080 system and don't care about size, you'll be able to spend less for the same (or even better) performance.

You want a silent system
Although the ROG NUC's cooling is surprisingly effective at keeping the system at a suitable temperature, those fans can get pretty noisy when running demanding software like games.

Asus ROG NUC (2025) review: Also Consider

NZXT Player PC
One of the best desktop PCs we've reviewed this year, the 'Player PC' from NZXT might have an awful name, but it delivers strong gaming performance in a well-constructed case - plus, as a 5070 system, it'll cost you a bit less than the NUC too.

Read our full NZXT Player PC review

Mac mini (M4, 2024)
If you’re looking for more of a creative workstation than specifically a gaming PC, but were drawn to the ROG NUC's powerful specs and compact design, then the M4 Mac mini is the device for you. We called it 'the best Mac ever' in our review, and it lives up to that epithet with stellar productivity and creativity performance in a truly tiny chassis.

Read our full Mac mini (M4, 2024) review

How I tested the Asus ROG NUC (2025)

Tested for a week
Used for work and general web browsing
Replaced my usual desktop for gaming in the evenings

I tested the Asus ROG NUC for a week, including the weekend, during which time it took the place of my usual home office desktop system - a far chunkier PC. I used it daily for work and assorted other online activities; I'm currently rewatching The X Files, and I also used it to host a virtual TTRPG session.

I also spent plenty of time in my off hours using the ROG NUC for gaming, which is a regular hobby of mine. I mostly tested triple-A titles (in addition to our regular suite of game benchmarks), including Avowed and Remnant II, plus a cheeky bit of Stardew Valley, which was unsurprisingly not very taxing on the system.

I've been reviewing PC hardware for more than seven years and have been a PC gamer for more than twice that time, with so many laptop and desktop reviews under my belt at various publications that I sincerely can't even count them. This was my first time reviewing a NUC unit since Intel sold the brand off to Asus, and needless to say, I'm very pleased with the work Asus has done.

First reviewed: October 2025
Read more about how we test

The PowerA Fusion Pro Wireless Controller for Xbox frustrates with distracting RGB lighting and trigger locks that aren’t fit for purpose

11:00 pm | October 18, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: Final Fantasy, PC, RGB | Comments: Off

PowerA Fusion Pro for Xbox: One-minute review

It brings me no pleasure to find that the PowerA Fusion Pro Wireless Controller for Xbox is the most disappointing product I’ve tested in the brand’s catalog to date. PowerA is admittedly a brand I’ve had mixed feelings about in the past. Sometimes it provides real winners, like the PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller, which I consider a solid alternative to the official Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. Other times it doesn’t quite hit the mark, like we’ve seen recently with the PowerA Advantage Switch 2 Wired Controller and indeed the Fusion Pro for Xbox here.

First and foremost, the best Xbox controllers should provide a satisfying play experience with minimal frustrations, but this PowerA pad is loaded with them. From its awkward d-pad and abrasive textured grips, to obnoxious Lumectra RGB lighting and trigger locks that simply don’t work most of the time, this is a controller that tries and fails to punch above its weight class with an absurdly high price tag to match.

It’s not all bad. You at least get a carry case and charging dock included in the box. Battery life is reasonably strong, and a neat audio switch lets you adjust headset volume or mute your mic in an instant. I also love PowerA’s quick-twist thumbsticks here, which provide three adjustable height levels. Plus, they’re Hall effect, meaning they’ll be able to resist stick drift much longer than traditional analog sticks. Still, these high points don’t do enough to outweigh the myriad frustrations I have with this controller.

PowerA Fusion Pro for Xbox: Price and availability

List price: $169.99 / £149.99 / AU$199.95
Comparable in price to the Nacon Revolution X Unlimited and Razer Wolverine V3 Pro
There are plenty of cheaper and better options available for Xbox and PC

I’d feel a bit more comfortable recommending the Fusion Pro for Xbox if it weren’t for that eye-watering price tag. At $169.99 / £149.99 / AU$199.95, it’s bordering on the premium territory of Xbox pads like the Nacon Revolution X Unlimited and Razer Wolverine V3 Pro.

If the Fusion Pro provided a stellar controller experience, the price would be an easier pill to swallow. The issue for PowerA is that there’s no shortage of superb Xbox and PC-compatible controllers like it that are available for less than half of its price, including the 8BitDo Ultimate 2, GameSir Kaleid, and even the official Xbox Wireless Controller.

PowerA Fusion Pro for Xbox: Specs

Price	$169.99 / £149.99 / AU$199.95
Weight	1.44lbs / 0.65kg
Dimensions	6.1 x 4.2 x 2.4in / 156 x 107 x 61mm
Compatibility	Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC
Connection type	Wireless (2.4GHz), Wired (USB-C)
Battery life	Around 30 hours

PowerA Fusion Pro for Xbox: Design and features

The initial package out of the box is promising. The PowerA Fusion Pro for Xbox comes with a carry case and bespoke charging dock, both incredibly useful accessories that I welcome with any gamepad. Both are solidly made, too. Especially the charging dock, which is well-built, unintrusive, and can sit in any gaming setup ready to charge your pad up via USB-C. The carry case, meanwhile, is sturdy and has a compartment for the USB-C cable.

The pad itself bears a striking resemblance to the official Xbox Wireless Controller, which certainly isn’t anomalous in the wider Xbox controller market. It does feel slightly weightier than Microsoft’s pad, owing to inclusions like trigger locks and a magnetic charging dock connector.

Carrying on with the good, the controller’s quick-twist thumbsticks are genuinely brilliant. Turning them clockwise raises the thumbstick shaft, while lowering it when turned counterclockwise. There are three height levels here, and I personally found the middle setting to be the most comfortable. They lock firmly in place after adjusting, too, so there’s no unnecessary fiddling.

Besides a handy headset audio adjustment switch, that’s about where my praise ends for the PowerA Fusion Pro. To that end, I simply could not get on with the abundance of RGB lighting here. By default, a bright rainbow effect coats the controller, revealing a preset tribal-esque silhouette. It’s a nice pattern, but I found it to be really distracting during play.

You can change the RGB pattern profile (or switch it off entirely) via a dedicated button on the rear of the controller. I opted to keep it switched off, as some of the other pulse-like patterns weren’t much better.

The overall feel of the controller leaves much to be desired, too. The textured grips feel just a little too rough on my hands, making for rather uncomfortable long play sessions. The d-pad is also fairly listless, feeling fine on one end while awkwardly spongy and hard to press on the other. Admittedly, this could be an issue with my unit specifically, but something to keep in mind if you’re planning on buying.

PowerA Fusion Pro for Xbox: Performance

Despite my criticism, I can at least say the PowerA Fusion Pro does get the job done as a controller. If you can ignore the awkward d-pad and abrasive textured grips, performance is perfectly reasonable across the board.

A major gripe here, though, is that the 3-step trigger locks just don’t work. When set to the midpoint, you have to squeeze the triggers really quite hard to register the press. And on the most acute setting, the triggers stop working entirely.

This was the case across multiple games I tested with the controller, including Halo Infinite, Fortnite, and Final Fantasy 14 Online. I like a shallow trigger in games like these, as it lets me fire weapons (or access hotbars in the latter’s case) a good deal quicker, but I was unable to do this on the Fusion Pro.

On a more positive note, the Fusion Pro’s battery life exceeded my expectations, coming in at around 25-30 hours when used wirelessly via a 2.4GHz connection. I tested the controller over the course of a week, across both Xbox Series X Digital Edition and PC, and found I didn’t have to charge the controller until my very last few sessions with it. Impressive stuff, and beats many other Xbox controllers - both cheaper and pricier than this one - on battery life overall.

Should I buy the PowerA Fusion Pro for Xbox?

Buy it if…

You really, really like RGB
I can’t lie, the RGB pattern itself on the PowerA Fusion Pro is really quite lovely, and I like the underlying tribal-like pattern. For me, it’s just a bit too distracting during gameplay, but might be worth checking out if you like color-filled controllers.

Don’t buy it if…

There are better, cheaper options available
You don’t have to spend a fortune on a quality Xbox or PC pad. Most GameSir and 8BitDo controllers, for example, come in well under $100 / £100 while still being replete with desirable features.

Also consider...

I’m being honest here; the PowerA Fusion Pro for Xbox would be a hard sell at most price points. Consider these two excellent alternatives if you’re currently shopping for a new Xbox and/or PC gamepad.

	PowerA Fusion Pro	Nacon Revolution X Unlimited	8BitDo Ultimate 2
Price	$169.99 / £149.99 / AU$199.95	$199.99 / £179.99 (around AU$229)	$59.99 / £49.99 (around AU$90)
Weight	1.44lbs / 0.65kg	0.72lbs / 0.33kg	0.54lbs / 0.25kg
Dimensions	6.1 x 4.2 x 2.4in / 156 x 107 x 61mm	6.5 x 4.5 x 2.2in / 164 x 115 x 56mm	5.7 x 4.1 x 2.4in / 147 x 103 x 61mm
Compatibility	Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC	Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC	Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC
Connection type	Wireless (2.4GHz), Wired (USB-C)	Wireless (2.4Ghz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)	Wireless (2.4Ghz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)
Battery life	Around 30 hours	Around 10 hours	10-15 hours

Nacon Revolution X Unlimited
A superb premium controller and one of the brand’s best-ever. This Xbox and PC controller’s unique selling point is its handy on-board LCD display, which lets you quickly customize aspects of your pad and gameplay sessions, including button mapping and headset volume. It’s a real winner for the price.

Read our full Nacon Revolution X Unlimited review

8BitDo Ultimate 2
For a more budget-friendly choice, I can’t recommend the excellent 8BitDo Ultimate 2 enough. Pleasant and subtle RGB ring lights, drift-resistant TMR thumbsticks, and sublime build quality make this one a real budget powerhouse.

Read our full 8BitDo Ultimate 2 review

How I tested the PowerA Fusion Pro for Xbox

Tested for one week
Played several games across Xbox and PC
Compared to competitors from Razer, Nacon, 8BitDo, and more

I used the PowerA Fusion Pro for Xbox for a week in order to write this review. During that time, I played a wide range of titles on Xbox Series X Digital Edition and PC, including Fortnite, Silent Hill f, Tekken 8, Hollow Knight: Silksong, and much more besides.

Given this controller’s high price point, I compared it directly to similarly priced Xbox gamepad competitors like the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro and Nacon Revolution X Unlimited. These pads are slightly pricier, but offer more satisfying play with better build quality and high-end features (not to mention trigger locks that actually work).

Even then, I found a lot more to love with cheaper controllers, including the GameSir Kaleid and 8BitDo Ultimate 2. Both offer sublime features like Hall effect or TMR thumbsticks, clicky microswitch-powered buttons, and a tasteful amount of RGB that isn’t overly distracting to the eye.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed October 2025

The 8BitDo Arcade Controller is a great introduction to leverless fighting game controllers

9:00 pm | October 6, 2025

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

8BitDo Arcade Controller: One-minute review

Leverless controllers can appear daunting at first glance if you’re interested in picking one up for the best fighting games. The lack of a traditional joystick makes such controllers feel more akin to a keyboard, with buttons dedicated to everything from inputs to movement.

They almost feel counterintuitive when you have one in your hands for the first time. But thankfully, 8BitDo has stepped in with its own take on leverless fighting game controllers, and it’s one that’s relatively beginner-friendly.

The 8BitDo Arcade Controller is a 16-button leverless pad that has some similarities to the 8BitDo Arcade Stick, carrying over that NES-inspired look for the Switch-compatible model. However, both are fundamentally different controllers.

For one, the 8BitDo Arcade Controller is much, much thinner, and thus a lot lighter as well. It can sit in your lap or on a desk or tabletop with ease. This alone makes the device more portable; ideal if you’re heading over to local tournaments.

Its buttons are excellent, too. They feel responsive and immediate with their short travel time, and have a springy, tactile press that makes learning with the controller a satisfying affair.

I’d still recommend some caution if you’re interested in buying the 8BitDo Arcade Controller, though. If it’s going to be your first leverless controller, it’s ideal for that, but you should still expect a fairly steep learning curve if you’re used to the best fight sticks or more traditional gamepads.

8BitDo Arcade Controller: Price and availability

Switch/PC: $89.99 / £75.99 (around AU$136)
Xbox/PC: $99.99 / £84.99 (around AU$150)
Available to purchase now from 8BitDo’s Amazon store

The 8BitDo Arcade Controller comes in two variants. A Switch and Switch 2 compatible model retails for $89.99 / £75.99, while a version for Xbox consoles comes in at $99.99 / £84.99. Both work with PC, too, and are available to buy now, but don’t expect PlayStation compatibility here.

As retail prices go, the 8BitDo Arcade Controller is a sub-$100 leverless that I can happily recommend. Leverless pads often command rather premium price tags, as we see with the Victrix Pro KO ($249.99 / £229.99 / AU$399.95) and Hit Box Ultra ($299.99 / around £249.99 / around AU$429.99). This makes 8BitDo’s hardware very easy to recommend from a cost-effective standpoint.

8BitDo Arcade Controller: Specs

Price	$89.99 / £75.99 (around AU$136)
Weight	2.42lbs / 1.1kg
Dimensions	11.9 x 7.9 x 0.9in / 301 x 201 x 22mm
Compatibility	Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC (Switch and Xbox models sold separately)
Connection type	Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)
Battery life	Around 20 hours
Software	Ultimate Software V2 (PC)

8BitDo Arcade Controller: Design and features

At just less than an inch thick, the 8BitDo Arcade Controller is impressively discreet and can be easily slid into a backpack or laptop bag for when you want to take your game to the locals. It’s also rather lightweight, coming in at just above a single kilo.

In terms of button layout, there are similarities to that of the 8BitDo Arcade Stick. The top end of the pad is lined with functions, including a dial that swaps between Switch and XInput layouts. Like on the Arcade Stick, different button notations will also light up depending on your layout of choice.

The top end also has a tournament lock switch, preventing you from accidentally pausing during matches, as well as a button to enable or disable custom button profiles. It’s a simple yet robust set of options, all available on the controller itself. The top rear also houses the Arcade Controller’s 2.4GHz receiver, and next to it, you’ll find a USB-C port for wired play, with a cable also included in the box.

As for the main buttons on the pad proper, you’ve got four directional buttons, mapped so you can rest your left hand’s fingers and thumb across them. Eight red buttons sit off to the right side of these in two rows of four, allowing you to rest a finger on each of them. Of course, being a leverless pad, these are just suggestions, and you can freely remap both in-game and via Ultimate Software V2 on PC to your preferences.

You also have four additional remappable buttons here, which aren’t assigned to anything by default. These can be assigned inputs via the Ultimate Software, and you can even set macros here if, say, you want quick access to throws or other per-game mechanics. Alternatively, four lock caps are included in the box, which you can swap in if you’d prefer not to use these at all and avoid any accidental mispresses.

On that note, all buttons on the 8BitDo Arcade Controller can be swapped out for third-party options easily. If you’re brand new to leverless controllers, you probably won’t have any alternative switches lying around, but if you do, they can be used here, which is nice.

8BitDo Arcade Controller: Performance

As I mentioned at the top, getting to grips with leverless fighting game controllers for the first time can be quite the process. But once you get the hang of things like up and down inputs essentially being inverted (down is lodged between left and right on the pad by default, with up/jump being at the bottom), it can quickly become second nature.

I primarily used the 8BitDo Arcade Controller with my main fighting game, Tekken 8. Tekken’s rigid four-way movement actually works brilliantly well with leverless pads, and the responsiveness here had me sidestepping and backdashing faster than on a traditional controller.

Responsiveness is the keyword here. Button inputs feel immediate, and being able to roll a motion input special move in Street Fighter 6 or Guilty Gear Strive felt easier and more reliable to pull off than on a standard controller’s d-pad or thumbstick. Never did I feel at risk of fumbling the input or jumping by mistake, as I often end up doing with those pesky dragon punch motions. Here, just a couple of quick taps of the directional buttons had me inputting specials reliably and instantaneously once I’d gotten used to the motions.

I’ve raved about just how much mechanical and microswitch buttons can improve the feel of a fighting game thanks to their immediacy, and it’s a similar story here with the 8BitDo Arcade Controller. Its buttons are just oh-so satisfying to press. I wouldn’t necessarily say I’m a better player as a result of using a leverless controller like this one, but I have been able to more reliably iron out mispresses and become more efficient at combo strings with lenient timings. I’ve loved my time with it.

Should I buy the 8BitDo Arcade Controller?

Buy it if…

You want an affordable gateway into leverless controllers
It may not be the absolute cheapest leverless out there, but the 8BitDo Arcade Controller oozes a shocking amount of quality at its sub-$100 price. You can safely dip a toe in here for less if a purely button-based pad appeals to you.

You want to take your game up a notch
Leverless controllers are designed with competitive players in mind first and foremost. A pad like the 8BitDo Arcade Controller can help prepare you for higher-level play by allowing your inputs to be faster, more responsive, and helping you to avoid costly mispresses.

Don’t buy it if…

You prefer casual play
Inversely, the 8BitDo Arcade Controller probably won’t be the best fit if you’re not keen to rewire your brain to its particular input requirements. Inputs aren’t where they would be on a regular controller, so if you’d rather not deal with the headaches that come with learning a leverless layout, give this one a miss.

Also consider...

The 8BitDo Arcade Controller is just one of many quality fighting game pad options out there. If this one’s not quite doing it for you, consider the following two alternatives.

	8BitDo Arcade Controller	Victrix Pro KO	8BitDo Arcade Stick
Price	$89.99 / £75.99 (around AU$136)	$249.99 / £229.99 / AU$399.95	$119.99 / £99 (around AU$182.99)
Weight	2.42lbs / 1.1kg	2.7lbs / 1.225kg	4.63lbs / 2.1kg
Dimensions	11.9 x 7.9 x 0.9in / 301 x 201 x 22mm	13.35 x 9.23 x 0.8in / 235 x 334 x 22mm	11.9 x 8 x 4.4in / 303 x 203 x 112mm
Compatibility	Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC (Switch and Xbox models sold separately)	PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC (PlayStation and Xbox models sold separately)	Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC (Switch and Xbox models sold separately)
Connection type	Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)	Wired (USB-C)	Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)
Battery life	Around 20 hours	N/A	30-40 hours
Software	Ultimate Software V2	N/A	Ultimate Software V2

Victrix Pro KO
More of a premium pick in the leverless realm, the Victrix Pro KO offers sublime build quality, plenty of customization, and comes in much cheaper than the high-end Victrix Pro FS. One to check out if money’s no object.

Read our full Victrix Pro KO review

8BitDo Arcade Stick
If you’d prefer something more arcade-adjacent, I can definitely recommend the 8BitDo Arcade Stick. While much bulkier than its leverless counterpart, it offers the same level of responsiveness and customizability. If you can’t wrap your head around the lack of a stick on the 8BitDo Arcade Controller, then this one might be the answer if you don’t mind paying a little extra.

Read our full 8BitDo Arcade Stick review

How I tested the 8BitDo Arcade Controller

Tested for a week
Played a variety of fighting games on Switch 2 and PC
Compared to the 8BitDo Arcade Stick

I’ve played with the 8BitDo Arcade Controller for around a week for this review. During that time, I hopped between Switch 2 and my gaming PC to play a wide variety of fighting games, including Tekken 8, Street Fighter 6 Years 1+2 Fighters Edition, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, Guilty Gear Strive, and Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising.

I compared my time with the Arcade Controller to that of the 8BitDo Arcade Stick, really getting a feel for the difference between a traditional joystick and leverless inputs. I did find leverless to be a little trickier to get used to, but I would choose the Controller over the Stick for competitive settings purely thanks to its high level of responsiveness.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed October 2025

The 8BitDo Arcade Controller is a great introduction to leverless fighting game controllers

9:00 pm |

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

8BitDo Arcade Controller: One-minute review

Its buttons are excellent, too. They feel responsive and immediate with their short travel time, and have a springy, tactile press that makes learning with the controller a satisfying affair.

8BitDo Arcade Controller: Price and availability

Switch/PC: $89.99 / £75.99 (around AU$136)
Xbox/PC: $99.99 / £84.99 (around AU$150)
Available to purchase now from 8BitDo’s Amazon store

8BitDo Arcade Controller: Specs

Price	$89.99 / £75.99 (around AU$136)
Weight	2.42lbs / 1.1kg
Dimensions	11.9 x 7.9 x 0.9in / 301 x 201 x 22mm
Compatibility	Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC (Switch and Xbox models sold separately)
Connection type	Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)
Battery life	Around 20 hours
Software	Ultimate Software V2 (PC)

8BitDo Arcade Controller: Design and features

8BitDo Arcade Controller: Performance

Should I buy the 8BitDo Arcade Controller?

Buy it if…

Don’t buy it if…

Also consider...

The 8BitDo Arcade Controller is just one of many quality fighting game pad options out there. If this one’s not quite doing it for you, consider the following two alternatives.

	8BitDo Arcade Controller	Victrix Pro KO	8BitDo Arcade Stick
Price	$89.99 / £75.99 (around AU$136)	$249.99 / £229.99 / AU$399.95	$119.99 / £99 (around AU$182.99)
Weight	2.42lbs / 1.1kg	2.7lbs / 1.225kg	4.63lbs / 2.1kg
Dimensions	11.9 x 7.9 x 0.9in / 301 x 201 x 22mm	13.35 x 9.23 x 0.8in / 235 x 334 x 22mm	11.9 x 8 x 4.4in / 303 x 203 x 112mm
Compatibility	Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC (Switch and Xbox models sold separately)	PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC (PlayStation and Xbox models sold separately)	Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC (Switch and Xbox models sold separately)
Connection type	Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)	Wired (USB-C)	Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)
Battery life	Around 20 hours	N/A	30-40 hours
Software	Ultimate Software V2	N/A	Ultimate Software V2

Read our full Victrix Pro KO review

Read our full 8BitDo Arcade Stick review

How I tested the 8BitDo Arcade Controller

Tested for a week
Played a variety of fighting games on Switch 2 and PC
Compared to the 8BitDo Arcade Stick

Read more about how we test

First reviewed October 2025

The Turtle Beach Racer isn’t a racing wheel for sim heads, but it’s an excellent entry-level choice for casual players

1:29 pm | September 26, 2025

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

Turtle Beach Racer: One-minute review

The Turtle Beach Racer absolutely has the potential to shake up the entry-level racing wheels market. Sim race enthusiasts need not apply; the Racer is a relatively basic offering that ditches higher-end features like force feedback and on-screen displays - the likes of which we see from the Thrustmaster T248R et al. But for more arcade-adjacent racing games like Tokyo Xtreme Racer and Forza Horizon 5, the Racer is a bit of a cheat code to unlocking even more fun from such titles.

I’ve had a blast testing the Turtle Beach Racer over the past week. Don’t let its relatively low price point fool you; it boasts surprisingly good build quality and is impressively versatile to boot.

While a pair of clamps on the base means you can mount the wheel on a desk, the inclusion of a pair of lap rests allows you to sit back and essentially use the Racer more like a traditional controller if you prefer to play on the couch. That’s driven (hehe) home even more with the addition of wireless connectivity via a 2.4GHz dongle compatible with Xbox Series X and Series S, and PC. No PlayStation-compatible version exists at the time of writing.

Put simply, the Turtle Beach Racer is one of the best Xbox racing wheels I’ve tested in a while. There are some small issues, like the slight bump you’ll feel every time the wheel travels past neutral, and the lack of a pedal set (you’ll instead use the rear paddles for acceleration and braking by default) puts a dampener on immersion. But overall, this is a very impressive package for the price, and makes for a great product for first-time wheel owners or younger players.

Turtle Beach Racer: Price and availability

$179.99 / £139.99 / AU$299
Available to buy now
Pricier than some budget models, but comfortably under the mid-range bracket

The Turtle Beach Racer is available to buy now for $179.99 / £139.99 / AU$299. It’s on the higher end of that budget ballpark, but it is comfortably more affordable than mid-range wheels that offer more features like the Thrustmaster T248R and the Logitech G923. It’s also costlier than similar budget wheels like the Hori Racing Wheel Apex ($119.99 / £99.99), though I do prefer what’s on offer here with the Racer at a slightly higher asking price.

Turtle Beach Racer: Specs

Price	$179.99 / £139.99 / AU$299
Weight	7.5lbs / 3.4kg
Dimensions	11.7 x 11.1 x 10.9in x 297 x 282 x 277mm
Rotation	360 degrees
Connection type	Wireless (2.4GHz), Wired (USB-C)
Compatibility	Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
Battery life	Around 30 hours

Turtle Beach Racer: Design and features

As I mentioned in my initial Turtle Beach Racer preview at Gamescom 2025, it was the product’s build quality that immediately surprised me. It’s not something that many budget-facing wheels are known for, and while the Racer’s build is primarily plastic, it’s of a good quality. Plus, there are a number of flourishes that take the overall build up a notch.

The steering wheel’s rubberized textured grips are extremely welcome, allowing for a slip-free racing experience. The lap rests, meanwhile, are metallic and have a satisfying weight to them. They each have a strip of textured rubber, allowing them to sit firmly in place. The lap rests can be adjusted, too, meaning you won’t necessarily need to squish your thighs together. I preferred to place mine as far out as they could go, and was able to sit comfortably in my Razer Fujin Pro office gaming chair while playing.

On-board buttons aren’t particularly anything to write home about, but they feel good to press and are all within reach of the wheel itself. There’s a good amount here, too. You’re getting a d-pad, face buttons, and three multifunction buttons that you can assign to your preference.

A pair of pressure-sensitive paddles sit on either side of the wheel, and they’re impressively sturdy. That’s important, because you are likely going to use these for acceleration and braking in the absence of a set of pedals. These are the left and right trigger equivalents on the best Xbox controllers, and were assigned as such across all games I tested.

Turtle Beach Racer: Performance

I have very limited desk space at my home office, so I personally think that the inclusion of lap rests with the Turtle Beach Racer is a great, forward-thinking addition to the overall package. What’s important to note here, in relation to performance, is that I felt no loss of control in using the lap rests over the more traditional desk clamps. And having tested both methods for this review, either of them is a fine choice for your racing sessions.

Initially, I did feel as if the default wheel sensitivity was a bit on the low side, across titles like Forza Horizon 5 and Tokyo Xtreme Racer. However, this was quickly remedied with the Turtle Beach Control Center 2 software, which you can download on PC and Xbox consoles. Here, I was able to adjust sensitivity and remap buttons to my liking.

Another issue I had with the wheel is the slightly uncomfortable bump sensation when it returns to neutral. Let go of the wheel, and it snaps back to its default center position almost immediately. This means that while turning left to right, you will feel a bit of a hitch as it passes that neutral zone. I got used to it after an hour or two, but it’s something to keep in mind if you were hoping for an ultra-smooth racing experience.

Besides this hiccup, the Racer is an incredibly enjoyable racing wheel. The pressure-sensitive paddles are a delightful addition and are a decent substitute for pedals if you don’t mind the loss of immersion or tactility. Being able to apply specific amounts of pressure here made several things easier between games, such as drifting in Forza Horizon 5 and long-term tire management in F1 25. If the lap rests are the big winning feature here, then the paddles are certainly the unsung heroes of the package.

I also have to mention the Racer’s wireless performance, and it’s another area the product seriously impressed me. Turtle Beach estimates that the wheel can go up to 30 hours on a full charge. I find this to be accurate, as I didn’t have to charge the device until the tail end of my week of testing.

Should I buy the Turtle Beach Racer?

Buy it if…

You’re after an affordable, value-busting racing wheel experience
While not the absolute cheapest option on the market, the sub-$180 price point is compelling and affords the Racer some nicer materials to boot.

You lack the desk space for a fuller setup
The Turtle Beach Racer’s lap rests are a brilliant, forward-thinking addition that allows the wheel to sit comfortably on your legs, and the snug fit makes for surprisingly comfortable long-term gaming sessions.

Don’t buy it if…

You want immersion above all else
No pedals and no force feedback mean the Racer isn’t aimed at more serious sim racing types. For that, you’ll want to consider pricier options like the Logitech G923 or Thrustmaster T248R.

Also consider...

Not sold on the Turtle Beach Racer? Here are a couple of similarly priced alternatives worthy of your consideration.

	Turtle Beach Racer	Hori Racing Wheel Apex	Logitech G920
Price	$179.99 / £139.99 / AU$299	$119.99 / £99.99 (around AU$183)	$299.99 / £349.99 / AU$549.95
Weight	7.5lbs / 3.4kg	3.09lbs / 1.4kg	4.96lbs / 2.25kg
Dimensions	11.7 x 11.1 x 10.9in x 297 x 282 x 277mm	11 x 10.8 x 11.3 / 280 x 275 x 286mm	10.6 x 10.2 x 10.9 / 270 x 260 x 278mm
Rotation	360 degrees	270 degrees	900 degrees
Connection type	Wireless (2.4GHz), Wired (USB-C)	USB-A	USB-A
Compatibility	Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC	PS5, PS4, PC	Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC

Hori Racing Wheel Apex
While not quite as impressive as the Turtle Beach Racer, it’s far from a bad budget option and does include a set of pedals. However, the cheap plasticky build and rather listless-feeling pedals put a damper on the overall racing experience.

Read our full Hori Racing Wheel Apex review

Logitech G920
A mid-range Xbox-compatible offering, the Logitech G920 is the Microsoft counterpart to the PlayStation-facing G923. The brake pedal’s a little stiff by default, but Logitech’s superb build quality and detailed force feedback really win through here.

Read our full Logitech G920 review

How I tested the Turtle Beach Racer

Tested for one week
Tested across Xbox Series X and PC
Played a wide variety of racing titles

I tested the Turtle Beach Racer over the course of a week, playing titles on Xbox Series X Digital Edition and my gaming PC. Games I played with the racing wheel include Forza Horizon 5, Tokyo Xtreme Racer, Old School Rally, and F1 25.

While lacking the multitude of buttons and immersive features that make it worthwhile for sim racing, I found the Turtle Beach Racer to be ideal for more casual, arcade-like experiences. In that regard, features like the lap rests and pressure-sensitive paddles made for an easy and comfortable testing period, and above all, a very fun one.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed September 2025

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