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Huawei unveils its own PC operating system – HarmonyOS PC
3:39 pm | May 9, 2025
Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Tags: | Comments: Off

Huawei's emancipation from Western dependencies is progressing. The latest piece puts HarmonyOS on every device — meet HarmonyOS PC (or Hongmeng Computer for the Chinese market), Huawei's very own computer operating system. The unveiling came during Huawei's HarmonyOS Computer Technology and Ecosystem Communication Event (yeah, that's a mouthful) at the hands of Zhu Dongdong - Huawei's President of tablets and PCs. HarmonyOS PC is based around three core pillars - HarmonyOS Base, HarmonyOS Ecosystem, and HarmonyOS Experience. The Base features the HarmonyOS kernel, the Ark...

I’ve been using the Sony Inzone M9 II for months, and it’s perfect if you play on PS5 and PC
6:52 pm | May 7, 2025
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: , , , | Comments: Off

Sony Inzone M9 II: Two-minute review

As someone who uses a single monitor for both PC and PlayStation 5, the Sony Inzone M9 II really feels like it was made to meet my specific needs.

A follow-up to the popular Sony Inzone M9, the II eschews the white PlayStation look and bulky tripod stand design. Although I did like the unique appearance of the original M9, the stand of the II is undeniably more practical, with a more generous tilt adjustment range and full 360-degree pivot that makes finding the perfect angle a breeze.

The refreshed aesthetic does help emphasize that this is a monitor intended for use with a PC, too, and ensures that it no longer seems out of place on your desk.

Despite coming in a little cheaper than its predecessor at $799.99 / £899, the II also packs some small, but nevertheless appreciated, spec upgrades. This includes slightly better brightness (which now peaks at 750 nits rather than 600) and a boosted 160Hz refresh rate.

The Sony Inzone M9 II being used to play Counter-Strike 2.

(Image credit: Future)

As the PS5 can only output at a maximum of 120Hz, this latter change was clearly made with PC players in mind, and helps this model hold its own against some of the best gaming monitors aimed at the PC audience right now.

This faster refresh rate, paired with the 1ms GtG response time, and not to mention built-in 24.5-inch mode, could also make the Sony Inzone M9 II a great pick for those who enjoy high-intensity PC esports titles like Counter-Strike 2 or Valorant.

Thanks to a wealth of console-specific features, it’s also one of the best monitors for PS5 and PS5 Pro - full stop. It’s got full variable refresh rate (VRR) support, plus Auto HDR Tone Mapping to automatically calibrate brightness for your PS5 during setup. There’s even an Auto Genre Picture Mode that detects the title that you’re playing and dynamically adjusts the picture to match the likes of FPS titles or RPGs.

The built-in speakers lack bass and can be a little tinny at higher volumes, but they are surprisingly decent overall. That means console players used to the generally superior sound systems of a gaming TV won’t have to run out to pick up an extra pair right away.

It’s easy to lament the use of an IPS LCD panel, especially when OLED options are available from competitors at around the same price, but I don’t have any practical complaints about the 27-inch 4K display here.

It’s bright and responsive, with accurate colors and HDR10. Everything from Assassin’s Creed Shadows to Forza Horizon 5 and Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered looks absolutely stunning, cementing the Sony Inzone M9 II as a superb all-rounder.

The base of the Sony Inzone M9 II.

(Image credit: Future)

Sony Inzone M9 II: Price and availability

  • Retails for $799.99 / £899
  • Slightly worse value in the UK
  • Expect occasional sales

The Sony Izone M9 II retails for $799.99 / £899. This pricing means that it is slightly worse value in the UK, which is a little disappointing and could weigh on your decision if you’re buying in that market.

Although early Inzone products were marked by their eye-wateringly bad value prices (I’m looking at you, Sony Inzone M3), the Sony Inzone M9 II is actually reasonably priced given its spec.

It comes in a bit more expensive than similar options like the Gigabyte M32UC, though it benefits from a significantly more premium overall design that makes the added cost worthwhile in my book.

If you’re after a 4K screen on a tight budget, alternatives like the Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q could prove tempting as they come in at less than half the price of the Sony Inzone M9 II. Just bear in mind that there are noticeable compromises, including significantly higher response times and noticeably lower refresh rates.

The Sony Inzone M9 II is quite good value, then. I recommend it at full price, but, judging by the discount patterns of other Inzone products, I would expect occasional sales to come along and make it an even better proposition.

The monitor is readily available via the Sony website, in addition to the usual retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart in the US and Amazon, Argos, and Very in the UK.

Sony Inzone M9 II: Specs

Sony Inzone M9 II: Design and features

  • Easy assembly process
  • Low profile base
  • Plenty of adjustment options

I’ve never had a bad experience putting together a Sony Inzone monitor and the Sony Inzone M9 II is no exception.

It’s well packaged, with the monitor, stand, and its base secured separately in plenty of polystyrene foam. To assemble, you simply screw the bottom of the base onto the bottom of the stand and clip it all into the back of the monitor. It took me about fifteen seconds overall and did not require the instruction manual.

As I’ve already mentioned, the Sony Izone M9 II has a radically different design compared to the original M9. It’s black instead of white and has an entirely redesigned stand. Rather than a tripod, the Sony Inzone M9 II is held up by a single thick column on a circular base. It’s quite similar to the design of the stand on the Sony Inzone M10S, which was released at the same time, after all, though a bit chunkier on the whole.

With a radius of just under 3.5in / 9cm, the base is still rather compact for a monitor of this size, which makes it easy to fit on a desk - even if you have limited space. The stand can also pivot, offering a smooth 360 degrees of rotation. This is surprisingly handy, ensuring that you can quickly rotate the monitor to show something to a friend or simply adjust it slightly to better suit your current position.

The monitor can be tilted downwards by five degrees or upwards by 25, so you won’t have any trouble finding the right viewing angle either. The height can also be adjusted by 5.1in / 13cm, which is more than enough leeway to raise or lower it to a healthy height in most setups.

The Sony Inzone M9 II.

(Image credit: Future)

On the back right-hand side of the monitor is the power button, alongside a well-sized thumbstick for accessing the on-board settings menu.

The menu here is well organized and easy to navigate, but I’d still recommend installing the compatible Inzone Hub PC app, which offers a slightly more in-depth level of tuning.

There’s also a small white power indicator LED built into the side of the display. It is completely invisible from the front, which is a good thing as it stops it from becoming distracting in the corner of your eye, though can still be disabled in the software if you prefer.

You will find all the expected ports at the bottom of the monitor. There’s a DisplayPort 2.1 connector, 2 HDMI connectors, a USB Type-B input (for enabling the USB hub functionality), and two corresponding USB Type-A outputs.

A Type-C port would certainly be a bonus, but given how many peripherals still use USB Type-A, its absence is not that big of a deal. There’s also a third USB Type-A port that’s clearly labelled as being used for software updates via a USB stick only. Lastly, you get a 3.5mm headphone jack for hooking up any compatible audio devices.

In terms of features, you get pretty much everything that you would expect from a premium gaming monitor. It supports Full Array Local Dimming for enhanced contrast, in addition to meeting the VESA Certified DisplayHDR 600 standard.

The Sony Inzone M9 II.

(Image credit: Future)

On PC, you benefit from a speedy 160Hz refresh rate via a DisplayPort connection, in addition to Nvidia G-Sync support. On PS5, you have VRR and Auto HDR Tone Mapping. The monitor also automatically detects when a PS5 is detected, enabling a pre-tuned PS5 profile.

This is all on top of the usual array of display modes (I’d recommend turning off Auto Picture Mode and sticking to the DisplayHDR profile for the most life-like look in most situations), plus optional settings for on-screen frame rate counter, crosshair, and timer.

Sony Inzone M9 II: Performance

  • Brilliant for PC, perfect for PS5
  • A bright, smooth picture suited to a range of genres
  • An ideal all-rounder

Out of the box, the monitor was in its Power Saving mode, which unfortunately looks rather dim and makes for a lacklustre first impression.

Still, when you turn that off and enable HDR, the resulting picture is fantastic. Despite not being an OLED panel, colours are bright and blacks are surprisingly deep. 4K video is absolutely stunning, while general web browsing and office work benefit from the 160Hz smoothness and highly detailed image.

You likely won’t pick up the Sony Inzone M9 II purely for productivity, though, and gaming does not disappoint. As I used the Sony Inzone M9 II for multiple months, I experienced an extremely wide range of games on it. Highlights on PC include Counter-Strike 2, which is delightfully smooth at 160Hz, in addition to lots of Sid Meier’s Civilization 7, where the detailed models in its diorama-like world come through with excellent clarity.

Hitman World of Assassination benefited hugely from the crisp 4K and cheerful brightness in the sunny stadium of the fictional Miami Global Innovation Race, while the moodier aesthetic of the Dartmoor map showcased the monitor’s strong contrast. Again, this is not an OLED panel, but it still delivers colors that are just as vivid as some of the OLED models that I’ve tried.

The Sony Inzone M9 II.

(Image credit: Future)

It was a similar story over on PS5, where I played through the bulk of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, sunk hundreds of hours into the latest Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 season and tried out Forza Horizon 5 and Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered in addition to many other games. The VRR support was a gamechanger in Assassin’s Creed Shadows in particular, where its Balanced preset appears significantly smoother than on monitors without it.

It’s plenty smooth, but on PS5, you are still constrained to a maximum of 120Hz. If you’re buying purely for use with a console, do bear in mind that you won’t benefit from the true refresh rate capabilities of the Sony Inzone M9 II.

Unlike the more expensive Sony Inzone M10S, the Sony Inzone M9 II also packs some built-in speakers. Will they blow your mind? No, but they’re certainly good enough. At 50% volume, sound is clear and accurate with a decent level of detail. It lacks bass, but acceptable audio still puts them in the upper echelons of gaming monitor speakers. They can go impressively loud, which is good, but as you begin to crank that volume up, the sound becomes a bit more tinny.

If you are viewing the Sony Inzone M9 II as quite a significant investment, you can take comfort in knowing that you won’t need to run out to buy an expensive separate set of speakers to experience your favorite games in an enjoyable fashion right away.

Should you buy the Sony Inzone M9 II?

Buy it if...

You want an all-round gaming powerhouse
The Sony Inzone M9 II is a superb all-round option, delivering excellent performance in a wide range of game genres. It’s got plenty of features and even some decent built-in speakers.

You play on both PS5 and PC
The Sony Inzone M9 II is at its best when you own both a PC and PS5 and use them both on the same display, as it supports a range of features for both platforms. If that’s you, then this monitor is well worth its asking price.

Don't buy it if...

You want to save some cash
Although it is a fair price, the Sony Inzone M9 II is still quite an expensive monitor. There are cheaper 4K options out there, especially if you don’t mind skimping on the overall design and build.

Also consider

Not convinced by the Sony Inzone M9 II? Keep these alternatives on your radar.

Sony Inzone M10S
If you’re more of a PC player, then I’d recommend the Sony Inzone M10S. It’s one of the best monitors that I’ve ever tested, with a beautiful but functional stand and a blazing-fast 480Hz OLED panel. It is 1440p, however, so intended for competitive shooter players first and foremost.

Read our full Sony Inzone M10S review

Gigabyte M32UC
A titan of affordable 4K monitors, the Gigabyte M32UC frequently goes on sale and is the one to choose if you want to save some cash. It has loads of features and a speedy 144Hz refresh rate, though it definitely lacks the premium materials and design of the Sony Inzone M9 II.

Read our full Gigabyte M32UC review

The Sony Inzone M9 II.

(Image credit: Future)

How I tested the Sony Inzone M9 II

  • Tested for multiple months
  • Evaluated with both PC and PS5
  • Tried with loads of different games

I tested the Sony Inzone M9 II for more than two months, using it as my primary monitor for the entirety of that time.

I used it extensively with both PC and PS5, in addition to some light Xbox Series X gaming. During that time, I used it for hours of web browsing, office work, and playing countless games.

On PC, highlights included Counter-Strike 2, Resident Evil 4, Split Fiction, Cities Skylines 2, Sid Meier’s Civilization 7, Persona 3 Reload, Hitman World of Assassination, and Inzoi.

Even some smaller indie games like Monster Prom 4: Monster Con looked great, with the monitor’s vivid colors really complementing the expressive art style.

On PS5, games tested included Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, Days Gone Remastered, The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered, The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered, Forza Horizon 5, Zenless Zone Zero, and Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

Throughout my time with the monitor, I compared my experience to my hands-on testing of other gaming monitors, including the more premium Sony Inzone M10S.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed May 2025

I spent a week with the Thrustmaster SimTask FarmStick X playing Farming Simulator 25, and despite its Hall effect stick and great customization, it made me realize that I’d be a terrible farmer
3:00 pm | May 3, 2025
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: , , | Comments: Off

Thrustmaster SimTask FarmStick X: One-minute review

The Thrustmaster SimTask FarmStick X is a new take on the classic gaming joystick with a very specific job to do. A three-axis joystick supported by a plethora of buttons and inputs, this Xbox and PC-compatible accessory feels at home on a worksite, not a runway, and more specifically, it’s heading straight for the farmyard.

That means a large multifunction joystick with a mini-stick, thumbwheel, and dual triggers, 33 mappable action buttons, and a hand throttle. Plus, there are Hall effect sensors powering the ambidextrous joystick, so there should be plenty of precision control and longevity on offer.

Pre-mapped for Farming Simulator 25 out of the box, it’s here where I spent most of my time with the FarmStick X, and while I’m an admittedly very amateur farmer, I had a pretty good time. I’ll admit the benefit of the joystick itself wasn’t always immediately obvious, and there were a few teething hiccups, but in the right machinery it proved a total gamechanger.

Common actions were physically and metaphorically closer to hand and not needing to manually bind these, saw me near enough jumping straight from the main menu to fishing a skid-steer loader out of a river - more on that later.

It’s clear the FarmStick X is targeting die-hard Farming Sim enthusiasts, but with manually configurable inputs it’ll work as a button-rich joystick across a wide range of other simulation games too. So while this agricultural controller sits nearly alone in the market for its primary function, it’s up against some stiff competition from more generic HOTAS accessories and Logitech’s Farm Simulator Heavy Equipment Bundle.

The Thrustmaster SimTask Farmstick on a desk

(Image credit: Future/Alex Berry)

Thrustmaster SimTask FarmStick X: Price and availability

  • List price: $129.99 / £99.99 / €119.99
  • Limited retail availability outside US or Canada
  • Requires additional hardware purchase for Xbox compatibility

A familiar-looking device, the Thrustmaster SimTask FarmStick X is the second generation of the joystick that first arrived at the end of 2023. Fast forward to the start of 2025, and the new iteration maintains all of the original FarmStick’s features while welcoming Xbox console compatibility. The X on the end probably gave that away.

That X will cost you $30 more than the previous PC-only edition and sees the FarmStick X rise to $129.99/£99.99/€119.99. While on its own, that price is reasonable and slots it neatly in just below more flight-focused HOTAS hardware and joysticks, that’s not quite the full story. On PC, there’s no extra purchase required; you can pair the FarmStick X with keyboard controls or additional hardware like a wheel.

On Xbox, however, Thrustmaster makes quite a strong point of noting that you’ll need one of its wheels for the console to accept the FarmStick X, plus you’re limited to Farming Simulator 25 as the only compatible game. That skews the value proposition quite heavily for console players and raises the realistic minimum cost to somewhere north of $300.

In testing, however, I was able to use the FarmStick X without a wheel and in partnership with a standard Xbox Series X controller. This was expectedly awkward, and I certainly wouldn’t recommend this setup, but it seemed possible.

The Thrustmaster SimTask Farmstick on a desk

(Image credit: Future/Alex Berry)

Thrustmaster SimTask FarmStick X: Specs

The Thrustmaster SimTask Farmstick on a desk

(Image credit: Future/Alex Berry)

Thrustmaster SimTask FarmStick X: Design and features

  • Hall effect three-axis joystick with mini thumbstick and triggers
  • 33 mappable buttons and throttle control
  • Xbox Series and PC compatibility (requires extra hardware on Xbox)

While it may be destined for the farmyard, there’s something distinctly fighter jet about the design of the Thrustmaster SimTask FarmStick X. The gunmetal grey base and electric orange accents are striking, and I got a real old-school vibe as soon as I took it out of the box. This, unfortunately, wasn’t a case of old-school cool for me though; it all seemed a bit dated and lacked any sort of premium feel.

Most of this is down to material choice more than color; the FarmStick X is almost entirely plastic, and the base is noticeably hollow. Now I’m not suggesting this needed a full carbon fibre chassis and titanium accents, but not all plastic is the same, and I can’t help but feel Thrustmaster cut back a little in this area. Even a wafer-thin metal shell over the base would have made a huge difference.

The buttons on either side of the base also suffer as a result of material choices; the hard molded plastic buttons are nothing more than fine. They do the job, but would have been better with rubberised caps in my opinion. The smaller buttons on the FarmStick X’s joystick are rubber and feel much better to use as a result. More of those next time, please, Thrustmaster.

The SimTask FarmStick X’s main event is the large joystick, and once again, it’s all plastic, and I can only call it fine as a result. I won’t go as far as to say it feels like a toy, but a little rubberisation would have been far more comfortable, provided more grip, and felt more high-end in your hand.

The ambidextrous shaping is nice to see (shout out to the lefties), and I found it comfortable to hold for extended sessions. It is quite thick, however, I have reasonably large hands, so this worked out well for me, but younger or smaller wannabe farmers might not be as pleased.

Tucked away on the rear of the base is an array of connections, including the all-important USB-C port for connecting the FarmStick X to your PC or console. You’ll also find a couple of ports for expanding your ecosystem - a DIN port and an RJ12 port for a TFRP rudder. Finally, a toggle switch for flicking the FarmStick X between Xbox and PC compatibility mode.

The Thrustmaster SimTask Farmstick on a desk

(Image credit: Future/Alex Berry)

Thrustmaster SimTask FarmStick X: Performance

  • Hall effect, three-axis joystick offers great control
  • Button mappings often need manual configuration
  • More suited for experienced players than beginners

Like many people, I’ve dabbled in Farming Simulator a few times in the past, taking inspiration more from Jeremy Clarkson than Kaleb Cooper, however. I tend to jump into a fresh multiplayer session with a friend, mess around causing mischief in the field, try as many machines as possible, and that’s that.

It’s great fun, and those past experiences made me curious of what the Thrustmaster SimTask FarmStick X would bring. Racing games are made immediately more enjoyable for even the most casual players by adding a wheel and pedals, but is the same true of adding a joystick to Farming Simulator 25? After a few hours of messing around causing mischief in a field and trying as many machines as possible, the answer is: yes, sort of.

I started on PC, and it wasn’t as smooth an introduction as it should have been. The Thrustmaster SimTask FarmStick X is only pre-configured for one game, Farming Simulator 25, and from my experience, this still needs polishing up. Some keybinds didn’t do anything, others that claimed to do one action but actually did another, and some buttons I struggled to find at all.

A lot of the difficulty here comes down to a mismatch in labelling, the game refers to each button with a number, and while some of these are printed on the physical device, most aren’t, meaning I had to have the PDF manual open on my second screen. I’m sure you’d get used to it pretty quickly, particularly if you take the time to map your own buttons, but as a casual gamer, this was frustrating.

On Xbox, initially things felt much more polished, though I quickly realised it’s a far shallower experience in the long run. Here, the keybinds that were mysteriously mismatched or missing entirely on PC were present and correct, which I was thankful for, as there’s no ability to adjust or manually change keybinds on console. Again, you’re left to navigate which button is which by yourself; those slightly helpful number labels are now gone entirely, however, so it’s really a case of press and hope until you get your bearings.

Once I’d got the hang of which buttons did what, however, my experience did improve. I paired the Thrustmaster SimTask FarmStick X with the brand’s T128 SimTask wheel and pedals across both PC and Xbox, and as a combo, they work well. I did find uses for the FarmStick X’s joystick somewhat limited, however, and while it lends itself well to cranes and front loader machinery, for general farming activities, I found myself more focused on the wheel.

The FarmStick X itself felt like a niche add-on rather than a necessity, and it wasn’t an immediate gamechanger like a steering wheel and pedals are.

The Thrustmaster SimTask Farmstick on a desk

(Image credit: Future/Alex Berry)

That said, having found myself with an urgent need to retrieve a skid-steer digger from a river (how it got there isn’t important), the FarmStick X came into its own. Controlling the various functions of an excavator's arm with the three-axis joystick was wonderful, and I don’t think I could have replicated this experience with other devices. The Hall effect sensor offered precise and responsive control in all directions, with just enough resistance in the stick itself to feel like I could hold position without needing to fight it.

For experienced farmers with existing wheel setups they know like the back of their hand, the Thrustmaster SimTask FarmStick X will likely offer plenty of extra value and add a new dimension to gameplay. This is definitely a die-hard’s accessory for those who have moved well beyond the basics of farming and are not one for the masses.

In an attempt to unearth a little more value for a casual gamer, I swapped out of Farming Simulator and over to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 to see if the FarmStick X could hold its own as a generic joystick option, too. Again, the answer is sort of. The stick was immediately recognized by the game, but unsurprisingly needed every single button action and joystick axis to be manually configured.

After a few minutes of fiddling, I’d bound throttle and basic rudder controls and was able to take to the skies. Much like my river escapades, the FarmStick X’s joystick felt responsive and offered a great level of control. I’ve no doubt if you can invest the time in properly mapping every button, the FarmStick X would work just fine across any number of joystick-suited simulation games.

Sadly, this option only exists for PC players as the FarmStick X refuses to play nice with other titles. I’m curious as to why, though, having been told I needed a wheel to use the joystick, only to discover it worked happily with just a controller, I couldn’t help but push my luck. Full of hope, I fired up Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 on Xbox too, and to my surprise, the game immediately recognized the FarmStick X as a generic joystick input. I was able to select it in menus and manually bind inputs, I even used the in-game tools to validate it was capturing input data correctly, it was working - until it wasn’t.

Having cobbled together a couple of basic binds, I jumped in a plane to find that while the FarmStick X was sending commands to Flight Sim 2024, and the game happily knew what they meant, it then did nothing with them. I don’t know why it works in menus but not in the game itself, and I’m aware it’s not officially meant to, but I can’t help but feel there are some licensing executives in expensive suits stopping this from happening rather than any genuine compatibility problems.

It’s a shame because it makes the FarmStick X harder to recommend for console players, being limited to preset binds in a single game is a far tougher sell, and means Xbox users are paying more to get less than their PC-only friends in the next field over.

The Thrustmaster SimTask Farmstick on a desk

(Image credit: Future/Alex Berry)

Should you buy the Thrustmaster SimTask FarmStick X?

Buy it if...

You’re an experienced sim farmer
If you regularly play games like Farming Simulator 25 and already have a wheel and pedals, the Thrustmaster SimTask FarmStick X is a helpful companion that makes it far easier to control certain vehicle types.

You love a simulation game
While it’s designed for Farming Simulator 25, the FarmStick X can be manually configured to work with just about any joystick-compatible game. You’ll need to invest a little time to get your mapping right, but there’s definitely value here away from the farm.

Don't buy it if...

You’re a casual Farming Simulator player
This is quite a niche piece of hardware that only improves certain aspects of the game in a relatively limited set of machinery. It’s also only pre-configured for Farming Simulator 25, and even then, those results are mixed.

You don’t have a wheel and pedals
The FarmStick X is an add-on to an existing wheel system rather than a controller capable of holding up on its own. Despite what Thrustmaster claims, you could technically bodge together a control scheme with keyboard and mouse or a controller on PC or Xbox, but this is awkward and a setup I wouldn’t recommend it.

Also consider...

Not sure if the Thrustmaster SimTask FarmStick X is the right choice? Here are a couple of other flight stick options you might consider instead.

Note: The FarmStick X is quite a unique and specific device, so there aren’t a plethora of truly like-for-like options to explore. Instead, these alternatives are more flight-focused, and while they will require manual keybinding in-game, each offers the same core joystick and button functionality.

However, we are in the process of reviewing farming-sim specific gear from the likes of Logitech and Hori, and will update this section when those reviews are live.

Also consider Thrustmaster Sol-R Flight Stick
More sci-fi than soybean, the Sol-R flight stick could be a good choice if you’re looking to play more than just Farming Simulator 25. It offers the same Hall effect technology for precise joystick controls with a slightly different array of secondary inputs, plus it’s available in a dual pack, which could suit certain farm machinery well.

For more information, check out our full Thrustmaster Sol-R Flight Stick reviewView Deal

Also consider Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flight Stick
While again it’s designed primarily as a flight stick, you could manually bind the VelocityOne as an alternative to work the fields. There are fewer mappable buttons here, but onboard HOTAS controls alongside a multi-axis joystick could prove useful for controlling some farm machinery.

For more information, check out our full Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flight Stick reviewView Deal

The Thrustmaster SimTask Farmstick on a desk

(Image credit: Future/Alex Berry)

How I tested the Thrustmaster SimTask FarmStick X

I primarily tested the Thrustmaster SimTask FarmStick X as part of a gaming PC setup with an Intel Core i9 14900k CPU, AMD Radeon 9070XT GPU, and the Thrustmaster T128 SimTask wheel and pedal set. I initially jumped into Farming Simulator 25 to test the out-of-the-box button mappings before making manual tweaks and binds via the in-game menu where necessary in order to fully utilize the FarmStick X’s features. I often test products by streaming games on Twitch, and if you want to see how I got on with using the FarmStick X to operate a crane precariously close to a river, well, I’ve got you covered.

After around 10 hours of configuration and play, I swapped over to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 to see how it would perform out of its comfort zone. Throughout my time using the FarmStick X, I paid close attention to how the joystick in particular responded to inputs, as well as attempting to trigger false or missed button inputs.

I then moved to the living room and fired up my Xbox Series X and Samsung S90C. Again, I spent the majority of my time in Farming Simulator 25, this time paying close attention to differences in button mapping and experience between console and PC. I pushed my luck here, officially the FarmStick X requires a wheel for Xbox compatibility, but I ran tests with both the stock Xbox wireless controller and no additional controller inputs connected. I also attempted to use the joystick to play the unsupported Microsoft Flight Simulator 24 via Xbox Game Pass, unsuccessfully.

First reviewed April 2025

Read more about how we test

I never thought I’d see the day that I go back to a wired gaming headset, but the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro finally convinced me
4:01 pm | April 30, 2025
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: | Comments: Off

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro: One-minute review

The Arctis Nova Pro is yet another impressive headset from SteelSeries and absolutely one of the best wired gaming headsets money can buy right now. With a sleek design and the ability to plug it in and use it straight out of the box, there’s a lot to praise here.

If you’ve ever felt limited by the number of features on a standard wired gaming headset, like a single scroll wheel for volume, then the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro is a headset worth considering adding to your setup.

Even though the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro is by no means a budget-friendly headset, it’s well worth the money. Offering a comfortable listening experience alongside crystal clear audio, it’s hard to find a fault - even after hours upon hours of testing.

You can tailor your listening experience to your tastes through its desktop control panel, and the additional software available gives you the opportunity to take this further by opening the doors to adjusting your audio settings depending on which genre of game you're playing.

After using a wireless headset for some time (specifically the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro 7P), I was skeptical about going back to wireless. It took no time at all to adjust, and I felt like I had more control over my audio than ever before. I also appreciated not having to worry about battery life at any point. Everything was ready to go the second it was plugged in, so nothing could interrupt whatever I wanted to play.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro on a wooden surface

(Image credit: Future/Kara Phillips)

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro: Price and availability

  • $249.99 / £179.99 / AU$405
  • A worthy upgrade if you’re willing to splash out
  • Wired version only available in black

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro wired headset will set you back $249.99 / £249.99 / AU$405, which makes it far more expensive than even some of the best wired gaming headsets. But if you ask me, it justifies the price entirely through its performance and customization options.

If you’re in the market for an upgrade and you’re ready to invest in a product that won’t let you down and gives you the ability to alter your auditory experience entirely.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro: Specs

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro on a wooden surface

(Image credit: Future/Kara Phillips)

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro: Design and features

  • Sleek, lightweight design
  • One scroll wheel
  • Control panel isn’t bulky

Straight out of the box, it’s easy to see and feel that the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro is a high-quality headset. Its sleek black design is lightweight, and there are few features on the earcups which keep things neat and tidy.

The microphone tucks into the left earcup, which is one of my favourite features, and there’s only one scroll wheel on the cup, which you use to adjust volume. In addition, the earcups are very padded, which guarantees no discomfort, no matter how long I used them for. The floating headband also helps make the entire experience as comfortable as possible.

You’ll also find a mute button for your microphone on the left cup, but apart from that, there’s no additional flourishes. So, nothing to fumble around with if you’re trying to adjust your settings. Most of your audio adjustments are made via the control panel, too, which matches this sleek aesthetic.

With a small LED screen and a dial to adjust the audio settings, the whole panel easily fits in the palm of your hand. Or more reasonably, anywhere on your desktop.

Inputs and outputs are clearly labelled on the back of the unit to make the setup even easier. When you have plugged everything in, this control panel will display instructions and details in white. Even when the screen dims after a period of no use, it’s still easy to read thanks to the font choice and color.

Having this control panel on my desk made me realise just how much I change my audio settings. If anything, I change them more so now I don’t have to fiddle around with scroll wheels to try and get the perfect sound.

When buttons and wheels are too close together on an ear cup, I always find myself changing the wrong one. So when all I have to do is turn the dial on the control panel, use voice chat, or even immersing myself in the game I’m playing has never been so easy.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro being worn by a female gamer

(Image credit: Future/Kara Phillips)

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro: Performance

  • Crystal clear audio
  • Noise-cancelling microphone
  • Easy to set up

When using the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro for gaming, it’s hard not to fully immerse yourself in whatever you’re playing, thanks to the stellar audio quality on display. It’s so clear, every single sound in a game is easily picked up.

From the gentlest footstep in the distance to feeling like a character is breathing down your neck in real time, there’s an impressive spectrum of sound on display at all times.

The microphone, which I already adore for tucking into the ear cup rather than folding against the cup and headband like the Turtle Beach Stealth 500, also offered impressive sound. It’s easy to adjust, so when I received feedback from a call saying my audio felt a bit harsh, it was easy to move the mic around to rectify this.

The headset also comes with a foam pop filter, which can be slipped over the mic, which I used on more than one occasion for gaming and general voice chats.

With that said, the control panel really feels like the star of the show here. I’m so used to relying on ear cup controls with gaming headsets, especially because so many of the products I’ve used in the past have been wireless, having the ability to adjust my audio settings in the palm of my hand definitely made me feel more in control.

You can have multiple USB connections to the panel, too, which is ideal for anyone constantly switching between platforms. This makes the transition between platforms seamless.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro on a wooden surface

(Image credit: Future/Kara Phillips)

If I wanted to jump from PC to console, I could do so with the press of a button. There was no need to unplug wires, faff around a bit, and then plug them back in to my desired platform. It’s clear this feature has been designed with the player in mind, since the whole experience, from the audio capabilities to the ease of set up and seamless connection, just makes life easier.

The addition of SteelSeries GG is worth mentioning, too. I’m quick to overlook additional software when it comes to headsets since it never feels like a necessity, but the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro doesn’t give you a choice. The headset won’t play any audio if it needs a firmware update, and the only way you can fix that is through the app.

I was initially frustrated about that since you expect a headset built with convenience in mind to make this a little easier, but I ended up using the app a lot more than I thought I would.

Not only can you sort your updates out here, but you can take your audio slightly further by toggling on features like spatial surround sound. Having this app will also let your headset clip parts of your gameplay when you’ve had a particular reaction, ridding you of the pressure to capture you and your friends’ best bits. It’s basically like having your own compilation video ready and waiting at the end of a gaming session.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro on a wooden surface

(Image credit: Future/Kara Phillips)

Should you buy the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro?

Buy it if...

You like having thorough control of your audio
You’re probably used to being able to control your audio through scroll wheels and buttons on the ear cups of a gaming headset. The control panel that comes with the Arctis Nova Pro is a breath of fresh air. You can alter volume, mic noise cancelling, and adjust your game audio vs mic audio from this single screen and dial.

You like a simpler design
SteelSeries no doubt knows how to make a sleek product. The Arctis Nova Pro is as simple as it comes in terms of design so you don’t have to worry about anything else bulking out the appearance.

Don't buy it if...

You appreciate the freedom of a wireless headset
If you’d rather not be tethered to your setup, be it a desk or a sofa, then a wired headset probably isn’t the best for you.

Also consider...

Still not sold on the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro wired gaming headset? Here’s how it stands against some similarly priced wired gaming headsets.

Razer Blackshark V2 Pro
The Razer Blackshark V2 Pro is a fantastic headset with a plethora of features on PC, but it’s taken a while for consoles to get the same treatment. If you want consistency across all platforms, then the Arctis Nova Pro takes the cake, but if you’re looking to spend less money than the Blackshark V2 Pro is still a worthy competitor to consider.

For more information, check out our full Razer Blackshark V2 Pro review

Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3
A slightly more budget-friendly headset to consider, but with this price reduction, you’re also missing out on a lot of features. You won’t have such a customizable experience, and the audio quality isn’t as high, but you will be saving a significant amount of money.

For more information, check out our full Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3 review

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro on a wooden surface

(Image credit: Future/Kara Phillips)

How I tested the SteelSeries Arctis Arctis Nova Pro

  • Test over multiple weeks
  • Tried with both PC and console
  • Explored the included software thoroughly

I spent two weeks with my Steelseries Arctis Nova Pro headset and spent hours upon hours each day using it for gaming, meetings, and music. Because of the wired setup, it was incredibly easy to plug in and use across platforms, but I predominantly used it with a gaming PC and Nintendo Switch.

To make the most out of its performance, I played a variety of games such as REPO and Content Warning to test the mic clarity within proximity chat, alongside Marvel Rivals and Overwatch 2 to test how large the spectrum of sound the headset picks up is.

For games where audio cues are so important, like The Outlast Trials and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro never failed to impress. This was also massively helped by the ability to customize every note through the GameDac Gen 2 panel and the audio presets available through SteelSeries GG.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed April 2025.

The Nacon Revolution X Unlimited is the first controller with a built-in screen that I actually like
4:00 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: , | Comments: Off

Nacon Revolution X Unlimited controller: one-minute review

Nacon Revolution X Unlimited

(Image credit: Future)

The Nacon Revolution X Unlimited is the latest premium Xbox controller from the gaming brand, and I think it’s the company’s best effort yet. Essentially an upgrade over the PS5-compatible Revolution 5 Pro (though sadly, there’s no PlayStation compatibility to be had with this new gamepad), the Unlimited offers a similar experience with some notable new features.

Your eyes will immediately be drawn to the Unlimited’s built-in LCD display. Typically, I’m not a fan of these on gamepads, as I feel they can often overcomplicate the play experience. On the Unlimited, though, the display is very intuitive. It trims the fat, strictly offering options for button mapping, connected gaming headsets, wireless pairing, and battery saving. As such, I find this to be a direct upgrade over the Revolution 5 Pro.

The Revolution X Unlimited does pack a premium price tag, but to sweeten the deal, Nacon has included a selection of swappable parts as well as a charging dock for quick and easy battery top-up. Throw in a pair of sublimely smooth Hall effect thumbsticks, tactile micro-switch face buttons, trigger locks, and a set of four remappable buttons, and you have a premium suite that’s worth the investment.

There are, sadly, some drawbacks that keep it outside of contention for the premium spot in our best Xbox controllers and best PC controllers guides. For one, it’s quite a bulky controller, and an over-reliance on plastic means that build quality isn’t quite what you’d expect from a luxury pad.

But overall, if you’re in the market for a high-end Xbox controller or PC controller with tons of features and intuitive on-the-fly customization for your favorite games, I still highly recommend considering the Revolution X Unlimited.

Nacon Revolution X Unlimited controller review: Price and availability

As a premium pad, the Revolution X Unlimited commands a price tag of $199.99 / £179.99. You can purchase one for yourself at Nacon’s own website as well as Amazon in the US and Argos in the UK. This is similar to the Revolution 5 Pro which retails at $199.99 / £199.99, albeit the X Unlimited is £20 cheaper in the UK.

That price puts the Unlimited in the ballpark of other premium Xbox controllers such as the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro ($199.99 / £179.99), the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 ($169.99 / £149.99), and the official Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 ($179.99 / £159.99).

All offer similar feature sets, including swappable stick and button modules, remappable keys, and controller layout profile creation.

I think the Revolution X Unlimited has the edge over the eSwap X2 and Elite Series 2, thanks to its inclusion of Hall effect sticks (they’re sold separately for Thrustmaster’s pad) and that built-in display that I found genuinely useful here. However, I do prefer the near-perfect build quality offered by the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro.

Nacon Revolution X Unlimited controller review: specs

Nacon Revolution X Unlimited

(Image credit: Future)

Nacon Revolution X Unlimited controller: design and features

Aside from the controller itself, you’re getting quite a lot of goodies in the Revolution X Unlimited box. The pad is housed in a tidy carry case, where you’ll also find a charging dock, 2.4GHz USB dongle for wireless connectivity, a 3m USB-C cable, a thin dust cloth, and a small box that stores swappable accessories.

Said accessories include two D-pads (a four-way and an eight-way with the latter on the controller by default), six thumbstick caps (two concave, four convex of varying sizes), two metal stick rings for placing around the thumbsticks, and a set of six weights (two 0.35oz / 10g, two 0.49oz / 14g, and two 0.56oz / 16g) which can be slotted into the controller’s grips for some additional heft if you need the pad to rest in your hands a little more firmly.

The Unlimited itself has that recognizable Xbox Wireless Controller-esque silhouette, but it is ever so slightly wider and taller than Microsoft’s gamepad. This results in the Unlimited being better suited to players with larger hands.

Meanwhile, overall build quality certainly isn’t terrible, but I’ve never been a fan of the use of cheap-feeling plastic on Nacon’s controllers that’s also present here. I did get used to it, but it definitely feels less robust in the hands than my go-to Razer Wolverine V3 Pro.

The standout feature this time is undoubtedly the built-in LCD display. As mentioned, I’m typically not keen to see these on controllers like the Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra or the Turtle Beach Stealth Pivot. They’re usually quite sluggish and aren’t particularly intuitive in a pinch.

Nacon has nailed it here, though. A quick press of a button found next to the left bumper activates the display’s menu. The UI is incredibly responsive and limits options to the essentials: audio for gaming headsets (including volume, mic monitoring, and a game/chat mixer), button mapping, and wireless pairing options.

Nacon Revolution X Unlimited

(Image credit: Future)

Nacon Revolution X Unlimited controller: performance

I’m seriously impressed with the Revolution X Unlimited when it comes to overall gaming performance and play experience. I’m glad that Nacon has opted for Hall effect sticks here, of course, but the sticks themselves are some of the smoothest in the business. If you’ve read my Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller impressions, it’s a similar story to that, where the sticks feel hyper-tuned for accuracy and responsiveness. Certainly, it’ll be a boon for the best FPS games where carefully-placed shots mean everything.

Micro-switch buttons are becoming increasingly common with contemporary gamepads, with even cheaper models like the GameSir T4 Kaleid offering them. They’re also present on the Revolution X Unlimited, and they’re satisfyingly tactile.

This is another element that positions the Unlimited as a competitive-focused controller. Don’t get me wrong, it’s wonderful for any kind of game, and I had a blast testing it with The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered on Xbox Series X as well as A Hat in Time and Final Fantasy 14 Online on PC. But it really comes alive with multiplayer-oriented games like Tekken 8 and Fortnite, thanks to those buttery smooth thumbsticks and rapid button actuation.

Battery life is a slight letdown as you’re only getting around 10 hours on a full charge. It does charge up fairly quickly in around two and a half hours with the included charging dock, but do expect to have to top up the controller regularly if you prefer wireless play.

Nacon Revolution X Unlimited

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Nacon Revolution X Unlimited controller?

Buy it if...

You want a full premium controller package
Additions like a charging dock, multiple thumbstick and D-pad configurations, and that built-in display all make for a comfortable and robust play experience.

You’re primarily an online multiplayer gamer
The Revolution X Unlimited’s slick performance - from its friction-free sticks to tactile micro-switch buttons and trigger locks - makes it an excellent choice for competitive players in fighting games or shooters.

Don't buy it if...

You’re on a budget
It may seem obvious, but the Unlimited is absolutely a ‘money no object’ purchase at $200 / £180. I can only really recommend it if you’ve got the cash to spend or if you’ve been saving for a pad like this.

You want more battery life
At around 10 hours, the Revolution X Unlimited’s battery life pales when compared to the likes of the Xbox Wireless Controller (around 20-30 hours) or similar built-in display pads like the Turtle Beach Stealth Pivot (22 hours).

Nacon Revolution X Unlimited controller review: Also consider

If the Revolution X Unlimited isn’t quite doing it for you, have a look at these Xbox and PC controller alternatives.

Razer Wolverine V3 Pro
Right now, the V3 Pro is the final say in premium Xbox and PC controllers, and has a price tag to match. But if you do take the plunge, you’ll find a gamepad that simply does not miss, with it featuring best-in-class build quality and Razer mouse-click tech allowing for speedy button actuation. An absolute stunner of a controller.

Read our Razer Wolverine V3 Pro review

Turtle Beach Stealth Pivot
One to consider if you’re looking for a feature-rich controller in a more mid-range-friendly price bracket. While certainly not as impressive as the Unlimited, it also features a built-in display, great build quality, and a novel module pivot feature that lets you swap button layouts on the controller itself.

Read our Turtle Beach Stealth Pivot review

How I tested the Nacon Revolution X Unlimited controller

  • Tested for one week
  • Tested across Xbox Series X Digital Edition and PC
  • Compared directly to the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro

I tested the Revolution X Unlimited controller over the course of a week, playing both single and multiplayer games across Xbox and PC. On my Xbox Series X Digital Edition, I took the controller for a spin with The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered and Avowed. I went more multiplayer-focused on PC, with titles like Tekken 8, Final Fantasy 14 Online, and Street Fighter 6 filling up much of my playtime with the controller.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed April 2025

I was worried Retro-Bit’s modern Sega Saturn controller would be a cheap gimmick, but it left me pleasantly surprised
3:00 pm | April 28, 2025
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: , | Comments: Off

Retro-Bit Sega Saturn Wireless Pro Controller: one-minute review

Sega Saturn Wireless Pro Controller

(Image credit: Future)

Retro-Bit’s Sega Saturn Wireless Pro Controller is a gamepad revival done right. It successfully recreates the look and feel of Sega’s original unit, while adding some very welcome modern flourishes that (mostly) help it to feel like a solid contemporary option - especially for some fighting games and retro game compilations.

The original Sega Saturn controller has always been a winner in my book, with its six face buttons and glorious ergonomic D-pad. That experience has been replicated on Retro-Bit’s version, but you can also expect handy additions in a pair of Hall effect sticks, trigger buttons, and, of course, wireless connectivity. As a result, this could be one of the best Nintendo Switch controllers for you if you get regular use out of those Nintendo Switch Online retro game libraries.

It’s also an impressive value proposition, with a price firmly in that budget-friendly bracket, costing about the same as a standard Xbox Wireless Controller. You’re getting compatibility with PC, Mac, and Nintendo Switch here with the included 2.4GHz dongle. But the package also includes a Sega Saturn-compatible V2 receiver, so if you’ve got a Saturn lying around, this is an excellent modern wireless option for that system.

There are some mild annoyances to wrestle with, namely in terms of so-so build quality and the thumbsticks being a little too small for my liking. The newly added Home and Select buttons in the center are also placed in rather cramped fashion. But overall, in terms of retro-inspired controllers, Retro-Bit’s Sega Saturn model is certainly among the best.

Retro-Bit Sega Saturn Wireless Pro Controller review: Price and availability

  • $49.99 / £44.99 (around AU$78)
  • Costs about the same as an Xbox Wireless Controller
  • Available at Retro-Bit and Amazon

The Retro-Bit Sega Saturn Wireless Pro Controller is available to purchase now, either from Retro-Bit’s website or Amazon, for $49.99 / £44.99. In terms of pricing for PC-compatible gamepads, this falls squarely in range of the Xbox Wireless Controller or the GameSir T4 Kaleid.

This is rather impressive value, given the pad’s wireless connectivity options and smart additions like Hall effect thumbsticks though the retro nature of it makes it tough to recommend for a wide range of genres, including first-person shooters or strategy games.

But for some of the best fighting games like Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves or Street Fighter 6 (thanks to that six-button layout), it’s a great pick. It’s also a fine choice for the many retro game compilations we see today, including Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics and Castlevania Dominus Collection.

Retro-Bit Sega Saturn Wireless Pro Controller review: specs

Sega Saturn Wireless Pro Controller

(Image credit: Future)

Retro-Bit Sega Saturn Wireless Pro Controller: design and features

Aesthetically, Retro-Bit’s Sega Saturn Wireless Pro Controller is designed after the console’s MK-80116 gamepad. All the original colors are accounted for here, from the pink Start button and triggers to the green, yellow, and blue face buttons. If authenticity is the goal, Retro-Bit has nailed it.

The controller maintains that old-school ‘boomerang’ style silhouette that was common among the fourth and fifth console generations (think the Super Nintendo, Sega Mega Drive / Genesis, and indeed the Saturn). That also means shorter grips and face buttons that are on average larger than what we see on many of the best PC controllers of today.

Despite the retro design, the Sega Saturn Wireless Pro Controller still sits incredibly snug in the hands - its edges perfectly rounded to allow for a comfortable play position. All six face buttons are easily reachable, and the large D-pad rests firmly under your left thumb.

While I like the new additions to this controller, their placement is a little off. The new Home and Select buttons, as well as the two Hall effect thumbsticks, are a little too close to the center of the pad for comfort.

Things aren’t too bad with the sticks (even though they’re a bit smaller and shallower than what I’m used to), but you’ll really have to stretch your thumbs in order to reach those central buttons, to the point where I often found myself looking down at the controller to register their position relative to my thumbs.

Build quality is also something that I wish was slightly better. It’s not overtly nasty by any means, but the controller does feel quite hollow, and you can hear the D-pad shaking about when you rock it around in your hands. The face buttons also feel slightly loose, and the sticks are noticeably notchy as you move them around.

Sega Saturn Wireless Pro Controller

(Image credit: Future)

Retro-Bit Sega Saturn Wireless Pro Controller: performance

Thankfully, some of those design shortcomings don’t do much to ruin an otherwise comfortable and responsive play experience. This controller is a particularly good fit for fighting games, as mentioned earlier. The six-button layout is great for Street Fighter 6, and allows your light, medium, and heavy inputs for both punches and kicks to be reachable with your right thumb.

That also frees up the bumpers and triggers for other inputs or macros. In the case of Street Fighter 6, that meant easy macroing for actions like Drive Impact, Drive Rush, and throws. And for Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, which is a four-button game, those extra two face buttons came in handy for throw and REV macros.

Helping this along is the truly excellent D-pad. At first, I was unsure of it, as, like the face buttons, it is quite loose-feeling. But during play, it feels exceptionally tight and responsive. Directional inputs for special moves simply weren’t an issue here, thanks to its rounded nature, and I found I could pull them off much more reliably than with traditional four-way D-pads found on other controllers.

Fighting games aside, the Sega Saturn Wireless Pro Controller was also an excellent choice for retro (and retro-styled) games and compilations. I had a blast playing through beat-em-up Streets of Rage 4 with this gamepad. Side-scrollers really benefit here too, with the likes of Touhou Luna Nights, Mega Man Zero/ZX Legacy Collection, and Nintendo Switch Online games including Super Metroid and Shinobi 3 feeling well-suited.

On the other hand, I would argue that the controller isn’t the best fit for more contemporary games, particularly first-person shooters. The thumbsticks, while a nice addition, simply don’t have the smoothness to offer a satisfying play experience. Their relative closeness also means that your thumbs may barge into each other as you rock the sticks around.

Sega Saturn Wireless Pro Controller

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Retro-Bit Sega Saturn Wireless Pro Controller?

Buy it if...

You love fighting games
Whether you’re playing modern greats like Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves or stone-cold classics like Street Fighter 3: Third Strike, the Sega Saturn Wireless Pro Controller is an excellent gamepad choice for fighting games.

You’ve got a soft spot for retro design and feel
The controller absolutely nails it in terms of replicating the Saturn controller’s look and feel. Modern implementations like Hall effect sticks and wireless connectivity only sweeten the deal.

Don't buy it if...

You only play more modern games
The Sega Saturn Wireless Pro Controller isn’t designed for the big-budget AAA games of today. And while I don’t personally take issue with that, it’s not one to purchase for your blockbuster single-player adventures or Black Ops 6 multiplayer progression.

Retro-Bit Sega Saturn Wireless Pro Controller review: Also consider

If the Sega Saturn Wireless Pro Controller isn’t quite what you’re looking for, consider these similarly priced alternatives.

GameSir Super Nova
GameSir is now well-known for producing superstar controllers that punch above their weight, and that’s no exception with the Super Nova. With Hall effect sticks and tons of customization options, it’s a contemporary choice that doesn’t leave much off the table.

Read our full GameSir Super Nova review

Horipad Turbo
It’s not the most glamorous controller out there, but it’s a solid budget pick nonetheless for PC and Nintendo Switch. Buttons and sticks feel surprisingly nice for a gamepad of this price, and the addition of a Turbo button is a good fit for old-school games.

Read our full Horipad Turbo review

How I tested the Retro-Bit Sega Saturn Wireless Pro Controller

  • Tested for a week and a half
  • Played primarily on Nintendo Switch and PC
  • Compared to the Xbox Wireless Controller and the Horipad Turbo

I tested a variety of games, both old and new, with the Sega Saturn Wireless Pro Controller on both PC and Nintendo Switch over the course of a week and a half. While I unfortunately don’t have a Sega Saturn on hand for testing there, I got plenty of play time with fighting games like Street Fighter 6 and Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves.

I also played a number of retro collections, including Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics and Mega Man Zero/ZX Legacy Collection.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed April 2025

I’ve spent hours playing games and listening to music with the Astro A50 Gen 5 — here’s why they’re worth the price.
4:00 pm | April 27, 2025
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming Gaming Accessories | Tags: , , | Comments: Off

Astro A50 Gen 5 review: one-minute review

Astro A50 Gen 5

(Image credit: Future)

Logitech’s Astro sub-brand has a sizeable lineage, offering competition-grade audio solutions for years now, and the A50 Gen 5 is able to easily maintain that status quo at a (slightly) lower price point than the Astro A50 X, one of the best wireless gaming headsets we tested last year.

Much of the Astro A50 Gen 5 is built on the same very impressive foundation. It’s packing graphene drivers, which not only sound great but also contribute very little in terms of weight, while the whole design feels well-built without ever feeling uncomfortable for longer periods of use.

Audio sounds excellent, with a broad soundstage that packs in plenty of bass without distortion and plenty of high-end without tinniness, and I found myself using it for listening to music almost as much as I did for gaming.

Dolby Atmos and Windows Sonic are included, as well as the option to pipe in Bluetooth audio from an external source — ideal for anyone looking to crank up a podcast or playlist while grinding in their favorite game.

That flexibility is a common theme with the A50 Gen 5, too, since it can be connected to multiple platforms. While its pricier ‘X’ branded sibling can switch HDMI inputs with a button press, the A50 Gen 5 can do the same for audio.

The same mic from the A50 X is here, too, crystal clear in pressurized competitive moments (or as competitive as you can get within my own skill level) and easy to fold up if you’d prefer to just use the headset as a pair of very nice headphones.

Add to that a fantastic 24 hours of battery life, plus the convenience of being able to rest the headset on the docking station so it’s always ready to go and you’ve got a compelling package — and that’s before touching on Logitech’s G Hub software, which features custom equalizers and Blue voice adjustments.

It’s still not exactly affordable, but if you’re looking for a headset that can work across all platforms, it may be cheaper than buying a dedicated one for each.

Astro A50 Gen 5 review: Price and availability

  • List price: $299.99 / £299.99
  • Cheaper than Astro A50 X by around £70/$80
  • Available worldwide

For $300 / £300, you get a solid package here. Aside from the fantastic headset, that base station really is nifty.

It's well constructed, offering a really handy way to keep your headset charged, while it’s hard to find fault with the build quality of the A50 Gen 5 headset itself.

It’s more premium than mid-range headsets that lean on plasticky shells, and similarly priced SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro.

That rival arguably feels more headphone-like in its design, but offers similar versatility from multi-platform and dual-source output. If you want something that looks a little less like a gaming peripheral, that might be the way to go.

Astro A50 Gen 5

(Image credit: Future)

Astro A50 Gen 5 review: Specs

Astro A50 Gen 5

(Image credit: Future)

Astro A50 Gen 5 review: Design and features

  • Lightweight headset with fold-down mic
  • Graphene drivers are lightweight but offer big sound
  • Fabric ear cups are comfortable and avoid sweat build-up

Sat next to the pricier A50 X, you’d be hard-pressed to spot the differences, although the red cables on the Gen 5s versus the black cables on the A50 X are a bit of a giveaway.

The A50 Gen 5 comes in black or white, with magnetic cushions that can be taken off and swapped if you feel they’re getting to the end of their life (although even after well over a year of the premium version, it’s not ever felt that way to me).

The mic is identical, too, folding down to mouth level, while the side panel on the other side contains all the inputs. There’s chat and audio mixing on the headset itself, as well as Bluetooth functionality for piping your music through.

It’s comfortable for long periods thanks to being lighter than the old Logitech Pro X headsets I’ve used in the past, while the ear cups never feel like they get too hot. In fact, I prefer them to the colder, more leather-like alternatives (although you can buy a leatherette conversion kit from Logitech).

Onto the docking station, then, and while there’s no HDMI connectivity on the back, there are four USB ports. One is reserved for power, so the math enthusiasts will recognize that there are three ports left.

The ports are labeled for PC, PS5, and Xbox, meaning Switch is absent, but you can plug it into any of them.

You may need to provide your own USB-C cables, though — Logitech only provides one for power and a single cable to connect up other consoles.

Astro A50 Gen 5

(Image credit: Future)

Astro A50 Gen 5 review: Performance

  • 24-hour battery life plus added convenience of docking station
  • 24-bit PC audio, 16-bit on consoles but you’re unlikely to hear the difference
  • Connects via USB-C to docking station, but no HDMI ports

The Astro Gen 5, at least to my relatively trained ears as a musician, sounds the same as its premium sibling.

Footsteps from enemies in Call of Duty: Warzone and Black Ops 6 are crisp and easy to place, while the direction of gunfire is discernible even with short bursts.

Overwatch Hero callouts sound crisp, while more cinematic titles like Assassin’s Creed Shadows feel particularly impressive, notably when rain is falling on rooftops.

It’s worth noting that there’s no Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), but despite having a relatively large head, I felt the seal around my ears was tight enough where that never felt like a major concern. Your mileage may vary, though.

Perhaps most impressively, the A50 Gen 5s are fantastic for non-gaming audio, too. If you want to kick back with music, the balanced soundstage pairs with the comfortable headset to make everything feel nice and fresh.

I found listening to rock epics was a great experience, with piano and percussion dancing around each other nicely, while there’s plenty of bass when the situation calls for it, but without the distortion you may get from cheaper headsets.

You can play around with a mixer in the Logitech G app, too, while the aforementioned earcup controls are ideal for adjusting chat and game audio.

Still, audio output is only one-half of the coin, and while I have tended to keep mics folded up in favor of a desktop option with older setups, the mic here is crystal clear at all times.

The Logitech G app on PC can tap into the company’s Blue mic filtering to adjust to get you sounding sweet as a whistle, but even right out of the box, it feels as though you could be standing right next to a teammate as you work on strategies.

The Astro A50 Gen 5 headset base on a carpeted surface

(Image credit: Future/Lloyd Coombes)

Should you buy the Astro A50 Gen 5?

Buy it if...

You’re a console and PC player
Being able to switch between your console and PC audio at ease is a huge help for multiformat setups.

You want a clear mic
Whether on Discord or console-based party chat, the mic on the Astro A50 Gen 5 is one of the best we’ve tested.

Don't buy it if...

You’re not looking for multiformat functionality
The Astros are great, but there are comparable headsets with a focus on a single platform that will set you back a lot less.

Also consider...

Still not sold on the Astro A50 Gen 5? Here’s how it compares to two similar products.

Astro A50 X
It’s hard not to compare the pricier variant of the Astros with this version. The main draw is those HDMI ports on the base station, which means you can switch between inputs with a button press. If you’re not looking for that functionality, though, you’ll lose very little with the A50 Gen 5s.

For more information, check out our full Astro A50 X review

Razer BlackShark V2 Pro
Less interested in the multiformat chops of the Astro Gen 5s? The BlackShark V2 Pro remains top of our list of the best wireless headset list thanks to fantastic audio, great battery life, and a premium build — but it’s only for PC.

For more information, check out our full Razer BlackShark V2 Pro review

The Astro A50 Gen 5 headset against a white wall background

(Image credit: Future/Lloyd Coombes)

How I tested the Astro A50 Gen 5

  • Tested over multiple weeks
  • Used on a gaming PC with an RTX 4070 Ti, PS5 Pro, and Xbox Series X
  • Party chat across multiple games used to test the mic, as well as Discord on PC

I spent my time using the Astro A50 Gen 5 across PC and console, switching between Call of Duty Warzone and Black Ops 6, indie multiplayer title The Headliners, and EA FC 25.

For testing the mic, I played some heated games of Overwatch 2, Marvel Rivals, and Destiny 2 to ensure comms were clear.

First reviewed April 2025

Read more about how we test

I’ve spent hours playing games and listening to music with the Astro A50 Gen 5 — here’s why they’re worth the price.
4:00 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming Gaming Accessories | Tags: , , | Comments: Off

Astro A50 Gen 5 review: one-minute review

Astro A50 Gen 5

(Image credit: Future)

Logitech’s Astro sub-brand has a sizeable lineage, offering competition-grade audio solutions for years now, and the A50 Gen 5 is able to easily maintain that status quo at a (slightly) lower price point than the Astro A50 X, one of the best wireless gaming headsets we tested last year.

Much of the Astro A50 Gen 5 is built on the same very impressive foundation. It’s packing graphene drivers, which not only sound great but also contribute very little in terms of weight, while the whole design feels well-built without ever feeling uncomfortable for longer periods of use.

Audio sounds excellent, with a broad soundstage that packs in plenty of bass without distortion and plenty of high-end without tinniness, and I found myself using it for listening to music almost as much as I did for gaming.

Dolby Atmos and Windows Sonic are included, as well as the option to pipe in Bluetooth audio from an external source — ideal for anyone looking to crank up a podcast or playlist while grinding in their favorite game.

That flexibility is a common theme with the A50 Gen 5, too, since it can be connected to multiple platforms. While its pricier ‘X’ branded sibling can switch HDMI inputs with a button press, the A50 Gen 5 can do the same for audio.

The same mic from the A50 X is here, too, crystal clear in pressurized competitive moments (or as competitive as you can get within my own skill level) and easy to fold up if you’d prefer to just use the headset as a pair of very nice headphones.

Add to that a fantastic 24 hours of battery life, plus the convenience of being able to rest the headset on the docking station so it’s always ready to go and you’ve got a compelling package — and that’s before touching on Logitech’s G Hub software, which features custom equalizers and Blue voice adjustments.

It’s still not exactly affordable, but if you’re looking for a headset that can work across all platforms, it may be cheaper than buying a dedicated one for each.

Astro A50 Gen 5 review: Price and availability

  • List price: $299.99 / £299.99
  • Cheaper than Astro A50 X by around £70/$80
  • Available worldwide

For $300 / £300, you get a solid package here. Aside from the fantastic headset, that base station really is nifty.

It's well constructed, offering a really handy way to keep your headset charged, while it’s hard to find fault with the build quality of the A50 Gen 5 headset itself.

It’s more premium than mid-range headsets that lean on plasticky shells, and similarly priced SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro.

That rival arguably feels more headphone-like in its design, but offers similar versatility from multi-platform and dual-source output. If you want something that looks a little less like a gaming peripheral, that might be the way to go.

Astro A50 Gen 5

(Image credit: Future)

Astro A50 Gen 5 review: Specs

Astro A50 Gen 5

(Image credit: Future)

Astro A50 Gen 5 review: Design and features

  • Lightweight headset with fold-down mic
  • Graphene drivers are lightweight but offer big sound
  • Fabric ear cups are comfortable and avoid sweat build-up

Sat next to the pricier A50 X, you’d be hard-pressed to spot the differences, although the red cables on the Gen 5s versus the black cables on the A50 X are a bit of a giveaway.

The A50 Gen 5 comes in black or white, with magnetic cushions that can be taken off and swapped if you feel they’re getting to the end of their life (although even after well over a year of the premium version, it’s not ever felt that way to me).

The mic is identical, too, folding down to mouth level, while the side panel on the other side contains all the inputs. There’s chat and audio mixing on the headset itself, as well as Bluetooth functionality for piping your music through.

It’s comfortable for long periods thanks to being lighter than the old Logitech Pro X headsets I’ve used in the past, while the ear cups never feel like they get too hot. In fact, I prefer them to the colder, more leather-like alternatives (although you can buy a leatherette conversion kit from Logitech).

Onto the docking station, then, and while there’s no HDMI connectivity on the back, there are four USB ports. One is reserved for power, so the math enthusiasts will recognize that there are three ports left.

The ports are labeled for PC, PS5, and Xbox, meaning Switch is absent, but you can plug it into any of them.

You may need to provide your own USB-C cables, though — Logitech only provides one for power and a single cable to connect up other consoles.

Astro A50 Gen 5

(Image credit: Future)

Astro A50 Gen 5 review: Performance

  • 24-hour battery life plus added convenience of docking station
  • 24-bit PC audio, 16-bit on consoles but you’re unlikely to hear the difference
  • Connects via USB-C to docking station, but no HDMI ports

The Astro Gen 5, at least to my relatively trained ears as a musician, sounds the same as its premium sibling.

Footsteps from enemies in Call of Duty: Warzone and Black Ops 6 are crisp and easy to place, while the direction of gunfire is discernible even with short bursts.

Overwatch Hero callouts sound crisp, while more cinematic titles like Assassin’s Creed Shadows feel particularly impressive, notably when rain is falling on rooftops.

It’s worth noting that there’s no Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), but despite having a relatively large head, I felt the seal around my ears was tight enough where that never felt like a major concern. Your mileage may vary, though.

Perhaps most impressively, the A50 Gen 5s are fantastic for non-gaming audio, too. If you want to kick back with music, the balanced soundstage pairs with the comfortable headset to make everything feel nice and fresh.

I found listening to rock epics was a great experience, with piano and percussion dancing around each other nicely, while there’s plenty of bass when the situation calls for it, but without the distortion you may get from cheaper headsets.

You can play around with a mixer in the Logitech G app, too, while the aforementioned earcup controls are ideal for adjusting chat and game audio.

Still, audio output is only one-half of the coin, and while I have tended to keep mics folded up in favor of a desktop option with older setups, the mic here is crystal clear at all times.

The Logitech G app on PC can tap into the company’s Blue mic filtering to adjust to get you sounding sweet as a whistle, but even right out of the box, it feels as though you could be standing right next to a teammate as you work on strategies.

The Astro A50 Gen 5 headset base on a carpeted surface

(Image credit: Future/Lloyd Coombes)

Should you buy the Astro A50 Gen 5?

Buy it if...

You’re a console and PC player
Being able to switch between your console and PC audio at ease is a huge help for multiformat setups.

You want a clear mic
Whether on Discord or console-based party chat, the mic on the Astro A50 Gen 5 is one of the best we’ve tested.

Don't buy it if...

You’re not looking for multiformat functionality
The Astros are great, but there are comparable headsets with a focus on a single platform that will set you back a lot less.

Also consider...

Still not sold on the Astro A50 Gen 5? Here’s how it compares to two similar products.

Astro A50 X
It’s hard not to compare the pricier variant of the Astros with this version. The main draw is those HDMI ports on the base station, which means you can switch between inputs with a button press. If you’re not looking for that functionality, though, you’ll lose very little with the A50 Gen 5s.

For more information, check out our full Astro A50 X review

Razer BlackShark V2 Pro
Less interested in the multiformat chops of the Astro Gen 5s? The BlackShark V2 Pro remains top of our list of the best wireless headset list thanks to fantastic audio, great battery life, and a premium build — but it’s only for PC.

For more information, check out our full Razer BlackShark V2 Pro review

The Astro A50 Gen 5 headset against a white wall background

(Image credit: Future/Lloyd Coombes)

How I tested the Astro A50 Gen 5

  • Tested over multiple weeks
  • Used on a gaming PC with an RTX 4070 Ti, PS5 Pro, and Xbox Series X
  • Party chat across multiple games used to test the mic, as well as Discord on PC

I spent my time using the Astro A50 Gen 5 across PC and console, switching between Call of Duty Warzone and Black Ops 6, indie multiplayer title The Headliners, and EA FC 25.

For testing the mic, I played some heated games of Overwatch 2, Marvel Rivals, and Destiny 2 to ensure comms were clear.

First reviewed April 2025

Read more about how we test

I put in some serious flight time with Hori’s HOTAS Flight Stick Control System and enjoyed the surplus of inputs, but I’m stuck on its pricing
3:00 pm | April 20, 2025
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: | Comments: Off

Hori HOTAS flight control system: one-minute review

Hori HOTAS

(Image credit: Future)

If you want to take your flight sim experience to the next level, a HOTAS – hands-on throttle and stick – setup will make aviation a hundred times easier and more immersive than using a controller or mouse and keyboard.

Developed in partnership with War Thunder developers Gaijin, Hori’s HOTAS flight control system endeavors to provide exactly that solution. It’s marketed for combat flight sim pilots, but also just as useful for virtual commercial aviators who log their flight time in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and the like.

There’s a vast array of switches, buttons, hat switches, paddles, and dials here to play with and map to your preferred commands, so no one’s going to feel short-changed in functionality terms here. The included desk mounts for the throttle and flight stick are also very welcome additions, well-constructed and satisfyingly weighty, allowing a nice ergonomic angle once you’ve mounted the peripherals to the left and right of your seating position.

But there’s a really uneven feel to the actuation of all those inputs. Some feel great, others don’t come anywhere close to the $499 / £449 pricing. When there are such legendarily good alternatives out there for similar pricing like Thrustmaster’s Warthog HOTAS, that’s a real problem.

Ultimately the sensation of the flimsy plastics used at the contact points where your hands interact with them and the wobbliness of some inputs makes this Hori offering difficult to rationalize next to the Warthog HOTAS, or even Logitech G’s cheaper, more limited, but sturdier X56.

Hori HOTAS flight control system: Price and availability

  • $499 / £449
  • Thrustmaster Warthog HOTAS now sells for less
  • Much more expensive than the Logitech G X56

The price is the Hori HOTAS’s major problem. It compares very unfavorably to Thrustmaster’s best-in-class Warthog HOTAS, nor does it blow cheaper models like Logitech G’s X56 out of the water. In all fairness, there are mounting brackets included in this model that aren’t in the others, and a huge number of inputs, but that doesn’t completely compensate for the flimsy construction feel.

For a more budget-friendly option, consider Turtle Beach’s $120 / £120 VelocityOne flight stick, which features two throttle inputson either side of the joystick itself.

Hori HOTAS flight control system: specs

Hori HOTAS

(Image credit: Future)

Hori HOTAS flight control system: design and features

  • Looks convincingly pro at a glance
  • Sensible ergonomic layout
  • Let down by cheap materials

So, what does the virtual aviator want from their HOTAS? Two things. Firstly you’re looking for a control layout that makes flying a plane easier than it would be when using a pad or mouse and keyboard. That’s fundamental.

Flight sims are among the most mapping-heavy pieces of software in existence, and it’s always been a challenge to even memorize the inputs required to get a plane off the ground, talk to ATC, engage autopilot and navigation systems, and control your view, let alone map them to a comfortable and intuitive layout.

Sim racers have racing wheels that offer just about a 1:1 recreation of the inputs and displays they’d have on a real racing car, but for pilots that’s not feasible unless you drop many thousands on a room-sized rig.

Secondly, you want to feel immersed in the experience. You can control a plane’s throttle input using an analog stick on your Xbox controller, just like Flight Sim 2024 expects you to by default, and in truth, the difference in precision that this Hori’s twin throttle allows is unlikely to ever be the difference between crashing or staying aloft.

Instead, it’s about creating a sensory environment that feels like flying a plane. A matter of passion for the enthusiasts, and a crucial point for aspiring pilots supplementing their real air time with a flight sim.

Hori HOTAS

(Image credit: Future)

It’s important to lay these two objectives out because Hori’s HOTAS is perfectly good at the first - making planes easier to fly by offering a sensible and numerous layout of inputs - but just can’t deliver what you’d expect for the price when it comes to immersion.

Let’s delve into those statements. You’ve got three modes on each peripheral, and a total of 61 different button functions. That’s… probably enough. In both War Thunder and Flight Sim 2024, I found I was able to map every input I’d conceivably need and have it within close reach.

In fact, the reality was that I’d mapped a bunch of inputs that I didn’t end up touching. There’s a surplus of functionality here, and it does indeed make flying planes much easier, in both a combat and commercial environment. We can put a giant tick in that box.

Immersion, though, is elusive when piloting with the Hori HOTAS. That’s because despite it looking the part from a distance, when you’re up close and interacting with the throttle and flight stick, it simply looks and feels closer to a toy than part of an aircraft. Certain inputs hold up their end of the bargain, specifically the metal toggle switches on the throttle’s base, the rudder paddles on the throttle and the one on the flight stick.

The two-stage trigger has a nice mechanical-feeling actuation to it too, which makes firing weapons very satisfying. Elsewhere though, the surfaces feel too light and flimsy to be believable and the buttons and hat switches have too much play to them. For over $400 / £400, it’s surprising and disappointing.

The throttle actuation also leaves a lot to be desired. I found that mine was prone to sticking at the 100% point, and along the plasticky track of its axis, there’s a juddering, notched feeling. It’s almost as though there’s a deliberate notch to help you find 50%, except there are two or three of these sticking points on my unit… and none of them are at 50%.

There’s a saving grace, though. The mounting brackets supplied with this HOTAS are top-notch and added a lot to the overall experience once I mounted the throttle and flightstick to them on my left and right. The clamps are adjustable, with four different heights on offer, and I must say once they were fitted to my ideal position and the green backlights of the inputs were gently glowing in my cockpit, the pricing started to make sense for a brief moment.

Then I put my hands on it and the moment went.

Hori HOTAS flight control system: performance

  • Hall effect sensors for precise joystick input
  • Useful backlit input controls
  • Useable default schemes in most sims

I enjoy the precise feeling of this Hori flight stick. There’s just enough resistance and centering spring strength for my tastes, particularly in War Thunder where inputs tend to be of a more severe nature since you don’t have passengers and the contents of their stomach to consider.

It’s a little trickier to achieve those tiny, delicate bank angles in a commercial flight setting due to the strength of that spring, but after a couple of hours of acclimation, I found myself flying a bit more smoothly. There are Hall effect sensors to keep track of exactly where the flight stick is on its axis, theoretically making for more precise input recognition. I’ll level with you - I haven’t busted into the game code to verify exactly what’s happening there or how, but I will say that the sensation feels immediate and smooth to track.

Fortunately, in a performance setting, the issues I have with the grainy throttle don’t translate to in-game problems with thruster operation, and the previously mentioned loose feeling on some buttons doesn’t actually affect them being registered as inputs when you press them. So when you’re up in the air, the underwhelming build quality isn’t a de facto disadvantage. Just a shame.

I’ve sung the praises of those mounting brackets previously in this review, but they really do hold each peripheral firmly in place and in an ergonomic position when you’re sitting in your cockpit. Anyone who’s used a HOTAS or joystick whose base is too light knows how irritating it can be for your inputs to translate as peripheral wobble instead of flight control, and happily, that just doesn’t happen here.

It’s a strong performer then, but that doesn’t go all the way towards negating the problems this HOTAS has competing against similarly priced but better-constructed rivals like the Thrustmaster Warthog.

Hori HOTAS

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Hori HOTAS flight control system?

Buy it if...

You usually fly in combat flight sims
It’s perfectly good at commercial flight, but you’ll get the most out of the control layout in dogfights. Plus there are bundled in-game bonuses for War Thunder.

You’re tired of mapping inputs to your keyboard
There are enough buttons, dials, hat switches, and paddles to keep you from having to reach back towards your mouse and keyboard.

You don’t want to buy mounts separately
The sturdy, adjustable metal mounts are a big bonus of this package and add a lot to the sensation of being inside a cockpit.

Don't buy it if...

You’re on a budget
There are much cheaper options out there with comparable layouts and in some cases a better sensation, too.

You take flight on consoles too
This model’s a PC-only offering, so you’ll need to find a different peripheral for PS5 or Xbox piloting otherwise it’s back to the pad.

You want a compact setup
The HOTAS layout plus the mounts does take up space, so fairweather fliers might prefer a one-unit peripheral like Turtle Beach’s VelocityOne.

Hori HOTAS flight control system: Also consider

If the Hori HOTAS doesn’t make your heart soar, keep these cheaper alternatives on your radar.

Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS One
A time-honored budget option with far fewer inputs than the Hori HOTAS, but nonetheless a great overall package for the price.

For more information, read our full Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS One review

Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flightstick
The throttle-on-joystick design is unusual and means dual-thruster operation can be tricky, but the great build quality, numerous inputs, and cool digital display on the joystick itself make this another stellar budget option.

For more information read our full Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flightstick review

How I tested the Hori HOTAS flight control system

  • Several weeks of regular use during testing
  • Used on PC with and without mounts
  • War Thunder, Flight Simulator 2024, and Elite Dangerous all tested

Since War Thunder’s all over the box due to that Gaijin partnership, this dogfighting sim felt like a sensible place to start.

I also logged plenty of flight time in commercial jets and prop planes in Flight Sim 2024, and sauntered around the Milky Way in Frontier’s infinitely impressive Elite: Dangerous. Functionality was great out of the box in all three titles and required just a few re-binds in the latter two.

The Hori Racing Wheel Apex is a good budget option for PS5 sim racers, but don’t expect much in the way of compelling features
3:00 pm | April 18, 2025
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming Gaming Accessories | Tags: | Comments: Off

Hori Racing Wheel Apex for PlayStation: One-minute review

I’m glad that the Hori Racing Wheel Apex for PlayStation exists. When it comes to the PlayStation 5, there just aren’t all that many budget PS5 racing wheel options available. But the Apex is one I can just about recommend for those not wanting to shell out on some of the best racing wheels including the pricey Logitech G923 or the Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel.

The Hori Racing Wheel Apex for PlayStation costs significantly less than either of those products. And while I was generally happy with the performance it provides - not to mention the ease of setup - the concessions made to hit its low price point are immediately apparent.

Much like the Nintendo Switch-facing Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe (with which the Apex has many similarities including its chassis and overall performance), build quality leaves much to be desired. You’re getting an overtly plasticky build here, exacerbated by a pair of unsatisfyingly weightless pedals.

Force feedback is also off the table, which will likely be a deal breaker for players looking to purchase a racing wheel for that added level of immersion and feel. But if you can get over these cutbacks and are just looking for an inexpensive steering wheel for Gran Turismo 7, F1 24, and more, you’ll still find an acceptable racing experience with the Hori Racing Wheel Apex for PlayStation.

Hori Racing Wheel Apex

(Image credit: Future)

Hori Racing Wheel Apex for PlayStation: Price and availability

The Hori Racing Wheel Apex for PlayStation is available to buy now at Hori’s website for $119.99 / £99.99. That’s just a touch higher than the Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe ($109.99 / £89.99) and firmly places it in the budget category. Especially in the UK where it’s difficult to find a decent racing wheel under that £100 mark.

The key thing to note here is that while much more affordable than mid-range plug-and-play options like the Logitech G923 or the Thrustmaster T300RS GT Edition, you can expect features to be decidedly stripped back here. If you can afford pricier options like these, they are worth considering if you’d like features like force feedback and better overall build quality.

Hori Racing Wheel Apex for PlayStation: Specs

Hori Racing Wheel Apex for PlayStation: Design and features

Hori has used the Apex’s chassis before, chiefly with the Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe for Nintendo Switch. If you’ve seen that wheel, then you’ve essentially seen the Apex, too. The key difference here, naturally, is that the Apex is emblazoned with PlayStation’s logo and has a PlayStation-adjacent button layout.

Some button placements have shifted, too. On the Switch wheel, the ZL and ZR trigger buttons were found on the steering wheel itself. On the Apex, the left and right shoulder and trigger buttons are all lined up above the D-pad and face buttons respectively. There are also dedicated L3 and R3 buttons on the Apex, too.

Hori Racing Wheel Apex

(Image credit: Future)

The wheel itself is the best thing about the Apex in terms of design. The textured grips feel nice in the hands and ensure sturdy, non-slip play sessions. The flappy paddle gear switches behind these grips are significantly less refined, though, with a flimsy plastic build that feels like they could snap easily after long-term usage.

That same flimsiness also applies to the pedals, which are the same here as they were with the Mario Kart wheel. While they mostly get the job done, they (alongside the included clip-on footrest) have an overtly plastic and lightweight build, meaning they can easily slide around on harder surfaces.

The wheelbase, thankfully, is much sturdier and has a nice weight to it. You’ve also got two options here when it comes to securing the base in place; a clamp and a set of suction cups. You should avoid using the latter unless you lack a surface that you can easily clamp the wheel to. As with the Mario Kart wheel, I found the suction cups offered little to no purchase for the wheel on my desk. The included clamp, meanwhile, gets the job done just fine.

Hori Racing Wheel Apex for PlayStation: Performance

Despite my quibbles with some design and feature aspects, I can’t fault the Hori Racing Wheel Apex for PlayStation much when it comes to overall performance. The experience you’re getting here is far from mindblowing, especially thanks to the lack of force feedback, but it’s still more than up to the task of providing a decent wheel feel for less, offering robust value for money

I tested the Hori Racing Wheel Apex for PlayStation across PS5 and PC racing games, including Gran Turismo 7, EA Sports WRC, and F1 24. It’s clearly designed for PlayStation consoles first, as when loading into GT7, the wheel was ready to go with a preset control layout in place.

Hori Racing Wheel Apex

(Image credit: Future)

On PC, via XInput, some customization was required in F1 24 as the wheel wasn’t recognized in-game by default. In cases like this, you will need to set your own custom control layout. Thankfully there were no issues here, with buttons and steering all recognized as inputs without fuss.

I do miss the wider rotations available on mid-range racing wheels. The Hori Apex caps out just 270 degrees, which means it’s not best suited to serious simmers like iRacing, Assetto Corsa EVO, or indeed Euro Truck Simulator 2. But you should get by just fine in more casual friendly racers like GT7 and F1 24.

Should I buy the Hori Racing Wheel Apex for PlayStation?

Hori Racing Wheel Apex

(Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

You’re on a budget or buying for a younger player
It’s as simple as that. If you can’t / won’t buy a more expensive mid-range to premium racing wheel - or you’re buying for a kid - the Hori Apex is good value for money.

You want an easy, plug-and-play experience
Many pricier wheels - particularly direct drive models - usually require a more setup. By comparison, the Apex just requires you to hook it up to a console or PC via USB and you’re good to go. It’s really as easy as that.

Don't buy it if...

You want a more immersive experience
A lack of force feedback is understandable given the Apex’s price, but it does mean that you lose a lot of that authentic racing feel here. A limited 270-degree turning angle also hurts in this regard.

Also consider...

If the Hori Racing Wheel Apex for PlayStation isn’t quite doing it for you, have a look at these two PS5-compatible alternatives.

Thrustmaster T248
A bit of an old dog as far as racing wheels go, but one that’s nonetheless reliable and another solid budget pick. While pricier overall, the T248 does offer basic force feedback and a novel on-wheel display. 900 degrees of rotation is also fantastic for a wide variety of sim racers.

Read our Thrustmaster T248 review

Logitech G923
Arguably the first name in PS5 racing wheels, the Logitech G923 rules the roost even years after its initial launch. With fantastic build quality and immersive force feedback, it’s the mid-range plug-and-play racing wheel we recommend first for PS5 players.

Read our Logitech G923 review

How I tested the Hori Racing Wheel Apex for PlayStation

  • Tested for one week
  • Tested across PS5 and PC
  • Compared with the Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe

I tested the Hori Racing Wheel Apex for PlayStation over the course of a week. During that time, I hooked the wheel up to both PS5 and PC to test a variety of racing games including Gran Turismo 7, F1 24, and EA Sports WRC. While a lack of force feedback and a limited rotation means it’s not the most ideal for sim racers, I did find the Apex to be a good fit for arcade racers like Tokyo Xtreme Racer.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed March 2025

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