SpaceX just filed for what could be the biggest IPO ever
Elon Musk's final frontier is officially open for business now that SpaceX has formally filed its S-1 prospectus with the SEC. That kicks off what could be the largest initial public offering ever when it lists on the Nasdaq stock exchange with the ticker SPCX.
SpaceX generated $18.67 billion in revenue in 2025, driven largely by its Starlink satellite internet service, which brought in more than $11 billion, as reported by The Wall Street Journal. The company lost over $4.9 billion last year, with capital expenditures soaring to $20.7 billion last year, a leap from $11.2 billion in 2024, as reported by The New York Times. xAI, which recent …
‘Solve all diseases,’ you say?
This is Optimizer, a weekly newsletter sent from Verge senior reviewer Victoria Song that dissects and discusses the latest gizmos and potions that swear they're going to change your life. This week's issue is a special early edition tied to The Verge's Google I/O coverage. You can expect our next issue at its usual time next Friday. Opt in for Optimizer here.
Toward the end of this year's Google I/O keynote, Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis declared, with a completely deadpan face, that the company hopes to "reimagine the drug discovery process with the goal of one day solving all disease."
This is the sort of statement that the phras …
Here are 42 of our favorite deals from REI’s massive Anniversary Sale
REI’s annual Anniversary Sale — the retailer’s biggest of the year — has arrived, bringing with it discounts on all kinds of outdoor essentials. If you’ve got a camping trip coming up, now is a good time to stock up on the basics, whether it be a tent, sleeping pad, or stove. If your summer plans involve hiking or heading into the backcountry, there are also savings to be had on everything from Garmin watches to water filters, some of which are also discounted at retailers like Amazon.
The sale runs through May 25th, and to save you time scrolling, we’ve rounded up the best deals below. Additionally, as in previous years, REI members get 20 percent off one full-price item or one REI Outlet item with code ANNIV26, giving those who pay for a lifetime membership ($30) even more ways to save in the run-up to Memorial Day.
Smartwatches and fitness trackers
Garmin Fenix 8
The Garmin Fenix 8 is a premium multisport watch that features a speaker, mic, and on-device assistant for calls, timers, and voice commands. It also offers elite battery life, dual-frequency GPS, and robust sensors. Read our review.
Where to Buy:
Amazfit Active 2
The Amazfit Active 2 delivers outsized value for the price. It looks spiffy and has a wide array of health tracking features, plus built-in GPS and AI chatbots to provide extra context to your data. Read our review.
Where to Buy:
- Garmin’s Venu 4 is geared toward the average athlete, and it’s on sale at REI, Amazon, and Best Buy in both size configurations for $499.99 ($50 off), matching its best price to date. The wearable offers many of the same health and fitness tracking features as its predecessor, the Venu 3S, including abnormal heart rate alerts, detailed sleep insights, audio-guided meditation sessions, and a wheelchair mode. It introduces new wellness features, though, including the ability to track caffeine and alcohol intake, as well as Garmin Coach, so you can tailor workouts based on your fitness history, sleep quality, and recovery.
- REI, Amazon, and Best Buy are also selling the Garmin Lily 2 Active for $249.99 ($50 off), which is its lowest price to date. The stylish smartwatch is a great budget-friendly Garmin, especially for people with smaller wrists. Like the standard Lily 2, it offers basic fitness tracking, notifications, and up to five days of battery life; however, the so-called “Active” model adds a physical button, built-in GPS, and support for more sports tracking. Read our Lily 2 review.
- If you want more accurate heart rate tracking than most smartwatches offer, Polar’s H10 is on sale at REI and Amazon for $94.49 ($10 off), which is one of its better prices in recent months. Unlike wrist-based trackers, the chest strap records your heart rate directly from your chest for more precise readings during workouts. The lightweight sensor also pairs with a wide range of fitness apps, smartwatches, gym equipment, and other devices via Bluetooth, and it’s water-resistant enough for swimming.
Communication and safety gear
Garmin InReach Mini 3 Plus
The Mini 3 Plus is identical to the standard model in that it allows you to stay connected while off the grid; however, it also features an audible siren and the ability to send photos and voice messages, in addition to standard texts.
Where to Buy:
- Garmin’s base InReach Mini 3 is available from REI, Amazon, and Garmin for $399.99 ($100 off), its best price to date. Like the last-gen Mini 2, the rugged, palm-sized satellite communicator lets you send texts, share your location, check the weather, and trigger SOS alerts when you’re off the grid, all while offering battery life that can outlast your average smartphone. Unlike its predecessor, though, it features a color touchscreen, which makes it’s much easier to scroll through menus and bang out messages.
- Garmin’s InReach Messenger Plus is also on sale at REI, Amazon, and direct from Garmin for $299.99 ($100 off), its lowest prices to date. The subscription-based Plus model provides satellite connectivity and access to emergency services like the aforementioned InReach Mini 3, except it can also send photos and audio clips in addition to standard text messages.
- The Chapter MIPS Bike Helmet is on sale starting at around $112 ($41 off) at Amazon and REI, which nearly matches its best price to date. The lightweight helmet features a hidden PopLock for securing it with a U-lock or chain. It also features a sleek visor and a Micro-USB taillight with 30 lumens of brightness, one that will automatically turn on when magnetically attached to the helmet.
- Garmin’s Varia RTL515 Radar Taillight is on sale at REI and Amazon for $149.99 ($50 off), nearly matching its lowest price to date. The headlight combines a bright LED light with a rearview radar that, when paired with a compatible device, warns you of cars approaching from behind from up to 153 yards away.
Portable Bluetooth speakers
JBL Charge 6
The Charge 6 is a robust, IP68-rated portable speaker with up to 28 hours of battery life and support for lossless audio over USB-C. Like the JBL Flip 7, it can also analyze your audio to deliver clearer, louder sound and reduce distortion at higher volumes.
Where to Buy:
- You can buy JBL’s Flip 7 speaker for $99.95 ($50 off) at REI, Amazon, and Best Buy, which matches its best price to date. The portable gadget features several upgrades over its predecessor, including a more rugged design, an enhanced tweeter, and an additional two hours of playtime. It also features JBL’s AI Sound Boost technology, which can boost the speaker’s volume without introducing distortion. An IP68 rating, meanwhile, means you can use it by the pool, while a PushLock system lets you attach interchangeable accessories like the included wrist strap.
- If you want an even smaller portable speaker, JBL’s Clip 5 is on sale for around $59 ($20 off) at REI, Amazon, and Best Buy, which is $10 shy of its all-time low. The Bluetooth speaker features an integrated carabiner that makes it easy to clip onto a backpack, bike, or beach bag, along with an IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating. It also offers up to 12 hours of battery life, so it should easily last you the day.
Cooking equipment
MSR PocketRocket 2 Stove
The PocketRocket 2 is a single-burner canister stove that can boil water in as little as three and a half minutes. It’s lightweight, foldable, and compatible with most isobutane-propane fuel canisters, making it a great pick for backpackers looking to shed weight.
Where to Buy:
LifeStraw Peak Series Straw
LifeStraw’s redesigned Peak Series Straw features a durable, leakproof design that’s great for backcountry treks. It can remove unwanted viruses, bacteria, and microplastics as you drink — just like the base model — but benefits from an increased flow rate and more premium materials.
Where to Buy:
- If you’re looking for a more convenient, all-in-one solution, the LifeStraw Go Series 1L is also on sale for an all-time low of around $32 ($13 off) at REI and Amazon. The BPA-free water bottle features a built-in two-stage filtration system, including a carbon filter that’s designed to reduce odors and improve taste, making it a solid pick for everything from travel to your daily commute.
- It’s not the most exciting thing in the world, but the GoBites Bio-Uno Long spork is on sale at REI in multiple colors for a cool $5.93 (about $3 off). The Verge’s Brandon Widder has used the sturdy, BPA-free utensil in the backcountry numerous times over the years, mainly because it’s relatively lightweight and saves you from having to pack more than one tool for devouring whatever freeze-dried concoction you opted for.
JetBoil MiniMo Cooking System
JetBoil’s cooking systems aren’t for ultra-light backpackers; however, the MiniMo is incredibly straightforward to use, comes with a 1-liter pot, and heats water in as little as two minutes, making it suitable for everything from freeze-dried meals to a well-deserved cup of cocoa.
Where to Buy:
Coleman Cascade Classic Camp Stove
Coleman’s go-to stove provides everything you need for simple, reliable camp cooking. It’s got enough power to handle most meals, as well as a pair of burners for cooking multiple things at once. It also features a matchless push-button igniter and built-in wind guards.
Where to Buy:
- Coleman’s Cascade 3-in-1 Stove is on sale for around $204.99 ($70 off) at REI, Backcountry, and Coleman’s online storefront. It’s a better pick for campers who want to cook a little more than basic meals on a standard two-burner stove. In addition to two adjustable burners with wind guards and matchless ignition, it comes with interchangeable grill and griddle attachments, making it easier to cook things like eggs and burgers without packing extra gear.
- The BearVault BV500 Journey is on sale for around $79.89 ($20 off) from both REI and Campman. The hard-sided bear canister is designed to keep wildlife out of your food while offering 11.5 liters of storage, which is enough for about a week’s worth of meals and snacks. Despite its rugged build, it’s relatively lightweight, and the screw-top lid is designed to be secure without requiring complicated tools. As an added bonus, it also doubles as a makeshift camp stool.
Shelter, sleep, and furniture
Kelty Low Loveseat
The Kelty Low Loveseat is a sturdy, low-profile camp chair built for two. It features a steel frame, a padded seat, and extra-large cup holders for your drinks or gear. It also includes a padded roll-tote storage bag, making it easy to transport when it’s folded down.
Where to Buy:
Exped MegaMat Duo
The MegaMat Duo is a four-inch, self-inflating mattress that’s become one of our favorites thanks to its extra-wide design. It uses a combination of open-cell polyurethane foam and generous padding for comfort, which helps keep you warm when temperatures dip. It also makes for a stellar air mattress for guests.
Where to Buy:
- A small, compact chair is nice to have for lounging by the campfire, and REI’s Flexlite Camp Chair is a great option now that it’s down to $67.39 (about $22 off) in multiple colors at REI. It features an aluminum frame, a stable four-leg design, and a ripstop polyester seat with water and stain resistance. When you’re done, it can also quickly fold down into a drawstring bag, so you can throw it in your car or tent.
- You can get the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol starting at $37.39 (about $13 off) at REI right now. It’s a relatively lightweight, compact sleeping pad with an accordion-style design that lets you attach it to your backpack. The closed-cell foam also provides comfort after a long day of hiking, while the sleeping pad’s surface helps reflect radiant heat back to your body, so you can stay warm in the fall.
Half Dome 2 Tent (with footprint)
REI’s inexpensive, three-season tent is easy to set up and offers plenty of space for two people, with built-in pockets for stowing gear and large roll-up doors. It’s certainly not the lightest offering you can buy, but at this price, it’s an easy recommendation for first-time backpackers and anyone looking for a solid tent for car camping.
Where to Buy:
Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket
Rumpl’s classic lightweight blanket features synthetic insulation for warmth, a weather-resistant outer shell, and a stuff sack. It also comes in an array of attractive designs and pairs with Rumpl’s Cape Clip, so you can wear it hands-free.
Where to Buy:
- REI is currently selling its Magma 30 Sleeping Bag in a variety of sizes starting at $261.69 ($88 off). The bag uses 850-fill-power, water-resistant down for warmth and weighs under 20 ounces, depending on the size, making it a great budget pick if you’re looking to get into ultralight backpacking. It also includes a hood to help retain heat, extra room around the feet, and a terrific zipper design that’s less likely to snag when you’re crawling in or out.
- REI is selling GCI’s Freestyle Rocker Chair for $47.93 ($32 off). It’s a more comfortable alternative to your average camping chair, one that rocks and can handle both hard and soft ground. It also features padded armrests, a built-in beverage holder, and a foldable design, which makes it easy to throw in the back of your car before heading out the door.
- The Helinox Chair Zero LT, another ultra-packable chair, is available for $119.89 ($40 off) from REI, Backcountry, and Al’s Sporting Goods. The scoop-style collapsible seat weighs just over a pound, and although it has a lower profile than your standard camping chair, its aluminum alloy frame is strong enough to support up to 265 pounds once assembled. The included stabilizer strap also means the Zero LT is less likely to sink into sand or dirt, which, we can attest, was a capital-T Thing with prior models.
REI Siesta Hooded 20 Sleeping Bag
The Siesta prioritizes comfort with a roomy rectangular shape that gives you space to stretch out. The synthetic sleeping bag features an insulated hood — one that’s spacious enough to accommodate a real pillow — along with multiple zipper configurations so you can vent your feet or fully unzip it into a quilt-like blanket.
Where to Buy:
Headlamps and camp lighting
BioLite Site Lights
BioLite’s ultra-versatile Site Light kit comes with six weatherproof bulbs, which can illuminate up to 1,000 square feet when hung or properly staked. You don’t need to bring a charger, either, as the included carrying case doubles as a solar charger for the lights.
Where to Buy:
Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp
Black Diamond’s 400-lumen headlamp offers adjustable brightness, a red night vision mode, and an IPX8 waterproof rating, so it can handle rainy nights. It’s also dual-fuel compatible, meaning you can use standard AAA batteries or use it in tandem with Black Diamond’s rechargeable BD 1500 Li-ion battery for added flexibility.
Where to Buy:
- The Petzl Tikka is on sale at REI for $19.73 (about $15 off). The basic headlamp is a great option that features a max output of 350 lumens, tilt functionality, and an IPX4 rating, making it safe to use in light rain. It also features a lock function that prevents it from accidentally turning on when packed.
- The Nite Ize Radiant 314 — which is currently down to $25.73 (about $19 off) at REI — provides 314 lumens of brightness, an impact-resistant design, and an IPX4 rating for water resistance. The rechargeable lantern can also last up to 96 hours on a single charge, while the built-in power bank can provide an extra boost of power to your phone in a pinch.
- BioLite’s Luci Charge 360 is available for $44.89 ($16 off) from Amazon, REI, and BioLite, which is a terrific price for the inflatable lantern. Its collapsible design makes it easy to pack, and it offers up to 360 lumens of adjustable brightness. The waterproof gadget also lasts for 50 hours on a single charge, and when it dies, it’s easy to recharge via solar power or USB-C. Plus, you can use it as a power bank, allowing you to top off your phone or other small devices when outlets aren’t nearby.
Mpowerd Luci Solar String Lights: Color
Mpowerd’s solar-powered string lights are perfect for camping or a backyard shindig. The 18-foot string can display six colors and last up to 15 hours on a single charge; the case also doubles as a charger, allowing you to top off your phone in a pinch.
Where to Buy:
Black Diamond Moji Plus Lantern
The Moji Plus offers 200 lumens of warm, dimmable light and adjustable brightness, along with an IPX4 rating for water resistance. It also features a double-hook design and the same dual-fuel tech as the Spot 400 Headlamp, meaning you can use it with standard AAAs or Black Diamond’s rechargeable BD 1500 Li-ion battery.
Where to Buy:
Miscellaneous outdoor deals
Zippo HeatBank 6 Pro Rechargeable Hand Warmer
Zippo’s rechargeable, IP57-rated hand warmer offers three heat settings and up to six hours of runtime. It can also serve as a 24-lumen flashlight or a 5,200 mAh power bank in a pinch, though, unlike most warmers, it’s only sold as a single unit.
Where to Buy:
- If you own an older iPhone with a Lightning port, you can grab InfinityLab’s InstantGo 10,000 Power Bank for just $41.93 (about $28 off) at REI. The portable battery features a 10,000mAh capacity and a built-in Lightning cable, making it a solid all-in-one option for days when you won’t be near an outlet. It also supports passthrough charging, allowing you to charge your phone and the power bank simultaneously.
- Osprey’s Atmos AG 65 Pack is on sale in several colors and size configurations for around $276 ($93 off) at REI and Osprey’s online storefront, which is one of the lowest prices we’ve seen. The 65-liter pack — which remains a go-to option for The Verge’s own Brandon Widder — is loaded with all sorts of bells and whistles, including an integrated rain cover, a floating top lid, and plenty of compression straps. The hallmark, though, is the ventilation system, which leverages a 3D-suspended mesh for comfort and breathability, making it a great pick for multi-day trips.
Cotopaxi Tech Bucket Hat
Cotopaxi’s technical nylon hat — a pick from our upcoming Father’s Day gift guide — is pretty basic, but it features an adjustable cord chin strap and comes in an array of fun colors that are fit for the summer season.
Where to Buy:
Update, May 20th: Updated to reflect current pricing / availability and several new deals, including those for Osprey’s Atmos AG 65 Pack and the Helinox Chair Zero LT. Brandon Widder also contributed to this post.
I’ve tested the latest Switch 2 controllers, and this one is the best
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 Switch 2 Pro Controller, for instance, will net you the console’s only wireless controller with a 3.5mm headphone jack for private listening, not to mention great-feeling rumble and a slick design. It’s not perfect, but it’s otherwise the total package in terms of features.
But it’d be a disservice to you to call it a day there. There are several third-party models that are cheaper, yet don’t make many compromises in terms of features. I’ve spent time testing a handful of these gamepads, 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 the original Switch (all of them can remotely wake the Switch 2), as well as PC. 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. I’ve highlighted any controller-specific perks in the blurbs below.
The best Switch 2 controller for most people
EasySMX S10
The EasySMX S10 is our favorite Switch 2 controller for people who don’t want to spend twice as much on Nintendo’s option. It offers an excellent take on HD rumble, along with amiibo support and the ability to wake the Switch remotely. It features a swappable eight-way (circular) D-pad, and can also work with PC, Steam Deck, and mobile devices.
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 / App customization: No / Rumble: Yes, HD / NFC: Yes / Motion: Yes / Power: Built-in rechargeable 1,200mAh battery / Console wake-up: Yes / Native Switch 2 OS support: No
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
EasySMX S10 Lite
Score: 7
| 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 / App customization: No / Rumble: Yes / NFC: No / Motion: Yes / Power: Built-in rechargeable 1,000mAh battery / Console wake-up: Yes / Native Switch 2 OS support: Yes
While virtually identical to the S10 above, the S10 Lite makes a few compromises to reach its lower $39.99 price point. Most notably, it lacks support for amiibo figures, and its rumble effects are a clear downgrade compared to the HD rumble in the S10. What is unusual, however, is that EasySMX’s budget-friendly gamepad offers a feature I wish were in the step-up version: native support for the Switch 2.
Connecting the S10 Lite to a Switch 2 is as easy as connecting other controllers. But what’s unique is that it doesn’t require a strange sequence of button presses or Joy-Con removal for your console to remember it, which is not the case with the S10 and other gamepads. If you connect it once, you can wake the Switch 2 by pressing its Home button. What’s more, you can customize the two rear buttons on a per-game basis using the Switch 2’s interface, making it the only third-party controller that can utilize the OS to map commands to rear buttons.
At its core, the S10 Lite is an affordable controller that works like the Switch 2 Pro controller in ways that other manufacturers haven’t figured out yet. That’s great, and I love that its grips and overall shape make it just as comfortable to use as a Switch 2 Pro controller. But what it sacrificed (amiibo support, HD rumble) holds it back from being the very best option available.
Read my EasySMX S10 Lite hands-on.
GuliKit TT 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: Yes, four / App customization: Coming in 2026 sometime / Rumble: Yes / NFC: No / Motion: Yes / Power: Built-in rechargeable battery, 950mAh / Console wake-up: Yes / Native Switch 2 OS support: No
GuliKit’s newer TT Pro is focused on cramming in more features while keeping the price reasonable. This wireless gamepad features TMR thumbsticks in a PlayStation-style stick layout. And notably, both sticks have adjustable tension (like the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller) via a Phillips head screw that’s revealed once you pop off the stick caps. A tool is included that lets you dial in the sticks to be fast and flighty or have them resist snapping back to their original resting place. It’s great to see in a controller that costs well under $100.
The TT Pro has the best floating, eight-way directional pad I’ve used. I play games in the living room while my wife reads, and she can’t hear its quiet yet tactile clicks, even as I’m having a frantic battle in Hollow Knight: Silksong. Like the KingKong 3 Max, the TT Pro features adjustable trigger stops (full Hall effect analog pull or tactile click), and you can install up to four rear paddles to map buttons to. Other niceties include extra face buttons and a tool to remove them in the box (in case you want an Xbox-style face button layout while connected to a PC). It comes in a hard case with a Hyperlink Gen 2 wireless controller adapter, which makes it easier to connect the TT Pro (and myriad other controllers) to your Switch 2.
As for how the TT Pro differs from the step-up TT Max, here are the highlights: The Pro doesn’t include extra stick caps of varying heights, nor can its firmware switch between emulating a four- or eight-way D-pad like the Max can (the Pro only supports eight-way).
Mobapad Chitu2 HD
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: Yes, two / App customization: Yes / Rumble: Yes, HD / NFC: Yes / Motion: Yes / Power: Built-in rechargeable battery, 1,000mAh / Console wake-up: Yes / Native Switch 2 OS support: No
It’s clear that Mobapad’s primary goal with its $71 Chitu2 HD was to convince people they were using Nintendo’s Switch 2 Pro Controller in a blind test. It crushed that goal. The curves feel identical to Nintendo’s $90 gamepad, as do the soft clicks of the customizable GL and GR rear buttons. The rumble is great, too, and its TMR sticks are nearly silent even when I deliberately try to wiggle them chaotically. It’s great to have a controller that feels so similar yet doesn’t skimp on features.
Build quality is stellar, with the pink color option being particularly nice. As with its whisper-quiet TMR sticks, most of the Chitu2’s other buttons and triggers don’t yield a clacky sound. However, there are some small issues that may not bother you: its floating directional pad is a little louder and mushier than the one GuliKit uses in the TT Pro, and its pair of L and R bumpers are louder to press than the clicking of the analog sticks. Another button-related issue is that the home and screenshot buttons sit nearly flush with the plastic housing, making them tough to feel for without looking.
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 / App customization: Yes / Rumble: Yes / NFC: No / Motion: Yes / Power: Built-in rechargeable 1,000mAh battery / Console wake-up: Yes / Native Switch 2 OS support: No
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. If you’re considering the similarly priced Ultimate 2 Bluetooth, it also has poor 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.
Update, May 20th: Adjusted pricing / availability, and added a related links for our impressions of Dbrand’s Joy-Lock grips for the Joy-Con 2, as well as for relevant news on the Switch 2 price increase coming in September.
Anthropic and OpenAI take their beef to the midterm elections
Hello and welcome to Regulator, a newsletter for Verge subscribers about the car crashes piling up on a daily basis at the Washington-based intersection of technology and politics. If you're not a subscriber, sign up for our fine editorial enterprise today, especially as we process the end of Musk v. Altman. And if you have any tips about impending or hidden Washington car crashes, send 'em over to tina.nguyen+tips@theverge.com.
A quick note: Regulator will be on hiatus for the next two weeks while I take a much-needed vacation. Unfortunately, this means I'll be missing the public release of Pope Leo XIV's encyclical on humanity in the age …
Vibe coding is coming to your phone
"There's an app for that" was the promise of the App Store from the very beginning. The app that will get your phone to do the thing you want it to? It's just a few taps away. The tagline wasn't strictly true - I'm still waiting for that one perfect grocery list app. Still, apps shaped the modern smartphone into what it is today. We spend all day, every day inside of apps - scrolling, listening, and tapping until we find what we want. But your next favorite app might just be one that you made yourself.
If you weren't familiar with the concept of "vibe coding" at the beginning of 2026, you probably are now. As AI coding tools have become bet …
Volvo is trying to put its EV stumbles in the rearview
Volvo once had ambitions to fully exit the gas car business. Now it's trying to keep its tenuous foothold in the EV market.
It's not an understatement to say that Volvo's EV journey has been a bumpy one. The compact EX40 has been a consistent winner, but the Swedish brand's other EVs have been plagued with problems. The EX90 was supposed to be a bold statement for the future, but persistent software bugs have forced Volvo into an expensive hardware replacement. The tiny EX30 faired no better, with tariffs upending the rollout of the brand's first mass-market affordable EV, eventually leading to its discontinuation in the US.
But now with …
You can now remix other people’s YouTube Shorts with AI
Google announced a new YouTube Shorts Remix feature that lets users restyle clips or even insert themselves into other people's videos using Gemini Omni. Now, at the bottom of a YouTube Short, when you click the remix icon, you'll see an option to "reimagine" it. Here, you can prompt Gemini to turn a video into pixel art, an anime, or a found-footage horror film. But, beyond that, you can also alter the contents by, say, inflating heads, inserting background actors, dressing people in pirate costumes, or even putting yourself in the clip.
Creators can enable or disable the ability to reimagine videos. So, if you upload a short of your kids …
Samsung has a tentative deal with workers to avoid a memory chip strike
More than 47,000 Samsung Electronics workers were gearing up for an 18-day strike after bonus payment negotiations between the company and its union collapsed. The strike was set to start on Thursday at Samsung's domestic chipmaking plants, raising concerns around the already constrained production of memory chips amid the ongoing shortage.
Later on Wednesday, both parties announced that labor and management had reached a tentative agreement. On its website, the union confirmed strike plans have been suspended until further notice, pending a vote on the deal.
While the union had agreed to mediation proposed by South Korea's National Labor …
Xbox hires game industry analyst Matthew Ball to lead strategy
Microsoft has recruited game industry analyst Matthew Ball as Xbox chief strategy officer. Ball publishes an annual state of video gaming report, which is a popular read across the game industry, and he's "widely respected across gaming, media, and technology," according to Xbox CEO Asha Sharma.
Sharma announced Ball is joining Microsoft in a memo to Xbox employees this morning, seen by The Verge. She described Ball as a "longtime gamer," who has held strategy and leadership roles at Illumination, Amazon Studios, Otter Media, and Accenture Strategy. "Matthew has been partnering with us on strategy since day 10 and will officially start this …