Netflix is acquiring an avatar company as it moves into party games
As Netflix continues to build out its gaming strategy, which has recently included a new era of TV party games, it's going to let people build avatars - with the help of a new acquisition. The company is acquiring avatar company Ready Player Me and its "cross-game avatar tech" to let players "carry their identities and fandom across games," according to Ready Player Me CEO Timmu Tõke.
Netflix "doesn't have an estimate of how long it will be until avatars launch" or which games will get them first, TechCrunch reports. Terms of the deal haven't been disclosed.
Ready Player Me's team of about 20 people will join Netflix. The company's service …
Don’t expect Trump Media’s nuclear fusion power plant to generate electricity soon
Trump Media - yup, the parent company of Truth Social - is the latest entrant in the near century-long race to develop a nuclear fusion power plant. It announced a merger agreement with fusion company TAE Technologies on Thursday and a bold plan to break ground on the first utility-scale fusion plant some time in 2026.
TAE doesn't plan to start generating power from its first plant until 2031, which is still an incredibly ambitious timeline. There will likely be a myriad of financial and regulatory issues to contend with along the way, of course. But the scientific and engineering challenges to overcome, which we'll dive into here, are also …
The best Christmas gifts for gamers and movie lovers
Most of us in the Northern Hemisphere spend the holidays indoors, but you can only watch so many TikToks about cute cats and cooking hacks before the need for something a little more substantive kicks in. Choosing the right game or movie to gift is tough, though, especially if you don't have an exact read on what your friends and family like. And if you choose poorly, remember that you might also be on the hook to play or watch it with them.
That's why, this year, we made it our mission to find gifts that appeal to people with diverse interests across a wide price range. If you know a Wes Anderson devotee, Criterion's lavish box set is a gr …
The best Sonos speakers to buy in 2025
After the self-induced tumult Sonos has gone through this year, I can understand why some people are reluctant to spend money on the company’s products. But newly appointed CEO Tom Conrad has shown that he’s determined to get back on track and revitalize Sonos as the leading whole-home audio brand. The contentious mobile app is in a much better place now than it was last year, though some customers still encounter bugs and the frustration of speakers randomly vanishing from their system. It’s not all roses, but the situation is moving in the right direction — and I took Sonos’ decision to cancel its video player as a promising sign of renewed focus.
I’m not about to sell any of my Sonos gear. For one, the company’s whole-home platform offers conveniences that competitors don’t match — at least not without hassle. Most of the time, I’m streaming from Apple Music, Spotify, or YouTube Music. But if I’m watching a sports game on my TV, I can pipe the audio from my Sonos soundbar to a speaker in a different room to follow the action. Playing something over Bluetooth? With most of the company’s recent speakers, you can do the same thing and spread that music across your entire Sonos system.
Why you should trust my Sonos recommendations
I’ve covered Sonos extensively for several years at The Verge. This has included reporting on the company’s latest news, reviewing a lengthy list of Sonos products, and bringing attention to the app fiasco, which eventually led to the ouster of former CEO Patrick Spence. Audio and home theater are two of my primary focus areas in product reviews, so I’m well-versed when it comes to determining whether a speaker or soundbar is great — or just another also-ran product.
I wouldn’t fault anyone for waiting to see where Sonos and its app go from here, especially given that Sonos recently raised prices on a number of products — including soundbars and smart speakers — due to the ongoing tariff situation in the US. The company still makes some genuinely terrific hardware, however, so if you’re wondering which are the true standouts, I’ve got you covered.
The best Sonos speaker to start with
Sonos Era 100
Score: 8
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If you’re looking for a decent-sounding, compact speaker to put in the kitchen, office, or really anywhere in your home, the Era 100 is your best option. Sonos improved upon this speaker’s predecessors, the Play:1 and Sonos One, by upgrading to stereo drivers for richer, wider audio. Bluetooth playback is now supported, along with line-in audio (via an optional dongle). And the Era 100 also has reworked physical controls, including a volume bar you can slide your finger across and, finally, dedicated track controls.
The speaker has an elegant design, and you can use hands-free voice controls to summon Amazon Alexa or Sonos Voice Control to skip tracks or switch to a different playlist. Sonos dropped the Era 100’s price to $199 in April and then raised it again in September, though we’d argue that $219 is still fair for what you’re getting.
Read our full Sonos Era 100 review.
The best overall Sonos speaker
Sonos Five
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The Sonos Five isn’t just Sonos’ best-sounding speaker; it’s at the top of the pack compared to all competitors. From an audio quality perspective, it beats the HomePod, the latest Echo Studio, and other mass market speakers — both those that are smart and not. Can you find better hi-fi bookshelf speakers? Absolutely, but those aren’t natively tied into music services like Sonos gear is. The Five is a hefty unit and takes up a decent amount of desk space. But once you throw some music on, its powerful stereo output is enough to handle any dinner party or weekend get-together.
There’s nothing “smart” about the Five. It lacks microphones and voice assistant functionality. But that simplicity is appealing in its own right: you’re getting a damn good speaker that ties into the Sonos platform. The Five also features a 3.5mm aux input, making it a good turntable companion — especially if you spring for a stereo pair.
The best portable Sonos speaker
Sonos Move 2
Score: 9
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When it comes to portable speakers, the Move 2 is in a whole different league than Sonos’ much smaller Roam 2. It’s bigger and heavier, but a built-in handle makes it easier to lug the Move 2 around your home or out to the backyard. There’s no comparison between the two when it comes to audio: the Move 2 smokes the far more compact Roam 2. And like the Era 100, it uses a stereo driver arrangement, whereas the Roam mixes everything down to mono and sounds more muffled.
The Move’s larger size gives it a clear advantage in terms of bass punch, and aside from playing music wirelessly, you’ve got the option of plugging in other devices over USB-C for line-in audio. I also continue to appreciate that the battery in the Move 2 is user-replaceable, which can’t be said of many Bluetooth speakers. You’ll be able to keep enjoying your investment for long, long into the future. And with a dust / water resistance rating of IP56, it can handle rain and splashes of water without problems; just don’t drop it into a pool.
I prefer the Move 2 over traditional portable speakers since, at least whenever I’m home, the Sonos lets me play music over Wi-Fi at a higher fidelity than Bluetooth can offer. Plus, the Move 2 also supports Apple AirPlay and Spotify Connect, so it’s easy to just skip the Sonos app altogether if you wish.
Read our full Sonos Move 2 review.
The best Sonos soundbar for home theater enthusiasts
Sonos Arc Ultra
The Arc Ultra surpasses the original Arc soundbar with more immersive Dolby Atmos surround sound, much better bass, and the ability to play music over Bluetooth.
Score: 8
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Introduced in late 2024, the Arc Ultra improves on the original Arc with significantly more powerful bass response. That’s largely thanks to the inclusion of Sonos’ newer SoundMotion technology, which manages to get a better low-end wallop from a soundbar that’s not much larger than the model it replaces. This means some buyers can get away with buying the Arc Ultra on its own without adding a subwoofer.
The Arc Ultra delivers Dolby Atmos surround sound that’s more convincing and immersive than any other Sonos soundbar to date, and it’s up there with the very best you can find from a single-enclosure speaker. Vocal clarity has also improved substantially thanks to better center channel performance. Another upgrade over the first Arc is the addition of Bluetooth audio support.
Read our full review of the Sonos Arc Ultra.
The best Sonos soundbar for smaller rooms
Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
The Beam isn’t as powerful as the Sonos Arc, nor can it match the flagship soundbar’s Dolby Atmos immersion bubble. But you still get room-filling surround sound for less money — and the Beam ties into the Sonos ecosystem for added convenience.
Score: 8
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There are plenty of scenarios and TV rooms where the Arc Ultra might be too powerful. If you’re in a smaller space or don’t need the absolute best surround sound, the Beam (Gen 2) starts to make more sense. It still has Atmos, but the effect is virtualized since the Beam lacks the Arc Ultra’s upward-firing speakers. Even so, the home theater experience you’ll get from the Beam will blow away any speakers built into a TV.
Read our full Sonos Beam (Gen 2) review.
The best Sonos subwoofer for most people
Sonos Sub Mini
Score: 7
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In the same vein, unless you’re hell bent on rumbling your walls, the $499 Sub Mini subwoofer is more than enough for layering some extra oomph and growl onto Hollywood blockbusters and your favorite TV shows. The $899 Sub 4 is Sonos’ flagship subwoofer, but plenty of people have saved hundreds of dollars by pairing the Sub Mini with any of the company’s soundbars — and they’ve been ecstatic with the results.
As its name suggests, the Sub Mini is more compact than the Sub 4, which makes it easier to find an inconspicuous spot to place it. Even if you’re the type to do a sub crawl and put it somewhere in plain sight, I’d argue it looks more stylish than the blocky Sub 4.
Read my full Sonos Sub Mini review.
The best budget Sonos speaker
Ikea Symfonisk Bookshelf Speaker (Gen 2)
Score: 7
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Sonos and Ikea might have ended their partnership in May, but that doesn’t mean you should sleep on the existing Symfonisk products before they’re completely phased out. The Symfonisk Bookshelf Speaker (Gen 2), in particular, remains the most affordable gateway into the Sonos ecosystem, even with its recent price hike. Sound-wise, it’s not far off from the old Sonos One / Play:1 and is a very enjoyable speaker. Plus, the lower price tag makes it easier to convince yourself to scoop up two for a stereo pair. These — or the Symfonisk Picture Frame Speaker — make excellent rear surround speakers if you’re on a budget.
Read our full Ikea Symfonisk Bookshelf Speaker review.
The Sonos product worthy of a second chance
Sonos Ace
Score: 7
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Boy oh boy, did Sonos’ wireless headphones come right at the worst possible moment. The company’s app crisis completely sidelined the Ace headphones. Some customers were also disappointed that the Ace can’t play music over Wi-Fi or be grouped with the company’s in-home speakers.
But here’s the thing: the Ace headphones are still fantastic. They’re comfortable, have a gorgeous design (with easily swappable ear pads), and sound detailed, powerful, and expressive. They support wired audio over USB-C in addition to Bluetooth. And the TV Audio Swap feature is a useful perk that I still often use late at night when my Arc Ultra would disturb others. You can route any audio that would normally come through the soundbar — from your TV, gaming console, or streaming device — through two pairs of headphones and listen privately (with spatial audio surround sound). Sonos’ new TrueCinema mode even lets you fine-tune the latter to better reflect the acoustics of your space.
No, the Ace headphones aren’t what I’d consider the ideal of a wearable product from Sonos. But they remain a wholly impressive debut that fell victim to the company’s poor software decisions.
Read our full Sonos Ace review.
Photography by Chris Welch / The Verge
Update, December 19th: Adjusted pricing and availability. Brandon Widder also contributed to this post.
The RAM shortage is here to stay, raising prices on PCs and phones
Your next smartphone or PC might cost more amid a global memory shortage that the International Data Corporation expects to "persist well into 2027." A new report from the research firm lays out the potential impact of the RAM crunch, saying it "signals the end of an era of cheap, abundant memory and storage" - for now, at least.
The price of RAM has skyrocketed over the past few months as the world's biggest memory makers - Micron, Samsung, and SK Hynix - allocate more resources for AI companies, which are buying up tons of memory for their massive data centers. Though PC gamers looking to upgrade their build's RAM may have been the first …
Bose’s first-gen QC Ultra headphones just hit their lowest price to date
If you value peace and quiet, particularly when traveling, Bose’s first-gen QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are worth checking out. They’re our favorite noise-canceling headphones for travel, and right now, you can snag a pair for an all-time low of $279 ($150 off) in select colors from Amazon, Best Buy, and Bose. All three retailers estimate that shipments should arrive before Christmas, with Bose saying its cutoff for free two-day shipping is December 22nd at 12PM ET.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Where to Buy:
The QC Ultra offer top-tier noise cancellation, allowing you to block out the chaos of the holidays. They also feature some of the best comfort you’ll find in this category, which is fitting considering the name. The design is lightweight, the ear cushions are nice and soft, and the headband features a relatively gentle clamping force, making them comfortable to wear over extended periods. They can also fold down for easy storage, while the battery can last up to 24 hours, so you don’t have to worry about charging while on the go.
In his review, former senior reviewer Chris Welch said the headphones put a bit more emphasis on bass than Bose’s Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, which the first-gen QC Ultra replaced. The overall sound is more detailed and preserves the lows and highs even when the volume is dialed down. The QC Ultra also support high-end features like wear detection, which will automatically pause your audio when you take them off, and a natural-sounding transparency mode that pipes in ambient noise to keep you aware of your surroundings.
It’s worth flagging that Bose introduced a new version of the QC Ultra Headphones a few months ago with a higher starting price of $449 (though you can currently snag a pair at Amazon, Best Buy, and Bose for $50 off). While the latest model resembles the original, the second-gen headphones offer better battery life and several new features, including support for lossless audio over USB-C and an enhanced transparency mode that can filter out sudden noises. The first-gen version is still a great buy, though, and at just $279, a much better value right now.
Read our QC Ultra Headphones review.
Who owns Trump Mobile?
Where's the Trump Phone? We're going to keep talking about it every week, except next week, when we take a break until the new year. We've reached out, as usual, to ask about the Trump Phone's whereabouts. As usual, we're still waiting for a response. In the meantime, we're wondering who's actually behind the mobile company.
Yesterday's announcement that one of the Trump companies is merging with TAE Technologies raised an unexpected prospect: Is the company that gave up on building phones in the US about to try making a nuclear fusion power plant instead?
The simple answer is no. The longer answer is that we don't actually know who's behi …
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 instant camera is a great gift at $74
Although our phones are all equipped with cameras, there is still something special about being able to immediately produce a printed photo to pass around or give as a gift. If that’s something that appeals to you, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 instant camera is a great gift idea, and it’s now on sale at Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy for about $73.99 (down from $93.99), nearly matching its all-time low of $73.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 12
Where to Buy:
We picked it as our overall best instant camera for most people due to its relatively high image quality, handy twist-to-zoom lens, and a larger-than-average viewfinder, which will make it easier to take the perfect photo. It’s not perfect, of course — for one thing, you can’t disable the flash — but if you want to experience the joys and problems of simple print photography, this is a good choice.
Be aware, however, that unless you plan to pick it up at your local Target, you may not get it in time for Christmas. You should be able to take photos of your New Year’s celebration, though.
Other Verge-approved deals
- If you need just one more item to make your home truly festive — and you’re a Lego fan — why not try this Lego Christmas Table Decoration? It’s a candle in a bed of fir branches that’s on sale for $23.99 (down from $39.99) at Amazon and Target. This is an especially good way to get kids 12 years and older to take part in the decorating festivities.
- The 8BitDo Pro 3 Bluetooth Controller for Switch and Switch 2 is, according to reviewer Cameron Faulkner, the “ultimate controller,” and it’s now on sale at Amazon for $55.99, down from $69.99. It works on multiple platforms, has swappable buttons (so you can comfortably go from PC to Switch and back), and you can swap the joystick caps for arcade nubs (and, of course, back again). There are cheaper controllers out there that offer more features, including better rumble, but few other models come close to this one’s customization. Read our review.
- Yes, all the various models of Amazon’s Fire TV Stick can get really confusing, but all that most of us really need to know is that it plugs into your TV set and lets you stream programs, play Xbox games via the cloud, and otherwise enjoy yourself. This is the newest model of the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select, and it is available at Amazon, Best Buy, and Target for $19.99, half its normal price of $39.99.
- Finally, something for the kids: the Toniebox 2 Audio Player Paw Patrol Bundle for kids three and up, an audio box that offers stories, songs, and games along with cute little characters to play with. (At least one of our editors says his daughter loves to play with hers.) It’s now available at Amazon for $139.99, down from $199.96.
The best Nintendo Switch controllers to buy right now
The Switch 2 is here, and Nintendo seems ready to move on from the original Switch. But we’re not going to up and forget about it. That’s why we’ve kept testing controllers that might be a good fit for you. Even as many accessory makers are making controllers with the Switch 2 in mind, most of the resulting gamepads to come out also work just fine on the original Switch.
In terms of any differences between Switch and Switch 2 controllers, there are fewer than you might think; there may be a GameChat button on it that’ll serve no purpose until you eventually upgrade to a Switch 2, but that’s an easy thing to overlook.
The options below are great for many types of gamers. However, if you’re looking for newer (and cheaper) options than the ones listed below, I strongly suggest that you visit our guide to the best Switch 2 controllers. Of that batch, Nintendo’s Switch 2 Pro controller is the only Switch 2 controller released so far that won’t work on the original Switch. The rest that we’ve included do. We don’t plan to make substantial changes to the article below.
There are some things that are worth knowing if you buy a third-party wireless controller (as in, one not made by Nintendo), it may not support HD rumble, it probably won’t have NFC for Amiibo, or be able to wake the Switch remotely. However, there are some exceptions, which we feature below.
If you’re playing your Switch while docked, it’s hard to go wrong with the official Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (even though its $10 price increase in mid 2025 still hurts). It’s one of very few gamepads to include every feature mentioned above, and it’s one of the most satisfying controllers to use that we’ve tested. However, the GuliKit KingKong 3 Pro and Max each offer more exhaustive customization at lower prices, and the Hori Split Pad Compact is a Joy-Con upgrade for those who prefer to play in handheld mode. Then there’s 8BitDo’s Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller and DualShock-esque Pro 3 controller, both of which are great in different ways if you don’t mind spending close to the cost of Nintendo’s first-party model.
The best Nintendo Switch controller for TV mode
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
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Where to Buy:
Supported platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC, Steam Deck, mobile, Apple TV / Connectivity: Bluetooth, wired / Connector type: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: No / Software customization: No / Rumble: Yes, HD / NFC: Yes / Motion: Yes / Power: Built-in rechargeable / Console Wakeup: Yes (but not the Switch 2)
Ever since the Switch launched, Nintendo’s first-party Pro controller has been the best gamepad for the console. In many ways, it rivals the standard models from Sony and Microsoft in terms of comfort and build quality. Aside from the Joy-Cons, the Switch Pro Controller is one of an elite few wireless options that includes good rumble, gyroscopic movement support, and an NFC reader for Amiibo cards and figurines. It’s also one of a few controllers we’ve tested that can remotely turn on the Switch without being plugged into it. It’s compatible with the Switch 2 (although, it can’t wake the new console from standby— you’ll need a Switch 2 Pro Controller for that, or one of the several third-party options included in our guide to the best Switch 2 controllers).
The gamepad is built like a tank, and its battery life is so good that it sometimes seems like it’ll never run out. Nintendo says that it lasts around 40 hours per charge, so it’ll likely take casual gamers a long time to run down the battery.
The best Switch controller for handheld mode
Hori Split Pad Compact
Hori’s Joy-Con alternatives offer a roomier, comfier grip for your Nintendo Switch in handheld mode without the added bulk of its Split Pad Pro version. They also feature two customizable rear buttons and are offered in multiple colors and designs, but do not support rumble or Amiibo figures.
Where to Buy:
Supported Platforms: Switch, Switch OLED / Connectivity: Wired / Connector type: Joy-Con slots / Mappable rear buttons: Yes / Software customization: No / Rumble: No / NFC: No / Motion: No / Power: via Joy-Con slots / Console Wakeup: No
I’m sure there are some people who enjoy using Joy-Con controllers, but kids and small-handed folks aside, most people probably wouldn’t say they’re very comfortable. If you struggle with hand pain when you use the Switch, that’s where the Hori Split Pad Compact can probably help out a bit.
The Split Pad Compact is a — you guessed it — a more compact alternative to the Split Pad Pro, which has unfortunately become tougher to find at a reasonable price. Similarly, it comes in a variety of colorways, and it adds some comfort to using the Switch in handheld mode. One slides into each side of the Switch console like Joy-Cons, but unlike Nintendo’s default controllers, Hori’s gamepad features big, easy-to-reach buttons and generously sized triggers and analog sticks, all of which feel great in play. It also provides more grip than Joy-Con do, which is particularly useful for people who need to get a better handle on the console for fast-paced gameplay, or to stay comfy over longer play sessions.
The Split Pad Compact doesn’t have batteries or sensors — or support for rumble, motion, IR, or NFC — so it’s completely useless when detached from the Switch. It’s only for handheld mode unless you purchase the Split Pad Compact Attachment that turns it into a wired controller. We don’t recommend most people go that route since the attachment usually (but not always) costs somewhere close to the amount of Switch Pro Controller, which is a shame considering it doesn’t add any of the aforementioned features. It does add a 3.5mm headphone jack when plugged in via USB to the Switch’s dock, however.
Read our Hori Split Pad Compact impressions.
The best Xbox-style controller for the Switch
GuliKit KingKong 3
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Supported Platforms: Switch, PC, Steam Deck, mobile, Apple TV / Connectivity: Bluetooth, wired / Connector type: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: Yes / Software customization: No / Rumble: Yes / NFC: Yes (only in KK3 Max) / Motion: Yes / Power: Built-in rechargeable / Console Wakeup: Yes
On the surface, the KingKong 3 Max is similar to the last-gen models it replaced, which took design cues from Microsoft’s standard Xbox controller but rivaled the Switch Pro Controller in terms of build quality and features.
But there are several notable improvements and additions if you scratch deeper. It has Hall effect dual-mode triggers (both can switch between analog and digital, with physical trigger stops), in addition to RGB LED-surrounded Hall effect analog sticks. This model has GuliKit’s powerful magnetic vibration motors with two intensity levels and three distinct modes (including the Switch’s HD rumble). You can even customize the swappable face buttons to match your preferred platform, and to the delight of tournament players, you can play with a 1,000Hz polling rate for reduced input lag on PC (wired or wireless via a dongle).
Additionally, it features detachable rear-facing paddles. You get four long, curved paddles with the KK3 Max that match the contour of its rear grips. They are similar to the paddles on the Xbox Elite Series 2 and even borrow the same installation technique — just push them into the designated holes on the back. They require a lot more force, though they won’t easily dislodge.
The best Switch controller that’s also great for PC and Steam Deck
8Bitdo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller
If you want something cheaper — and in some ways better — than Nintendo’s official Pro controller, there’s 8BitDo’s Ultimate 2, which works with the original Switch and Switch 2. It features TMR joysticks with trigger switches for adjusting the feel, as well as vibration and motion-control support.
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Where to Buy:
Supported Platforms: Switch, Switch 2, PC, Steam Deck, mobile, Apple TV, Android, macOS, Apple devices / Connectivity: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired / Connector type: USB-C / Mappable buttons: Yes, four / Software customization: Yes / Rumble: Yes / NFC: No / Motion: Yes / Power: Built-in rechargeable / Console Wakeup: Yes, including Switch 2
8BitDo’s Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller is a minor step forward compared to the first iteration, but it comes with new features you might care about. It still feels like a Switch Pro Controller in shape, with a similarly short grip profile that larger hands may not prefer. As for what’s changed internally, you’re getting more durable TMR joysticks, plus two new mappable buttons near the triggers (totaling four customizable buttons). Speaking of the triggers, they’re adjustable thanks to new switches that can alter how much you have to pull them to register an input. It’s particularly great for first-person shooters or action games where speed is paramount.
Its haptics are decent in some games, but not nearly as good as Nintendo’s HD Rumble, and it’s missing Amiibo support, though it does feature motion controls — along with a hidden trick that allows you to wake a docked Switch and Switch 2 by giving the controller a little shake. It’s a nice value compared to the Switch Pro, as well as most other third-party options because it also includes a charging dock with an integrated 2.4GHz transmitter.
The Ultimate 2 controller comes in two variants, but we recommend the Bluetooth model for Switch owners because it’s the only version that’s compatible. Additionally, it’s compatible with the Switch 2, the Steam Deck, PC, macOS computers, and a slew of other Bluetooth-ready devices. Plus, it includes both 2.4GHz connectivity, in case you need a more reliable connection for compatible devices.
A well-rounded Switch controller that looks like a DualShock
8BitDo Pro 3 Bluetooth Gamepad
Score: 7
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Where to Buy:
Supported Platforms: Switch, Switch 2, PC, Steam Deck, mobile, Apple TV, and more / Connectivity: Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, wired / Connector type: USB-C / Mappable buttons: Yes, four / Software customization: Yes / Rumble: Yes / NFC: No / Motion: Yes / Power: Built-in rechargeable / Console Wakeup: Yes, including Switch 2
The 8BitDo Pro 3 is the company’s latest high-end controller. On its face, the biggest difference between it and the similarly-priced Ultimate 2 is its PlayStation DualShock-esque stick layout, which alone might enough to convince some gamers to get it. The Pro 3 improves on its predecessor by featuring swappable buttons that can be detached with its included magnetic suction tool. With it, you can go from the Nintendo layout to the Xbox layout. Otherwise, this model’s internal specs and compatibility are very similar to that of the Ultimate 2.
The Pro 3 features TMR joysticks, plus Hall effect triggers with switches that toggle between full pulls or shorter clicks for either trigger. Just like the Ultimate 2, the Pro 3 has four customizable buttons that can be assigned almost any other button, or combination of buttons, through the company’s Ultimate V2 app on PC or by pressing certain buttons together, as listed in the manual. Additionally, the controller supports turbo mode.
Compared to most other Switch controllers, the Pro 3 stands out due to its PlayStation-style layout of D-pad and sticks. You may prefer this model if you play a lot of retro games that prioritize the D-pad, which is more easily accessible than on most other Switch controllers. One other fun perk of the Pro 3 is its swappable joystick caps. Two arcade stick-like knobs are included that make certain games feel more rewarding to play, such as fighting games.
Read our 8BitDo Pro 3 review.
An adapter that lets you use your own controllers
8BitDo Wireless Bluetooth USB Adapter 2
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There are a few other devices that allow you to use third-party controllers, but 8BitDo’s is the best value. Instead of spending $80 on a Switch Pro controller, the $19.99 8BitDo Wireless Bluetooth USB Adapter 2 lets you turn most Bluetooth controllers you already own into a wireless Switch controller. It plugs into your Switch dock (or directly into the console if you have a USB-A to USB-C adapter) and supports a wide variety of models, from the latest Xbox and DualSense controllers to last-gen gamepads for the Wii and PlayStation 3. (Note: the first-gen model can’t connect to most Xbox Bluetooth controllers due to a Bluetooth incompatibility, so make sure you get the latest model we’ve linked to.)
To our delight, the PS5 DualSense controller we tested it with worked incredibly well, with better-than-average rumble and more responsive motion controls than many dedicated Switch controllers offer. What’s more, so long as you’re using one of the newer Xbox Series X or S controllers, an Xbox One Bluetooth controller, a DualSense, a DualShock 4, or the Switch Pro Controller, you can customize their button mapping, analog stick sensitivity, and more within 8BitDo’s computer and mobile app.
If you already have a controller you really like and don’t mind jumping through a few small hoops to connect it, 8BitDo’s affordable adapter deserves a spot in your entertainment center. If you plan to use more than one third-party controller at a time, you’ll need an adapter for each controller (and a USB hub), but if you have a lot of controllers sitting around, it might be worth it.
Other Switch controllers we tested
Nitro Deck / Nitro Deck Plus
We like CRKD’s Nitro Deck around here. It’s a cradle-style controller that holds the Switch between a pair of Hall effect sticks, outfitting it with a standard array of face buttons, four programmable back buttons, turbo functionality, gyro motion controls, and rumble. It has passthrough charging, though not passthrough video, which would allow it to double as a dock for TV gameplay. The step-up Nitro Deck Plus adds said functionality (with a USB-C to HDMI adapter), along with Bluetooth connectivity and adjustable vibration intensity / analog sensitivity. We’ve found these to be notable improvements, but we wish the passthrough solution was more elegant and that CRKD could solve the ergonomics (particularly on the right side, where the analog and button placement can cause discomfort).
GameSir T4 Cyclone Pro
We tested the GameSir T4 Cyclone Pro ($49.99) for consideration. It offers a few of the same functions as the GuliKit KingKong 3 — including remappable buttons, Hall effect sticks, and two distinct macro buttons — along with dedicated vibration motors in the triggers, which is something the GuliKit doesn’t match. That said, it falls just short due to mushy-feeling buttons. GameSir considers the extra padding under the buttons a feature that makes the impact softer, but we felt it takes away from the experience. Also, although it’s perfectly usable with the Switch, the Pro’s button labeling takes after Microsoft’s, which may not be ideal for those who have trouble memorizing inputs. We also found resyncing with the Switch to be a chore after switching from a mobile device or a Windows PC.
PowerA GameCube Style Wireless Controller
We also recently tried several wireless PowerA controllers, including the GameCube Style Wireless Controller ($59.99) and a Pikachu-themed version of the standard PowerA Enhanced Wireless ($44.99). We like the fun design of PowerA’s controllers, but they don’t live up to the quality of the models we recommend above, which is a shame considering some cost nearly as much. The GameCube-style wireless controller is a pretty faithful recreation of the original if you fancy a pure Super Smash Bros. experience, but it’s barebones with no rumble, NFC, or IR. It’s an easy way to get the old-school feeling back if you don’t already have a Bluetooth-based alternative to use with 8BitDo’s USB Adapter 2.
What’s coming next?
I encourage anyone who’s searching for a new Switch controller to check out The Verge’s buying guide for the best Switch 2 controllers. All of the options it includes (except for Nintendo’s Switch 2 Pro) work on the original Switch, not just the Switch 2, and we’ve focused on highlighting affordable, yet capable options. In the guide, you’ll find out about the EasySMX S10, the Mobapad N1 HD, and other controllers that have almost as many features as Nintendo’s pricier Switch 2 Pro for far less. We’re also testing new models for potential inclusion in the future.
Update, December 19th: Updated to reflect current pricing and availability.
Europol imagines robot crime waves in 2035
Rapid advances in AI and robotics are set to become both powerful tools for police and potent weapons for criminals, a 48-page report from pan-European police agency Europol argues. Earlier this month, Europol's Innovation Lab published "The Unmanned Future(s): The impact of robotics and unmanned systems on law enforcement." The document is framed as more of a "foresight" exercise than a hard prediction. It sketches the near future of 2035, where intelligent machines are everywhere, from homes, hospitals, and factories to police stations, shops, and schools.
Researchers from The Hague-based organization, effectively an EU-version of the gl …