Wyze’s new security camera watches your yard from inside your home
Wyze has announced an unorthodox approach to outdoor security cameras with its new Window Cam that monitors your yard and property from inside your home. This Rear Window approach to security means the camera doesn’t need batteries, Wi-Fi range extenders, access to an exterior power outlet, or weatherproofing. The company already offers window mounts for its indoor security cameras, but the Wyze Window Cam is purpose-built for the task with infrared and LED lighting completely removed to reduce glare and reflections. It’s available now from Wyze’s online store for $34.98.
The Window Cam features a 1080P HD sensor paired with a lens offering a 101-degree horizontal field of view that’s limited to 53.9 degrees vertically. It also features “enhanced color night vision,” according to Wyze, that takes advantage of a wide f/1.0 aperture to capture color footage with minimal ambient light.
The included mount uses a large black bezel to minimize glare from indoor lighting. While the camera is attached using generic hook-and-loop fastener, the mount itself adheres to a window using an adhesive sticker. The sticker isn’t designed to be reused(you’ll actually need a hair dryer and a scraper to remove it), but Wyze includes two of them if you later decide to reposition the mount.
A 10-foot long microUSB cable is included for connecting the Window Cam to power, but you’ll need to provide your own microSD card, up to 512GB in capacity, if you opt for secure 24/7 local recording. The camera does have a built-in microphone and speaker, but its two-way communication capabilities and ability to record audio of outside events will be less effective behind a window than with a security camera mounted outside your home.
The Window Cam offers motion detection alerts that can include AI-generated descriptions of what’s seen if you subscribe to the company’s $19.99/month or $199.99/year Cam Unlimited Pro service.
You can also use the Window Cam with Wyze’s cloud storage that’s available through subscription plans ranging in price from $2.99/month to $19.99/month, if you’re comfortable with the company’s recent efforts to improve its security practices. Wyze had a serious security breach last year that let thousands of customers briefly see into other people’s homes, and before that, it failed to disclose vulnerabilities in now-discontinued products that could have theoretically let hackers access video feeds over the internet.
Bose and Sony headphones are up to $200 off in the run-up to Black Friday
There’s no better time to save on headphones and earbuds than Black Friday. We’ve been covering deals on audio gear all year, and right now we’re seeing some fantastic discounts on new and old releases, including models from Apple, Sony, Bose, Sonos, and more. For example, we’re currently seeing the best prices to date on the entry-level AirPods 4, Bose’s last-gen QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, and even the Sonos Ace. And there’s plenty more where that came from.
Below, we’ve rounded up the best Black Friday discounts on some of our favorite headphones and earbuds, along with a handful of other models we still think are worth considering. While it can be stressful to shop this time of year, one of the biggest benefits of taking advantage of these Black Friday deals — aside from the big savings — is that many retailers offer extended return periods, giving you or your giftee more time to decide whether those headphones are the right fit.
The best earbud deals
AirPods 4
Apple’s AirPods 4 are the latest update to the company’s base-model wireless earbuds. The hard, plastic buds feature improved audio over the third-gen model, along with deep iOS integration and spatial audio with head tracking. Read our review.
Where to Buy:
Nothing Ear (a)
Nothing’s Ear (a) earbuds have the same general design as the company’s previous earbuds — but you can get these in a snazzy yellow. They include ANC, more than decent sound quality, and other features like multipoint for just under $100. Read our impressions.
Where to Buy:
- If you don’t like the sealed feeling of the AirPods Pro, you can snag the entry-level AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation for an all-time low of $99.99 ($80 off) at Amazon and Target. The wireless earbuds offer similar features to the latest AirPods Pro, including adaptive audio, conversation awareness, and spatial audio with dynamic head tracking. The ANC works surprisingly well despite their open-ear design, too, helping to block low-frequency noise from airplane cabins and city traffic. However, they lack heart rate sensing for workouts and various hearing health features found in the latest Pro. Read our review.
- Bose’s Ultra Open Earbuds break from the norm with a unique clip-on style design, and they’re back down to their all-time low of $199 ($100 off) at Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy. The earbuds cling to your outer ear instead of sitting in your ear canal, allowing you to hear your surroundings at all times. They’re not ideal if you want complete silence, but they’re comfortable over extended periods and offer great battery life. If safety is your top priority, they also ensure you can hear cars, pedestrians, and other hazards while walking or riding a bike. Read our review.
Sony WF-1000XM5
Sony’s flagship wireless earbuds offer the company’s best noise cancellation, powerful and lively sound, and a comfortable fit. Read our review.
Where to Buy:
AirPods Pro (second-gen with USB-C)
The second-gen AirPods Pro improve upon Apple’s original pair with much better noise cancellation, sound quality, and onboard volume controls. The latest refresh also ships with a USB-C charging case, as opposed to Lightning. Read our review.
Where to Buy:
- The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are down to their lowest price in months at Amazon and Best Buy, where you can snag a pair for $159.99 ($90 off). Samsung’s flagship earbuds offer impressive sound quality, a crisp transparency mode, and excellent voice call performance. They’re particularly great for Samsung users because they let you automatically switch between various Galaxy laptops, tablets, and phones, much like AirPods auto-switch between Apple devices. That said, the Buds 3 Pro’s ANC performance isn’t quite as good as what you get from the latest AirPods Pro or Pixel Buds Pro 2. Read our review.
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (second-gen)
Bose’s redesigned QuietComfort Earbuds deliver terrific active noise cancellation that outperforms most competitors. They also offer wireless charging and multipoint support right out of the box. Read hands-on impressions.
Where to Buy:
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4
Sennheiser’s MTW4 earbuds provide a top-notch listening experience, decent noise cancellation, and sound personalization for a custom audio profile that’s uniquely tuned to your ears. Read our review.
Where to Buy:
- The already-affordable CMF Buds 2a have returned to their all-time low of $19.99 ($30 off) at Amazon. The wireless earbuds punch above their weight with 12.4mm drivers, active noise cancellation, and an IP54 rating for water and dust resistance. With Bluetooth 5.4, they also support features like Google Fast Pair, and you can customize how they sound, adjust ANC levels, and even locate them via the Nothing X app. They’re a solid option given the price, especially for anyone getting their first pair of wireless earbuds.
- The more affordable Galaxy Buds FE are down to $59.99 ($40 off) at Amazon and Walmart, which is their lowest price in months. The wireless earbuds offer a pared-down experience compared to the more premium Buds 3 Pro, which means they don’t offer wireless charging and only carry an IPX2 rating. Still, they deliver decent sound and noise cancellation that performs well for the price. They also feature a comfortable design with silicone “wings,” which help them stay firmly in your ear. Read our review.
AirPods Pro 3
The recently released AirPods Pro 3 have a new design that improves their fit, superior noise cancellation, better bass, and fairly accurate heart rate sensors. Read our review.
Where to Buy:
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2
Significantly smaller and lighter than their predecessors, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 also offer stronger noise cancellation, a crystal clear transparency mode, and lengthy battery life. Read our review.
Where to Buy:
- It’s rare to see the Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 on sale, but you can currently snag a pair for an all-time low of $89.99 ($40 off) at Amazon and Soundcore’s online storefront (with code WS24A3957BF). The wireless earbuds offer a number of upgrades over their predecessor, including improved ANC, longer battery life, and Dolby Audio support. They also feature an IP55 rating for dust and water resistance, and they come with five different sizes of eartips to help you find a comfortable fit. Unlike their predecessor, however, the Liberty 5 don’t feature in-ear heart rate tracking.
- You can also get the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro for a new low of $89.99 ($60 off) at Amazon, Best Buy, and Soundcore’s website (with code WS24A3954BF). One of the Liberty 4 Pro’s standout features is their upgraded charging case, which has a screen to show battery life, adjust active noise cancellation, and toggle the handy transparency mode settings on / off without grabbing your phone. The earbuds also offer about 7.5 hours of battery life with ANC disabled, along with a barometric sensor that takes into account changing air pressure for improved performance on flights.
- The Nothing Ear Open feature an open-ear style design that rests securely in your outer ear rather than inside of your ear canals, making it easier to hear your surroundings. And right now, they’re down to an all-time low of $94.05 ($55 off) at Amazon, or just a few bucks more on Nothing’s website. Like other open-ear options, the Ear Open prioritize safety over sound quality, but they still offer decent sound, excellent voice call quality, and up to eight hours on a full charge. They also support multipoint Bluetooth and a “Low Lag Mode” for gaming, which will automatically activate if you own a Nothing Phone.
The best deals on headphones
Bose QuietComfort Headphones
Bose’s QuietComfort Headphones, which replace the QuietComfort 45, have adjustable noise cancellation and the ability to set custom modes. However, they lack immersive audio mode and the higher-quality Bluetooth found in the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones.
Where to Buy:
Sony WH-1000XM6
Sony’s latest pair of flagship headphones feature improved comfort, better noise cancellation, and the ability to charge while in use. They even fold down for travel, which can’t be said about the last-gen XM5. Read our initial impressions.
Where to Buy:
- The AirPods Max with USB-C have returned to around $429 ($120 off) at Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy — their lowest price to date. Apple’s revised over-ear headphones are similar to the original model from 2020 but offer a few new color options and support for USB-C charging (instead of Lightning). Otherwise, the noise-canceling headphones offer the same excellent build quality and sound, along with features like a transparency mode, up to 20 hours of battery life with ANC enabled, and support for lossless audio via USB-C with a compatible streaming service. Read our original review.
- The Beats Studio Pro are a great alternative to the AirPods Max, and right now, they’re on sale at Amazon for $149.99 ($200 off), their best price to date. The over-ear headphones include features like ANC, a transparency mode, and support for lossless audio. However, the Studio Pro’s plastic build quality isn’t nearly as nice as that of the AirPods Max, which relies on aluminum and stainless steel. That said, the Studio Pro support native iOS and Android features like other Beats headphones, including the ability to track them down via their respective Find My services. Read our review.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Bose’s last-gen flagship headphones are a replacement for the Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 that offer a more travel-friendly design, spatial audio, better call quality, excellent comfort, and some of the best noise cancellation around. Read our review.
Where to Buy:
Sonos Ace
The Sonos Ace are the company’s first set of wireless headphones. They feature a premium, comfortable build and active noise cancellation, along with compatibility with Sonos Arc and other Sonos soundbars. Read our review.
Where to Buy:
- While the WH-1000XM5 are no longer the flagship model, Sony’s last-gen headphones are still worth considering, especially at a discount. Right now, you can snag a pair in multiple colors for an all-time low of around $248 ($151 off) from Amazon, Best Buy, and Sony. The XM5 offer top-notch active noise cancellation, excellent sound, and some of the best voice call quality around. They also offer multipoint connectivity, a transparency mode, and Sony’s Speak to Chat feature, which will automatically pause whatever you’re listening to when you begin talking. The only real downside is that, unlike the older XM4 and newer XM6, they don’t fold down, making them a little harder to pack. Read our review.
- Despite being more than five years old, Sony’s WH-1000XM4 remain a terrific pair of noise-canceling headphones you can pick up at Best Buy for $159.99 ($190 off) — their best price of the year. The XM4 are a great buy if you don’t need the latest tech, with up to 30 hours of battery life and great ANC, even if they can’t quite compete with Sony’s newer models. They also support multipoint Bluetooth and the aforementioned Speak to Chat feature, which is convenient to have in a busy office. Read our review.
Nothing Headphone 1
Nothing’s first pair of over-ear headphones feature a retro transparent design and high-end features like active noise cancellation, spatial audio with head tracking, and plush ear pads. They also feature a paddle button that allows you to control music playback. Read our review.
Where to Buy:
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
With marathon 60-hour battery life and sublime comfort, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless also make good on the company’s reputation for detailed, rich sound quality. Read our review.
Where to Buy:
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2e
The PX7 S2e noise-canceling headphones from Bowers & Wilkins feature a classy design and improve on the previous S2 model with superior dynamics and richer overall sound quality.
Where to Buy:
- The CMF Headphone Pro have only been available for a few months, but you can already snag them for an all-time low of $79 ($20 off) from Amazon, Walmart, and Nothing in multiple colors. The budget headphones borrow some features from the Nothing Headphone 1, including the multi-function roller, which lets you easily adjust the volume and control music playback. They also include a control called the energy slider, which can adjust the treble and bass without having to jump into Nothing’s app. Whereas the Nothing Phone 1 have a retro look, though, the Headphone Pro feature a more traditional design, complete with soft curves and round earcups.
The best for running and working out
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
The latest Powerbeats Pro are a no-brainer for athletes. They pack fantastic sound and thumping bass, along with active noise cancellation, IPX4 water resistance, and heart rate monitoring. Read our review.
Where to Buy:
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2
The OpenRun Pro 2 are Shokz’s best bone conduction headphones yet, with better sound and more bass than their predecessor. Our reviewer Victoria Song praised their cozy fit as well as their USB-C charging (goodbye, proprietary charger!). Read our review.
Where to Buy:
- If you don’t like the headband design of the OpenRun Pro 2, the Shokz OpenFit 2 Plus take a different approach. The wireless earbuds are relatively new, but you can already grab them for a new low of around $159.95 ($40 off) from Amazon, Best Buy, and Shokz. The OpenFit 2 Plus feature an ear hook design similar to the Powerbeats Pro 2, but instead of going inside your ear, they sit right above your ear canal. The latest model is nearly identical to their predecessor, which debuted earlier this year; however, the 2 Plus add wireless charging and Dolby Audio support. If you don’t need either of those features, you can grab the original OpenFit 2 for an all-time low of around $119.95 ($60 off) from Amazon, Best Buy, and Shokz.
- The Anker Soundcore AeroFit 2 also feature an ear hook design, and they’re currently down to an all-time low of $69.99 ($60 off) at Amazon, Walmart, and Soundcore’s website (with code WS24A3874BF). These sit above your ear canal and use directional audio to guide sound toward your ear, helping to minimize sound leakage. That means someone sitting next to you won’t hear your holiday playlist. The AeroFit 2 also offer free AI translation in over 100 languages, with real-time response, and Soundcore claims the earbuds can get up to 10 hours of continuous playtime on a single charge.
Apple’s AirPods 4 are on sale starting at just $69 for Black Friday
It was only just a couple of weeks ago that Apple’s AirPods 4 dropped to a new low price; however, if you missed out on the former deal, you now have a chance to snag the excellent entry-level earbuds for even less. Right now, the AirPods 4 are on sale for around $69 ($60 off) at Amazon, Walmart, and Target in the lead-up to Black Friday, which is nearly a 50 percent discount.
AirPods 4
Apple’s AirPods 4 are the latest update to the company’s base-model wireless earbuds. The hard, plastic buds feature improved audio over the third-gen model, along with deep iOS integration and spatial audio with head tracking. Read our review.
Where to Buy:
Whether you’re upgrading from an older model or getting your first pair of wireless earbuds, the standard AirPods 4 are a great option for iPhone owners. They integrate well with Apple’s ecosystem and support unique features such as hands-free Siri, as well as automatic device switching. That means if you’re listening to music on your iPad and wake up your MacBook Air to watch a video, the AirPods will automatically switch from the iPad to the Air without requiring you to jump through a messy Bluetooth menu. They also offer excellent voice isolation, so you should sound crystal clear on calls.
Additionally, the AirPods 4 carry an IP54 rating for water and dust resistance, along with up to five hours of continuous playback on a single charge. Unfortunately, they lack some of the features found in the higher-end AirPods, including active noise cancellation, conversation awareness, and support for a live translation feature available in iOS 26. However, if you do want those features without having to shell out for the pricier AirPods Pro 3, you can get the noise-canceling AirPods 4 for just $99.99 ($80 off) at Amazon and Target.
AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation
The fancier version of the new AirPods 4 offer support for active noise cancellation, a wireless charging case that can use either Qi or Apple Watch pads, and a speaker in the case that chirps to help you find it. Read our review.
Where to Buy:
Read our AirPods 4 review.
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 an aspiring Dungeon Master or a Wes Anderson devotee, the …
Arturia’s AstroLab 37 crams 44 synths into a tiny keyboard
Last year, Arturia launched its first stage keyboard, AstroLab. Unlike a synthesizer, stage keyboards are more focused on delivering performance-ready presets than sound design. They're geared towards touring and performing musicians who need access to a range of sounds with minimal fuss, rather than bedroom tinkerers. But, while the first entries in the series were sizable and pricey - $2,999 for the 88-key model, and $1,999 for the 61-key model - the AstroLab 37 delivers the same sonic repertoire in a smaller, much more affordable package. It's a portable 37-slimkey instrument that costs only $699.
What makes the AstroLab range stand out …
Apple TV is over half off for six months during Black Friday
A month of Apple TV costs $12.99, which is a good value if you’re into its blend of sci-fi, sports, kids content, and a staggering number of shows and movies that start with “S.” It’s the only major streaming service that doesn’t have ads, and it’ll be the exclusive home to F1 starting in 2026. Oh, and Pluribus rules so far. Foundation and Slow Horses are some of the best TV shows available, too. And, of course, Severance is a must-watch if you haven’t seen it already.
Apple is hosting a Black Friday deal that’ll let you lock in six months of the service at just $5.99 per month, which is over half off the usual cost. It hasn’t been this affordable since late 2022 when Apple gave the service its first price hike, from $4.99 to $6.99.
While other streaming services like Disney Plus and HBO Max are currently letting shoppers lock in discounted rates for an entire year, Apple is restricting this promotion to just six months. It’s still a good deal: you’ll pay $36 plus tax during that time period instead of $78.
There are some terms that apply to this deal (according to Variety), including that it won’t work for those who are eligible to redeem three free months earned through buying a new Apple device, nor will it work for those who get the subscription through a third party, like Amazon.
I’ve tested the latest Switch 2 controllers, and this one is the best
Editor’s note: Black Friday doesn’t officially take place until Friday, November 28th; however, if you want to shop ahead of time, we’ve rounded up the best early Black Friday deals you can already get.
If you choose to get an extra controller for your Nintendo Switch 2, you can spend a lot — and get a lot in return. Buying Nintendo’s own $89.99 Switch 2 Pro Controller, for instance, will net you the console’s only wireless controller with a 3.5mm headphone jack, not to mention great rumble, OS-level rear button customization, and a slick design. It’s not perfect, but it’s the total package.
But it’d be a disservice to you to call it a day there. There are several third-party offerings that are significantly cheaper, yet don’t make too many compromises in terms of features. I’ve spent time testing a handful of them, and there’s a small batch of models that I think will satisfy most people, with a range of styles, prices, and features.
Every controller I’ve included in this guide is compatible with both the Switch 2 and original Switch (all of them can remotely wake the Switch 2), as well as platforms like PC and mobile. Each offering also includes better, longer-lasting joystick technology than you’ll get with Nintendo’s flagship controller; the Switch 2 Pro Controller’s potentiometer-based joysticks are prone to degradation over time, after all, but our picks include either Hall effect or TMR joysticks.
The best Switch 2 controller for most people
EasySMX S10 Gaming Controller for Switch 2
Score: 8
| Pros | Cons |
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Where to Buy:
Supported platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC, Steam Deck, mobile / Connectivity: Bluetooth, wired / Connector type: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: Yes, two / Software customization: No / Rumble: Yes, HD / NFC: Yes / Motion: Yes / Power: Built-in rechargeable 1,200mAh battery / Console wake-up: Yes
The EasySMX S10 is nearly as capable and comfortable as the Switch 2 Pro Controller, yet it’s $30 cheaper at $59.99. It’s full of surprises, too, including the best adaptation of Nintendo’s HD rumble that I’ve felt in a third-party controller. It’s also one of the few options that can remotely wake the Switch 2 from sleep mode via Bluetooth. Lastly, it includes amiibo support — another rare feature to find in a third-party gamepad.
However, the S10 isn’t a Switch 2 Pro copycat; it’s a lot grippier, both around the grips themselves and on its stick caps. Button presses and trigger pulls feel different from most other controllers, too, yielding a softer press and shorter travel, which is likely to be the most divisive aspect of the S10. One of my favorite aspects of the S10’s design is its swappable eight-way (circular) D-pad, making diagonal attacks in Hollow Knight: Silksong considerably easier to execute than with a four-way D-pad.
If I could change one thing about the S10, it’d be the system-level buttons (screenshot, GameChat, and home). They’re crammed awkwardly just below the D-pad and right stick.
Honorable mentions
Gulikit ES Pro
Score: 7
| Pros | Cons |
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Where to Buy:
Supported platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC, mobile / Connectivity: Bluetooth, wired / Connector type: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: No / Software customization: No / Rumble: Yes / NFC: No / Motion: Yes / Power: Built-in rechargeable 950mAh battery / Console wake-up: Yes
Gulikit’s ES Pro is a love letter to the Xbox controller, but for Switch 2. It’s just $29.99, which is a steal considering this gamepad features an eight-way D-pad that’s great for fighting games, Metroidvanias, and retro titles where it’s an advantage to easily be able to aim diagonally (a setting can make it so that it only registers inputs for the cardinal directions, if you prefer).
The ES Pro doesn’t need to do much to justify its price, but it does so anyway. It features tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) joysticks that are resistant to drifting and offer improved power efficiency compared to Hall effect tech, just like the EasySMX S10. Similarly, it can be set up to remotely wake your Switch 2 or OG Switch console from across the room using its own set of strange, one-time-only instructions that you can view in its instruction manual.
I’ve got almost no qualms with this controller, except for its bad rumble. It just has no subtlety, rumbling in an all-or-nothing manner. I was happier using the ES Pro with the vibrations off, which isn’t any fun. Additionally, it’s far less complete than the S10, as it lacks built-in amiibo support and a C button for GameChat; however, depending on your needs, those omissions might not matter to you.
8BitDo Pro 3 Bluetooth Gamepad
Score: 7
| Pros | Cons |
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Where to Buy:
Supported platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC, Steam Deck, mobile / Connectivity: Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, wired / Connector type: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: Yes, two / Software customization: Yes / Rumble: Yes / NFC: No / Motion: Yes / Power: Built-in rechargeable 1,000mAh battery / Console wake-up: Yes
8BitDo’s Pro 3 is a great yet pricey Switch 2 Pro alternative with a PlayStation-style stick layout. At $69.99, it’s not as affordable (nor as value-packed) as the top contenders. However, the Pro 3 offers a lot of customization, some being cosmetic, while other aspects can impact gameplay.
It has a lot going for it, with TMR joysticks, two back paddles, and a total of three shoulder buttons per side thanks to new custom M buttons. Its analog stick caps can be popped off in favor of glossy arcade stick-style nubs, which were my preferred choice in fighting games (plus, they just look cool). Its ABXY buttons can be suctioned off with an included tool to swap the layout as needed, and for visual flair, each controller includes colored buttons to evoke a retro Nintendo console. Also, it has trigger locks, letting you set triggers to have a short, clicky pull or the default travel distance.
However, I’d skip the Pro 3 if you want good rumble feedback. It’s pretty lousy on that front, to the point that I preferred to turn off rumble entirely in games. In case you’re considering the similarly priced Ultimate 2 Bluetooth, it also has bad rumble, but it’s a great controller otherwise that offers similar features with an Xbox-style stick layout.
Read my full 8BitDo Pro 3 review.
GameSir Super Nova
Score: 6
| Pros | Cons |
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Where to Buy:
Supported platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC, mobile / Connectivity: Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, wired / Connector type: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: Yes, two/ Software customization: Yes / Rumble: Yes / NFC: No / Motion: Yes / Power: Built-in rechargeable 1,000mAh battery / Console wake-up: No
GameSir’s Super Nova is a passable Switch Pro copy that I had a tough time warming up to, even if there’s a lot about it that sounds great on paper. It’s comfortable, with rubbery grips and decent rumble, and it uses Hall effect joysticks. However, it has, by a wide margin, my least favorite D-pad and buttons to press out of all the controllers on our list. The underlying tech is responsive, but it feels cheap to hammer on.
That’s a shame, as it’s a slick-looking controller with a magnetic faceplate that pops off, allowing you to easily swap the buttons around without the need for an extra tool. The rear triggers also have trigger stops, which can reduce the travel of each pull, and the two back paddles are easy to press. It even includes a charging dock — as well as a dazzling set of RGB LEDs, which you can turn off — along with a USB-A 2.4GHz transmitter that lets you easily connect the gamepad with your PC.
GuliKit Elves 2
Score: 6
| Pros | Cons |
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Where to Buy:
Supported platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC, Steam Deck, mobile / Connectivity: Bluetooth, wired / Connector type: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: No/ Software customization: No / Rumble: Yes / NFC: No / Motion: Yes / Power: Built-in rechargeable 800mAh battery / Console wake-up: Yes
Gulikit Elves 2 is a compact, Sega Saturn-inspired controller I wanted to love a little more than I do. The affordable gamepad shares some of the same benefits as the identically priced ES Pro — including Switch 2 wake-up and multiplatform support — but it’s smaller, which could make it a great pick for kids or small-handed folks who have a difficult time wrapping their digits around larger gamepads.
There isn’t much wasted space in this controller, either, as it comes with a rechargeable battery, rumble motors, a gyroscope, and an eight-way D-pad that feels nice to use. Even for my medium-sized hands, its grips turn the small gamepad into something that’s satisfying to hold. I don’t like it as much for a handful of minor reasons relating to long-term comfort, button and trigger feel preferences, and some missing functionality. Compared to the ES Pro, it lacks TMR sticks (it has Hall effect), the Pro’s better triggers, and swappable buttons.
What’s next?
Since I last updated this post, I’ve received several controllers that I’m still in the process of testing. Gulikit sent its TT Max and TT Pro wireless controllers, both of which have PlayStation-style stick layouts, TMR sticks, and adjustable stick tension, impressive rumble, among other interesting features that should make them contenders for this list. But GuliKit told me it ran into several issues with early units, and it’s slightly delaying the launch. I’ll have revised versions in my hands soon, I’m told.
I also received two promising gamepads from the company Mobapad, the budget-friendly N1 and the more high-end Huben 2, and I’ll soon receive Turtle Beach’s Rematch Wireless controller for testing.
The hunt continues for gamepad contenders that pack in a bunch of features without breaking the bank. They’re rarer than you might think! For instance, PowerA recently launched a $69.99 Switch 2 controller called the Advantage Wireless Controller. It features Hall effect joysticks, but seemingly lacks rumble and the ability to wake the Switch 2. Hori also recently launched the Turbo Switch 2 in Japan, each with TMR joysticks. Its highlight feature is a button that can disable the screenshot, home, and plus / minus buttons.
Update, November 25th: Adjusted pricing as needed, and went into detail about some new controllers that I’m currently testing and expecting to receive soon.
ROG Xbox Ally’s new profiles optimize performance per game for more battery life
Microsoft is previewing default game profiles on its ROG Xbox Ally gaming handheld. The new profiles will automatically optimize frame rates and power consumption for 40 games, including Fortnite, Gears of War: Reloaded, Hollow Knight: Silksong, Forza Horizon 5, Minecraft, and others, saving you from manually tweaking game settings.
The ROG Xbox Ally will automatically apply “per-game” profiles to supported titles when the handheld isn’t plugged in. Once a default profile is activated, the ROG Xbox Ally will boost frames per second (FPS) to help reach a specific target, “trading a bit of battery life for a smoother gameplay experience.” Conversely, the device will limit FPS to save power if the game is performing above the target level.
As an example, Microsoft says the default game profile for Hollow Knight: Silksong “can add nearly an hour of battery life compared to Performance mode,” all while running at 120 FPS. Default game profiles also apply to titles like Halo: The Master Chief Collection, Sea of Thieves, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. Microsoft plans on adding more to its list.
You can turn default gaming profiles off or on using the Armoury Crate Command Center. Microsoft is also launching a few other updates for the Xbox ROG Ally, including improvements to library loading speed, faster performance on its cloud gaming page, and better gamepad response after logging in.
Stranger Things is ending, and so is Netflix’s reliance on tentpole shows
When Stranger Things first premiered in 2016, Netflix was still courting new subscribers with splashy original projects that were meant to have broad audience appeal. The company had solidified itself as a major player in the streaming wars with massive hits like House of Cards, Orange Is the New Black, and a collection of live-action Marvel series. The shows were all very different, but they each felt like part of an ambitious plan to establish Netflix as the gravitational center of a new pop cultural era.
Those big, watercooler tentpole projects made Netflix feel like a platform worth subscribing to because of how large they loomed in the …
The Kodak Snapic A1 is a $99 film camera that makes double exposures easy
Reto, a Hong Kong-based camera maker that licenses the Kodak brand, has announced a new 35mm film camera called the Snapic A1 that ships next week. Although its design, with either a rhino gray or ivory white plastic housing, gives off disposable camera vibes, for $99 the Snapic A1 should be a capable shooter with an easy double exposure mode for those wanting to try their hand at film photography.
The camera uses a three-element 25mm glass lens with a fixed f/9.5 aspect ratio and a shutter speed locked to 1/100 second. It has a built-in flash with red-eye reduction that can be set to automatically fire when the camera detects it’s needed, which will probably be frequently in low-light situations, given that the relatively slow lens is paired with a high shutter speed, as PetaPixel points out.
There’s no autofocus, but the Snapic A1 gives you the choice between two focus zones: one for closeup and portrait photography when your subject is between 0.5 to 1.5 meters away, and one for everything else — including landscapes — using the camera’s extensive depth of field. If you’re feeling especially creative, a toggle switch next to the shutter button lets you capture two subsequent exposures on a single frame so you can creatively layer images without any post-processing.
Battery life is rated at up to 10 rolls of film with 24 exposures each on a fresh pair of AAAs. You can track it using a small OLED display atop the Snapic A1 that includes additional details about remaining shots and focus mode. And unlike Reto’s incredibly popular and cheap Kodak Charmera that debuted in September with multiple designs released in blind box packaging, you actually get to choose which color of the Snapic A1 you want to buy.