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I tested the Canon EOS R6 Mark III — it’s a near-perfect hybrid camera, with one major drawback
4:00 am | January 11, 2026

Author: admin | Category: Cameras Computers Gadgets Mirrorless Cameras | Tags: | Comments: Off

Canon EOS R6 Mark III: two-minute review

The Canon R6 Mark III is the brand's latest enthusiast-level hybrid camera, and successor to one of Canon's most popular models. It's perhaps the clearest expression of a 'hybrid' Canon camera yet within its price range, with a fresh 33MP sensor that not only offers a significant bump in resolution (from 24MP), but a host of new video features such as 7K open-gate.

Outwardly, you could be mistaken in thinking that the Mark III offers a relatively iterative upgrade versus the previous generation. The overall design of the camera is essentially identical. Under the hood, however, subtle tweaks and improvements provide an upgrade that's bigger than the sum of its parts.

Everything is just a little bit better with the Mark III. You get a nice bump in resolution, a massively expanded video tool-kit, and useful autofocus features from the higher-end bodies like Priority People Detect. Even minor annoyances like video white balance have been smoothed out. Overall, it's an incredibly refined and well-designed camera that simply just works without any fuss. That's high praise, indeed.

Canon EOS R6 Mark III with no lens mounted, next to the RF 20mm f/1.4 and RF 85mm f/1.4 lenses

(Image credit: Future / Alex Whitelock)

In real-world testing, the R6 Mark III is also a stunning stills and video camera, capable of producing superb results in both fields. In a field where competitors are eager to champion stacked BSI sensors, the Mark III proves that you need neither to achieve great performance. Images are detailed with great dynamic range and flexibility, and you still get an impressive 40fps burst rate, despite the significant jump in resolution.

Perhaps the biggest stumbling block for the R6 III isn’t necessarily the camera itself, but the increasingly competitive field it sits within. Rival brands are not only producing exceptional cameras currently, but they do so on democratized and open lens mounts.

For example, the Nikon Z6 III undercuts the R6 on price, the Panasonic S1 II features more powerful video tools, and the Sony A7 V falls back on its vast lens ecosystem. In comparison, the R6 III looks like the jack of trades - a safe, if somewhat unexciting pick in the best mirrorless cameras landscape.

Those already faithful to the Canon RF-Mount will be overjoyed with this camera, however. As previously stated, there's a refined assuredness to the R6 Mark III that makes it a reliable hybrid workhorse. Regardless of whether you're a professional wedding photographer, amateur videographer, or even a serious beginner, it's hard not to recommend the R6 Mark III because of its compelling mix of usability, image quality, and value. Yes, it's pricier than the Mark II, but considering the new sensor (and inflation), you definitely get a good amount of camera for the money here.

Canon EOS R6 Mark III specs

Canon EOS R6 Mark III specs

Type:

Mirrorless camera

Sensor:

Full-frame (36x24mm) FSI CMOS

LCD:

3-inch, fully-articulated, 1.62M dots

Memory:

1x UHS-II SD, 1x CFexpress Type B

Resolution:

32.5-megapixels

Video:

Up to 7K30p (open gate)

ISO range:

ISO 50-102,400

Mechanical Shutter speeds:

30-1/8000sec

Electronic Shutter speeds:

30-1/16000sec

Viewfinder:

3.69M dot, OLED EVF, 0.76x

Processor:

DIGIC X

Connectivity:

WiFi, Bluetooth, USB-C, HDMI, audio, mic

Weight:

609g

Canon EOS R6 Mark III: Price and availability

  • Announced November 6th, 2025
  • Body only price of $2,799 / £2,799.99 / AU$4199.95
  • Kit options available, including RF 24-105mm f4 L IS

The R6 Mark III retails for $2,799 / £2,799.99 / AU$4199.95, which makes it pricier than the previous iteration by a few hundred dollars / pounds. Interestingly, the EOS R6 II isn’t being discontinued (at least, immediately), and instead will be available for a list price of 1,979 / £1,918 / AU$3,099.

The Mark III is essentially slotting in the market between its two major competitors - the Sony A7 V for $2900 / £2800 and the Nikon Z6 III for $2700 / £2500. Of the three, however, it’s worth noting that the Z6 III has been on the market for the longest time and tends to be particularly partial to price cuts. You’ll likely have to wait a while to find an R6 Mark III or Sony A7 V for anywhere near as cheap as Nikon's alternative.

  • Price score: 4/5

Canon EOS R6 Mark III: Design

  • New CF-Express Type B card slot
  • 3.69M dot 120Hz OLED EVF
  • 3.0-inch 1.62M dot panel articulating rear display

What can I say about the design of the R6 Mark III? Well, it’s typical Canon, in the most refined and best manner possible. If you’re familiar with the Mark II, the design is essentially identical, with only a few minor tweaks to the buttons surrounding the shutter, a new tally light, and revisions to the mode dial.

Is it boring? Well, it’s certainly sensible. All of the camera’s main functions are laid out in a purposeful and meticulous manner. The thumb, for example, naturally rests next to the back-button focus, an AF joystick, and an autofocus mode quick select. On the top, you have the typical three-way on-off switch, top-mounted dial, and extremely useful M-Fn quick dial menu that are again extremely easy to operate.

All of the above, of course, are fully mappable with the camera’s extensive customization options. A total of nine buttons are fully mapable, so you have plenty of options here for both video and photo applications.

If you’re already a Canon shooter, no doubt you’ll be right at home here. My only minor criticism is that I wish Canon would add a second ring/middle finger button on the front of the body next to the grip. It’s something that’s featured on the higher-end Canon bodies, but it’s conspicuously missing from the R6 and R5 line. With such expansive customization features, it would be a fantastic addition to the body in my opinion.

In the hand, the R6 Mark III is sturdy and solid, with a generous grip that pairs well with popular lenses like the 24-70mm f/2.8. As part of the review process, Canon also sent me the EOS R8, and in comparison to the lower-end model, the R6 Mark III is much better suited to the chunkier RF glass. Unlike the feather-weight R8, the R6 Mark III balances well with fast primes like the 20mm f/1.4 and 85mm f/1.4 - both of which are noticeably front-heavy on the entry-level model.

In terms of viewfinder and display, you get a 3.69M dot 120Hz OLED and 3-inch 1.62M dot panel respectively; both of which are holdovers from the previous model. The R6's displays are bright, relatively wide, and easy to use. No complaints here, although it's worth noting that both the Nikon Z6 III and Sony A7 V do have a slight edge over the R6. In the case of the Nikon, you get a higher-res 5.76M dot EVF, while the Sony A7 V features a 2.1M dot rear display that both articulates and tilts - a handy feature for both stills and video.

For ports, one of the main changes from the second-generation model is that the Mark III now features one CFexpress Type B slot and one UHS-II SD instead of two of the latter. Upgrading to a CFexpress card will incur a slight cost, but you’re going to need it if you want to record Raw video internally or make full use of the uncapped 40fps burst rate. Videographers will also be pleased to note that the Mark III now features a full-size HDMI port rather than the MicroHDMI on the previous iteration.

The R6 Mark III now utilizes the newer LP-E6P battery from the R5 Mark II. The older LP-E6NH batteries are still technically supported, but you'll need to use the newer iteration to fully unlock all the R6 Mark III's features. In this case, smartphone connectivity and the full array of 6K open-gate video modes.

Note that the R6 Mark III's battery is rated for 270 shots with the viewfinder and 510 with the rear screen. On paper, that's significantly lower than the Sony Alpha A7 V's rating of 630 / 750 shots respectively. I wouldn't say battery life is particularly poor, however. In real-world testing, I found the battery life to be far better than the ratings would suggest, with more than enough juice for a full day of stills photography. Videographers may want to pack a second battery just in case, though.

  • Design score: 5/5

Canon EOS R6 Mark III: Performance and features

  • Reliable autofocus for stills and video
  • Registered People Priority mode
  • 7K footage at 30p ‘open-gate’

The R6 Mark III is interesting in that it lacks a few of the high-end features from the R5 II like the ability to control the focus point with your eye, in-camera 'AI' upscaling, and Action Priority modes. What it does offer, however, is rock-solid performance for a vast range of both photo and stills applications.

As the ‘enthusiast’ level body in the range, the R6 has a lot of ground to cover, but it essentially achieves the mark on all counts. Using the camera, is again, a very refined experience in terms of operation and ease-of-use.

For example, the R6’s autofocus performance is accurate and reliable even with fully automated operation. A simple press of the ‘set’ button will engage subject tracking, which is easily one of the ‘stickiest’ I’ve ever used on a camera. Even without the advanced bells and whistles of the R5, the R6 Mark III is exceptional at both subject tracking and detection.

There were only a few rare occasions when the autofocus missed the mark. For example, a case in a relatively dimly-lit room where the camera failed to focus on my parents’ cat’s eyes. This subject, with his black coat, is notoriously difficult to photograph. Even specifically engaging the R6 MIII’s animal detection mode gave me a few examples where the camera focused on his ears or whiskers rather than his eyes.

Another extreme example was a moving human target in a low-light situation. Even with a high-contrast backlit scene the camera slightly missed the mark when shooting with a 20mm prime fully wide open at f/1.4.

Are these fair use cases? Well, certainly they are extreme situations where any camera would be tested. By most accounts, the R6 Mark III’s autofocus is still one of the best I’ve ever used on any camera.

We’re reaching a point now where all major camera brands have excellent out-of-the-box autofocus performance on reasonably priced bodies, but Canon does still have a few unique tricks. The Registered People Priority mode, for example, is the closest thing to a 'killer-app' I've seen on an enthusiast-level camera.

As a brief overview, this feature allows you to map autofocus tracking to specific faces, with the idea that the camera will prioritize them even in crowded scenarios. If you have a reference shot like a group headshot, then the camera detects and allows you to pick a specific face via the RPP mode.

During my testing, I didn't have a scenario where I could really stress-test this feature with large groups. In small groups of two to three people, however, the tracking was reliable. Overall, the Registered People Priority mode definitely has the potential to be a useful feature for certain scenarios, like event or wedding photography.

Canon EOS R6 Mark III video modes

Aspect / Mode

Dimensions

Frame rates

3:2 / 7K RAW

6960 x 4640

30, 25, 24, 23.98

3:2 / 7K Compressed

6912 x 4608

30, 25, 24, 23.98

1.89:1 / 7K

6960 x 3672

60, 50, 48, 30, 25, 24, 23.98

1.89:1 / DCI 4K

4096 x 2160

120, 100, 60, 50, 48, 30, 25, 24, 23.98

1.89:1 / DCI 2K

2048 x 1080

180, 150, 120, 100, 60, 50, 48, 30, 25, 24, 23.98

16:9 / UHD 4K

3840 x 2160

120, 100, 60, 50, 48, 30, 25, 24, 23.98

16:9 / Full HD

1920 x 1080

180, 150, 120, 100, 60, 50, 48, 30, 25, 24, 23.98

In terms of video, the R6 Mark III features an impressive array of recording options. There's not only the option for oversampled 4K up to 120p, but 7K footage at 30p ‘open-gate’ on the camera’s native 3:2 aspect ratio. For maximum post-production flexibility, there’s the option to shoot in Canon’s proprietary Cinema Raw format or the brand’s Clog 2 or Clog 3 profiles.

If all these features look familiar, it’s because the R6 Mark III shares the same sensor and bones as the Canon EOS C50. Unlike its video-centric sibling, however, the R6 doesn’t feature an in-built fan, so you will face restricted recording times for the heavier open-gate and 7K capture modes. That's also a key advantage of the rival Panasonic S1 II, alongside support for 120p at 4K.

One other upgrade for the Mark III is the camera’s overall burst-rate performance. While the camera lacks the Action Priority autofocus mode from the higher-end Canon bodies, it manages to retain the 12fps mechanical / 40fps e-shutter burst rates from the previous model despite the significant jump in resolution. You’ve still got the helpful inclusion of pre-burst capture here, but unlike the Mark II, the III doesn’t feature a standalone “Raw Burst mode” to enable it. It’s instead now integrated into the standard drive mode menu.

  • Performance score: 5/5

Canon EOS R6 Mark III: Image quality

  • 33MP resolution (up from 24MP)
  • Pleasing, warm colors
  • Sharp video with flexible profiles

The Canon R6 Mark III is somewhat unusual in its peer group in that its sensor is neither back-side-illuminated nor ‘stacked’ like rivals from Sony or Nikon. It's an interesting distinction because rivals have long trumpeted the various advantages of these additions in a world where sensor development has seemingly slowed in recent years.

On paper, a stacked sensor does enable faster readout speeds, whereas a back-side-illuminated sensor should, in theory, give you cleaner images at high ISO. Recent testing has even proven that the Sony A7 V and Panasonic S1 II have slightly better ISO invariance than the Canon R6 Mark III thanks to dual-gain readouts.

So, does the Mark III lag behind the competition in terms of image quality? I'd have a hard time believing so. Based on real-world testing, I've found the camera to produce consistently excellent stills.

Out in the wild, I imagine the differences between all of these cameras is likely to be so minimal that you'd almost certainly not notice outside of incredibly niche use cases. It certainly shouldn't be the main deciding factor behind these cameras; ergonomics, video features, and available lenses are all much more important.

In terms of dynamic range, for example, you have heaps to work with here. Despite the significant increase in resolution from the previous iteration, the R6 Mark III produces lovely, clean RAW files (and even JPEGs) with ample headroom.

On several test shots, I was able to salvage significant details from a scene without much color cast or noise. Zooming in, noise is certainly still present, but it's relatively well controlled and very much in line with other modern full-frame bodies.

In low light the R6 Mark III handles exceptionally well, too. I shot a few hundred images in a local indoor amusement park that features a host of strobe and fluorescent lighting. It's the kind of environment that not only tests autofocus to the extreme, but often results in strange colors that are a nightmare to post-process.

When I pull up the files from the R6 Mark III, colors are well captured, even at ISO 10,000 and over. The first example in the gallery below was shot at that ISO, and the colors are absolutely spot-on for the scene, despite there being noise present in some of the shadows. Again, the R6 Mark III is an extremely capable stills camera in real-world testing.

Briefly touching on resolution; the upgrade from 24MP to 33MP does give you a nice bump in cropping potential without resulting in massive file sizes. Arguably, 24MP is still more than enough for most use cases, but 33MP is definitely a 'nice to have'. I certainly appreciated the little bit extra when cropping all the sample images on this page from the camera's native 3:2 to a web-friendly 16:9 format.

Colors are gorgeous, too. Even with RAW files, the images have a pleasing warmth to them without being overbearing. Skin tones look great straight from the camera, and in all cases, the files were great to work on in Adobe Lightroom.

In the gallery below, you can see a selection of RAW files. The opening shots are tweaked in Lightroom to my own tastes, whereas the following portrait shots show you both RAW files and a few of the camera's built-in JPEG profiles.

For video, you have a flexible set-up thanks to the R6 Mark III's myriad record modes and support for Clog2 and Clog3 formats. Of the two, the former gets you a flatter image with the most dynamic range possible for color grading, while the latter offers a more saturated and clean image for quick and easy editing. In either case, you can upload your own LUTs to the camera, and white balance can also be set in video mode, which was a common annoyance with the previous model.

As you'd imagine with a body that shares the same sensor as the Canon EOS C50, the R6 Mark III captures excellent footage. In my testing, I mostly used Canon's proprietary Canon 709 standard color profile (non-flattened), and the 4K footage in particular was fantastic. Colors were rich but true-to-life, the image was detailed, and there was plenty of dynamic range.

For an easy video workflow, there is very little to fault the R6 Mark III on. Even if you're a video-heavy hybrid shooter, don't overlook the Mark III in favor of the C50. You get a great video toolkit here with the added benefit of image stabilization and a mechanical shutter for stills.

  • Image quality score: 4.5/5

Canon EOS R6 Mark III: testing scorecard

Canon EOS R6 Mark III

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Price

The R6 Mark III is well priced considering the level of performance. That said, it is pricier than the previous iteration, and it sits within a competitive field.

4/5

Design

The R6 Mark III is almost identical to the previous iteration. It's a super design, however, with fantastic ergonomics and customization.

5/5

Performance

Autofocus is superb for both stills and video. IBIS works admirably. Registered People Priority is a genuinely useful feature.

5/5

Image quality

Great straight-out-of-camera files for both stills and video. Flexible RAWs, and a huge array of video formats for both casual and professional use.

4.5/5

Should I buy the Canon EOS R6 Mark III?

Buy it if...

You're already invested in the Canon RF mount

Those already invested in the eco-system will absolutely love the R6 Mark III. It sits in a competitive field, but if you already have plenty of RF glass, then you're getting a lot of camera for your money here.View Deal

You shoot stills, with a bit of video

The Canon R6 Mark III is perfect if you're primarily a photographer but also need an easy video workflow. You get everything you need here for excellent results.View Deal

Don't buy it if...

You need advanced video options

With that said, if you're primarily a videographer, you may want to consider the Canon EOS R50 or Panasonic S1 II. Both include longer recording times thanks to internal fans. View Deal

You're on a budget

If you need a powerful hybrid camera but want to save some cash, there are strong rival options right now. The Nikon Z6 III, for example, undercuts the R6 Mark III on price. Even the older R6 Mark II is still available and offers a viable alternative without the newer bells and whistles.View Deal

Also consider

How I tested the Canon EOS R6 Mark III

  • I tested a full production model
  • I used several lenses, including the RF 24-105mm f/4 kit lens
  • Samples were shot in a diverse range of environments, including low light
  • Subject detection was tested using real-world situations

Canon loaned me the R6 Mark III alongside the R8, R6 Mark II, and several lenses for an extensive three-week period. In that time, I was fully able to test the camera in a range of scenarios for both stills and video.

As an overview, the lenses used include the RF 20mm f/1.4, the RF 85mm f/1.4, the RF 24-70mm f/2.8L, and the RF 24-105mm f/4 - the latter of which is available as a kit lens for the R6 III. All of the above image samples on this page were taken with these lenses in various scenarios, including both mid-day and difficult low-light environments.

  • First reviewed December 2025
I’ve already played Star Wars Outlaws on PS5, but Gold Edition makes it worth revisiting on Nintendo Switch 2
4:00 am |

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

Star Wars Outlaws Gold Edition is an excellent version of the 2024 open-world Star Wars game. It runs incredibly well overall, with a frame rate that rarely dips below its 30 frames per second (fps) target while also pushing some impressive ray tracing effects. It might just be the best Nintendo Switch 2 port that we’ve seen yet, especially considering the fact that the original release would sometimes stutter on more powerful hardware like the PlayStation 5.

Review info

Platform reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2
Available on: Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X and Series S, PC
Release date: September 4, 2025 (Nintendo Switch 2)

The value proposition of this version is also off the charts. Rather than its usual Standard Edition, Deluxe Edition, Gold Edition, and Ultimate Edition release strategy, Ubisoft has opted to include all the Gold Edition content out of the gate for anyone buying on Nintendo Switch 2.

This means you get the full season pass with two substantial new story chapters that take a total of about 10 hours to beat. Oodles of cosmetics for protagonist Kay Vess and her companion Nix are also included, plus the short pre-order bonus Jabba’s Gambit mission.

While I could lament the fact that the handful of cosmetics from the Ultimate Pack haven’t been thrown in too (though they are still purchasable separately via the eShop if you want them), this is still an incredible amount of content that encompasses all the major DLC additions since launch.

It’s an easy sell at the asking price of $59.99 / £49.99 / AU$89.95 (or even less on sale) when you consider that the Gold Edition costs $109.99 / £104.99 / AU$169.95 on other platforms.

I find your lack of faith… disturbing

A screenshot of Star Wars Outlaws Gold Edition on Nintendo Switch 2.

(Image credit: Ubisoft)

Everything we loved in our original Star Wars Outlaws review rings true for this newer version.

If you’re a fan of the Star Wars universe, then you’re going to love the peerless faithfulness of this adaptation. As an intergalactic rogue forced to go on the run after a heist gone wrong, you explore a series of large open-world planets as you gradually put together a crew and navigate relationships with some of the galaxy’s most notorious criminal clans.

Set between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi films, familiar locations like the desert plains of Tatooine are wonderfully represented and seamlessly presented alongside new additions like the sandy Toshara Moon or dense jungle world of Akiva.

Best bit

A screenshot of Star Wars Outlaws Gold Edition on Nintendo Switch 2.

(Image credit: Ubisoft)

The five planets of Star Wars Outlaws are all a fan’s dream. It includes the perfect mix of nostalgic favorites like Tatooine alongside some more interesting and beautiful inclusions like the snowy world of Kijimi.

Everywhere you explore looks superb on Nintendo Switch 2, especially in handheld mode. On the console’s 1080p screen, it appears delightfully crisp and, although the quality of 3D models does take a small hit, the overall experience feels about on par with that of an Xbox Series S, which is a very impressive result.

In some regards, it actually looks better here than on the Series S, with improved ray-tracing effects in interior environments. Wandering around the densely populated city of Mirogana early in the game, the lighting effects appear rich and complex. Locations are crafted with a high level of detail throughout the game, and I’m glad that the enjoyment of occasionally stopping to soak it all in and pore over every small element of a space hasn’t been lost in the jump over to less talented hardware.

Things do fare a little worse when the system is docked, though. Playing on a 4K TV, I noticed upscaling was used very liberally, which lends certain areas quite a blurry look. Anywhere with lots of plants, for example, tends to look rather fuzzy, and Kay’s hair suffers from some noticeable aliasing. The pop-in in the open world becomes more noticeable in docked mode, too. When you’re zooming around on your speeder, you’ll regularly see little bushes or shadows appearing in the distance - but you get used to this very quickly.

More powerful than you could possibly imagine

A screenshot of Star Wars Outlaws Gold Edition on Nintendo Switch 2.

(Image credit: Ubisoft)

If you’ve experienced Star Wars Outlaws on another platform, then you’ll also need to acclimatize to the frame rate when jumping over to the Nintendo Switch 2 version. It's locked to 30fps here, a change that was especially noticeable as I compared the game with its PS5 port side by side.

When you’re actually playing, it is less apparent, though, and developers Massive Entertainment do deserve some serious credit when it comes to just how well Star Wars Outlaws Gold Edition maintains that frame rate target.

A screenshot of Star Wars Outlaws Gold Edition on Nintendo Switch 2.

(Image credit: Ubisoft)

Stutters are extremely rare, and I only noticed them starting to crop up in moments of very intense action with multiple explosions, many enemies on screen, moving vehicles, and the like, all at once. Importantly, the experience is never rendered unplayable, and I think the odd hiccup is a worthwhile trade-off for the opportunity to dip in and out of this game on the go.

I’ve been playing Star Wars Outlaws Gold Edition sporadically since it launched back in September, and I did initially experience a few unexpected crashes in longer play sessions. With time, these seem to have been remedied through various patches, though, so those jumping in today can expect a relatively flawless experience.

With all of this said, Star Wars Outlaws Gold Edition nets an easy recommendation as one of the best Nintendo Switch 2 games. If you’ve played it before, it’s a joy to re-experience in handheld mode with all the new DLC included. If you’re a newcomer, then you don’t need to worry about suffering a compromised experience due to your choice of hardware.

Should I play Star Wars Outlaws Gold Edition on Nintendo Switch 2?

Play it if...

You want a huge open-world experience on the go
Star Wars Outlaws Gold Edition offers tens of hours of content that’s wonderful to dip into on the go. With all major DLC included, this is an experience that you’re going to keep coming back to.

You’re a big Star Wars fan
Fans of the Star Wars universe will love the attention to detail of Star Wars Outlaws, all of which has been preserved wonderfully in this brilliant port.

Don't play it if...

You’re sick of open-world games
I enjoy Star Wars Outlaws, but it certainly doesn't reinvent the wheel in terms of Ubisoft open-world games. If you want a more novel experience, pick up something else from the Nintendo Switch 2’s expansive library, like Mario Kart World.

Accessibility features

Star Wars Outlaws Gold Edition has a dedicated accessibility menu on Nintendo Switch 2 with a number of useful settings and presets.

By default, the HUD has been scaled up to 150% in handheld mode, with large text size enabled.

There are also four menus designed to address gameplay, cognitive, color, vision, and hearing needs. Color settings can be fully customized, and there is a range of difficulty options.

How I reviewed Star Wars Outlaws Gold Edition on Nintendo Switch 2

I played nearly 15 hours of Star Wars Outlaws Gold Edition on Nintendo Switch 2, constantly comparing my experience of the game with that of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and Series S versions.

I primarily played in the console’s handheld mode, but also endeavored to spend a few hours in docked mode in order to assess its performance.

Of the two modes, handheld mode is definitely the strongest as the smaller screen does a good job of smoothing over many of the visual cutbacks. While playing in docked mode, I relied on the official Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller.

First reviewed January 2026

I tested the Leica Q3 Monochrom – it’s a top digital camera for black-and-white photography purists
11:00 pm | January 10, 2026

Author: admin | Category: Cameras Compact Cameras Computers Gadgets | Tags: , | Comments: Off

Leica Q3 Monochrom: two-minute review

Money no object, I'd probably pick the Leica Q3 as my favorite compact camera. It's a fabulous 61MP full-frame camera with an extremely sharp, fixed 28mm f/1.7 wide-angle lens, and the ultimate everyday carry.

I'm also partial to black-and-white photography, especially on sunny days when light and shade are the stars of the show. So it was a delight to kick off 2026 by getting out and about on frosty mornings in the UK, with the low-lying sun illuminating my surroundings and the Leica Q3 Monochrom in my hand – it's identical to the original Q3 in practically every way, except that it only shoots in monochrome.

This camera is as niche as they come, and for many it also begs the question: why would you pick a camera that only takes black-and-white images when you can simply select a black-and-white color profile in a regular camera, like the original Q3, which also shoots in color when you want to? Why restrict yourself? That was the focus of my testing over the course of three weeks with the Q3 Monochrom.

For me, the reasons I would opt for a camera like this are twofold – one technical, and one creative. The creative reason is simple: its restricted parameters. I can't switch to color. I'm seeing the real-time image in black and white, and it helps me to truly appreciate light and shade, form and composition.

Shooting in black-and-white can be a great exercise to help you elevate the quality of your photography in general, should you bring color into the equation at other times. You can, however, get this experience with a 'regular' camera by using a black-and-white color profile, so that by itself is not enough reason. The second technical reason is, though – and that's increased light sensitivity.

In simple terms, all sensors in digital cameras see in black and white. To produce color images, a color filter array is placed in front of the sensor, the most common of which is the Bayer pattern with red, green and blue pixels (RGB – with twice the number of green pixels).

The drawback is that a color filter array reduces light sensitivity, leading to an increase in noise and decreased sharpness. In short, it reduces image quality by a small amount, which is seen more clearly in challenging light conditions.

So – and particularly if you mostly like to shoot black-and-white images anyway – a color filter is more of a hinderance than a help. With those image quality drawbacks, it's like watering down juice when you could otherwise enjoy the full flavor straight from the source.

A monochrome-only digital camera offers the purest form of black-and-white photography you'll get from a digital camera; and from my experience with the Q3 Monochrom, there's something a little extra about the quality of the black-and-white images it produces. A subtle improvement, a pleasing grain rather than noise, and filmic quality. Highlight clipping is, however, a major drawback to this kind of sensor.

Yes, the Leica Q3 monochrom is as niche as they come, and it costs a pretty penny too at $7,790 / £5,800 / AU$12,090. But, if you love black-and-white photography, it's the ultimate everyday carry, and one of the best compact cameras around.

Leica Q3 Monochrom compact camera outside on a snow-dusted log

(Image credit: Tim Coleman)

Leica Q3 Monochrom: price and availability

  • Announced on November 20, 2025 and available now
  • Priced from $7,790 / £5,800 / AU$12,090

Leica unveiled the Q3 Monochrom in November 2025 and it went on sale immediately, costing $7,790 / £5,800 / AU$12,090. That's a mark-up of about 5% over the Q3, which was launched in 2023.

The Q3-series models use the same BP-SCL6 battery, while Leica sells a variety of accessories at its online store, including a leather half case, thumb supports, and carrying straps.

Leica Q3 Monochrom: specs

Leica Q3 Monochrom Specs

Sensor

Stabilized, full-frame

Resolution

61MP

Video

8K

Lens

28mm f/2.8-16

Screen

3.0-inch, 1.84m-dot tilt

Viewfinder

5.76m-dot

Dimensions

130 x 80.3 x 92.6mm

Weight

746g / 662g (with / without battery)

Battery life

300 shots (approx)

Memory

SD (UHS-II)

Leica Q3 Monochrom: design

  • Same design as the Q3, save for Monochrom logo
  • Divine lens quality and handling
  • Awkward tilt touchscreen

The Q3 Monochrom essentially has the same premium, minimalist design as the original Q3, save for its suitably monochromatic logo. That means it operates in exactly the same way as the original model, for good and for bad.

The 28mm lens is the star of the show, not only in terms of the images it produces, but because of how it handles; it's equipped with decent autofocus, but is designed in a way to please manual-focus fans, with autofocus activated via a well-hidden button on the manual-focus ring.

It also looks just like a manual-focus-only lens. There are focus distance markings, and a macro mode that's activated by turning a dial which reveals new focus distance markings – a design masterstroke.

Other design features are the same, too. We have a decent 5.76m-dot viewfinder, plus a crisp 1.84m-dot tilt touchscreen. I'm not a fan of the tilt design, though – it protrudes from the back of the camera and it's awkward to grip and pull out for waist-level shooting. For the next Q installment, Leica should take notes from Fujifilm and others.

Every touch screams premium quality, from the knurled control dials with just the right amount of resistance, to the pop-out battery and the viewfinder's pop-out diopter adjustment. The memory card door design could do with a little tweaking because it feels like one weak point, but quality-wise I can't otherwise fault the Q3 Monochrom.

For a deeper dive into the design of the Leica Q3 Monochrom, check out my Leica Q3 review.

Leica Q3 Monochrom: features and performance

  • High-resolution 61MP sensor with digital crop modes
  • Reasonable autofocus performance and precise manual focus
  • Average battery life

There's no change from the original Q3 regarding features or performance, either, save for the monochrome-only images, which is what I'll double down on in this section.

To summarize the other aspects first, the Q3 Monochrom's startup time is rapid, battery life is average at best, autofocus accuracy and speed are good, while in-body image stabilization performance is only okay, but certainly welcome in a camera capable of capturing such high-resolution photos.

And with 61MP to play with there's huge scope for cropping into images to emulate the look of tighter lenses – a feature that can be accessed directly using one of the two buttons above the LCD screen (the gallery below shows a selection of digitally cropped images using the maximum in-camera crop setting, then the full un-cropped version for comparison). The other button above the LCD switches from stills to video, with 8K video recording once again present.

The macro setting of the lens reduces its close-focusing distance, making it possible to capture flowers and other small subjects in exquisite detail – that's another string to the bow of the Q3 series (see the gallery directly below).

I also love how the maximum aperture of the lens is nice and bright at f/1.7. Pair that with the image stabilization, and Q3 cameras feel more versatile overall than the stunning Fujifilm GFX100RF, even if that camera has an even sharper lens – check out my Q3 vs GFX100RF real-world test to see how those premium compacts compare.

The 28mm lens also produces some of the crispest sunstars I've seen (check out the backlit tree image two galleries down); again, for more details, check out the Q3 review.

Now, let's get on to black-and-white image quality. Firstly, there are three main monotone profiles to choose from: natural (which is the profile I used for most of this review), plus a sepia and a blue-tone look.

I was surprised and disappointed to see how limited the customization options are for these profiles, though. For example, contrast can be tweaked for these presets, but you can't apply a filter effect, as you can to, say, Fujifilm and Ricoh alternatives.

That said, it's possible to upload LUT profiles to the camera from the Leica app for other creative styles, or of course attach a physical filter to the 28mm lens. I like using an orange filter to create dramatic skies with an infrared-type look, while a green filter can emphasize skin tones.

I've taken photos with the Q3 Monochrom in a wide range of scenarios, shooting all images in RAW (DNG) and JPEG. When comparing the two, the natural profile brightens shadows, at the cost of rich contrast.

In all images detail is seriously sharp, with a pleasing fine grain – kind of like an ISO 50 film photography feel.

Sadly, I didn't have the original Q3 at the same time as the Q3 Monochrom to make direct comparisons. However, I have prior experience for such comparisons, and so I know that images shot in black-and-white on a color camera have more pronounced noise, and detail is slightly softer.

I've since done a little research, and found that YouTuber Florian Froschmayer has posted a really useful video which shows the ins and outs for each Q3 model, with comparisons that back up my experience.

His video also hammers home a major warning for using a monochrome-only digital camera: highlight clipping is unforgiving. If you were to overexpose an image – that is, with highlights blown out – you wouldn't be able to recover this detail to nearly the same extent as with a color model, like the original Q3.

Already knowing this, I factored in underexposing when shooting with the Q3 Monochrom. To a degree, this approach can offset the image-quality benefits of its better light sensitivity, but the fact remains that its images are sharper and cleaner than the Q3's when viewed closely. If you're into black-and-white photography, with a good handle on exposure, the Q3 Monochrom's black-and-white image quality exceeds the Q3's.

Should I buy the Leica Q3 Monochrom?

Leica Q3 Monochrom compact camera outside on a snow-dusted log

(Image credit: Tim Coleman)

Buy it if...

You want a pure black-and-white digital photography experience
No color, clean detail and filmic quality – the Q3 Monochrom is for black-and-white photography purists.

You love camera design
I've reviewed the Q3 and the Q3 Monochrom extensively and I adore their premium design and quality, especially the stunning lens and how it handles.

Don't buy it if...

You want a versatile digital camera
Not only is color photography out of the picture, but the Q3 Monochrom is a compact camera with a fixed 28mm wide-angle lens.

It'll be your main camera
The Q3 Monochrom is an extravagance, a back-up for the times you fancy something a little different to your main camera. And for that reason its lofty asking price is hard to swallow – I'm personally keeping my eye out for the upcoming Ricoh GR IV Monochrome instead.

Also consider

How I tested the Leica Q3 Monochrom

Leica Q3 Monochrom compact camera outside on a snow-dusted log

(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
  • Leica loaned me the Q3 Monochrom for three weeks
  • I used it as my everyday carry, shooting images in a variety of scenarios
  • I shot all images in RAW and JPEG, and used the macro setting and all focus modes

I spent three weeks using the Leica Q3 Monochrom as my primary camera, shooting all photos in RAW and JPEG. I've used the macro setting for close-up photography, tested the digital crop mode, and swapped between manual and autofocus modes.

When editing, I've looked at shadow and highlight recovery, and taken a close look at the quality of detail, especially in low-light photos where this type of sensor excels.

First reviewed January 2026

I can’t stop playing Assassin’s Creed Shadows on Nintendo Switch 2 now it no longer crashes all the time
5:30 pm |

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

Assassin's Creed Shadows is hands-down one of the best Assassins Creed games of the last decade, but does it run well on the Nintendo Switch 2?

The short answer is "Yes, but...", because it's hard to call this particular port an all-round win. At launch, my answer would have been "No", as I was plagued by hard crashes and constant frame rate fluctuation that made the game near unplayable.

Review info

Platform reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2
Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC, Nintendo Switch 2
Release date: December 2, 2025 (Nintendo Switch 2)

Thankfully, Ubisoft has bucked the trend in more ways than one with Assassin's Creed Shadows. Not only did the Switch 2 port land mere months after the game's console release, but a major patch arrived just two weeks later, fixing a vast majority of the game-breaking issues. I'm reviewing the (now broadly) fixed port, so I won't languish on those early problems too much.

We reviewed the game itself earlier this year, scoring it an impressive 4.5/5 for its rich combat system, ample content, and dual-protagonist system, and all of these highlights naturally carry across to the Switch port.

The story pacing is a little slow in places, and as Managing Editor Rob Dwiar noted, it peters out the further you get along in Naoe and Yasuke's journey, but broadly speaking, it's a brilliant game worth picking up. If you want our full thoughts on the game's story, combat system and beyond, check out our original review.

Performance, on the other hand, is naturally very different on Nintendo’s hybrid handheld console, and concerns over whether the Switch 2 could handle such a meaty game – especially in handheld mode – were clearly justified. Still, I'm impressed.

No man left behind

Assassin's Creed Shadows

(Image credit: Ubisoft)

Shadows is the first Assassin's Creed game to really capture my interest since Black Flag. However, being a Nintendo fan can spell disappointment when it comes to ports; not only do you have to wait longer for a well-optimized version, but the optimization process can also involve removing some content.

With this Switch 2 port, however, you get full access to the game in its entirety (barring, as of writing, the DLC) as well as cross-save, meaning you can pick up where you left off on your PS5, Xbox, or gaming PC.

You do benefit from a few further features fit for the Switch 2's form factor - and, contain your excitement, that means touchscreen menus. Of course, the real benefit is being able to crack your way through the game's many side quests and explorable regions without being glued to your TV or desktop.

Best bit

Assassin's Creed Shadows

(Image credit: Assassin's Creed Shadows)

Assassin's Creed Shadows is a massive game with plenty to explore and do. This makes it a great fit for playing on the go, as it's perfect to dip in and out of.

More than this, though, some elements of the game have been revamped to suit the Switch 2, and the game makes great use of the console's hardware. Switching from docked to handheld mode is seamless, with automatic UI adjustments for easy transitions, for example.

Impressively, the Nintendo Switch 2 can convincingly render 16th-century Feudal Japan in great detail despite the obvious hardware limitations, achieving this feat with clever optimizations for both handheld and docked modes. In fact, having experienced how bad it could be pre-patch, I can appreciate all the more the ways Ubisoft has crammed this massive, sprawling game into such a small package.

A downgrade, but no downer

Assassin's Creed Shadows

(Image credit: Ubisoft)

In part, that's thanks to Nvidia's Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) technology, which works to upscale lower resolution images in the background. Although capped at 30fps, the game remains highly immersive and visually stunning, especially now that this framerate is more stable post-patch.

Where pre-patch, dense areas and busy combat could lead to huge stutters and even forced ejection to the menu, the game now runs impressively smoothly, though I wouldn't quite go as far as to call it buttery. You'll still occasionally find loading into a new area a bit choppy, and loading screens themselves can be quite intensive on the system.

You're obviously not getting the fidelity of a more powerful console like the PS5 Pro's Ray Tracing tech, but all things considered, the world is rich and immersive. When you hone in on the finer details, you'll notice the cracks more; the lack of light and shade and textures like water look a little cartoonish, crowds of NPCs are thinner, the level of detail in distant objects is lower, and the movements of clothing and facial expressions all suffer a little, but it isn't enough to prevent you from enjoying the game overall.

Docked and handheld mode respectively.

There are more glaring issues that break immersion, like the occasional pop-in and anti-aliasing shimmer. In docked mode, these feel more offensive, but Assassin's Creed Shadows really shines in handheld mode, where the smaller screen can compensate for the game's overall quality, plus a dedicated algorithm keeps variable refresh rate (VRR) enabled even at 30 FPS, according to developers.

Despite this, and that I preferred playing in handheld mode overall, the game can be almost blurry at times, and you'll most certainly notice the difference in the level of detail.

Fundamentally, all the moments that really matter in an Assassin's Creed game stick the landing in the post-patch version of the game; combat is snappy and rewarding, unlocking vantage points oozes grandeur and marvel, and naturally, the world is a delight to explore on foot, too.

If you're coming across from a more powerful console, prepare for an adjustment period, but if it's your first time playing Assassin's Creed Shadows, you may come away thinking that's how the game was always meant to play, and that's a real testament to a well-made port.

Should you play Assassin's Creed Shadows on Nintendo Switch 2?

Play it if...

You want a huge open-world AC game to sink hours into
Shadows is the next big Assassin’s Creed game and if you’ve been after another experience like that of Odyssey or Valhalla then Shadows will not disappoint with its large world and the amount of things to do.

You’ve been pining for a Feudal Japan setting for Assassin’s Creed
The wait for Assassin’s Creed to take the adventure to Feudal Japan has been absolutely worth it. The landscapes, characters, and history of the place are perfect for the series and Shadows capitalizes on that well.

You enjoy different combat playstyles
If you’re an action-adventure fan who likes to constantly mix things up in combat or have multiplayer playstyle options, then those offered by Naoe and Yasuke could scratch quite the itch.

You want an open-world game with rewarding exploration
Shadows shakes up the series’ traditional exploration and offers something far more nuanced, immersive, and rewarding. Nothing is fed to you, and areas aren’t suddenly filled after reaching viewpoints; the world entices you to explore it and the satisfaction of doing it is excellent.

Don't play it if...

You prefer the smaller Assassin’s Creed adventures
Assassin’s Creed Mirage this is not, and if you prefer the more focused, small-scale adventures that the series has been known for in the past, then Shadows might be a bit overwhelming.

You don’t want to devote hours to resource-gathering and location completing
While there’s so much to do across Shadows’ landscapes, you’ll need to spend a good while gathering resources to get the most out of the hideout mode and complete a lot of minigames and locations to unlock the top skills.

Accessibility

Ubisoft’s modern suite of strong accessibility options is available in Assassin’s Creed Shadows. There are multiple difficulty levels (all of which are described in full) that affect combat and stealth, and you can also change the game to have one-hit assassinations. If you want to make exploration easier, you can turn on guidance for that to make discovery more straightforward.

There are options to change or turn off graphic effects such as blood, as well as alter the camera, and change inputs for actions. There are also plenty of options for subtitles, text size, background color for text, and language options. The game also features modes to cater to Red-Green and Blue-Yellow colorblindness.

Assassin's Creed Shadows

(Image credit: Ubisoft)

How I reviewed Assassin's Creed Shadows on Nintendo Switch 2

I've spent 20 hours in Assassin’s Creed Shadows on Nintendo Switch 2, comparing my experience against that of our original reviewer and Xbox Series X performance to assess how well optimized the game is for the console.

In that time, I explored vast swathes of feudal Japan, engaged in plenty of combat sequences, developed my hideout and progressed through the storyline to make my comparisons.

I reviewed Assassin’s Creed Shadows on my Nintendo Switch 2 in both handheld and docked mode using a Corsair Void Max Wireless v2 headset and through the Switch 2 speakers.

First reviewed January 2026

I tested the Dezctop Revon Elite – a quality standing desk with modular organization and accessories like I haven’t seen before
3:15 pm |

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

At first glance, you could hardly call the Revon Elite by Dezctop the best standing desk I've reviewed. But don't let first impressions fool you.

Once you factor in the unique leg shape and the magnetic DivMag accessories, you get yourself a unique desk that holds its own. From there, the potential really starts to open up.

For instance, it could be uniquely positioned as a desk for co-working, giving the natural divide from one workspace to another with the DivMag accessory. It's well placed, fact, to help add a level of organization, order, and structure that I just don't see on many of today's standing desks.

Decztop Revon Elite: Price and availability

Dezctop | Revon Elite

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

The Revon Elite ranges from $610 - 740 depending on the size and style you choose, available from the official Decztop website and Amazon.com.

There's a heavy focus on modularity here with the DivMag accessory kit. While the panels themselves are proprietary, the metal plates allow for any magnet to stick to it, so you don’t have to just buy their trays and cups, though Dezctop does have plenty of accessories available.

Dezctop | Revon Elite

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

Decztop Revon Elite: Unboxing and First Impressions

The Revon Elite was a pretty simple install. It has two main boxes: one with the legs and basic accessories, and the other with the desktop itself. Each box has pretty good packaging, keeping things secure and safe in transit. Thankfully, I didn’t get any dents or scratches on my unit; it came in perfect condition. It was unique in the order of some of the leg and frame assembly, but not in a negative way, just interesting.

Another thing that I noticed right away is how easy it would be to swap out some parts to make for a more customized version if I wanted. The wooden plates in the legs are easily swappable if you want to make some custom combinations. Though, fun fact, I had to go digging to find these faceplates for the legs, as they were buried in the boxes since I wasn’t looking for them.

Overall, assembly took me about 45 minutes on my own. The process was about 70% similar to every other desk setup, with a few unique cases when attaching the frame to the desktop. But then again, unless you build desks regularly, this isn’t something anyone else would probably even notice as odd. There are easy-to-follow assembly instructions to help those who may not know how to build a desk.

There are some desks that, while building, I can tell feel a bit cheap. And of those who think cheaply, some are trying to be, and some are trying not to be, but either way, certain things are notable right away. With the Dezctop Revon Elite, I feel like these materials are more on par with standard furniture, not just a standing desk. Granted, this could be partly due to the leg shape and the pop in the paneling, but it could also just be the focus of the design.

The last thing I’ll mention in this section is the controller. I’ve seen controllers for a lot of desks, and this one is the most unique. It’s connected via a Network cable and has ports on either end, making it easy to move around and connect wherever needed. For me, I put it on the left side, tucked under the desktop, and on the leg frame.

After the pictures were taken, I also played around with having this controller above the desktop in a super unique setup that I have never been able to do with any other desk. This is only possible because the controller is not mounted but is simply magnetic, and there is a lot of metal in this desk setup. So you could, really easily, put this controller just about anywhere.

Decztop Revon Elite: Design & Build Quality

Dezctop | Revon Elite

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

The unique frame engineering of the Revon Elite provides good front-to-back stability. And, although the leg design is quite prominent, the setup uses a simple C-shaped leg structure.

Another notable feature of this desk is, of course, the hybrid divider/cable management. They are definitely unique, but they can be incredibly useful depending on your use case. They can be used for the simple act of keeping your workspace clean in a bullpen or co-working space (queue flashbacks to that episode of The Office with Jim and Dwight fighting over having things spill over on each other’s desks).

Another way that this desk is helpful is if you just like the cable management below and then perhaps just like the look of the organization tools above, regardless of whether they split the space up or give you defined space, these magnetic panels above the desk can be used with magnetic drawers or hooks to keep an eye on things.

The build quality on this desk feels pretty good, too. It’s not the highest-quality material, but it’s also not meant to be. Not everyone wants a slab of solid walnut for their desktop for many reasons, price being a very prominent one.

However, for those who care about the desk functionality and not having the mast premium solid wide plank, custom real wood panels, this is great. The quality is solid enough to last you a while, all without costing you both kidneys.

Decztop Revon Elite: In use

Dezctop | Revon Elite

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )
Specs

Lifting Capacity: 264lbs
Height Range: 25.6–51.2 inches

Day to day, this desk has functioned surprisingly well. I was even able to temporarily use this as a storage desk during the holidays, when I had guests staying in my studio space. It easily held heavy boxes on top and then lift them away with ease.

Afterwards, I was able to get this set up and use it as a desk in my workstation. It’s great for laptop use while you still want some space. I could also see building out a more robust setup. You’d probably want to go with a monitor arm rather than a desk shelf, and once you get that set up, you can use the metallic panels to organize the desk with cups, shelves, pen holders, and more. It's not the only desk to offer this sort of wide-ranging accessories (Vari and Secretlab also offer a range of connected peripherals), but it's certainly one of the strongest uses.

At 6’2” I have a hard time getting all of my desks to reach my ideal height, but the Dezctop Revon Elite met the height I needed without any problems, allowing me to work at my ideal height while standing and sitting. Plus, with the controller’s presets, I can easily jump between my set height and standing at the press of a button rather than having to press and hold a button.

I’m a big fan of cable management. I take great pride in clean setups, even though my desk setups usually have an absurd number of cables, especially the ones I can build out with tons of gear, ready to roll for whatever I may send their way. The Dezctop Revon Elite’s cable management solution actually worked for my desk styling.

While I may not build my most robust setups on here, it can easily handle the average desk and even some pretty robust setups. Depending on how you space out the sections, you can make a pretty sizable tray for cables, bricks, adapters, or other things you have that run your desk, but that you don’t necessarily want showcased on top.

I’ve used this desk in a few ways for testing. I’ve had it work as a single laptop desk for testing some laptops, I’ve thrown a monitor with the standard monitor base on here, I’ve run with a monitor on a monitor arm clamped to the side of the desk, I have had a clear desk and used this just for some unboxing and I’ve had this as a desk that I stored some boxes on for a week as well. So far, this desk has not shown any concerns, no issues, and it’s worked great in all of those scenarios.

Decztop Revon Elite: Final verdict

Dezctop | Revon Elite

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

The Dezctop Revon Elite is a not as well known sleeper desk. It's great for those who want a modular setup, a simple setup, or even a desk that can be flexible over the years or through your days.

Sure, it's not the standard slab of walnut for those who are on the hunt for an aesthetically pleasing desk setup, but, it is a fantastic desk that changes the game a little bit. The modular sections are brilliant and flexible to what you want, where you want it. In fact, if you don't like the metallic panel, you can even take that off to give you just cable management below.

If you like to change up your desk a lot, if you want something that's a little different than every other desk, or if you really like vertical organization and magnets, then you should absolutely check this desk out. It's unique, it's got great potential to grow the ecosystem, and it's a quality desk for a great price.

For more office furniture essentials, see our guide to the best office chairs we've tested.

Goldring’s G3 turntable is all about style and convenience, but there’s one aspect I wish I could switch off…
2:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Gadgets Hi-Fi Turntables | Comments: Off

Goldring GR3 turntable: two-minute review

Just two decades or so since it last had a turntable in its product line-up, Goldring is back. The GR3 has been developed in collaboration with acknowledged experts and it really looks the part in a ‘black high-gloss lacquer’ sort of way.

It’s got plenty going for it where specification is concerned, too. This is a belt-drive turntable with manual speed-change, and it arrives with a very capable Goldring E3 pre-fitted and pre-adjusted moving magnet cartridge at the end of the aluminium tube tonearm. It’s supplied with a couple of pairs of QED cables to make plugging it into a system as painless as can be. And it’s fitted with an internal phono stage to ensure it is compatible with as wide a range of systems as possible – if the phono stage had an ‘off’ switch it could be fair to say the GR3 has everything you could possibly expect or require.

Connected to an appropriate system, the Goldring GR3 is an articulate, informative and confident listen with just enough drive and attack to stop it sounding leisurely. Dynamic headroom, soundstaging and timing all impress, and the amount of detail the GR3 can extract from the groove is also noteworthy.

In a slightly less appropriate system, though, the latent high-frequency stridency the Goldring hints at becomes a little more evident – a minor lack of treble substance can become apparent. When weighed against all the things that are enjoyable about the GR3 sound, though, ‘minor’ is the word to bear in mind and it bears serious consideration to sit among the best turntables available.

Goldring GR3 turntable, with the dustcover closed, as part of a sound system setup on a wooden surface

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)

Goldring GR3 turntable review: price and release date

  • $1,299 / £699 / AU$1,599 (approx.)
  • Launched in October 2025

The Goldring GR3 launched towards the end of October 2025, and in the United States it's priced at $1,299. In the United Kingdom it goes for £699, while in Australia it will set you back around AU$1,599.

Goldring GR3 turntable review: features

  • Low-vibration belt drive motor
  • Integrated phono stage
  • Pre-fitted Goldring E3 moving magnet cartridge

The plain fact is that the Goldring GR3 has a few more features than is the norm where a record player costing this sort of money is concerned. So where has that half-a-star gone from the ‘features’ score below? I’ll get to that, but for now let’s establish what’s what.

The motor that moves the belt that spins the platter is a low-noise, low-vibration design. The tonearm is a 237mm one-piece aluminum tube with a three-point arm mounting system - and it’s pre-fitted with an extremely well-regarded Goldring E3 moving magnet cartridge, a design that’s well on the way to becoming a classic.

The GR3 is also supplied with two pairs of relatively high-quality interconnects, manufactured by Goldring’s sister company QED. One is a 1.5mm stereo RCA design, the other a 3.5mm / stereo RCA alternative, so connecting the GR3 to a full-size system or a pair of powered speakers should be no problem.

The Goldring’s stereo RCA outputs are fed by an integrated phono stage, and it’s here that the GR3’s final half-a-star goes astray. I’m absolutely in favor of record players with integrated phono stages, don’t get me wrong; it makes for ultimate flexibility, and it means the deck can slot into pretty much any system you care to mention. But the phono stage here is always on and cannot be switched off, so if you own a system with a phono stage of its own (and surely any number of people ready to spend $1,299 on a record player must do), you must avoid your own phono stage for the one fitted here. You don’t even get to compare and contrast.

Just a simple ‘on/off’ switch is all that’s required, Goldring. Is it too much to ask?

  • Features score: 4.5/5

Closeup of a pre-fitted Goldring E3 moving magnet cartridge for the Goldring GR3 turntable

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)

Goldring GR3 turntable review: Sound quality

  • Tremendous rhythmic positivity
  • Extracts plenty of fine detail
  • Lacks a little top-end substance

There are some aspects of audio reproduction at which well-sorted turntables seem to excel. And the Goldring GR3 is almost a caricature of a record player in this respect; the areas where it’s at its most convincing and most enjoyable are all textbook turntable strengths.

Take rhythmic expression, for instance. The GR3 manages the low frequencies during a listen to Patti Smith’s Horses with absolute confidence, closely observing the attack and decay of individual bass sounds so that rhythms and tempos are described in the most naturalistic, fluent and convincing manner. There’s plenty of variation in the low end here, ample detail regarding tone and texture is available, but it’s the effortlessness with which the Goldring describes even quite tricky, off-kilter rhythms that lets you know you’re in safe hands.

The unity and togetherness with which the GR3 presents the whole recording is another one from the Big Book of Turntable Cliches. Detail levels are high throughout the frequency range, and (with the slight exception of the very top end) tonality is very consistent too – and there’s a real sense of singularity and performance about the way the Goldring handles the entirety of the music. As with rhythmic expression, there’s a complete lack of stress or apparent effort in the way this turntable handles the timing of a recording.

There’s decent dynamic headroom available for when the going gets especially hectic or intense. The GR3 is able to create a large and quite persuasive soundstage and there’s more than enough room available for each strand of a recording to make itself heard. The Goldring communicates eloquently through the midrange, and has just enough positivity to its overall presentation to prevent the words ‘laid back’ seeming like something that might come in useful at some point.

It’s only at the top of the frequency range that the GR3 seems anything less than nicely balanced and assured. Unlike the rest of the frequency range, which is described with quite carefully neutral tonality and a fair amount of substance, the very high end sounds a little thin and malnourished. It stops well short of hardness or edginess, don’t get me wrong, but its relative lack of body puts it at odds with pretty much everything that’s going on beneath it.

In a sympathetically matched system it will hardly be an issue but with carelessly chosen or similarly inclined partners the GR3 could conceivably bare its teeth a little more readily than is ideal.

  • Sound quality score: 4.5/5

Goldring GR3 turntable on top of a four-shelf sound system with pre-amp and stand mount speakers.

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)

Goldring GR3 turntable review: Design

  • Belt drive with manual speed change
  • Phenolic resin platter
  • High-gloss black plinth

Goldring, up to a point, is being quite open about the fact the GR3 was developed in collaboration with a third party. This is the Goldring’s first turntable in over two decades, after all, so the idea of getting some outside help is probably sensible. “A renowned British hi-fi manufacturer” is how Goldring rather coyly describes its associate.

If you’re in any way au fait with the work of any renowned British turntable brands, the design of the GR3 is going to look pretty familiar – heck, if you’re in a similar line of work to me you’re probably likely to recognize the arrangement of the packaging the GR3 arrives in. But if you’re going to collaborate, then why not collaborate with the best around?

Anyhow, the GR3 is a belt-drive design, and is fitted with a phenolic resin platter. The platter is designed to increase inertia and maximize the flywheel effect (thus maintaining consistent rotational speed) by having the bulk of its considerable mass at the outside.

The plinth is built of anti-resonant composite fiber, and is finished in the sort of high-gloss black that collects fingerprints like a particularly zealous scene-of-crime investigator. It stands on three pliant, resonance-suppressing feet, and can be fitted with a supplied clear Perpsex dust cover. With the lid closed, the GR3 is 120 x 450 x 360mm (HxWxD), and weighs around 5.5kg.

  • Design score: 5/5

Goldring GR3 turntable, with the dust cover closed, with a yellow De La Soul record on the platter.

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)

Goldring GR3 turntable review: usability and set-up

  • Cartridge is pre-adjusted for all but downforce
  • Can easily be connected to many types of system
  • Manual speed change

The Goldring E3 moving magnet cartridge is fitted to the tonearm before the GR3 leaves the factory, and it’s pre-adjusted for all but downforce. Dial in the recommended 2g and you’re ready to play.

Connecting to a system is very simple, too. Use one of the supplied cables to take line-level left-and-right channel information away from the turntable and into an ‘aux’ or other line-level input on your set-up – anything from a powered speaker to a full-on hi-fi system is fair game.

After that, make sure the belt is around the correct part of the pulley in order to get the rpm you need. The power switch is on the underside of the plinth, almost directly beneath the legend ‘Goldring - established 1906’ on the surface. Take the guard off the cartridge and lower the needle onto the vinyl… then sit back and enjoy.

  • Usability and setup score: 5/5

Closeup of the rear panel of the Goldring GR3 turntable, showing the input and output ports.

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)

Goldring GR3 review: Value

  • Great build and finish
  • Articulate sound
  • Very acceptable cartridge

A good standard of build and finish, a very acceptable cartridge thrown in, and specification that makes system-matching the work of a moment all go towards suggesting there’s value for money available here. Add in the confident, articulate way the Goldring GR3 sounds and its case is approaching ‘watertight’.

  • Value score: 5/5

Closeup of the tonearm of the Goldring GR3 turntable.

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)

Should I buy the Goldring GR3?

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Features

Low-vibration belt drive motor; integrated phono stage but would benefit from an 'off' option.

4.5/5

Sound quality

Excellent level of detail with decent dynamic headroom, but lacks a little top-end substance.

4.5/5

Design

Belt-drive design with a phenolic resin platter, developed in collaboration with a third party.

5/5

Usability and setup

Goldring E3 moving magnet cartridge fitted to the tonearm, though you must set the downforce; otherwise easy to connect to a system.

5/5

Value

Good build and finish, great cartridge, a fine proposition.

5/5

Buy it if...

You want as convenient an experience as possible
Yes, you have to set the downforce, but other than that, the GR3 is as painless as they come.

You value effortlessly rhythmic sound
The way the Goldring just flows is highly enjoyable.

You don’t mind a bit of dusting
The plinth shows up every speck of dust that lands on it.

Don't buy it if...

You have a decent phono stage in your system already
It’s the GR3’s phono stage or nothing, I’m afraid.

Your system is in any way flimsy at the top of the frequency range
The Goldring is happy to hit the top end perhaps a little harder than is ideal.

You have greasy hands
That high-gloss plinth picks up fingerprints very easily indeed.

Goldring GR3 review: also consider

Rega Planar PL1
Obviously you should consider Rega as a strong alternative to the Goldring – the Planar PL1 is less expensive, it’s true, it isn’t fitted with pre-amplification or as capable a cartridge as the Goldring, but it’s cracking value for money nevertheless.
Read the full Rega Planar PL1 review

Pro-Ject T2 Super Phono
It’s also worth checking out Pro-Ject, specifically the T2 Super Phono. It’s a good-looking, great-sounding record player with an integrated phono stage (that can be switched off if you want) and a decent (but not quite Goldring E3-standard) Sumiko moving magnet cartridge. And it’s available at GR3 money or even a little less.

How I tested the Goldring GR3

Goldring GR3 turntable on a wooden surface

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
  • Tested over the course of two weeks
  • Connected to a Naim Uniti Star network streamer/amplifier and Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3 Signature speakers
  • Listening to various types of music

I connected the Goldring GR3 to the line-level analog input of my Naim Uniti Star network streamer/amplifier using the supplied QED RCA/RCA cables.

The Naim was connected to a pair of Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3 Signature speakers on FS-700 S3 stands using QED XT50 speaker cable.

And then I listened to a lot of records for quite a long time, which was not the hardship it sounds like, I have to admit. I used a Rega Planar 2 with Carbon MM cartridge and a Technics SL-1300G with Goldring 1042 cartridge as reference devices.

  • First reviewed: January 2026
  • Read more about how we test
I tested the Vari CoreChair and it’s one of my favorites for active sitting and focused tasks, but it’s not for every professional
10:15 am |

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

The Vari CoreChair has genuinely surprised me. I thought that this would be a flash-in-the-pan kind of chair for me, a gimmick that I loved for exactly a week and then forgot about entirely, and I almost did, but I see the potential.

In fact, if it weren’t for my bad knees combined with my tall frame, I think this would be the perfect chair for me during the workday. But a few things are keeping this chair in “good” status, not “great.” But each of them can be fixed with simple tweaks.

The CoreChair’s entire USP is its unstable connection between the seat and the post. It’s just loose enough to cause you to have to engage your core while sitting, which may be hit or miss for users, but for those who move while sitting already, perhaps bounce a leg or fidget, or feel the need to stand and pace around, this may be precisely what you need.

This won't be the best office chair for most people - it's certainly a niche product. But for me, as a pretty active individual, this chair, in concept, is precisely what I want. I can’t get the height to work for me, but again, that could be solved pretty easily.

Vari CoreChair: Price and availability

Vari | CoreChair

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

The CoreChair sells for $499 on the official Vari website. With that, you get free standard shipping in the contiguous US and a 3-year warranty, including complete product replacement under Vari’s policy.

It’s worth noting that this chair is currently only available in black, but I doubt the lack of color options would deter buyers.

Vari | CoreChair

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Vari CoreChair: Unboxing and First Impressions

This was probably the easiest chair I have ever built, outside of the few I have received that are pre-built. It took about 3 minutes, two screws, and no worry at all.

Off the bat, I thought this was an odd chair; it had a very aggressive tailbone cushion, a super-low backrest as you'd expect from a task chair that's designed for focused work, not staying supported for long hours.

Saying that, after sitting on this for the first time, I was thoroughly impressed by how comfortable the cushion was and how premium everything felt, given its simplicity.

However, I was right in my first thought: this chair should be at stool height, not chair height, but more on that later.

Vari CoreChair: Design & Build Quality

Vari | CoreChair

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

After months of using this chair off and on, I still stand by the fact that this is one of the more comfortable cushions in a seat. It’s firm yet supportive, and breathable on even the hottest days. I also love that the spokes on the legs are wider, making it easier to rest my feet on.

The backrest section here is a tad confusing, and to be honest, I'm not sure why it exists. It feels unnecessary, like it should either be larger or be removed entirely. And, I actually mean that as a positive. The chair is strong enough on its own that reworking it into a stool might be better than using it as a chair.

If this were a stool, I could stretch out my legs a bit more, use the footrests on the spokes a bit more, and aid my balance while using it, too. The chair is so close to being great; I just wish there were a bit of a change.

Vari CoreChair: In use

Vari | CoreChair

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

I work out of a specific workspace three days a week, and this chair has been in that workspace for the entirety of my testing. I’ve used it for all-day sessions, upwards of 8 hours at a time. Throughout that time, I feel like I can now say that this chair doesn’t so much give me a core workout as it does a focused, engaged core.

For someone like me, who is very active and hyper-mobile, I feel like I am constantly tapping my feet or bouncing my leg. A chair like this that helps me stay engaged without feeling like I need to tap or fidget. I noticed that using this chair helped me lock into what I was working on, making hours feel like mere minutes.

After several weeks of using this chair, I do have a few notes I wish I could change. First off, I don’t think the lumbar portion is necessary, though I see why they added it. Secondly, it could be my height, but I wish that this chair were actually up to stool height. If it were a bit taller, I think I could use this for a few more days in a row, or even a few more hours at a time. Right now, after a few hours, I get a bit fidgety due to knee pain, but I love having the core activation.

I think, in its current form, the best use for this chair is somewhere between two- and four-hour working sessions where you need to write, focus, knock out a proposal, crush some emails, or something else you need hyper-fixation on. This chair could help you lock in and knock it out. For some, that is precisely what they need to do some of their best work.

However, if you have lower back pain or another ailment I'd recommending steering clear of this chair, as it won't provide the natural support most ergonomic chairs do and instead, force you to support yourself by adding a layer of instability. If you're suffering serious lower back pain, the Steelcase Leap remains the gold-standard in that department.

Vari CoreChair: Final verdict

Vari | CoreChair

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

The Vari CoreChair is a strong option for the right person and something others should steer clear of. It’s not the chair for everyone, but a niche option that could be a secret weapon for productivity.

As discussed, there are a few areas I'd like to adjust to make this an even better chair, but for now, I can see myself keeping this chair in rotation for those times I need to lock in. It’s a great rotation between sitting, standing at a standing desk, and sitting in the CoreChair, though I know that not everyone has the opportunity for such a working environment.

To keep things simple, if you experience lower back or knee pain, this will definitely not be the right chair for you. If you prefer passive sitting (where the chair does the work for you) over active sitting (where you control how you sit and what support you get), again, the CoreChair isn't going to tick those boxes.

But if you’re the kind of person who fidgets, is constantly moving, or has a bit of a hyperactive mentality, this chair may unlock productivity levels you never knew were possible.

For more office furniture essentials, visit our guide to the best standing desks we've tested.

The Scuf Envision Pro V2 has some of the best buttons and triggers I’ve ever used, but it’s massively let down by convoluted software
2:00 am |

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

Scuf Envision Pro V2: two-minute review

Bespoke PC controllers are still fairly rare in the gaming accessory space, though it’s definitely a growing market. Most offer simple controllers, usually with Xbox button layouts and functionality, to cater to those who just want to play games on PC using the best PC controllers.

Then there’s the Scuf Envision Pro V2, which is positioned as a highly customizable and complex product that has many more buttons than a regular controller would usually have by default. This takes the Scuf Envision Pro into an even more niche area, for those who want the additional hotkeys and buttons offered by keyboard and mouse, but with the form factor and comfort of a controller. It’s an interesting idea, though one that I’m not sure will be all that useful to many players.

After using the Scuf Envision Pro for 30 hours, I’ve been impressed by its highly tweakable control schemes, its brilliantly designed buttons, and how it’s changed the way I play certain games like Fortnite and Marvel Rivals. Unfortunately, I’ve also run into countless issues that stem from the added complexity of a controller like this. The software is inconsistent, the onboarding is essentially non-existent, and the troubleshooting is particularly frustrating.

There’s a lot about the Scuf Envision Pro that’ll appeal to those who want to tinker away at every single aspect of their controller, but personally, I found the options overwhelming and rarely worth the time spent toying around in menus on my desktop. Mostly, I’ve come away questioning why someone who wants so much customization in a controller wouldn’t simply use a keyboard and mouse instead, and at the high cost of entry, the Scuf Envision Pro isn’t a gamepad I’d recommend to 90% of the gamers I know.

Still, it’s worth noting that the Scuf Envision Pro isn’t really supposed to be for everyone. The deep suite of programmable inputs, the on-board RGB lighting, and the ability to truly create a specialized controller of your own do amount to something quite special. If you do want full control over your gaming experience, then the Scuf Envision Pro is a very competitive offering, and one that actually feels good to hold and use.

I could certainly see some loving the process of configuring individual controller profiles, dialling in triggers, and setting custom hotkeys, but there’s a lot you have to put in before you really start seeing its full potential.

Scuf Envision Pro controller held in hand

(Image credit: Future)

As I’m spending a lot of my time reviewing gaming hardware at the moment, I’m growing to loathe the various software programmes that are often required to access a product’s full suite of functions. The Scuf Envision Pro requires Corsair’s iCue software for first-time setup. It’s a clunky affair that really could do with some onboarding tutorials, or even just more information on how to get started with the new controller.

Most frustrating is the instability of the iCue software’s connection to the controller itself. I’d regularly find myself unplugging and re-plugging the wired connection to get the controller to show up in the menus. Then there’s the switch on the back of the controller that must be flipped between wired and wireless modes. This switch isn’t something I’ve seen on controllers like this before, and it just adds another level of complexity to what is already a pretty tangled-up web connecting the Wired and Wireless modes.

While I do understand the extra levels of precision and control afforded by a keyboard and mouse setup, I’ve always preferred using a controller for one key reason – simplicity. The Scuf Envision Pro is anything but simple, though perhaps that’s the point. Even after 10 hours of fiddling with the Scuf Envision Pro, I was rarely able to just plug it in and play. Nor was I ever 100% sure what profile I was playing with, whether my controller was using the wireless or wired mode, and whether the RGB lighting was even displaying what I’d programmed it to.

When the Scuf Envision Pro does work, it works extremely well. Once I’d dialed in my settings for a few different games, and after digging into the iCue software, I was quite impressed by the functionality of the gamepad. I adore the form factor, in particular, as I’ve always gravitated towards symmetrical sticks and less bulky controllers. The design is sleek, but sturdy. It’s technically heavier than a PS5 DualSense controller, but it certainly doesn't feel like it. The buttons are a real standout, with an endlessly satisfying click to their action. Similarly, the d-pad features a nice clickiness, and the triggers feel smooth and snappy regardless of how you program them.

There’s a big issue with the price, especially for someone like me who just isn’t going to realistically make use of the majority of the features of the Scuf Envision Pro. Perhaps it could be a brilliant upgrade for PC gamers looking to play games like racing simulators, but I think for the more general gamer, there are very few use cases for the iCue software, or the bulk of the additional buttons on the controller itself.

Scuf Envision Pro V2 review: price and availability

  • $169.99 / £159.99
  • Priced around the same as the V1 was at launch
  • Not many direct competitors, but priced reasonably for the feature set and amount of buttons / paddles

The Scuf Envision Pro is difficult to compare to its competitors, given that it offers a frankly dizzying number of buttons and programmable features. Unless you’re set on making use of absolutely everything the Scuf Envision Pro has to offer, it’s tough to recommend it over something considerably cheaper, like the GameSir G7 Pro, which comes with drift-resisting TMR sticks and four extra buttons.

In terms of direct alternatives to the Scuf Envision Pro, you’re looking at the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro, Xbox Elite Series 2, and potentially the DualSense Edge. None of these offer the same level of additional inputs and features as the Scuf Envision Pro, and all are slightly pricier. Still, I’d argue that these alternatives have a better user experience when swapping and customizing profiles, and have better software paired with the devices.

Given the Scuf Envision Pro’s mix of controller and keyboard/mouse features, however, you’re getting a lot for the money. The question is whether you actually need extra buttons in the center of the controller, and whether the side-mounted SAX buttons will be more of a hindrance or a useful addition to your setup.

Scuf Envision Pro controller in-box

(Image credit: Future)

Unlike its direct predecessor, the Scuf Envision Pro V2 does feature Hall Effect thumbsticks, aiming to eliminate the risk of stick drift. I’d expect this from a premium controller, but it’s still nice to see a noticeable upgrade on the previous iteration. Generally, most competitors also offer Hall Effect thumbsticks for a similar price, or TMR sticks.

All in all. It’s tough to say whether the Scuf Envision Pro is worth the high asking price, as this will largely come down to your own personal needs when picking up a PC-only controller. One thing to note is that unlike its competitors, the Scuf Envision Pro can only be used with Windows PCs. That means no consoles, and no Mac or Linux. For me, I’d be looking for a bit more versatility when choosing a premium controller, but if you only game on PC, you’ll be set.

Scuf Envision Pro V2 review: Specs

Scuf Envision Pro

Price

$169.99 / £159.99 / AU$ 322 (estimated)

Weight

10.05oz / 362g

Dimensions

6.5 x 4.23 x 2.5in / 165 x 107.5 x 63.5mm

Compatibility

PC (Windows)

Connection type

Wireless, Wired (audio jack), Bluetooth

Battery life

19 hours

Features

Hall-Effect thumbsticks, adjustable triggers, back paddles, additional buttons on main deck, additional buttons on bumper areas, RGB lighting.

Software

iCue (Corsair; PC)

Scuf Envision Pro controller leaning against a wall

(Image credit: Future)

Scuf Envision Pro V2 review: design and features

  • Comfortable and premium build
  • Buttons have a great click when pushed
  • Triggers and additional buttons are all easy to reach and use

The Scuf Envision Pro is available in a very impressive suite of colors. I got the grey and orange design, and I really like how it looks out of the box. There are a ton of little details found on the sticks, along the edges of the triggers, and on the back grip that make the Scuf Envision Pro look sleek and high-end. I particularly like the little trackpad that blends seamlessly with the main body, and the clean look of the buttons against the faceplate.

Scuf tends to do things a bit differently when compared to its competitors in terms of button layout, especially in the placement of the back paddles. It took me a while to get used to where the four back buttons sit, as they’re lower down than other controllers I’ve used. After a while, though, they feel right, and you can swap out a bunch of the buttons for in-box replacements if you want to tweak things slightly.

I’m less sold on the SAX buttons, which sit up near the front bumper, along the sides of the controller. It’s very easy to press them with your index fingers when you’re not intending to, though you can remove them entirely if you wish. I attempted to get used to the SAX buttons rather than swapping them out, and never really managed to fit them into my custom control setups. They are useful for mapping grenades and ping functions in shooters; however, as long as you don’t accidentally hit them by mistake.

Scuf Envision Pro controller face down, showing back paddles

(Image credit: Future)

PC controllers tend to use the Xbox design layout for sticks, so it’s nice to see a symmetrical stick offering from Scuf here. I prefer the overall placement of the sticks to the official Sony gamepads, and really like how the form factor of the grips sits in your hands while holding the controller. Similarly, the buttons have some neat technology applied that makes the Scuf Envision Pro stand out. They’re more like mouse clicks than button presses, and I love how tactile and responsive they feel.

The other main design highlight for the Scuf Envision Pro is the five on-board G-Keys that run along the bottom of the controller. These can be mapped to whatever function you want, but are particularly useful for voice chat controls. They sit in a row surrounded by an RGB light bar, too, which can be customized with a range of colors. I found the light bar to be largely unnoticeable most of the time, as you need to be running iCue in the background while gaming to really make the most of them.

While the Scuf Envision Pro does lean on software for many of its design features, there are nice mechanical switches for the triggers. There’s a switch at the back too that toggles between wired and wireless inputs, but I never quite got the hang of switching them around, preferring to just wire in the controller to my PC. Build-wise, the Scuf Envision Pro is an impressive controller that feels bespoke and unique when compared to bulkier, more garish PC controllers.

Scuf Envision Pro V2 review: Performance

  • Fantastic response times from triggers and buttons
  • iCue can used to fully customize your experience
  • Settings can be stored on the controller and used without iCue

Purely as a gaming controller, the Scuf Envision Pro V2 works flawlessly. The triggers and buttons are responsive, and the additional buttons can really make the difference in competitive online games. It does focus heavily on software to open up its full suite of features, however, and this is where the majority of the problems lie.

Corsair’s iCue is designed very much like a keyboard and mouse macro software, and is quite unfriendly to those used to playing on controllers at first glance. You must install iCue to set up the controller first time, though you can actually just install the Scuf drivers and use the controller’s limited on-board features if you’d rather 9I wouldn't recommend this, given how much you're paying for those full features). There’s no real tutorial or handholding within iCue, and unless you already know what you’re doing with dead zones and triggers, you’ll likely be a bit overwhelmed at first. You can create a handful of custom profiles, each color-coded, and then mapped to the controller.

I do like that the settings are saved on the controller itself, well most of them at least, meaning you can use the center button to switch profiles on the fly. The main problem comes when you want to use the extended features of the Scuf Envision Pro (like the G-Keys), which require you to have iCue running in the background. This does have an impact on performance, and given the tendency for the iCue software to lose connection to the controller, having to tab out of a game to check what’s going on is a real pain.

The Corsair iCue software, showing customization options and menus

(Image credit: Corsair)

The only reason you’d spend this much on the Scuf Envision Pro is to make use of all the extra bells and whistles, but by tying things to iCue, Scuf has really made things difficult for users. I found that regardless of whether I was connected via wired or wireless mode, things would drop in and out as the controller lost connection every now and again. Upon connecting again, I was always unsure as to what mode the controller was actually in, what profile was active, and whether the back buttons were assigned correctly. This invariably led to my having to open iCue and scroll through several menus.

After 20 or so hours of testing, I just decided to stick with a wired connection, as wireless would often disconnect from iCue, disabling the back buttons, G-Keys, and sometimes even the triggers. Restarting iCue seemed to be the fix, but not one I wanted to be doing while playing a game on another screen. The Scuf Envision Pro’s complexity comes at a price, it seems, and with so many custom profiles to map, frequent software issues, and instances of on-board memory and software memory butting heads, I’m not sure the extra technology is really worth it for all but the most devoted of PC gamers.

The iCue software is easily the weakest part of the Scuf Envision Pro, and because it’s required for certain features to be unlocked, the hardware suffers as a result. As a premium PC controller, this is a great-feeling, highly responsive bit of kit. As an all-round package, I struggle to see who would bother spending so much time in iCue to really make the most of their purchase.

Should I buy the Scuf Envision Pro V2?

Buy it if...

You want unparalleled control over your controller’s settings
The level of customization available on the Scuf Envision Pro is truly unmatched. You’ll be able to map hotkeys, tweak the RGB lighting, and set custom profiles for deadzones and more.

You’re a PC-only gamer looking for a controller with additional buttons
The Scuf Envision Pro has a bunch of additional buttons when compared to a standard gamepad. There are four back paddles, side-mounted SAX buttons, and even 5 G-Key inputs. This is the most buttons I’ve ever used on a controller, and the possibilities for control schemes really are endless.

Don't buy it if...

You don’t want to rely on additional software
The iCue software is required to run in the background if you want to make the most of the Scuf Envision Pro. For those wary of performance and those who just want to plug and play, this isn’t the controller for you.

You don’t want to spend more on a premium controller that can only be used on PC
The Scuf Envision Pro is expensive, especially when you consider that it can only be used for Windows PC. Other alternatives will work on Mac, Xbox, and Linux, so it may be worth going for something more versatile if you play on multiple platforms.

Scuf Envision Pro review: Also consider

Still not sure if the Scuf Envision Pro V2 is for you? Here are two competitors that might better fit your needs.

Scuf Envision Pro

Razer Wolverine V3 Pro

Xbox Elite Series 2

Price

$169.99 / £159.99

$199.99 / £199.99

$199.99 / £169.99

Weight

10.05oz / 362g

14.72oz / 418g

12.16oz / 345g

Dimensions

6.5 x 4.23 x 2.5in / 165 x 107.5 x 63.5mm

8.86 x 8.7 x 3.23in / 157 x 105 x 100mm

3.07 x 7.29 x 7.23in / 193 x 193 x 90.9 mm

Compatibility

PC (Windows)

Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC

Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC, Mobile

Connection type

Wireless, Wired (audio jack), Bluetooth

Wireless (2.4GHz dongle), Wired (USB Type-C)

Wireless, Bluetooth, Wired

Battery life

19 hours

12-13 hours

40 hours

Software

iCue (Corsair)

Razer Controller App

Xbox Accessories App

Razer Wolverine V3 Pro
This controller is more expensive than the Scuf Envision Pro, but you can also use it on Xbox. Generally, it’s a heavier and bulkier product, and lacks the additional button count of the Envision Pro. Still, its software and higher ease of use will make it more accessible for the majority of players looking for a PC controller.

For more information, check out our full Razer Wolverine V3 Pro review.

Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2
For those looking for a sturdy, premium controller that works on PC and Xbox, you can’t really go wrong with the Elite Series 2. It features four back paddles, and you can swap out stick inputs and other build aspects. The battery life is much higher here, and you can use the Elite Series 2 controller on mobile, Mac, as well as PC and Xbox. For the extra money, it’s a much more plug-and-play alternative, and one that’s often on sale.

For more information, check out our full Xbox Elite Series 2 Wireless Controller review.

How I tested the Scuf Envision Pro

  • Tested for a month, playing Marvel Rivals, Fortnite and Battlefield 6
  • Used primarily in default control scheme, but tested button mapping, and profile swapping functions
  • Tested in wireless and wired modes, and used iCue to dial in deadzones, trigger settings, and lighting options

I used the Scuf Envision Pro controller with a gaming laptop, and with the Corsair iCue software downloaded. Occasionally, I’d use the controller in wireless mode, but I found the wired connection to be much more stable. Over time, I dug into the iCue software to create custom profiles, tweak deadzones, and experiment with the SAX button inputs.

After tweaking the Scuf Envision Pro, I primarily mapped the extra buttons to voice chat inputs. The SAX buttons were great for triggering grenades in FPS games, while the G-Keys were mostly used to mute and switch voice chat functions.

First reviewed December 2025-January 2026

Read more about how we test

A Thousand Blows season 2 review: the Disney+ bareknuckle boxing series is more brutal than ever
9:50 pm | January 9, 2026

Author: admin | Category: Computers Disney Plus Gadgets Hulu Streaming | Comments: Off

A Thousand Blows steps out of the bareknuckle boxing rings of Victorian London to focus on bleaker themes in the second season of Steven Knight's historical drama. While there are still plenty of wince-inducing brawls, A Thousand Blows season 2 is less about gritty fight sequences and more about the fight for survival in an unforgiving Victorian London.

Like the first season, Knight has once again mixed fact with fiction, using real historical events to inspire the narratives throughout the series, which he describes as "stepping stones" for creating a foundation to the overall storyline. "Usually, you’ve got a date, maybe a fight that happened, a boxing bout that happened or a robbery that happened for real," he explained. "You know these things happened, and then it’s up to you to find out why they would have gone from that to that."

Knight confirmed that the second season is roughly 35% based on real-life. That formula adds a layer of authenticity to the show that it balances throughout with emotional story arcs to thread the varying narratives together, from Hezekiah Moscow’s (Malachi Kirby) journey from wanting to be a lion tamer to becoming a heavyweight champion to Mary Carr's (Erin Doherty) daring department store robberies as the leader of the notorious all-female crime gang the Forty Elephants.

In season 2, Hezekiah is seen dusting himself off from the aftermath of the fatal boxing bout at the end of the first season. Still reeling from the loss of his brother Alec (Francis Lovehall), he feels more far from home than ever before.

These emotions weigh him down, but they also act as a catalyst for a new redemption arc that ties into Knight's belief about the timelessness of basic human motivations. "It doesn’t matter how far back in time you’re going," he says. "People were the same. The same motivations, the same emotions, jealousy and passions."

Partly due to Knight's focus on these themes, season 2 has a lot less boxing than the first chapter. That gives it a more relatable feel for those with less interest in pugilism, with the series referencing real historical events like the Matchgirls’ Strike of 1888 at the Bryant & May factory. "They used white phosphorus, which was poisonous and caused horrible diseases for the workers," Kirby noted. There are also echoes of Jack the Ripper that further ground the show in a layer of authenticity of the time.

Darci Shaw as Alice in A Thousand Blows season 2.

The Forty Elephants have it all to play for in season 2. (Image credit: Disney )

Doherty summed up the atmosphere of the period perfectly with: "Life was fragile then, it was easily lost… When you understand how many people would just die on the streets, the stakes are incredibly high." Adding: "When you're trying to find the human in it all, it's not too hard because it was so terrifying and bleak."

For Darci Shaw (pictured above), who plays supporting character Alice who's part of the Forty Elephants, it was digging into that bleak history that helped her to fully understand what was at stake. "I read quite a bit about the period and the state of women in homelessness at the time, and I think that just helps to understand the stakes and why these women [the Forty Elephants] are so confident and will do whatever it takes because they don't have a choice," she said.

Other supporting characters like Edward 'Treacle' Goodson are also given more depth. James Nelson-Joyce, who plays Goodson, credits Knight’s scripts for the character’s complexity in season 2. "Steven’s writing is unbelievable," he said. "You’re never playing one thing. There’s always layers, always something underneath what’s being said."

Despite one extremely heartbreaking storyline, Treacle and his brother Sugar Goodson (Stephen Graham) don't play as big of a role in the second season, leaving space for Hezekiah's and Mary's comeback act to take centre stage.

The stakes are no less serious, though. While there’s less boxing than in the first season of A Thousand Blows, the brawls remain brutal, but it's the characters' battles outside the ring that give the second season its dramatic force.

All six episodes of A Thousand Blows season 2 premiered on January 9, 2026, on Disney+ (internationally) and Hulu (US).

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Dell Pro Max 16 Plus mobile workstation review: Backpack-friendly desktop-class power with a beautiful display
9:10 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Tags: , , | Comments: Off

The Dell Pro Max 16 Plus is a little brother to the Dell Pro Max 18 Plus I previously reviewed. It trades a bit of screen real estate for a higher-quality display and the ability to be tucked away in a backpack for on-the-go use. While it may not fit in the tighter laptop bags, it will fit in larger, more robust backpacks.

The Pro Max 16 Plus delivers powerful performance, featuring an Intel Core Ultra 9 chip, an NVIDIA RTX Pro 5000 Blackwell GPU, and up to 128GB of RAM. Simply put, this is one of the best mobile workstations of its class.

The two Thunderbolt 5 ports showcase the drive for speed, power, and forward thinking for the Dell Pro Max 16 Plus. Dell knows that at this price point and with this power, not everyone can swap them out as quickly as cheaper laptops. So, they have made sure to future-proof this one as much as possible.

The Dell team also found a way to pack in an SD Card, a Smart Card reader, an RJ45 port, and a 280W power adapter to power up this beast of a machine. It's a compelling option for developers, engineers, data professionals, and generalists who need a single machine that serves as their all-in-one tool to handle all their workloads without breaking a sweat.

Dell Pro Max 16 Plus: Price and availability

Dell | Pro Max 16 Plus

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

The Dell Pro Max 16 Plus has a base price of around $4000, available from both the Dell US and Dell UK websites. I'm also seeing it available from some online retailers.

As ever with Dell laptops, there are a huge number of configurations available, so prices will vary. In this review, I'm testing a model with the Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX (16 Cores, 24 Threads, 5.5 GHz Turbo, 55W), 128GB RAM, an NVIDIA RTX Pro 5000 Blackwell GPU, and 2TB SSD. All alongside the 16-inch OLED 3860x2400 with 500 nits max.

Dell | Pro Max 16 Plus

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

Dell Pro Max 16 Plus: Unboxing and First Impressions

After just reviewing the Dell | Pro Max 18 Plus, I knew this 16-inch model was going to be very similar. It's essentially 98% as good as the Dell Pro Max 18 Plus in a smaller shell, with an upgraded Tandem OLED 120Hz Display.

Unboxing, I realized that while the 2-inch difference, of course, makes a difference for screen size, the heft of this machine is still very prevalent. This is not an Ultrabook, it’s not a thin machine you toss in your bag and forget about.

And Dell isn’t ashamed of that at all. It proudly packs an insane amount of power into this unit, all while making it look pretty good and having superb usability in day-to-day operations.

Plus, with the ability to take in 280W, I want to be able to take that charger with me everywhere, but the sheer size of this brick is wild.

Dell Pro Max 16 Plus: Design & Build Quality

Dell | Pro Max 16 Plus

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

This is a hefty computer. There’s no denying that. But at the same time, it is light enough and portable enough to take around. Unlike the larger 18-inch brother, which pretty much means yes, you can carry it. Still, only to and from a workspace, the 16-inch laptop is more portable and easier to toss in a backpack, take with you out of your workspace, and experience the power of portability.

While the Dell Pro 14 Premium is hyper portable and designed to be lightweight, and the Dell Pro Max 18 Plus is designed to be an entire barrage of horsepower crammed into one machine that can technically be called portable, the Dell Pro Max 16 Plus fits between the two, while still favoring the hefty side. I wouldn’t want to walk around holding this with one hand while typing with the other, but I wouldn’t mind closing this, heading to where I am going, and then popping this back open again on a table, desk, or even my lap.

In fact, comparing laptops, this one feels more like a more powerful Precision 5690. Naturally, the Precision runs on older architecture, but it’s the same size screen, a similar keyboard, and fills a similar amount of space dimension-wise on everything except thickness.

The Pro Max 16 Plus can fit in my beloved Nomatic Backpack, but is too large for sleeker backpacks like the Bellroy Transit, primarily due to the thickness on top of the 16-inch display. But then again, there are some mid-sized bags, like a few from Troubadour, that this fits in, so it really comes down to the design of the laptop pouch.

Dell has done a fantastic job at keeping ports where users want them. I’ve seen some laptops, specifically workstation-class ones, that place ports on the back of the computer, with the idea of having this machine pretty much just docked.

Thankfully, Dell takes portability seriously, even with this tier of powerhouse. Because of this, the ports are on the left and right of the machine: the RJ45, HDMI, 2x TB5, SD card, and smart card ports on the left, and the 2x USB-A, TB, and headphone jack on the right. For my testing and my use case, this layout is fantastic and has had no issues so far.

While Thunderbolt 5 is still pretty new, putting it in this kind of machine is a wise, future-forward move by Dell, putting the faster, newer, and more powerful ports in their top-of-the-line machines, knowing that people grabbing these are not swapping them out every few months or even years. Still, they have been running them hard for a while.

The last thing I’ll mention regarding design is the display. I understood the Dell Pro Max 18 Plus, as people aren’t really going to use that machine for display-first tasks. They’re not buying that kind of machine to have a great display. This one, though, has a beautiful 3860x2400 Tandem OLED with 120Hz refresh rates, though it’s limited to 500 nits.

While this is still not a machine that the average video editor would grab as their first choice, nor a pro-gamer or photographer, this can be a machine used by someone who either cares about having a high resolution display for the real estate on their screen, fitting more content, crisper, or it could be someone who is a bit of a generalist-specialist. I see this being perfect for engineers who also work in graphic design or UI design, or heavy CAD users, who want to make sure they see everything clearly.

Dell Pro Max 16 Plus: In use

Dell | Pro Max 16 Plus

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )
Specs

CPU: Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX
GPU: NVIDIA RTX Pro 5000 Blackwell w/24GB
RAM: 128GB
Display: 16" Tandem OLED
Resolution: 3860x2400
Brightness: 500 nits

I’ve had this laptop in my rotation of machines for a whopping 113 days at the time of writing this paragraph. I’ve run some heavy workloads on it, I’ve used it for a few days in my real day-to-day world, I’ve used it for odds and ends, and I’ve run benchmarks all to see if this machine is what it says it is. So far, it has held up wonderfully to everything I have thrown at it.

Proving its might as one of the best laptops for programming, it’s blasted through local dev environments I have run on it, it doesn’t sweat at DBeaver repos, or pulling up large codebases in VS Code, it doesn’t even flinch. I dabbled in some local LLMs to try it, and I haven’t even been able to make the Intel Core i9 even sweat.

I pulled up large building schematics as CAD Files, I opened every productivity app I could think of and ran an absurd number of draining Chrome tabs, I was processing files, converting videos, transferring on and off of drives, and still, it’s great.

Don’t get me wrong, this won't be the best business laptop for every professional, due to its heft and power consumption, but for those who cannot or will not compromise on power and still want the option to bring their primary machine with them everywhere they may go, this might be the way to do it.

Compared to the Dell Pro 14 Premium, the Dell Pro 14 Premium focuses much more on battery life and portability than the Dell Pro Max 16 Plus. Still, you’re also getting true desktop-class power, now with a spectacular display too.

My model has an Intel Core i9-285HX with 16 cores, 24 threads, and 5.5 GHz turbo. It’s an absolute animal of a chip. Paired with the NVIDIA RTX 5000 Blackwell with 24GB, 128GB of RAM, and 2TB of SSD Storage, with the option of going up to 16TB on the device, which is truly absurd. I know of desktops drooling at these specs for productivity and performance. To get some numbers, I ran some 3DMark benchmark tests. For the CPU Profile Benchmark Tests, my max-threads test scored 11,717 points.

In everyday use, this machine has handled everything I have thrown at it, with room to spare. It’s got insane power for even the professional user, and gives power into the hands of the nomads without sacrifices.

The 16-inch size is great, offering excellent screen real estate without being too cumbersome, unlike the 18-inch counterpart.

Dell Pro Max 16 Plus: Final verdict

Dell | Pro Max 16 Plus

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

Few laptops offer this level of power while still fitting within a portable form factor. The Dell Pro Max 16 Plus is designed for the everything-fractional-developer who has to be able to do anything and everything at a moment's notice. It's designed for the generalist who dabbles in multiple high-demand areas of computing power.

The mobile workstation is designed to handle your day-to-day tasks without requiring you to hand off processing power to another companion device or even a dongle. It's self-sufficient for most tasks.

For those who need this class of workhorse, few are rating better than this one right now. Yes, it's not perfect, but it's a phenomenal option for those looking.

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