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Ayn Odin 2 review – a portable powerhouse
3:54 pm | November 6, 2023

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

Picture of the Ayn Odin 2 portable android gaming device

(Image credit: Future/Gerald Lynch)

Note that the Ayn Odin 2 doesn’t ship with any games and that the downloading and distributing of ROMs is a well-documented legal grey area. Please note the use of emulators may violate game developer and publisher terms and conditions as well as applicable intellectual property laws. TechRadar does not condone or encourage the illegal downloading of games or actions infringing copyright. 

Building on the great work of its predecessor, the Ayn Odin 2 arrives as the premier handheld games console for anyone looking for an Android-based gaming device. It improves upon the original Ayn Odin in almost every way, from its faster chipset to its more ergonomic controls - not to mention capitalizing on the broader growth of Android as a gaming platform. 

With the full Android app store at your disposal, the Odin 2 lets you tap into pretty much every conceivable aspect of gaming: whether you’re looking to stream from Xbox Game Pass, or fire up an old-school classic with emulators, it’s only limited by your patience to learn the intricacies of, and configure, varying gaming applications. 

And that’s even before considering all the other handy Android things it can do, from streaming Netflix to browsing the web. There’s a lot to love - and a lot to get through, so let’s crack on with what makes it so great. 

Picture of the Ayn Odin 2 portable android gaming device

(Image credit: Future/Gerald Lynch)

Ayn Odin 2 review - Price and availability

Like its very popular predecessor, the Ayn Odin 2 has been fully funded via an IndieGogo campaign. It's still available to order ahead of mass production, with early backers set to receive their units in December 2023, before it goes on general release.

The Ayn Odin 2 comes in three different configurations, with each also available currently at a pre-release early bird pricing. Here’s a rundown of every model and pricing level:

  • Odin 2 Base: 8GB RAM / 128GB storage, $332 / £274 (Early Bird pricing $294 / £242)
  • Odin 2 Pro: 12GB RAM / 256GB storage, $435 / £358 (Early Bird pricing $371 / £306)
  • Odin 2 Pro: 16GB RAM / 512GB storage, $511 / £422 (Early Bird pricing $447 / £369)

Five color schemes are available: a Wii-like white, a SNES-like grey with purple buttons, an all-black model, plus purple and blue transparent options. All other specs remain the same across all three models.

For this review, we’re looking at the Odin 2 Pro, the middle-of-the-range option. We’d say this is the sweet spot here for price to performance - while more storage is always welcome, you’ll be hard-pressed to find Android gaming experiences that take advantage of the 16GB of RAM found in the Max model.

The Ayn Odin 2 is on the premium end of the scale for Android devices of this kind but is priced favorably against similarly-spec’d Android smartphones, and doesn’t look too bad against the attractively-priced Steam Deck either - though that Linux-based PC gaming device, while serving a similarly entertaining purpose, is quite a different proposition in practice.

In addition, Ayn offers a ‘Super Dock’, a USB-C dock ($64 / £53) for hooking up external displays and controllers. However, a standard USB-C dock gets the job done just as well.

Ayn Odin 2 review - Design and features

Picture of the Ayn Odin 2 portable android gaming device

(Image credit: Future/Gerald Lynch)

The Ayn Odin 2 is, effectively, an Android phone wrapped in a gaming controller. That’s not as unusual a concept as it was when the original Ayn Odin launched in early 2022, with many rivals (such as the Anbernic RG552) and controller grips for your smartphone (like the BackBone One) available. But the Ayn Odin 2 beats out all these alternatives, and its trail-blazing forebear, thanks to excellent ergonomics and powerful internals.

Let’s look at what’s going on inside first. Every model of the Ayn Odin 2 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, with a 64-bit Kyro CPU and Adreno 740 GPU. It’s a beefy chipset - though it’s coming up to a year old, it’s still one of the most high-performance options out there, similar to the guts behind flagship devices including this year’s Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. Depending on the model you opt for, that’s backed by 8GB, 12GB, or 16GB of DDR5 RAM, and 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of built-in storage. The 12GB / 256GB Pro model we’re reviewing is the sweet spot between price and performance in our eyes. Storage expansion is easily afforded via a microSD slot.

It’s no slouch in connectivity terms, too. A speedy and stable Wi-Fi 7 connection makes for a super game streamer from services like Game Pass, while Bluetooth 5.3 is onboard for hooking up wireless controllers and gaming earbuds. There’s no cellular connection here despite the smartphone-like underpinnings, but there is a gyroscopic sensor for any apps that support them.

The build holds up just as well externally. A solid 6-inch 1080p touchscreen display in landscape orientation sits in the center of the device. It’s colorful and responsive, and reasonably bright, too - though, strangely, there isn’t a huge degree of difference between its brightest and dimmest setting, which can be slightly annoying during late-night play.

Picture of the Ayn Odin 2 portable android gaming device

(Image credit: Future/Gerald Lynch)

The Ayn Odin 2 uses Hall Sensor analog sticks in an asymmetrical (Xbox-style) arrangement. Hall Sensors use electrical resistance rather than physical contact between parts to interpret movement, and are excellently smooth in operation, protected from the dreaded stick-drift that’s plagued Nintendo’s Switch over the years. Adjustable LED lights, which can be set to any RGB color with adjustable brightness, sit both under the joysticks and around the edges of the device. They add some flair to an otherwise reserved design but can be switched off entirely if you find them distracting.

An excellent D-Pad, perfect for a swift Street Fighter shoryuken, sits under the left stick, while well-sized A, B, X, and Y buttons, arranged in the Nintendo style, sit above the right stick. These buttons are a touch smaller than you’d find on an Xbox or PlayStation pad, but have just the right amount of resistance, and are responsive in play. They’re very similar to what you’d find on a Steam Deck. Start and Select buttons sit at the top of the front face, and are easily reachable. Stereo speakers sit along the lower edge and are surprisingly loud and clear given the size of the device.

For anyone familiar with the Ayn Odin 2, there are two significant changes. The first is a physical ‘Return’ (or ‘Back’) button below the right analog stick (a ‘Home’ button sits below the D-Pad on the left-hand side). This Return button wasn’t present on the last model and is a handy additional way of navigating the Android interface without resorting to swipes and touchscreen gestures (the more you can avoid touching the screen, the less often you’ll be cleaning fingerprints off it). 

The second, and perhaps more important change, is the overall depth of the device. The controller grips are deeper than the previous model, and though it makes for a fatter device, it also makes for a more comfortable one. It gives you more to wrap your fingers around, giving you a better hold of the device, and easing fatigue over long play sessions. It’s a fair trade against making for a bigger overall device.

Picture of the Ayn Odin 2 portable android gaming device

(Image credit: Future/Gerald Lynch)

Around the top edge, you’ll find the R1 and L1 buttons, and analog R2 and L2 triggers, capable of discerning between slight taps and full presses. Along the top is also a volume rocker and a fingerprint-scanning power button, a microSD slot, a micro HDMI-out for hooking up to a TV, and a vent for pumping hot air from the internal fan.

The bottom of the device keeps things simple with a 3.5mm headphone jack and USB-C 3.1 charging port. That port also features Display Port out functionality, letting you easily hook it up to a monitor and power from a single cable.

Turn the device over and you’ll find a large air intake grille, with an active cooling fan keeping the Odin 2 from getting too toasty. Sitting where your fingertips rest are two programmable buttons which can be set as shortcut buttons.

With measurements of 8.9in x 3.9in x 0.7in / 225mm x 98mm x 17mm and a weight of 15.17oz / 420g, it’s not a pocketable handheld, and a touch chunkier than the original Odin. But its weight distribution and ergonomic grips mean it’s comfortable to play with for hours without much strain. It’s way more portable than a Steam Deck, at any rate.

Overall it’s an impressively comfortable and well-constructed build. There’s no sense of flex to the chassis, smooth travel to all buttons, and no worries about the device overheating, even under the most intense load.

Ayn Odin 2 review - Interface

Picture of the Ayn Odin 2 portable android gaming device

(Image credit: Future/Gerald Lynch)

The Ayn Odin 2 runs off a relatively bloat-free version of Android 13 - so you get full access to the Google Play Store, pre-installed Chrome, the standard Android file browser, and other stock Android apps. You could essentially just live in this view of the device. But Ayn has also tweaked Android with some smart gaming-focused additions courtesy of the pre-installed Odin launcher.

Accessed initially like any other app, it makes for something approaching a more console-like interface. Apps are arranged into a grid and can be organized and sorted by category type (such as Games, Entertainment, and Productivity). Swiping from the left lets you access these different app groupings, as well as letting you tweak the RGB lighting and cycle through three different performance modes for when you want to push the chip a bit harder. Swipe from the right and you can access connectivity options, check storage, tweak brightness, clear the RAM cache, and change device behavior when hooked up to an external screen. The aforementioned performance options, LED settings connectivity and brightness tweaks can be accessed by swiping from the top too, as well as letting you cycle through three fan settings (plus switching them off). However I rarely found the need to go beyond the default performance and fan settings, such is the power and thermal efficiency of the chipset. If you like what the Odin launcher offers, you can set the device to launch straight into it from boot.

Picture of the Ayn Odin 2 portable android gaming device

(Image credit: Future/Gerald Lynch)

When in an app, a swipe from the right also opens up a performance overlay. Here you can check FPS readouts, temperature readings, CPU and RAM usage, and another brightness slider, as well as live streaming app shortcuts, screenshots, and screen capture options. There’s another RAM cache toggle here too, plus a notifications toggle. But the most important part of this interface is the keymapping software - turn it on, and you get a drag-and-drop interface that lets you tie the device’s physical buttons to touch-only games’ touchscreen buttons. It’s a great, intuitive feature that works really well, with profile support letting you test out any number of button mappings for each game.

The joy of being Android based of course is that there are plenty of other ways to customize the device, from home screens to widgets. If you’re running lots of apps, streaming services, or emulated retro games, it’s worth considering configuring a front-end launcher, which can be used to organize your apps and games into a jukebox-like library, complete with game box art, manuals, and other metadata. I’ve had great fun using the Daijishō retro launcher (free, pictured up top) and Launchbox (free, with in-app purchases). But remember that a side effect of tapping into the many apps available, created by different developers, means the experience isn’t as unified as you’d get with a traditional console. 

Ayn Odin 2 review - Performance and battery life

Picture of the Ayn Odin 2 portable android gaming device

(Image credit: Future/Gerald Lynch)

If it runs on Android, it runs on the Ayn Odin 2. It’s the best possible praise you can give a device like this - no matter what you throw at it, the Ayn Odin 2 will take it on at the maximum performance settings.

If you’ve got a mind to indulge in retro gaming emulation, there’s no better Android device out there. Using apps like Retroarch or standalone emulators, you’ll be able to play anything from 8-bit classics up through and beyond the 128-bit sixth-generation consoles like the Gamecube and PS2. Not only that, there’s enough power to considerably upscale these later-day systems, as high as 4K resolutions for outputting on a 4K TV. Though the original Odin could touch upon these 3D systems, performance was a mixed bag, and upscaled resolutions of these advanced consoles would cause the Odin to stutter. Here, it’s almost flawless - better in some ways even, than on original hardware, given the resolution bumps. 

The complicating factor, beyond the legal grey area emulation sits in, is that the apps that make this possible aren’t always immediately intuitive. But the retro handheld scene is a growing one, and you’ll find plenty of guides and documentation online to talk you through getting started if you’re interested.

High-end Android gaming is a breeze with the Ayn Odin 2, too. Demanding titles like Call of Duty Mobile, Genshin Impact, Honkai Star Rail, and Diablo Immortal can be run at their highest resolutions and graphical settings without dropping frames. More lightweight games like Vampire Survivors benefit from a traditional physical control scheme. And if you’re not a fan of touchscreen controls, you can use the launcher’s keymapping tools to bring the physical controls into play on games even where they’d otherwise be unsupported. 

Picture of the Ayn Odin 2 portable android gaming device

(Image credit: Future/Gerald Lynch)

If you want to play the latest console or PC games, they’re not out of reach either, provided you’re set up with subscriptions to streaming services. I had lots of fun streaming titles directly from my Xbox Series X and PS5 to the Odin 2, as well as from the cloud over Game Pass and Nvidia GeForce Now. Wi-Fi 7 ensures a smooth experience provided your broadband speed is up to the task, and latency is an increasingly minor side effect of the non-native gaming experience. 

Taking streaming into account, the Odin 2 has the potential to be a whistlestop tour from the earliest days of gaming right through to modern releases, and being able to have them all on one portable device feels like magic.

And of course, being an Android device, other experiences are open to you, too. You’ll be able to browse the web, stream films from Disney Plus or Netflix, listen to music and audiobooks, catch up on your YouTube subscriptions, plug in a keyboard and mouse, and much more. Like I said - if it runs on Android, it runs on Ayn Odin 2. 

As for the battery, it’s a whopper. With a capacity of 8,000mAh, it’ll last as long as 24 hours between charges. It’ll vary depending on the intensity of the application you’re using. A retro gaming session will take baby sips at the juice, while high-end Android games or 3D emulation will see it drain far quicker - perhaps as quickly as six or seven hours. But even at the low end of the scale that’s a respectable performance. You’ll get a full recharge in around two hours with 65W quick charge. Regardless, the Ayn Odin is going to be an excellent travel companion. 

Should I buy the Ayn Odin 2?

Whether you’re looking to play the latest, most graphically-intensive Android games, stream from your console or the cloud, or tap into gaming’s rich past through its wide-ranging emulation capabilities, the Ayn Odin 2 puts awesome power at your fingertips. Take the time to learn the Odin 2’s every trick and you’ll be unlikely to ever need another handheld.

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How we tested the Ayn Odin 2

I spent two weeks with the Ayn Odin 2, using it daily as my main gaming machine during that period. I tested it with Android gaming apps including Call of Duty Mobile, Vampire Survivors, and Genshin Impact, streaming apps such as Xbox Game Pass and Moonlight, as well as emulator apps including multi-system emulator Retroarch. 

I was also able to take the Odin 2 away on a flight during a trip to put its portability and battery life through its paces, as well as compare its performance directly against the first-generation Odin, which I previously reviewed for TechRadar and have also used extensively over the past year.

For more portable options, see how the Odin 2 compares to the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, and Nintendo Switch OLED.

WarioWare: Move It! review – innovative and ambitious
5:01 pm | November 1, 2023

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

Platform reviewed: Nintendo Switch
Available on: Nintendo Switch
Release date: November 3, 2023

If there’s one thing you can count on the WarioWare series for, it’s simple, silly fun. On that, WarioWare: Move It! certainly delivers - the latest in Intelligent Systems’ fast-paced party microgame series has pulled out all the stops to ensure that anyone playing looks as ridiculous as possible, with motion control-based activities that are designed to utilize all of the Joy-Con controllers’ features, and your entire body to play. 

The story’s premise is simple: Mario’s garlic-munching rival manages to win himself and his friends a holiday to a faraway vacation resort, where they’re each handed their own Form Stones (which, spoiler alert, look suspiciously like your own Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers). Everyone must then partake in microgames (incredibly short minigames which are played back to back until you lose all your lives, and increase in speed the longer you keep going), which require the mastery of various Forms, using said ‘stones’. 

Throughout the short but sweet story mode, you’ll gradually be introduced to these Forms - such as Choo Choo (in which you must position your arms like you’re impersonating a train) and Knight (which has you place your Joy-Con controllers on top of each other, holding them like a sword). Different microgames call for different Forms, and as you progress, you’ll be expected to switch between Forms freely to perform numerous motions.

Before a microgame starts, you’re clearly instructed as to which Form position to take, but the actual movement within the game switches around based on what’s happening on the screen. For the most part, if you allow yourself to get lost in the game and pretend that you’re acting out a motion rather than trying to input a specific control, it’s clear what you should be doing. You might find yourself imitating a car’s windscreen wiper, scrubbing a floor with a broom, or adjusting your arms to block a giant nose’s nostrils. The free-flowing movement is extremely satisfying, and when it works properly (and it usually does), you feel truly engrossed in the action.

Get in formation

WarioWare: Move It! screenshot depicting a microgame where you must pretend to be a train.

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Anyone who’s played WarioWare: Smooth Moves on the Wii will immediately see a resemblance between the 2006 game and Move It!, and for good reason. In many ways, Move It! very much feels like Smooth Moves if it was created solely for the Nintendo Switch, and that’s not a bad thing. Some of the quirky poses you’re forced to pull, like Ba-KAW! (which, as the name might suggest, has you impersonate a chicken using a Joy-Con for your beak and tail) could only ever work with the Joy-Con controllers’ more advanced motion controls. 

Best bit

Kat and Ana in WarioWare: Move It!

(Image credit: Nintendo / Future)

The first time the game prompted me to use the Hand Model Form, I was tasked with making gestures at the Joy-Con controller’s infrared sensor. It was exceptionally impressive for this to work as flawlessly as it did, but it was made even cooler since the infrared scan of my actual hand was shown on screen as part of the microgame.

This is a double-edged sword, however, as despite the motion controls working most of the time, the precision needed and expected from you means that you won’t always be able to complete a microgame’s action successfully before the time is up, either due to it not being detected properly or simply because you were holding the controllers slightly wrong before starting. It needs to be said that when you’re getting used to the different Forms, switching between them when they all require the Joy-Con to be held or placed in different ways can be overwhelming. This makes it difficult for anyone who’s not already familiarized themselves with the Forms via Story Mode to simply pick up some controllers and join in - far from ideal for a party game that’s got a significant focus on multiplayer.

Additionally, since the actions you must perform are so varied, it isn’t always obvious what you’re actually supposed to be doing, especially at the first time of asking. Given that you’re only given a few seconds to both work out the action and perform it correctly, it’s infuriating to lose a life when you feel you were just thrown in at the deep end with no concrete guidance - and that’s coming from someone who’s played the game for several hours. Again, it’s hard to imagine this being a game that can easily be shared amongst a group of people who haven’t played before, given that there’s pretty much no time to explain what to do from game to game. 

This confusion is ramped up a notch further when you unlock the microgames that call for button inputs as well as motion controls. When the button-control Form is first explained, the game tells you to simply go with your heart when choosing which buttons to use from game to game. You’d be forgiven for thinking that this means any will do, but that’s not the case. Specific ones must be pressed, and despite the game’s belief that your heart will tell you the answer, chances are you’re going to guess wrong. Practice makes perfect, of course, but WarioWare games thrive on offering simple games that are immediately understandable with even the briefest instruction on what to do, and many of Move It!’s additions fail to fit this brief. Not only that, but there are no options to change button mapping to make the controls more accessible, and this is just one fault that the game has when it comes to accessibility (discussed further below).

Switch hardware at its finest

WarioWare: Move It! screenshot depicting a microgame where you must block a giant nose's nostrils with a doll's arms.

(Image credit: Nintendo)

For those who can get used to WarioWare: Move It!’s restrictions and frustrations, there are some genuinely genius uses of the Switch’s hardware to marvel at. My favorite microgames are those that ask you to use the Hand Model Form, where you hold up the right Joy-Con so that it’s facing your palm, and make gestures that are detected by the infrared sensor. For example, you can close your fingers together to catch a frisbee, or make different hand gestures in order to crack a safe. It’s not often that Switch games use the Joy-Con’s infrared sensor like this, and in Move It!’s case, it never loses its charm.

Another surprisingly innovative feature is Move It!’s use of the Joy-Con wrist straps. I’ll admit, in the seven years I’ve owned a Switch, I’ve not once attached the straps to my Joy-Con, never mind my wrists, so when the game instructed me to do so, I let out a sigh as I had to dig them out of my console’s box. However, this slight inconvenience is well worth it - certain microgames will have you purposely drop your controllers (one has you swing the remote like it’s on a vine to reunite two characters), and some will have you pull them back up with the straps, too - one has you drop food into oil and pull it back out when it’s cooked.

All in all, WarioWare: Move It! is heaps of fun, and I can imagine it being a hit with groups of friends who are all willing to put in the time to learn the different whacky Forms in order to play. Sadly, this only goes for anyone who’s comfortable with playing most of it standing up, as those who can’t may well find its inflexible control scheme limiting and frustrating.

Accessibility features

A screenshot showing the left and right hand option in WarioWare: Move It!

(Image credit: Nintendo / Future)

Accessibility is a huge problem in WarioWare: Move It!. Although it provides the option to specify whether you’re right or left-handed and presents alternative instructions for the different Forms, there are no further ways to customize the controls in any way.

This is problematic since a number of the Forms - such as Squat, At Attention, and Big Cheese - are clearly intended to be performed in a standing position (upon loading the game, a message states that the “best results” can be achieved standing up). It’s difficult to replicate all of these sat down, and as such, some microgames can be very finicky to complete for those who aren’t able to play the game standing up. 

Additionally, for the microgames that require the use of the Joy-Con button controls, there’s no way to adjust button mapping for ease of interaction. One of the games asks players to press several random buttons simultaneously while the Joy-Con controllers sit flat, and this could prove troublesome for anyone with limited mobility in their hands. 

How we reviewed

I spent around six hours playing WarioWare: Move It!, and in that time, I completed the main story (in around two hours), unlocked all of the 200+ microgames, and tested out the game’s various single-player modes. I played on a Nintendo Switch OLED console mainly in docked mode on my TV, although I tested it in handheld mode too (by using the console’s kickstand with the Joy-Con detached). 

If you’re on the lookout for more fantastic games to play on Nintendo’s hybrid console, be sure to check out our list of the best Nintendo Switch games. To keep up with future releases, you can also read our roundup of upcoming Switch games.

PDP Rematch Glow wireless controller review – short of a glowing recommendation
1:03 pm | October 20, 2023

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

The PDP Rematch Glow wireless controller’s bold Super Mario aesthetic may give off the impression that it’s for younger audiences, but it’s really a controller for almost every Nintendo Switch owner. This is largely because of its impressively sturdy build quality and modules that come close to rivaling the feel of those found on the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.

And that’s for the best, as the unique selling point here - that glow-in-the-dark effect - really doesn’t amount to much. The effect is quite weak, and doesn’t last very long. Plus, it’s only substantially glowy in truly dark environments, meaning its use case is extremely limited. Still, it’s a fitting gamepad if you’re looking to get your spook on over Halloween by turning off the lights and playing the best horror games.

And while the Rematch Glow’s lack of gyro aiming and choice of micro-USB connectivity is disappointing, it’s by and large a solid wireless controller that’s both responsive and packs a seriously impressive amount of battery life. It comes recommended, then, if you’re after a reliable wireless gamepad that offers a comparable experience to some of the best Nintendo Switch controllers on the market.

Price and availability

You can buy the PDP Rematch Glow controller right now. It’s available at most big box retail outlets such as Amazon, as well as Walmart and Best Buy in the US, while UK buyers can grab one from Argos. It’ll run you $54.99 / £44.99 (around AU$86.99), a decent bit cheaper than the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller and 8BitDo Ultimate’s price of $69.99 / £59.99. However, these gamepads are of a higher quality overall, so the gulf in price is largely to be expected. 

Design and features

PDP Rematch Glow

(Image credit: Future)

If you’re planning on picking up Super Mario Bros. Wonder, then there really isn’t a more thematic gamepad to play it with than PDP’s Rematch Glow. The series of yellow stars set on a matte black background is very pleasing to the eye, and the aesthetic is complemented by yellow triggers and shoulder buttons, and a wonderfully shiny gold-hued D-pad.

Sadly, the Rematch Glow’s standout feature - the fact those stars can glow in the dark - is underwhelming. It’s old-school glow-in-the-dark, too, meaning you’ll have to subject the controller to bright lights throughout the day for it to activate effectively. And, whenever I managed to get the glow effect working, it didn’t last particularly long, rendering the whole feature to be a bit gimmicky.

The Rematch Glow’s form factor and button layout is strikingly similar to that of the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, so players who have experience with that gamepad should feel at home with PDP’s. It’s got the same asymmetrical stick layout, similarly sized face buttons, and comfortable textured grips to ensure the pad won’t slip from your grasp in particularly intense moments (looking at you, Splatoon 3 bonus stage).

There are some differences, though. Oddly, the Rematch Glow’s Start and Select buttons placement have been swapped around with the screenshot and Home functions. This was a little tricky to get used to, as I often found myself back on the Nintendo Switch’s Home menu when I just wanted to save my game. Similarly, I accidentally took a screenshot of Link’s rather stoic expression in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom a few times when I intended to open up the Purah Pad instead.

It’s not the only design oddity the controller bears, either. It’s got two programmable rear buttons, where you can assign secondary inputs. However, they’re both connected to one larger paddle, which is made from quite flimsy plastic. 

Lastly, PDP has opted to use a micro-USB port for charging and wired play. It’s a strange, outdated choice that falls behind the USB-C standard of most Nintendo Switch controllers. It’s not a huge issue, as the Rematch Glow comes packed with a micro-USB cable (not to mention its incredible battery life meant I rarely needed to charge the thing), but something you should be aware of as it’s another cable you’ll need to carry with you when traveling. 

Performance and battery life

PDP Rematch Glow

(Image credit: Future)

The PDP Rematch Glow performs very solidly as a Pro-adjacent Nintendo Switch controller. I primarily played with the controller wirelessly, and had no issues whatsoever in regards to response time or input delay. Pairing the controller to my Switch was a breeze, too, simply requiring me to hold down the pairing button at the top with the console’s ‘Change Grip/Order’ menu open. Plus, unlike otherwise excellent controllers like the 8BitDo Ultimate, you’re able to turn on your Switch wirelessly with the Rematch Glow by pressing the Home button.

The Rematch Glow’s modules - those being its sticks, buttons, and triggers - all feel fantastic. The sticks have a pleasant concave design that snugly accommodates my thumbs. Its triggers and shoulder buttons feel a little soft but have a very short travel time making them more responsive to compensate. The face buttons are also wonderfully tactile, with a clicky feel that makes playing titles that employ heavy use of them, like Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition and Astral Chain, even more of a joy to play.

One weakness when it comes to the gamepad’s performance is those rear paddle buttons, as they’re quite stiff to press. You are able to remove them via a sliding switch which pops the plastic paddle off the gamepad easily. But this then causes your middle fingers to rest unnaturally on the back of the controller.

Furthermore, the controller doesn’t support motion-based gyro controls at all. This may be a dealbreaker to some buyers out there, as it means that aiming in games like Splatoon 3 and Metroid Prime Remastered becomes significantly harder when you instead need to rely on the analog sticks.

Easily the best thing about the PDP Rematch Glow, though, is its battery life. You’ll get approximately 40 hours on a full charge, which makes it an excellent controller for playing longer titles with, such as Xenoblade Chronicles 3 or Fire Emblem Engage. Over a two-week period of testing, I only needed to charge the controller once, a quality on par with that of the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.

Despite its faults, the PDP Rematch Glow is a solid third-party Nintendo Switch controller that sits alongside other quality pads in the manufacturer’s line-up such as the PDP Realmz controller. If you’re not particularly fussed about its weak glow-in-the-dark gimmick or fiddly rear paddle buttons, you’re still getting a high-performance gamepad that’s comparable to some of the console’s best.

Should I buy the PDP Rematch Glow wireless controller?

PDP Rematch Glow

(Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How we reviewed the PDP Rematch Glow

I tested the PDP Rematch Glow over a period of two weeks, where I made it my go-to Nintendo Switch controller. A variety of games were tested, from big-hitters like Super Mario Odyssey and Bayonetta 3 to indie gems like Hollow Knight and Crypt of the NecroDancer. The lack of gyro controls presented a problem in some multiplayer-focused games like Splatoon 3, but overall, I found the Rematch Glow to be a solidly-performing controller in spite of its shortcomings. 

Looking for more Nintendo Switch goodies? Consider browsing our guide to the best Nintendo Switch accessories for choice picks in upgrading your portable experience.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder review – sheer joy in video game form
4:00 pm | October 18, 2023

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

Platform reviewed: Nintendo Switch

Available on: Nintendo Switch

Release date: October 20, 2023

Playing Super Mario Bros. Wonder reminded me what video games are all about: having fun. Nintendo’s latest side-scrolling platformer has refined and built upon the 2D Mario installments that came before it, adding an onslaught of original, creative ideas that never feel old, loads of secrets to uncover, visuals that pop, and tiny details that are a genuine joy to spot. 

From start to finish, Super Mario Bros. Wonder is a delight. With this new Nintendo Switch release, the developers have been afforded more creativity than ever before when it comes to spicing up the numerous levels for Mario and his friends to traverse, thanks to the inclusion of the titular Wonder Effects. Triggered by finding a Wonder Flower in a course, these are weird and wonderful events that can alter the very way that a level is played and make each one a truly memorable experience. 

Some Wonder Effects offer an additional amount of challenge, others are a visual spectacle to behold, and others exist seemingly with the sole purpose of making players smile. I wrote in my extended preview that I’ve never played a game that’s made me smile as fast as Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and now that I’ve completed it, I can confirm that I never stopped smiling throughout my time with the game, with the Wonder Effects being one of the main reasons why. Of course, discovering these firsthand is a massive part of the fun, so I won’t go into specifics here beyond what I discussed in my preview, but needless to say, they’re so much more than a simple gimmick, but an intrinsic yet eccentric part of the experience. 

Best bit:

Peach seen avoiding a large enemy during a Wonder Effect in Super Mario Bros. Wonder.

(Image credit: Nintendo / Future)

After I thought I’d finished the game, I revisited one of the worlds and found a hidden area that I’d completely missed the first time around and had the thrilling realization that I had plenty more to explore. 

More intrinsic still is Wonder’s overall charm, which goes far beyond its bright, colorful coat of paint. Everyone and everything is so expressive: characters’ hats are seen almost flying off their heads when they plummet down gaps, their gaze grows more determined as they shift from a gentle stroll to a faster sprint, and Goombas look up in fear as they see you about to land on their heads. Certain details are hidden in the game’s music and sound effects, too: ground pounds are preceded by drum rolls, and background tracks lower in pitch when someone transforms into their chunky elephant form using an Elephant power-up. There are too many to list here, but all of these things contribute to Wonder feeling like the liveliest 2D Mario game to date - it feels like walking into a side-scrolling version of The Super Mario Bros. Movie.

 Badge of honor 

Luigi seen using the Parachute Cap badge in Super Mario Bros. Wonder.

(Image credit: Nintendo / Future)

Super Mario Bros. Wonder doesn’t rely solely on Wonder Effects to spice up its platforming experience - the addition of Badges is an enormous deal for replayability, accessibility, and accommodating differing playstyles. There are numerous to unlock throughout the game, and they’re divided into three categories - Action, Boost, and Expert - and one can be equipped at a time. 

Boost Badges include the Auto Super Mushroom and Safety Bounce Badges - the first of which transforms player characters into their larger ‘Super’ forms at the start of each level (or each time they respawn), while the latter prevents them from dying by falling down pits or into lava. Elsewhere, Expert Badges such as Jet Run (which forces players to zoom forward without stopping) and Invisibility (you’ll never guess what that one does) exist to provide an extra challenge for anyone who dares take them on. 

Action Badges, like the self-explanatory Crouching High Jump and Parachute Cap Badges, give players new movement options which they can utilize at any point, giving Mario and his buddies new ways to run, leap, and soar. While none are required to access areas in any of the ‘regular’ levels (more on that shortly), they can make certain maneuvers easier, and it’s fantastic fun to explore stages in different ways by using alternate abilities. The feeling is almost akin to playing 3D Mario titles such as Odyssey, in which talented players can parkour and catapult themselves pretty much wherever they please with enough practice. 

I imagine that experimenting with Action Badges will be popular in the speedrunning community, although it’s worth noting that the double and triple jump,  previously included in past Mario games as built-in special moves, aren’t present in Wonder. This is a pity, as being able to combo these special jumps into Action Badges would have added even more possibilities for free-flowing action. 

Secrets, spice, and all things nice

Elephant Luigi seen taking out Piranha Plants in a Break Time! level in Super Mario Bros. Wonder.

(Image credit: Nintendo / Future)

Even if you’re not too bothered about mixing and matching the Badges you use during the majority of the game, Badge Challenge levels provide a short but sweet outlet to test your skills and learn the quirks of each ability in stages that are purpose-built to make use of them. These levels, alongside the bite-size ‘Break Time!’ stages (one of which, for example, has you knock out a few Piranha Plants on musical note blocks, before playing a nostalgic Mario tune) break up the longer regular stages nicely and help add even more variety to Wonder’s vast array of action. 

While some stages unlock in a linear manner, many can be accessed in any order in free-roam sections. Not only is this brilliant for the simple matter of being able to choose what sequence to play them in (which is a relief, as some are genuinely difficult), but these parts of the map can be home to secret areas and levels, encouraging players to investigate every last inch of the overworld. Secrets exist within courses, too - alternative exits and paths can be found in several levels, meaning there’s a great deal of replayability for anyone who wants to discover everything.

In case it wasn’t already abundantly clear, I adore Super Mario Bros. Wonder. Not only does it wholeheartedly feel like an innovative rebirth for 2D Mario, but it can’t be overstated how well-polished it is. As well as the adorable and amusing subtleties that populate every pixel and exude personality, the controls are responsive, everything runs smoothly even when the action gets chaotic, and in my time playing, I didn’t encounter any bugs or glitches. Although not an absolute necessity for enjoyment, Wonder looks stunning on the Nintendo Switch OLED, with the console’s screen suited to making vivid colors pop.

While I’ve completed literally everything that the game has to offer, I can’t stop thinking about Super Mario Bros. Wonder. It’s impossible to imagine it being anything but a must-play title for any Nintendo Switch owner - particularly for anyone who grew tired of the repetitive 2D New Super Mario Bros. series. If you like feeling happy, you’ll love Super Mario Bros. Wonder.

Accessibility features

The options menu in Super Mario Bros. Wonder.

(Image credit: Nintendo / Future)

Super Mario Bros. Wonder offers plenty of features for a more accessible experience. Controls can be adjusted, allowing players to swap the buttons used to jump and run, and controller vibration can be strengthened and weakened.

Of the 12 playable characters, Nabbit and the Yoshis are immune to damage, meaning that anyone can switch to them if they’re having trouble with a level. It does feel unfortunate, however, that this damage immunity can’t be applied to all characters, or removed from Yoshi and Nabbit if fans of the characters want to play without the additional feature.

The aforementioned Boost Badges, such as the Auto Super Mushroom Badge and Safety Bounce badge, are also very helpful in providing support to players as and when they need it. However, it’s worth noting that Badges must be unlocked, so they’re not all available right from the start of the game.

Elsewhere, Talking Flowers can speak in 15 different languages, and their dialogue is automatically subtitled - they can be adjusted to speak without subtitles, or just via in-game text.

How we reviewed

I spent around 27 hours playing Super Mario Bros. Wonder to 100% completion. It took me roughly 17 hours to finish the main story, but it could be done faster if players are less focused on finding all the collectibles and hidden levels. I played on a Nintendo Switch OLED model, in a mix of handheld and TV modes. 

For more Nintendo goodness, be sure to check out our list of the best Nintendo Switch games. You can also read our roundup of upcoming Switch games releasing in 2023 and beyond. 

Nitro Deck review – an essential Nintendo Switch accessory
7:00 pm | September 18, 2023

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

If you’re after an all-in-one Nintendo Switch accessory that offers a comfy and responsive gaming experience, then look no further than CRKD’s superb Nitro Deck. Essentially a portable dock for your console, the Nitro Deck offers several quality-of-life enhancements that make portable play even better.

The Nitro Deck swaps out your Joy-Con controllers for its own on-deck modules. These include all the buttons, sticks, and triggers you’d expect on a Nintendo Switch, as well as four programmable back buttons for custom secondary inputs. Best of all, the Nitro Deck makes use of Hall effect sticks - an upgrade over traditional analog that greatly reduces the risk of stick drift. If you’ve had bad luck when it comes to replacing older Joy-Cons, then you could save a lot of cash in the long run by purchasing the Nitro Deck.

Furthermore, a dedicated USB-C port on the dock, into which you’ll slide your Switch handheld, means that you’ll experience less input lag than you would through a wireless or Bluetooth connection. Additional input and output ports also allow you to charge up your console while playing with the Nitro Deck. In short, if you’re a portable-first Switch owner, we highly recommend the Nitro Deck as one of the best Nintendo Switch accessories you can buy.

Price and availability

The Nitro Deck will be available to buy from September 18, 2023, via CRKD’s official store page. It’s purchasable in the US and UK, with the individual unit coming in white, black, or gray colorways for $59.99 / £59.99.

Alternatively, you can opt for a limited edition version of the Nitro Deck which includes a carry case, 2.5m USB-C cable, and a pair of extra concave thumbsticks. This version will run you $89.99 / £89.99, and you can choose from three distinct color variants: Retro Mint, Classic Grey (emulating the look of the original Game Boy), or a Retro Purple that riffs on the Nintendo Gamecube’s aesthetic.

Design and features

Nitro Deck

(Image credit: Future)

The Nitro Deck and Nintendo Switch OLED tablet combined weigh just shy of 1.3lbs / 600g, which is about on par with the Asus ROG Ally, and less than the Steam Deck’s 1.47lbs / 669g. This means that, with the Nitro Deck, you’re getting a relatively lightweight portable experience. Though given the unit’s rather bulky 4.3” x 10.2” x 1.8” (110mm x 260mm x 46mm) size, you may want to consider purchasing the Limited Edition version that comes with a carry case, especially if you plan on taking it out of the house.

As for the Nitro Deck’s modules, they’re of mostly high quality. The dock itself is made of sturdy plastic, with a comfortable grip design that rests securely in your hands. Both analog sticks have a nice, firm weight to them, rocking easily under your thumbs with just the right amount of resistance. The shoulder buttons and those programmable back buttons are similarly satisfying, with a lovely tactile and clicky feel.

The triggers are a highlight, too, featuring a very soft and quiet press that’s perfect for portable play, especially if you’re in busier environments. The only real drawback here, in terms of design, is that the D-pad can feel a touch stiff. It’s still an improvement over the Joy-Cons’ button-based D-pad, but the Nitro Deck’s is a slight letdown given just how nice the rest of its modules feel.

Rounding out the design is a simple kickstand, useful if you want to use the deck in conjunction with one of the best Nintendo Switch controllers. There’s also a handy switch at the bottom rear of the device, which helps to neatly take your Switch back out of the Nitro Deck to return it to its original dock for TV play.

Performance

Nitro Deck

(Image credit: Future)

The Nitro Deck provides a greatly enhanced portable play experience for Nintendo Switch. Improvements over Nintendo’s official hardware, such as Hall effect sticks similar to those found in the 8BitDo Ultimate, effectively eliminate the risk of analog stick drift. That means you can potentially shelve your finicky Joy-Con controllers for good.

The dock’s dedicated USB-C connector firmly clicks your Switch into place. Similar to mobile controllers like the Backbone One or Razer Kishi, being directly connected to the dock reduces input lag for more responsive play, relative to using a wireless or Bluetooth connection.

It’s also very easy to set up those programmable back buttons. Simply hold the Program button found on the rear of the device, in conjunction with one of those back buttons. Then, press the button on the front of the dock you wish to assign a secondary input for, and you’re set. I found this to be useful for some of the best Nintendo Switch games like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate; being able to assign the jump command to a rear button meant I could keep my fingers on the attack commands, thus more effectively maintaining an offensive playstyle.

Lastly, while there’s no dedicated 3.5mm headphone jack to be found on the Nitro Deck, it leaves the Switch’s port at the top accessible for if you own one of the best wired gaming headsets.

Should I buy the Nitro Deck?

Nitro Deck

(Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How we reviewed the Nitro Deck

The Nitro Deck was tested with a Nintendo Switch OLED, playing a variety of games to best get a feel for its high level of comfort, Hall effect sticks, and programmable rear paddle buttons. I tested the Nitro Deck with The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom for a robust single-player experience, Splatoon 3 for multiplayer gaming on the go, as well as the recently released F-Zero 99 to really get a feel for its overall responsiveness. 

Want some enhanced audio to go along with the Nitro Deck? Have a look at our best Nintendo Switch headsets guide. And if you’re opting for the base Nitro Deck model, our best Nintendo Switch carry cases list can help you save money on top carry case options. 

PDP Realmz wired headset review – more than its gimmick suggests
3:46 pm | September 4, 2023

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

Even if you’re used to wearing one of the best wired gaming headsets on the market, PDP’s Realmz wired gaming headset for Nintendo Switch may surprise you, as it did me. Technically a collectible, with its Sonic the Hedgehog branded aesthetic and figurine embedded in the translucent right ear cup, it’s also a highly competent gaming headset boasting solid build quality.

It’s also sitting at a very agreeable price point, making the Realmz headset one of the more affordable wired options for Nintendo Switch. Perfect, then, if you primarily play in portable mode, or own one of the best Nintendo Switch controllers that features a 3.5mm headphone port.

What surprised me most, though, is the Realmz’s relatively high audio quality. Yes, it’s not quite on par with pricier wired headsets like the EPOS H6Pro, but its 40mm drivers deliver competent audio without sacrificing much clarity. Its microphone is also decent, making for a well-rounded gaming headset.

PDP Realmz wired headset - price and availability

The PDP Nintendo Switch Realmz wired gaming headset is available to buy right now for $39.99 / £34.99 (around AU$61.99). US buyers can pick the headset up directly from the manufacturer’s website, though do keep in mind that as it’s under $50 / £50, additional shipping costs will be added. UK shoppers, however, will need to go to online retailers like Smyths Toys to get their hands on one.

PDP Realmz wired headset - design and features

PDP Realmz wired headset

(Image credit: Future)

One of my favorite things about the PDP Realmz headset is that despite bearing a popular third-party brand, it deftly avoids the trap of looking overdesigned. There’s an even mix of blue, red, and white colors here which all complement each other well, giving the headset a rather sporty look that’s in line with Sonic the Hedgehog stylings. And if you’re not overly keen on Sega’s mascot, fear not, as PDP confirmed to me at Gamescom 2023 that more Realmz products featuring other popular gaming icons are on the way.

The keystone of the headset's design, though, has to be the Sonic the Hedgehog figurine embedded in the right ear cup. The figure itself is only about the size of a Kinder Egg toy, but it’s of good quality and certainly helps the Realmz headset stand out from the pack. It’s purely aesthetic and doesn’t impact its performance in any way, but I can’t help but love it.

The padded headband and cups also provide a high level of comfort, and it’s certainly one of the comfier sets at its budget price point. A flexible mic arm and on-board volume control complete the feature set, though I do wish there were some additional settings here, like a mic monitoring slider or an EQ toggle. It’s a fairly basic setup, then, but that's to be expected for this price.

PDP Realmz wired headset - performance

PDP Realmz wired headset

(Image credit: Future)

The PDP Realmz gaming headset’s audio output is surprisingly solid, too. It features 40mm audio drivers that deliver a clear sound profile. Vocals are the standout winner here, making the Realmz a good choice for listening to music. The overall sound profile is a touch on the flatter side, without much clear distinction between lows and highs. Thankfully, though, audio doesn’t sound muddy through the headset, though it’s tough to recommend to those wanting a wider dynamic range for online games like Fortnite or PUBG: Battlegrounds.

That said, it’s a great fit for the best Nintendo Switch games, many of which are single-player focused. Games like Super Mario Odyssey, Astral Chain, and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, all have their stellar soundtracks and audio design that shines through the Realmz headset. As such, it’s a solid choice for playing the best single-player games on the market right now.

If you do decide to jump online, though, know that the PDP Realmz headset also boasts pretty decent microphone quality, too. You shouldn’t expect peak clarity here, but mic output does get the job done, and you should sound clear enough to your friends and teammates. It was a great fit for Fall Guys, for example, which hardly requires anything in the way of advanced team strategy or the need for rounded, dynamic audio.

Should I buy the PDP Realmz wired headset?

PDP Realmz wired headset

(Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Want to shop for alternative headsets for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch OLED? Consider browsing our best Nintendo Switch headsets guide to find the right fit for you.

Disney Illusion Island review – a whimsical metroidvania-lite adventure
4:00 pm | July 27, 2023

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets | Tags: | Comments: Off
Review information

Platform reviewed: Nintendo Switch
Available on: Nintendo Switch
Release date: July 28, 2023

2D platformers are a dime a dozen on Nintendo Switch, but rarely are they as polished or charming as Disney Illusion Island. A fairly open-ended platformer that supports co-op play and featuring some of the best 2D visuals on the hardware, it’s well-suited for players of all ages looking for their next platforming fix.

Something of a spiritual successor to the Sega Genesis / Mega Drive’s Castle of Illusion and World of Illusion, two of that console’s best games, Disney Illusion Island is more than worthy of holding your attention until fellow co-op platformer Super Mario Bros. Wonder launches later this year.

Disney Illusion Island differs from its roots with an adoption of a metroidvania-style format. That means it’s not just a straight dash from left to right. Rather, the world map is somewhat open-ended, with many avenues gated off until you’ve found a new ability that lets you progress further. The game doesn’t wholly commit to the formula, and still has broadly linear progression as you explore the map, but it’s a welcome change that incentivizes combing areas for secrets and collectibles.

And while Disney Illusion Island is primarily aimed at younger audiences, that doesn’t mean it’s devoid of difficulty. Checkpoints are aplenty, but the game still lets its slick, satisfying movement shine through platforming challenges that have a pleasantly steady difficulty curve. 

On top of that, you can also choose a difficulty level before starting the game that either increases or reduces the number of hits you can take. During play, I didn’t notice any changes to enemy layout or platforming toughness, which is a slight shame. Still, it’s nice to have the option for a tougher or easier challenge depending on your preferences. 

Tiptoe through the tulips

Disney Illusion Island

(Image credit: Disney Interactive Studios)

What’s immediately noticeable about Disney Illusion Island is just how gosh-darn pretty it is. Playable characters and NPCs have a resemblance to the newer Mickey Mouse animated shorts, which translates beautifully to a 2D sidescroller format. The world itself is even more gorgeous, largely featuring a pleasantly warm color palette that really pops on the Nintendo Switch OLED’s handheld display.

The quality of animation is impressive across the board, too. Our four playable characters – Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy – all play identically, but each have a unique identity when it comes to their animations. Mickey’s confident strides are well-realized here, but I particularly love Donald’s snappier, often impatient-looking movement that fits him to a tee. Goofy’s dumpy, comical run cycle is also a highlight that had me grinning when I first saw it.

Best bit

Disney Illusion Island

(Image credit: Disney Interactive Studios)

Disney Illusion Island gets so much right, but for us, the moment-to-moment platforming challenges are what keep the game consistently engaging. No two areas are the same, and you'll constantly be taking on new challenges as the difficulty curve steadily increases.

There’s a delightful level of attention to detail with each character, too. No matter which you pick to play as, they’ll all receive the same traversal abilities throughout the game, but all four are given unique tools to get the job done. For example, one of the earliest power-ups you’ll get is a double jump. For Minnie, this comes in the form of a life-sized paper airplane. Donald, meanwhile, gets a giant firework with matching sound effects. It’s a small, but nonetheless charming addition that gives a little extra incentive to try out each of the four heroes.

The game is a metroidvania at its core, meaning you’ll be collecting a whole bunch of new abilities as you progress. These extra skills are honestly quite standard, such as being able to swim, using a grappling hook on certain pieces of scenery and a ground pound to destroy brittle platforms. However, the rate at which you get these abilities is well-paced, and the areas in which you receive them are always flush with platforming challenges to help you get to grips with each.

Rounding out the presentation are occasional, lovingly animated cutscenes, featuring the characters’ contemporary voice actors (you might recognize Donald and Goofy’s actors from the Kingdom Hearts series). There’s plenty of good chuckles to be had in these cutscenes thanks to some sharp writing and delivery, and while not every joke lands, it’s all deliciously tongue-in-cheek; perfect for a narrative that’s aimed at younger audiences.

House of Mouse

Disney Illusion Island

(Image credit: Disney Interactive Studios)

Disney Illusion Island presents a pretty captivating world, then, and it’s just as fun to explore as it is to gawk at. Developer Dlala Games has nailed movement in this game. It’s crucial to nail simple acts like running and jumping in a platformer, and here that movement is quick, responsive, and doesn’t feel the least bit floaty.

It’s not long before the map starts to mix up its platforming, forcing you to make use of multiple abilities at once, making traversal and progression constantly brisk and satisfying. Part of me wishes these power-ups were a touch more inspired, as none break new ground in the subgenre, but what’s here works and serves to form Disney Illusion Island’s platformer-centric format.

In Disney Illusion Island, you’re getting a cozy, somewhat easygoing platformer that’s nonetheless worth your time

One element I think will be divisive is that Disney Illusion Island doesn’t feature combat of any kind, despite having enemies players will need to avoid while platforming. This isn’t so much a complaint as it is something I thought was just worth mentioning for those who might prefer a more action-heavy title like Hollow Knight or Metroid Dread. Bosses are present, but these utilize your existing abilities rather than have you confront the enemy directly. The game’s highly enjoyable platforming does make up for this, though, and fans of the genre will find Disney Illusion Island scratches that itch more than adequately.

And if you vibe with the game’s fluid platforming, you’ll definitely want to scour the whole map for hidden items, of which there are many kinds. Collectible cards and ‘Mickey Memorabilia’ are the primary objects here, with the latter forming a charming database of the mouse’s long history. 

My favorite, though, are the secret Mickey symbols dotted throughout the world. You’ll need a pair of keen eyes to spot some of these, as they can blend into the background quite ingeniously. Unlike other collectibles, they’re also not marked on your map, so you’ll have a real scavenger hunt on your hands if you wish to find them all.

In Disney Illusion Island, you’re getting a cozy, somewhat easygoing platformer that’s nonetheless worth your time. Gorgeous visuals, smart level design, charming cutscenes and no shortage of collectables pack a whole lot of goodness into its relatively short length. If you’re excited for Super Mario Bros. Wonder, I can’t recommend Disney Illusion Island enough. 

Accessibility

In Disney Illusion Island, there’s quite a handy suite of accessibility settings to aid players of all kinds. You’re able to adjust options like screen shake, display tells for certain secrets and adjust the time allotted for timed platforming elements.

In the ‘Player’ menu, you can freely adjust the amount of health afforded to you, as well as toggle various assists for a number of abilities. Lastly, subtitles are customizable, allowing players to adjust their size, color and opacity. Overall, a pretty fleshed out accessibility suite.

How we reviewed Disney Illusion Island

We played Disney Illusion Island through to its conclusion, picking up as many collectibles along the way as we could on our first playthrough. We finished the game in roughly seven hours, thoroughly testing (and enjoying) its style of platforming, and the various secrets and unlockable gallery content provided by optional secret hunting. 

Looking for more Nintendo Switch goodness? Feel free to check out our regularly-updated best Nintendo Switch games list, featuring top and tested recommendations for Nintendo's portable wonder.

Mous 25L backpack review: a rugged rucksack that can go the distance
5:33 pm | July 26, 2023

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

Mous 25L backpack one-minute review

Mous takes a leap into a brave new world, adding to its line of rugged protective cases and accessories with the Mous 25L backpack, landing firmly on its feet. This premium, well-thought-out backpack offers a host of features alongside brilliant build quality to provide maximum comfort and protection.

It’s fairly expensive at $279.99 / £219.99 / AU$430, and is available from Mous direct or via third-party resellers such as Amazon. However, I’d heavily caveat this drawback with praise for its sophisticated and well-made design. If you’re serious about protecting your kit, or are someone who travels regularly, then it will more than prove its worth. In fact, I’ve been traveling plenty while testing this backpack, and it’s saved my hide (and, I expect, the integrity of my MacBook) multiple times.

This ultra-protective black backpack is made with water-resistant materials including carbonated nylon and PU coating, and even has AquaGuard YKK zips to ensure rain and splashes don’t reach your gear. The design is understated yet chic, especially for a rugged backpack. 

Mous 25L backpack Fidlock lock

(Image credit: Future)

On its front you’ll find the magnetic Fidlock security latch, which serves to prevent thieves from quickly accessing the top of the backpack. There’s a knack to opening it, which, once you become familiar, shouldn’t prove a problem – although on occasion I do still find myself yanking at it for a few seconds.

To the right of the backpack is the first compartment, a zipper that houses a small strap with a split ring to which you can attach your keys, while on the left is a stretchy pouch for a bottle plus another surprisingly deep compartment towards the rear of the backpack.

On the underside of the backpack are two adjustable harnesses for storage, which would easily hold one of the best yoga mats or best travel tripod, and predictably, on the rear of the bag are the two adjustable shoulder straps with an additional sternum strap. These are immensely comfortable and distribute any weight you’re carrying evenly across the back – which is a good thing, because the protective measures built into the backpack mean it weighs in at 1.8kg even while empty.

Mous 25L backpack YKK Zzippers

(Image credit: Future)

Two kissing YKK zippers command the wraparound zip for the main compartment, which opens to reveal a grey interior with a further eight storage compartments; these are ideal for cables, small cases and any accessories. The material used for this lining feels quite thin, and perhaps prone to damage over time – but it doesn’t feel cheap, at least.

Behind the main section are the final storage compartments – a small alcove, and the AiroFoam-laced laptop and tablet compartment, which has three pockets for different devices.

Mous 25L backpack back laptop compartment

(Image credit: Future)

Having used the backpack for three weeks, traveling up and down the UK and to France for a weekend, I’m a complete convert to rugged backpacks. Instead of fearing for my laptop’s life every time I take a knock, or using socks to pad out my tech, I could simply throw my kit into the bag and go.

The compartments offer plenty of clever space-saving features and allowed me to keep all my bits organized. Even with it packed full, I didn’t suffer an achy back from carrying the backpack around.

Without a doubt, I’d say that the Mous 25L is one of the best laptop backpacks around. If you’re serious about your equipment, it’s well worth the expense for the peace of mind it delivers. The fact that it looks and feels so luxurious is a bonus.

Mous 25L backpack: Specs

Should you buy the Mous 25L backpack?

Buy it if...

You want ultimate protection

With its AiroFoam padding and use of water-resistant materials, this backpack is about as protective as it gets – perfect for travel and outdoor activities.

You go wild for tech organization features

I never thought that the presence of pockets could induce such excitement, but each of the 17 compartments in the Mous 25L backpack is neatly designed with specific use cases in mind.

You want something that will last

Well built using premium materials, the finish here is spectacular – it’s a backpack I envisage using for a long time.

Don't buy it if...

You’re on a budget

This is by no means an affordable backpack, but in my opinion it’s worth the money; but not if you just need something to grab-and-go.

You want a bag that’s lightweight

Without any contents, this backpack weighs in at 1.8kg – and it’s noticeable. The straps are well-designed to reduce strain, but if you’d rather something built with lightness in mind, the Mous 25L isn’t for you.

You get hot easily

All that protective foam right by your back, plus the black casing, means this backpack can be a little uncomfortable and sweaty on a hot day.

Mous 25L backpack: Also consider

How I tested the Mous 25L

Mous 25L backpack rear and straps

(Image credit: Future)
  • I used the Mous backpack for three weeks
  • I made several long-haul journeys, as well as everyday trips, with it
  • I dropped it with my laptop and Nintendo Switch in situ

I used the Mous 25L backpack for almost all of my travel and daily activities for three weeks, including for daily commuting and a few weekend trips away. Inside it I carried all of my most prized tech possessions: my laptop, iPad, Nintendo Switch, alongside other everyday items. 

I tried as many drop tests as I was willing to risk with my own devices, and I’m pleased to say even after a drop from 2 meters, my MacBook Pro survived unscathed. I also splashed the backpack with a glass of water and found the interior remained completely dry.

I’ve been a regular backpack user for 12 years, using everything from Vans to Jansport to Dr. Martens backpacks. This is my first rugged backpack, but it’s started a love affair I imagine will last a lifetime.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed July 2023

Pikmin 4 review – a new life blooms
7:13 pm | July 24, 2023

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets | Tags: | Comments: Off
Review information:

Platform reviewed: Nintendo Switch
Available on: Nintendo Switch
Release date: 21 July 2023

I thrive in systems of organization that wouldn't make much sense to anyone else, but the real-time strategy meets puzzle adventure that is Pikmin 4 makes me feel like maybe, just maybe, my life is somewhat in check. 

Reintroducing a colorful world brimming with curious critters, Pikmin 4 offers a variety of all-new environments to explore and adds a handful of new companions, but really it’s the same premise of the older games: you’re in a completely alien land, and you need to utilize the strength of the planets minuscule plant-like inhabitants (Pikmin) to collect various parts and treasures, take down enemies, and solve puzzles in order to progress.

It’s the same formula which has made the Pikmin games so enjoyable since the series debuted on GameCube in 2001, and that formula holds up today. 

Despite being less popular than many of Nintendo’s other long-running offerings, there was still a lot of anticipation surrounding Pikmin 4’s launch, especially given how long it has been since the last. Those expectations, I’m confident, will have been exceeded for many players. Pikmin 4 is a charming game, and there are many reasons you should consider shrinking down and seeing what the world has to offer, even if you haven’t sunk into the franchise before.  

Explorers old and new 

Player with pikmin

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Instead of continuing the tradition of taking on the role of the franchise's favorite captain and protagonist of the previous three games, Olimar, you’re first tasked with creating your character who will be the face of your exploration. I felt skeptical at first about having to take the reigns and create my explorer, but after getting stuck in and seeing how Pikmin 4 has been built to not only scratch the itch of veteran Pikmin fans but also welcome new players with open arms, this platform to personalize your experience through creating your own unique rookie does help make the experience more approachable.

The voyager logs created by Olimar, which detail the narrative and purpose of Pikmin 4 help to reintroduce the concept of the game to older players, while explaining things to new players without feeling overwhelmed by information overload. There is a lot to learn, and the introduction to each character presents a huge amount of information to digest, but the humor between characters eases the pressure slightly and despite the barrage of information, you’ll slowly learn everything you need.

Best Bit:

Spaceship in space in Pikmin 4

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Finding a music box that immediately started playing the Song of Storms from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time when my Pikmin picked it up. 

There are also numerous new mechanics introduced to the game to separate it from alternative titles and keep what could become a pretty stale routine of fetching items to bring back to your ship. New Pikmin species and their accompanying capabilities are introduced, so while you still have the traditional red, blue and yellow, you also get to meet and in turn utilize the new skills of both Ice and Glow Pikmin. The introduction of night time excursions as well also offers a more high-stakes mission for anyone brave enough to face stronger enemies in a style that leans more heavily toward a tower defense-like minigame.

But, the most valuable new addition has to be Oatchi. This sweet pup accompanies your adventure from the very beginning, and rather than being a take-it-or-leave-it addition to your crew, he is an integral part of the adventure. In fact, his support is so integral to your experience, it’s hard to believe there were games before this one that didn’t think to include such a perfect pooch, and hopefully, any future Pikmin games think to bring him along for the ride.

Alongside being a more convenient way to bound about the map and keep all your Pikmin in one place, the ability to switch between playing as your character and Oatchi makes it a lot easier to navigate dungeons and puzzles which need an extra pair of eyes, especially during your first few days in an entirely new environment.

One day at a time 

Explorer in the garden in Pikmin 4

(Image credit: Nintendo)

An in-game day spans 20 minutes of real-time, which sounds like a pretty reasonable chunk of time until you’re running around a garden throwing Pikmin onto ledges and desperately trying to find the next castaway before the dinner bell rings. Fortunately, this time is slowed to a snail's pace when you start to explore the various cave systems underground on the hunt for castaways, giving you a slight leeway in how much you can get done in a single day.

There’s a huge emphasis on organization and prioritizing tasks to ensure your days are as streamlined as possible, which I think I drastically overlooked across the first few days alongside my crew of fellow space travelers, but once you’ve got to grips with the general location and you’re coming in armed with an array of Pikmin species rather than a single color, you’ll naturally start to optimize the flow of your day. 

But, in case you feel like fleeting days will have you rushing through the game, there’s no actual time limit to how many days you can spend exploring, so there’s no need to rush through things like caves and locations in a frantic rush to find Olimar. With the amount to do in each different environment, like locating any hidden treasures and completing simple puzzles to gain access to new areas, you’re likely to get swept up in side tasks more often than not too, which is why the lack of time restriction helps make Pikmin 4 more enjoyable.  

A few growing pains 

Colony of Pikmin following explorer by the Onion in Pikmin 4

(Image credit: Nintendo)

While there’s no denying the fact Pikmin 4 is an incredibly consuming game from start to finish, it still does have a few creases that prevent it from being seamless. They aren’t detrimental to the experience, and they certainly aren’t enough for us to not recommend this game to anyone looking for a genuinely sweet slice of classic Nintendo gaming, but they are worth considering before you jump in with both feet. 

Firstly, the auto-lock, which guides you to target specific items or enemies when throwing your Pikmin, is a great feature in theory but it’s not much use even when you do try and lock on to either an item or a creature. I often found myself having to go out of my way to force the target to select the thing I wanted to hurl my Pikmin at, which feels like it defeats the point of an auto-lock ability entirely. 

In addition, multiplayer within the story mode feels slightly lackluster. With the ability to switch between Rookie and Oatchi, I would’ve assumed multiplayer might hand the role of the lovable pup to a second player, but instead, any stand-in adventurers are left to throw projectiles from the back of Oatchi and generally just follow the lead of player one. Although multiplayer is redeemed slightly through the chaos of a Dandori Battle, a separate game mode entirely, it is a shame that multiplayer in the story feels like an afterthought rather than a core feature.

But, as a whole, these things don’t stop Pikmin 4 from being a fantastic game for both new and old players alike. Content from previous Pikmin titles has been reintroduced in a way that keeps the title from feeling repetitive while not straying too far from the franchise so many players have grown to love. Sure, it has its teething pains, but the general experience of returning to PNF-404 makes these issues worth overlooking.

Accessibility

Pikmin 4 oatchi and player fighting enemies in a cave

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Even though Pikmin 4 offers incredibly in-depth information regarding every other aspect of the game, it has very limited accessibility options. You have the option to change your camera controls, and the ability to turn off motion control, but that’s about it. 

There are no options regarding text size or speed, which is surprising given just how much information you are bombarded with toward the start of the game. Cutscenes come equipped with subtitles, but they still sit on the smaller side of the scale. Luckily if you do miss something though you can easily skip back through the Message Log to catch up, where text is slightly larger than during any animation. 

How we reviewed Pikmin 4

I played Pikmin 4 for over 18 hours in both docked and handheld mode on my Nintendo Switch OLED. I completed the central storyline and main objective within just under 13 hours and spent the following few jumping into side quests set by my rescued castaways or returning to locations to continue collecting treasures for my collection.

In addition, I spent an hour or two with a second player to test out what multiplayer is like within the story mode in comparison to standalone Dandori battles, and can safely say that the latter is the way forward if you’re searching for a way to make the most of Pikmin 4 with a companion.  

Nintendo has had some fantastic releases already this year, but there are many upcoming Nintendo Switch games worth keeping an eye on if you’re ready to jump into the next adventure once you’ve completed Pikmin 4. If you don’t want to wait though, we’ve compiled the best games on Nintendo Switch too, so you’ll know which games are worth investing in.  

GameSir T4 Kaleid wired controller review
4:00 pm | May 15, 2023

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

I’m delighted to say that the GameSir T4 Kaleid was a pleasant surprise. It’s certainly an eye-catching gamepad with its see-through casing and lovely RGB lighting, yet it stands head and shoulders above other controllers in its price bracket thanks to incredible customizability and high quality buttons and sticks.

If you’re sick of stick drift on the Nintendo Switch’s Joy-Con controllers, the GameSir T4 Kaleid sidesteps the issue with the use of hall effect analog sticks, much like the fantastic 8BitDo Ultimate wireless controller. That reassured longevity, and overall high quality, has the T4 Kaleid standing alongside the best Nintendo Switch controllers you can buy.

That being said, it’s unfortunately not quite the best fit for its target console. The T4 Kaleid is wired only, which isn’t a great fit for Nintendo Switch. It also doesn’t have the reversed X and Y button placement, opting instead for the more standard Xbox Series X|S layout. However, the T4 Kaleid thrives on PC when paired with the T4k app which allows you to customize button layout, assign inputs to the rear paddle buttons and, perhaps most importantly, create your own RGB pattern.

GameSir T4 Kaleid: price and availability

The GameSir T4 Kaleid is available to buy right now for $41.99 / £41.99. You can purchase it either from GameSir’s official store page, or through retailers like Amazon and AliExpress.

That places the T4 Kaleid as cheaper than the official Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, and mid-range gamepads like the Nacon Revolution X wired controller. As such, it's certainly worth considering if you're on a tight budget.

GameSir T4 Kaleid: design

GameSir T4 Kaleid

(Image credit: Future)

I’ve got a huge soft spot for controllers with translucent designs, so the GameSir T4 Kaleid was already starting to win me over when I first took it out of the box. However, the controller uses its aesthetic choice creatively. That’s because the circuit board within is gorgeously laid out, and the pair of RGB strips that wrap around either side of the controller are dazzling. It’s certainly a step up from many Pro-adjacent controllers that tend to play appearances safe with plain black or white colorways.

The fancy aesthetic wouldn’t amount to much if the controller wasn’t of a decent build quality, and thankfully the T4 Kaleid delivers here. The plastic shell is sturdy, while the sticks and face buttons feature a clicky, tactile feel. In the case of the face buttons, that’s due to the use of microswitches for a springy, crisp feeling press. 

That same feeling applies to the D-pad, triggers and shoulder buttons, too. Overall, we have a rare case here of a controller delivering on almost all fronts. You really have to nitpick to identify design issues with the T4 Kaleid when it comes to its buttons. But if I had to, I’d say the placement of the Start and Select buttons are a little higher up the controller than I’m used to.

Additionally, this is the one of the few cases where I lament the fact that the controller is wired only. I feel that wired pads aren’t a good fit for Nintendo Switch. There’s no outward facing USB port on either the Switch or Nintendo Switch OLED, so the use of a wired controller here can be cumbersome. Plus, the T4 Kaleid isn’t compatible with Xbox Series X|S despite bearing the Xbox button layout. I still highly recommend it as a PC-first controller, however.

GameSir T4 Kaleid: performance

GameSir T4 Kaleid

(Image credit: Future)

The GameSir T4 Kaleid is a surprisingly feature-rich controller for its relatively low asking price. And that’s not just because of its cool design and RGB lighting. There’s also a pair of mappable back buttons that can be assigned via the T4k desktop app.

This is another reason why I recommend the T4 Kaleid if you play on PC. The T4k app is incredibly robust and lets you tweak everything from the RGB pattern to button assignments and more.

One feature you might not know the T4 Kaleid has is a hair trigger mode. It’s not immediately apparent as there’s no on-board switches like with the HyperX Clutch Gladiate or the Xbox Elite Series 2. However, the mode can be toggled within the app and allows you to activate trigger inputs with just a short press. A bit of a roundabout way of doing things, but it’s likely a way for GameSir to save on components and keep costs down. A pretty smart move, overall.

Customization with the app leads the T4 Kaleid to be a fantastic controller for gaming. As mentioned, those hall effect analog sticks and microswitch-powered face buttons make for a sturdy controller that’ll resist much wear and tear over the years. The dual rumble motors also provide a strong layer of immersion, and can also be customized in the app.

It’s a fantastic controller for when fast button presses matter. Take online shooters like Fortnite or Halo Infinite, where quick reflexes and quicker button presses can be paramount to success. Or even platformers like Mega Man 11 and Super Mario Odyssey where precision is often key. 

Should I buy the GameSir T4 Kaleid?

GameSir T4 Kaleid

(Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

You’re after an affordable controller for PC
The T4 Kaleid excels as a PC pad thanks to its companion app and sturdy build quality

You’re on a budget
Simply put, the T4 Kaleid won’t break the bank. In fact, it’s a bargain price for the features you’re getting.

You love customizability
Between its RGB lighting and fully mappable controls, the T4 Kaleid is perfect for players who like a layout to call their own.

Don't buy it if...

You’re after a wireless controller
The T4 Kaleid’s biggest drawback is its lack of wireless functionality. If it had that, we could be looking at a near-perfect pad.

You need a Nintendo Switch controller
The T4 Kaleid isn’t a great fit for Nintendo Switch, thanks to its wired-only nature and the X and Y buttons following the Xbox controller placements.

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