A gaming chair is a great way to complete your desktop setup or even enhance your console gaming experience. But there's no way around how expensive they can become. If you're on a limited budget or would rather invest in a new game or upgrade for your PC than a seat, fear not: There are plenty of great gaming chairs that won't leave you wincing at your bank balance.

I've done the testing and research to help you find the best pick for you, whether you are limited to $100 or are looking for something to support that big and tall buddy that goes through gaming chairs like levels in World of Warcraft. These are the best budget gaming chairs of 2025.

TL;DR – The Best Budget Gaming Chairs:

The best budget gaming chairs offer a strong foundation, ample padding, durable upholstery, and proper ergonomics. Once the basics are settled, features like lumbar support, adjustable armrests, and tilt are nice additions that allow you to sink in and relax in the seat whether it’s pulled up to your gaming desk or plopped in front of your gaming TV.

However, weeding through the endless duds is a pain, both for your back and your wallet. With this guide, you can cut through the chaff to get back to doing what you love the most: playing games. Don't make that Elden Ring boss wait any longer, let's dive into the best budget picks of the year.

1. Razer Iskur V2 X

Best Budget Gaming Chair Overall

The Razer Iskur V2 X is the best budget gaming chair of 2025 so far. Not only does it look the part of a much more expensive gaming chair, it offers a precise mix of comfort, support, and style to fit into virtually any gaming setup. It's built with premium quality materials and is made to last, and it offers one of the best warranties I've seen yet for an affordable gaming chair.

Our own Seth Macy reviewed the original Razer Iskur back in 2021 and quickly fell in love. The line has only gotten better since then with the refined V2 and more affordable now that we have the V2 X. At the time of writing, I have been testing both chairs for several weeks, and though the V2 offers more features and adjustability, the V2 X is impressively comfortable and supportive for its much lower entry cost of around $300.

That accessible price point gets you one of the best looking gaming chairs around, whether you choose the black fabric or gray fabric version. It features the classic snakeskin pattern on the backrest and a slim but supportive seat cushion that effectively hides the frame beneath while still keeping its slim and stealthy aesthetic. While it's clearly a gaming chair, it's hardly overstated, which allows it to work in virtually any environment.

Razer proves with this chair that you don't need to spend an arm and a leg to get a supportive seat for PC gaming. It does away with the adjustable lumbar support in favor of an integrated built-in lumbar. This could have been a mistake, but the backrest is also precisely contoured to guide you into a proper seating position without even thinking about it or needing to make adjustments. I was able to sit down and find that the integrated lumbar matched the curvature of my back right off the bat. While some adjustability would have been nice to accommodate taller users, the backrest does its job and does it well, so long as you are 5'2" to 6'2".

It also incorporates a number of small touches that make it feel particularly versatile for different kinds of play. It's able to recline between 90 and 152 degrees, so you can really lay down and stretch out if you prefer, and comes with padded 2D armrests to ensure they match the height and width of your elbows, whether you're typing at a keyboard or gaming with a controller.

Razer has also done a good job of ensuring that this chair is built to last. It comes with a metal wheelbase that, while not quite as heavy duty as the standard Iskur V2, guarantees that it should never snap and render the seat unusable. It also comes with an impressive five-year warranty, which is simply one of the best you'll find among any affordable gaming chair.

The biggest omission here is that it doesn't come with any kind of neck pillow. It's a pretty silly thing to leave out, all things considered, and I found myself wishing it had one when I wanted to lean back and relax, like the Enki X. You can purchase one separately, but when gaming chairs a fraction of the price can throw it in, there's no reason why Razer should be leaving it out for either chair.

Taken as a whole, though, the Iskur V2 X is simply a fantastic value and the best gaming chair you can find on a budget for style, support, and comfort.

2. Razer Enki X

Best Big and Tall Budget Gaming Chair

The Razer Enki X is a humble all-star. It includes nearly all of the features of its more expensive counterpart, the standard Razer Enki, which is our pick for the Best Fabric Chair in our list of the Best Gaming Chairs. Most importantly, it’s one of the most comfortable gaming chairs you can buy if you're on the larger side.

The magic of the Enki is its backrest. Razer designed the chair with a 110-degree should arch to gently guide you toward its center. The lumbar support isn’t adjustable, but if you fall within the chair's recommended height range (5’1” to 6’4”) you’ll likely find that it lands in the right place to give you all the support you need. It’s also able to recline 152 degrees, so if you need a quick catnap, it’s ready to deliver.

Best of all, it supports gamers up to 299lbs and 6'8". Its uniquely designed backrest lends it the ability support a wider than average range of potential users. You pay a bit extra for that, to be sure, but it remains a cost effective option that's decidedly more premium than many other affordable gaming chairs targeting larger users.

For its relatively modest cost, it is surprisingly premium. It’s upholstered a mix of easy-to-clean PU leather and soft fabric where it touches the skin. It looks the part of a gaming chair but offers the type of all-day comfort that bland ergonomic chairs achieve. The seat is also very plush and is the perfect blend of supportive and soft without needing a weeks-long break-in period.

The Enki X is the affordable Enki in Razer’s lineup and that does mean some sacrifices. It doesn’t come with a neck pillow, which is a pretty big knock – and a testament to how comfortable the backrest is to win this accolade. Its armrests are also only 3D instead of 4D. But it’s worth buying a neck pillow separately (Razer’s own is available separately). Even with that added purchase, the Enki X is a steal.

3. Corsair TC100 Relaxed Fabric Gaming Chair

Best Fabric Gaming Chair on a Budget

Corsair is a mainstay in the PC gaming world, and it was only a matter of time before it got into the seating space. Since then, it's released a number of different chairs, and the TC100 Relaxed is my pick for the best affordable fabric gaming chair you can find right now. It's roomy, comfortable, and adjustable, ensuring that you can game in comfort however you prefer to sit.

At right around $200, the TC100 offers more than most other gaming chairs remotely near it in price. You can tell right away with its unique look that marries the classic racing chair design with a spacious seat that accommodates different seating styles. In fact, looking at it, it's quite easy to mistake for a chair that's double its price. Corsair nailed the look and feel of a premium chair while bringing its price down to a generously affordable level.

While we have featured the TC100 in the past, the fabric version takes comfort to the next level, similar to the Respawn 110 Pro featured next in this roundup. It allows the TC100 to be more breathable and accommodating to different environments. The fabric Corsair used is soft and feels immediately comfortable – a good match for its thickly padded and spacious seat.

While bolsters certainly look cool and evoke the racing seat spirit, the fact is that they can get in the way of finding a comfortable seating position over long gaming sessions. Corsair includes them but wisely positions them far enough out that you can easily cross your feet underneath you without finding them pressing in uncomfortably into either bolster. They are also included on the backrest to tie the aesthetic together, but the same applies there; though this chair isn't designed for big and tall gamers due to its 264lb weight limit.

Corsair also brings other premium features to the price point its competitors generally don't. Its recline is significantly deeper, topping out at 160 degrees, which feels like a full lay in practice. It also comes with 2D armrests that you can adjust to match your posture and how you're gaming at the time. Both its neck and lumbar pillow are also held in place by straps to ensure that they'll stay in place once you position them and won't need to spend time getting them back in place when you're in the middle of a match and happen to lean forward.

It comes with a plastic wheelbase, which I generally don't like for long-term durability, but by limiting its maximum weight, Corsair helps to ensure that it will stand the test of time. For added peace of mind, it also comes with a two-year warranty that you can confidently draw on if needed.

Thanks to the economics of scale and Corsair's long relationships within the manufacturing industry, this chair brings features and a level of quality typically reserved for higher price points to an accessible level, and it's a win for any PC gamer on a limited budget.

4. Respawn 110 Pro

Best Budget Gaming Chair Under $300

Respawn has been one of the go-to brands for gamers looking for quality chairs on limited budgets for years. The Respawn 110 Pro is an excellent pick, and for my money, the fabric version is hard to beat around this price.

Compared to competing chairs between $200 and $300, the 110 Pro offers more choice and more comfort for the investment. You can pick it up in either leatherette or a breathable fabric, but no matter which you choose, you'll find that the cushioning is thick and comfortable. If you opt for leatherette, you'll be able to choose from six different color options, including bright red, green, and deep purple, in addition to more understated black, gray, and white options. If you prefer fabric, you're limited to gray with black accents. No matter your preference, you should be able to find a look that matches your taste.

I recommend the fabric version for anyone that prioritizes comfort. Though every iteration of this chair offers the same level of thick foam padding that lacks the usual break-in period of even more expensive chairs. The fabric version is soft and much more breathable, whereas the leatherette can build up heat and get sticky in warmer environments. The fabric remains comfortable and ready for battle throughout.

Though its adjustments are limited in keeping with its more affordable price point, you can still tailor the height and recline to meet your needs. Respawn uses an improved recline mechanism, however, that allows you to lean back a full 155 degrees, so it's ready for everything from a feet-up gaming session to a quick catnap between sessions.

This chair isn't for everybody, however. If you prefer leather, you'll be more limited in your choices due to how bold some of its designs are. Likewise, it's best suited for mid to small-sized gamers due to its slightly narrower backrest and nylon wheelbase. Respawn rates it for gamers up to 275lbs, and because its backrest bolsters are not very pronounced, you might be able to get away with this. However, if you are on the big and tall side, it might be best to look toward the big and tall option I've included on this list.

5. Dowinx LS-6657D Breathable Fabric Gaming Chair

Best Gaming Chair Under $200

The Dowinx LS-6657D doesn't need gimmicks to stand out. Instead, this is a chair all about comfort and its understated sense of style. It's trimmed in a breathable fabric, lushly padded, and accommodates different ways to sit while gaming and working at your PC.

Unlike most gaming chairs around this price, the LS-6657D isn't ostentatious in its design. It maintains a connection to the classic racing seat design while also appearing a bit more elegant and grown-up to suit a wider range of gamers. Its available colors are more muted, and its presentation is slightly more tame. So if you like the features of racing seats but aren't sold on racing stripes and high contrast colors, this might be the seat for you.

Its upholstery is about more than simple style, however. Its fabric is soft and pleasant to touch, and its ample foam cushioning is enough to completely hide the frame without making the chair look unnecessarily bulky. Just as importantly, if you game in a warmer climate or don't have AC during the summer months, you'll find that it's much more breathable than leatherette.

As usual for gaming chairs around this price point, you won't find advanced adjustments like 4D armrests and seat depth sliders, but you can recline anywhere from 90 to 135 degrees and make use of its built-in footrest when you prefer to game with a controller or relax with a movie. Its armrests feature enough padding to be comfortable and will automatically shift to ensure they remain usable as you sit back to relax.

Its seat also has a couple tricks up its sleeve. In a surprising turn, Dowinx has outfitted it with a removable gel pad to aid in cooling. While its stripes hint at bolsters, the actual seat is much more flat than a traditional racing chair. This allows you to easily cross your legs or tuck a foot under you as you sit. Its lumbar pillow is also much larger than what is typically available around this price, ensuring that you'll receive wider support as a result.

The chair is rated to support gamers up to 300lbs, though I would encourage anyone approaching this weight to exercise caution. The biggest downside of this chair is that it uses a nylon wheelbase, which isn't as durable as aluminum over time. Still, its impressive sense of style and comfort over-deliver for its modest price, making this a great pick for gamers with mid-sized budgets.

6. GTPlayer GT800A Gaming Chair

Best Gaming Chair Under $100

What to Look for in a Budget Gaming Chair

Buying affordable furniture of any kind is tricky, but, like other pieces of furniture, there are things you can look for to ensure you're getting the best value. The picks above are each top in their class, but if you'd rather go out and do some research of your own, these are the things I recommend looking for:

• Ergonomics: If there's one thing a lot of affordable gaming chairs get wrong, it's ergonomics. Look for a chair that offers support in the lower back, either through curvature or a high-quality pillow. This will ensure that your back has the support it needs and you won't get sore after a few short hours of gaming or work at your PC.
• Padding, cushioning, and armrests: Another thing to keep in mind is that manufacturers might skimp when it comes to padding at lower prices. The last thing you want is to feel the frame when you're sitting back or decide to cross one or both legs. If an affordable chair looks like it's been put on a diet because of how thin the foam is, it's probably worth avoiding. Additional pillows and cushions can help mitigate this when it comes to the backrest, but I've yet to find a chair where inadequate seat cushioning is anything less than uncomfortable. Pay special attention to the armrests as well because anything too firm that you'll be leaning on for any length of time can quickly cause discomfort and soreness that lasts well beyond your gaming session.
• Adjustments: Budget gaming chairs tend to offer fewer adjustments than higher-cost options, but that doesn't mean you should settle for something less than what meets your needs. Even a low-cost chair should allow you to adjust its height, backrests, and armrests, and have some kind of customizability for its tilt functionality.

• Upholstery (fabric, leather, and overall quality): Gaming chairs come with either fabric or leatherette upholstery. As a rule, fabric is more breathable than leather, but leather will be easier to clean. Consider your climate and preferences before style if comfort is your priority. Though it can be difficult to tell in product pictures, I also recommend reading reviews to get an overall impression of the quality of these materials, as both can degrade quickly if the manufacturer has cut costs on quality.
• A quality wheelbase: The base of its chair is its very foundation and is critically important to its long-term durability. It's also one of the most frequent things to break. Choose an aluminum wheelbase if at all possible. But if it's not, pay special attention to the chair's maximum supported weight and read reviews to get a picture of its reliability over time.
• Avoid paying extra for gimmicks: The Amazon marketplace can be difficult to stand out in, and that's doubly true in the gaming chair market. To set themselves apart from competitors, many chairs offer gimmicks like massaging pillows. Understand that at any kind of reasonable price, these additional features are likely to be ineffective and exist purely to catch your attention. While you don't need to outright avoid these, they shouldn't be a key factor in your decision-making with everything else evenly considered.

Be sure to check out our guide on how to pick the best gaming chair for more information.

How We Pick the Best Budget Gaming Chairs

When making my selections, I always consider the chairs that I've personally used or members of our team have tested, first and foremost. Because there are so many options, it's impossible for me to test everything, so I've also done extensive research to find the very best picks, leveraging my long history of testing gaming chairs for a living to separate the good (and bad) from the great. As I do this, I pay special attention to build quality, ergonomics, pricing, and factor in both critical and user reviews.

Throughout the extensive process of testing, analysis, comparisons, and overall research, I've brought years of experience and a critical lens to every chair considered, highlighting only the best for your purchasing choice.

Budget Gaming Chair FAQs

Are gaming chairs worth it?

While the answer to this question will always be subjective, there is wisdom to the idea of investing in the place you'll be spending a large amount of your life. If you spend hours at your PC, having a comfortable and supportive chair can be a major enhancement to your quality of life. The real question is whether it's worth investing in a gaming chair versus an office or ergo chair. Each type has its benefits, but a gaming chair adds a bit flair to the experienece, which can be important if you're a streamer or have invested in the appearance of your gaming setup. Gaming chairs also brings some unique features like deep reclines, more adjustable armrests, and even footrests for kicking back with a controller. It's also possible to find gaming chairs with good ergonomics and adjustability. Ultimatley, this depends on your taste, budget, and what you're looking to get out of your chair.

Why are gaming chairs so expensive?

In general, gaming chairs are a luxury product. You don't need one, but if you're anything like me, you probably want one to take your PC setup to the next level. Because of this, the prices tend to be higher for both mid-range and premium-level chairs from major companies, but that's not all there is to it. Paying extra often gets you higher quality materials, better warranties, and more stylish designs. It can also open the door to more ergonomic adjustments, which can be very important to your long-term comfort. The law of diminishing returns is very strong in the seating market, however, so research carefully before dropping hundreds of dollars on one chair when a more affordable option might accomplish your goals for less.

Do budget gaming chairs come with a warranty?

Oftentimes, yes. Though if you're buying from a smaller brand located overseas, it's important to remember that there's a difference between listing a warranty and it actually actually supporting it. If you're unsure, purchase from marketplaces with generous return policies, read reviews, and see if you can find other people's experiences with the company. Remember, you can also email the company with any specific questions you might have and their answer, as well as how long it takes to reply, can give you an indication of whether the company will offer the kind of support you require. If you're buying from a major brand, like Razer or Corsair, you can count on a warranty of at least a year and usually more.

Christopher Coke has been a regular contributor to IGN since 2019 and has been covering games and technology since 2013. He has covered tech ranging from gaming controllers to graphics cards, gaming chairs and gaming monitors, headphones, IEMs, and more for sites such as MMORPG.com, Tom’s Hardware, Popular Science, USA Today’s Reviewed, and Popular Mechanics. Find Chris on Twitter @gamebynight.

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When it comes to licensed movie franchises entering the world of video games, very few have as storied a history as Star Wars. From hopping into an X-Wing cockpit in Rogue Squadron to making decisions that affect the fate of the galaxy in Knights of the Old Republic, George Lucas’ expansive sci-fi universe has become a creative playground for a range of talented developers over the years, and with it paved the way for some truly iconic Star Wars games.

For those looking to dive into some of these games on their Nintendo Switch, we’ve got you covered. Below, we’ve compiled every single Star Wars game available on Nintendo’s flagship console, ranging from immersive RPGs to classic first-person shooters.

How Many Star Wars Games Are on Nintendo Switch?

In total, there are 10 Star Wars games available on Nintendo Switch. The list below won't include game bundles like the Heritage Collection or the Knights of the Old Republic bundle, although it's worth noting that you can find most of the games below packaged together.

Every Star Wars Game on Nintendo Switch

These blurbs contain mild spoilers for each game, including characters, settings, and story beats.

Star Wars: Dark Forces (Original Release: 1995 / Remaster Release: 2024)

The latest Star Wars game to be remastered for Switch, Dark Forces is the first official entry in what would eventually become known as the Jedi Knight series. Assuming the role of a reformed Imperial Officer named Kyle Katarn, players embark on a covert mission for the Rebel Alliance. They'll get the chance to explore the galaxy across several missions, taking part in frantic first-person shootouts and uncovering a story set between the events of Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope.

Star Wars Episode 1 Racer (Original Release: 1999 / Remaster Release: 2020)

An arcade racer based around The Phantom Menace's podracing sequence, Star Wars Episode 1 Racer straps players into their very own podracer and enters them into various tournaments across the galaxy. There, they'll battle against the likes of Anakin Skywalker and Sebulba, souping up their craft with additional upgrades in an attempt to stomp out the competition and become a legend on the streets of Tatooine.

Star Wars Jedi Knight 2: Jedi Outcast (Original Release: 2002 / Remaster Release: 2019)

A continuation of the Star Wars Jedi Knight series, Jedi Outcast follows series’ protagonist Kyle Katarn as he re-embraces the Force and heads out on a quest for revenge. Alongside the first-person shootouts that acted as the centerpiece of earlier entries in the series, Jedi Outcast hones in on technical lightsaber dueling, with players facing off against Sith lords and their friends online in physics-based lightsaber battles.

Star Wars: Bounty Hunter (Original Release: 2002 / Remaster Release: 2024)

Another classic Star Wars game repackaged and re-released for the Nintendo Switch, Star Wars: Bounty Hunter is a prequel to Attack of the Clones that follows notorious bounty hunter, Jango Fett. The game tracks Fett's attempts to take down a dark Jedi known as Komari Vosa, forcing him to traverse the galaxy's criminal underworld and battle his way through gangsters, Republic forces and other bounty hunters in an attempt to find and capture his target.

To defend against these threats, players will need to take full advantage of Fett's powerful arsenal of weapons, using his jet pack and guns to rain down fire on enemies and capture targets. Alongside getting to control one of the prequel trilogy's most enigmatic villains, Bounty Hunter also tells a full story that directly leads into the events of Attack of the Clones, featuring iconic characters like Jabba the Hutt, Count Dooku and Darth Sidious.

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (Original Release: 2003 / Remaster Release: 2021)

Often heralded as one of the most iconic RPGs ever made, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic tells a new Star Wars story set 4,000 years before the events of The Phantom Menace. Players take on the role of a Galactic Republic soldier who crash lands on the planet of Taris after their ship is attacked.

Left stranded, they undertake a daring adventure and learn the ways of the Force, rallying against the armies of the Sith and their fearsome leader, Darth Malak. Knights of the Old Republic envisions the Star Wars universe during the height of the Jedi Civil War, allowing players to choose whether to follow the path of the light or be tempted by the corrupt allure of the dark side.

Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy (Original Release: 2003 / Remaster Release: 2020)

Switching out long-running Star Wars Jedi Knight protagonist Kyle Katarn for a new, fully customisable lead, Jedi Academy casts you as Jayden Korr: a Padawan studying under Katarn at the Jedi Temple. Taught in the ways of the force and provided with your very own lightsaber, you explore the galaxy, undertaking new missions and battling back against Sith forces. Jedi Academy introduced several features to the Jedi Knight series, including new fighting styles and the ability to customize lightsabers.

Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection (Original Releases 2004 & 2005 / Remaster Release 2024)

A remaster of both the original Star Wars: Battlefront and Star Wars: Battlefront 2, the Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection allows you to suit up as clones, stormtroopers, droids and more while taking the fight to your enemies on large scale battlefields. With maps spread across both the classic and prequel trilogies, Battlefront gives you the opportunity to relive some of the saga's most iconic moments, including defending Hoth from Vader and the Imperial Army, taking down Separatist droids on the surface of Geonosis and the climactic battle between the Rebels and the Stormtroopers in the forests of Endor.

The re-release also includes fully functioning online multiplayer, which supports up to 64 players, and an expanded take on Hero Assault: the fan-favourite mode which allows all players to spawn in as hero characters.

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2 – The Sith Lords (Original Release 2005 / Remaster Release: 2022)

An official follow-up to Bioware’s landmark RPG, Obsidian took the reins for Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2 – The Sith Lords. Set five years after the events of the original game, the player takes on the role of an exiled Jedi tasked with finding the remnants of the order and uniting them against the growing Sith army.

The ensuing journey takes players across a series of iconic Star Wars planets, where they recruit a party of allies and make choices that shape their relationship with the Jedi Order, the Sith and the Force.

Star Wars: Republic Commando (Original Release: 2005 / Remaster Release: 2021)

Moving away from lightsaber duels and tales of Jedi venturing across the galaxy, Star Wars: Republic Commando enlists players as a clone trooper, sending them to join Delta Squad as its leader: Boss. Set during the Clone Wars, players guide their unit through three first-person shooter campaigns, gunning down battle droids and other Separatist forces across iconic prequel era Star Wars locales, including Geonosis and Kashyyyk.

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (Original Release: 2008 / Remaster Release: 2022)

Set between the events of Revenge of the Sith and a New Hope, Star Wars: The Force Unleashed tells the tale of Starkiller: an apprentice under the tutelage of Darth Vader. Initially sent to hunt and kill the Jedi that survived Order 66, Star Killer's story quickly spins out into a galaxy-wide adventure, as players build their Force abilities, engage in action-packed lightsaber combat and experience the power fantasy of being a Jedi Knight at the height of their powers.

Star Wars Pinball (2019)

A pinball game themed around the Star Wars saga, Star Wars Pinball is exactly what it says on the tin. It offers nineteen pinball tables with designs inspired by a spectrum of Star Wars media, ranging from The Empire Strikes Back and The Force Awakens to Rogue One and Rebels.

LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga (2022)

Traveller's Tales latest LEGO game for Switch, The Skywalker Saga transports all nine of the mainline Star Wars movies to the world of LEGO. From Obi-Wan and Anakin’s tragic battle above the fires of Mustafar to Luke and Vader’s legendary showdown in Bespin, The Skywalker Saga aims to be an all-encompassing recreation of the series, just with a lot more plastic bricks and minifigures.

Alongside being the biggest LEGO game to date, it also builds significantly on its predecessors, with several open-world areas to explore, more involved boss battles and new third-person shooting mechanics. It also features a stacked roster of playable Star Wars characters, with the cast including everyone from Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader to Babu Frik and Jabba the Hutt.

For more like this, check out our list of every LEGO game on the Switch.

Star Wars: Hunters (2024)

Making its debut on the Switch in 2024, Star Wars: Hunters is a free-to-play multiplayer arena shooter where players can pick from a range of heroes, form a team and take down opponents online.

The range of heroes on offer allow you to take charge of a host of different Star Wars units, including everything from battle droids and storm troopers to Jedis and even Jawas, each coming with their own set of unique abilities you can utilise to support your team and bring down your enemies.

Upcoming Star Wars Games

There are five known Star Wars games in development: Star Wars Eclipse, a Knights of the Old Republic Remake, Amy Hennig's Star Wars project, Bit Reactor's Star Wars strategy game, and Star Wars Jedi 3. However, none of these games have been confirmed for Switch. That said, we are approaching the launch of the Switch 2, which, with more advanced specs, may be able to support some of the larger Star Wars game releases going forward.

Callum Williams is a freelance media writer with years of experience as a game critic, news reporter, guides writer and features writer.

The award-winning director Bong Joon Ho returns, and this time he brought Twilight and The Batman veteran Robert Pattinson along for the ride. Mickey 17 stars Pattinson as an "expendable," someone who's sent into hostile environments to die, only to be repeatedly brought back as a clone and die again. One could argue the original "Mickey" was Cedric Diggory, who Pattinson himself claims is the character he'd most like to "give a second chance at life."

In his Mickey 17 review for IGN, critic Siddhant Adlakha highlights the philosophical underpinnings of the otherwise "depressing" sci-fi comedy: "Mickey 17 is confrontational by virtue of its pessimism, transforming a mostly straightforward novel into a stark reflection of how the current political moment came to be – albeit without letting anyone (least of all, those of us at the mercy of these larger forces) off the hook for our own transgressions."

If you're wondering how to watch Mickey 17 at home, check out the details below.

How to Watch Mickey 17 Online

Mickey 17 was inspired by Edward Ashton’s genre-bending sci-fi novel, Mickey7. The titular character, Mickey, is sent on deadly research expeditions only to be replaced by a clone each time he dies. Here’s the movie’s official synopsis:

Does Mickey 17 Have a Post-Credits Scene?

Nope! But for those curious, feel free to check out our full guide to Mickey 17's ending.

Mickey 17 Cast

Mickey 17 was written and directed by Bong Joon Ho, based on the novel by Edward Ashton. The movie stars the following cast:

• Robert Pattinson as Mickey Barnes/Mickey 17/Mickey 18
• Naomi Ackie as Nasha Barridge
• Steven Yeun as Timo
• Mark Ruffalo as Kenneth Marshall
• Toni Collette as Ylfa
• Holliday Grainger as Gemma
• Anamaria Vartolomei as Kai Katz
• Thomas Turgoose as Bazooka Soldier
• Angus Imrie as Shrimp Eyes
• Cameron Britton as Arkady
• Patsy Ferran as Dorothy
• Daniel Henshall as Preston
• Steve Park as Agent Zeke
• Tim Key as Pigeon Man

Mickey 17 Rating and Runtime

Mickey 17 is Rated R for violent content, language throughout, sexual content and drug material. The movie runs for a total of two hours and 17 minutes.

Blythe (she/her) is an SEO Coordinator at IGN who is always looking for the next great horror story and fantasy RPG.

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This is a great solution for any internal M.2 SSDs you might not be using anymore. It effectively turns them into a super fast external drive that you can use exactly like any other external drive. Use it as extra local storage for your PC or gaming console like the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X or as an easy way to transfer files from one USB supported device to another.

Are you actually looking to buy an M.2 SSD instead? Check out the best SSD deals today.

The Scream movies are some of the most iconic film franchises that perfectly blend dark comedy, horror, and mystery. With the most recent entry, Scream 6, the series continues to be an influential force in the world of horror movies. So naturally, streaming all of the Scream movies online has been unnecessarily complicated in the past.

If you're wondering where you can watch all of the Scream movies right now, we've got you covered with an up-to-date guide for 2025 below. You can also check out our review of Scream 6 for more info about the latest film, or check out production news about Scream 7.

Where to Watch the Scream Movies Online

Alienware's new flagship gaming laptop - the Alienware Area-51 - was released earlier this year. It replaces the m-series laptop and bring to the table a host of upgrades including a sleeker redesign, current generation components, and better cooling potential. For the first time ever both the 16" model and 18" model, equipped with the latest Intel Core Ultra 9 processor and powerful GeForce RTX 5080 graphics, are on sale right now. Orders are expected to ship out in late May, so get your reservation in now to prevent any additional delays.

Save Up to $500 Off Alienware Area-51 Gaming Laptops

Apple's newest AirPods are all on sale and would make a great gift idea for Mother's Day, which lands on May 11. Starting with the highest end model, the second generation Apple AirPods Pro wireless noise-canceling earbuds is $169 shipped (normally $240). The next step down, the Apple AirPods 4 with ANC (active noise cancelation) is down to $148 (normally $179). Finally, the value-packed AirPods 4 without ANC drops to $99.99 (normally $129).

Apple AirPods Pro for $169

Like a Mythic Dawn cultist popping out of a secret room to stab the Emperor in the back, a remaster of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion has shown up out of nowhere, and it’s a dagger I’ve gladly thrown myself onto for over 80 hours (and counting) in less than a week. This Unreal-tinted glasses nostalgia trip modestly modernizes one of my all-time favorite open-world RPGs and had me teaming up with Sean Bean to close shut the jaws of Oblivion, helping the God of Madness with his, um, complicated mental health issues, rising to the top of every faction like I was angling to become Cyrodiil’s Valedictorian, and violating every single person’s personal space by getting way too close to them while talking.

I’d recently revisited the original Oblivion when rumors of its return were swirling, so with its shortcomings very clear in my mind, I found that the improved UI, revised leveling system, and especially the graphical overhaul have made this nearly 20-year-old classic massively more playable. That said, I’ve also seen a disappointingly recognizable amount of jank and poor performance, and the mostly unchanged enemy scaling apparatus hasn’t gotten less irritating with time. And yet, as someone who considers myself pretty immune to the charms of nostalgia alone when a game hasn’t aged well, I had a fantastic time returning to this adorably weird open-world adventure and will likely lose even more time to it in the coming weeks and months as I tie up loose ends in the Shivering Isles.

If you never played the original Oblivion, it’s your typical massive open-world fantasy RPG from the folks who would go on to bring us Skyrim (and more recently Starfield and Fallout 4), and it’s from an era where the designers at Bethesda provided fewer guardrails and wrote stronger stories. You’ll level up your character in everything from casting destructive magic to repairing your armor as you seek stronger loot, complete quests, and steal everything in sight in typical RPG fashion. Most of the stuff you’ll do, like rise up the ranks of the Mages Guild and uncover an ancient sorcerer’s plot to throw Tamriel into chaos, is incredibly enjoyable and has withstood the test of time, while other aspects, like the procedurally generated Oblivion levels you’re subjected to frequently, have fared less well and serve as glowing reminders of problems Bethesda never quite figured out how to resolve.

The main way it sets itself apart from more recent Bethesda RPGs is that its sometimes unintuitive systems, while undoubtedly less approachable than Skyrim’s streamlined builds, allow for significantly more freedom to do wacky stuff. A great example of this is its spellcrafting system: In Skyrim you can learn to throw fireballs or turn invisible, but your options are limited to the specific magical tools you’re provided out of the box (unless you install mods, of course), while in Oblivion you’re given the option to create your own unique spells using a cocktail of effects controlled by various sliders and toggles, then just see what happens when you try and cast them.

Let’s say you combine the Demoralize spell effect, which makes characters run away from you during combat, with the Fortify Speed spell effect, which increases how quickly a character can move. Now you’ve just created a spell that you can cast on people that will make them cartoonishly run away from you at lightning speeds, to hilarious effect. Practical in any real sense? Probably not. But it’s the kind of goofy, dumb thing Oblivion’s old-school design sensibilities allow for, and which I find far more compelling than a pre-curated bag of one-note tricks. This tradeoff of greater freedom at the cost of intuitiveness and often janky execution can be found all over Oblivion’s dorky DNA, and it’s one of the reasons I really connect with this unashamedly wonky adventure.

This series of massive, open-world gallivants aren’t known for having the most focused, noteworthy stories, but Oblivion actually surprises in this regard. For my money it’s some of Bethesda’s best work, especially when it comes to the all-important faction quest lines. The Dark Brotherhood and Thieves Guild stories in particular have lived rent-free in my head for the better part of two decades, and I was pleasantly surprised to see they’ve aged like fine wine. The Shivering Isles expansion area and quests, which throw you into an Alice in Wonderland-like world of madness, remains one of the best DLCs ever made, with a surprisingly compelling story given to such a seemingly silly character in the mad god Sheogorath. Even the main quest, which has you finding the bastard son of a slain emperor to stop an otherworldly invasion, is actually much better than I remembered it being, with Sean Bean’s Martin having a genuinely touching character arc that I found myself quite invested in. Don’t get me wrong – there’s nothing as meaningful and well-written as you’d find in a more story-focused RPG, like Red Dead Redemption 2, and there are plenty of forgettable characters with stilted dialogue to go around, but I’d still put it well above the average for this type of game.

It probably goes without saying that the graphical upgrade is Oblivion Remastered’s biggest improvement, and the efforts of the team at Virtuous that remastered Bethesda’s original are a sight to behold. While things definitely don’t look anywhere near the normal standards of a big-budget game built from the ground up today, putting this version side-by-side with its 2006 doppelganger is eyebrow-raisingly impressive. The entire map is crisp, with a draw distance my teenage-self could have only dreamed of. Lighting, shadows, and character lip syncing in particular have been overhauled so much that it’s actually kind of shocking. That said, other things bizarrely didn’t get the memo. The NPCs’ faces, for instance, are almost universally hideous and cartoonish and have about a 40% chance of being cross-eyed. (Although, honestly, being horrified by character faces might actually be part of the authentic Oblivion experience.) On balance, though, it’s still a total glow up. It’s one of those situations where everything looks like I fondly remember it instead of how it actually did back in 2006, which speaks to how the spirit and style of the original has been maintained.

Beyond the glossy new look, though, perhaps the thing that has had the biggest impact on gameplay in Oblivion Remastered is the simple inclusion of a sprint button. If you haven’t played Oblivion in over a decade you might be shocked to hear that, no, there was no sprinting. Wild, I know. And if you never played the original, just understand that you’ll never truly know this gift you’ve been granted from Akatosh himself. I don’t even really mind that I’m now losing stamina by sprinting (something that annoys me in RPGs where you’re literally always running around). It’s worth it, even if it does have the odd side effect of making the entire map feel smaller, especially cities and dungeons that can now be fully explored in about half the time. This change has also made me care a whole lot more about investing in skills and magical buffs that increase my stamina, since now I’m using that meter for nearly everything I do. But despite the extra fiddling that causes, moving quickly through areas I already know like the back of my hand makes for a remarkably less tedious time.

There are also a bunch of major changes to the UI, leveling system, and other minor changes to get rid of some irksome choices that existed in the original. The UI has been modernized with today’s design sensibilities, so there are lots of appreciated additions you might not even notice. The compass has moved to the top of your screen and provides way more information; the health, magicka, and stamina meters are now spaced out across the screen instead of being shoved into one corner together; and the menus are much more intuitively placed, so you can toggle between your spells and character stats a lot faster.

Some elements still feel pretty old-timey – like the quest log popping up right in the middle of the screen anytime you’ve reached a new milestone in one, awkwardly interrupting whatever you were doing – but most of these annoyances didn’t bother me much. The developers clearly picked their battles with what to change and what to keep mostly the same, and these little changes can be felt all over. For example, in the original version of Oblivion any time you try to harvest a resource from the world, you roll a chance to do so, meaning you end up wasting a whole bunch of time trying to grab materials to make potions and whatnot. In Oblivion Remastered, this has been revised so now anytime you reach for an ingredient, you just get it, y’know, like they weren’t intentionally trying to annoy you. There are still plenty of wonky choices, like the return of the infamous persuasion minigame that is just as boring and unintuitive as you remember it, but they’ve mostly done a good job with polishing up the worst of these rough edges.

Unfortunately, one of the areas where Oblivion needed the most improvement was its leveling system and how enemies scale with you as you progress, and while some tweaking has been done to make it feel less unfair, it remains deeply flawed. Previously, you could only level up your character by improving your primary class skills, like Destruction for a mage or Heavy Armor for a warrior – but if you focused on doing that, enemies would scale with you and beat you to a pulp with their high-level gear (since you were as unlikely to be as well-rounded or intentionally stat-ed out as they are). This made the midgame a real pain, until you eventually got over that hump and retook your place as a geared-out badass. In Oblivion Remastered, they’ve melded that leveling system with Skyrim’s version in which everything you do increases your level, and that makes for a significantly less frustrating climb against opponents that arbitrarily become more dangerous across the entire game world.

Now I didn’t feel punished for focusing on my primary skills first, boosting my level before I was properly powered for the more lethal enemies that progression brought with it. But that core problem of enemies scaling out in the world is still a bummer of a mechanic that has aged like spoiled sweet rolls. It doesn’t exactly feel great to spend 50 hours building up your character to then discover that regular-ass bandits out in the world are now rocking full sets of shiny glass armor, mostly invalidating your hard-earned progress. This is a long-standing criticism of Oblivion, and although I know it would’ve been a massive undertaking to rebalance the entire world to continue to provide challenges for high-level characters in the late game without this shortcut, I can’t help but wish the developers had devoted the resources to addressing it.

And that really is the biggest critique of this remaster, which deftly succeeds at maintaining all the things I loved and despised about Oblivion in a clear effort to keep it as close to the original vision as possible. So a lot of how much you’re likely to enjoy a playthrough is going to come down to your personal history and experience with Bethesda’s RPGs: If you’ve been gaming for a few decades already and your nostalgia is great enough to help you forgive some pretty clearly outdated game design decisions, then you’re in for an awesome trip. But if you’re new to Oblivion or simply don’t possess a natural fondness for retro-style roleplaying, then you’ll probably find yourself less enthused when, for example, you run through the 30th or 40th nearly identical Oblivion Gate.

As for me, I find myself somewhere in the middle: I really love this game, even as I’m well-aware and quite incapable of overlooking its many flaws. Would we have been better served if Bethesda and Virtuous had thrown out the old rulebook and done a proper, ground-up remake? Maybe; maybe not. But the decision to stick as close as possible to recreating Oblivion as it existed in 2006 but prettier and slightly less irritating has certainly put a ceiling on how much this Elder Scrolls redux can really blow me away.

There’s another caveat to mention, too. Although Virtuous headed up development of this remaster and did some great work, they’re not miracle workers: this is still a Bethesda game through and through, and with that comes a lot of bugs. I saw everything from broken quest objectives to Oblivion gates disappearing before my eyes, and dozens of other issues. On more than one occasion I’ve even found myself stuck underneath a rock in an area where enemies were nearby so I wasn’t able to fast travel away, meaning I had to choose between praying to Akatosh that the baddies would creep near enough for me to kill them through the environment and escape my fate, or just give up and reload to a previous checkpoint.

Beyond that, Oblivion Remastered performs increasingly worse the longer you play it, presumably because I monkeyed with the world enough to cause it trouble trying to keep track of where I left a specific piece of cheese. My Xbox Series X dropped frames and hitched with regularity, textures loaded right in front of me, and after about 40 hours I started encountering hard crashes and game freezes every few hours like clockwork. Most of this stuff didn’t deter me from sinking an ungodly amount of time into blasting daedra with fireballs, but it’s definitely a bummer to see that two decades wasn’t long enough to fix this janky fantasy world, and in some cases it appears to perform even worse than I remember the Xbox 360 doing, which is almost impressive.

The Minecraft movie is extending its theatrical run with a sing-along release called A Minecraft Movie: Block Party Edition.

Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures announced plans to build upon their already successful time in theaters today. Exact details about how this upgraded version of the hit game-to-movie Minecraft adaptation have yet to be revealed, but Warner Bros. at least says it will encourage audiences to “sing (and meme) along” with the Minecraft Movie’s small selection of songs sung by Jack Black’s Steve. We’ll know more when Block Party Edition showings come to select theaters across North America May 2.

There are likely several factors going into the decision to dig deeper into the Minecraft film’s potential in theaters. Following its premiere earlier this month, A Minecraft Movie has managed to plow through every weekend by reaching a new milestone. Its first weekend alone brought in a total of more than $301 million worldwide as it quickly glided its way to $500 million and $700 million. It’s been a quick but long road to that legendary $1 billion status, and at a current global total of $816,566,661 (according to Box Office Mojo), Warner Bros. and Legendary want an extra kick.

The extra push from A Minecraft Movie: Block Party Edition will also double down on the memes that helped propel it to its successful status in the first place. Upon its release, Minecraft players flocked to the theater to cause havoc as they belted out references to the Chicken Jockey, Steve, Crafting Tables, and so much more. Chaos got so out of control that one fan managed to sneak a real-life chicken into a showing.

As excitement has calmed down, it’s Black’s singing that has emerged as one of the long-lasting A Minecraft Movie memes. The star has a few catchy tunes in the film, but Steve’s Lava Chicken is the track that fans have clung to the most. The cut is so popular that it even managed to debut on the UK’s official chart, securing its spot as the shortest song to ever do so.

Warner Bros. and Legendary are looking to keep up that energy when A Minecraft Movie: Block Party Edition mines into theaters next weekend. While we wait to see if theaters will be filled with screaming fans once again, you can read up on producer Torfi Frans Olafsson’s thoughts on whether or not Herobrine really made an appearance in the movie.

Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor with IGN. He's best known for his work at sites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to give him a follow on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).

Starting today, Amazon has dropped the price of the newest 2025 11th gen Apple iPad (A16) tablet. All four colors - Blue, Yellow, Pink, and Silver - equipped with 128GB of RAM and Wi-Fi only connectivity are down to $299 after a $50 price drop. This is the best discount I've seen for the latest generation iPad since its launch earlier this year and a great gift idea for Mother's Day, which lands on May 11. A sizeable discount on a very recent iPad release is uncommon, and I don't expect the sale to stick around for more than a couple of days.

Update: Last week the price of these iPads dropped from $349 to $319. This week the price has gone down yet again to $299. Also, whereas only Blue and Yellow were on sale previously, all four colors are discounted right now.

$50 Off New 2025 Apple iPad 10.9" (A16) Tablet

For most people, the iPad (not the Air, Mini, or Pro) is the best model to get because it offers all the benefits of iOS as well as snappy performance at an affordable price. The current generation model was released on March 12, 2025, over two years after the previous generation (October 2022). The upgrades include a more powerful processor (A16 vs A14), more RAM (6GB vs 4GB), and more storage (128GB vs 64GB), all. Best of all, the launch price of $349 is actually lower than when the previous generation model was released, which was $399.

The specs that have carried over are the 10.9" Liquid Retina 2360x1640 (264ppi) display, USB Type-C charging, Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, and the same camera. It's also compatible with the Magic Folio keyboard so you can convert it into a mini laptop for better workflow, making it one of the best iPads for students, and the newer Apple Pencil with USB-C.

Looking for more iPad resources?

If you're not sure which iPad is best for you, we have an iPad guide which details which iPad is ideal for which use case. If you intend want to get an iPad for schoolwork, we have an iPad guide for students as well. If you're looking for options outside of iOS, check out the best Android tablets of 2025.

A new pair of AirPods would also make a great gift for mom

The final chapter of the My Hero Academia manga was published last August, and the final season of the anime will air later this year. That doesn’t mean the world of My Hero Academia is over, though. New movies and spin-offs like My Hero Academia: Vigilantes will hopefully help fill the void with new storylines, characters, and Quirks. For anyone who's been wanting to check out the new series, the fourth episode of Vigilantes just released on Crunchyroll, and now the first three episodes are streaming for free.

How to Watch My Hero Academia: Vigilantes Online

If you're still catching up on the My Hero Academia timeline, Crunchyroll's free tier includes all seven seasons of the original series with ads. You can also watch My Hero Academia with a Hulu subscription.

My Hero Academia Season 8 Release Date

The final season of My Hero Academia is planned to air during the fall anime season later this year, most likely kicking off in October.

My Hero Academia: Vigilantes Characters and Voice Cast

My Hero Academia: Vigilantes features a range of new and returning characters from the original series. Here's some of the show's main voice cast in English and Japanese:

• Koichi Haimawairi/The Crawler voiced by Jack Broadbent and Shuichiro Umeda
• Oguro Iwao/Knuckleduster voiced by Jason Marnocha and Yasuhiro Mamiya
• Kazuho Haneyama/Pop Step voiced by Macy Anne Johnson and Ikumi Hasegawa
• Soga Kugizaki voiced by Joshua Waters and Kohsuke Toriumi
• All Might voiced by Christopher R. Sabat and Kenta Miyake
• Shota Aizawa/Eraser Head voiced by Christopher Wehkamp and Junichi Suwabe
• Hizashi Yamada/Present Mic voiced by Dave Trosko and Hiroyuki Yoshino
• Nemuri Kayama/Midnight voiced by Elizabeth Maxwell and Akeno Watanabe

Blythe (she/her) is an SEO Coordinator at IGN who spends way too much time in character customization screens and tracking down collectibles.

Puzzling has become one of my favorite relaxing hobbies. I have dedicated an entire table to jigsaw puzzles and slowly piece each one together over weeks at a time. It's a simple and satisfying pastime that has a relatively low initial cost. Because of my love of puzzles, I'm always on the lookout for great deals on new ones. Amazon has been a good source of these discounts so far, and the latest sale on Ravensburger puzzles is absolutely worth a look.

The last time Amazon had such a sale was back in February, just ahead of Valentine's Day. Now, a very similar set of discounts has come back only a couple of weeks before Mother's Day. If you're looking to buy a puzzle for yourself or the chronic puzzler in your life, I've rounded up some of the best deals below.

The Best Puzzle Deals at Amazon Today

Similar to the sale Amazon had earlier this year, all of these deals are lightning deals. The discounts aren't on a set timer, but there is a limited amount of stock available at the discount listed. So if you click through to a puzzle and the price doesn't match what I have here, the deal has most likely expired. As for what puzzles are getting the biggest discounts, both Star Wars and Disney jigsaw puzzles are available at reduced prices, The Star Wars puzzles are getting the biggest discounts, which coincides with upcoming May the Fourth celebrations.

Is Ravensburger the best puzzle brand?

There are a lot of different brands that make puzzles, but Ravensburger is widely considered one of the very best jigsaw puzzle brands out there. This is in part due to the quality of each puzzle. The patented "Softclick" technology allows for you to hear and audible click each time you place a piece in the right place. Ravensburger also uses high-quality materials for each puzzle ensuring the pieces won't be bent or broken when you open the box.

What Size Puzzle Should You Buy?

This particular sale mostly includes 1,000-piece puzzles, but larger options are also available. If you're wondering what size puzzle is right for you, it really just comes down to how much time you plan to dedicate to a puzzle. A 1,000-piece puzzle is an ideal size for most adults who are looking for a decent challenge, but once you scale that up to 1,500 or 2,000 pieces, it starts to get more difficult. With larger puzzles, you need more space to ensure you can actually put the whole thing together while also having room to organize your pieces.

Larger puzzles will also generally take you longer to put together, which is all the more reason to invest in a good puzzle board or table that is dedicated to one puzzle at a time. If you don't think you'll have enough time or space for something larger than 1,000 pieces, then you'll want to look into the smaller 500- or 300-piece puzzles on the market. Some puzzles will actually come in smaller sizes, so make sure you check the details on the product page before you buy.

If you thought Ryan Coogler’s Sinners wasn’t going to be a cultural phenomenon, it’s safe to say you’ve been proven wrong. The stylish and scary vampire flick has taken the film-loving world by storm since it debuted in theaters just two weeks ago, and is now officially one of the highest-grossing vampire movies of all time in North America.

At the time of this article's publication, Sinners sits at $122 million for its domestic box office gross, overtaking Van Helsing to become the ninth biggest vampire film of all time in North America, according to Box Office Mojo.

According to this ranking, Sinners will soon shoot past the first Hotel Transylvania movie's $148 million domestic lifetime gross, and could catch the first Twilight movie's $193 million North American haul.

It's a different situation entirely when it comes to global box office, of course. Currently Sinners sits at a worldwide total of $161.626 million after two weekends in theaters. 2012's Hotel Transylvania ended up with $358,488,860 at the global box office. 2008's Twilight secured $408,516,348 globally.

Here’s where the argument for the extension of the theatrical window comes back into play, but if Sinners sticks around in theaters for a bit — as it should, considering venues around the country are packed to the brim, some even during the middle of the day on weekdays (speaking from personal NYC experience here) — it absolutely has the potential to pull past $300 million globally before bowing out triumphantly and heading to streaming and, hopefully, physical media.

After all, the film is already over halfway there at $161 million, so it’s far from impossible. I think we’re all rooting for the film to go as far as its success will take it, and if that means dethroning Bella and Edward, so be it. The vampire gods — and, quite frankly, the people — will it so.

IGN's Sinners review returned a 9/10. We said: "Ryan Coogler’s first horror movie expertly blends plenty of vampires and music into a compelling story about twin brothers – played by Michael B. Jordan – returning home to their Mississippi hometown in 1932."

Lex Briscuso is a film and television critic and a freelance entertainment writer for IGN. You can follow her on Twitter at @nikonamerica.

A great 2-in-1 laptop is able to fill the role of both a laptop and a tablet PC. The best among them are able to offer a level of versatility that a traditional laptop cannot. While they aren't usually aimed directly at gaming, thanks to the rise of cloud streaming and more advanced processors like the AMD Ryzen AI MAX+ 395, even that isn't outside of the realm of possibility. Without question, these transformer-like laptops are more interesting and powerful than ever before.

TL;DR – These Are the Best 2-in-1 Laptops:

Despite the changing landscape for 2-in-1s, their history in the workplace and among students has allowed the market to flourish with underpowered and unappealing options being marketed as anything but. If you're looking for the best bang for your buck for a laptop with a rotatable or flippable touchscreen, look no further because I have the picks to save you time on shopping and spend more time enjoying your new PC.

1. Microsoft Surface Pro 11

Best 2-in-1 Laptop

Whether you're a student, an employee, or just someone that wants a thin, light, and dare I say stylish 2-in-1 laptop to carry through the day, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is a fantastic pick. It features top-tier hardware and a killer screen that make it run fast and look better. I recommend picking it up in a bundle with the Surface Pro Keyboard and Surface Pen for the complete transformer-like experience.

Unlike Surface tablets from generations past, the Surface Pro 11 doesn't skimp when it comes to specs. This year's model features a top-tier Snapdragon CPU, your choice of a Snapdrop X Plus or Snapdragon X Elite. Add onto that anywhere from 16GB to 64GB of fast DDR5 memory and up to a terabyte of storage, this is a machine that offers the best responsiveness, best processing capabilities, and best user experience of any Surface to date.

Part of what makes it so appealing is just how seamlessly it can fit into your life. Even with the keyboard folio attached, it's thin, light, and carefree to carry. Unlike many competitors that are simply laptops with rotating screens, you can easily carry the Surface around like an iPad with its keyboard wrapped around the back or waiting in your bag for the next time you need it.

In my review, I quickly fell in love with its form factor and – inside baseball – that's not something I expected as someone that spends most of my time reviewing powerful gaming laptops. Its OLED touchscreen is beautiful, so even though it's not a good fit for local gaming (more on that in a second), everything from spreadsheets to YouTube and Netflix, to streaming games over the cloud, you can count on fantastic image quality and proper HDR.

From the first day, it was clear to me how much care the product engineers at Microsoft put into its design. From the satisfyingly effortless way that the case snaps into place and holds firm, to the integrated magnetic charging cradle built into the top of the keyboard case allowing you to carry everything with you with the least management possbile, it comes together near perfectly. It doesn't disappoint as a daily driver, fully capable of replacing a bulkier productivity laptop.

This 2-in-1 also comes with Qualcomm's high-performing Snapdragon X Elite CPU. This processor is built on a different architecture (ARM) than the current offerings from Intel (x86) and AMD (x86), which allows it to be more power efficient, overhead that Microsoft cashes in for its brighter, prettier screen and high-performance parts. It's perfect for productivity and streaming, though you should be aware that, though it tries to emulate an x86 processor, it's not quite 100%. Most major applications run just fine, but it's worth double checking your most-used programs with reputable sites like Windows on ARM to be sure it's included on the regularly updated compatability list.

But what of gaming? Well, it's not good news if you like to run your games locally on your PC. As of this writing, most games you'll find on Steam either don't run or don't run well. Most of the games in our benchmark suite simply wouldn't launch when I tried. But that doesn't mean you're out of luck! Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now both worked seamlessly. You'll need a good internet connection and subscription to use those services, but they open the door to a huge library of streamable games, rounding out the Surface Pro 11 even more.

2. Minisforum V3 SE Tablet PC

Best Budget 2-in-1 Laptop

Looking for a Microsoft Surface-like experience without the Microsoft Surface premium? Minisforum has you covered with its V3 SE tablet PC. This 2-in-1 adopts an extremely similar design to the Surface Pro 11 and even offers better compatibility and gaming performance thanks to its powerful AMD Ryzen 7 8840U processor, and offers it all at a fraction of the price.

Having tested it extensively before and after my review, I can say confidently that it's not just a great value 2-in-1, it's a great value laptop period. Its performance is snappy, and it handles multitasking like a champ thanks to its 32GB of included memory. You won't have to worry about deleting files anytime soon because it also comes stock with a 1TB SSD. Best of all, it includes the keyboard and stylus in its base price, so you won't need to pay extra like you do with the Surface. For less than $700 all in, it's a bargain.

Though its processor isn't quite as power efficient as the Snapdragon X Elite, it's still preferable for a wide array of users since it's built on the x86 architecture, the design that has driven Windows PCs for ages. The V3 SE is compatible with every normal Windows app and game. If it runs on another laptop or desktop PC, it should, in theory, run here.

That "in theory" caveat is a minor one, but notable in the case of video games. Like every other 2-in-1 on this list, the V3 uses an integrated GPU. That means its processor is responsible for the entire experience, from productivity to any gaming you might want to do. Thankfully, its integrated graphics are quite powerful, and in fact, drove a whole generation of PC gaming handhelds. You'll need to turn down the resolution to at least 1200p and drop some settings, but rest assured that it's certainly possible to play games on this slate.

Of course, with a lower price comes some trade-offs. The screen is a standard IPS panel with a matte finish, so you're not getting any fancy OLED here. It's also a bit bulkier than the Surface, but both are still compact and light overall.

Even despite these relatively minor concessions, the Minisforum V3 SE 2-in-1 tablet PC is an absolutely killer value. It offers enough performance to get the job done for just about any productivity or entertainment task you could do on a full-size laptop, can play and stream a huge library of games, and has the delightful quality of disappearing in your bag until you need it most. For the money, it's a complete W.

3. Asus ROG Flow Z13 (2025)

Best 2-in-1 Laptop for Gaming

The Asus ROG Flow Z13 is the current king of the hill when it comes to gaming performance and may just be the best pick for sheer performance you can buy right now. That doesn't mean it's the best fit for everybody. As the saying goes, with great power comes a great price tag. (That is how that goes, right?) Either way, if you're looking for sheer grunt and gaming performance that rivals some dedicated gaming laptops, look no further.

Asus has a tendency to throw everything it's got at its flagship products, and that's certainly the case here. It's no exaggeration to say that there has never been a 2-in-1 quite like it before. That's because it's the first to come with the AMD Ryzen Max+ 395 processor, an all-in-one that sets a new high-water mark for processing capability and graphics performance.

This chip features a whopping 16 cores and 32 threads, and a rapid 5.1GHz top speed to ensure that any app you care to throw at it will run seamlessly. At its release, it's the top of the line in AMD's AI-based processors. But even if you never touch an AI app for it to accelerate, it's incredibly capable whether you're gaming, browsing the web, creating 3D art, or editing photos and video. Simply put, it's beastly.

But it's when you get to gaming that it really comes into its own. When I worked through my testing, I was surprised to find that its real-world gaming performance ranged anywhere from that of an RTX 4050 all the way to an RTX 4070 laptop graphics card. That means you'll be able to run your games at decent settings while also taking advantage of cutting-edge technology, including AMD features like FidelityFX Super Resolution and Fluid Motion Frames.

An all-in-one CPU, also known as an APU, like this is unheard of. While dedicated gamers will still find better value with a full-fledged gaming laptop in sheer fps and value per dollar, if you crave the versatility of a 2-in-1, the Flow Z13 offers next-level performance.

With all of that high praise, there are a couple things that you should know before pulling the trigger on one. The first is that you'll pay a mighty premium for this kind of performance. The 32GB variant that I tested will set you back a whopping $2,299. Doubling your memory up to 64GB is only $100 more at $2,399, and I would suggest thinking carefully about how much you may need in the future because it's not possible to upgrade it down the line. Likewise, because it uses a smaller form factor SSD, the highest capacity you can buy (at least at the time of publication) is 2TB. You can easily connect an external SSD thanks to its plentiful port selection, but there are hard limits to be mindful of out of the gate. And though it's a smaller issue, the Flow Z13 is significantly thicker than other 2-in-1s with a detachable keyboard. It's the price you pay for top-tier performance, but it's worth keeping in mind nonetheless.

There's no way around how expensive it is compared to a gaming laptop, but it's hard to argue that it doesn't offer incredible performance for its form factor. Asus knocked it out of the park with this one.

4. Lenovo IdeaPad 5X

Best 2-in-1 Laptop for Work

Look, if you need a 2-in-1 laptop for work, you don't need the wallet-devastating overkill of some of the other options on this list. Productivity apps, by and large, are fairly easy to run, which means you can save money and still get a great laptop like the Lenovo IdeaPad 5X. It offers a great balance of just enough hardware for a smooth and responsive work experience with great battery life and an enticing screen. The best part is we've seen it as low as $550, which is quite a bargain for all you're getting here.

The IdeaPad 5X doesn't concern itself with flashy visuals or being the thinnest and lightest 2-in-1 around. Instead, this is from the family of convertible laptops, where the screen can flip backwards to offer tablet functionality while always remaining connected to its keyboard. While that does make it thicker and a bit heavier, it's also less to manage. You'll always have what you need right on hand with this laptop, which is a level up for your productivity.

When I reviewed this laptop, I was surprised at just how well it performed for its comparatively low cost, especially when working in the Microsoft Office Suite or in Google Sheets and Google Docs. It lacks nothing compared to higher performance and more expensive laptops on this list and well beyond. With 16GB of RAM, it's able to handle a handful of applications at a time, so you can easily switch back and forth to grab data as needed. Its 512GB of storage isn't the highest, but it's enough so that unless you start downloading video files and large applications, it should last a good long time before you need to back up files, before you need to choose what needs to stay and what should go.

The IdeaPad 5X also has a surprisingly nice screen, a 14-inch OLED touchscreen. This type of laptop display offers infinite contrast for deep, rich blacks and colors that pop with their vividness. It's not ultra-high resolution or high refresh rate, with a 1200p display (the 16:10 aspect ratio version of 1080p) and a 60Hz refresh rate. But it doesn't need to be for getting work done and even enjoying a movie here and there. It's plenty to offer an enjoyable viewing experience.

Most importantly, it offers battery life that can stretch to nearly two entire workdays and perhaps more if you only use it intermittently. Working in Microsoft Office and Google Docs, occasionally browsing social media and visiting websites, plus a YouTube video here and there, I was able to stretch it to a bit over 15 hours on average. That's significantly more than you would expect from its 57Wh battery. Since it's running a power-efficient Snapdragon X Plus processor, its uptime significantly exceeds competing affordable 2-in-1s utilizing Intel or AMD CPUs.

As the Microsoft Surface Pro 11, its use of a Snapdragon processor does mean that app compatibility isn't 100%. For work applications, however, this is much less of a concern because of wide emulation support for the most commonly used apps (including in the creative industry). For work and occassional play, the IdeaPad 5X is a solid choice.

5. Asus Zenbook Duo UX8406

Best Dual-Screen 2-in-1 Laptop

How to Choose a 2-in-1 laptop

Shopping for a 2-in-1 laptop isn't that different from shopping for a normal laptop. The first thing you need to consider is what you're going to be using it for, and then choose the display and specs that match. This type of computer introduces another complexity, though: Do you want a flippable screen, a rotatable screen, or perhaps even dual screens? In addition, do you want a laptop that's able to detach or one that is attached like a normal clamshell laptop?

With these questions out of the way, here are the key things to look for:

• Screen: The first thing to consider is the screen that comes with the laptop. This begins with the size. Generally, for productivity, you'll want to stick between 13 and 16 inches. This allows you to have enough space to get work done without needing to squint to make out fine details. It also makes for a better web browsing and entertainment experience. Laptop displays can come in several different forms, but for two-in-ones, you're generally going to be looking at an IPS or OLED display. IPS makes up the majority of available laptops and offers solid colors and viewing angles at a more reasonable price. The contrast of these screens is relatively low, however, so if you want true inky blacks and the best picture quality, OLED is the better way to go. Just note that OLED monitors tend to run warmer and use up the battery a little bit faster.
• Processor: A laptop's processor is like its brain. It handles all of the computing tasks that allow the laptop to run properly. These days, I wouldn't recommend anything less than six cores from either Intel or AMD. Ideally, you should target a processor that has at least 10 cores to ensure great performance across most apps and an easy ability to multitask.
• Memory: Memory or RAM stores information so the processor can rapidly access it. It's of the utmost importance for multitasking and running heavier apps like photo and video editing tools. Avoid anything less than 16GB, with 32GB preferred if you want to extend the usable life of your laptop by an additional several years. You should really only look into 64GB or above if you are a creative artist or are interested in running LLMs locally on your machine. You almost certainly know that already.
• Storage: A laptop's storage is measured in gigabytes or terabytes and represents how much data can be stored locally on the machine. A good starting point is 512GB, though if you're storing a lot of pictures or videos or working with digital art, this can be taken up quickly, forcing you to delete files. You can mitigate this by saving your work to the cloud and downloading what you need. However, if you think this may be a concern, I recommend looking to laptops offering 1TB or more of storage.

2-in-1 Laptops FAQ

Do 2-in-1 laptops break easily?

This is a common concern, and while it is wise to exercise a bit more care due to their extra foldability, you shouldn't worry much more about a 2-in-1 laptop than a normal laptop. Both are expensive electronics and can be relatively fragile, but keep it clean, protected in transit, and avoid rough treatment, and the best 2-in-1 laptops can last many years.

I do have a couple of recommendations to help keep your 2-in-1 running its best. First, if you plan to write with a stylus or leave the screen exposed while you walk around the office or campus, it can be wise to invest in a screen protector to prevent scratches. Likewise, because their hinges usually offer more movement, I caution away from using the laptop anywhere where debris might make its way into the hinge. No one likes grit in their screen movement.

What are the disadvantages of a 2-in-1 laptop?

2-in-1 laptops can be great, but they do have some disadvantages. If you're a gamer, you'll find far fewer options at your disposal. Additionally, compared to productivity laptops, they tend to weigh a bit more due to the extra hardware inside of them. You can also expect to pay a bit more for 2-in-1 functionality, but there are options at most price points if you're willing to shop around.

Can you play games on a 2-in-1 laptop?

That depends entirely on the type of games you want to play and the hardware inside your laptop. Laptops running some of the latest processors from both Intel and AMD – their Ultra and HX/AI MAX lineups, respectively – you can easily play many games, as long as you're willing to adjust graphics settings. What you shouldn't expect to do is play the latest games at their highest settings because most 2-in-1 laptops lack any kind of dedicated graphics card, which is most commonly used to drive those experiences. Gaming is typically a second consideration for 2-in-1 laptops because their primary use cases are work, school, and web browsing.

Christopher Coke has been a regular contributor to IGN since 2019 and has been covering games and technology since 2013. He has covered tech ranging from gaming controllers to graphics cards, gaming chairs and gaming monitors, headphones, IEMs, and more for sites such as MMORPG.com, Tom’s Hardware, Popular Science, USA Today’s Reviewed, and Popular Mechanics. Find Chris on Twitter @gamebynight.

If you're looking to slay demons in Doom: The Dark Ages, add the best of the Doom and Wolfenstein franchises to your library, and make a difference in the world by donating to Direct Relief, the brand-new id & Friends Humble Bundle is the one collection you've been waiting for.

This id & Friends Humble Bundle, which boasts a $194 value and will stick around until May 13, allows you to pay what you want and get rewarded for doing so. We'll detail the three different options below, but we'll start by highlighting the 11-item bundle that gets you a 10% coupon off Doom: The Dark Ages and its Premium Edition.

For those unfamiliar, Doom: The Dark Ages is set to be released on May 15, 2025, and serves as a prequel to 2016's Doom and Doom Eternal that sends the Doom Slayer into the dark and sinister medieval war against Hell. We've already had the chance to get our hands on Doom: The Dark Ages, and we said "every aspect of it looked and felt incredible."

So, by paying at least $28 to the id & Friends Humble Bundle, you'll unlock that 10% discount for Doom: The Dark Ages and its Premium Edition alongside the following;

• Doom Eternal
• Doom Eternal Year One Pass
• Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus
• Doom (2016)
• Doom + Doom II
• Wolfenstein: The New Order
• Wolfenstein: The Old Blood
• Doom 3
• Doom 64

If you don't need the coupon or aren't ready to jump into the Doom Slayer's latest adventure, there are other options as well! By donating at least $12, you'll unlock the following;

• Doom (2016)
• Doom + Doom II
• Wolfenstein: The New Order
• Wolfenstein: The Old Blood
• Doom 3
• Doom 64

Lastly, those who just want to donate a $5 to make a difference can do so and add Doom 3 and Doom 64 to their library.

The id & Friends Humble Bundle is all about choice and rewarding you for helping out Direct Relief, and yes, you'll be able to redeem these codes on Steam and play the games on Windows PCs. And as we mentioned, the bundle will be available until April 13, so be sure to jump on it if you're ready to rip and tear your way into some fantasic games.

For more, check out why we think Doom is having its moment with The Dark Ages and what we thought about the game during our first preview back in January 2025.

Humble Bundle is part of IGN Entertainment, the division of Ziff Davis that includes GamesIndustry.biz, IGN, and MapGenie.

Adam Bankhurst is a writer for IGN. You can follow him on X/Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on TikTok.

In my opinion, the Amazon Kindle is one of the best electronic devices ever. Maybe the only piece of tech I use more than my Kindle is my phone, but even then, I have the Kindle app if I decide I just want to stick some knowledge into my craw. If you're on the hunt for a good deal on Kindle devices, there are quite a few on sale right now that are worth checking out.

At the moment our favorite deal is on the Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition (32 GB), which has received a 20% discount to $224.99. This marks a return to its lowest price, according to price tracker camelcamelcamel, so there's no better time to grab it. That's not all, though. You can also score three months of Kindle Unlimited for $0.99 right now. We've included those deals and a few more below.

The Best Kindle Deals Right Now

Kindle is one of the devices you're most likely to find on sale during Amazon events like Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday. The available Kindle lineup has expanded quite a lot over the years, too. Amazon will oftentimes sneak Kindle deals into its Deal of the Day or offer a bonus deal like free Kindle Unlimited or other Amazon services as well.

Kindle Unlimited Deal

If you own a Kindle, it's absolutely worth investing in Kindle Unlimited. Right now, when you sign up, you can get three months for $0.99 before its $11.99/month price kicks in.

But you may be wondering: what is Kindle Unlimited, and is it really worth it? The answer is... absolutely, dear reader. With this, you'll get unlimited access to millions of digital titles, audiobooks, and magazine subscriptions. That way you can read all of the latest bestsellers, classics, biggest hits, and more in the realm of books and comics. What better way to get started on your Kindle adventure?

New 2024 Kindle Releases

Amazon released quite a few brand-new Kindles in October 2024. Alongside upgraded versions of the standard Kindle, Kindle Paperwhite, Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, Kindle Kids, and Kindle Paperwhite Kids, they also revealed the brand-new Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition. This features a color display to make your favorite stories and comics pop. There's also a new Kindle Scribe with a redesigned display that's available now.

Current Kindle Bestsellers

Wondering where to start once you pick up your new Kindle? Have no fear, we're here to help with that, too. Below, we've listed out the current Kindle bestsellers so you can start up an exciting new book right away. Some of these titles can be read for free if you're a Prime member or as part of Kindle Unlimited, or they can be purchased if you'd like to own them.

• Rebound by Sadie Kincaid - Free with Kindle Unlimited, $4.99 to purchase
• Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry - $14.99 to purchase
• The Boomerang by Robert Bailey - Preorder for $1.99
• Sawyer by Jessica Peterson - Free with Kindle Unlimited, $4.99 to purchase
• Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros - Free with Kindle Unlimited, $14.99 to purchase
• Story of My Life by Lucy Score - Free with Kindle Unlimited, $5.99 to purchase
• Just Say Yes by Lena Hendrix - Free with Kindle Unlimited, $4.99 to purchase
• Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros - Free with Kindle Unlimited, $14.99 to purchase
• Verity by Colleen Hoover - Free with Kindle Unlimited, $13.99 to purchase
• The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris by Evie Woods - $0.99 to purchase

Best Kindle Book Deals

If you want to see the latest and greatest Kindle book deals available, there's an excellent variety to pick through. Whether you're looking for new comics to dig into or just want to sink into a thrilling novel, there's always great book deals available for Kindle users. We've listed just a few of our favorites below, but if you want to see the full list of available deals, head to Amazon's Kindle deals page here.

• Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins - $18.99 (usually $27.99)
• The Spy Coast by Tess Gerritsen - $2.49 (usually $4.99)
• The Echo of Old Books by Barbara Davis - $2.49 (usually $4.99)
• Fantastic Four by Jonathan Hickman: The Complete Collection Vol. 1 - $8 (usually $34.99)
• Ultimate Spider-Man by Jonathan Hickman Vol. 1: Married With Children - $4.40 (usually $19.99)

Why a Kindle Is Worth the Investment

I've been rocking the Kindle since the earliest model was available, and not only do I prefer it to any other method of reading, I've found myself reading more than I would have with traditional paper books. Not that there's anything wrong with reading from a traditional book, I just personally appreciate the ease of use and form factor afforded me by the Kindle.

Since the Kindles use e-ink instead of traditional screens like your phone or iPad, they can be read in just about any lighting. In fact, the pages look like actual paper pages, so any artificial light or even bright sunlight are no factor when using the Kindle. It only uses energy when you turn the page, use the backlight or leave Wi-Fi turned on, so if you go into Airplane mode you can go weeks, even months, between charging your Kindle. Generally I go long enough to completely forget where I put my charging cable.

Hannah Hoolihan is a freelance writer who works with the Guides and Commerce teams here at IGN.

With contributions from Seth Macy.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered has been in players’ hands for almost a week, and they’ve already got a long list of changes they’d love to see included.

Since Bethesda Game Studios and Virtuos shadow-dropped their heavily rumored Oblivion remaster last Tuesday, fans have spent dozens of hours revisiting Cyrodiil to see how it compares to the 2006 original. While the vast majority of its vibrant hills and demonic Oblivion Gates are the same but with a fresh coat of paint, some major gameplay elements have been tweaked to make the overall experience more appealing to newcomers. So, with features like a sprint mechanic added, fans have one question on their minds: what else could be added?

Bethesda heard players’ cries for Oblivion Remastered updates and took to its official Discord to see what the community wants to see included. It’s unclear how many suggestions – if any at all – will worm their way into the Elder Scrolls remaster, but it’s clear that Bethesda is at least taking the feedback into consideration. Still, there are a few suggestions that have climbed their way to the top of the list of requests.

Less Awkward Sprinting

Oblivion Remastered’s most noticeable new feature allows players to sprint, making the trek across the Planes of Oblivion speedier than ever... and also a bit awkward. It’s hard to deny that sprint, as it currently exists in Oblivion Remastered, is quite wonky, as the player character hunches forward and swings their arms as they make a mad dash toward whatever adventures lie ahead.

The Elder Scrolls series is known for its jank, but this is one animation that many believe could use some slight adjustments. While some hope the spring animation is altered to look more natural altogether, others are at least hoping for a setting that allows players to go with a natural sprint or stick with the current sprint if they so choose.

More Customization Options

Social media is flooded with ridiculous Oblivion Remastered custom character designs, but many think its character creation system could be better. One popular request involves additional hair options as players look to personalize their chosen character. Another has to do with the request for more body customization tools, including height and weight. While these additions could give fans more freedom to express themselves, many are just hoping for the ability to change their appearance later in the game.

Difficulty Balance

Difficulty is an especially hot topic for Oblivion Remastered players now one week removed from launch. Specifically, hundreds of fans are looking for a tweak to the challenge offered in the Adept and Expert modes, with the former deemed to be too easy by many, while the latter has been labeled too hard. A difficulty slider or additional difficulty options may be what Oblivion Remastered needs not only to give players the choice to finely tune their challenge level but maybe even recreate the difficulty of the original experience.

“We need difficulty sliders, please!” one Discord user said. “Adept is way too easy and mindless, but expert is too grindy. Honestly can’t play before a patch arrives.”

Mod Support

Bethesda has spent the last decade making its pro-mod stance abundantly clear, so many were shocked to see that Oblivion Remastered did not support mods upon its release. There’s been no word as to why such a key feature was left out this time around, leaving many to hope Bethesda and Virtuos will eventually change course.

While unofficial mod support can already be found for PC players who know where to look, console Elder Scrolls fans have been left without the freedom to customize every aspect of the game. Official mod support means not only a streamlined modding experience on PC but potentially even console, too.

Spell Organization

As players continuously pour hundreds of hours into Oblivion Remastered, they’ve found their menu experience to be overencumbered by an insurmountable list of spells. Regardless of their utility, you’ll be hard pressed to find a player who uses every last magic ability that can be found in Cyrodiil.

These are long lists of spells that players are sifting through to find their desired incantation, making the option to sort and hide them easily one of the more popular suggestions.

“There should be a way to remove spells from your spell book,” another Discord user added. “Once you start making custom spells and level up, your spell list becomes unmanageable.

Map clearing/Soul Gems

Exploration is one of the key features of an Elder Scrolls game, so players are hoping Bethesda will eventually release an update that makes reading its map a bit easier. Players are looking for a UI update that clarifies whether or not a location has been cleared so that no one wastes their time going to a dungeon that they forgot they cleaned out 30 hours ago.

Another prominent issue featured in suggestion threads involves Soul Gems. Like maps, it’s a bit hard to make out a Soul Gem’s type without going through a few steps. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim allowed players to make out a Soul Gem’s contents by simply reading its name, so the hope is that a similar addition is added to Oblivion Remastered.

Performance Fixes

This one’s a no-brainer. While most players have found their Oblivion Remastered experience to be relatively smooth, every platform has its fair share of complaints when it comes to framerate issues, bugs, and visual hiccups.

These problems were exacerbated when a recent backend update triggered a wave of graphics glitches that removed access to some settings while tanking framerates on PC. Bethesda said it’s working on a fix, so don’t be surprised if future updates also bring tweaks to smooth out the experience.

Elder Scrolls fans are drooling at the thought of updates to Oblivion Remastered, but at least on PC, they don’t have to rely on Bethesda to see some of their most desired changes implemented. There are, of course, already hundreds of mods available for those looking to tweak this beloved refresh to their liking. Some highly requested items have already gotten fan-made mods, too, including an upright sprint animation and more customization options.

We’ve got plenty more on Oblivion Remastered, including a report on a player who managed to escape the confines of Cyrodiil to explore Valenwood, Skyrim, and even Hammerfell, the rumored setting of The Elder Scrolls VI.

We've also got a comprehensive guide to everything you'll find in Oblivion Remastered, including an expansive Interactive Map, complete Walkthroughs for the Main Questline and every Guild Quest, How to Build the Perfect Character, Things to Do First, every PC Cheat Code, and much more.

Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor with IGN. He's best known for his work at sites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to give him a follow on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).

Earlier this year, Dell rebooted the legendary Alienware Area-51 lineup of prebuilt gaming PCs, but until recently you could only configure it with one graphics card option - the RTX 5080. That's no longer the case; you can now choose to configure your PC with the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 GPU, which is currently the most powerful graphics card on the market. Better yet, it's on sale right now and for the first time under the $5,000 threshold.

Save $500 Off the Alienware Area-51 RTX 5090 Gaming PC

There are a lot of great deals in today’s Woot gaming sale, but the Pokémon lineup grabbed my attention first. Some of my favorite games are included here, most notably Legends: Arceus.

I’m currently playing through it again to calm my hype for Legends: Z-A when it drops for Switch 2. In my opinion, Legends: Arceus still holds up incredibly well, especially when you lean into the exploration and catching mechanics that set it apart from the usual formula.

TL;DR: Mainline Pokémon Game Sale

Performance updates for older games like these are possible once Switch 2 releases, although nothing is guaranteed yet. Some games might require specific patches or paid upgrades to fully take advantage of the new hardware.

Still, based on how Nintendo has handled generational shifts in the past, it is likely that most titles will at least see smoother frame rates, better resolutions, and stronger stability even without official patches. In my opinion, it is a smart time to grab a few favorites while they are discounted.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Pokémon Sword

Pokémon Shield

Pokémon Brilliant Diamond

Pokémon Shining Pearl

Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee!

Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu!

The newest earbuds from JBL – the Tour Pro 3 – are a seamless blend of innovation and performance, offering cutting-edge features and remarkable sound quality. And this latest flagship model from JBL just might be the best true wireless earbuds I’ll test all year. Whether you’re an audiophile or simply someone who wants reliable earbuds for everyday use, you’re going to want to check out everything that the Tour Pro 3 has to offer.

JBL Tour Pro 3 Specs

• Price: $299.95
• Weight: 5.6 grams (each)
• Active Noise Cancellation: Yes
• Weather resistance rating: IP55
• Battery life: up to 7 hours with ANC (33 hours total with case), up to 11 hours without (up to 44 hours total with case)
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3

JBL Tour Pro 3 with ANC – Design and Features

Most everything about the JBL Tour Pro 3 exudes extravagance, starting with the sleek, felt-lined packaging it arrives in, with cables and five extra sets of foam tips neatly encased inside.

It was the little things that stood out to me, though, specifically JBL’s attention to detail. The earbuds’ smart charging case has a vibrant 1.57” (a step up from the previous Tour Pro 2’s 1.45” screen) touchscreen display, which was a nice touch. But it’s not just a gimmick – this little screen is surprisingly useful. It lets you check the time, battery status, and even messages without needing to reach for your phone. You can customize the background for a personal touch, as I set mine to a waterfall from a recent trip to Hawaii. What’s more impressive is how the case doubles as a dongle for audio transmission, allowing you to connect to devices like in-flight entertainment systems via aux or USB. It’s a level of utility I haven’t seen in frankly any other earbuds cases.

The design of the earbuds themselves are equally impressive. While they’re a bit bulkier than some competitors (the earbuds I reviewed just before these were the comparatively diminutive Apple AirPods 4, so my recent bias might be showing), their ergonomic design ensures a secure and comfortable fit. I consistently wore them during long work shifts and workouts without experiencing any discomfort or ear fatigue. Plus, with an IP55 weather resistance rating, the Tour Pro 3 handled everything from sweaty gym sessions to light rain on a few morning runs with ease.

In the battery life department, JBL’s new flagships are not a huge step up from the Tour Pro 2, but the buds do improve by an hour or so with up to 8 hours of usage with ANC and an additional 44 hours if you include what you get from a fully charged case. That kind of endurance makes them perfect for extended use, and sets them apart from other premium earbuds that often make battery life an afterthought, like the Apple AirPods Pro 2 and their max of 6 hours of playback.

JBL Tour Pro 3 – Performance

The JBL’s Tour Pro 3 bevy of features really help round them out, but performance is truly these buds’ bread and butter. Right out of the gate, the Tour Pro 3 deliver outstanding sound quality thanks to the buds’ 1-2 punch of a balanced armature drivers and 10.2mm dynamic drivers. The result is an audio experience that’s rich no matter the genre of music or scenario you’re using them in. I tested them with everything from Jelly Roll’s soulful country rap to Led Zeppelin’s classic rock and Doechii’s experimental beats. Every track was expertly balanced, with deep, resonant bass, crisp highs, and punchy mids that brought the music to life. When I tested the Tour Pro 2, I candidly thought they missed the mark when it came to a premium audio experience, so the tweaks JBL made to this new model helped punch things up. To put it simply, these are some of the better-sounding earbuds I’ve tested, and deserve a seat at the table with flagships from Sennheiser, Sony, and the like.

As a side note, if you’ve read my other reviews, you may know that I’m not exactly a fan of spatial audio. I will say that I like the Tour Pro 3’s spatial audio capabilities better than most, because it added depth to tracks more often than it relegated them to sounding downright jarring. While that kind of virtual spatial audio just isn’t me (and it’s not for lack of trying), the Tour Pro 3 offered a better experience in that category than most others I’ve tested.

Looking to a more useful feature, JBL’s Adaptive Noise Canceling 2.0 technology blocked out background noise in my day-to-day environments effortlessly, whether I was in a crowded gym or running alongside busy streets. I also found the earbuds’ ambient sound mode to be a perfectly practical feature that complimented the earbuds’ ANC quite nicely, especially useful during quick interactions like greeting a fellow jogger or taking my dog out for a walk. I don’t think the Tour Pro 3 are redefining ANC by any stretch, but I also believe most people will be pleased with the quality they find.

Call quality is big for me, since I’m a terrible combination of being on the go often and the person that always needs to call instead of text. With six microphones and JBL’s Crystal AI Algorithm, the Tour Pro 3 delivers clear, detailed audio on both ends of a call, even in challenging environments. I put the buds up against my classic bike test – a scenario where wind and background noise typically wreak havoc on call clarity – and my partner and I had a near flawless, uninterrupted conversation as I hummed along on some sweet single track.

Looking to upgrade your phone?

Check out our roundup of the best smartphones out now!

Finally, the JBL Headphones app is a game-changer. Whereas some apps are optional, JBL’s partner software is an essential piece to the package since it offers such a comprehensive suite of features, including EQ customization, fit adjustment tools, and even a "find my earbuds" function. The app’s Person-Fi 3.0 personalized EQ was particularly impressive, using a series of hearing tests to tailor the buds’ audio profile to my unique hearing preferences. I also loved the Smart Ambient mode, which automatically paused playback and ANC when I started speaking. It was a really handy feature for gym workouts with my partner, though it’s worth noting that it can be a bit sensitive when you’re alone, occasionally pausing your music unexpectedly.

One minor downside is the Tour Pro 3’s multi-connection functionality. While the earbuds can connect to multiple devices simultaneously, in this case my phone and laptop, I encountered a few instances where they switched to the wrong source and left me struggling to get them to switch back. I had to dive into my Bluetooth settings and toggle things on and off again to get the buds back on track. It was a small inconvenience, but it happened enough times to become worth noting.

JBL Tour Pro 3 – The Competition

There’s never been as many high-end earbuds options as there are today, and the Tour Pro 3 certainly still has stiff competition. That said, without having the top buds on hand for a direct, side-by-side comparison, my experience with the JBL Tour Pro 3 aligns with what I expect from high-end earbuds, keeping up with some of the best, including the Apple AirPods Pro 2, Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4, and Sony WF-1000XM5.

Where you, specifically, land between these true wireless juggernauts becomes a matter of personal preference, since we’re essentially splitting hairs in areas like (standard) features and price. For example, the AirPods Pro 2 are more compact and intuitive for iPhone users, while Sennheiser’s Momentum True Wireless 4 boasts audiophile-grade sound quality and superb ANC. And of course, Sony’s WF-1000XM5 is often regarded as the gold standard for ANC. While I’m not ready to declare that the Tour Pro 3 can completely unseat these top industry buds, I am confident in saying that the latest from JBL have one of the better blends of high-quality performance and features that you can find today.

The White Wolf is back for the last time. Production for The Witcher Season 5 is currently underway and new photos of Liam Hemsworth as lead Geralt de Rivia, among other new and returning characters, have hit the internet.

The seemingly leaked set photos — which can be viewed via the Witcher fan site Redanian Intelligence — show the Hunger Games actor in full costume with the character's signature long blonde hair, as well as some longtime characters like Meng’er Zhang as Milva and Joey Batey as Jaskier, who have been on the show since former Superman star Henry Cavill led the story. Hemsworth was announced to be replacing Cavill for Season 4 and the fifth and final season back in October 2022.

First Look at Geralt in The Witcher Season 5 (Exclusive)https://t.co/oWfelbYyL7

— Redanian Intelligence (@RedanianIntel) April 26, 2025

Additionally, there were also set images of some new characters being introduced in Season 4 who will continue to play a hand in the final season, including legendary actor (and Morbius) Laurence Fishburne as Emiel Reigs.

Through these leaked set photos, fans could speculate that Season 5 will take a page from Andrzej Sapkowski’s Tower of the Swallow, in which Geralt meets beekeepers who send them toward druids. That said, Season 4 has yet to be released, so the story could really go in any direction at this point — and there’s a lot of ground to cover before fans can put the puzzle pieces this video leaves together.

Cavill isn’t the only person who left the series and had their character recast. Kim Bodnia, who portrayed Geralt’s father figure and mentor Vesemir, will not be returning for Season 4 due to scheduling conflicts. However, Netflix has yet to announce who will be replacing Bodnia for the role — and there is no official release date for Season 4 yet, either.

Lex Briscuso is a film and television critic and a freelance entertainment writer for IGN. You can follow her on Twitter at @nikonamerica.

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in games has been discussed more and more lately. NieR series director Yoko Taro has weighed in too, expressing concern that it could lead to game creators losing jobs to AI.

In a recent interview at Famitsu, as translated by Automaton, several Japanese game developers known for narrative and storytelling discussed their approach to game creation. Alongside Yoko Taro, there was also Kotaro Uchikoshi (Zero Escape, AI: The Somnium Files), Kazutaka Kodaka (Danganronpa), and Jiro Ishii (428: Shibuya Scramble).

During the interview, the group was asked what the future of adventure games might be, and both Yoko and Uchikoshi discussed AI.

“There’s a lot of new games I want to create, but with AI technology evolving at such a high speed, I fear that there is a possibility that AI-generated adventure games will become mainstream," said Uchikoshi. He went on to note that current AI struggles to achieve "outstanding writing" comparable to human creativity, and that maintaining the "human touch" would be crucial to staying ahead of the tech. Yoko, though, also expressed concerns.

“I, too, believe that game creators may lose their jobs because of AI," said Yoko. "There’s a chance that in 50 years, game creators will be treated like bards.”

When it came to whether they thought AI could imitate the worlds and stories, including the twists and turns, of their works, Yoko and Ishii agreed. Kodaka, however, said that even if AI could imitate their work and styles, it wouldn't be able to behave like a creator. He drew comparisons to David Lynch, and how creators could write a scenario in Lynch's style, but Lynch could then change up his own style while still making it feel authentic and Lynchian.

While Yoko posed the idea of using AI to generate new scenarios, like a route in an adventure game, Kodaka noted how this personalized nature would lead to games being less of a shared experience.

Notable creators have been weighing in with their thoughts on AI, large language models, and other generative systems for a while now. Some have even been experimenting with it, including Capcom and Activision. Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa recently said generative AI can be used in "creative ways," but it would also raise issues with intellectual property rights. Microsoft and PlayStation have also weighed in on the topic.

Eric is a freelance writer for IGN.

"Somehow, Palpatine returned." It is the Star Wars meme to end all memes, used to ridicule the Emperor’s divisive return in The Rise of Skywalker. Most fans reacted negatively to Palpatine’s clone-fueled revival after his "death" at the end of the much-loved Return of the Jedi. But what did Ian McDiarmid, who has played Palpatine / the Emperor for over 40 years, think of the backlash?

In an interview with Variety to celebrate the return of Revenge of the Sith to theaters (a re-release that has seen a huge box office, by the way), McDiarmid shrugged off the backlash, insisting “mine and Palpatine’s logic was entirely reasonable.”

"It seemed entirely probable that Palpatine had plan B," he insisted. "Even though he was very, very badly damaged, he would be able to be put it together in some form. When I realized I had a sort of astral wheelchair, that was even better. I just had these four guys who whisked me around the studio; I can’t tell you how much fun that was. Daisy was more worried about that than anything else. And then, of course, we had to devise another makeup look, which was even more grotesque than the previous one."

McDiarmid added, specifically on the backlash to the Emperor's return: "Well, there’s always something, isn’t there?” he said. “I don’t read that stuff and I’m not online. So it’ll only reach me if someone mentions it. I thought there might be a bit of a fuss about bringing him back. But as I said, mine and Palpatine’s logic was entirely reasonable. This man who was horribly maimed thought maybe one day it might happen to him, and we’ve got to have a plan B. I loved the whole idea that he should come back and be even more powerful than he was before. Though this time, he had to be utterly destroyed. So I think he’s dead.”

The Rise of Skywalker vaguely explains how Palpatine accomplished his grand comeback. When Kylo Ren finds him early in the movie, Emperor Palpatine appears to be a reanimated version of his dead self. So it would seem that he didn’t survive his fall at the end of Return of the Jedi.

But his death clearly didn’t stop him or really even slow him down. As McDiarmid said, Palpatine had a contingency plan in place for just such a scenario. In Rise of Skywalker’s vague explanation of Palpatine’s return, Sheev quotes his ever-so-meme-able words from Revenge of the Sith as he delivers his super-villain monologue where he explains his bonkers master plan to Kylo Ren: "The Dark Side of the Force is a pathway to many abilities that some would consider to be... unnatural."

So, ancient Sith magic. That’s how he did it.

It seems unlikely that the core Star Wars fanbase will ever get on board with Palpatine’s return in The Rise of Skywalker, and would prefer to just pretend it never happened. It will be interesting to see if future Star Wars movies do the same. In November, Daisy Ridley's character Rey Skywalker was reported to be set to appear in "several" upcoming Star Wars films as she's been deemed the galaxy far, far away's "most valuable cinematic asset."

Ridley is already confirmed to be returning in the Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy-directed sequel to The Rise of Skywalker. It will tell the story of Rey as she looks to rebuild the Jedi Order roughly 15 years after the events of that film.

Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.

If you've been on the hunt for some good game deals following many of the Spring Sales recently, today is your lucky day. Amazon has dropped a nice little sale on a selection of Capcom games for PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch that's worth a look. This sale includes discounts on Resident Evil 4, Dragon's Dogma 2, Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics and a few more so you can fill up your library with some exciting new options to play.

We've included a few of our favorite games from this sale below. Pick them up before the discounts are all gone. To see more items on sale, check out Capcom's Amazon sale page here.

Amazon Sale on Select Capcom Games

If you're looking to add even more to your library to play in the months ahead, you'll be happy to know that these aren't the only game deals we've come across today. Woot's offering a very nice selection of Pokémon games on sale right now that are also worth a look. You can learn more about that sale and what Pokémon games are in it at the moment in our breakdown of the best deals of the day.

For even more gaming deals available right now, it's always worth keeping up with our roundups of the best PS5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch deals. We regularly keep these updated with the latest and greatest deals going on for each platform, from discounts on video games to hardware to accessories. You can also check out our overall roundup of the best video game deals to see our top offers available for each console. This roundup also features PC game deals, so if playing on console isn't your style you can see a great selection of game deals just for you.

Hannah Hoolihan is a freelancer who writes with the guides and commerce teams here at IGN.

The new incarnation of the Fantastic Four is nearly ready to burst through movie theater screens — but interestingly enough, fans have yet to catch a glimpse of their next nemesis. Galactus, played by Ralph Ineson, will be the upcoming film’s central villain, but he did not appear in the trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps, seemingly to keep the character’s design underwraps until release. However, it seems an eagle-eyed Marvel diehard may have inadvertently discovered a full first look at Galactus... via a leaked Lego set.

Warning! Potential spoilers for The Fantastic Four: First Steps follow:

According to Twitter user @blogsbrick, a “Galactus vs. The Fantastic Four” Lego set is set to hit shelves on June 1. The user also included an image of the set’s box, on which Galactus can be seen in his full, huge glory (as well as some cute tiny heroes too). @blogsbrick claimed the photographed set, which will consist of 427 pieces priced $59.99, was found “at a retail store,” but no further details were given.

Lego Marvel Galactus vs The Fantastic Four first look image, found in a retail store

427 Pieces / $59.99 / 1st June 2025#Lego #Legonews #Legoleaks #Marvel #LegoMarvel #FantasticFourFirstSteps pic.twitter.com/yBi52wnA59

— Brick Built Blogs (@BlogsBrick) April 26, 2025

Though fans didn’t get a chance to see film Galactus in the debut trailer, they did get to take in an all-new version of Silver Surfer, who will be played in the new reboot by Julia Garner. As for making sure Galactus was as intimidating as he needed to be on-screen, director Matt Shakman recently opened up about how the team nailed the massive scale of the character in a way that used as little digital effect as possible.

"I didn't want to just use motion-capture for Galactus. I wanted to actually have someone there embodying the part,” he explained in an interview with Entertainment Weekly earlier this month. “So we've built an entire costume for him, and we've done a lot of photography testing to figure out, how do you make sure that the scale is correct? How do you film Mount Rushmore?"

The Fantastic Four: First Steps, which kicks off Phase 6 of the MCU, stars Vanessa Kirby, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as the titular four and arrives in theaters on July 25, 2025.

Lex Briscuso is a film and television critic and a freelance entertainment writer for IGN. You can follow her on Twitter at @nikonamerica.