The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller surprised us when it was first announced. Both its price ($149.99/£119/AU$199.95 from the Microsoft Store) and its purpose seemed misaligned with the image Microsoft wanted to put out there, especially after the Xbox One's slow start out of the gate, so it had a lot to prove to justify its launch.
It's expensive, extravagant, and perhaps most useful for only a small niche of the Xbox community. So, everything Microsoft tried avoiding when it rebranded the Xbox One family from a set of next-level gaming machines to the more affordable, all-in-one entertainment centers we see today.
But despite what the lavish, pro-only price suggests, the controller has a universal appeal that anyone - from the tier-one Call of Duty players to the casual Fortnite players - can enjoy.
The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller is easily the most comfortable controller on the market, with rubberized grips, a cool-to-the-touch finish, and stainless steel components that can be swapped out to suit your needs. It also comes in white to match the special edition white Xbox One X.
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller review
Add to that a slew of paddles located on the back of the controller that can be assigned the function of any face button and a set of reinforced hair triggers that can be programmed and physically set to different sensitivity levels and you have the makings of a great gamepad.
Best of all, it works on PCs running Windows 7 or higher - including, of course, Windows 10. Just be aware that Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 has since launched, so while the original option is no slouch, you may want to consider that before picking up this one. Unsurprisingly, it's been discontinued but if you don't mind going second-hand, you may find one for a better price.
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller design
(Image credit: Microsoft)
It's hard to spot a serious design flaw with Microsoft's new control pad. For the first six hours with the controller I pored over every detail trying to find something that didn't live up to the price tag. But after the six hours passed I hadn't found anything that annoyed me that couldn't either be swapped out, recalibrated or reprogrammed.
Hold it in your hands for a minute and you'll instantly feel the big changes over the standard Xbox One pad. It's heavier by far, and more comfortable too thanks to the rubberized grip and amazingly smooth matte finish.
There are three magnetic interchangeable parts on the face of the controller - the d-pad and the two thumbsticks. The standard sticks are the concave rubber pads you might know and love already on the Xbox One, but other options include convex PS3-style sticks or extra long, arcade-style pieces if those are more your thing. (The arcade-style sticks are excellent for fighting games, by the way.)
The other interchangeable part, the d-pad, comes in two flavors: a standard cross or the new 360-degree "solar panel" design. I found the former more comfortable than the latter, but I could see the latter coming in handy, too. The six other face buttons - share, menu, A,B,XY - aren't any different than their standard controller counterpart with the exception of their color: they're all jet black.
(Image credit: Future)
Spin the controller around and things get more interesting. There you'll find the four aforementioned paddles, aptly named P1, P2, P3 and P4. At first I thought they might interfere with how I usually grip the controller - like most gamers I place pressure on the wings with my palms and three outside fingers - and for a few irritating seconds when I first started using the controller that's exactly what happened.
But Microsoft has given this controller real thought, and have left no stone unturned. If you don't like the paddles, you can either remove them from the controller or simply disable them by pressing the sync button at the top of the controller twice. You'll also find the rubberized grip here, as well as lock mechanisms for the triggers that allow you to halve the press of the right and left trigger buttons.
The last feature worth noting is that it comes packed with a USB cable to connect it to your PC and two AA batteries. I found it slightly insulting that Microsoft doesn't include a play and charge kit with each Elite, but that's more of a personal issue than anything wrong with the controller itself.
Overall, the design is one that is incredibly well thought-out. Microsoft, like Sony and Nintendo, usually leaves the design of extra controllers to third-party manufacturers like PDP or Mad Catz with varying degrees of success, but this is the first time since the Wavebird on GameCube that I've been impressed with a second-iteration first-party peripheral.
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller: performance and Xbox Accessories App
(Image credit: Microsoft)
Over the course of a weekend, I used the controller in a half-dozen racing, fighting, shooting and sports games in my Xbox One collection. Some benefited immensely from the controller while others merely felt more comfortable than usual.
As you might expect the Elite was a major boon in first-person shooters. Halving the distance on the right trigger allowed me to shoot non-automatic weapons faster, and crouching became quicker once I mapped it to one of the paddles on the back. Likewise, racing games like Forza Horizon became more dynamic experiences using the Elite controller.
That said, I didn't find the controller to be particularly advantageous in every genre. Besides a longer left stick, I saw no reason fighting games could be made any better using the hardware. And the same went for sports games like Madden, FIFA or NHL. Of course one size didn't fit all when it came to the paddle buttons and stick sensitivity. To that end Microsoft is releasing an Xbox Accessories app that will allow you to set up custom profiles for your controller.
Options in the app include changing the left and right thumbstick sensitivity from a linear speed to an exponential one and decreasing the time it takes for the triggers to respond to your touch. You'll also use the app to assign functions to the paddles. It's on this screen that I found my first disappointment.
The Xbox Accessories App doesn't allow you to program a string of buttons to the paddles - a huge disappointment if you play fighting games and like to have a few combos up your sleeve when things get dicey.
The controller can save two profiles at a time, and switching between them is as simple as moving a slider on the face of the controller. If you need more than two apps at any given time you'll need to return to the Accessories app, however, I never found myself playing more than two games in any one gaming session.
Admittedly the app's biggest problem is that navigation so far feels cumbersome. Moving back and forth between screens can be a headache as some of the normal functions of the controller (like using 'A' to go forward and 'B' to go back) are temporary disabled while you monkey around inside the app.
(Image credit: Future)
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller: we liked
Versatility is the Elite's greatest strength. Besides the four face buttons and two bumpers there's almost nothing permanent about this controller. Paddles can be removed anytime they get in the way; triggers can be physically set to different distances; and control sticks can be swapped at a moment's notice.
It also helps that at its core the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller is incredibly comfortable (not to mention stylish) thanks to some slight tweaks to the grips, jet-black color scheme and matte finish.
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller: we disliked
That said, the amount of customization options can be overwhelming for someone who isn't interested in X- and Y-axis acceleration or setting the sensitivity of a trigger down to the nearest millimeter.
This fact hurts more when you consider the one function that highly invested gamers could really benefit from - macros - was nowhere to be found.
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller: final verdict
The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller is simply one of the most extraordinary controllers to hit any Microsoft console since the original switch from the Duke controller to the S Controller back on the original Xbox. It's smarter, sleeker and more versatile than the standard gamepad, and despite the pro moniker will appeal to gamers of all skill levels.
Now, with that said, no matter how great the Elite is, if you think $149.99 / £119 / AU$199.95 is too much for a controller, it won't change your mind. If the decision comes down to buying this or three new titles around the holidays, you should probably go for the extra games.
But if you have the financial wherewithal to back purchases like these without losing sleep over it, the Elite Wireless Controller will help you find a newfound love for controllers and the science behind them. Though, these days, it'd be hard to recommend it over the Series 2 option.
The DualShock 4 Back Button Attachment is Sony's equivalent of a PS4 controller. So rather than asking gamers to shell out for another expensive pad on top of the DualShock, the accessory plugs into your existing controllers and adds two additional mappable buttons.
These buttons allow for more control over customization, letting you program each button respectively to a variety of gamepad inputs. This level of customization may not be needed by everyone, and we've now seen what Sony can do with a real Pro controller thanks to the upcoming DualSense Edge for PS5. Still, it remains a welcome option for those who enjoy more competitive play.
And what's more, it's not as expensive as buying a special pro controller. It's not exactly cheap, but it's certainly a more affordable option than the likes of Microsoft's Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2. So, is the DualShock 4 Back Button Attachment worth your hard-earned cash? Let's weigh up the pros and cons of Sony's PS4 controller upgrade.
DualShock 4 Back Button Attachment: Cut to the chase
What is it? An attachment for the DualShock 4 that adds two extra mappable buttons
When did it come out? January 9, 2020
What does it cost? $30 /£26/ AU$50
Price and release date
(Image credit: happylemon / Shutterstock.com)
DualShock 4 Back Button Attachment: price and release date
The DualShock 4 Back Button Attachment first released two years ago, launching on January 9, 2022. It's not terribly expensive either considering it adds two new buttons, and this accessory is priced at $30 /£26/ AU$50.
DualShock 4 Back Button Attachment design
(Image credit: TechRadar)
The DualShock 4 Back Button Attachment comes in a small box with just the device itself and a hefty instruction booklet. The attachment doesn't require any software to work, you simply need to plug it into the audio jack port/external port at the bottom of your controller, and away you go.
The attachment doesn't actually look like much at first glance, it's essentially two paddles attached to a black, circle LED screen with an audio jack and external jack to plug into the DualShock 4. There's also a 3.5mm audio jack port on the bottom of the attachment so you can still plug in your own gaming headset.
The attachment is roughly three inches wide and under two inches tall, so it's pretty dainty individually. Once plugged into the bottom of the controller, the paddles should sit neatly and (fairly comfortably) in the curves of the back of the controller's legs, with the LED screen sitting in the middle.
Holding a controller with the attachment takes some getting used to. It can feel bulky and almost alien attached to the DualShock's light frame, especially for those who admire the PS4 controller for its sleek design. As someone with small hands, it felt uncomfortable to hold, and we often found ourselves accidentally hitting the buttons when we were simply trying to rest our fingers on the back of the controller.
However, the rear buttons are ergonomic so they should really be more comfortable. Having tested the controller with various members of staff in the TechRadar office we found that, for those with bigger hands, it was actually more comfortable. It really depends on if you prefer sleek or weighty, but it's also an expected trade-off if you're adding extra buttons to a controller.
The attachment requires the controller to be connected to a PS4 to work, or at least charging, otherwise it pretty quickly turns itself off.
To turn the screen on (and therefore the device), you press and hold the screen until the PlayStation buttons symbol appears. The screen will then show a button symbol on the left, a 'P1', 'P2' or 'P3' in a circle in the middle and then another button symbol on the right.
The attachment can save up to three custom profiles at a time, and the 'P1' etc corresponds to which profile you're currently using. To switch between profiles, you simply double click the LED screen. You can then program that profile's buttons by press and holding down the screen, on the applicable profile, until the 'P' flashes.
There are sixteen possible button input options for each rear button and, once the 'P' is flashing you can click the respective button to cycle through the options. Once you've picked the ones you want then you simply click the LED screen again to lock it in. It's surprisingly quick and easy to do, and allows you to easily change configuration during your game with minimum disruption.
You can't map the buttons to all the DualShock 4's buttons, but there's still enough that it shouldn't be a huge problem. The programming also takes immediately, and works an absolute treat with the rear buttons giving a satisfying click as they're pressed.
DualShock 4 Back Button Attachment verdict
(Image credit: TechRadar)
The PS4 Back Button Attachment is a fantastic accessory for those who want more control over customization when it comes to their PS4 controller.
It's quick and easy to use, without the need to faff around with extra software. And, even better, it allows you to upgrade your current DualShock 4 controller for an affordable price, removing the need to splash out on an expensive Pro gamepad.
However, depending on how weighty you like your controller to feel, it can either be super comfortable or a bit clunky. But, given that it adds an extra two mappable buttons, it's actually pretty light compared to other controllers in the same vein.
Google developed a common Spatial Audio framework for Android 13 that can be used by all smartphone and headset makers. OnePlus is among the first to support it with the OnePlus Buds Pro 2. The buds launched in China earlier this month and will make their global debut on February 7 alongside the new OnePlus 11 flagship.
An overview of Google's Spatial audio system
Spatial audio uses head tracking built into the buds in order to simulate immersive multi-channel audio, similar to what you may have experienced in the cinema. This works best with content that has multiple sound channels...
Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023): Two-minute review
The Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) is both surprising and completely expected. Apple took us all by surprise by announcing it, along with the MacBook Pro 14-inch (2023) and Mac mini (2023), via a couple of press releases at the tail-end of January 2023. A glamorous Tim Cook-led launch at the company's Cupertino headquarters this was not.
However, while the timing and manner of the launch was surprising, the fact that Apple was following up its incredibly popular and critically acclaimed MacBook Pro 16-inch (2021) was not. With the launch of the M2 chip last year, it was only a matter of time before we saw the more powerful M2 Pro and M2 Max. Unlike its predecessor, the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) isn’t a complete redesign that acts like a warning shot across the bows of its competitors, but more of a refinement of the hardware.
On the outside, it’s essentially exactly the same as the previous model, with a 16.2-inch screen, chunky body with a great selection of ports (including a full-size HDMI port, which now supports up to 8K at 60Hz, plus a memory card slot) and 1080p FaceTime webcam. It also has the same 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with mini-LED tech and 120Hz ProMotion adaptive refresh rates for smooth and responsive scrolling and motion. But, why tinker? It remains the best display you can get on a laptop.
On the inside, the new model has been outfitted with the aforementioned M2 Pro or the more powerful – and expensive – M2 Max; two new chips from an increasingly confident Apple that once again proves that its (sometimes maligned) complete control over its hardware and software has paid dividends, leading to powerful and efficient performance with software tweaked to get the very best out of the hardware.
(Image credit: Future)
During my time reviewing the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023), I threw all manner of tasks at it, and it didn’t skip a beat – even when on battery life, which caused only a tiny hit to synthetic benchmark results, but no noticeable drop in performance. And, with over 20 hours of battery life, this is a laptop you’ll rarely need to plug in throughout the day.
The only issue I have regarding the performance of the MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) is that the M2 Pro does such a good job, that it’s hard to see what the M2 Max can improve on, apart from perhaps higher benchmark numbers.
If you need some serious GPU power, then sure, the M2 Max may be worth it, but for most people the M2 Pro will be more than enough. Truth be told, the M1 Pro and M1 Max are still excellent performers as well, and in my benchmark tests the M2 Pro clearly outperformed the M1 Pro, but not by enough of a margin that would make upgrading from the previous model to the new one worthwhile. It’s quite telling that in its press releases about the new MacBooks, it mainly compared to performance to the older Intel-based MacBook Pro 16-inch from 2019.
Price is going to be a big consideration, however, with the MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) starting at $2,499 / £2,699 / AU$3,999 – a big investment that shouldn’t be undertaken lightly. If you have the budget and need the power, however, then Apple has come up with another winner.
Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) review: Price and availability
Starts at $2,499 / £2,699 / AU$3,999
Same price as previous model in the US
UK and Australia get price rises
The Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) got a surprise launch on January 17, with pre-orders going live as soon as the news dropped. The new MacBook Pro 16-inch will start arriving for people who pre-ordered it on January 24, 2023 – the same day that it will also be available to buy from various retailers.
The previous 16-inch MacBook Pro suffered from shipping delays of up to a few months, and while some of this can be attributed to the unprecedented situation it launched in – with both a global pandemic and global chip shortage raging – I’d still recommend you order sooner than later if you’re keen to get hold of the new MacBook Pro 16-inch as soon as possible.
While writing this review, I checked Apple’s US store, and it’s still promising deliveries by January 24, so hopefully stock will be plentiful and shipping delays rare.
When it comes to price, there’s some good news as the MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) isn't getting a big generational price increase. Much like the MacBook Pro 16-inch (2021) M1 Pro version, this laptop starts at $2,499 in the US for the base configuration: that's the M2 Pro chip, 16GB of unified memory, and 512GB of SSD storage.
If you want to step up the brain power, you can get a version with the M2 Max chip, with a 12-core CPU and 38-core GPU, 32GB unified memory and 1TB SSD for the rather eye-watering price of $3,499.
As usual, you can configure the MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) to come with various spec upgrades, so you can customize the laptop to best suit your needs and budget. However, these upgrades come at a cost, and can make an already very expensive laptop even pricier.
(Image credit: Future)
If you want the absolute highest-end model, with a massive 96GB of memory and 8TB of storage, it’ll cost a huge $6,499. Needless to say, this kind of power will only be needed by extremely intensive enterprise-level workloads.
In the UK, the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) is sadly even more expensive, with the base model costing £2,699, which works out as about $3,315 with the current exchange rates. And, while Apple has kept the same launch price in the US for the base model of the 16-inch model as the previous model, in the UK, the new model is £300 more expensive than the previous model, which launched at £2,399.
While some of that increase could be down to the current difficult financial situation in the UK and poor exchange rates, it’s still disappointing.
The more powerful model with an M2 Max chip costs £3,749, again a rise compared to the M1 Max model, which launched at £3,299.
In Australia, the starting price of the base model is AU$3,999, compared to the AU$3,749 the M1 Pro model launched at. Again, an increase, but not quite as severe as the one the UK has witnessed. The high-end MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) with the M2 Max chip will cost AU$5,599, another increase over the M1 Max model, which launched in 2021 for AU$5,249.
So, it’s a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to price. The 16-inch MacBook Pro is firmly aimed at creatives and professionals that require a lot of power, so it was never going to be a budget product, but it is still a big investment that a lot of people should consider carefully about whether or not they need it. I was thoroughly impressed with the performance of the previous model, so I have no doubt that this new model will justify the price tag when it comes to performance, however.
While Apple should be commended for keeping the price the same between generations in the US, it is a shame that other markets haven’t been given that same luxury.
Price score: 3.5/5
Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) review: Specs
The MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) comes in three main configurations; two with the M2 Pro chip and one with the M2 Max chip.
Each of these options can be configured to change the chips, add more memory (up to 32GB with the M2 Pro and up to 96GB with the M2 Max) and storage up to 8TB.
(Image credit: Future)
Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) review: Design
Same design as 2021 model
Best screen on a laptop
Plenty of ports
From the outside, the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) is identical to the MacBook Pro 16-inch (2021), with the same dimensions of 0.66 x 14.01 x 9.77 inches (1.68 x 35.57 x 24.81cm) and a weight of 2.2 kg (4.8 pounds) for the M2 Max model (the M2 Pro model is slightly lighter, but not noticeably so).
If you’re already familiar with the 16-inch MacBook Pro, then, you’ll know that this is a big, chunky, and heavy laptop. It’s a mobile workstation that’s been built to be mainly used on a desk, and if you’re looking for something more portable, consider the MacBook Pro 14-inch (2023), which offers the same specs, but in a smaller overall package.
However, the fact that the new MacBook Pro has the same design as the previous one should be welcomed, because the previous model fixed several problems I’ve had with MacBook Pros in the past – namely the range of ports that they come with.
The MacBook Pro 16-inch comes with three Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports, a full-size HDMI port and SDXC memory card slot. This is a big improvement over the two USB-C ports that older MacBook Pros came with, and which the MacBook Air (M2, 2022) and MacBook Pro 13-inch (M2, 2022) still feature.
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This range of ports means you can hook up a monitor or projector via HDMI, or insert a memory card, without having to use an adaptor. Combined with the long battery life (more on that in a bit), it means this is an impressively portable laptop to do some serious work on when switching between offices or studios. In these days of hybrid working, where a lot of people are dividing their work time between the office and their home, this can be a real boon, as no matter where you go, you’ll be able to make use of the power of this laptop.
Also, while the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) is undoubtedly a thick and heavy laptop, its width and depth is roughly the same as the MacBook Pro 15-inch, despite the larger screen. To prove this, I placed the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) on top of a 15-inch MacBook Pro I use in the office, and while the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) is a fair bit thicker (0.66-inches vs 0.61), it otherwise has a footprint that is very close to the 15-inch model.
On opening up both MacBooks, you can see how this was achieved: the MacBook Pro 16-inch has much thinner bezels that surround the screen than the 15-inch model. Not only does this make the MacBook Pro 16-inch look like a much more modern laptop, but it also allows Apple to include a larger screen without making the entire laptop larger.
(Image credit: Future)
As with the previous MacBook Pro 16-inch model (as well as both 14-inch models), there is a compromise to the thinner bezel in the form of a ‘notch’ around the webcam, which dips down into the screen. This caused a bit of a stir when this design debuted in 2021, with many people saying it was a rather ugly and distracting design choice.
Back when I reviewed the 2021 models, I didn’t find that to be true at all – instead, I thought it was quite a clever way of maximizing screen real estate, and I hardly noticed it in most applications. Two years on, and I stand by those opinions, and in the intervening years, the furor over the notch appears to have died down somewhat. Sure, it still won’t be to everyone’s tastes, but it really isn’t the deal breaker that it was once made out to be.
The 16.2-inch screen remains unchanged, and that means this is still the best display you’ll get on a laptop, period. It’s a Liquid Retina XDR display featuring mini-LED tech, and offers 1,600 nits of peak HDR brightness and a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio. Along with P3 wide color gamut and one billion colors, this is an incredibly bright and vibrant display. I used it in an office with plenty of ambient light, including strong overhead lighting, and the screen looked fantastic, with bright colors looking lively and realistic, while blacks were rich and deep.
At this time of year where I’m located (Bath, England), there’s not an abundance of bright sunlight, but when I used it outside, again the screen remained bright and vibrant.
As for the rest of the design, the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) has a large and comfortable keyboard. It manages to feel tactile and responsive, and the days of faulty MacBook Pro keyboards seem to be well behind us. As part of my review process, I typed up part of this review using the keyboard, and I didn’t have any issues at all. The keyboard is backlit, so even when night rolled in and the lights grew dim, I could still happily tap away.
The keyboard also comes with a Touch ID button that allows you to log in to macOS, as well as pay for items using Apple Pay, by simply placing your finger on top of the button. As usual, the process is quick and accurate (you can set it up the first time you use the laptop), and most importantly, secure.
The trackpad below the keyboard is large and responsive, and while many creatives may prefer to use a mouse, it works well when you need it.
Overall, the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) doesn’t change anything design-wise from its predecessor, but – frankly – it doesn’t need to. The port selection is great, and it continues to have the best screen you can get on a laptop. Apple has resisted the trend of adding touchscreen capabilities, but truth be told, you won’t miss it.
Keep in mind, however, that this is a big and bulky laptop, compared to the likes of the MacBook Air or Dell XPS 15.
Design score: 4.5/5
(Image credit: Future)
Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) review: Performance
Excellent performance
No throttling when on battery
Benchmarks
Here’s how the MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) performed in our suite of benchmark tests:
Cinebench R23 CPU: Single-Core: 1,644; Multi-Core: 14,700 Geekbench 5 Single-Core: 1,961; Multi-Core: 15,061 PugentBench Photoshop: 1,060 Premier Pro: 1,095 Blender:Monster: 123.97; Junkshop: 71.94; Classroom: 55.42 Battery Life (TechRadar movie test): 19 hours and 39 minutes
The base configuration of the MacBook Pro 16-inch with M2 Pro chip comes with a 10-core CPU (upgradable to 12-core), a 16-core GPU (upgradable to 19-core), 16GB memory, and 512GB SSD storage, with the M2 Max MacBook Pro 16-inch model starting with a 12-core CPU, a 30-core GPU (upgradable to 38-core), 32GB memory, and a 1TB drive.
You can upgrade the specs on the M2 Pro model up to 32GB memory and the M2 Max model to a huge 96GB memory. The M2 Pro features 200GB/s of unified memory bandwidth, while the M2 Max pushes that further with 400GB/s. Both versions can be upgraded to a whopping 8TB of storage space. If you have the budget to max out the MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023), then you’ll have a seriously powerful mobile workstation that can rival powerful desktop PCs. It really does feel like the days of having to be stuck at a desk to perform intensive computational workloads is over.
The M2 Pro and M2 Max chips are, on paper, big steps up over the M1 Pro and M1 Max chips that came with the MacBook Pro 16-inch (2021), with Apple claiming that the M2 Pro offers 30% faster GPU performance than the M1 Pro, and twice the memory bandwidth of the M2 chip, which launched last year.
The M2 Max, according to Apple, offers 30% faster GPU performance compared to the M1 Max thanks to the increased number of GPU cores, and four times the memory bandwidth of the M2 – leading the company to claim it’s the world’s “most powerful and efficient chip for a pro laptop.”
Efficiency is a key word here – it's a big theme that Apple keeps returning to when talking about the M2 Pro and M2 Max chips, and for good reason, as I really think this is the main area where Apple has the advantage over Intel and AMD in the chipmaking stakes.
It means that M2 Pro and M2 Max-equipped MacBooks can pump out impressive performance without draining the battery. Crucially, the MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) doesn’t throttle its performance when on battery power either. Other workstation laptops usually enter a lower-powered state when on battery power to conserve battery life, and while that means you’ll hopefully get a few more hours before you need to plug it in, performance is throttled, which can have an impact on any tasks you want to perform without the laptop being plugged in.
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The good news here is that Apple has managed to achieve the best of both worlds, with no noticeable impact on performance when the MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) is unplugged and running on battery. Throughout my time with the new 16-inch MacBook Pro, I used it both plugged in and on battery, and I didn’t notice any change in performance, even when running complex video editing tasks. While the benchmarks you can see on the right were run with the MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) plugged in, I also ran the same tests with it unplugged, and saw a negligible impact to performance.
This has resulted in a very impressive mobile workstation that you can truly use while out and about without sacrificing performance.
Another nice benefit of Apple’s pursuit of efficiency with its M2 chips is that the MacBook Pro 16-inch is virtually silent in operation. Because the M2 Pro (which was in the MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) Apple sent me to review) efficiently manages its power consumption, it appears that it rarely gets hot enough for the MacBook’s fans to kick in.
For anyone who can’t stand the distracting whirr of fans working overtime, this will be welcome news. It’s especially useful for musicians, producers and film makers who need to hear their work clearly and without interference, and if you’re using the included three-mic array to make ad-hoc recordings, or participating in video calls, then there’s going to be no background noise from the MacBook.
Speaking of the mic array (which Apple claims is ‘studio quality’), I found it to be very good, with excellent noise cancellation, and offers the same level of quality as the array found in the 2021 model. While you wouldn’t want to make any professional recordings with it, it’s certainly clear enough to record impromptu jams and podcasts, and means you don’t need to lug around an external microphone for those purposes.
The six-speaker sound system also offers excellent sound quality, and avoids the tinny quality I’ve been frustrated by on other laptops. Again, while the speakers won’t replace studio-quality speakers and monitors, it means you can still get very good sound reproduction without having to plug the MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) into anything. Productivity on the go is another key theme.
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The FaceTime HD webcam is the same 1080p camera from the previous model, and it does a good job of producing clear footage, even in low-light conditions. I’m sure the M2 Pro offers some more processing oomph to help out with video quality (as the M1 Pro did), but I didn’t see any noticeable difference between the webcam quality of the 2021 and 2023 models.
The rest of the performance of the MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) is also impressive. The model I’m reviewing comes with the M2 Pro, 32GB memory and 2TB SSD. While I would have liked to have tried out the M2 Max model (and hopefully I will later), the M2 Pro model is going to be far more popular with most people, as it’s more affordable, while also promising the kind of performance most people require. The 32GB of memory is also a good choice for most people – I’d recommend going for 32GB minimum for creatives, as while the model with 16GB is cheaper, it’s not as future-proof.
While Apple has made some welcome strides in the user reparability of its products, the unified memory of the M2 Pro and M2 Max chips are soldiered straight onto the chips means they can’t be upgraded. If you’re buying a MacBook Pro 16-inch with the aim of it being your main productivity laptop for the next half a decade or so (and with this price tag, you really should consider it a long-term investment), then getting the most memory you can afford is the way to go.
The MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) comes with macOS Ventura preinstalled, and it feels fast and responsive. Since the launch of the M1 chip in 2020, Apple has been doing a great job with encouraging app developers to make versions of their products that run natively on M1 and M2 chips, and in 2023, the new MacBook Pro 16-inch has launched with a huge collection of applications that have been tweaked to run on the M2 Pro and M2 Max, leading to a flawless experience (and one I assume Microsoft is envious of, considering its problems with getting both devs and customers to love Windows on ARM). While there are still some Mac apps that only have Intel compatibility, once again Apple’s Rosetta 2 tool comes to the rescue, and after installing it, will run automatically when you load an Intel-only app and will ensure that it runs on the new hardware, with no perceptible impact to performance.
While reviewing the MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023), I put it through a number of real-life tests to see how well it performed. I had both Safari and Chrome web browsers up, with multiple tabs in each, I performed photo editing and video editing in Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro respectively, and plugged in a MIDI keyboard and recorded several multi-track projects in GarageBand and Ableton Live (I won’t go as far as to refer to my noodling as songs), using virtual instruments and effects from Native Instrument’s recent Komplete Kontrol package, and the MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) kept up easily – even with multiple raw 8K video streams in Premiere Pro. Without needing to render previews, you can quickly add effects and instantly play them back to see how they’ll look in your finished creation, and this has the potential to drastically speed up your workflow.
The HDMI port now supports 240Hz and 4K, and 8K up to 60Hz. So, you can plug the MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) into any of the best monitors available right now, and you’ll get an excellent experience.
(Image credit: Future)
Once again, however, the built-in screen is the highlight here, with the Liquid Retina XDR display making your own work, as well as any media you play (I loaded up Apple TV+ for a spot of binge watching while reviewing the MacBook Pro 16-inch), look phenomenal. The ProMotion refresh rate of 120Hz keeps macOS Ventura and apps feeling smooth and responsive. Scrolling through media-heavy webpages is a particular joy with this screen. It’s so good, that if you go for the 16-inch model over the 14-inch MacBook Pro, you’ll be pleased you did, as the larger screen really shows off Apple’s tech, and makes the more bulky design a price worth paying.
While I’ve not had a chance to test the 14-inch model (again, I hope to in the near future), I assume performance will be pretty close between the two, as they use essentially the same hardware.
Overall, performance is excellent, but if you have the M1 Pro or M1 Max model from 2021, don’t feel you have to upgrade.
Performance score: 5/5
(Image credit: Future)
Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) review: Battery life
Apple claims you can get up to 22 hours of battery life with the 16-inch MacBook Pro (2023) – four hours more than the 14-inch model (due to a smaller physical battery).
That kind of boast for a powerful workstation laptop would usually be dismissed with a weary “yeah, right” from me, but having been impressed by the battery life of the MacBook Pro 16-inch (2021), which lasted 18 hours and 48 minutes in TechRadar’s battery life benchmark test, I had high hopes for the new model.
I was right to, with the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) lasting a huge 19 hours and 39 minutes in the same test, which involves looping a 1080p video file until the battery dies. A few tweaks here and there (such as lowering screen brightness, turning off Wi-Fi and the backlit keyboard) and I can easily see it lasting the promises 22 hours.
Obviously, with more intensive workloads, the battery is going to drain a lot faster, but this is nevertheless extremely impressive, and blows away the 2019 Intel model, and pretty much any Windows 11 competitor.
The MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) charges via a MagSafe charger that clicks into the proprietary port via magnets, which makes it easy to plug in, and safe if it gets pulled out. Using that and the large 140W USB-C Power Adapter charges the MacBook quickly – it took less than an hour to go from empty back up to 100%.
You can also charge the MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) via a USB-C cable, and while this will be slower, it means you have the option to charge it with a common charger if you leave the MagSafe cable at home or in the office.
Should you buy the MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023)?
Buy it if...
You want the best display on a laptop I really can’t emphasize enough just how good the screen is on the MacBook Pro 16-inch, and Apple’s larger model really shows it off in all its glory.
You want a mobile workstation that lasts for hours The battery life of this thing is incredible. You could go two work days, or even a few long haul flights, on a single charge.
You’re looking to upgrade your Intel-based MacBook Pro 16-inch The MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) improves on the Intel-based 2019 model in every way, from performance to battery life, screen and port selection. It’s a huge leap.
Don't buy it if...
You want a slimline, portable, laptop The large screen and healthy amount of ports comes at a price: portability. This is a large and chunky laptop that some may struggle with. Check out the 14-inch model instead.
You don’t need the power Even the base model of the MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) is incredibly powerful, and not everyone is going to get the most out of it. Unless you’re going to be doing heavy creative workloads, there are better-value laptops out there.
You have the 2021 model Look, I get it, some people always want the very latest tech. However, if you have the 2021 model, you really should think twice about buying the 2023 version – sure, it’s more powerful, but not by an amount that will make the upgrade worth it.
MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) review: Also consider
If our Apple MacBook Pro (2023) review has you considering other options, here are two more laptops to consider...
How I tested the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023)
(Image credit: Future)
I spent around 20 hours using the MacBook Pro for general work
I wrote parts of this review, edited 8K videos and made music on it
I ran our usual suite of standardized benchmarks
I’ve been using the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) on and off for around four days, alongside the Mac mini (2023), since Apple sent it to me for review. During that time I used it as my main work laptop, and wrote parts of this review on it.
I also used it for a number of creative projects, such as editing 8K video in Adobe Premiere Pro, and creating multi-track music in both GarageBand and Ableton Live, performing some of the creative use cases Apple envisioned for the MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023).
I’ve been reviewing MacBooks for well over a decade, and have extensively tested every previous model of the MacBook Pro 16-inch for TechRadar, using this experience to compare the latest model to its predecessors, as well as compare it to Windows-based laptops.
The DualSense Edge is an excellent controller. It’s a conclusion that’s fairly easy to reach, what with the original DualSense pad setting such a high bar in the first place.
Innovative features like haptic feedback and adaptive trigger support made the DualSense gamepad stand out from the crowd when the PS5 launched, and it’s one of the best reasons to own the console. Now two and a bit years after launch, Sony has released the DualSense Edge, an upgraded controller offering a similar suite of features to the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2.
As a result, the Edge adds a bunch of ‘Pro’ adjacent extras: rear paddle buttons, swappable thumbsticks, button profile customization, and trigger hair lock settings, among others. The DualSense Edge has a full stack of customization and accessibility options not present in its base model.
These – along with two Function buttons for quick access to profile switching and headset volume control – are wonderful to have on a Pro level pad. They’re what makes the DualSense Edge technically a better controller than the one you get in your PS5’s box.
(Image credit: Future)
Unfortunately, most other aspects of the pad diminish the value of these extra features. Battery life here has seen no notable improvement over the first DualSense. And in our testing, we found a full charge to last about as long as the Edge’s older sibling, though Sony has admitted its battery life should be “moderately shorter” overall.
The biggest issue is the DualSense Edge’s price. The controller is simply overpriced for the feature set you’re getting here. And in terms of swappable hardware, the Edge actually offers less than competing pads at lower price points.
These reasons and more make the DualSense Edge a tough controller to recommend. It’s a great pad, but one that ultimately fails to justify its price.
DualSense Edge: price and availability
The DualSense Edge’s price point isn't easy to stomach. Launching at $199.99 / £209.99 / AU$339.95, it’s atypically more expensive in the UK than overseas; perhaps a knock-on effect of Sony’s price increases in the region. Available to buy from January 26, it’s a luxury purchase and still overpriced for the slight upgrades it offers.
DualSense Edge: design
(Image credit: Future)
Premium build is an upgrade over the DualSense
Redesigned touchpad is excellent
Unlockable faceplate feels a little flimsy
The DualSense Edge sets an appropriately premium first impression. Out of the box, the controller and all its elements come in a sturdy carry case, much like other Pro pads, such as the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 and Nacon Revolution X Pro.
Unzip the case and pop it open and the first thing you’ll see is the controller, but the case also houses four swappable thumbsticks, two sets of magnetically-connecting rear buttons, a USB-C cable, and a detachable lock to help keep that cable in place while playing.
The build quality of the DualSense Edge pad exhibits a subtle improvement over the standard DualSense. It also feels slightly heavier, likely owing to the extra tech featured in the pad, such as those hair trigger locks and Function buttons. It’s a nice, weighty feel that’s fitting of a high-end pad.
I’m a big fan of the redesigned touchpad. Instead of matte white, here we get a stark black finish decorated with etchings of PlayStation’s iconic face buttons all across it. There’s a lovely textured feel to the Edge’s touchpad, and the choice of black coloration really helps the lightbar around its sides stand out much more vividly.
(Image credit: Future)
D-pad and face buttons have seen a similar overhaul in aesthetics, sporting a glassy black finish that stands out nicely from the rest of the pad. These buttons don’t feel significantly better or worse than on the standard DualSense, though I like how the face buttons feel noticeably clickier. Textured triggers are also a welcome addition, feeling more satisfying to press and grip on the Edge.
The stars of the show, though, have to be the all-new Function buttons that sit below the analog sticks. I was apprehensive about these at first, thinking they might be placed a little too close to the sticks. In practice, though, they’re unintrusive, responsive, and serve their purpose excellently. The convenience these quick shortcut buttons offer is the best new feature that DualSense Edge brings to the table.
Lastly, there’s one element I think is a bit of a step back compared to the original DualSense pad, the central plate that wraps around the sticks and Home button. The glossy finish here just looks cheap and tacky. And while it’s removable, allowing you to swap out the thumbstick modules (no extras of which are included in the base package, mind), the plate nonetheless feels flimsy and likely easily broken.
Design score: 4 / 5
DualSense Edge: features
(Image credit: Future)
Function buttons are a fantastic addition
Rear paddles are nice, but only two slots is limiting
Robust customization that’s easy to use and access
As a higher-end controller, the DualSense Edge comes with extra features that elevate it above its more standard sibling.
The Function buttons are the best addition to the DualSense Edge, letting you tweak several settings without you needing to leave your game. Both buttons are functionally identical, but holding one in for roughly a second brings up a quick menu, where you can switch button profiles and adjust your headset’s audio settings. The Function buttons offer a simple yet highly convenient interface that won’t take you out of the game.
You can create controller profiles in the new DualSense Edge menu, which you unlock when you first pair the gamepad with your PS5. You can also access this menu quickly with the controller's Function buttons. With a controller profile, you can completely remap your button layout, set trigger and analog stick sensitivity, and vibration strength. It’s remarkably straightforward, and I set up multiple profiles with ease.
The addition of those rear paddles is welcome, but I’m still a little baffled as to why Sony has opted to include just two slots for them.
The new rear paddles complement profile customization well. You can easily click them magnetically into slots on the back of the controller, and set them as secondary inputs for different commands. If, for example, you wanted to easily press the ‘X’ button while keeping your thumb on the right analog stick, you can set the command to a rear paddle and press it with your fingers.
The addition of those rear paddles is welcome, but I’m still a little baffled as to why Sony has opted to include just two slots for them. Xbox’s Elite Series 2 supports four rear paddle placements, so you can map each to a face button should you wish. Having those options halved on the Edge is an abject downgrade.
While I liked having two types of rear buttons (a rounder, stubbier type, along with a more traditional paddle-shaped design), I much prefer the feel of the traditional paddles to the stubbier set. That’s a personal preference, though, and both types do their job well.
Features score: 4 / 5
DualSense Edge: performance and battery life
(Image credit: Future)
Almost functionally identical to the DualSense
Trigger locks could be better
No improvements to battery life
When it comes to playing games, the DualSense Edge is practically identical to the controller we got at launch. The Edge is slightly weightier, and aside from the face buttons and textured triggers feeling marginally nicer, it isn’t the transformative experience I hoped for from a ‘Pro’ level pad.
The DualSense’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers remain great on the Edge, but there are no discernible improvements. These features were already brilliant, but you’re not getting anything here that you don’t on the standard DualSense.
While the DualSense Edge comes fitted with hair trigger locks – which allow you to decrease the travel distance on your trigger before it registers a click – they’re underwhelming. You’ve three trigger lock settings, similar to the Xbox Elite Series 2: by default, the triggers will depress all the way; the next setting down will stop the triggers roughly halfway, while the most extreme setting is akin to a light tap.
The problem is there’s not a massive difference in travel time between the latter two settings. It’s still great to have the trigger locks here, though, and they work wonders for shooters like Overwatch 2 and Modern Warfare 2.
(Image credit: Future)
The profile-switching function really elevates the DualSense Edge. In Returnal, I map jumping and dodging to the rear paddle buttons, which frees up my thumb to maintain camera control with the right analog stick. In Final Fantasy 14 I map secondary hotbar access to a double-tap of the rear paddle buttons, which feels fantastic and more responsive then the default layout.
What really lets down the DualSense Edge is its battery life. Sony has claimed the pad’s battery life could be “moderately shorter” than the standard DualSense. I can confirm, after playing a range of games that make good use of the Edge’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, the gamepad ran flat after 7 hours.
Depending on what you play, you will get different results, but expect roughly 6-8 hours of wireless play time from a full charge. Much like the original DualSense, that’s poor, considering competing pads have battery lives in the double digits.
Performance and battery life score: 3 / 5
Should I buy the DualSense Edge?
(Image credit: Future)
Buy it if...
You want the ‘best’ PS5 controller While improvements are slight, the DualSense Edge is still an upgraded DualSense, technically making it the best PS5 controller from Sony.
You want a full suite of customization DualSense Edge’s customization options are robust and easy to use, with those Function buttons taking much of the headache out of profile switching and creation.
You’re after premium quality There are some design drawbacks, but the DualSense Edge, overall, feels great to handle thanks to its high-end build quality.
Don't buy it if...
You’re on a budget The DualSense Edge is very expensive, and I’d argue overpriced for what you’re getting here versus competing pads.
You’re happy with the DualSense The Edge’s extras are nice, but it’s ultimately starkly similar to its launch sibling. You’re not getting a wholly transformative experience from this pad.
It appears that straggler units of the upcoming Galaxy S23 Ultra have made it into people's hands as camera samples and an unboxing surfaced on Twitter.
The unboxing is pretty straightforward - the Galaxy S23 Ultra ships in a box without any accessories except for a SIM tool. The unit in the video below looks pretty real and official.
Unboxing@MoisesElPro2 @MARCIANOPHONE @Ibanez_shreds @TecnonautaTV @TopesdGama pic.twitter.com/eGzgkSuMBA— Edwards Urbina (@edwards_uh) January 23, 2023
We also get a few camera samples, courtesy of the same Twitter user Edwards Urbina. We've included...
Microsoft's Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 may have been originally designed for the Xbox One family, but right now, it's coasting onto the current generation of Xbox consoles.
The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 is the successor to the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller, offering several improvements on its predecessor that make it the best Xbox controller on the market. Right now, you can use this on the entire Xbox One family — which includes Xbox One S, One X, plus the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.
The best Xbox controller on the market doesn't come cheap, and a new one costs nearly three times as much as your standard Xbox controller. It's comparable to Sony's DualSense Edge controller, a new premium option for PS5 players, which arrives in 2023. There's a hefty price tag here but is the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 worth it? Here are the pros and cons of Microsoft's latest premium gamepad.
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2: cut to the chase
What is it? Microsoft's latest pro-standard Xbox game pad
When did it come out? November 2019
What does it cost? £159.99 / $179.99 / AU$249.95
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2: price and release date
(Image credit: TechRadar)
If you're looking to pick up Microsoft's Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, fair warning, this doesn't come cheap. As the best official Xbox controller on the market, there's a hefty price tag here of £159.99 / $179.99 / AU$249.95. It's also being added to Xbox Design Lab in late 2022, so expect customisation options to bump up that price even higher.
For context, the default Xbox Wireless Controller that comes with your console is priced at $59.99 / £54.99 / AU$74.99. So, if you're only looking for a standard controller for player two, you may want to consider this option instead. Microsoft's clearly targeting a more dedicated audience with the Elite Wireless Controller.
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2: design
(Image credit: TechRadar)
When it comes to design, the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 is sleek, comfortable and weighty. On opening the box, the Series 2 comes in a hefty carry case, with a wireless charger pack (that can also be wired), a USB-C cable and a variety of buttons.
The controller itself is matte black, with rubberized grips covering both controller legs - unlike its successor, which only had this on the backs of the legs. On the front, there are the standard X, A, Y and B buttons, alongside the standard Xbox, share and menu buttons - and a profile button that we will come back to. The beauty of the Series 2, however, is that there are also changeable analog sticks and D-pad buttons that you can simply pop off and replace magnetically with any of the buttons included with the controller.
You get a set of six thumbsticks including two standard, two classic, one tall and one white dome. In addition, there's a set of four paddles, including two medium and two mini, and a set of two D-pads: standard and faceted. The tension of the analog sticks can also be adjusted, using a little screwdriver. There are three settings available, with each increasing the tightness of the sticks.
(Image credit: TechRadar)
You can essentially change these buttons and sticks as you see fit, to create the most comfortable gaming experience for you. At the rear of the controller are four silver paddles - two on each side - and two switches which allow you to adjust the controller's hair trigger locks. The trigger switches have three settings, with each further restricting the amount of give when pulling the trigger buttons.
Speaking of the trigger buttons, they're silver and on the top of the controller (as is expected) alongside the LB and RB buttons, a Bluetooth connection button and a USB-C port. The Series 2 can connect to both an Xbox One and PC. Finally, the bottom of the controller has an audio jack and a port for the Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter.
The most welcome change to the Series 2's design is its built-in battery - a feature its predecessor didn't have. The battery lasts up to 40 hours and is rechargeable via the wireless charging dock or by connecting the controller to a power source using the USB-C.
Alongside its premium features, the Series 2 also feels like a premium controller, weighing in at 345g. However, while we preferred this heavier, chunkier game pad, there were some in TechRadar HQ who found it too clunky.
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2: performance and Xbox Accessories App
(Image credit: TechRadar)
Where the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 really shines is in its software and performance improvements. The Series 2 provides you with more customization options then ever, but this time it goes right down to system level.
You can still customize the controller's button mapping through the Xbox Accessories app (which is much more refined nowadays and you need to download it separately), which allows you to configure everything from stick sensitivity to vibration and brightness. You can even set a button to be your 'shift' key, so other buttons can have more than one use.
But the most important aspect of this is setting up uses for your new paddles. We preferred assigning them to the X, A, Y and B buttons to avoid having to move our hands from the standard controller position. If you can't decide on just one set-up then don't fret, you can save three custom profiles - and one default profile - on the controller and switch between them, using the aforementioned profile button.
(Image credit: TechRadar)
Button mapping can also act as shortcuts for system actions, such as recording gameplay, taking screenshots or seeing achievements. It's worth noting, though, that this feature isn't currently available on PC. If you're not going to be using button mapping, then we wouldn't advise picking up the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, as that's the main draw of the game pad.
For some players, too many options can be overwhelming and unnecessary, but if you want more control over how you play then you can really improve your gaming experience. You just have to work out a button layout that suits you first. In terms of general controller performance, we found the Series 2 to have excellent response times. The weightier feel and adjustable stick and trigger tensions also allows for tighter performance - which is critical when it comes to face-paced online titles.
It takes some time to play around with the various customization options - both in terms of software and hardware - to find what works for you but, when you do, there's no denying this is one of the best (if not the best) Xbox controller on the market.
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2: final verdict
(Image credit: TechRadar)
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 is worth its price tag - as long as you're going to use the customization features it brings to the table. This premium game pad looks and feels like the ultimate Xbox controller, with Microsoft's peripheral also working on Xbox Series X|S, alongside the Xbox One and PC.
It might take a little while to get your head around everything the Series 2 has to offer. But once you work out exactly how you like to play, it will give you the best Xbox game experience available.
At the end of 2021 Qualcomm unveiled the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3, the first 5nm chipset for Windows on ARM devices. It used ARM-designed cores, so its performance is not too different from its siblings that are used for Android. But soon Qualcomm’s acquisition of Nuvia will pay off with the 8cx Gen 4.
As previous rumors reported, the company is working on a 12 core chip. According to Kuba Wojciechowski, these will be divided into 8 performance (~3.4GHz) and 4 efficiency (~2.5GHz) cores. They are based on Nuvia’s Phoenix design and will use the “Oryon” marketing name (rather than “Kryo” like...
Seagate Xbox Storage Expansion Card: one minute review
The Seagate Xbox Storage Expansion Card is incredibly useful for a gamer with an ever-growing game library since it can prevent the ever-growing problem of video game file sizes increasing over the years.
It’s not uncommon for games to weigh in at more than 100GB these days, and the latest Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S consoles come with only 1TB and 512GB of built-in storage space, respectively. So, the Seagate Storage Expansion Card alleviates the pressure on that over-burdened built-in storage. A simple plug-and-play memory card slots into the back of the new Xbox consoles, and… that’s it.
In an instant, extra storage is seamlessly added, with no set-up required. The card can hit high-speed transfer and load speeds using the new Xbox Velocity Architecture storage system. It’s not as speedy as the built-in storage but around forty times faster than a conventional drive, according to Microsoft. Note that a Velocity Architecture storage system is required to play Xbox Series X|S enhanced games.
The big drawback? The cost – it’s prohibitively expensive, almost the price of an Xbox Series S console itself. And Seagate has us over a barrel at the moment. There’s no alternative to its card if you want extra space for your console, barring the laborious process of moving games back and forth between a conventional hard drive and the internal storage.
But the simplicity of the system can’t be knocked. It’s expensive, but not hugely more so than equivalent PC SSD sticks – and looks a damn sight easier to install than what Sony has planned for the PS5. The Seagate Xbox Storage Expansion Card comes highly recommended.
Seagate Xbox Storage Expansion Card: price and availability
(Image credit: Future)
Available now, the 1TB Seagate Xbox Storage Expansion Card has a retail price of $219.99 / £254.99. So far, that seems to be a pretty unwavering price point, with discounts remaining quite rare.
It’s expensive, no doubt about it – but so is cutting-edge SSD technology as found in PCs, and somewhat trumped here. Considering the ease of installation and the performance of the card, it just about justifies the price – even if there’s a begrudging feeling that both the Xbox Series X and Series S should have had more built in storage to begin with.
Since it launched, two new 2TB and 512GB storage expansion cards have since released. The 512GB storage card is available to order for $139.99 / £159.99, while the 2TB storage card can currently be found for $399.99 / £474.99 instead.
Seagate Xbox Storage Expansion Card: design and performance
(Image credit: Future)
The Seagate Xbox Storage Expansion Card is a small gadget at 2.1” x 1.25” x 0.3” inches. Featuring a proprietary connection to the back of the Xbox Series X/S consoles, it can only be used with Microsoft’s machines. Two thirds of the card is a metal alloy that slips snugly into the console’s port, while the rest is wrapped in a black plastic shell with the Xbox logo and a little grip notch attached. There’s also an included transparent plastic cap for storage purposes.
Setup couldn’t be simpler – take it out of the package, pop the cap off, and push it into the appropriate port on the back of the console. That’s it – your card is prepared to work as additional Velocity Architecture SSD storage straight away. You might need to push it in slightly more than you’d have expected though – I initially received a warning that the card was recognized, but that the connection to it from the Xbox was weak. Inserting it more firmly worked and everything then worked as expected.
What’s worth pointing out though is that, like almost every hard drive, the usable space on the expansion card is less than the advertised 1TB. Between onboard drivers and the discrepancy in how the console reads available space on the card, you’re actually left with 920GB to play with. Still, that’s more than the 802GB the Xbox Series X’s “1TB” hard drive provides, and huge compared to the 512GB the Xbox Series S is shipped with.
So how many extra games can that 920GB let you install? That’ll vary on the type of game you’re playing. Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War weighs in at a gigantic 190GB, so you’d barely be able to get that installed on the card four times. But if we say that the average game download size hovers around 30GB, you’d get an extra 30 games safely stored on the card. If you’re into smaller indie titles, expect that number to be much higher, while AAA open-world game fans can expect it to be lower.
(Image credit: Future)
As for speed, the Seagate Xbox Storage Expansion Card is incredibly fast, supporting all the same Quick Resume features and speedy loading times that the console’s internal drive supports. It’s not quite as fast (booting a Yakuza: Like a Dragon save from the home screen took 45 seconds from the card, and 37 from internal storage), but it’s still much faster than previous console generation. When it comes to loading times in-game, the gap is almost imperceptible to anyone not carrying a stopwatch.
Transfer speeds are solid too – it’s slightly speedier to send files to internal storage from the card as opposed to the other way around, but only by a fraction. But it’s a night and day difference between the Seagate card and an external HDD – the 24.6GB driving sim WRC 9, for instance, took 3 minutes 50 seconds to move from internal storage to a USB 3 HDD, compared to just 1 minute 6 seconds for the Seagate card.
The Xbox Series X/S interface itself is very clear and easy to use when it comes to managing storage devices too. The settings section makes it obvious where each game is stored, and offers a simple transfer queue view to enable you to easily manage installation locations.
It’s worth noting also that, should you be going to a friend’s house, you can just plug your card into the back of their Xbox Series X/S console and access all the games stored on it with little faff. You’ll either need to sign into your account on their console to play the games, or your friend will need to have a license for them too. But it’s a quick and easy way to transport a good chunk of your game library.
Should I buy the Seagate Xbox Storage Expansion Card?
OnePlus revealed earlier it will launch a keyboard, and now we have the first leaked image of the peripheral. It will be white, with a yellow Enter key and a red round button of unkown purpose.
The source revealed that the OnePlus Keyboard is scheduled to arrive on February 7, which is also the global launch of the OnePlus 11 flagship and the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 TWS earphones.
The keyboard already has its landing page on the OnePlus website, revealing that mass production is scheduled for March-May, meaning we will have to wait a significant time after the February...
