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This pocket-sized Bluetooth speaker takes aim at the JBL Go 4 — but sadly, 3 key flaws hold it back
1:56 pm | January 8, 2026

Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Gadgets Hi-Fi Wireless & Bluetooth Speakers | Tags: | Comments: Off

Tribit PocketGo: two-minute review

The Tribit PocketGo is an ultra-small Bluetooth speaker that comes with an equally small price tag. It’s lightweight, can be easily hooked up, and is ideal for on the go use thanks to its pocket-sized form.

But there are even more positives worth pointing to. For instance, this model has exceptional IP68 dust and waterproofing, meaning its fit for just about any environment, be that your shower, a pool, the beach… you name it. It's also fairly sturdy, so should survive the occasional drop.

One more positive is the model’s 20 hour battery life, which is right up there with the best Bluetooth speakers in its size class. Unfortunately, though, this is where much of my praise reaches its end.

See, the most important thing for any Bluetooth speaker is to sound good. And even when accounting for this speaker's limited size, I still think it falls flat in a few areas. Of course, you’re not going to expect much in the bass department, but I felt that audio could get muddied too easily on the PocketGo, with a generally one-note sound. Compression is also pretty prominent at higher volumes, and dynamics are pretty lacking.

Don’t get me wrong, the Tribit PocketGo isn’t the worst sounding speaker I’ve heard, not by some margin. Mids and highs still sound clear enough at mid-volumes, and less demanding tracks come through pretty well. But its obvious rival – the JBL Go 4 – sounds considerably better, and comes at a pretty similar cost.

Speaking of the JBL Go 4, it's clear that it was a huge source of inspiration for Tribit’s small-sized speaker. The two models look highly similar, but Tribit’s speaker doesn’t quite have the same level of refinement, and isn’t available in the same broad, exciting array of colors.

It’s not all doom and gloom, though. There’s an effective nine-band equalizer and a commendable selection of EQ presets. I was also interested to see microSD playback onboard – not something you’d see from a lot of rivals.

But in the end, it just feels as if the PocketGo fails to beat out its hero, the JBL Go 4. It doesn’t have the visual flair, the audio quality, or the sophisticated app required to assert supremacy. And as a result, I can’t recommend Tribit’s small speaker outright.

Fabric hook on the Tribit PocketGo

(Image credit: Future)

Tribit PocketGo review: price and release date

  • $34.99 / £29.99 / AU$49.99
  • Launched in November 2025

The Tribit PocketGo released in November 2025, and can be purchased in a range of color options, including Black, Blue, and Green. It has a list price of $34.99 / £29.99 / AU$49.99, which is a fair bit cheaper than the typical cost of its main competitor, the JBL Go 4, which is $49.95 / £39.99 / AU$59.95.

It's worth noting that Tribit isn't alone in wanting to offer the Go 4 for less; another option we tested, the AO mini portable wireless speaker, tried (in the UK at least) to match JBL's option for a cheaper £29 (around $34). But sadly, neither has fully succeeded…

Tribit PocketGo review: specs

Weight

0.5lbs / 220g

Dimensions

4.3 x 3.2 x 1.7 inches / 108 x 81 x 42mm

Connectivity

Bluetooth 6.0

Battery life

20 hours

Speaker drivers

1x 7W full range

Waterproofing

IP68

Tribit PocketGo review: features

  • Pleasing customizable EQ options
  • Impressive 20-hour battery life
  • Multi-speaker pairing, but no Auracast

The Tribit PocketGo has a decent set of features, with a few customization features available through the Tribit companion app. This opens up a bunch of EQ presets for different genres and listening environments, as well as a nine-band custom equalizer, which is a most welcome inclusion.

There’s not much more to explore in the app, though. You can control audio playback, alter the auto shutdown window, and toggle voice prompts on and off, but that’s about it. There are no battery preservation options, device management section, or anything out of the ordinary. I was also surprised to see Auracast left out, especially given the use of Bluetooth 6.0. You can pair two speakers together for stereo playback, though.

Another small thing worth noting is that the app isn’t the best I’ve used. It has a fairly rudimentary appearance, and I also experienced an issue where the app wouldn’t allow me to upgrade the speaker’s firmware. It believed that I wasn’t using the latest version of the companion software, but even after updating the app, I still couldn’t upgrade to the latest firmware, which was puzzling.

Anyway, your mileage may vary on that issue, and there are still plenty of good features to discuss. For instance, hands-free calling is available on the PocketGo thanks to its built-in mic. Quality-wise, the mic is just OK – a colleague said that I sounded pretty distant, but my words were still discernible. But one good thing is that the built-in mic enables you to use a voice assistant, which some users will appreciate.

One of the key benefits of the PocketGo is also its battery life. 20 hours is a very generous portion of playtime for a speaker of this size, though it’s worth noting that you can expect less if you’re listening at more than 50% volume. Still, 20 hours is almost three times the battery life of the JBL Go 4, which is the PocketGo’s nearest rival.

Finally, you’re able to play music from a microSD card thanks to a TF card input slot on the speaker. This isn’t something I’ve seen from a lot of rival models, and though it doesn’t seem to be the most practical way to enjoy your tunes, playback was stable when I tested it out.

  • Features score: 3.5/5

Buttons on top of the Tribit PocketGo

(Image credit: Future)

Tribit PocketGo review: sound quality

  • Mid-range and treble perform decently at mid-volume
  • Bass is lacking, largely due to restricted size
  • Lacks the dynamism and expression of the JBL Go 4

I’ll put my cards on the table – the Tribit PocketGo isn’t the best-sounding speaker I’ve tested, but it does have some redeeming qualities.

When listening to Black Eye by Allie X, the rapid-fire drum machine never sounded lethargic or bloated, although it did lack quite a bit of depth. That’s largely down to the small size of the PocketGo, which is light on power and can’t reach down all too deeply.

Higher in the frequency range, sudden percussive hits didn’t quite have the bite I’d hoped for – and generally the speaker’s dynamics never blew me away – but treble sounds were never harsh or uncontrolled at 50% volume or less. Vocals were also clear in the mix, which made for a decent overall listen, although I will say that they started to get muddied when I pushed volume above that 60-70% mark.

Tracks that feature sub-bass or generally deeper bass won’t fare well at all on the PocketGo. As I mentioned, there are some limitations here, so it’s to be expected, but tracks like 12 O.C Riddim by M-High featured almost inaudible low-frequency elements, which stripped them of the energy and excitement bass heads will be seeking out.

With a less demanding track like I’ve Got Your Number by Ned Doheny, there was a notable improvement, though. Strumming acoustic guitars were clear even with soulful vocals at the fore, and mid-bass – though not particularly impactful – came through cleanly. Again, there was very noticeable compression as I edged towards top volumes, but this speaker can get pretty loud for its size, so you might not need to crank things all the way to the top.

When I compared the PocketGo against its rival, the JBL Go 4, the latter model typically performed better. The PocketGo could get louder, but it had a less expressive overall sound, with the Go 4 plating up superior instrument separation and dynamics. Both speakers suffer from similar restrictions due to their size – neither gave me amazing deep bass or beautifully layered, detailed sound. But I think the Go 4 is the better sounding model.

  • Sound quality score: 3/5

Tribit PocketGo in someone's hand

(Image credit: Future)

Tribit PocketGo review: design

  • A less refined-looking JBL Go 4
  • Small and lightweight
  • Exceptional IP68 dust and waterproofing

Let’s address the elephant in the room here. To say that the Tribit PocketGo is inspired by the JBL Go 4 would be an understatement.

This is almost a one-for-one copy, featuring a fabric speaker grille, a rubber control pad, and small loop for hanging the speaker up. It’s not as refined or premium looking as JBL’s model, though, and its color options aren’t the most exciting, meaning it's not my favorite looks-wise.

But there are some definite positives to discuss in regard to this speaker’s design. First of all, it’s pleasingly compact and lightweight, coming in at just 0.5lbs / 220g. Its fabric loop also makes it easy to place on a hook – though I’d recommend laying it flat or on its base to listen to music, if you want the best audio quality.

What’s more, the Tribit PocketGo has an IP68 rating. That means it’s fully protected against dust, and highly waterproof too. More specifically, it can live through a 30 minute dunking under a meter and a half of water – it doesn’t get much better than that. In addition, it has a fairly solid construction, and should easily survive the occasional drop.

  • Design score: 3/5

Reverse side of the Tribit PocketGo

(Image credit: Future)

Tribit PocketGo review: value

  • Has a very modest price tag
  • Although you can grab an on-sale JBL Go 4 for similar
  • Fairly average overall quality

The Tribit PocketGo is a very budget friendly option, coming in with a list price of just $34.99 / £29.99 / AU$49.99.

Of course, this speaker is far from perfect. It produces average audio with solid mid-range and treble output at mid-volumes, but limited instrument separation and poor overall sound at louder levels. Its design is also a little unoriginal, and there are some missing features I would’ve liked to see.

But when you consider its impressive playtime, excellent waterproofing, and compact build, there is still plenty to like. Is it going to blow you away for the price? Perhaps not, but I still think you get what you pay for.

Still, would I recommend it outright? Not exactly. I think the JBL Go 4 is still the stronger pick if you’re seeking out a cheap, small-sized option. It may have a slightly higher list price, but it's on sale fairly regularly for around $40 / £35 / AU$49. Its superior sound quality and aesthetic makes it the better pick, for me.

  • Value score: 3.5/5

Buttons on top of the Tribit PocketGo

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Tribit PocketGo?

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Features

Great battery life, but lacks Auracast, and companion app is pretty rudimentary.

3.5/5

Sound quality

OK sounding at mid-volume, but struggles beyond that, generally one-note audio.

3/5

Design

A little too close to the JBL Go 4, but lightweight and highly waterproof.

3/5

Value

Overall, you get what you pay for, but no more than that.

3.5/5

Buy it if...

You want a compact speaker to take on the go
One of my favorite things about the PocketGo is its satisfyingly small size, which makes it easy to throw in a bag or, well you know, in your pocket. It’s also dust and waterproof, meaning it's fit for use in any environment.

You’re on a tight budget
The low list price of the Tribit PocketGo makes it an enticing option. Its audio isn’t going to blow you away, and it's not the prettiest looking speaker on the market, but its long battery life and lightweight build may tempt you.

Don't buy it if...

You want great sound quality
Of course, some of this speaker’s flaws are linked to the inherent restrictions of its size. For instance, you can’t expect deep bass or amazing loudness here. But even still, this model left a little to be desired sonically, with a fairly one-note sound, limited instrument separation, and harsh audio at higher volumes.

You’re looking for something with style
This model looks a little bit too similar to the JBL Go 4 for my liking, but doesn’t quite have the refinement and charm of that model. There are less color options to choose from too, so I’d suggest picking the Go 4 over it.

Tribit PocketGo review: also consider

Tribit PocketGo

JBL Go 4

Edifier ES20

Price

$34.99 / £29.99 / AU$49.99

$49.95 / £39.99 / AU$59.95

$89.99 / £50 / AU$99.99

Weight

0.5lbs / 220g

0.6lbs / 285g

0.7lbs / 0.3kg

Dimensions

4.3 x 3.2 x 1.7 inches / 108 x 81 x 42mm

3.7 x 3 x 1.7 inches / 94 x 78 x 42mm

3.6 x 3.7 x 2 inches / 90.4 x 93.7 x 49.7mm

Connectivity

Bluetooth 6.0

Bluetooth 5.3

Bluetooth 5.4

Battery life

20 hours

7 hours

15 hours

Speaker drivers

1x 45mm full range

1x 45mm full range

1x 43mm full range

Waterproofing

IP68

IP67

IP67

JBL Go 4
This is the speaker that the Tribit PocketGo wants to be. It’s not the best sounding speaker ever, but I appreciate the Go 4’s clear mids and controlled treble, and you can adjust EQ to your personal taste. It’s a colorful, well-built, and lightweight option that’s even in my guide to the best Bluetooth speakers. Read our full JBL Go 4 review.

Edifier ES20
The Edifier ES20 was one of my favorite Bluetooth speakers of 2025. It's a little larger than the PocketGo and Go 4, but it’s still nice and compact, and highly waterproof. Sonically, this is an excellent choice, with surprisingly detailed mids, punchy bass, and expressive treble. Read our full Edifier ES20 review.

Tribit PocketGo review: how I tested

Tab on Tribit PocketGo pulled to one side, revealing USB-C and microSD card slots

(Image credit: Future)
  • Tested within a one-week period
  • Mainly used at home
  • Predominantly tested using Tidal

I tested the Tribit PocketGo over a week-long period, mainly using it at home. During my time with the speaker, I spent hours listening to music, exhausted all of its features, and even compared it directly against the JBL Go 4.

When listening to tunes, I made sure to start with the TechRadar testing playlist, which features tracks from a range of genres. I also listened to songs from my personal library through both Tidal and Spotify.

And more generally, I’ve reviewed dozens of Bluetooth speakers here at TechRadar – more than 30 to be precise. As a result, I’m highly familiar with the PocketGo’s competition, and I know what it takes for a speaker to stand out in a highly convoluted market.

  • First reviewed: January 2026
  • Read more about how we test
Hands on: HP EliteBook X G2i
8:10 am | January 7, 2026

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

My colleagues in the USA are busy covering CES, but HP didn’t want Australia to miss out – so the company shipped me a pre-release version of the new business-focused EliteBook X G2i running the newly released Intel Core Ultra X7 358H CPU.

Sadly, one of the conditions is that I can’t regale you with benchmarks (for now), but I can give you a sneak peek at a very impressive laptop.

While HP announced multiple EliteBook X G2i variants, the one I have is special – it’s the lightweight model that weighs under 1kg. Technically, it actually measured xxxxxx (redacted) grams on my scales, but that’s close enough in my book.

The EliteBook X G2i is impressively light in hand, and despite feeling almost hollow, it’s very sturdy, and has little flex in the 14-inch shell.

HP EliteBook X G2i laptop

(Image credit: Future)

The full spec is below, but I got hands-on with the Intel Core Ultra X7 358H equipped variant, with 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD. HP also announced the EliteBook X G2a with the latest CPUs from AMD, as well as the EliteBook X G2q that will use processors from Qualcomm.

HP also announced a 2-in-1 EliteBook X Flip that shares many of the same specs, but has a fold back screen. You can read more about the EliteBook X G2 Series directly from HP.

There are various display options, but I have the 14-inch 3K OLED (2880 x 1800), with a 120Hz (VRR) refresh rate, a 500 nit brightness and DCI-P3 100% color. In the non-lightweight model (only 100 grams more), you can get the same panel with (or without) a touchscreen, or a range of 1920 x 1200 OLED or IPS screens.

My favorite feature here is that the screen folds back through 180 degrees, which makes it easy to sit the laptop securely in a stand next to a monitor, and minimise the amount of desk space taken up. In use, the OLED is vibrant and bright, and the higher 3K resolution makes it easy to get the most out of the compact 14-inch screen.

USB-C connectivity is great, with dual Thunderbolt 4 on the left, and a 10Gbps port (that also supports charging and DisplayPort 2.1) on the right. You also get USB-A on the right, a Kensington lock port, and HDMI 2.1 and a 3.5mm headset jack on the left.

That’s pretty good for such a compact lightweight laptop, and my only tiny complaint is that I wish there was a little more space between the two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, to make it easier to plug in both a dock cable and a fast USB drive.

The laptop will run up to four monitors, or three if you want to stick with USB-C only. You also get Intel Wi-Fi 7 BE211 (2x2) and Bluetooth 6, plus a facial recognition webcam (with privacy shutter) – though a fingerprint sensor is an optional extra.

HP EliteBook X G2i: Price & availability

HP has not given any pricing or an exact date for when the EliteBook X G2i and X Flip G2i will be available, but you can expect them in February 2026.

The wider EliteBook X G2 family, including the EliteBook X G2a and EliteBook X G2q, is not expected until later in the year.

HP EliteBook X G2i laptop

(Image credit: Future)

HP EliteBook X G2i: Specs

There are quite a few variants of the HP EliteBook X G2i, but the specs below are for the lightweight clamshell variant.

CPU

Intel Core Ultra X7 358H

GPU

Intel Arc B930

Display

14in 3K OLED (2880 x 1800), 120Hz (VRR), anti-glare, 500 nits, DCI-P3 100%

RAM

32GB LPDDR5x 8533MT/s

Storage

1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD (954GB usable)

Connectivity

Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6

Ports

Right: USB-C 10Gbps (USB PD, DP 2.1), USB-A 10Gbps (powered), security lock slot, optional nano-SIM. Left: 2x Thunderbolt 4 (USB PD, DP 2.1), HDMI 2.1, 3.5mm headset jack

Dimensions

312.7 x 219.9 x 9.15mm (front), 14.41mm (rear)

Weight

999g

Operating system

Windows 11 Pro

HP EliteBook X G2i: Design and build

HP EliteBook X G2i laptop

(Image credit: Future)

The lightweight EliteBook X G2i feels very premium the moment you pick it up and while impressively light, it doesn’t feel flimsy, and the whole 14-inch shell is quite rigid. Even the hinge is nicely tuned and opens fairly effortlessly one-handed, but still holds its position once you’ve set the screen angle.

There’s also very little flex in the lid or keyboard deck, and it generally feels like a laptop that will handle being used on the go, day in and day out.

The laptop's look is understated in the way I personally love: the branding is subtle, it’s very professional looking, and the rounded edges make it nice to handle. The lightweight model only comes in “Atmospheric Blue”, but it suits the design.

It does pick up fingerprints easily, though the finish also wipes clean quite easily, so it’s quick to make it look a bit neater before an important meeting.

The trackpad is large, accurate in use and has a good solid haptic click. The keyboard matches the premium feel, and there’s very little bounce. The keys have reasonably deep travel and it’s comfortable for long typing sessions, even with larger hands. I didn’t see any annoying low-angle backlight glow bleeding out under the keys.

It’s also great to see HP putting real effort into materials, and the clamshell covers use up to 90% recycled magnesium, plus there’s recycled content used across parts like the bezel, speaker enclosure, keycaps and more.

HP EliteBook X G2i: Performance

HP EliteBook X G2i laptop

(Image credit: Future)

Again, I can’t give any specific benchmarks at this stage, but I have run the EliteBook X G2i through the full range of TechRadar tests. While there were a few inconsistent results and teething issues (which are normal for a pre-product sample and a new CPU), overall performance is excellent.

You can read more about some of the expected numbers directly from Intel, but suffice to say, the new Core Ultra Series 3 CPUs are very impressive, and thanks to a very powerful iGPU, make Intel powered laptops more competitive against the best from AMD and Qualcomm.

The Core Ultra X7 358H in the EliteBook X G2i isn’t hugely faster than last gen CPUs like the last gen Core Ultra 7 265H in single core tasks, but multicore performance is significantly better. But it’s the Intel Arc B930 that is most impressive, and it runs rings around last gen iGPUs like the Intel Arc 140V and even Radeon 890M.

In fact, it’s good enough to compete directly with low end dedicated GPUs in creator laptops (with more limited power profiles), and will happily handle casual gaming.

HP EliteBook X G2i laptop

(Image credit: Future)

Based on Intel’s numbers, the Core Ultra X7 358H happily bests the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 and is much closer to the higher wattage AMD Ryzen AI Max Pro 390 – though the Arc B390 iGPU still falls short of the Radeon 8050S.

In normal everyday use, the EliteBook X G2i is cool and quiet, but when pushed, it is noticeably noisy. That’s to be expected in such a thin and lightweight laptop, and in fact HP has done a great job of getting impressive sustained performance from the CPU, and the sound level is a perfectly acceptable tradeoff.

The lightweight variant of the laptop I have uses a 56Wh battery, while the normal G2i can also be equipped with a bigger 68Wh battery. While I can't share exact runtimes, battery life is very impressive, and it’s on par with (or better than) the best results from similar spec laptops using older Intel CPUs, or the best from AMD and Qualcomm. While battery life drops under sustained heavier workloads, the EliteBook X G2i is more than capable of lasting through an entire day of work.

AI performance is not a major drawcard for most people yet, but the Ultra X7 358H has a 50 TOPS NPU that will help with many workloads, and be increasingly useful as time goes on.

The EliteBook X G2i comes with a compact 65W USB-C charger, and tops up quite quickly, but we found it a little finicky and it didn’t always charge at the full rate from some 65W (or higher) chargers and power banks. Considering it uses USB PD spec for charging, these are likely just early quibbles with the laptop being more conservative about it making sure it is connected to a suitable performance charger.

HP EliteBook X G2i: Final thoughts

HP EliteBook X G2i laptop

(Image credit: Future)

While we'll reserve final judgment until we get hands-on with a production version of the laptop, based on my time with the G2i, it's absolutely one worth putting on your shortlist for a 2026 upgrade.

I tested this Lenovo Legion gaming laptop and its design is sumptuous — but there are better performers at this price point
7:46 pm | January 6, 2026

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets Gaming Computers Gaming Laptops | Tags: , | Comments: Off

Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 10: Two-minute review

The Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 10 is an elegantly designed laptop, marketed for gamers and other power users requiring its high-end specs.

With its brilliant white finish, the Legion 7i stands out from the drubness of the gaming laptop crowd. The minimal branding and bright RGB keyboard backlighting impart a combination of elegance and vibrancy as well.

The Legion 7i has one of the best gaming laptop designs I’ve seen. It's remarkably thin and has some interesting touches, such as the brushed metal sides with their supremely flat surface and rounded corners.

More importantly, it’s supremely well built, with those aforementioned sides being a particular highlight thanks to their solid feel. However, the top panel can flex a little, and the lid even more so. Thankfully, the hinge offers more than enough stability, and pivots very smoothly.

There are a sufficient number of ports on the Legion 7i, but given the amount of empty space on the sides, it’s a shame there aren’t more. Still, you get two USB-C and two USB-A ports, handy for peripheral connections, while the power jack and HDMI interface are sensibly placed at the rear.

There’s also an SD card reader, an uncommon addition for a gaming laptop. More peculiar is a switch for toggling the webcam, placed on the left behind the aforementioned reader. Why there isn’t a physical slider for covering the camera is beyond me, and doubtless many would prefer this failsafe method instead.

The Intel Core Ultra 7 and RTX 5060 proved capable enough to run AAA titles at high settings. You might need Frame Generation and DLSS upscaling set to Balanced to get the highest fps, but this is pretty much par for the course in the current landscape.

As I expected, the fans whirred constantly during my sessions. The noise they generate can be quite loud, but the best PC gaming headsets should be able to drown this out.

Rear three-quarter view of Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 10 open on desk with pink wall in background

(Image credit: Future)

Less expectedly — and more worryingly — the portion above the keyboard became incredibly hot, to the point of being untouchable. However, this spike only lasted a few moments, before returning to a comfortable temperature. Nonetheless, this was still something I found concerning, and haven’t experienced with other gaming laptops to the same extreme degree.

The display of the Legion 7i lives up to its impressive specification. The high 2560 x 1600 resolution is as crisp as you would imagine, while the OLED technology offers fantastic contrast and color representation. I did notice some prominent reflections, but in the main these weren’t too bothersome.

Despite the keyboard looking rather typical for a laptop, the depth and dampening of the keys exceeded my expectations. This imbues presses with a reassuring thud, while their snappy response should see you perform at your best.

These same qualities, coupled with the spacious layout, make the Legion 7i’s board great for typing, too. The touchpad also feels delightful, thanks to its silky finish. However, its small size and alacrity to trigger at inopportune moments make it impractical.

The battery life of the Legion 7i is quite impressive by gaming laptop standards, lasting close to eight hours in our movie playback test. It’s also quick to charge, taking just under two hours to do so from empty to full.

The starting price of the Legion 7i is fairly reasonable: it undercuts some of its rivals, but there are cheaper alternatives with more powerful componentry. However, these often fail to match the superlative design and build quality of the Legion 7i, so if these are priorities for you, the Legion 7i is one of the best gaming laptops around.

Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 10 review: Price & Availability

Close-up of webcam on Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 10 with pink wall in background

(Image credit: Future)
  • Starts from $1,779.99 / £2,069.99 / AU$3,759
  • Available now
  • Some cheaper rivals with stronger specs

The Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 10 starts from $1,779.99 / £2,069.99 / AU$3,759. For this, you get a unit with an Intel Core Ultra 7, an RTX 5060, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage. In the UK, the base (and only) RAM capacity is 32GB. The highest spec of the Legion 7i features an Ultra 9, an RTX 5070, and 32GB of RAM. There are also two display options to choose from, varying only in their refresh rate (165Hz or 240Hz).

This is undeniably a lot of money, although it’s worth mentioning that we’ve seen both low- and high-spec models with considerable discounts on Lenovo's website. But while there are certainly more expensive 16-inch gaming laptops out there (the Razer Blade 16 comes to mind), there are also some considerably cheaper rivals.

One such model is the Asus TUF Gaming A16 (2025). This is one of the best budget gaming laptop options around right now: it impressed me with its performance and surprisingly elegant design when I reviewed it. However, it can’t match the premium construction, slender form, or visual fidelity of the Legion 7i.

  • Value: 3.5 / 5

Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 10 review: Specs

Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 10 base config

Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 10 max config

Price

$1,779.99 / £2,069.99 / AU$3,759

$2,179.99 / £2,600 / AU$4,159

CPU

Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX (up to 5.2GHz)

Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX (up to 5.4GHz)

GPU

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop, 8GB

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop, 8GB

RAM

16GB DDR5 (US); 32GB DDR5 (UK)

32GB DDR5

Storage

1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD

1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD

Display

16-inch WQXGA (2560 x 1600), OLED, Glare, Non-Touch, HDR 1000 True Black, 100% DCI-P3, 500 nits, 165Hz, Low Blue Light

16-inch WQXGA (2560 x 1600), OLED, Glare, Non-Touch, HDR 1000 True Black, 100% DCI-P3, 500 nits, 240Hz, Low Blue Light

Ports and Connectivity

2x USB-C (1x Thunderbolt 4 (40Gb/s, DisplayPort 2.1, power delivery 65W-100W), 1x 10Gb/s, power delivery 65-100W, DisplayPort 2.1), 2x USB-A (5Gb/s), 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x Combo audio; Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4

2x USB-C (1x Thunderbolt 4 (40Gb/s, DisplayPort 2.1, power delivery 65W-100W), 1x 10Gb/s, power delivery 65-100W, DisplayPort 2.1), 2x USB-A (5Gb/s), 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x Combo audio; Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4

Battery

84Wh

84Wh

Dimensions

0.7 x 14.2 x 10.4in (17.9 x 361.7 x 263.4mm)

0.7 x 14.2 x 10.4in (17.9 x 361.7 x 263.4mm)

Weight

4.39lbs / 1.99kg

4.39lbs / 1.99kg

Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 10 review: Design

Close-up of top of keyboard on Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 10

(Image credit: Future)
  • Light, thin, and elegant
  • Great build quality
  • Missed opportunity for more ports

You won’t see too many gaming laptops as elegant as the Legion 7i. The fetching white finish marks it out from the usual bland shades of black seen in this sector, and puts me in mind of MacBooks of yore. The subtle branding and RGB backlighting also help to liven up appearances.

Strange as it is to say, the edges of the Legion 7i are a real highlight. The completely flat surfaces and rounded corners are reminiscent of the best iPad and best MacBook designs, while the brushed metal finish only adds to the appeal.

What’s more, their aluminum construction feels incredibly dense, so there’s little chance of denting them. The top panel that houses the keyboard has more give, but it’s still more solid than many others in this price range. This is all the more impressive given how thin and light the base is. There are no extraneous protrusions either; even the rear ventilation bulge is much smaller than its rivals’.

Even thinner than the 7i’s base is the lid. It’s equally impressive in its resistance to flexing, and its hinge offers a remarkable amount of sturdiness while operating with the utmost smoothness. I also appreciated the slight jut at the top of the lid, which allows you to open the Legion 7i easily with one hand, which isn’t the case with many other gaming laptops.

Close-up of left side of keyboard on Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 10

(Image credit: Future)

The rear features two ports: one for the power adapter and one for HDMI cables. On the left are three USB ports — two Type-C and one Type-A — and a combo audio jack. On the right, you’ll find another USB-A port and, unusually for a gaming laptop, an SD card reader.

Also on the right is a switch for disabling the webcam. This doesn't work as well as a mechanical cover, and its small size and stiff operation meant I wasn't a huge fan, though it's still nice to have this additional privacy feature.

Overall, though, the port selection on the Legion 7i should prove sufficient for most users’ needs. However, given the large gaps present on both sides, I can’t help feeling that more could’ve been squeezed in.

Lenovo’s main utility software, LegionSpace, is simple to use and functions well. It ran without issue during my time with it, and it was quick and easy to view system information and change performance modes.

  • Design: 5 / 5

Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 10 review: Performance

Close-up of touchpad on Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 10

(Image credit: Future)
  • Good gaming performance
  • Some general performance issues
  • Odd temperature spikes
Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 10 Benchmarks

Here are the results for the benchmarks I ran on the Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 10:

Geekbench 6 (Multi Core): 18,459; (Single Core): 3,008
Cinebench R23 (Multi Core): 28,264
Cinebench R24 (Multi Core): 1,664; (Single Core): 132
Crossmark Overall: 2,120
3DMark
Night Raid: 79,720; Fire Strike: 27,345; Steel Nomad: 2,730; Solar Bay: 56,673; Solar Bay Unlimited: 57,277; Solar Bay Extreme: 11,267; Solar Bay Extreme Unlimited: 11,429
BlackMagicDisk Read: 5,208MB/s; Write: 4,343MB/s
Civilization VII (Max resolution, AMD FSR 3, High): 92fps; (1080p, High): 178fps
Shadow of the Tomb Raider (Max resolution, Highest, Balanced upscaling): 162fps; (1080p, Highest, SMAA x4): 132fps
Total War: Warhammer III: Mirrors of Madness (1080p, Ultra)66fps; (Max Resolution, Ultra): 43fps
Cyberpunk 2077 (Max resolution, Ultra, Balanced upscaling)74fps; (1440p, Ray Tracing: Ultra, Balanced upscaling): 48fps; (1080p, Ultra): 93fps
Marvel Rivals (Max resolution, Balanced upscaling, Ultra): 61fps; (1200p, Low): 106fps

When it came to gaming, the Legion 7i conducted itself well. While playing Cyberpunk 2077, I was getting fps figures in the mid 60s with the Ray Tracing: Low preset selected and DLSS upscaling set to Balanced. Turning on Frame Generation resulted in significant improvements, boosting the rate to about 100fps.

Some general performance issues did blight my time with the Legion 7i somewhat. I experienced occasional lock-ups when navigating Windows 11, with clicks on icons and app windows failing to register. I also encountered stuck loading wheels.

Under load, the Legion 7i’s fans are certainly noticeable, but given many gaming laptops sound like jet engines when running demanding tasks, the sound isn’t too disruptive.

Despite the noise, however, the fans failed to provide consistent cooling. It didn’t take long for the section just above the keyboard to reach worrying high temperatures.

Thankfully, it cooled down to touchable temperatures in the midst of gameplay. The rear of the Legion 7i also became very hot, although thankfully not to the same extent, while the keyboard at least only became lukewarm.

Close-up of left-side ports on Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 10 on desk

(Image credit: Future)

On a more positive note, the display of the Legion 7i is exquisite. The 2560 x 1600 resolution is as pinpoint-sharp as you would expect, while the OLED technology allows for superb contrast. Color reproduction and brightness levels are also hard to fault. The only minor gripe I had was the reflectiveness of the screen, but this wasn’t bad enough to ruin the visual splendor of the Legion 7i.

The keys are solid and very well damped. They have a greater travel and a more emphatic thud compared to other gaming laptop keyboards I’ve experienced, which makes them very satisfying to game with. The space bar was a particular highlight in this regard, putting it on a level with those fitted in the best gaming keyboards.

What’s more, the keys rebound superbly, which further improves their performance. This applies whether you’re gaming or typing, while the latter activity additionally benefits from the comfortable layout, which, despite the main keys being pushed to the left by the number pad, doesn’t feel cramped.

The touchpad is also a joy to use, thanks to its super-smooth surface and solid clicks. However, it’s relatively small given the overall size of the Legion 7i, which hampers navigation somewhat.

It’s also overly-sensitive. Unintentional swipes and taps frequently registered when I used the keyboard — especially the common Alt and Tab combination, resulting in a very frustrating productivity experience. However, all this might be a moot point if, like many gamers, you plan on using a mouse exclusively.

  • Performance: 3.5 / 5

Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 10 review: Battery Life

Close-up of right-side ports on Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 10 on desk with pink wall in background

(Image credit: Future)
  • Decent longevity
  • Some rivals more enduring
  • Quick to charge

By gaming laptop standards, the Legion 7i has a respectable battery life. It managed to last just shy of eight hours when I ran a movie on a continuous loop, which means it can outlast many of its rivals, although both the Asus V16 and TUF Gaming A16 (2025) beat it comfortably, with each lasting over 10 hours in the same test.

Fortunately, the Legion 7i is very quick to charge, taking just two hours to fully replenish.

  • Battery Life: 4 / 5

Should I buy the Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 10?

Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 10 Scorecard

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Value

The price is good considering its upmarket design, but there are cheaper rivals with better performance.

3.5 / 5

Design

This is one of the lightest, thinnest, and sleekest 16-inch gaming laptops around, not to mention the build quality is excellent.

5 / 5

Performance

Gaming performance is pretty good, but there are some issues with general performance. Some temperature spikes also sully the experience somewhat.

3.5 / 5

Battery Life

Pretty good for this class of laptop, and it’s very quick to charge. Some rivals can outlast it, though.

4 / 5

Total

You’re mainly paying for the superb design of the Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 10 rather than its outright performance, but this is still sufficient for high-end gaming.

4 / 5

Buy the Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 10 if...

You want a sleek, elegant design
You’ll struggle to find a thinner, lighter, and better-made 16-inch gaming laptop than the Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 10.

You want a fantastic display
Super sharp, bright, and vivid, the WQXGA OLED display in the Legion 7i is excellent all-round.

Don't buy it if...

You want the best performance
Gaming performance is great, but don’t expect to run AAA titles smoothly with the highest settings applied. Some hiccups occur with general tasking, too.

You want the best cooling
I experienced some odd temperature spikes during my time with the Legion 7i, with some parts (thankfully, not those you’d often touch) becoming blistering hot.

Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 10 review: Also Consider

Asus V16
The Asus V16 is another thin and light 16-inch gaming laptop, but at a much cheaper price. Granted, with its RTX 40-series GPU, it isn’t as powerful but I still found the V16’s performance to be capable. It can’t, however, match the build or display quality of the Legion 7i, and it’s prone to getting hot, too.

Asus TUF Gaming A16 (2025)
Another budget-friendly offering, the TUF Gaming A16 can be optioned with an RTX 5070 and an AMD Ryzen 9 and still undercut the base Legion 7i. Again, though, its display isn’t nearly as impressive, and it can get very loud under load.

Read our full Asus TUF Gaming A16 (2025) review.

How I tested the Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 10

Close-up of rear ventilation on Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 10, on desk with pink wall in background

(Image credit: Future)
  • Tested for several days
  • Used for gaming and other tasks
  • Plentiful gaming laptop experience

I tested the Legion 7i for several days, during which time I used it for gaming, working, and light entertainment.

I played AAA titles such as Cyberpunk 2077 and ran our series of comprehensive benchmark tests, including those for the battery life.

I’ve been PC gaming for over a decade, and have used many systems in that time. I’ve reviewed a large number of gaming laptops professionally, varying greatly in their specs and price points.

Dell XPS 14 2026 and XPS 16 2026
2:00 am |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets Laptops Windows Laptops | Tags: , , | Comments: Off

As CES 2026 kicks off, right out of the gate, we have one of the biggest surprises of the show as far as laptops go, and that is the return of the Dell XPS 14 and XPS 16.

Last year, Dell underwent a major overhaul of its laptop lines, consolidating them under a kind of grid scheme of Dell, Dell Pro, and Dell Pro Max laptops, each with a base model, a Plus model, and a Premium version for different sizes.

It was controversial, for sure, and whether that controversy prompted Dell to change course or there was something in the sales performance of the rebranded laptops that gave Dell pause, whatever it was has given us back the iconic Dell XPS laptops, and it’s more than just a return to the old name.

The new Dell XPS lineup has had a solid redesign that at first sight goes a long way towards fixing the complaints I had with the last few generations of XPS laptops. It’s also powered by the new Intel Core Ultra 300 series processors, and by powered by Intel, I mean entirely.

With the new redesign, the XPS laptop is losing a discrete graphics option for the foreseeable future, which is putting a lot of trust in Intel’s new chips to deliver the mix of creative and productivity performance users expect from the XPS brand.

Whether the new Dell XPS 14 and Dell XPS 16 achieve that balance remains to be seen, but for right now, these two laptops are a fantastic return for the beloved laptop line.

Dell XPS 14 & Dell XPS 16: Price & availability

A Dell XPS 14 sitting on display

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
  • When is it out? The XPS 14 and XPS 16 go on sale January 6, 2026
  • How much is it? Starting at $2,049.99 for the XPS 14 and $2,199.99 for the XPS 16
  • Where can you get it? Only available in the US at launch, with global availability to follow

The Dell XPS 14 and Dell XPS 16 will go on sale in the US on January 6, 2026, with a limited number of configurations, starting at $2,049.99 for the XPS 14 and $2,199.99 for the XPS 16. Lower-priced configurations will be launching soon, as will wider availability in the UK and Australia, though no dates or pricing for those regions have been given yet.

Without knowing what the specific specs of the initial configurations are, it’s hard to tell how much the price of the new XPS laptops will vary from earlier models. With RAM prices being what they are, I would not be surprised if they come in somewhat higher, but Dell is also better able to absorb those price hikes or negotiate volume pricing down, thanks to its size, so we’ll just have to keep an eye on it over the next few weeks and months before I can give it a proper value assessment.

Dell XPS 14 & Dell XPS 16: Specs

  • Powered by Intel Core Ultra 300 series
  • No discrete graphics option
Dell XPS 14 2026 & Dell XPS 16 2026 specs

Dell XPS 14

Dell XPS 16

Processor

Up to Intel Core Ultra X9 388H

Up to Intel Core Ultra X9 388H

Graphics

Intel Arc Graphics, Intel Graphics

Intel Arc Graphics, Intel Graphics

NPU

Up to 50 TOPS

Up to 50 TOPS

Memory

Up to 64GB LPDDR5x-9600

Up to 64GB LPDDR5x-9600

Storage

Up to 4TB PCIe 5.0

Up to 4TB PCIe 5.0

Display

Up to 14-inch 2.8K (2880 x 1800) OLED InfinityEdge touch display, 400-nits typical, 500-nits peak brightness, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500

Up to 16-inch 3.2K (3200 x 2000) OLED InfinityEdge touch, 400-nits typical, 500-nits peak brightness, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500

Wireless

Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0

Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0

Ports

3x Thunderbolt 4, 1x 3.5mm Universal Audio jack

3x Thunderbolt 4, 1x 3.5mm Universal Audio jack

Battery

70WHr

70WHr

Webcam

8MP / 4K HDR w/ Windows Hello

8MP / 4K HDR w/ Windows Hello

Dimensions (W x D x H)

12.19 x 8.26 x 0.58 ins | 309.5 x 209.7 x 14.6mm

13.88 x 9.35 x 0.58 ins | 352.6 x 237.47 x 14.6mm

Weight

3.0 lbs | 1.36kg

3.65 lbs | 1.65kg

Dell XPS 14 & Dell XPS 16: Design

A Dell XPS 14 sitting on display

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
  • New, thinner, and more modern design
  • Fixes most of the accessibility issues with previous gen XPS models

The biggest change here for the Dell XPS 14and XPS 16 is the design of the two laptops, which significantly improves things over earlier generations.

First, the laptop feels lighter and sturdier than its predecessors, and it definitely looks more modern. The move from the Dell logo to the XPS logo on the lid also makes the laptop feel less like an office product and more like a proper ultrabook.

A Dell XPS 14 sitting on display

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

From my limited time with the two laptops, the keys had good travel and felt comfortable enough in my testing, but having not typed on them extensively, I can’t say how they’ll feel after a few hours of work.

The three Thunderbolt ports along the sides and the headphone/mic jack are sufficient for most people, and while the lack of USB-A ports might annoy some, at this point, I can’t fault Dell for sticking with the faster, more intuitive USB-C interface.

A Dell XPS 14 sitting on display

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

The webcam is an 8MP 4K HDR webcam, which is what I would expect for a laptop in this class, and the 10W audio is spread out between a number of hidden speakers along both sides of the laptop. Given the noise in the testing area, the audio was audible, but it was also really loud. I’ll reserve judgment on that until I can do more extensive testing with it.

The OLED displays looked great on the two laptops, with the XPS 16-inch feeling much more roomy as you’d expect, but the 14-inch display is also more than enough for most. The lighting in the testing space wasn’t the greatest, so I wouldn’t trust my eyes to judge the color accuracy without a longer look in better conditions, but I honestly can’t think of anything I’d fault them for.

The biggest changes, for me at least, are the return of physical Function keys and a more visible border for the trackpads. The old virtual Function key bar along the previous gen devices and the complete lack of a visibly defined trackpad on a smooth, glassy surface were accessibility headaches that simply weren’t necessary. The trackpad could be better defined, I’ll say, but I’m just happy that you can at least see it more clearly.

Dell XPS 14 & Dell XPS 16: Performance

A Dell XPS 14 sitting on display

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

I didn’t have a chance to benchmark either the XPS 14 or XPS 16, so I can’t tell you how either will perform versus their predecessors. I will say that the lack of discrete graphics will not work in the new XPS models' favor if you are comparing them to a Dell Premium with an Nvidia RTX 4050, like the Dell 14 Premium I tested last year.

That said, I haven’t fully tested the new Intel Panther Lake chips yet, so the new XPS’s performance might end up surprising me. We’ll know soon enough.

Dell XPS 14 & Dell XPS 16: Final thoughts

A Dell XPS 14 in a man's hand

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

I personally didn’t lose much sleep over the XPS rebranding last year, the way many of my colleagues did, but I’m sure the XPS’s triumphant return from exile will make plenty of people happy.

What I care far more about, though, is the redesign of these two laptops, particularly the Function keys and the trackpad. Those fixes alone make this the one laptop I’m most excited to test out in the next few weeks, and if Intel Panther Lake can live up to its hype, these two models just might be the laptops to buy in 2026.

TechRadar will be extensively covering this year's CES, and will bring you all of the big announcements as they happen. Head over to our CES 2026 news page for the latest stories and our hands-on verdicts on everything from wireless TVs and foldable displays to new phones, laptops, smart home gadgets, and the latest in AI.

And don’t forget to follow us on TikTok and WhatsApp for the latest from the CES show floor!

I finally tried the Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold and couldn’t believe my eyes and hands — I just hope it doesn’t cost a fortune
7:54 pm | January 5, 2026

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Phones Samsung Galaxy Phones | Tags: | Comments: Off

Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold: One-minute preview

If you leave aside the why, the Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold is unquestionably a remarkable design achievement, even more so when you consider the state of folding phone art just seven short years ago.

The Galaxy Z TriFold is, after all, the great-grandchild of Samsung's original Fold, a woe-begotten device that almost single-handedly ended the category. Samsung, however, swiftly iterated, rapidly making its folding devices thinner, lighter, sturdier, and infinitely more attractive.

Virtually everything Samsung learned from that journey is on display in the Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold, a powerful, thin, relatively light, and somewhat amazing device that forces you to ask yourself why you might want to keep a 10-inch tablet in your pocket.

Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold hands on

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

I finally got to hold and briefly play with the TriFold at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, where the phone made its US debut, and I came away impressed at its thinness when unfolded, its compactness when folded twice, its relatively lightweight nature, and the hints of power and even camera performance.

There's much we still need to learn, such as when it will start shipping outside Korea, and what it will cost (most estimate that $2,400 is a good starting point), and how well it will hold up to real-world use.

Even so, my overall impression is of a well-built, high-quality device that effectively answers the question of whether it's possible to have both a 6.5-inch phone and a 10-inch tablet in one compact device.

Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold: price and specs

In Korea the Galaxy Z TriFold starts at 3.59 million KRW, which equates to roughly $2,500 but it's hard to know if that will have any bearing on the final price, which could be significantly higher than that conversion or a bit lower. We'll have to wait until Samsung starts shipping the device outside its home market to find out.

The base model comes with 512GB of storage and 16GB of RAM, and there's no option for more storage, which is a bit of a shame. It's possible Samsung may revisit storage options at a later date, once it sees how the Korean market responds to the singular option (early reports are that the small initial run of Z Trifold stock quickly sold out).

Ultimately, while the Galaxy Z TriFold might cost as much as a well-appointed laptop, it's difficult to compare it to other foldables since this is a tri-folding device, unlike the Pixel 10 Pro Fold or even its own cousin, the Galaxy Z Fold 7. You get a lot more screen, and arguably a lot more engineering, for your money.

Samsung Galaxy TriFold specs

Samsung Galaxy Z Trifold

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7

Dimensions (folded):

75.0 x 159.2 x 12.9mm

72.8 x 158.4 x 8.9mm

Dimensions (unfolded):

214.1 x 159.2 x 3.9mm (center screen only)
Button side: 4.0mm
SIM tray side: 4.2mm

143.2 x 158.4 x 4.2mm

Weight:

309g

215g

Main display:

10-inch QXGA+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X

(2160 x 1584 - 269ppi), adaptive refresh rate (1-120Hz)

8-inch QXGA+ Dynamic AMOLED

(2184 x 1968), adaptive refresh rate (1~120Hz)

Cover display::

6.5-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X

(2520 x 1080 422ppi), adaptive refresh rate (1-120Hz)

6.5-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED

2x display (2520 x 1080, 21:9), adaptive refresh rate (1~120Hz)

Chipset:

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Mobile Platform for Galaxy

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Mobile Platform for Galaxy

RAM:

16GB

12GB / 16GB (1TB model only)

Storage:

512GB

256GB / 512GB / 1TB

OS:

Android 16 / One UI 8

Android 16 / One UI 8

Primary camera:

200MP f1.7

200MP f1.7

Ultrawide camera:

12MP f2.2

12MP f2.2

Telephoto

3x 10MP f2.4

3x 10MP f2.4

Cover Camera:

10MP f2.2

10MP f2.2

Inner Camera:

10MP f2.2

10MP f2.2

Battery:

5,600mAh

4,400mAh

Charging:

50% in 30 mins with 45W fast charger (wired)

30 mins with 25W adapter (wired)

Colors:

Crafted Black

Blue Shadow, Silver Shadow and Jetblack [Samsung.com Exclusive] Mint

Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold preview: design

  • Thin and elegant when unfolded
  • Folded, it's compact, a little thick, and heavier than your average flagship
  • Premium materials

The Galaxy Z TriFold is another design triumph for Samsung in the foldable phone space. Yes, there are two hinges in this tightly wound product rather than one, but nothing about the execution feels incomplete or half-realized.

First of all, Samsung made the smart choice of designing the TriFold so that you fold in one side, then the other to fully protect the flexible 10-inch main screen when it's not in use. This is in contrast to Honor's Magic Triple foldable, which is designed so that one portion of its flexible display wraps over one of the hinges.

Samsung Galaxy Z Trifold hands on

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

Samsung knows better. It's put so much thought and effort into how this device folds that the TriFold throws up a full-screen warning (and vibrates the device) if you're in danger of folding it incorrectly,

Yes, you heard that right: there is a right way and a very wrong way to fold the Z TriFold. It's always the left side first and then the right side on top of that. The three-segment stack then holds together tightly, so much so that it feels like one solid 12.9mm-thick unit.

Unfolded, each of the TriFold's three segments has a slightly different thickness, with the center section, at 3.9mm, being the thinnest. The other two are closer in thickness to the unfolded Z Fold 7: roughly 4.2mm.

In tablet mode, the TriFold lies almost perfectly flat, save for the camera bump. In general, the TriFold resists any attempt to keep it partially folded or unfolded; you either use it fully folded and focus on the cover screen, or unfold it as a tablet.

Folded, the TriFold resembles its cousin, the Z Fold 7, though at 309g it's substantially heavier. Unfolded, it's like the world's thinnest 10-inch tablet. Samsung, by the way, has done a remarkable job of hiding the flexible screen creases. Not only are they barely visible, but I could scarcely feel them.

The Galaxy Z TriFold is only available in one color for now: Crafted Black, which I liked, even if every surface of the TriFold appeared to be a fingerprint magnet.

Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold: displays

  • Relatively roomy and bright cover display
  • Expansive 10-inch tablet main display
  • Both screens offer high resolutions and snappy, variable refresh rates

Samsung Galaxy Z Trifold hands on

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

While I didn't get a lot of time with the Galaxy Z TriFold, I can tell you that both screens are beautiful and responsive. I like that the 6.5-inch cover display doesn't feel cramped, and I don't mind the 10MP selfie camera cutout.

The flexible main display is huge, and qualifies as the first truly foldable, pocketable 10-inch tablet (it also has a small punch-out for a 10MP selfie camera, but that all but disappears on the huge screen). The display is not only fast, it's the perfect place to try out all sorts of multi-tasking and multi-desktop tricks. It's also a capable second screen for a Windows desktop, much more exciting to use than a mere Android smartphone.

Samsung Galaxy Z Trifold hands on

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

Galaxy AI works especially well on the larger screen, where we used it to remove some people from a complex image during our demo session. What's notable is that the big screen can show you both the original and the AI-edited images at once in a perfectly-synced side-by-side view.

I'm sure people will be blown away when you pull this phone out, unfold it, and get to work. As for me, I did a little drawing on it with my finger, but I did long for S Pen support. However, like the Z Fold 7, the Z TriFold lacks a digitizing layer (there's no room for it at this thickness), so I'll have to be satisfied with finger or analog stylus input, at least on this first model.

Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold: cameras

  • 200MP sensor is now the benchmark for Samsung foldables
  • Zoom is a little underpowered
  • Decent selfie cameras

Samsung Galaxy Z Trifold hands on

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

With the Z Trifiold, Samsung has essentially matched the camera system found on its other big-screen foldable, the Z Fold 7. Here's what you get:

  • 200MP wide
  • 12MP ultra-wide
  • 10MP 3x telephoto
  • 10MP cover-screen
  • 10MP main-screen

It's a good system. The 200MP camera takes great photos, and I doubt anyone will be disappointed with the 12MP ultrawide and pair of 10MP selfie cameras. I do wish the 10x telephoto offered more than 3x optical zoom, but it's still, even in my limited experience with the device, a decent shooter.

I can't say much more about the cameras because I only shot with them in a small, controlled space, but I would not be surprised if they all perform similarly to their equivalents on on the Z Fold 7.

Samsung Galaxy Z Trifold hands on

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold: Software and AI

  • The phone will ship with Android 16
  • All the expected Google Gemini integration is here

This is another Android 16 system running One UI 8 or above. It's a really good platform with useful widgets and daily digests.

The two AI platforms – Samsung Galaxy AI and Google Gemini – are as deeply integrated here as they are in all other recent Galaxy-grade smartphones.

However, other than trying the Galaxy AI image editing, I didn't get to try any other AI features. I don't expect any surprises here, though, and I'm pretty certain that virtually all the AI features will look better, and in some cases work better, on the 10-inch display.

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Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold: Performance and battery

  • Custom Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor
  • Even more base RAM than the Z Fold 7
  • Battery is split into three modules and, at 5,600mAh, it's huge

As with the Galaxy S25 line and the Z Fold 7, the new Z TriFold is packing the top-of-the-line Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy. That means it's a customized CPU build that ups the GHz just a bit, which may result in better performance than you'd get from an Android phone running the standard mobile CPU.

Backing it with 16GB was a pretty smart move, too, since it'll help support all those onboard AI operations.

The system starts and ends with 512GB of storage. There's no option for a terabyte, which is surprising since this handset is so obviously aimed at business and enterprise users.

As for how well it performs, in my brief hands-on time every operation was smooth and fast – but then I didn't have the chance to really put the Galaxy Z TriFold through its paces.

The TriFold splits its large 5,600mAh battery across the device's three segments. As for what that means for battery life in daily use, we'll have to wait for our full review.

Overall, though, the Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold impresses with expert design and engineering, big-screen productivity, and a flagship-level cover screen, all at a still truly pocketable size. Let's just hope it's not widely expensive.

First previewed January 2026

HBO Max sticks with its tried and tested formula for The Pitt season 2 — and it’s the best medicine possible
7:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets HBO Max Streaming | Comments: Off

Let's be honest – there was every chance that the surprise HBO Max smash hit The Pitt was a one-off. Following the singular shift in a Pittsburgh emergency room across an entire series, season 1 was a breath of fresh air, and an incredibly urgent one at that. But by blending its winning formula with new dynamic elements, The Pitt season 2 is just as strong... and perhaps even better.

We're picking up 10 months after the events of season 1, with our unhinged day shift staff taking over for the Fourth of July weekend. Lead Dr. Robby (Noah Wyle) is a lot more grounded than his emotional breakdown in season 1, planning to leave for a three-month sabbatical after the holiday shift is over.

Unluckily for him, his substitute attending doctor has turned up early, intent on following him on his rounds and implementing her own changes along the way. Without giving anything away, Dr. Baran Al-Hashimi (Sepideh Moafi) is one to watch, assimilating into the main cast as a devilish A-type yin to Robby's laid-back and approachable yang.

We've also got the return of Langdon (Patrick Ball), who was put on temporary suspension in season 1 after stealing patient drugs to satiate his hidden addiction. As for everyone else... well, they're being thrown from the fire into the metaphorical frying pan.

In essence, The Pitt season 2 is following exactly the same structure as season 1, and without context, that should be a lazy and monotonous decision. But the ER is an abyss of unknown complications, and that's exactly why the HBO show only gets bigger and better.

The Pitt season 2 will be the jewel in the crown of 2026 television

As we learned in season 1, The Pitt has its narrative basics nailed down pat. Our ensemble cast is a smorgasbord of chaos, scattered across wards like worker ants bowing down to their Queen (or in this case, King). Dr. Al-Hashimi's presence immediately has them all on edge, proving that the minute you think you're comfortable, you really have no idea what's going on.

The core concept of each episode covering an hour of the same shift still feels fresh, and with so much going on at any given time, you'd be hard-pressed not to be completely absorbed. What I particularly admire is how much our day players – and by that, I'm referring to the characters we see wheeled in and out of the ER in a single episode – feel just as integral and important as the main cast. It's a testament to the exceptional craft that nobody feels like a spare part, with the overall editorial feel a world away from the sensationalized storylines of Grey's Anatomy.

Where the latter has strayed into engineered shock factor over the years (we've all seen the TikTok clips of patients with something weird stuck up their butts or manipulative parents holding their child hostage), The Pitt's core focus is its staff. The ever-changing dynamics between the characters is of the utmost importance, and whenever a new patient is introduced, we're seeing them through their doctors' eyes (and their personal struggles).

Langdon is a great example of this. His first day back at work is met with quiet hostility, taking it upon himself to apologies to the patient he stole medicine from. In that moment, the two are equal, though the patient is framed through Langdon's lack of responsibility. We feel we know them both on an intimately deep level, and neither is merely defined by their relationship roles.

In truth, there isn't a single individual storyline that doesn't feel intriguing. Dana (Katherine LaNasa) has returned to work after threatening to quit at the end of season 1, Mel (Taylor Dearden) faces a deposition and Whitaker (Gerran Howell) has quietly worked up the ranks and now assumes more of the shared workload. Season 1 laid the groundwork for us to fully invest in them, and season 2 is letting them freely flourish or fail.

Life-or-death challenges are on par with the first season

Noah Wyle looks over his shoulder at residents

It's all just another day in the life. (Image credit: HBO)

While watching season 1, I didn't think anything could top the sudden introduction of a school shooting in episode 12. But once again, The Pitt season has kept me on my toes. There's no spoilers here, but the new series takes the same energy and splits it into two separate strands, providing shrewd social commentary from multiple perspectives.

The tension never drops, and the level of concentration needed to keep up with all the moving parts means minimal distractions (so no scrolling on your phone at the same time). I've never once been interested in working as a doctor, but week-after-week, I know the jargon and could put voluntary hospital work on my CV.

Here's the one and only kicker: as lucky as I've been to access The Pitt season 2 early, I (and my fellow press) have only seen nine out of 15 episodes. We're left on a life-threatening cliffhanger, and in full transparency, we've got no idea if the new season sticks the ending.

The Fourth of July weekend was a genius choice to naturally up the stakes, and that means dramatic intensity is a given. The first nine episodes throw both us and its cast into the deep end, but as the day draws on, who knows what abhorrent disasters we'll all have to deal with.

Logically, I know from experience that our next season finale is likely to be a slam dunk. Episodes 12-15 of season 1 were my favorite part of the viewing experience, beautifully weaving together the show's intersecting storylines while still giving us enough peril and mystery to last for another season. Can HBO Max do it again? You bet.

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I tested Hori’s cheap Nintendo Switch 2 camera — this one flaw makes it hard to recommend
10:00 pm | January 4, 2026

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets Gaming Peripherals & Accessories Webcams | Tags: , | Comments: Off

Hori USB Camera for Nintendo Switch 2: review

Looking to grab a camera for your Nintendo Switch 2? Well, the Hori USB Camera for Nintendo Switch 2 is a cheaper option that provides video functionality for both GameChat and certain in-game features.

This model comes from video game accessory player Hori, but is actually licensed by Nintendo itself. It’s a pretty interesting model, offering a flexible design that works for both docked and handheld modes. You can insert it directly into your Nintendo Switch 2 via its USB-C connector, or you can instead plug it into a base, which can be connected to your Switch 2 console with an included cable.

In fact, there’s even a clip on the underside of the base that can be used as a mount. I found this to be stable and easy to use, although it’s worth noting that it won’t fit on chunkier displays – my TV, for example, proved to be too thick. Still, the overall versatility of the camera’s design is something that I look for when testing the best Nintendo Switch 2 accessories, and it is highly practical.

Man using Hori USB Camera for Nintendo Switch 2 and shown on display

(Image credit: Future)

Just generally, this camera is well designed. It’s phenomenally compact and lightweight, making it easy to fit into a top-class case, like the Nintendo Switch 2 All-In-One Carrying Case, for example. The camera can also be angled to your liking, there’s an effective privacy shutter on board, and it’s got a classy, albeit basic, black finish.

Sure, it doesn’t have the pizzazz of the Hori Piranha Plant Camera for Nintendo Switch 2 – that model’s main selling point – but if you’re looking for something understated, then it isn’t half bad.

Man activating privacy shutter on the Hori USB Camera for Nintendo Switch 2

(Image credit: Future)

But with regret, this is where my praise starts to run dry for Hori’s Nintendo Switch 2 accessory. Why? Well, if you’re looking for strong performance, then Hori’s USB Camera is not for you. It has the same specs as the Piranha Plant camera, meaning it offers a 480p resolution. Yes, that’s the same quality we saw on the Nintendo DSi, which was released in… 2008. Ouch.

That low resolution means that you’re getting pretty dismal picture quality overall. The camera made my face look blurry, with finer details like lines on my face and individual hairs looking blocky and poorly defined. If you’re using the camera in TV mode and sitting at a distance, the restrictions of 480p are even more prominent. A logo on my clothing melded into a blob, and everything in my room lacked clarity.

Even colors look washed out, lacking saturation and that true-to-life tone you’d hope for. When I switched over to the 1080p official Nintendo Switch 2 Camera, these issues were thrown into even sharper relief. With that model, I was instantly struck by more eye-popping colors, with the striking red of a Switch 2 game box and the delicate pink of flowers in my living room a joy to behold. Sure, my face still wasn’t incredibly clear at a distance, but it appeared far less blurry than it did with the Hori USB Camera.

One more small thing. The field of view on the Hori USB Camera isn’t fantastic. At 85 degrees, it can cram a decent amount into the picture, but again, the 110 degrees you get from the official Switch 2 camera is optimized far better for those who want to get four or more players in view, say.

Hori USB Camera for Nintendo Switch 2 plugged into Switch 2 console

(Image credit: Future)

I want to make one thing clear, though. Despite its low resolution and fairly limited field of view, the Hori USB Camera is, at least, functional. I didn’t experience any bugs or compatibility issues, 30fps performance was pretty consistent, and it tracked my face pretty well when playing Mario Kart World.

Another thing worth considering is that Hori’s USB Camera is usually a fair bit cheaper than the official Switch 2 camera. Although this model has a list price of $59.99 / £29.99 / AU$64.95, I’m already seeing it go for less, with some online retailers selling it for under $35 / £20 / AU$45. Meanwhile, the official camera launched at $54.99 / £49.99 / AU$69.95, and is usually full price in the US – though I’ve spotted it going for less than £30 in the UK and AU$60 in Australia.

Is this model worth buying, then? Well, for the majority of people, I’m tempted to say no. There are the obvious issues, like poor picture quality and color replication, but it’s also worth flagging that there aren’t tons of games that support camera functionality. A few titles – like Super Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV and Mario Kart World have segments that use video, but the list of supported software is slim at the moment.

If you simply need a camera that functions and is easy to use, then this model works. It’s a little cheaper than the official model, and is pleasingly flexible too. But the Piranha Plant alternative is similarly priced and has a fun factor that the USB Camera lacks, meaning it ends up being a fairly hard sell.

Reverse side of the Hori USB Camera for Nintendo Switch 2

(Image credit: Future)

Hori USB Camera for Nintendo Switch 2 review: price & specs

Price

$59.99 / £29.99 / AU$64.95

Resolution

480p at 30fps

Field of view

85 degrees

Dimensions

1.2 x 1.2 x 2.3in / 30 x 30 x 58mm (camera); 1.5 x 1.5 x 1.6in / 39 x 37 x 40mm (base)

Weight

0.2lbs / 80g

Compatibility

Nintendo Switch 2, Windows, MacOS

Should I buy the Hori USB Camera for Nintendo Switch 2?

Hori USB Camera for Nintendo Switch 2 plugged into top of Switch 2 console

(Image credit: Future)

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

Flexible build, dual TV / handheld mode, but clip won’t fit all screens and a tad basic-looking.

4/5

Performance

Poor 480p resolution results in blurry picture quality, but framing works well.

2/5

Value

A bit cheaper than the official Switch 2 camera, but performs poorly.

2.5/5

Buy it if...

You want a cheaper way to access video functionality on Switch 2
If you don’t want to pay the higher asking price of the official Switch 2 camera, then this option from Hori will likely suit you better. It regularly sells for less than $35 / £20 / AU$45, making it a fairly affordable option.

You’re looking for a compact option
Something I appreciate about this model is just how small it is, which makes it incredibly easy to tuck away inside a Switch 2 case, or even place in a small-sized bag when you’re on the go.

Don't buy it if...

You’re expecting good performance
With a 480p resolution, you’re getting underwhelming performance from Hori’s USB camera. Picture quality is pretty blurry, and colors don’t pop in the way they do on pricier alternatives like the official Switch 2 camera.

You want a camera with character
Although the Piranha Plant camera shares the same low resolution and more restrictive field of view, it’s got a lot more character. Its colorful and character-filled design is a feast for the eyes, whereas this rival is on the plain side of things.

Hori USB Camera for Nintendo Switch 2 review: also consider

Nintendo Switch 2 Camera
You’ll get far better picture quality from the official Nintendo Switch 2 Camera, which boasts a 1080p resolution. It’s solidly made and has a more luxurious feel than Hori’s USB model, though it's lacking in terms of flexibility, and costs a fair bit more.

Read our full Nintendo Switch 2 Camera review.

Hori Piranha Plant Camera for Nintendo Switch 2
This lil’ camera is packed full of charisma, and is based on the classic Super Mario baddie. It can be used while docked or plugged into your Switch 2 for handheld play, and has a mount too. However, it suffers from the same problems as the Hori USB Camera, with a poor 480p resolution and a lower field of view than the official cam.

Read our full Hori Piranha Plant Camera for Nintendo Switch 2 review.View Deal

How I tested the Hori USB Camera for Nintendo Switch 2

Man opening clip on Hori USB Camera for Nintendo Switch 2

(Image credit: Future)
  • Tested across the course of one week
  • Used at home in handheld and TV mode
  • Compared directly against rival models

I used the Hori USB Camera for Nintendo Switch 2 within a one-week testing period, assessing every aspect of its performance and design. For the most part, I had it set up with my Nintendo Switch 2 docked and connected to the Sky Glass Gen 2 TV.

For the testing itself, I made use of the Switch 2’s USB Camera testing function in the settings menu, but also used it while playing Mario Kart World online. I also compared it against the official Switch 2 camera to judge picture quality, color accuracy, and motion.

I’ve tested a whole lot of Nintendo Switch 2 accessories here at TechRadar – everything from rival camera models through to the Nintendo Switch 2 Carrying Case & Screen Protector and PowerA Wired Earbuds for Nintendo Switch 2. I’ve also owned a Nintendo Switch 2 from launch, and have reviewed a range of games for the console, like Kirby Air Riders and Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake.

  • Read more about how we test
  • First reviewed: December 2025
The AndaSeat Kaiser 3E XL might be one of the best value gaming chairs today
7:00 pm |

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

AndaSeat's Kaiser 3E XL: One-minute review

AndaSeat has built something quite remarkable here. With the Kaiser 3E XL, it's balanced the books near perfectly, selecting just the right complement of modern features, and discarding those often gimmicky marketing additions some of us have come to loathe from most modern gaming chairs.

There's no intra-dimensional armrests, or super form-fitting ergonomic wire weave mesh cushions capable of stopping a bullet, nor any RGB lighting that'll sync with your Philips Hue bulbs, or built-in seat warmers.

It's just a simple, clean design that does exactly what it says on the tin, and that's nothing if not to be praised. The Kaiser 3E XL blends budget with comfort, providing outstanding build quality, plenty of ergonomic clout, and a comfy seat base to place your posterior on, either during, or after a hard day's work.

Is this the best gaming chair out there? Well, not quite. There are a few things it misses out on, namely, there are no included pillows of any kind (you need to buy them separately), and you can't adjust the lumbar support in any way, but if you're a fire and forget, taller kind of person, it's a real nice place to be.

A grey gaming chair at a gaming PC desk setup

(Image credit: Future)

AndaSeat's Kaiser 3E XL: Price and Availability

  • Costs $389 (around £290 / AU$580)
  • Only available via AndaSeat directly
  • Six colors across two finishes

Ahh, the old Achilles heel of AndaSeat chairs rears its ugly head once again. Unfortunately, as the Kaiser 3E XL is still so new that it's only available via AndaSeat's webstore, and only in the US. At least for the time being.

The good news is that these do make their way to traditional e-sellers and retailers across the regions (including Amazon) after a period of time, once the shipping containers finally land in their designated countries, but that's usually three to six months after the initial debut.

To be fair, the webstore does a fine job selling it too. Not only do you get access to additional colorways with the Kaiser 3E available in black, brown, orange, maroon, white, or this lovely fabric, ash gray (the others mentioned are all PVC leather), but there's also free shipping too, along with some extended warranties here as well.

AndaSeat will also kindly lop off $20 off its $69 magnetic memory foam pillow with cooling layer, which doesn't come included as standard unfortunately. Still there's a reason the 3E XL and its subsequent standard L model are so cheap, and that is part of it.

AndaSeat Kaiser 3E XL: Specs

Price

$389 (around £290 / AU$580)

Dimensions

54.3 x 29.1 x 29.1 in / 138.0 x 74.0 x 74.0 cm

Max. user weight

395 lbs / 180 kg

Min. seat height

18.1 in / 46.0 cm

Seat width

21.1 in / 53.5 cm

Recline angle

90-155°

Warranty

3-years

Material

PVC Leather / Linen Fabric

AndaSeat Kaiser 3E XL: Design and Aesthetics

  • Simple clean design
  • Soft cloth finish is exceptional
  • Could use a pillow or two

I've always been a big fan of the Kaiser series for its design philosophy. Aside from the dubious 6D armrests found on the pro line, the overall aesthetic is top-tier, competing with chairs two to three times the cost. The Novis in particular is a fine example of that, you wouldn't guess that that chair costs just $250 on average, and the same can be said for the Kaiser 3E as well at $390.

The soft cloth finish that I have on review here is exceptionally clean. It comes complete with a sleek black leather back, black detailing and trim throughout, and satin black plastic componentry too.

The armrests are impressively comfortable as well. If I were to be hypercritical, I could moan about the fact that they are a little square, but once you've sat in it for all of 20-seconds, you forget about that quite quickly, as they're perfectly comfortable, and adjust nicely, certainly compared to the cheaper Novis, and the ridiculously expensive 5D and 6D ones found on the pro-lines.

There are a lot of colorways, too, and although admittedly most are only available from AndaSeat's webstore directly, it's good to see a brand offer so many choices at such a low entry-point. In short, this is a chair that looks a lot more expensive than it actually is.

Where it falls short, and I'll touch on this a bit more in just a second, is that lack of lumbar adjustment and included pillows. That does hold it back somewhat, particularly if you don't get along with the default settings AndaSeat's implemented here. Still, for the money, it's overall seriously good.

A grey gaming chair, with focus on the left armrest

(Image credit: Future)

AndaSeat Kaiser 3E XL: Comfort and adjustability

  • Armrests are excellent
  • Seat base isn't squishy
  • No Lumbar adjustment

Getting into the nitty-gritty, the good news is that, overall, the Kaiser 3E does impress on the comfort front. The cloth is incredibly soft to the touch, wicking away moisture well, and it's not abrasive in the slightest.

The armrests, too, are excellent here. They're your standard "4D" affair, with 2.7in / 7cm of up-down motion, 0.78in / 2cm left-right adjustment, 1.2in / 3cm forward and back, and 36 degrees of rotation available to you. They don't fold in half or have some periscope pivoting design like those found on the 5D and 6D variants, and it's honestly leagues ahead as a result. Sometimes simpler designs are industry standard for a reason. They're also slightly padded, too, and although not super squishy, it does give your elbows and forearms a bit of give

The seat, though, is another matter. Compared to something like the Novis or the standard Kaiser 3, it doesn't feel quite as comfortable. If you've ever used something like a Noblechairs Icon, you'll understand fully what I'm talking about here.

Effectively, it's more of an ergonomic padded firm base, rather than a soft plush squishy affair you'd find from other models. That might be preferable for some, and arguably it's much better for your backside and spine long-term, but if all you want to do is sit back and relax after a hard day, it's not quite up to the same standard as the alternatives out there.

A grey gaming chair beside a pink and blue-lit gaming PC case

(Image credit: Future)

Then there's the lumbar support, and like the Novis, the Kaiser 3E has no adjustability built in as standard. That keeps the cost down, but takes away choice from the user.

That lumbar support is not entirely absent; there's a 1.9in / 4.8cm "outward curve" present at the base that does follow the curvature of your spine (even comfortable for a short 5ft 8in / 174cm fellow like myself), but if you're not a fan of the protruding ergonomics, you're stuck with it and there's little you can do.

Still, overall, it's a solid four out of five on comfort; you've just got to be prepared to deal with the lumbar support being what it is.

AndaSeat Kaiser 3 Pro: Assembly

  • Easy to build
  • Traditional setup
  • Pre-attached arms

It took me around 15 minutes to build the Kaiser 3E XL. I'm a bit of a pro with gaming chairs at this point, but to be clear, there's a total of six screws for you to fandangle with here, and that's about it. You're not likely to have any major issues, and AndaSeat includes an incredibly detailed instruction manual with it as well.

Intriguingly, my guide did ask me to install and secure the armrests to the base; however, mine came with those pre-installed. That could be a regional thing as a heads-up, but even so, you're talking an additional four bolts, so not a lot of work by any stretch.

Usually, the biggest bugbear I have when it comes to building chairs like this is attaching the backrest to the seatbase. It can be a challenge with other chair brands to align the threads with the brackets that connect the two. Fortunately, AndaSeat has included a slot mechanism design on the tilt arm side that allows you to slide the backrest directly down and onto it, keeping the two roughly in position for you to thread the two screws back into.

I would recommend (for all chairs, as a matter of fact) that you don't tighten the four backrest screws up all the way one at a time, but rather do all four a little at a time, until they're all nicely secure.

The back of a gaming chair, showing the assembly components for the back support and base

(Image credit: Future)

Should You Buy The AndaSeat Kaiser 3E XL?

Buy it if...

You're a well-built human
The Kaiser 3E XL is astonishingly sturdy, and has some impressive support stats at that, capable of supporting 395lbs / 180kg, and folks up to 6ft 11in / 210 cm in height.

You want quality, not gimmicks
There's nothing here outside of the ordinary, and that's a good thing because it seriously shaves down the cost. This is one of the best budget gaming chairs out there, with only a few minor caveats.

Don't buy it if...

You have specific ergonomic needs
With no adjustment available, that protruding 4.8cm curve is all you get at the base. If you need more comfort from your chair, you might need to plump for the Kaiser 4, or look elsewhere.

You're not into bucket seats
It does still have that slight old-school "gamer" styling, with the full-on racing bucket-seat design, complete with side bolsters and seat-belt gaps.

Also consider...

AndaSeat Kaiser 3E XL

Noblechairs Legend

AndaSeat Kaiser 3 Pro XL

Price

$389 (around £290 / AU$580)

$630 / £400

$550

Dimensions

54.3 x 29.1 x 29.1in / 138.0 x 74.0 x 74.0 cm

55.9 x 20.5 x 20.5in / 142 x 52 x 52cm

53.0 x 29.1 x 22.6in / 134.5 x 74 x 57.5cm

Max User Weight

395lb / 180kg

331lb / 150 KG

395lb / 180kg

Min Seat Height

18.1in / 46.0cm

18.9in / 48.0cm

17.5in / 44.5cm

Seat Width

21.1in / 53.5cm

20.5in / 52.0cm

21.0in / 53.5cm

Recline Angle

90-155°

90-125°

90-165°

Warranty

3-years

2-years

3-years

Material

PVC leather or linen fabric

High-tech faux leather, or Fabric

PVC leather or linen fabric

Not your style? Just want something without fancy frills, or looking for something that's refined the design beyond all expectations? Then try out these alternatives.

Noblechairs Legend
The legend forgoes traditional bucket seat design language to instead opt for a more corporate office chic that really looks the part in any modern gaming setup. Although it lacks the overall "XL" status, it does support folk up to 150 KG in weight.

For more information, check out our full Noblechairs Legend review.

AndaSeat Kaiser 3 Pro XL
Big, bold, and beautiful, the Kaiser 3 Pro XL is a complicated creature, with 5D foldable armrests. What it lacks in odd features, it makes up for in impressive ergonomics, insane comfort, and solid adjustability.

For more information, check out our full AndaSeat Kaiser 3 Pro XL review.

How I tested the AndaSeat Kaiser 3E XL

  • Used for two weeks before writing the review
  • Notes taken throughout the process, including building
  • Asked many people to sit in it for external feedback

I spent a grand total of two weeks testing the Kaiser 3E XL after it arrived on my doorstep. I took notes and detailed the gripes, bugbears, and pleasantries that I experienced while using it throughout that period.

Additionally, I also received a second unit, which was then tested externally at a place of work, giving me a good idea as to how it functioned in both professional and relaxed settings.

Read more about how we test.

The Xreal 1S glasses put a big virtual screen in front of your face, and I’m loving the simplicity and pure entertainment value
5:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets Software Virtual Reality & Augmented Reality | Tags: | Comments: Off

Xreal 1S: One-Minute Review

In a world of smart glasses that can listen and speak to you, show you new worlds, and provide information on top of your world, Xreal's brand of display glasses is almost quaint. They're not smart. There's no effort to bring in information from the outside world or redefine how you see the real world. Put simply, this is a virtual 200-inch screen in your backpack, bag, or pocket that you can put on at any moment to enjoy a movie, gaming, or even a much larger laptop work screen.

Xreal, in fact, delivers this niche capability better than most and, with the new Xreal 1S, offers greater clarity, a wider view, and a better price than ever before.

From a practical perspective, Xreal 1S is a wearable display that uses impressive passthrough technology to take the display feed from almost any display-laden device that offers USB-C output and project it in front of your eyes on a pair of prisms backed by high-resolution Sony Micro-OLED displays.

There's no power source; inside the lightweight frames are powered by the connected device. There is virtually no setup beyond donning the frames and connecting your device.

Xreal 1S

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

Instead of fancy gesture and gaze control, you still control your external device as you would without the Xreal 1S. You use the touchscreen on your phone, the keyboard and mouse on your laptop, and joysticks on your gaming devices.

The Xreal 1S brings a handful of important upgrades, including brighter screens (now 700 nits, up from 600 nits on the Xreal One), higher resolution (was 1080, now 1200), and a slightly wider field of view (was 50-degree, now 52-degree FoV).

Nestled under some settings in the new eyewear is a new Real 3D capability that can turn virtually everything on-screen, including 2D photos and videos, even an interface, into a 3D landscape. It's a work in progress that, as of this writing, provides decidedly mixed results (I suspect slipstream software updates will improve it over time).

As for how the eyewear works, the Xreal 1S headset is an excellent companion at home, work, or on the road (think a long flight or commute). It's quite easy to lose yourself in the immersive screen, and now, with a somewhat cheaper device, this might be the antidote to all those more expensive, immersive, and intelligent wearables. It qualifies as one of the best AR glasses I've used to date.

Xreal 1S: Price and availability

Xreal 1S

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

The Xreal 1S was unveiled on January 4, 2025, and is now available to order in the US and UK from Xreal.com for $449 / £399.

This is notably a $50 price reduction from the Xreal One, while enhancing several features. The Xreal 1S frames are still more expensive than the Meta AI-sporting Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer Gen 2 ($329), but, despite their intelligence, the Meta frames do not include a pair of displays (See the Meta Ray-Ban Display for that).

Throughout this review, I also test-drove a couple of optional accessories, including the $99 Xreal Eye, a 12MP modular camera, and the Xreal Neo ($99), a battery pack and video passthrough device necessary for using the Xreal with your Nintendo Switch. While the camera is a nice-to-have and nudges the Xreal 1S toward Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses territory (it takes passable photos and fun POV videos), the Neo is a must-have if you want the Nintendo Switch virtual big-screen experience.

  • Value: 4/5

Xreal 1S: Design

  • Wired USB-C connection
  • Lightweight – just 84 grams
  • Auto-dimming shades

The benefit of the Xreal 1S not being stuffed with technology and battery power is immediately obvious. It's a light, almost stylish piece of eyewear that doesn't weigh heavily on the face.

At a glance, it might be easy to mistake them for a large-ish pair of sunglasses. The flexible stem does get a bit bigger than your standard ones to house microphones, Bose speakers, and, on one side, control and volume buttons.

The frames rest comfortably on your nose with a sort of floating bridge. Xreal provides three sizes of nose pads. I was able to stick with the mid-sized.

Behind the dimmable lenses are a pair of thick prisms that aim the Sony Micro OLED displays, which sit horizontally at the top of each lens, at each eye.

I wear glasses, and since I can't put contacts in my eyes, I needed the optional $99 prescription insert from Honsvr. It's pretty easy to attach the prescription lens's lightweight frame to the main Xreal 1S housing: you just have to pop out a pair of tiny rubber stoppers (I used a SIM car remover) and then stick the tiny matching stems into the newly exposed holes. Once my prescription was firmly in there, it never shifted or fell out.

The good news is that the inserts do not push the frames any further from your face (they're already further away than your standard eyewear). If there's one downside to my inserts, it's that the Xreal 1S already looks a little odd when viewed from the side. Now I have another set of lenses in front of my eyes.

Without a companion system, the Xreal 1S is just an inert pair of awkward-looking glasses.

On the back end of one stem is a USB-C port that accepts one side of the roughly, included 4 ft woven cable (the Xreal 1S also ships with a case and cloth for cleaning). The other end plugs into your device of choice. As I mentioned earlier, there's no external battery. Plugging the Xreal 1S into, say, your laptop automatically powers up the glasses.

Xreal 1S

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

I also added the optional Xreal Eye modular 12MP camera. Like the subscription lenses, I had to remove a rubber plug before inserting the camera at the peak of the bridge. The camera is useful for capturing decent photos and videos (stored locally, you offload them by plugging the frames into a device and switching to transfer mode). The placement of the camera dead-center on the frames may make them less than welcome in some social situations.

Overall, these are relatively low-key digital frames that won't draw much attention at the office, on a plane, in a train, or at home. They are not for deep immersion of walking about and will draw the occasional stare, but are otherwise well-built for their purpose, and even with a cable running out of the back of one stem, they never feel heavy or uncomfortable to wear.

  • Design score: 4/5

Xreal 1S: Performance

  • 1200p, 120Hz image at 700-nit brightness
  • Works with almost any USB-C device with a screen
  • Good Bose audio

As I mentioned, there's minimal setup to use these display glasses. All you need is a device with a screen and a USB-C port that supports video output.

After donning the Xreal 1S, I plugged the other end of the cable into my MacBook Pro 14-inch running an M5 chip.

Inside the Xreal 1S is the X1 chip that handles its video processing duties as well as spatial awareness that allows me to either fix the virtual screen in place or let it follow my gaze.

As soon as I plugged into the frames, they powered up (yes, they draw power from the host system), and within seconds, I saw an extended screen; the system does not instantly present you with the Mac's main desktop. Instead, my MacBook Pro saw the Xreal 1S as another display. I was then able to use the Mac to arrange my displays so that the Xreal 1S virtual display was stacked above my laptop display.

Xreal 1S

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

After that, I could use the mouse to move windows onto that screen. Because the Honsver prescription inserts only had my near-vision prescription and not the far-vision one to match my progressive eyeglasses, I could not effectively see and use the laptop keyboard while wearing the Xreal 1S.

That's okay, though, it's with entertainment and social content where the Xreal 1S's virtual display really shines.

I started my entertainment journey by plugging the lenses into the new Lenovo Legion Go S, where I played Spider-Man Remastered.

As I held the portable game platform in my hand and used the Legion's joysticks to play, I marveled at the large, clear, and colorful virtual display. Not only is the 1200p screen sharp, but the motion is perfectly smooth thanks, in part, to the 120Hz refresh rate, and there is effectively zero lag time (it's been measured at 3ms latency). Even in bright spaces, the now 700nit displays held fast, looking just as bright and solid, almost as if I were in a darkened theater. The Bose speakers delivered clear, crisp, and relatively loud sound to my ears, and I quickly lost myself in the gameplay. If you plan on wearing these while, say, on a flight, I would suggest you use earbuds (they'll still pull audio from the host system) so you don't disturb your seatmates.

Xreal 1S

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

The Xreal 1S offers two view styles: one fixes the big, virtual screen in place, and if you look away, the display remains anchored in space (this is the extent of the system's spatial capabilities). The other option is to let the screen follow you. Xreal smartly made sure that the screen follows with a smooth lag so that you never feel even a hint of motion sickness.

Switching between these screen modes is easy. You just single-press the control button to anchor the screen or let it move with your gaze. I generally found that I like fixing the screen in place. If you choose the anchored view and you can't see all of the screen, you can long-press the button to realign the view.

There's also the ability to move the screen further away or closer to you, or enlarge os shrink the virtual screen by inch increments. Doing so, though, means accessing the Xreal 1S's slightly confusing menu system. To access the menu, you double-press the control button under the left-hand stem and then press one side of the volume, which also doubles as menu navigation. You can choose to make the screen quite large, but then you're looking all around the 52-degree FoV to see everything. I'd suggest always keeping the four screen corners in full view.

It's through the volume button that you access the lens darkness control. I made it full darkness for a more immersive feel, which is especially useful when watching video.

I next connected the Xreal to my iPhone. As soon as I unlocked the iPhone 17 Pro Max, my virtual screen appeared. I opened social media, including Instagram Reels and TikTok, and had a ball leaning back and flicking through posts on my phone, as the big screen floated in front of my eyes. It's worth noting here that the video feed from the phone to the Xreal 1S does not turn off your iPhone screen. So, yes, someone next to you could still see what you're viewing. You might want to lower the brightness on your iPhone screen for some degree of privacy.

I particularly enjoyed watching Netflix videos in full-screen mode and can honestly imagine myself enjoying a full, big-screen movie on my next cross-country flight.

Xreal 1S

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

Xreal's new Real 3D mode was in beta when I tested the glasses. It can convert any image or video (even interfaces) into 3D. Some of it looks good, but most of my early experiences with it on the iPhone 17 Pro Max were not great. Some images developed duplicate images behind them (there was me and an outline of me behind me), and others looked jagged. I'll withhold judgment on this feature until I get the final version.

Xreal 1S also works with the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, but not without a special $99 adapter, the Neo. Nintendo has blocked some third-party video adapters, but Xreal quickly updated the Neo to get around the latest block.

Neo is not just an adapter. It's also a 10,000mAh battery backup and can power the Nintendo Switch or any other device you plug into it. It even has an integrated MagSafe-style magnet if you want to attach it to the back of your iPhone.

Xreal 1S connected to Nintendo Switch 2

It took me a minute to realize I needed to remove the Joy-Cons from the console to make this work. (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

To use the Neo, you connect it to the Nintendo Switch or Switch 2 and then plug the Xreal 1S into the Neo. The Nintendo Switch only works with the adapter in docked mode, which means you need to remove the Joy-Cons. After that, it's another great experience. I played Super Mario Kart on both the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2. It was easy to get lost in the big-screen gameplay, and, in a way, not having to hold the entire Nintendo Switch was a side benefit. To play, I just gripped the two Joy-Cons.

The Neo will work with almost any device, delivering power while also passing the video signal through. You can even plug an external power source into it, which will then let you keep using your third-party device even if it's run out of power (and the Neo is tapped, too). Just remember, the Neo will run you another $99.

  • Performance score: 4.5/5

Should you buy the Xreal 1S glasses?

Xreal One Scorecard

Attribute

Comment

Score

Value

The Xreal 1S are more affordable than the last model but with even better visual clarity and a larger viewport. Does that make then fully-worth nearly $500. That deopends on how much you value a lean-back big, virtual screen experience.

4/5

Design

Sticking to one core feature makes these frames lither and more comfortable than most AR glasses. They still have some awkwardness, but are generally attractive and rugged enough to wear whenever yo want a big virtual screen experience.

4/5

Performance

This is an excellent virtual screen experience that enhances social media, gaming and video watching. I do wish the menu system was easier to navigate.

4.5/5

Buy it if…

You want a big screen wherever you go
The Xreal 1S is a no-fuss virtual big screen for all your devices.

You want a lean-back experience
Stop leaning over your phone. The Xreal 1S's virtual screen lets you lean back and enjoy.

You don’t need AI and connectivity on your face
Xreal 1S do one thing and do it well: deliver a big-screen experience in a wearable, but don't weigh it down with extra AI and notifications.

Don’t buy it if…

You were expecting augmented reality
Xreal 1S puts a floating screen in front of you but that image does not interact with the real world in any meaningful way.

You don’t want to spend more than $250
The Xreal 1S are excellent but they do cost almost $450, If you have a Nintendo Switch, you'll be shellign otu another $99 for the Neo.

You want full immersion
These glasses can dim to cut out some of the outside world, but the sound is open-eared, and the glasses do not wrap around your face to form a light seal.

Also consider

Xreal Air 2
If you want to stick with Xreal, the Xreal Air 2 or its electrochromic dimming-enhanced Xreal Air 2 Pro are both solid options that cost a little less – though expect a slightly less good image and noticeable inferior audio.
Read our Xreal Air 2 reviewView Deal

Meta Quest 3
While not a direct competitor to Xreal’s glasses, the Quest 3 is an XR product that you should consider if you want to experience what VR and MR have to offer – it’s simply superb.
Read our Meta Quest 3 reviewView Deal

How I tested the Xreal 1S glasses

I spent a couple of weeks with the Xreal 1S using them to play games. view movies, and pursue social media. I tried them with the Neo adapter on a Nintendo Switch (1 and 2) and also connected that accessory to my iPhone.

Read more about how we test.

  • First reviewed January 2026
I punched my way through Yakuza Kiwami 2 on Nintendo Switch 2, and it’s a decent port of an excellent RPG
5:00 pm | January 3, 2026

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

Kiryu is back on Nintendo Switch 2, with Yakuza Kiwami 2 – a remake of the second installment in Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio’s famed and celebrated series. This is a port, and arrives eight years after Kiwami 2 first launched in Japan on the PS4.

Review info

Platform reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2
Available on: PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, PC
Release date: November 13, 2025 (Switch 2)

This game is a direct follow-up to the events of Yakuza Kiwami, and continues the story of ex-Yakuza Kazuma Kiryu. Without spoiling too much, the game follows Kiryu’s journey to find a new chairman for his former employer, the Tojo Clan, and prevent an all-out war between the Clan and its rival, the Omi Alliance. It’s a very strong follow-up, and the tension running throughout the narrative really sucked me in – I could barely put Kiwami 2 down.

But how does the Nintendo Switch 2 port hold up? Is this a good way to play the game? After spending hours brawling through Kiwami 2 on Nintendo’s latest hardware, I’ve got a few thoughts, so let’s dive in.

A visual upgrade that comes at a cost

Kiryu looking onward in Yakuza Kiwami 2

(Image credit: Sega)

Before I talk about the game itself, I want to discuss the quality and performance of Kiwami 2’s Switch 2 port.

Visually, this hits the sort of levels you’d expect. It runs at 1080p, as I also experienced when playing it on PS4. Character models and environments are replicated well on Switch 2, although of course, they do show their age. Still, this is a flashier looking game than Yakuza Kiwami, largely due to its development on the more advanced Dragon Engine. The intricacies of clothing, character expressions, and lighting of shops look more detailed and shiny in this entry.

But with the more advanced visuals and effects comes a price. Yes, Yakuza Kiwami 2 only runs at 30fps. And given that I’d played Yakuza Kiwami right before this – a game that runs comfortably at 60fps on Switch 2 – that drop down was all too obvious.

As understandable as it is, this does mean that movement and navigation lacks the fluidity you’d experience with Kiwami or even Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut.

Best bit

Kiryu and Ryuji fight in Yakuza Kiwami 2

(Image credit: Sega)

Fairly early on you get to battle it out against The Dragon of Kansai, and it's truly epic. He's got a ton of health, so you have to carefully block and dodge, then strike when there's an opening. There are also weapons hidden in the bushes which you can use to really batter him. It's a face-off that prepares you for the tougher one-on-ones that lie ahead, and was super satisfying when I landed the finishing blow.

Also, there are unfortunately a few frame drops to contest with, as was the case on PS4. When walking through busy parts of Kamurocho or entering into high-octane sequences, I noticed a few dips, which could be pretty frustrating. This is the case in docked or handheld mode.

Is performance bad? No – it’s about on-par with what the PS4 could plate up, and frame drops never made combat feel more challenging than it should do, crucially. But if you’re expecting the smooth 60fps gameplay of the recently released PS5 version, you’re going to be disappointed.

All in all, this port is decent. You get to enjoy Kiwami 2 on the go, and that in itself is a major positive. Sure, it’s not the definitive way to play, but if you’re looking for portability over top-tier performance, this is still a worthwhile way to play. Oh, and for those wondering, the green filter is still alive and kicking on Switch 2.

Two Dragons

Ryuji close-up in Yakuza Kiwami 2

(Image credit: Sega)

So, the Switch 2 edition of Yakuza Kiwami 2 is solid overall, but how about the game itself?

I’ll put my cards on the table – I had an absolute blast with Kiwami 2. First of all, the story is kept tight and is gripping from start to finish. The narrative is paced fantastically well, and the cast of characters is excellent once more. This time around, there’s a ‘big bad’ who you’re introduced to right from the off, Ryuji Goda. He refers to himself as The Dragon of Kansai, and serves as the ultimate rival to Kiryu – himself known as The Dragon of Dojima.

There are plenty of twists and turns to navigate, and there’s a brief set of chapters where you can play as the sadomasochistic Goro Majima, which are pretty entertaining. Of course, there are plenty of whacky substories to complete too, running from claw machine antics through to defeating a band of men dressed up in diapers.

Anyway…something I really appreciated about Kiwami 2 – coming straight off playing the first Kiwami game – was the streamlined nature of its gameplay. There’s a technical side to that, like the lack of loading screens when Kiryu walks into restaurants or other buildings, for example. But also, I liked how the multitude of combat styles were substituted for a more singular approach to battle.

In Kiwami, you had to learn skills for specific styles, whereas now, every ability you learn is available to you through a unified Dragon style. Personally, I prefer this more centralised approach – being able to use all of my flashy new moves without having to change into a different mode is a significant upgrade. Some may miss the variety of unique styles, but luckily, I’m not ‘some’!

More generally, combat is awesome. It’s simplistic yet rewarding, and piecing together killer combos on seriously beefy bosses feels exhilarating. Heat actions also let you crush your foes in style, and you’ll unlock more of these as you progress, making it genuinely feel as if Kiryu grows in strength as the story unfolds.

Before I wrap up, I also want to pay kudos to the excellent, electrifying soundtrack that runs throughout this game. I love the music in Yakuza games, and it sounds as good as ever in Kiwami 2. Japanese voice acting is also superb, and the mid-2000s setting is captured beautifully, with background music, murmuring passers-by, and the sound of pouring rain creating an incredibly immersive atmosphere.

All in all, Yakuza Kiwami 2 is a great game, and a must-play for any fans of the Yakuza series on Switch 2. Sure, its drop down to a targeted 30fps can feel jarring at times, and I did pick up on a few frame drops, but visually it’s still enticing, and when you combine that with addictive combat and a top-notch story, there’s just so much to like.

Should you play Yakuza Kiwami 2 on Nintendo Switch 2?

A man fawns over his car in Yakuza Kiwami 2

(Image credit: Sega)

Play it if...

You want to play Yakuza on the move
It may seem obvious, but the real beauty of this port is that it lets you take Yakuza on the go, and enjoy the whacky world and engaging story no matter where you are. The game runs admirably in handheld mode too, so it’s a tempting way to play.

You’re a fan of high-octane combat
The action-packed combat of Yakuza Kiwami 2 is incredibly addictive. There are some seriously epic boss fights where perfectly timed dodges and finishing blows feel oh-so satisfying, and even getting into street brawls never gets old.

Don't play it if...

You’ve got a PS5
Kiwami 2 targets 30fps on the Switch 2, and some occasional frame drops can cause frustration when exploring busier areas. However, the recently released PS5 version of the game runs at 60fps, making for a smoother and more seamless way to experience the game.

You’ve not played other games in the series
Although there’s a recap sequence at the beginning of the game, I would strongly recommend playing Yakuza Kiwami before you get into this one. And although some may disagree, I think playing Yakuza 0 before both of these is the optimal way to go – you’ll get the full backstory of Kiryu and Majima, which adds considerable depth.

Accessibility features

As was the case on Yakuza Kiwami, there are a few useful customization options available in the settings menu. For instance, you can change camera controls, enable subtitles in a wide range of languages, and alter difficulty as well as blood levels. There’s also an option to toggle display tips on or off. Unfortunately, there are no colorblind modes, though.

How I reviewed Yakuza Kiwami 2 on Nintendo Switch 2

Kiryu and a woman stand beside a horde of beat-up Yakuza in Yakuza Kiwami 2

(Image credit: Sega)

I clocked more than 15 hours of playtime on Yakuza Kiwami 2. During this time, I completed a handful of substories and minigames, but mainly focused on the main story. I spent most of my time playing in handheld mode on Nintendo Switch 2, sometimes enjoying game audio with my Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones. However, I also tried the game out in docked mode, with my console connected to the Sky Glass Gen 2 TV and Marshall Heston 120 soundbar.

Before taking on this title, I played through Yakuza Kiwami on Nintendo Switch 2, but I’m generally a big fan of the Yakuza series, with 0 standing as my favorite entry in the franchise.

More generally, I’ve been a Nintendo Switch 2 owner from launch, and have reviewed a wide range of games for the console. This includes other RPGs like Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake and Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army, but also titles from other genres, like Kirby Air Riders and Drag x Drive.

First reviewed December 2025

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