With the Galaxy Z Fold7’s thin and light profile, Samsung had to make some sacrifices. One of the more notable omissions is the lack of S Pen support as Samsung ditched the folding screen’s digitizer layer. This, however, doesn’t mean that Samsung will give up the S Pen on future foldables.
Samsung MX (Mobile eXperience) Managing Director - Kang Min-seok spoke to Korean outlet ET News and confirmed that consumers wanted a thin and light product and that trade-offs had to be made. While the Z Fold7 does not feature S Pen support, Samsung is not giving up on adding stylus support for...
ScalaCube has long been one of the best Minecraft server hosting options available. It offers a selection of products, all the features you could need, and some easy one-click install solutions.
In our ScalaCube review, we explain exactly why this host holds such a large share of the market. The cheapest plan costs less than a cup of coffee, while there are extensive options for those with more ambitious plans and a growing community. What more could you need?
ScalaCube plans and pricing
ScalaCube has nine different subscription options, covering different budgets. For American and European servers, Premium plans range from $2 to $96 a month for the first month, renewing at $5 to $192.
The cheapest plan comes with 768MB RAM and 10 player slots. That plan won't suffice for most needs but there are mid-range options such as 6GB RAM and 100 player slots for $18 per month (increasing to $36), right up to the $96 plan which has 600 player slots and 32GB RAM.
A dedicated IP costs a $20 one-off fee with automated backups costing a $10 one-off fee.
ScalaCube features
ScalaCube focuses on Minecraft hosting, and its products are backed by a suite of premium features. Some of the most notable are listed below.
One-click modpack installation
With ScalaCube, you will have access to one-click installations for more than a thousand modpacks. These include standard packs, Spigot, PaperMC, CurseForge, and more. You can also create and upload your own custom modpack if you would like to.
Server monitoring
On your ScalaCube dashboard, you will find a monitoring tab that enables you to keep track of your server’s RAM and storage usage. You can use this to help you decide whether or not you’re using the correct plan for your needs.
Interface and in-use
To start with ScalaCube, simply select the plan you want to sign up for and work through the checkout process. This is very straightforward, and you shouldn’t have any issues. The main dashboard is simple but easy to navigate and familiarize yourself with.
ScalaCube’s main dashboard is intuitive and easy to navigate (Image credit: ScalaCube)
One thing worth noting is that ScalaCube’s servers can take a significant amount of time to deploy. Expect to wait at least ten minutes, but this could stretch to an even longer period of time in some cases.
The server management dashboard is packed full of a great selection of tools, including a backup system, FTP/SSH access, and a Minecraft launcher. Installing a new game server takes just a few clicks, and it’s a very straightforward process in general.
The server management dashboard is packed full of tools (Image credit: ScalaCube)
Support
ScalaCube’s customer service is limited to online ticketing. You need to be signed in to your account to submit a ticket, and this is done from your main dashboard. The support team is only active from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (GMT+2).
There are a number of self-help resources available via the support page. Here, you will find dozens of Minecraft tutorials outlining how to create your server, the best ways to configure it, and various other popular actions.
ScalaCraft has many tutorials to help you get started (Image credit: ScalaCube)
Alternatives to ScalaCube
ScalaCube is a top-rated Minecraft host, and its free plan stands out as one of the best we’ve seen, but there are numerous alternatives worth considering.
For example, Hostinger offers powerful Minecraft hosting at much lower prices than ScalaCube, making it a great option for those on a tight budget. Setup is very straightforward, and you will benefit from the Game Panel, which enables you to create a new server in just a few minutes. There are numerous server types, and prices start at just $4.99 monthly (on a 24-month plan) for 4GB RAM and 1 vCPU core.
Another popular option is MCProHosting, which enables you to host and switch between multiple games on the same server—a feature that ScalaCube doesn’t have. This makes it a great choice for those who like to switch between Minecraft and other games such as ARK, CS GO, Starbound, and Rust. 24/7 support is available if you run into any problems.
Final verdict
Overall, ScalaCube presents as one of the best Minecraft hosts available. Its free plan is great for those looking to create their first server, while its premium options cater to users of all skill levels. There are some small flaws, like limited customer service. But overall, there’s a lot to like here, and we’d highly recommend giving ScalaCube a try.
OnePlus has just launched a new charging cable, and normally that wouldn't be news. It's red, just as you'd expect, and it's Supervooc branded, unsurprisingly.
But this one is special because it charges both your phone and your OnePlus smartwatch at the same time. The phone charging is accomplished through the standard USB-C, but as you can see, the cable also features a mid-mounted puck with pogo pins.
This one will charge your OnePlus Watch 2, Watch 2R, and Watch 3. If you only charge a OnePlus phone, the cable supports up to 80W charging. If you charge both a phone and a...
Oppo is unveiling the K13 Turbo and K13 Turbo Pro on July 21, and both devices will feature a built-in active cooling fan, but also IPX6, IPX8, and IPX9 water resistance despite the presence of the fan.
Now a new rumor out of China says OnePlus is looking very closely at what its sister brand has done and might in fact decide to steal the K13 Turbo range's unique pairing.
Oppo K13 Turbo's fan
Apparently, the OnePlus Ace 6 Ultra could feature both a cooling fan and impressive water resistance, just like Oppo's K13 Turbo devices.
At the moment, OnePlus hasn't decided on the...
When I think "gaming laptop," I think of a portable machine with just enough juice to squeeze out 60 FPS in modern titles at medium settings. The MSI Titan 18 HX AI, however, seeks to break that mold and offer something closer to a desktop replacement, boasting a tagline of "total dominance."
With enough power under the hood to crank out 90+ FPS in fairly demanding titles like NBA 2K25 and Black Myth: Wukong, the MSI Titan 18 HX AI lives up to its name. It's a behemoth of a laptop, weighing in at 7.93 lbs (3.6kg) and sporting an RTX 50-series GPU.
It's not going to live out of your backpack - it's going to sit still on your desk and look pretty doing it. But it does offer much more portability than a traditional desktop PC.
As for that massive 18-inch display, it's a joy to game on. The miniLED 4K resolution and 120Hz refresh rate offer the perfect balance between high refresh rate competitive gaming and high fidelity story gameplay. You're probably not going to hit 4K and 120 FPS in most titles, but the ability to pick is enough for me, especially on a laptop.
There are only a few areas I wish the Titan 18 HX executed differently - namely, the trackpad and cooling system. While the trackpad is a nice size, I found myself muttering under my breath at the accidental inputs and unclear distinction between left- and right-clicks far too often.
As for the cooling system, I can tell you with complete certainty that this is not a fanless laptop. If you've ever heard a jet engine whirring up, you have a good idea of what the MSI Titan 18 HX AI sounds like under load.
And then there's the price. There's no beating around the bush; this system is going to cost you an arm and a leg. But when you consider the hardware on offer in a (somewhat) portable machine, that price point starts to make more sense. Still, it's a tough pill to swallow.
When all is said and done, the MSI Titan 18 HX AI is an incredibly performant machine with a few scant drawbacks and a price point that makes it perfect for a select few.
MSI Titan 18 HX AI: Price and availability
How much does it cost? Starting at $5,799.99 / £5,999.99 / $11,799AU
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? US, UK, and Australia
With great power comes great...asking prices. You get what you pay for with the MSI Titan 18 HX AI, and you get quite a bit. At a starting price point of just under $6,000, with options to upgrade the CPU, RAM, and display for a higher premium, that's going to prove a very high barrier to entry for most.
Frankly, you can find a lot of the best gaming PCs on the market well under that price point and still have some cash left over to get yourself a gaming handheld or decent gaming laptop.
But if you're set on a top-of-the-line laptop, you'll have to pay for it.
It looks like the only model available in Australia is the MSI Titan 18 HX AI Dragon Edition Norse Myth, which features the same set of specs along with a unique graphic on the lid and trackpad.
In terms of design, the first thing you'll notice is how large this laptop really is. It's not afraid to take up space, and at 7.93 lbs (3.6kg), there's some serious heft to it. It's not making our list of the best thin and light gaming laptops anytime soon, but it was never trying to.
Instead, the MSI Titan 18 HX AI's design lends itself more to a desktop replacement than a portable gaming rig. Don't get me wrong, it would still be far easier to lug this laptop around in a large backpack, tote, or suitcase than a traditional gaming PC. But I wouldn't opt for a Titan if you're planning to take your gaming laptop to and from college or a friend's house.
Imposing size aside, the Titan 18 HX looks great. It features an understated black and grey design with subtle accents like an MSI logo on the clamshell lid and light texturing on the speakers and chassis. If you have to have your RGB, you'll be happy to know the Cherry mechanical keyboard is per-key customizable.
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(Image credit: Future / Marcus Mears III)
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(Image credit: Future / Marcus Mears III)
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(Image credit: Future / Marcus Mears III)
Speaking of the keys, this is one of the first gaming laptops that didn't make me want to break out my own typing piece. It does come with a high-pitched metallic pinging sound on some keys that I'm not crazy about, but the typing feel is quite springy and satisfying. Plus, you get a full-sized keyboard with a tenkey numpad and function keys here, which is a big plus for quick adjustments and games that utilize a lot of inputs.
Moving to the port selection, you've got a Kensington security slot, two USB-A 3.2 Gen2 ports, and an SD Express card reader on the left side. On the right, you get two Thunderbolt 5 USB-C ports, another USB-A 3.2 Gen2 slot, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Around the back side, there's an HDMI 2.1 port, an RJ45 slot, and a slot for your 400W power adapter.
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(Image credit: Future / Marcus Mears III)
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(Image credit: Future / Marcus Mears III)
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(Image credit: Future / Marcus Mears III)
Overall, that's a really solid port selection you'd be hard-pressed to complain about. I love seeing the USB-A and USB-C combo here as a lot of PC peripherals (including the best gaming mice) still use that tried and true USB-A connection.
Now, for something I wish were a bit different: the cooling. When I tell you these fans are loud, it doesn't quite do it justice until you've heard them yourself. I had to raise the volume of the game I was playing multiple times just to hear over the whir required to keep that RTX 5090 cool.
This is only when the laptop is under load, so if you're just browsing the web or listening to music, you get a pretty noise-free experience. But this is a gaming laptop after all, and unless you're sticking to Stardew Valley (in which case, don't shell out for this laptop), those fans are going to make themselves known.
Design: 4 / 5
MSI Titan 18 HX AI: Performance
(Image credit: Future / Marcus Mears III)
Outstanding 1080p and 1440p performance
Solid 4K capabilities
Offers fast-paced, competitive gaming and gorgeous story gameplay
Performance is the name of the game for the MSI Titan 18 HX AI. With an Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX processor, RTX 5090 laptop GPU, and a whopping 64GB of DDR5 RAM (upgradeable to 96GB), this laptop is the heavyweight main event of the evening.
MSI Titan 18 HX AI Benchmarks
Benchmark
Score
Geekbench 6.4 Single Core
3,046
Geekbench 6.4 Single Core
22,082
Crossmark Overall
2,269
Crossmark Productivity
2,033
Crossmark Creativity
2,757
Crossmark Responsiveness
1,760
25GB File Copy Transfer Rate (MB/s)
2,636
3DMark Fire Strike
40,374
3DMark Time Spy
22,437
3DMark Fire Strike Ultra
15,621
3DMark Time Spy Extreme
11,644
3DMark Speed Way
6,094
3DMark Steel Nomad
5,530
3DMark Port Royal
15,289
Assassin's Creed Shadows (Ultra High, 1080p)
54 fps
Black Myth: Wukong (Cinematic, 1080p)
59 fps
Cyberpunk 2077 (Ultra, 1080p)
71 fps
Metro: Exodus (Extreme, 1080p)
93 fps
Monster Hunter Wilds (Very High, 1080p)
87 fps
Shadow of the Tomb Raider (Very High, 1080p)
196 fps
Total War: Warhammer III (Ultra, 1080p)
220 fps
Web Surfing Battery Informant
2:16
PCMark 10 Gaming Battery Test
1:37
I've been on a sports sim kick lately, with titles like NBA 2K25 and Rematch dominating my playtime. While 2K25 is fairly demanding, the Titan chewed through it like nothing, easily spitting out 90-120 FPS at 2K resolution. Rematch, on the other hand, is pretty lightweight, but that just means the 120Hz display can really shine.
I also ran the MSI Titan 18 HX AI through synthetic benchmarks and tested it in several triple-A games, including Cyberpunk 2077, Black Myth: Wukong, and more, which you can check out in the chart above.
Performance definitely takes a hit at 4K, but many of the games are still playable at around 30-70 FPS. Plus, if you tweak a few settings and use upscaling where available, you can definitely land a sweet spot between decent frame rates and gorgeous 4K visuals, even without Frame Generation.
You'll also get a solid rendered FPS at 4K with DLSS 4, so Multi-Frame Generation won't introduce the kind of noticeable input latency that it would on less powerful devices, so feel free to turn it on and maximize the capacity of the 120Hz display when you can.
Performance: 5 / 5
MSI Titan 18 HX AI: Battery life
(Image credit: Future / Marcus Mears III)
Considering this is a gaming laptop with a 50 series GPU, Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX and a massive 120Hz display, the battery life here is actually pretty passable. Not to mention that with a machine this bulky, it's going to be plugged in most of the time anyway, so battery life isn't a big concern in my eyes.
It's not going head-to-head with the Razer Blade 16 anytime soon in terms of battery life, so if you're looking to game on the go at 4K without a power bank or outlet nearby, forget it.
But it does buy you about an hour and a half from full charge to dead under moderate stress (at 60Hz with RGB off), and if you need to break it out of your bag to send a few quick emails and watch a little Netflix, it'll get the job done.
Battery life: 3 / 5
Should you buy the MSI Titan 18 HX AI?
MSI Titan 18 HX AI scorecard
Category
Notes
Rating
Value
While you do get a lot of horsepower with the MSI Titan 18 HX AI, the price tag isn't pretty. You're looking at well over $5,000 for a gaming laptop here, even if you do get a mobile RTX 5090.
2.5 / 5
Design
Gripes are far and few between when it comes to design - I wish the trackpad was a bit more consistent, and the fans get very loud under load. But you get a fantastic port selection, gorgeous display, satisfying keyboard, and sleek aesthetics.
4 / 5
Performance
This is where the Titan 18 HX really shines. You can crank the settings at 1080p or 1440p, and even get a respectable 60FPS at 4K with some settings tweaks.
5 / 5
Battery Life
It's a powerful gaming laptop, so you shouldn't expect all-day battery here. But for the hardware under the hood, it's actually pretty decent.
3 / 5
Final score
Overall, the MSI Titan 18 HX AI is a fantastic desktop replacement that offers more portability than a traditional tower PC.
4 / 5
Buy the MSI Titan 18 HX AI if...
You need more portability than a tower PC While "portable" isn't one of the first words I would use to describe the MSI Titan 18 HX AI, it is definitely easier to move than a traditional tower PC, monitor, and peripherals setup.
You want paramount performance from your laptop There's serious power packed into this gaming laptop, including an RTX 5090, Intel Core Ultra 9 processor, and 64GB of DDR5 RAM.
Don't buy it if...
You're looking for something affordable While the MSI Titan 18 HX AI is many things, affordable is far from one of them. You're going to have to pay for what you get here, and there are plenty of gaming laptops at half the price or cheaper.
You need to move your laptop often While the Titan offers some semblance of portability, it wouldn't be my first pick for tossing in a bag and taking to work or a friend's house.
Also consider
MSI Vector A18 HX A9W The Vector A18 HX A9W is like the Titan's little brother. It still packs a punch in the performance department, but at half the asking price.
Razer Blade 16 (2025) The Razer Blade 16 (2025)is our top pick of the best gaming laptops for a reason - well, several reasons actually. It also comes equipped with an RTX 5090, but comes in at nearly $2,000 cheaper.
I used the MSI Titan 18 HX AI for over three weeks
Gaming, media, and everyday browsing
Our suite of gaming laptop benchmarks, including synthetic and in-game
I used the MSI Titan 18 HX AI A2XWJG as my primary gaming system for three weeks. I played several different titles, including NBA 2K25, Rematch, and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered. I also put the Titan to the test with everyday browsing and media enjoyment on YouTube, Max, Gmail, and more.
We put the Titan 18 HX through its paces in our suite of gaming laptop benchmarks, including synthetic tests and in-game benchmarking.
If you want to learn more about how we test our laptops and desktops, check out this page.
The Oppo K13 Turbo and K13 Turbo Pro are being fully unveiled on July 21, and ahead of that the company's teaser campaign for the duo is in full swing. With this comes the video you can see below, which shows the devices' built-in active cooling fan doing its thing, and it seems to be doing pretty well, even putting out some candles with no issue. Take a look:
Oppo says the fan's design boosts cooling efficiency by 300% over traditional fans, while reducing space usage by 70% and increasing the fan's power by 120%.
Obviously the whole point of adding the fan is providing smooth high...
Nintendo Switch 2 GameCube Controller: one-minute review
After around 15 hours with the Nintendo Switch 2 GameCube controller, I can safely recommend it if you’re looking for an authentic retro experience on the console. This is a pin-sharp, accurate recreation of the original pad, and thus is ideal if you’re planning to dive into those classic GameCube games as part of your Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription.
It’s a faithful revision, but that doesn’t mean the purple wonder hasn’t been modernized in some ways. You’re getting wireless connectivity here - a key selling point of the original GameCube’s Wavebird controller back in the day. Battery life also seems to be incredibly impressive; after around 15 hours of play, its battery indicator on the Switch 2’s ‘Controllers’ menu appears about half full. As such, I estimate you’ll get around 25-30 hours of life before needing to charge it up again.
Still, ‘authentic’ doesn’t necessarily mean ‘perfect’, and there are definitely some more improvements I’d like to have seen, even if purists would cry foul. The controller’s d-pad is still far and away its weakest element, being incredibly small and fairly mushy to the touch. And while I do enjoy those pressure-sensitive triggers, they certainly do feel clunky in comparison to the best Nintendo Switch controllers of today.
The only other real downside to talk about is availability. That’s because the Switch 2 GameCube controller is only available brand new via Nintendo’s online store, which requires a Nintendo account to log in and buy products.
On top of that, you’ll need to have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to be eligible for purchase. This will be a hurdle to some, but if you’re planning on buying the controller for its intended purpose, then you’re likely to already be subscribed to Nintendo’s online service.
(Image credit: Future)
Nintendo Switch 2 GameCube Controller review: price and availability
$64.99 / £58.99 / AU$89.95
Available exclusively via Nintendo’s online store
A Nintendo Switch Online-subbed account is required for purchase
The Nintendo Switch 2 GameCube controller released the same day as the Nintendo Switch 2 console (June 5, 2025), and is available to buy now for $64.99 / £58.99 / AU$89.95.
While this is a good deal cheaper than the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller ($84.99 / £74.99 / AU$119.95), keep in mind that the use case for the GameCube pad is more limited, as it’s primarily designed for the Switch 2’s GameCube Nintendo Classics library.
As mentioned above, there are some hoops to jump through in order to buy the GameCube controller for yourself. It’s only available through Nintendo’s online store, which you’ll need a Nintendo Account in order to make purchases from. On top of that, Nintendo is limiting purchases to those who have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
While that’s an annoying limitation, it does make some sense. The Switch 2’s library of GameCube titles can only be accessed through Nintendo Switch Online’s Expansion Pack tier. Thus, if you’re buying the controller for that reason, you’ll probably already have a subscription to the online service.
Nintendo Switch 2 GameCube Controller review: Specs
Price
$64.99 / £58.99 / AU$89.95
Weight
7.4oz / 210g
Dimensions
5.5 x 3.9 x 2.6in / 140 x 100 x 65mm
Compatibility
Nintendo Switch 2
Connection type
Wireless
Battery life
Around 25-30 hours
(Image credit: Future)
Nintendo Switch 2 GameCube Controller review: design and features
After the Sega Dreamcast, the Nintendo GameCube was my childhood system from that sixth generation of consoles (yes, I’m old, shut up). I spent those days playing hundreds of hours of amazing titles like The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Phantasy Star Online Episode 1 & 2, F-Zero GX, and Sonic Adventure 2 Battle. As a result, I’m deeply familiar with the original GameCube controller, and it’s one of my all-time favorite gamepads.
In my eyes, then, the Switch 2 version of the GameCube controller had a lot to live up to. And I’m happy to report that this is very much the same controller, albeit with some modernities to make it more usable as a contemporary pad. Aside from the obvious wireless connectivity, that includes the introduction of Home, Screenshot, and GameChat buttons, as well as a small ‘ZL’ button that sort of acts as a left trigger for regular Switch and Switch 2 games (in addition to accessing the quick menu for the GameCube Classics library).
Otherwise, this is practically identical to the original controller, sans the wired port being replaced with a USB-C port. The analog stick, C-stick, d-pad, and that iconic-yet-unorthodox face button layout are all exactly where they should be, and all feel very similar to that 2001 pad.
Nintendo has even gotten the smaller details right. Like how the face buttons feel ever so slightly loose in the places, not so much as to feel flimsy, but enough where they can rock around under your thumb. It’s a weirdly tactile feel that I’ve always enjoyed. Elsewhere, the left analog stick has all the right contours, bearing the same grippy feel as the OG version. Fear not if you were after authenticity, then this is a GameCube controller through and through.
(Image credit: Future)
Nintendo Switch 2 GameCube Controller review: Performance
With all that in mind, design-wise, it should come as no surprise that the Switch 2 GameCube controller feels as good now as it did back then, even with my larger adult hands. Its curved design is a blessing even among contemporary controllers, and during play, my hands still rest comfortably around its grips with index fingers wrapping snugly over the triggers.
I primarily tested the Switch 2 GameCube controller with its relevant Switch Online game collection. At the time of writing, that meant plenty of gameplay in F-Zero GX, Soul Calibur 2, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, and Super Mario Strikers. Aside from some slightly noticeable input lag in Wind Waker (which is a problem with the emulation, as I’ve experienced the same with the Switch 2 Pro Controller), the GameCube pad performed excellently through wireless play.
There are two layers to my reasoning here. The first and rather obvious one is that the GameCube’s button layout is drastically at odds with the standard Switch format. On the GameCube controller, you have the A button in the middle, with B, X, and Y all orbiting it. If you’re dead set on using the GameCube controller for Switch 2 games, you’ll need to rely on in-game controller settings to form a more comfortable layout.
Additionally, the pad’s triggers register bumper inputs (L and R on Switch 2 Pro Controller, and Joy-Con 2), while the Z and ZL buttons are the triggers by default. That essentially means the placement has swapped around, which is more than a little awkward.
(Image credit: Future)
That’s where my second point comes in. The Switch 2 does not currently support GameCube controller button mapping from the Home dashboard, as it does for other official pads. This is a bit of a weird omission, and one I hope gets patched in somewhere down the line. Ultimately, though, I am happy that Nintendo at least offers GameCube controller compatibility as an option.
There are other control-related issues, but these are legacy problems at the very least. The triggers will definitely feel a little too clunky for some, and the d-pad is still far too small, rugged, and mushy-feeling. Would I have liked to have seen some improvements in these areas? Sure, but given my attachment to the original GameCube controller, I’m similarly hesitant to introduce any sweeping changes from a purist perspective.
Lastly, the controller at least seriously impresses in the realm of battery life. I tested the GameCube controller for around 15 hours, and while I didn’t fully drain the tank, I ended up using about half, according to the Switch 2’s controller menu. With that in mind, I’d estimate the pad houses anywhere between 25-30 hours of battery life, a similarly impressive number to that of the Switch 2 Pro Controller.
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the Nintendo Switch 2 GameCube Controller?
Buy it if...
You want that authentic GameCube experience Switch Online’s GameCube library is set to grow each month. The controller is the best way to play these games in a faithful manner, and means you won’t have to fiddle around with the button layout on the Switch 2 Pro Controller or Joy-Con 2.
You want the full suite of official Switch 2 accessories There’s already a decent handful of official Switch 2 accessories available to buy, including the Switch 2 Pro Controller and the Switch 2 Camera. The GameCube controller is another quality Switch 2-compatible product from Nintendo, and shouldn’t be missed if you’re after the lot.
Don't buy it if...
You’re not a GameCube enjoyer Quite simply, if you’ve no interest in the Switch 2’s GameCube library, there’s little reason to own the controller. While its native Switch and Switch 2 game support is nice, it isn’t designed around them, thus its relatively awkward button layout could cause issues there.
Nintendo Switch 2 GameCube Controller review: Also consider
The Switch 2 GameCube controller is a pretty specific piece of kit, made for a very specific set of games. Here are some alternatives in case you’re having second thoughts.
Switch 2 GameCube Controller
Switch 2 Pro Controller
8BitDo Ultimate 2
Price
$64.99 / £58.99 / AU$89.95
$84.99 / £74.99 / AU$119.95
$69.99 / £59.99 / AU$90
Weight
7.4oz / 210g
8.3oz / 235g
8.7oz / 246g
Dimensions
5.5 x 3.9 x 2.6in / 140 x 100 x 65mm
5.8 x 4.1 x 2.4in / 148 x 105 x 60mm
5.7 x 4.1 x 2.4in / 147 x 103 x 61mm
Compatibility
Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PC
Connection type
Wireless
Bluetooth, USB Type-C
2.4GHz, Bluetooth, USB Type-C
Battery life
Around 25-30 hours
Around 40 hours
10-15 hours
Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller Simply the best Nintendo Switch 2 controller available right now. Sublime build quality and best-in-class battery life make it a must-own for every Switch 2 owner.
8BitDo Ultimate 2 A superb upgrade over the original model, the Ultimate 2 brings drift-resistant TMR sticks, remappable extra buttons, trigger locks, and some lovely RGB ring lights around the thumbsticks. A solid, cheaper option overall if the Switch 2 Pro Controller is pricing you out.
How I tested the Nintendo Switch 2 GameCube Controller
Tested for approximately 15 hours
Played a range of GameCube classics and Switch 2 games
Compared to the Switch 2 Pro Controller in terms of feel, performance, and battery life
I tested the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller for around 15 hours total, primarily using it for its intended purpose of playing with Nintendo Switch Online’s GameCube library. I also mixed in testing with some Switch 2 games, including Mario Kart World, Street Fighter 6, and Tears of the Kingdom - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. Results were admittedly mixed here, as the GameCube controller’s button layout isn’t best suited for more modern titles.
I primarily played on my LG CX OLED TV, and compared its performance with GameCube games to that of the Switch 2 Pro Controller. Both are well-suited, though I did find myself having to tweak button settings for the latter to better suit the control schemes of titles like F-Zero GX and Soul Calibur 2. With the GameCube controller, I didn’t have to worry about this as the controls are all mapped as intended.
Yesterday the camera specs for vivo's upcoming X300 or X300 Pro mini got leaked, and today the same prolific source who goes by Digital Chat Station on Weibo is back with details regarding the X300 Pro.
This device will allegedly get a 50 MP main camera using Sony's Lytia LYT-828 1/1.3" type sensor. It will be paired with a 50 MP ultrawide and a 200 MP periscope telephoto using a 1/1.4" type sensor. The telephoto camera will reportedly get a new coating technology that will alleviate lens flare.
vivo X200 Pro
The X300 Pro will be powered by MediaTek's Dimensity 9500, which is...
Apple's €14.3 billion Irish tax break fine is officially one for the history books now, as the Irish government has announced that it's withdrawn all the money from the escrow account Apple set up back in 2018. That's when it deposited the aforementioned sum after being fined by the European Commission (EC) for receiving unfair tax breaks from Ireland.
The amount is judged to be what Apple would have paid in taxes in Ireland had it not received a "sweetheart deal" in the form of "illegal state aid" from the Irish government in exchange for setting up its European HQ in the...
Ever since early June, Google has been rumored to hold its grand unveiling event for the Pixel 10 family on August 20, and today the company itself has officially confirmed the date.
Of course, Google hasn't mentioned whether it had initially chosen August 13 and then changed its mind and postponed the event by exactly one week, as we have heard from rumors, so we'll never know if that was true. But the 'new' date itself was accurate, as is so often the case with rumors related to Google (and especially the Pixel line, which just can't seem to stop leaking).
We are expecting the...
