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Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe review: great for kids, one to miss for everyone else
5:00 pm | January 29, 2025

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

Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe: One-minute review

The best thing I can say about the Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe is that it’ll make a good gift for younger gamers, especially if they’re into racing games on the Nintendo Switch. As a budget-friendly wheel, it performs admirably, even if it does lack features compared to many of the best racing wheels out there. Still, as a kid-friendly racing wheel, it more than gets the job done.

But is it worth considering for those looking for a new racing wheel in general? Well, its relatively low price tag makes it a decent option for first-time buyers. And with it being compatible with PC as well as Nintendo Switch, you certainly won’t be lacking in options for games.

If you’re okay with the bold Mario aesthetic (which I actually think is quite nice), you will have to contend with a relative lack of features. Build quality really takes a hit here for both the wheelbase and pedals - both certainly lacking compared to pricier wheels. There’s no force feedback to speak of, either, which may disappoint those looking for a more immersive racing experience. It does perform decently with the best racing games, but a limited 270-degree turning angle makes it somewhat ill-suited for serious racing sims.

To top it all off, even younger players may get frustrated with the Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe, as it’s simply unsuitable for play with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. The wheel just doesn’t offer the pin-sharp responsiveness needed for such a fast-paced kart racer, and I found myself pining for one of the best Nintendo Switch controllers in its place.

Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe

(Image credit: Future)

Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe: Price and availability

  • $109.99 / £89.99
  • Definitely one of the more affordable racing wheel options on the market
  • A budget-friendly rate comparable to the Hori Apex racing wheel

The Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe’s $109.99 / £89.99 retail price is actually pretty fair for what you’re getting. It’s comparable to Hori’s own Apex wheel ($119.99 / £99.99). But as Nintendo Switch-compatible wheels go, you’re unlikely to find one as cheap as this without seriously losing worthwhile features.

Compared to pricier options like the Logitech G923 and Thrustmaster T300RS GT Edition, you are going to be getting a stripped-back experience here. Hori’s Mario Kart wheel is not compatible with PlayStation or Xbox systems, nor does it have desirable features like force feedback or high rotation.

Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe: Specs

Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe: Design and features

  • Nice Mario-themed look
  • Overall cheap-feeling build
  • Optional suction cups aren’t very effective

The Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe’s highlight design aspect is its overall look. Having been officially licensed by Nintendo, it bears the iconic Mario ‘M’ in the center of the wheel. The steering wheel and base both have a really tasteful red-on-black paint job that looks surprisingly smart and professional for a product primarily aimed at younger audiences.

The wheel is quite robust in terms of buttons, too. You’re getting almost a full suite here, with a d-pad, face buttons, ZL and ZR buttons as well as a pair of paddles primarily used for gear shifting.

The center of the wheel also houses the Start, Select, and Home buttons as well as a Capture button for screenshots, which is a very welcome and quite uncommon feature for racing wheels in general. A handy ‘Assign’ button also lets you map custom inputs on the fly.

Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe

(Image credit: Future)

It’s a shame that overall build quality is quite lacking, then, but this is to be expected given the relatively low price tag. While the wheel itself is adequate, the wheelbase is quite light and hollow-feeling, which ultimately makes weighing it down on a flat surface oddly difficult.

The included pedals are broadly similar to the ones included with the Hori Apex; they’re very simple and similarly cheap-feeling. If not for the flip-out footrest, the pedal base would be prone to shifting under your weight.

You’ve got two options for clamping the wheel to a flat surface. A more traditional clamp and screw are included, and these work fine if you’re going to make the wheel part of a more long-term setup.

The five included suction cups, on the other hand, simply don’t get the job done. These lock into place via slots at the bottom of the base and a twist of each is meant to secure them on a flat surface without the use of a clamp. However, they were still extremely slippery and offered little purchase for the surfaces I tested on.

You’re better off opting for the clamp option, then, as I found the suction cups to be practically useless and often dislodged themselves from their slots, despite my best efforts to lock them into place.

Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe: Performance

  • Ironically not well-suited for Mario Kart
  • Performs adequately on PC via XInput
  • On-board buttons are perfectly responsive

If you’re just looking for a good, cheap wheel that gets the job done on PC, then the Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe definitely delivers on that front. The racing experience is by no means incredible - with a complete lack of force feedback and a relatively limited 270-degree turning radius - but it’s still perfectly serviceable.

I tested the wheel out on racing games that are lighter on sim elements like Tokyo Xtreme Racer and Forza Horizon 5, and I found it to be a great fit for them. It does start to show its limitations with more simulation-heavy fare like Assetto Corsa EVO, however, where I found I had to play with a variety of assists turned on to aid with the wheels stripped back performance.

Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe

(Image credit: Future)

While competent on PC, then, I can’t really say the same for the wheel’s namesake. It’s just not very well suited to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on Nintendo Switch. Fortunately, the wheel is compatible with the game out of the box, with no control fiddling necessary. However, the simple act of turning and drifting just didn’t feel right in the fast-paced kart racer. Stacked up against a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, Hori’s wheel just doesn’t have the quick responsiveness necessary to drive well in 150cc mode.

It is compatible with a wide variety of Switch racing games, though. So, if you own titles like Gear Club Unlimited or Grid Autosport, you might get more mileage out of it as a console wheel with these racers instead.

Should I buy the Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe?

Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe

(Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

You want a cheap wheel that performs decently on PC
If you simply don’t have the budget for a pricier, more feature-rich wheel, you may still want to consider Hori’s wheel as a cheaper alternative given it’s well-suited to sim-lite or arcade style racers.

You’re buying for a younger player
Thanks to the Mario aesthetic and a small feature set that’s easy to get to grips with, this racing wheel is actually a great fit for younger racing game enthusiasts as a first-time purchase.

You’re after a dedicated Switch wheel
Hori’s is one of the very few bespoke Nintendo Switch wheels, with the other notable one being a cheaper version from Hori itself. Out of those two, I’d say this is the one to go for if you can afford it.

Don't buy it if...

You were hoping for a better experience with Mario Kart
Unfortunately, playing Mario Kart 8 Deluxe with Hori’s racing wheel just isn’t very fun, and I found myself swapping back to a more traditional Switch controller after just a handful of cups completed.

Also consider...

If the Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe isn’t quite meeting your expectations or preferences, you may want to consider these alternatives instead.

Thrustmaster T248
An oldie, but a goodie. The T248 is an impressive budget model with solid build quality, good force feedback, a handy on-wheel display, and 900 degrees of rotation making it well-suited to sim racers.

Read our Thrustmaster T248 review

Logitech G920
The best Xbox racing wheel for most people (consider the identical Logitech G923 if you’re on PlayStation), boasts superb build quality, great force feedback, and a range of handy sim features. The pedals can be a little stiff, but it’s nonetheless a great mid-range option for consoles and PC.

Read our Logitech G920 review

How I tested the Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe

  • Tested for one week
  • Tested across Nintendo Switch and PC
  • Played a variety of racing games

I tested the Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe over the course of about a week, getting to grips with the wheel and its included pedals across a wide variety of racing games. I covered racers of all kinds, from arcade-like titles including Tokyo Xtreme Racer and Forza Horizon 5 to more simulation-heavy games like Assetto Corsa EVO and Forza Motorsport. I found it to be a better fit for less realistic racers overall.

I can’t say the same, specifically, for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and it’s a shame the wheel wasn’t a good fit for its targeted game. It’s no fault of the wheel, really, as the popular kart racer is just not designed with racing wheels in mind. But it’s definitely something to keep in mind if you’re buying for a younger gamer.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed January 2025

Acer Predator controller review: a few years out of date
5:30 pm | January 15, 2025

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

Acer Predator controller: one-minute review

The Acer Predator controller is more than a little disappointing given the brand’s track record of producing high-quality gaming hardware. It’s apparent that this is one of Acer’s first forays into the realm of gaming controllers, as the Predator is pretty bare-bones for what it offers in terms of features. That, and its overall build quality, leaves something to be desired.

Much of this could be forgiven if it wasn’t for the Predator’s retail price. It comes similarly priced to some of the best PC controllers and best Nintendo Switch controllers, including the GameSir Tarantula Pro and the 8BitDo Ultimate. But unlike those, the Acer Predator hardly does anything to stand out from the crowd.

Don’t expect remappable buttons, trigger locks, or even basics like a good overall build quality here; the Predator’s closest analog is probably the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. And even there, Nintendo’s official pad has the Predator beat on both build and battery life.

This isn’t to say the Acer Predator isn’t at least worth a look. It still gets plenty of things right. Hall effect sticks allow for a controller that could last you years, and it does support Switch-friendly features like gyro aiming for games like Splatoon 3. It is a bit lamentable that the Predator requires AA batteries to be used wirelessly, but both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connectivity are supported here and overall battery life is pretty decent at around 20 hours on average.

In summary, if you’re after a simple, no-frills controller similar to the official Nintendo Switch option, the Acer Predator might just be for you. However, when its peers are handily one-upping it in terms of design, features, and performance - often at the same price or less - it probably shouldn’t be at the top of your list.

Acer Predator controller

(Image credit: Future)

Acer Predator controller: Price and availability

  • £69.99 (around $87.99 / AU$139.99)
  • Purchasable from Acer’s website in certain regions
  • Limited overall availability, with the controller seemingly not available in the US

While the Acer Predator controller seems to be unavailable (at time of writing) in the US, it is available for £69.99 in the UK and can be purchased from Acer’s own website. Unlike most other third-party controllers, availability (at the time of writing) appears to be extremely limited. The controller isn’t listed at retailers like Amazon, Argos, or John Lewis in the UK. Moreover, Acer itself doesn’t have a store page for the controller in the US or Australia.

In terms of price, the Acer Predator is fairly competitive when you consider that many other top controllers fall within that £60-£70 price bracket. As mentioned, though, it’s not the most complete feeling controller out there when compared to other pads in this range. It would have been a more attractive purchasing option, I feel if it came in at £10 or even £15 cheaper than its current retail price.

Acer Predator controller: specs

Acer Predator controller

(Image credit: Future)

Acer Predator controller: design and features

  • Simple, but nonetheless eye-catching sci-fi-esque livery
  • Lacking in build quality in comparison to its competitors
  • D-pad and triggers feel noticeably spongy

Starting off with the positives, I really like the aesthetic touches on the Acer Predator controller. It’s emblazoned with cool sci-fi-looking patterns that definitely lend it some unique identity, but it’s understated enough to not stand out in a garish way. The bumpers up top also offer a soft, tactile clicky feel. Thumbsticks also feel great here with a comfortable amount of concavity for your thumbs to firmly rest on.

Other aspects of the controller don’t fare as well. The d-pad and face buttons have an overly mushy feel. It doesn’t help that the former is extremely basic and rather flat in design which did make for an occasional mispress during gameplay. Triggers, meanwhile, did grow on me after some time, but these are fairly wide and offer an unsatisfyingly spongy feel. A pretty mixed bag overall, then, in terms of buttons and modules.

It’s also worth noting that the Acer Predator’s 2.4GHz dongle is not separate in the box. Rather, it’s housed within the controller’s onboard battery compartment. So make sure you’re taking that out first before inserting any AA batteries if you’re planning to use it wirelessly on PC.

It’s a slightly strange choice for a controller, and it does take a little bit of wrestling to release it from the controller’s slot. But it does at least offer a safe way to store the dongle to prevent you from losing it when not in use.

Acer Predator controller

(Image credit: Future)

Acer Predator controller: performance

  • Hall effect thumbsticks make for a long-lasting controller
  • Well-developed rumble that offers a robust and impactful play experience
  • Battery life is decent but may vary depending on your battery brand of choice

Design issues aside, the Acer Predator does perform admirably as a controller, with few notable faults. Despite the pad feeling outdated in some aspects, I’m grateful for the inclusion of Hall effect sticks first and foremost. This will make for a long-lasting gamepad that’s resistant to stick drift issues. On that front alone, the Predator is worth considering if you’re tired of cycling through controllers on a semi-regular basis.

What surprised me most here is the Predator’s incredibly effective rumble tech. It’s not exactly haptic feedback a la the PS5’s DualSense wireless controller, but it feels significantly less flat than many other controllers in this regard.

Playing action-heavy titles like Wuthering Waves, Zenless Zone Zero, and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, I was really impressed with the impactful register of sword swipes and other special abilities. It’s a well-rounded vibration that successfully adds a good layer of immersion to whichever game you’re playing. However, you still may wish to switch off vibrations for competitive play as I do feel such a strong rumble could disrupt things like aim or other desired inputs.

The Acer Predator controller also matches many of its peers on compatibility and connection types. It works with Nintendo Switch, PC, and mobile devices (both Android and iOS) and supports 2.4GHz and Bluetooth for wireless connectivity, as well as USB-C for wired connections. Switch compatibility is an especially big plus here, as I feel the Acer Predator makes for a decent alternative to the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.

Battery life is also pretty decent overall. Acer’s own website states you’ll get around 25 hours here, but this will of course vary based on the AA battery brand used. The controller comes with a pair of Energizer AA batteries included in the box. With these, I managed to get around 20 hours of playtime before needing to swap them out. Again this will vary based on brand and the types of games you play, but this is an overall decent number that means you shouldn't have to swap out batteries too often.

Acer Predator controller

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Acer Predator controller?

Buy it if...

You want a good Switch Pro Controller alternative
While many of the best Nintendo Switch controllers do outshine Nintendo’s official pad in terms of design and features, the Acer Predator still puts up a decent show and is a good pick if you’re looking for a reliable Hall effect controller.

You like rumble
This is arguably the Acer Predator controller’s standout feature and really comes alive in action-heavy games. While not quite haptic feedback or Nintendo’s own HD Rumble, it’s nonetheless very robust and impactful here.

Don't buy it if...

You want better, sturdier build quality
There is an overtly cheap feel to the Acer Predator controller, from its chassis to its individual buttons and modules. While not the absolute worst we’ve ever tested in this regard, it still leaves much to be desired.

You want a more reliable wireless solution
It’s quite rare for contemporary controllers to run on AA batteries, and if you don’t like the idea of having to purchase these to keep playing wirelessly, you should consider a controller that offers a more modern charging solution.View Deal

Also consider...

If the Acer Predator is proving to be a hard sell, refer to the table below in which we compare its specs to two other great controllers.

8BitDo Ultimate
The 8BitDo Ultimate still finds itself at the top of our best Nintendo Switch controllers guide for good reason. Superb build quality, lovely additional features, and an included charging dock all at a very reasonable price.

Read our full 8BitDo Ultimate review

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
Despite lacking modernities like Hall effect sticks, the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is still a real workhorse of a gamepad, with excellent build quality and best-in-class battery life for the console.

Read our full Nintendo Switch Pro Controller review

How I tested the Acer Predator controller

  • Tested for one week
  • Platforms tested: Nintendo Switch, PC
  • Compared to the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller and 8BitDo Ultimate

I tested the Acer Predator controller over the course of a week, hopping between PC and Nintendo Switch. By doing this, I was able to test multiple connection types from 2.4GHz to Bluetooth and wired, while also sampling a wide range of excellent games including Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Astral Chain, Zenless Zone Zero, and Wuthering Waves.

While certainly far from the best controller I’ve ever tested, it did eventually somewhat win me over thanks to its broad compatibility, strong rumble tech, and impressive battery life - even if I’m not personally a fan of having to rely on AA batteries for wireless play.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed January 2025

Nintendo Switch 2 renders show a familiar but upscaled design with an 8.4″ display
5:42 pm | January 9, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Tags: | Comments: Off

The original Nintendo Switch came out in 2017 and has since become the third best-selling console of all time (behind the PS2 and Nintendo DS). The original model had a 6.2” LCD and as a mid-generation refresh, Nintendo released the Switch OLED with a 7.0” OLED display. While it’s in no rush to do so, Nintendo is almost ready to launch the second generation model and it will be even larger. Nintendo Switch 2 (speculative renders) CAD renders of the Nintendo Switch 2 show that it will have an 8.4” display (most likely OLED) and that it will be bigger in all dimensions. That’s a...

PS5 Pro review: a high-performing enthusiast console with a pricey sting in the tail
2:01 pm | November 6, 2024

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

PS5 Pro: Two-minute review

The PlayStation 5 Pro is Sony’s enhanced mid-generation gaming console, and it is categorically better than its PS5 brethren. I’ve spent the best part of a full week with the PS5 Pro now, and have been consistently impressed with its upgrades. Time and again the PS5 Pro has wowed me with incredible graphical quality and wonderfully high frame rates and given me crisper, smoother images and experiences over my base PS5 in almost every game I've tried.

From confirmed PS5 Pro enhanced games, to ‘regular’ PS5 games and PS4 games, and on both a 60Hz 4K TV and 120Hz-capable 4K gaming monitor, I have been blown away by the experience on the PS5 Pro. On a technical level, this is going to be the best way to enjoy the rest of the generation, but there’s a sting in the tail that means that it isn’t quite a slam dunk.

While it delivers on its brief of delivering a mid-gen graphical upgrade - though perhaps not quite to the same degree as the PS4 Pro did when capitalizing on the rise of 4K TV adoption - its graphical boosts, while tangible, aren’t seismic or groundbreaking; certainly not for the vast majority of PS5 players anyway. As such evolutionary-not-revolutionary steps won’t be enough to persuade most.

It also has a price problem which I find frustrating, sad, and baffling in equal measure. At $700 / £700 it is the most expensive Sony home console ever; and this is a mid-generational upgrade, remember - not a wholly new system. It also doesn’t come with a disc drive or a vertical stand which means you’re looking at north of $800 / £800 to even mirror the setup you got originally with a $500 / £450 launch PS5. Considering the PS5 Pro is a premium gaming console and one that will most appeal to PlayStation gaming enthusiasts like myself, it’s hard not to feel disappointed. Pair this with the baffling decision to leave out a disc drive - most enthusiasts are physical media proponents and the most likely to have physical game collections - and the disappointment grows a little more.

The key upgrade is really the convergence of graphical fidelity and performance with games now able to tap into the PS5 Pro’s hardware and features to shine in both ways - at the same time. The wizardry of Sony’s proprietary Playstation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) helps enormously in its AI-driven upscaling tech, and the results are glorious. The likes of Horizon Forbidden West and Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, and The Last of Us Part 1 and Part 2 Remastered, truly shine on PS5 Pro and have new performance modes that run incredibly smoothly at high frame rates and have a level of detail you’d be hard pushed to say weren’t a full-fat fidelity mode.

The PS5 Pro console on a wooden desk in front of a white brick background and next to a potted plant

(Image credit: Future)

The boost to ray tracing that’s on offer is absolutely beautiful too. Coming on top of the boosts to fidelity and performance, you can now enjoy some of the best ray-tracing PS5 has to offer in a performance mode, targeting 60 frames per second, which is truly special in games like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. The boosts to non-enhanced PS5 and particularly PS4 games are harder to discern currently, but the games I've tested show what can be achieved with the PS5 Pro’s hardware.

If you were thinking of upgrading your TV to a 120Hz screen, or have recently got one such monitor or TV, then the benefits of the PS5 Pro grow further still with extra modes in the likes of Horizon Forbidden West that offer even more refined balances of graphics and performance to target super-high levels of fidelity and intermediate frame rates such as 40 frames per second. However folks with TVs that aren't 120hz capable can still get great benefits that I can attest to - the moment-to-moment experience of a game’s Performance Pro (or other similarly named) modes is brilliant and means you'll be getting a wonderful image and resolution and, in effect, making the absolute most of your TV’s 60Hz refresh rate.

The aforementioned PSSR is in many ways the headline act of the PS5 Pro’s upgraded feature set with it being the first AI-driven upscaling tech in a Sony home console, and the results discussed above mean that it has great promise and is offering something impressive already. Combined with upgrades to memory, graphics card, storage, and Wi-Fi, the PS5 Pro does offer more than just a niche graphical upgrade package too.

In particular, the boost to 2TB of storage in the Pro makes a huge difference that would otherwise cost around $100 / £100 to add to any other PS5, while the addition of Wi-Fi 7 for better internet connectivity, is welcome, especially considering the Pro starts off life as a digital console.

From a purely aesthetic view, the PS5 Pro console is immediately cut from the PS5 family cloth in terms of design and build and sports all the aesthetic touches to the ports that you’d want from another PS5 console. Coming in at around the same thickness as the PS5 Slim, and the same height as the launch PS5, the Pro is a curvaceous and pretty slick-looking thing.

The sleek white panels - a matte finish, not shiny like the Slim - are elegant, while the black middle and lines of black fins new on the Pro provide excellent contrast. It offers the same ports as the PS5 Slim too so you’re well covered with two USB-Cs on the front, two USB-As on the back, an HDMI, an ethernet, and the power port on the back. Sadly, those panels are not interchangeable with those that fit the PS5 Slim, and it also doesn’t come with a disc drive or a vertical stand which does seem at odds with its positioning as a premium PlayStation-enthusiast console.

The PS5 Pro is the most complete PS5 package now, but its core benefits and upgrades are a little niche, and the advancements are subtle - not ground-breaking - so it’s not going to be a good value investment for everyone.

If you’ve a keen eye for detail, are a PlayStation fanatic who wants to be at the bleeding edge of the brand’s console and wants the most performant PlayStation console going, or you’re a graphics obsessive who wants the best experience going, or are a PS5 user with a new 120Hz-capable gaming TV or PS5 monitor, then the gaming experiences provided by the PS5 Pro are going to be very tempting indeed. For everyone else, it’s just going to be too expensive.

PS5 Pro: Price and availability

  • List price: $699.99 / £699.99 / AU$1,199
  • Does not include a disc drive or vertical stand
  • Launched on November 7, 2024

Since the day of its reveal, the PlayStation 5 Pro’s price has been a big talking point - and it remains so. Cutting to it, $700 / £700 for a mid-generation upgrade console is steep and makes it the most expensive Sony home console ever. It also comes in at $200 / £220 more than the list price of the PS5 Slim, the current ‘base’ version of the console.

By comparison, the PlayStation 4 Pro launched at the original PS4’s price which felt right - especially given the base console’s simultaneous permanent price drop. If the PS5 Pro’s price had come even a little closer to the PS5’s price ($499.99 / £479.99) then this new console would be seriously tempting, and more so for existing PS5 owners.

The extra sting in the price department is that the PS5 Pro console does not come with a disc drive or vertical stand. The latter Sony has previous form with in regards to the PS5 Slim also not coming with one, but the lack of a disc drive, when positioned as a premium, enthusiast console is a big disappointment - and a bit baffling, despite being offset by some of the other PS5 Pro specs on offer.

A welcome point in this category though is, unlike the PS5 at launch, the PS5 Pro is widely available everywhere at time of writing. PS5 Pro pre-orders briefly sold out at PlayStation Direct on the day they started (September 26), but since then stock at Sony’s own storefront and other retailers has remained steady and readily available.

PS5 Pro: Specs

The PS5 Pro console next to a PS5 Slim and launch PS5 on a wooden desk in front of a white brick background and next to a potted plant

(Image credit: Future)

PS5 Pro: Design and features

  • Slick design form and chic new take on the PS5-family aesthetic
  • Digital console with no disc drive by default
  • Updated console covers aren’t interchangeable with existing PS5 plates

The overall design of the PS5 Pro is very in keeping with the PS5 generation of console and accessories; a symphony in black and white curves, but done in its own style that’s both fresh and new but also familiar. The white panels are not as shiny as they are on the PS5 Slim, instead having a more matte finish, while the fins that split the console across its middle are pretty striking from a design point of view and one that I really quite like, providing a stylish flash of black across the sea of white.

The form and overall build share features with the original launch PS5 and the newer Slim model, too. The four-sectioned exterior and overall slender form is very reminiscent of the PS5 Slim, while the Pro comes in bigger than that standard console, and is just about as tall as the original PS5. In cold hard numbers, the PS5 is 15.2 x 3.5 x 8.5in / 388 x 89 x 216mm (WxHxD) in size and weighs 6.8lbs / 3.1kg.

In the box, in addition to the console itself, you get a standard DualSense Wireless Controller, a power plug for your region, an HDMI 2.1 cable, a USB-C to USB-C cable for the controller, and all the necessary paperwork.

The PS5 Pro is a digital-only console by default meaning there’s no disc drive included. This needs to be bought separately and applied as you would on the PS5 Slim - fortunately, the Pro is compatible with the pre-existing PS5 disc drive. There’s also no vertical stand included so the PS5 Pro is also a horizontal console by default with the squat version of the detachable legs included in the box.

The PS5 Pro console next to a PS5 Slim and launch PS5 on a wooden desk in front of a white brick background and next to a potted plant

(Image credit: Future)

The PS5 Pro follows suit with the PS5 Slim by offering two USB-C ports on the front of the console toward the power button, and where the PS5 Pro’s LED lights are too (i.e. not at the ‘flare end’ as on the launch PS5). On the rear, it’s a more familiar situation to those with any PS5 with the power port, HDMI port, two USB-A ports, and an ethernet port finishing the set. The arrangement of the ports is also more in line with the PS5 Slim however, with the HDMI port further up or the left-hand side (depending on your view) compared to the launch PS5.

The shell of the PS5 Pro is divided into four plates - each named after a PlayStation shape to ensure you don’t ever mix them up, and all are removable with a similar level of force as the other PS5s. It is a great shame, however, while the arrangement of the PS5 Pro generally means that the larger lower panels are exactly the same as the PS5 Slim - a fact reinforced by the disc drive’s compatibility - but the smaller, top panels aren’t the same size which is a great shame. I tested this myself to confirm it, so fans who want to adorn the Pro in their choice of colorway will likely have to wait for Pro-specific panels to become available.

Under the console covers, the PS5 Pro has the same PS5 SSD bay that the previous models had and can be engaged with in exactly the same way too as I experienced by installing my Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus SSD during testing.

When you boot the PS5 Pro up, you’ll be greeted by a user interface that is exactly the same as the other PS5 models. It’s a slick and easy-to-navigate setup process as well as a wider layout to move around, and aside from a few more menu options and toggles, it’s identical and will be very familiar to current PS5 owners. If you need to transfer data from a PS4 or another PS5 to get going, then there’s a simple process to do so when first using the Pro.

The PS5 Pro console next to a PS5 Slim and launch PS5 on a wooden desk in front of a white brick background and next to a potted plant

(Image credit: Future)

PS5 Pro: Performance

  • Excellent performance blending fidelity and performance simultaneously...
  • ...however, advancements aren't groundbreaking or revolutionary
  • Supporting specs offer further benefits

The proof was always going to be in the performance and graphics pudding, so I installed a whole host of games on the PS5 Pro and my regular PS5 to compare the differences. So far in my testing, I've seen impressive things in those enhanced games I've been able to run.

The effect of the beefier GPU, and the impact of PSSR is tangible and genuine, and it clearly helps developers enhance their games to offer their definitive versions. It’s an exciting proposition for the remainder of the PS5 generation and I already have high hopes for Sony's first-party studios and games like Marvel's Wolverine, and whatever is coming next from Naughty Dog, et al.

The PS5 Pro allows the Northlight engine in Alan Wake 2 to really shine. Instead of adding any more modes, the game takes advantage of the Pro by offering boosts to its quality and performance modes through increased ray-tracing effects, and increased detail. The boost to both modes compared to my base PS5 was immediately noticeable. Ray tracing, reflections, and lighting are all greatly improved in quality mode, while visual boosts and framerate smoothness combine in performance mode.

Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered immediately feels like a game built (well, rebuilt) for PS5 Pro. The moment I booted into the game and started enjoying the cutscenes and getting into the action, I was knocked down by the gorgeous lighting, fabulous reflections, lifelike water and hair detail, and an overall image quality that was stupendous.

This was the case in both games’ ‘Pro’ version of the existing Resolution and Performance graphics settings. Despite the lack of description in the menu as to exactly what was happening in each, I found the Favor Performance Pro to be the best way to enjoy the game: blending the brilliant upgraded visuals and effects with a smooth, high frame rate gave me a brand new experience in Horizon that I’d never had before.

A third setting is available; a Balanced Pro version does exist on 120Hz capable displays that seem to enable the Pro to get higher frame rates than 30fps while knocking only a bit of quality off (so probably a 40fps mode, something made possible, and excellent, with Variable Refresh Rate) to get even more of the best of both worlds should the display be the right match.

The PS5 Pro console on a wooden desk in front of a white brick background and next to a potted plant

(Image credit: Future)

In Horizon Forbidden West, the Resolution and Performance Pro modes remain the same as in the remastered first game, but the Balanced Pro mode is described as very high fidelity at 40fps when playing on a 120Hz-specced display. When playing on my gaming monitor that is HDMI 2.1 capable, this was perhaps my favorite setting of the bunch on both games.

The Last of Us Part 1 and The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered are both brilliant too. The games share identical display options and respond and present themselves in the same way. The new ‘Pro’ mode is an absolute dream and now my favorite way to play these games and experience their worlds. This mode renders the game at 1440p, then uses PSSR to upscale to 4K and targets 60fps. The results are spectacular, and I really had difficulty telling the difference between the overall image quality of the Pro mode with the PS5’s Fidelity mode. World details such as foliage, lighting, and reflections are extra beautiful and things like the details on Joel and Ellie’s backpacks are crisper than ever - all while running at a smoother, higher frame rate.

Zipping around New York in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 couldn’t possibly have felt or looked better but here we are - the game is staggeringly brilliant on PS5 Pro. The two settings - Fidelity Pro and Performance Pro are both beautiful on PS5 Pro. The former offers incredible ray-tracing, reflections, and overall sharpness, with a few options to change the intensity of some options which can be altered to gain some performance back.

The latter mode, is also something else, though. Offering a smooth 60fps while retaining the image quality of standard (PS5) fidelity mode through PSSR, it presents an extraordinary combination of graphics and performance - and all ray-tracing features are on by default in this setting.

Not to be outdone by its studio-mate, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is also wonderful to play, and just look at on PS5 Pro. The game features the same two settings as Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 (but one fewer ray-tracing settings, the reflections and interiors) with the Performance Pro mode being a standout once again with all ray-tracing features present and PSSR doing some excellent heavy lifting to create a fantastic image, and experience.

I have taken Demon’s Souls for a quick spin around the block too which is excellent in its dedicated PS5 Pro mode - it’s literally called ‘PS5 Pro’. Comparing it to the cinematic and performance modes that remain in the game, it’s hard to tell the difference between the overall image quality of the former, and the smooth frame rates of the latter in the dedicated Pro mode.

The PS5 Pro console on a wooden desk in front of a white brick background and next to a potted plant

(Image credit: Future)

It’s also worth noting that the PS5 Pro, during the above extensive game testing, doesn't blow as loudly as its mid-gen predecessor - the PS4 Pro - did compared to that generation’s base console. I have found the PS5 Pro to run no louder than the base PS5 at its loudest, and actually quieter a lot of the time.

These are just some of the games I’ve had the chance to test so far - and they paint a special picture looking forward to the full list of enhanced games, as well as those yet to come out. The fact remains that if you're playing a game that’s been enhanced for PS5 Pro, you absolutely will get an enhanced experience - the Pro is noticeably and clearly better, making games look even more stunning and run super fast and smooth, simultaneously. We can now have the best of both worlds, and the results often feel like playing the definitive version of games. This is especially the case if you have a 120Hz-capable display that can unlock any balanced or 40fps modes too - this is the point at which the PS5 Pro’s impact and performance can offer more and be even more compelling.

A note on PSVR 2 games

PSVR 2

(Image credit: Future)

Sony has said that the PS5 Pro’s enhanced graphics will boost and benefit PSVR 2 games greatly. However, I haven’t had the chance to test PSVR 2 with the PS5 Pro yet but will be updating this review, as and when I get the chance to fully explore this. Sony's blog post running down the list of enhanced games at the PS5 Pro's launch did include Kayak VR: Mirage, however, so we're hopeful of some tangible benefits to PSVR 2 gaming.

As well as making non-enhanced PS5 games look even better with the hardware giving them a boost, the PS5 Pro does include a new, dedicated boost mode of sorts for PS4 games: you can enable an option to enhance image quality for PS4 games.

The games do look great on PS5 Pro, but I have struggled to really pick out clear differences and upgrades, and have often found myself reaching for highlights and really peering to see what might be different or enhanced. I’ll continue testing this with more PS4 games to see if there’s anything definitive but it’s not quite clear what the setting does right now. I tried this with Doom, Call of Duty Modern Warfare, Infamous Second Son, Dishonored 2, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Days Gone.

The PS5 Pro features a 2TB SSD which allows so much more breathing room in terms of storage. For reference and as an example of what the boost means in real or day-to-day terms, I had 17 games installed - from 11.6GB Astro’s Playroom to the 130GB Horizon Forbidden West - and still had 353GB of space left to use.

There’s also more storage on the SSD by default: whereas the original PS5 only had about 667GB free to use from its 825GB SSD (80% of the drive), the PS5 Pro allows you to use 1.89TB of its 2TB drive, which is 94.5% of the drive. This is excellent and helps to provide a storage situation where you may not even need a PS5 SSD that you once previously did. With 1TB SSDs costing just north of $100 / £100, broadly speaking, this extra capacity upgrade is not inconsiderable.

The PS5 Pro console on a wooden desk in front of a white brick background and next to a potted plant

(Image credit: Future)

Wi-Fi 7 is a welcome inclusion too and I definitely experienced quicker and more stable download speeds and connection to my PlayStation Portal on my home internet. Your mileage may vary depending on the quality of the internet, but it should represent improvements across the board given the upgrade.

The day-to-day gaming performance of the PS5 Pro is, all in, a joy to behold and use in action. PSSR works wonders and provides a brilliant experience by blending the best of fidelity and performance modes. While I have found the upgrades tremendous so far, I also recognize that such changes are largely subtle and aren’t revolutionary - as a result, I can still see most PS5 owners sticking with their launch or PS5 Slim models.

But for folks like me who have a keen eye for detail and performance, the results are terrific and wholly worthwhile. If the new hardware continues to be embraced by devs, the PS5 Pro could set the standard and be the definitive way to enjoy the rest of the PS5 generation - and also hint at where the PS6 could take things when it comes along.

The PS5 Pro box on a wooden desk in front of a white brick background and next to a potted plant

(Image credit: Future)

Should you buy the PS5 Pro?

Buy it if...

You’ve always wanted fidelity and performance modes at the same time in games
One key reason the PS5 Pro exists is to prevent folks from having to choose between quality and frame rates - and it absolutely succeeds in offering that with ‘Pro’ performance modes now offering both, in particular.

You want the latest advancements in console gaming tech and ray tracing capabilities
The PS5 Pro’s advanced ray-tracing combined with the wizardry of PSSR and its beefier graphics card means the console offers the very latest tech going on consoles - and boy does it show, with all three combining to make superb gaming experiences.

You have got or are going to get a 120Hz TV or monitor for gaming
The PS5 Pro on a non-120Hz display still makes games look and play amazing, but if you’ve got or are getting a 120Hz HDMI 2.1-specced display for gaming then the benefits increase and the enhancements get even more tangible.

You’re a PlayStation fan and want the most performant PlayStation console going
Simply put, many PlayStation fans will always want the best PlayStation experience that’s available - a totally legitimate position and one that the PS5 Pro offers. Such fans who adopt the Pro will not be disappointed with its performance.

Don't buy it if...

You’d want maximum value from a graphical upgrade
While tangible, PS5 Pro’s graphical upgrades are more subtle and evolutionary rather than groundbreaking so the price tag of the Pro is a very hard one to swallow. If you’re hoping for something more groundbreaking for $700 / £700 then the Pro isn’t quite offering that and the better value option is the original PS5 or the PS5 Slim.

You already have a PS5 and are totally satisfied with the experiences it provides
If you already have a PS5 Slim or launch model, enjoy the exciting experiences it provides, and aren’t one to strive for higher numbers than those you have already then you can likely skip the PS5 Pro and stay as you are.

Also consider

If you're not totally sold on the PS5 Pro, then here are some other consoles to consider by comparison.

PS5

The PS5 (Slim or launch model) is still a brilliant games console and will provide wonderful gaming experiences. If you’re not a graphics obsessive or someone who desires the most power and capability from their PlayStation console then the PS5 is a brilliant console in 2024.

For more information, check out our full (original) PS5 review, and stay tuned for our full PS5 Slim review.

Xbox Series X

Microsoft’s full-fat current-generation console is a fine machine on the other side of the console divide, and offers its own suite of specs, experiences, and games, especially through Xbox Game Pass. If you’re on the lookout for a home console that will offer the best graphical experience for the enormous game library on this side of the canyon, then this is the machine to go for.

For more information, check out our full Xbox Series X review.

Nintendo Switch

Although rumors of a successor rumble on, the Nintendo Switch is arguably the best handheld home gaming console, which sets it well apart from the likes of the PS5 Pro. If you’d been eyeing up a handheld games console next, rather than a mid-generation upgrade, then the Nintendo Switch is a great option to consider.

For more information, check out our full Nintendo Switch review and our full Nintendo Switch OLED review.

The PS5 Pro console on a wooden desk in front of a white brick background and next to a potted plant

(Image credit: Future)

How I tested the PS5 Pro

  • Tested for many hours a day for around a week, playing and running a range of games
  • Compared design, build, features, and performance directly to PS5 Slim and launch PS5
  • Tested download speeds, transfers, load times, and gameplay improvements

I tested the PS5 Pro for about a week for review. I installed nearly 20 games from both my PS5 and PS4 libraries on it and compared them running on the PS5 Pro to my standard PS5 console. I spent hours observing how the games looked and performed in all modes - and tinkered with settings - on the PS5 Pro compared to the PS5 which allowed me to spot differences between the two consoles.

Comparisons between the models didn’t stop at games, however, as I also compared the PS5 Pro on a physical level to the PS5 Slim and base PS5 launch model, looking at physical appearance, dimensions, weight, footprint, taking console covers off and reapplying them, adding an M.2 SSD, port arrangement, using it both vertically and horizontally, testing noise pollution, as well as observing download and install speeds and testing connectivity through Wi-Fi and ethernet.

I also, simply, used it as my daily gaming platform, playing a variety of games, both single-player and online, browsing the menus and engaging with different settings, moving games and apps from storage locations, and more.

I used the PS5 Pro on both a gaming monitor and TV for testing; the former being an Acer Predator X32Q FS 4K screen that offered a quality screen to test the Pro’s 120Hz capabilities, and the latter being a Samsung Q6F QLED 4K TV, enabling me to test it with a non-120Hz display.

In terms of complementary gear and accessories, I tested the PS5 Pro with the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds the Sony Inzone H9 headset, the Steelseries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, multiple DualSense controllers, a Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus PS5 SSD, a Crucial X8 external hard drive, and a PlayStation Portal.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed November 2024

GameSir Tarantula Pro review: one of our favorite brands goes symmetrical – and it’s rad
2:50 pm | November 5, 2024

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

GameSir Tarantula Pro: one-minute review

The GameSir Tarantula Pro is yet another winner from one of our favorite third-party gamepad brands. After seriously impressing us with the GameSir Kaleid, GameSir Nova, and the GameSir X2S Type-C mobile controller, it has now followed up with something a bit different.

The GameSir Tarantula Pro features a symmetrical thumbstick layout much like the PS5’s DualSense. However, this controller is compatible with PC, Nintendo Switch, and iOS and Android devices. Not only does that make it one of the very few Nintendo Switch controllers with symmetrical sticks, but it’s also perfect for gamers who prefer that layout on PC and mobile.

Otherwise, the Tarantula Pro is packed to the gills with desirable controller features, including drift-resisting TMR (that’s short for tunnel magnetoresistance, for those curious) sticks, trigger stops, nine (yes, nine!) remappable buttons, and even near field communication (NFC) scanning for amiibo figures on Nintendo Switch. You’re also getting excellent build quality here, as well as an impressively compact design that’s shorter than the average asymmetrical Xbox-style gamepad.

Perhaps the controller’s coolest feature, though, has to be its quick switching for button layouts. With a quick touch of the multifunction button on the rear of the pad, you can swap between Xbox and Switch face button layouts. These buttons are LED-powered too, and leads to a very stylish controller aesthetic in tandem with the small strip of RGB lighting underneath the central remappable button. All this lighting is fully customizable, too, letting you add a personal touch to the controller which is always welcome.

There’s a lot you can do with the GameSir Tarantula Pro, then, and it might take a while for you to fully grasp and remember all the multifunction button macros. But overall, this is an impressively robust Pro-adjacent controller that - like most other GameSir pads - comes at an aggressively affordable price. It can absolutely be considered one of the best PC controllers and best Nintendo Switch controllers released this year.

GameSir Tarantula Pro

(Image credit: Future)

GameSir Tarantula Pro: Price and availability

  • $69.99 / £69.99 (around AU$105)
  • Available from October 10, 2024
  • Comparable in price to the 8BitDo Ultimate and Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

The GameSir Tarantula Pro is available to buy now for $69.99 / £69.99 (around AU$105), and you can purchase one either from GameSir’s own website or the brand’s Amazon store page. It is worth noting, however, that the bundle with the charging stand will cost you a bit extra, at $79.99 / £79.99.

This is a pretty competitive price point that places it squarely in the same bracket as some of the best Nintendo Switch controllers, including the 8BitDo Ultimate and the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.

You’re getting exceptional value for money here; the Tarantula Pro’s feature set vastly outclasses what you’ll find on other similarly priced gamepads. If you’re after a PC or Switch controller that offers optimal performance across a wide variety of game genres, then the GameSir Tarantula Pro comes highly recommended.

GameSir Tarantula Pro: specs

GameSir Tarantula Pro

(Image credit: Future)

GameSir Tarantula Pro: design and features

  • Smart, compact design
  • Symmetrical stick layout
  • Swappable button layout is a blessing

The most immediately noticeable design element of the GameSir Tarantula Pro is its symmetrical thumbstick layout, making it ideal for players who prefer a PlayStation-style layout over the offset, asymmetrical design seen on most Xbox and Nintendo Switch compatible controllers. These sticks are joined by a large, tactile d-pad and the usual face buttons, as well as a smattering of remappable buttons, trigger locks, and a rear multifunction button.

Compared to controllers with an Xbox Wireless Controller-esque silhouette like the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro or GameSir’s own T4 Kaleid, the Tarantula Pro is impressively compact in terms of size. It’s about as wide as those gamepads, but slightly stouter in terms of top-to-bottom length. The subtle, camo-like finish on the front of the controller’s shell (not to mention the pleasing RGB light strip) lends it a pretty eye-catching look too.

The charging bay is a nice addition as well, though it is lacking in build quality compared to the controller itself. It’s basically a charging dock sat atop a rather flimsy plastic frame, powered by a USB Type-C cable. You’ll want to handle this with extra care, as that thin frame seems like it’ll be prone to snapping under even slight pressure. Still, its lightweight and unassuming design means it can take up desk space without being the least bit intrusive.

I’ve saved my favorite feature for last here; the GameSir Tarantula Pro features a swappable face button layout that’s incredibly slick. By holding down the multifunction and ‘A’ (or ‘B’ for the Switch layout) buttons for a few seconds, the controller will swap between Xbox and Switch layouts. This is accompanied by a satisfying mechanical whirr, and the buttons will even change color based on your chosen layout (multicolored for Xbox, white for Switch).

This addresses my biggest issue with multiplatform controllers like the T4 Kaleid; they may work across PC and Switch, but you’re typically stuck with a single layout for the face buttons. The Tarantula Pro sidesteps this entirely by letting you swap layouts on the fly, thus aligning it with your platform of choice. It’s worth noting that the controller will work regardless of button layout, but this is a nice, thoughtful extra for those who often find themselves glancing at the face buttons to better align themselves.

GameSir Tarantula Pro

(Image credit: Future)

GameSir Tarantula Pro: performance

  • GameSir’s TMR thumbsticks are delightfully responsive
  • A whopping total of nine remappable buttons is excellent for competitive players
  • Multifunction button is handy for accessing more features on the fly

The GameSir Tarantula Pro is an absolute joy to use across PC and Nintendo Switch, and it’s honestly replaced the T4 Kaleid as my go-to PC controller. This is, in part, down to the fact that this new controller can be used wirelessly. You’re getting a 2.4GHz dongle included in the box, allowing you to connect to PC wirelessly with no fuss. Over on Switch, you can also rely on Bluetooth connectivity.

The controller is exceptional to play games with, offering drift-resistant TMR thumbsticks which GameSir claims have greater longevity and durability than traditional Hall effect sticks. That’d take a good few years to know for sure, but in my time with the pad, I found these thumbsticks to be brilliantly responsive. Meanwhile, while I prefer floating circular d-pads like that of the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro, the Tarantula Pro’s still feels great thanks to its micro switch feedback, allowing for very swift and decisive inputs.

You’ve got plenty of options when it comes to tailoring your very own Tarantula Pro experience too. Trigger locks allow you to switch between full-press Hall effect and more immediate micro switch presses. As mentioned, there are also nine remappable buttons (two on the rear of the controller next to the grips, four more around the central menu buttons, and three all in that central touchpad-style button (that’s one in the center, and two on the top which essentially act as two extra bumpers).

Remappable buttons aren’t for everyone, and having nine of them is arguably overkill, but if you’re the kind of person to make use of secondary inputs - be that for shooters or fighting games, for example - then you’ll be flush with options. To assign these, simply hold the multifunction button, your desired remappable button, and then the button you wish to assign. It’s quite a convoluted process at first glance, but very easy to get used to.

Battery life unfortunately isn’t the best ever here. I managed around 12 hours on a full charge during my playthrough of the Silent Hill 2 remake. That’s not dreadful, but is outclassed by other pads at this price range. Charge time also isn’t the greatest ever, coming in at around 3 hours whether you use the charging dock or USB-C.

Lastly, I’ll touch on the GameSir Connect software for PC, which is really quite good. It’s got a simple, one-screen interface that contains most of the gamepad’s customization options. That includes the RGB profile, trigger and stick deadzone alteration, remappable button mapping, and the activation or disabling of certain functions such as gyro aiming. It’s not particularly robust but offers most of what you’ll need all on one handy screen.

GameSir Tarantula Pro

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the GameSir Tarantula Pro?

Buy it if...

You want a real kitchen sink of a controller
Bespoke Hall effect sticks, nine remappable buttons, trigger stops, and a handy multifunction button all make for an impressively robust gamepad that’s ideal for tinkerers.

You’re after a controller that’s perfect for both PC and Switch
If PC and Switch are your go-to gaming platforms, the GameSir Tarantula Pro is ideal for you. Especially with its quick-switch face button layouts.

Don't buy it if...

You were hoping for better battery life
12 hours isn’t terrible. But you’ll find greater amounts with competing controllers like the 8BitDo Ultimate (around 20-30 hours) and the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (40-50 hours).

Also consider...

Not sure about the GameSir Tarantula Pro? We’ve got a couple of other options reviewed here for your consideration.

8BitDo Ultimate
Among the very best Nintendo Switch controllers you can buy today, the 8BitDo Ultimate is an impressive package featuring Hall effect sticks, remappable buttons, and a charging dock.

Read our full 8BitDo Ultimate review

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
While sorely lacking in features compared to the competition, practically nothing has the official Switch controller beat on battery life. If you want to potentially play through an entire, lengthy RPG without needing to charge, then this is your best bet.

Read our full Nintendo Switch Pro Controller review

How I tested the GameSir Tarantula Pro

  • Tested for two weeks
  • Platforms tested: PC, Nintendo Switch
  • Made use of all the controller’s major features

I tested the GameSir Tarantula Pro over the course of a fortnight, primarily on PC but also with some of the best Nintendo Switch games. In endeavored to make use of the controller’s features where best applicable, such as micro switch trigger stops for quicker inputs in fighting games like Street Fighter 6 and Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising, as well as a number of remappable buttons in shooters like Halo Infinite for quick access to jumping, grenades and melee attacks.

The GameSir Tarantula Pro is currently my go-to PC controller, and I’ve been using it to play through Silent Hill 2 and Dragon Age: The Veilguard. This is largely because I’ve also found the controller to be a comfortable fit thanks to its symmetrical design, and the ability to play wirelessly is a boon on PC for eliminating the need for extra cables.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed November 2024

Nintendo Switch 2 announcement could be imminent
7:01 pm | October 28, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Tags: | Comments: Off

It's been more than seven years since Nintendo released the original Switch portable gaming console, and the company has long been rumored to be working on a successor. In fact, Nintendo itself confirmed as much, promising it would be revealed by the end of March. Now a new rumor claims the announcement might happen much sooner than that - today or tomorrow, actually. That's because a source billed as "reasonably credible" says Nintendo's current lineup is weak ahead of its investor conference on November 5, and so the company could use this announcement to make itself more interesting for...

Octopus Arcade Stick review: a premium fight stick with versatility to match
3:00 pm | October 5, 2024

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

Octopus Arcade Stick: two-minute review

The Octopus Arcade Stick is a versatile fight stick that provides an excellent gaming experience for fighting game fans with exceptional compatibility across a range of platforms. The arcade-grade joystick and buttons from Sanwa benefit from a durable, aerospace-grade aluminum shell.

Indeed, in practice, using it does feel exactly like stepping into the ring on a brawler at your local arcade (minus the beer-soaked cabinets of course). Buttons are responsive and the joystick reliably moves with precision and purpose as you’d expect from a Sanwa stick, always snapping back correctly ready for the next combo, block, or evasion. If Sanwa doesn’t fit your playstyle, then the supplied stick and buttons are easily swapped out for alternatives.

It’s the sheer number of supported consoles and platforms that truly impresses here. Where other contenders for best fight stick can tie players into a single or limited ecosystem, the Octopus Arcade Stick is compatible with over twenty platforms out of the box. Everything from the Mega Drive and SNES, to the entire PlayStation home console family, to PC and even several niche consoles play nicely with TR Fight Stick’s debut behemoth.

Achieving this versatility does require additional cables though, with an array of 2m leads available directly from TR Fight Stick to suit consoles that feature proprietary controller connections that predate the USB standards of today. The included USB-C cable will still provide ample platform coverage across PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Nintendo Switch, Xbox 360, PlayStation Classic, MegaDrive Mini, NeoGeo Mini, Astro City Mini, MiSTer FPGA, RetroPie, and other Raspberry Pi apps, plus X-Input devices.

An image of the Octopus Arcade Stick among retro games consoles and games, and a Nintendo Switch

(Image credit: Future/Theo Litston)

While the Octopus Arcade Stick is happy to throw down on a range of systems, it’s clear that it was designed with Sega’s Dreamcast as its champion. The Octopus’ secret weapon is one strictly for fans of Sega’s final home console, and appears as a built-in virtual VMU (Visual Memory Unit) switcher, with a capacity for ten individual VMUs, providing easy access to more save data slots than even the most prolific Dreamcast player will ever need. 

The Octopus Arcade Stick even includes an LCD screen at the top of the unit, allowing you to see at a glance which VMU they’re using and enjoy the little animations, mimicking their appearance on the original Dreamcast VMUs. Soul Calibur fans rejoice as tiny, pixelated Ivy is alive and well.

Serious players also tend to be serious about their fight stick aesthetics, and the Octopus doesn’t disappoint here either with customization options for faceplate designs and layouts, including options to switch from the standard Sega 2P layout to Viewlix, Noir, or HitBox faceplates. Accessing the innards of the Octopus is straightforward, with the rear aluminum plate easily removed by loosening the seven Phillips head screws.

Octopus Arcade Stick: Price and availability

  • List price: $399.00 / £297.24 / AU$576.06
  • Premium pricing…
  • …but early adopters can bag one of the first batch of units for $299

The Octopus Arcade Stick is currently only available from TR Fight Stick’s official store page. The list price of $399.00, roughly £297.24 or AU$576.06 in the UK and Australia respectively, means that the Octopus Arcade Stick comes in as one of the pricier arcade sticks on the market today, costing more than an Xbox Series S or a Nintendo Switch OLED

While that ticket price may cause some to flinch, remember that the Octopus Arcade Stick’s wide array of compatible consoles and platforms could remove the need for additional peripherals and provide additional value to players wishing to use fight sticks on multiple systems. Even those looking for a fight stick for a single platform should feel confident in their purchase as the quality on display in the Octopus is stellar.

Mercifully, those aforementioned additional cables carry a reasonable $14.99 price tag so won’t break the bank for players looking to wield the Octopus on older systems.

The Octopus Arcade Stick is scheduled to launch sometime in October, and early adopters can snap up a unit in either black or white for $299 while TR Fight Stick’s initial stocks last.

An image of the Octopus Arcade Stick on a white surface

(Image credit: Future/Theo Litston)

Octopus Arcade Stick: Specs

An image of the internal wiring of the Octopus Arcade Stick

(Image credit: Future/Theo Litston)

Octopus Arcade Stick: Design and features

  • Striking visuals with a range of changeable faceplates
  • Fantastic build quality with high-end materials
  • Bulky and heavy

Probably the first thing that’ll catch your eye on the Octopus Fight Stick is the artwork. TR Fight Stick has produced a series of faceplates, dubbed ‘OctoPlates’, allowing users to change the appearance of their arcade sticks. The majority of the OctoPlates include artwork featuring the titular cephalopod in a number of graphic styles, with designs inspired by everything from street graffiti to Grecian mosaics. If tentacles aren’t your thing, however, there is also a transparent OctoPlate which shows off the units’ inner workings, and even a limited edition plate featuring Ryo Hazuki from Dreamcast classic Shenmue.

There’s no avoiding the octopus in the room though, no matter how it's dressed, the Octopus Fight Stick is a hefty unit. The chassis size is a significant increase over the prototype I tested back at the start of the year, measuring almost 17.7in / 45cm across its width and 10.2 / 26cm deep. After opening the back of the unit to inspect modification options, I gleamed that there exists plenty of free space internally, meaning that TR Fight Stick could potentially slim this design down without greatly impacting its overall visage. 

It's not just the size of the Octopus either, but the weight, that may dissuade some would-be buyers. Tipping the scales at around 7.7lbs / 3.5kg, the Octopus Arcade Stick definitely falls into the heavyweight category alongside other sticks such as the Nacon Daija and the Victrix Pro FS. Personally, I don’t mind the weight resting on my lap during a gaming session, as it feels secure and unlikely to move around during play, however, its weight may be off-putting to some.

An image of the top and rear of the Octopus Arcade Stick

(Image credit: Future/Theo Litston)

Octopus Arcade Stick: Performance

  • Exceptionally responsive buttons and stick
  • Switching between platforms is a little fiddly yet forgivable
  • Fantastic for arcade games and retro titles as well including a well-implemented turbo function

When you’re in the heat of battle the last thing you want to worry about is an unresponsive controller, and the Octopus Arcade Stick uppercuts those concerns into oblivion. The sturdy metal case eliminates any flex you might experience with a plastic shell, with the buttons and stick feeling purposeful and reliable during heated online exchanges. 

A far cry from ‘the claw’ I often use when playing the best fighting games with something like one of the best PC controllers, the Octopus’ size affords a comfortable space for players to rest their wrists during gameplay, with the ergonomic layout putting every button at my fingertips, ready to engage at a moment’s notice. I found using the Octopus left me feeling less fatigued following a long play session, no doubt thanks to not needing to unnaturally wrap my digits around a pad.

The joystick offers similarly high levels of responsiveness, with dashes, blocks, and circle movements all feeling immediate while delivering that satisfying clicky feedback one only gets with an arcade stick. Special moves quickly become second nature and the experience of inputting button and directional sequences truly captures that arcade machine feeling.

An image of the Octopus Arcade Stick in use

(Image credit: Future/Theo Litston)

The majority of my review time was spent online in Tekken 8 on PS5, however, I was pleasantly surprised to see how easy it was to move between the various platforms the Octopus Arcade Stick supports.

TR Fight Stick provided me with a range of cables, allowing me to connect to all manner of systems. Plugging the fight stick into each one for the first time does require a bit of dexterity though. The first step is to connect the cable to the console or PC, before holding either a single-button or a two-button combo while inserting the other end of the cable into the Octopus Arcade Stick. It’s not the most elegant of methods for connecting, but with so many platforms supported it feels like TR Fight Stick has achieved a relatively painless process.

Similarly, the VMU switching on Dreamcast is vastly improved from the prototype model I’ve tested previously. Flicking between memory cards on Dreamcast now requires you to hold a single, dedicated button labeled ‘VMU’ before flicking the joystick left or right, whereas the prototype required me to contort my fingers unnaturally and enter a sequence of prompts to achieve the same thing.

A close up of the screen on the Octopus Arcade Stick in use

(Image credit: Future/Theo Litston)

All initialization fumbling is quickly forgotten however once you’ve booted up your game of choice. A handy rocker switch on the unit's far side allows you to quickly toggle the joystick function between left and right analog sticks or a d-pad input, making navigating menus a breeze. Whether playing on PlayStation, PC, Mega Drive, Dreamcast, or Switch, the button and stick inputs remained sharp and responsive, with no noticeable lag present at all.

As a big retro-head, I was keen to take the Octopus Arcade Stick out of its natural brawler habitat and throw some stone-cold classics its way. Far from a one-genre master, the Octopus delivered a fantastic gaming experience across puzzle games like Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine on the Mega Drive and even excelled on the challenging platforming of Disney’s Aladdin. The Octopus’ performance in the latter even led to me reaching the penultimate level of the game in a single life, something I’ve never achieved on a control pad. 

Should you buy the Octopus Arcade Stick?

Buy it if...

You’re serious about fighting games
The premium parts and materials warrant the premium price tag. This a serious piece of kit for hardcore beat ‘em enthusiasts and even features a tournament lock switch to avoid accidental disqualification during competitions.

You play on a variety of platforms, both old and new
Looking for a stick to play Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on the Switch, Mortal Kombat 1 on the PS5, Killer Instinct on PC, Soul Calibur on the Dreamcast, and Street Fighter 2 on the SNES? The Octopus supports over twenty gaming platforms. 

You love customization
With a range of OctoPlates available, a variety of button layout options, and the ability to swap out buttons and joysticks, you can make their fight stick a truly unique peripheral. 

Don't buy it if...

You’re looking for a lightweight fight stick
If you’re anticipating long play sessions or having to regularly move your fight stick around the house, then the Octopus’ 7.7lbs / 3.5kg weight and large form factor may make it a little too cumbersome. 

You plan to play on Xbox Series consoles
If you primarily play on Xbox Series X or S then you’ll need an alternative fight stick, as despite the Octopus’ long list of supported platforms, Microsoft’s latest consoles didn’t make the cut.

Also consider...

If you’re in the market for a premium fight stick but not completely sold on the Octopus then here are two other similar arcade sticks for your consideration. It’s worth highlighting however the list of compatible platforms on these alternatives is much smaller than the Octopus Arcade Stick, however, that may not be an issue if you’re only looking to play on modern PlayStation or PC hardware.

Victrix Pro FS
This is a great alternative because just like the Octopus Fight Stick, the Victrix Pro FS comes with Sanwa parts as standard. While it doesn’t feature customizable faceplates like the Octopus, it is available in a variety of stylish colorways across its stunning design.

For more information, check out our full Victrix Pro FS review. 

Nacon Daija
This is a great alternative because of its premium build quality and highly responsive inputs. Officially licenced from PlayStation, this stick was designed in collaboration with eSports legend Kayane and features profile support in addition to customisation options.

For more information, check out our full Nacon Daiji review

A close up of the stick and buttons on the Octopus Arcade Stick in use

(Image credit: Future/Theo Litston)

How I tested the Octopus Arcade Stick

  • Tested for a week on PS1, PS2, PS3, PS4, PS5, PC, Mega Drive, Dreamcast, and Nintendo Switch
  • Tested with multiple beat ‘em ups, arcade and retro titles
  • Competed in online tournaments

As somebody who indulges in online battles of Tekken 8 daily, I replaced my PS5 DualSense Wireless Controller with the Octopus Arcade Stick for the duration of my week-long review period, clocking in roughly ten hours of ranked, online gameplay in Namco Bandai’s seminal beat ‘em up. I’ve also become accustomed to entering PS5 tournaments in Tekken 8 so again used the Octopus Fight Stick for my daily humbling with some of the best players on the platform.

I also explored Tekken’s history on PlayStation using the Octopus, connecting the unit to my PS1, PS2, PS3, and PS4. I also took this opportunity to play an hour or so of the wonderful Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection, fighting through various arcade modes and in the online lobbies. 

Moving away from PlayStation, I took several of my favorite Mega Drive classics for a spin during my regular retro game day. In addition to the aforementioned Mean Bean Machine and Aladdin, I used the Octopus Arcade Stick to play through the first half of Sonic 2 and hopped my way through to Pizza Planet in Toy Story.

I tested Nintendo’s platforming pedigree next, firing up several classic titles from the Mario series on Switch before diving headlong into Super Smash Bros. Ultimate for some competitive local multiplayer with my partner and friends.

Those same friends kindly provided me with a Dreamcast and some games, including a copy of Soul Calibur, so I could put the Octopus’ VMU features through its paces.

Lastly, on the PC side of things, I enjoyed bouts of Killer Instinct and Multiversus, before throwing myself back into Cuphead and making generous use of the Octopus’ turbo functions.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed October 2024

CRKD Atom review: a surprising novelty that is perfect for retro gaming
3:00 pm | September 29, 2024

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

CRKD Atom: One-minute review

The CRKD Atom is far and away the smallest controller I have ever tested. Billed as a collectible keychain controller by its manufacturer, the Atom is an impressively compact 3 inches (about 76mm) from left side to right. This alone makes it remarkably portable-friendly and is easily stored in your pocket or even on your keychain.

A range of attractive colorways also add to the Atom’s collectability factor, and the controller sits at a reasonable price, thus making that collectible nature broadly more achievable for those who are interested. And of course, for stalwart CRKD heads, the Atom has the manufacturer’s app integration, allowing you to scan for your product’s overall rarity and unique number via near-field communication (NFC).

It’s a neat little controller in the aesthetics department, then, but I’ve also been impressed by its overall gaming performance. Compatible with Nintendo Switch, PC, and mobile devices, I found the CRKD Atom to have pin-sharp responsiveness across both wired and Bluetooth connections. As such, it’s an excellent choice for retro games or ones that don’t need to rely on analog sticks to play.

CRKD Atom

(Image credit: Future)

CRKD Atom: Price and availability

  • List price: $19.99 / £19.99 / AU$33
  • All colorways are the same price
  • Available at CRKD’s website and Amazon in all regions

The CRKD Atom is available to purchase now from the brand’s official website or its Amazon store page. All color options retail at $19.99 / £19.99 / AU$33, making for an affordable bite-sized controller that doesn’t price gouge on some of the nicer variants. There are eight colorways available, and they are as follows: 

  • Atomic Purple: translucent, dark purple design 
  • CRKD Grey: a matte grey finish with pink and orange face buttons 
  • Glacier Blue: translucent, icy blue colorway 
  • Hot Pink: a striking matte pink finish 
  • Leaf Green: an airy, bright green finish 
  • PAL Grey: a matte grey design with multi-colored face buttons inspired by the European SNES controller 
  • Sky Blue: a light blue matte finish 
  • Yuzu Yellow: bright yellow with nicely contrasting black face buttons and d-pad 

Amazon stock tends to fluctuate greatly between designs, but all colors are more reliably available on CRKD’s official website. Do keep in mind, though, that as the Atom is under $25 / £25 on the brand’s own site, you will have to pay a little extra for shipping.

I mentioned the CRKD Atom is the smallest controller I've ever tested. It's also the cheapest, with the closest point of comparison being the GameSir Nova Lite which retails at $24.99 / £29.99 (around AU$40). Similar to the affordable GameSir wonder, the CRKD Atom is a cheap controller that I can wholeheartedly recommend.

CRKD Atom: Specs

CRKD Atom

(Image credit: Future)

CRKD Atom: Design and features

  • CRKD hasn’t skimped on quality despite the Atom’s small size
  • Very much a ‘what you see is what you get’ design
  • May just be too small for some

Like other impressively compact devices such as the Game Boy Micro, the CRKD Atom’s most striking design trait is its size. It’s so small that it could legitimately fit inside a Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controller. Of course, given its stature, the Atom has to miss out on analog sticks (though if CRKD does eventually make a follow-up with Hall effect thumbsticks, I’d be very impressed). Additionally, ZL and ZR - typically triggers on the best Nintendo Switch controllers - have been converted to tiny, tactile buttons nestled between the larger L and R bumpers.

Despite the omissions that keep the Atom’s size (and presumably, costs) to a minimum, CRKD hasn’t ditched its penchant for quality. Materials feel great in spite of the pad’s near-nonexistent weight, with solid casing and delightfully tactile buttons.

CRKD Atom

(Image credit: Future)

On the Atom, in addition to those bumper and ‘trigger’ buttons, you’re also getting a d-pad, four face buttons with the typical Switch layout, Start and Select, and a Home button in the center. There’s also a USB-C port at the top, an NFC touchpoint on the back for use with the CRKD app’s collection system, and a groove at the bottom-left of the controller where you can thread through the included wrist strap.

The Atom is a lovely collectible item - especially given its price - but if you are planning on playing games with it, definitely don’t underestimate its tiny size. True to its name, the Atom is minuscule and thus isn’t well-suited to folks with larger hands. It certainly isn’t best suited to longer gaming sessions, either, given your hands will be closely wrapped around its small casing. On the flip side, the Atom does make for a fun, affordable gift for younger players.

CRKD Atom: Performance

  • Excellent responsiveness 
  • 10-hour battery life is decent, given its size 
  • Well-suited to retro gaming 

A lack of analog sticks makes the CRKD Atom a poor choice for most modern games. However, it seriously excels at retro gaming, and titles that don’t require the use of analog sticks. Nintendo Switch Online’s retro libraries are a great example, and during my testing I found myself diving into games including The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, Blaster Master, and Fire Emblem. Other Switch hits like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition, and Vampire Survivors are also fantastic fits for the CRKD Atom.

You can expect solid results via Bluetooth connectivity, too. The Atom is brilliantly responsive when used wirelessly, and the pairing process on both Switch and mobile was near-instantaneous. However if you’d prefer a more reliable connection overall, the Atom does support a wired USB-C connection which also makes it usable on PC.

CRKD Atom

(Image credit: Future)

There are some ancillary functions available on the Atom, too, accessible via button input macros. For example, you can change the d-pad to instead function as a left or right analog stick by holding Select and left or right on the d-pad respectively for five seconds. I didn’t get much use out of this feature, really; the SNES-style layout already makes the Atom a poor fit for titles that primarily make use of analog sticks, and it certainly doesn’t benefit from the additional sensitivity that sticks provide. A more useful inclusion, however, is the ability to take screenshots by pressing the Start and Select buttons simultaneously.

In terms of battery life, you’re getting an impressive 10 hours with the CRKD Atom. That’s not a lot in the grand scheme of things, especially compared to the 20 hours from the 8BitDo Ultimate or the 40-50 hours from the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. However, given its size - and the fact that the Atom is best suited to shorter play sessions - this is more than an adequate amount of battery life, I feel.

Should I buy the CRKD Atom?

Buy it if...

You’re after a truly portable controller
The Atom’s small size makes it a perfect choice for portable gaming on both Nintendo Switch and mobile devices.

You’re a collector
Eight lovely color options and a relatively low price tag make the Atom a fantastic collector’s item.

Don't buy it if...

You want a proper controller
There’s no avoiding the fact that the Atom is a novelty gamepad. A great novelty, for sure, but without analog sticks, grips, gyro, and other Switch controller hallmarks, those after a more fully-featured controller should consider something else.

Also consider...

If the CRKD Atom isn’t quite to your liking, we’ve highlighted a couple of other fantastic controllers that are well worth your consideration. 

8BitDo Ultimate
Having tested several Nintendo Switch controllers over the years, I still think 2022’s 8BitDo Ultimate is the best of the bunch. Sublime build quality, Hall effect thumbsticks, and the inclusion of a charging dock all make for superb value for money. You’re also getting full gyro support, but the gamepad does lack an NFC touchpoint for amiibo scanning.

For more information, read our full 8BitDo Ultimate review.

Nitro Deck
CRKD’s very own Nitro Deck is one of the best Nintendo Switch accessories you can buy. It’s a fantastic controller/dock for handheld Switch players who’re after something sturdier and more reliable than the Joy-Con controllers.

For more information read our full Nitro Deck review. 

How I tested the CRKD Atom

  • Tested for one week
  • Platforms tested: Nintendo Switch, PC, mobile
  • Primarily used Bluetooth connectivity, with USB-C wired connection on PC

I tested the CRKD Atom over the course of a week, primarily playing titles on Nintendo Switch. Given its small size, I found the Atom to be better suited to shorter play sessions overall. That, paired with the SNES-style layout, made it a great fit for Nintendo Switch Online’s retro library, as well as games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Vampire Survivors that don’t require the use of an analog stick.

I also found the Atom to pair well with various retro compilations on PC, including Sonic Origins Plus, Mega Man Zero/ZX Legacy Collection, and the Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster titles. As the Atom doesn’t include a 2.4GHz or Bluetooth adapter in the box, I went with a USB-C wired connection on PC. 

Read more about how we test

First reviewed September 2024

Turtle Beach Stealth 500 review: lightweight yet lackluster
6:00 pm | August 4, 2024

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

Turtle Beach Stealth 500: One-minute review

The Turtle Beach Stealth 500 Wireless Headset is the next addition to the already well-established Stealth series. Compatible with PlayStation, PC, Nintendo Switch, and both Android and iOS mobile devices, this versatile wireless headset is easy to set up and boasts a decent build quality, alongside clear audio regardless of what you're playing. Going into a market oversaturated with budget-friendly wireless headsets, you'd think the Stealth 500 has a lot to prove, but the number of features alongside its lasting comfort mark it as a worthwhile purchase. 

For example, its 40-hour battery life is immediately appealing to someone looking to avoid the frequent tether of a wire. Paired with its extensive sound profile, you'll be able to tune in to all the slightest noises during your session, whether that's distant enemy footsteps in Escape from Tarkov or the bustling sounds of Night City in Cyberpunk 2077

I don't know about you, but when I'm trying to immerse myself into an epic open-world title like Red Dead Redemption 2, I want whatever I can to drown out every sound from the outside world. I've been testing the Stealth 500 for around 50 hours, and I've been consistently surprised by the quality of audio which comes as a surprise for a budget-leaning wireless headset. Compared to a product at a similar price point like the JBL Quantum 360X, there's a noticeable upgrade in comfort due to its plush earcups, so hours of gaming can slip by practically unnoticed. 

The Turtle Beach Stealth 500 headset on a wooden floor.

(Image credit: Future)

Turtle Beach Stealth 500: Price and availability

  • $79.99 / £79.99 / AU$139

The Turtle Beach Stealth 500 wireless headset launched on May 19, 2024, so it's a fairly new addition to the brand's line of gaming peripherals. Costing $79.99 / £79.99 / AU$139 this headset is far from a premium product. But, even though it does sit on the more affordable end of the scale, compared to products within the same price bracket such as the Xbox Wireless Headset there is a lot on offer to set it apart. 

The most notable feature for me, and what justifies the price, is the audio presets available via the Swarm II app that helps customize your listening to your gaming experience. These presets alter the sound profile to emphasize certain parts of games, such as the Superhuman hearing setting which increases the volume of things like footsteps or gunshots, or the Signature Sound setting which offers the best all-around sound profile for the headset. While not essential, they’re an extra flair that most of the budget-friendly headsets I've tested don’t offer.

Even in comparison to slightly more expensive wireless headsets, such as the HyperX Cloud III, the Stealth 500 is comparable in terms of battery life and build quality - especially given its price point. Its 40-hour battery life offers double the time of the Razer Blackshark V2 Pro which costs slightly under double the Stealth. So if you're not quite ready to invest in the more expensive side of some of the best wireless headsets, this is a fantastic alternative. 

Turtle Beach Stealth 500: Specs

Turtle Beach Stealth 500: Design and features

  • In-built flip-to-mute microphone
  • Floating headband 
  • Cheap-feeling buttons and scroll wheels 

The Turtle Beach Stealth 500 is built for comfort, and it certainly delivers. I find a lot of budget-friendly wireless headsets cut corners in the quality of their build to accommodate a cheaper price tag, so I was pleasantly surprised by the Stealth 500 for the most part. The floating headband is a far more comfortable addition than a cushioned plastic headband which you'd see on headsets like the PDP REALMz wired headset or the JBL 910X wireless headset, and the ear cups are made from soft memory foam rather than the rustly, plastic material I’m used to dealing with on cheaper headsets.

The mic folds nicely into the earcup which is a solid addition rather than being static on the side of the cup, or detachable like the Turtle Beach Atlas Air. Being able to keep the microphone tucked out of the way into the earcup rather than alongside is a welcome feature and something I've only seen on more expensive headsets. Plus, being able to quickly pull the mic down when you're jumping into a call rather than scrambling to find it is a huge timesaver. Moving the microphone up will also mute your output which is far more convenient than tabbing between your call and game to manually mute yourself. 

But even with the convenience of its mic and the vast majority of the build is promising, there are still some flaws in the design of the Stealth 500. Most notably, the buttons on each earcup and the scroll wheels are made from a much cheaper-feeling plastic than the rest of the headset. There's a lot of movement from buttons before pushed and activated, and the scroll wheels move so freely that it's hard to fine-tune your volume without using the desktop audio mixer. With that said, the buttons are well-spaced, though, rather than being crammed together and making it difficult to use.

The Turtle Beach Stealth 500 headset.

(Image credit: Future)

Turtle Beach Stealth 500: Performance

  • Powerful spatial audio  
  • Variable mic monitoring 
  • Audible hiss with no audio playing 

There's a lot to praise about the audio quality and performance of the Stealth 500. It's capable of picking up on a wide dynamic range regardless of what you're playing, which helps put you in the center of the action. The 40mm drivers help provide powerful spatial audio, which is supported by the Superhuman audio setting. If you're an avid FPS player in particular, or if you're a horror fanatic looking for a headset to heighten the tension, then the Stealth 500 fits the bill. You'll hear every whisper and footstep with the Superhuman setting which will help you react in ample time.  

Premade audio profiles available through the Swarm II app also help to make the quality of your experience better. These profiles can be customized to perfectly suit what you're playing, and frankly, I think it's an impressive addition for a budget-friendly headset. This feature is something I'd expect to be available for the best wireless headsets rather than a cheaper set like the Stealth 500, and they are worth making the most of since they’re so readily available. 

One of the notable downsides of the headset is the audible hiss present once the headset is connected, but no audio is playing. This isn't the first time I've noticed this with a cheaper wireless headset, but it does reduce the quality of the product slightly. It thankfully does drown out when something is playing, so it's not something you'll have to worry about whenever in use, at least. 

The mic quality is also good. It's not groundbreaking like I experienced on the Turtle Beach Atlas Air, but it's nothing to turn your nose up at. It's clear in a call, but quick to peak and cut out with loud noises. The lack of a muffler also makes the mic sensitive to plosives which is another case of audio levels peaking, but aside from that you're getting what you pay for.

The controls of the Turtle Beach Stealth 500 headset.

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Turtle Beach Stealth 500?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

You don't care for additional flourishes
With how basic the Stealth 500 is in terms of on-board features, a lot of the things that help improve the experience are stowed away in its external Swarm II app. If you don't care for sound profiles to help improve the experience, you may want to consider a headset that is ready to go once unpacked rather than one with additional software. 

Also consider...

Still not sold on the Turtle Beach 500? Here's how it stands against two similar budget-friendly cross-compatible wireless gaming headsets. 

The controls of the Turtle Beach Stealth 500 headset.

(Image credit: Future)

How I tested the Turtle Beach Stealth 500

  • Tested for 50 hours 
  • Used with PC, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 
  • Compared to other wireless gaming headsets at a similar price  

I tested the Turtle Beach Stealth 500 wireless headset for 50 hours across multiple platforms and were impressed with how easy it was to connect and use. On PC, I used the headset for Apex Legends and Risk of Rain 2, and an impressive spectrum of audio was showcased. Even the slightest sounds in the distance were picked up by the headset which made combat all the more exciting. 

On Nintendo Switch, the music in games like Ooblets helped spotlight the capabilities of the headset outside of sound effects and also helped me appreciate elements of music we had missed when listening through speakers. The same can be said for Red Dead Redemption 2 on PlayStation. The Stealth 500 helped me pick up on more natural foley such as birdsong, which in turn helped me fill out the compendium in-game. 

I also compared the headset to other budget-friendly headsets such as the JBL Quantum 360X, and more premium headsets like the Turtle Beach Atlas Air wireless headset.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed August 2024.

Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD review: solid, but not spooktacular
4:00 pm | June 25, 2024

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

Platform reviewed: Nintendo Switch
Available on: Nintendo Switch
Release date: June 27, 2024 

If you’ve played Luigi’s Mansion 2 on Nintendo 3DS, then you already know exactly what to expect from Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD. This is a fairly basic port of the ghost-hunting adventure with a few minor changes to accommodate the move to a new system with a single display, such as the repositioning of the in-game map and health meter from the second screen to a newly designed overlay. The visuals have also received a bit of a boost too, with higher-resolution textures and noticeably better anti-aliasing throughout.

Even so, the age and portable nature of the original title is very apparent. The lighting is rather drab, objects are built from simplistic shapes, and character models lack any real detail. This is partially by design, as Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD sticks to a highly exaggerated cartoon-like art direction, but still means that it absolutely pales in comparison to the look of the seriously stunning Luigi’s Mansion 3 or even the more atmospheric style of the first entry back on the GameCube. 

It’s also evident in the level-based structure, which splits exploration of its five haunted mansions into bite-size stages that last roughly 15 to 20 minutes each. It’s easy to feel a little frustrated in the moments that you’re ripped out of the action and forced back to a level select screen before being allowed to continue, but this system isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It suits the pick-up-and-play nature of the Nintendo Switch down to a tee and makes this installment a decent option if you’re just after something to keep you entertained on public transport or during moments of downtime on a vacation.

Mario and Boo-igi

Luigi looking at a DS-like device in Luigi's Mansion 2 HD.

(Image credit: Nintendo)

While I ultimately don’t think this will wholly justify the $59.99 / £49.99 asking price for many returning players, Luigi's Mansion 2 HD does still have plenty to offer to those who haven’t experienced it before. Like other entries in the spinoff series, it follows Luigi as he combats rogue ghosts at the behest of Professor E. Gadd - an eccentric scientist and creator of various wacky gadgets. One of his inventions is the Poltergust 5000, a modified vacuum cleaner and your main weapon in the fight against the paranormal. Fitted with a bright flashlight, the bulk of the game is spent entering rooms and tapping a button to stun ghosts before sucking them into oblivion in order to deplete their health and trapping them in your rucksack with a satisfying slurp.

It sounds quite basic on paper, but it’s a highly satisfying formula that is cleverly expanded as you progress. New ghost types, like strong brutes or flabby creatures that spew toxic bile, are introduced at a good pace, helping to keep things fresh. The Poltergust can also be used to collect coins hidden in various nooks and crannies. Poring over each environment to uncover removable rugs or other secret spots is well rewarded too, as increasing your total number of accumulated coins grants access to useful equipment upgrades.

Luigi searches for collectibles in Luigi's Mansion 2 HD

(Image credit: Nintendo)

You also get your hands on the dark light quite early on, an inverted flashlight that reveals hidden objects. All of these tools are leveraged to create some quite memorable environmental puzzles throughout your adventure. Some favorites include using the Poltergust to blow fans in order to open up hidden areas and a brilliant sequence involving a surprisingly creepy haunted doll. A number of enemy encounters also stand out, like an amusing moment where you walk in on an unsuspecting ghost in the shower to much mutual surprise.

Best bit

Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD makes good use of many Nintendo Switch hardware features. The act of sucking up a ghost is accompanied by satisfying vibration from the HD Rumble while several sections include optional gyro controls. 

While your primary goal is to acquire key items or reach a new location, some stages focus on more interesting objective types. This includes tracking down Toad helpers who have become trapped inside supernatural paintings and leading them to escape points or chasing after the Polterpup, a fast-moving ghostly dog that can jump through walls. Each world also features a boss encounter with an enemy that has their own slew of engaging mechanics, though one, in particular, stands out as easily the lowest point in the game. 

You’re put behind the wheel of a makeshift snow sled armed with a cannon and have to shoot bombs at weak points on a possessed ice monster from a first-person perspective. It’s a good idea on paper, but the execution is simply awful. The bombs are incredibly frustrating to aim and there is an unnecessarily long cool-down period between shots. This wouldn’t be an issue were it not for the strict time limit, which sees the boss frequently regenerate health at the most annoying possible moments and even leads to a complete game over once an arbitrary meter fills up.

There are no checkpoints within any of the levels either, presumably due to their usual short length, meaning that you have to start this entire fight again from scratch every single time. All in all, it took about five agonizing attempts to pull the fight off and my success felt more like the result of pure luck rather than anything else. This fight was also widely regarded as an abysmal nightmare by fans of the original release, so it’s difficult to imagine why no changes were made to its mechanics this time around. The simple removal of the time limit, or even just the option to skip the sequence entirely after a few fails, would be a dramatic improvement.

Creepy co-op

A multiplayer session in Luigi's Mansion 2 HD.

(Image credit: Nintendo)

The ScareScraper multiplayer also makes a return largely unchanged, again offering support for up to four players both locally and online. It takes place in a randomly generated skyscraper and features four unique modes to try: Hunter, Rush, Polterpup, and Surprise. Hunter challenges you to explore a set number of floors while working together to collect every ghost, while Rush sees you hurrying to find an exit against a very strict time limit. You can extend this time limit by a few seconds by tracking down the collectible timepieces hidden on each floor, which makes for quite an exhilarating challenge.

Polterpup mode brings back the ghostly canines from the main game and has you tracking them down on each floor with your dark light to progress. As the name would suggest, Surprise is then a mixture of all three, alternating between objective types with each subsequent floor. Although the high-pressure nature of Rush meant that it was comfortably the most compelling, I enjoyed my time with each of the modes and would definitely recommend spending an hour or two in each if you manage to scrape together some friends or find a populated online lobby. 

ScareScraper also includes a small handful of unique ghost variants to collect which, while nothing beyond basic cosmetic changes, does give dedicated completionists a compelling reason to keep coming back for more.

 Accessibility

Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD includes very few accessibility features. It offers the ability to disable the gyroscope controls or invert the Y and X axis. You can also increase or decrease motion sensor and thumbstick sensitivity. As the game features little spoken dialogue, subtitles are used throughout, but there are no dedicated settings to edit text presentation.

 Should I play Luigi's Mansion 2 HD?

Luigi stands near a fire blowing the Poltergust in Luigi's Mansion 2 HD.

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Play it if…

 Don’t play it if…

 How we reviewed Luigi's Mansion 2 HD

I played Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD for over 13 hours on a Nintendo Switch OLED. During that time I completed the main campaign and then revisited a number of stages to search for additional collectibles. I also spent an hour in the multiplayer as part of a four-player session organized by Nintendo in which I experienced the Hunter, Rush, and Polterpup modes. I played in both handheld and docked mode, assessing the performance of each. While in docked mode, I used a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

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