This review contains full spoilers for Doctor Who season 2, episode 4, "Lucky Day."
"Lucky Day" marks a notable shift in Season 2: Itâsthe first episode without Russell T Davies credited as a writer. While his guiding hand is often a hallmark of this era, Peter Hoarâs script brings a refreshing change in tone. Thereâs a distinct, almost nostalgic charm to âLucky Day,â one that subtly evokes the scrappy energy of the early revival years. Grounded in a recognisably mundane modern-day setting â a welcome sidestep from mystical contrivances â weâre instead thrown back in with season 1 companion Ruby Sunday, navigating life back on Earth.
The focus on Ruby marks âLucky Dayâ as this year's Doctor-lite episode, but with some bookending appearances that lend the story a stronger sense of his presence than last seasonâs â73 Yardsâ. Millie Gibson gives another strong lead performance, leaning on familiar themes that highlight a companion's struggle to find their place in the world without the Doctor. While the episode flirts with the idea of being a story about life beyond the TARDIS, thatâs not really where âLucky Dayâ finds its footing.
What ultimately elevates the episode out of its Doctor-lite obscurity is its choice of villain: Rubyâs seemingly harmless boyfriend, Conrad. Itâs smartly revealed halfway through the episode that heâs the ringleader behind the online anti-alien conspiracy group Think Tank. Itâs an effective and darkly comic twist, emphasizing the all-too-common way online hate groups can spread, fester, and mobilize. It also provides all the more context to Conradâs behaviour throughout the episode. His awkward attempts to impress Ruby, calling on the Doctorâs name, initially come off as a fairly generic way to provide some character motivation, but retroactively make a lot more sense. His naive vulnerability is exposed as manipulation, and Rubyâs fury at how heâs put others in harm's way feels both earned and real. Plus, in a universe crowded with cosmic gods and ancient evils, itâs rare and wonderfully intriguing to see humanity cast as the real threat, especially as neither the Doctor nor UNIT has a satisfying answer to it.
But, where âLucky Dayâ stumbles is in how generic it can feel from moment to moment. Thereâs a case to be made that this ordinariness is intentional â a reflection of Rubyâs post-TARDIS disorientation and the numbing quiet of everyday life after cosmic adventure. But the episode doesnât foreground that idea strongly enough for it to resonate. A few scattered lines gesture at Rubyâs struggle, and her emotional arc lands in theory, but it feels too loosely stitched together to give the episode real emotional weight. The result is an instalment that occasionally feels more like a spin-off â tangential, structurally sound, but spiritually removed, lacking a little bit of the soul that makes Doctor Who stories truly sing.
Despite this, it does seem like âLucky Dayâ knows the tone and story it wants to hit, and often does so with style. But it also struggles to consistently align its characters with that tone and story, wavering as it tries to mush all its themes together. The Doctorâs climactic monologue about online radicalisation, for instance, is earnest and conceptually rich, but dramatically flat and plays more like a PSA that lacks the alien detachment or emotional texture that usually gives his speeches such meaning. Meanwhile, Kate Stewartâs morally murky decision to weaponise the captured Sheek alien against Conrad (who, comically, continues to insist it isnât real) is a rare moment of genuine moral complexity, and a compelling step forward for UNITâs evolving role in the new era. But in the same episode, that very organisation â one that has survived Zygons, Cybermen, and the rest â is nearly undone by a staff doxxing. Itâs not about nitpicking plot logic, but the scales do feel off, and that dissonance dulls the episodeâs sharper ideas. Ultimately, these contradictions donât undo its successes, but they do hold it back from greatness, even as it proves thereâs still space in Doctor Who for more politically charged, satirical stories rooted in our own messy reality.
IGN's Blue Prince map is here! Our interactive map tracks essential locations across Mount Holly, including Clues and Puzzles, so you always know where to go next.
Other miscellaneous map markers, including Upgrade Disks and Allowance Tokens.
Blue Prince Guides
There are many puzzles in Blue Prince, and it's more than likely you'll find yourself getting stuck more than once. IGN's Blue Prince Game Help is here to assist, with guides for complicated puzzles, how to find certain items, and more.
Meg Koepp is a Guides Editor on the IGN Guides team, with a focus on trends. When she's not working, you can find her playing an RPG or spending time with her corgi.
Warning: This article contains full spoilers for Thunderbolts!
All throughout the MCUâs Multiverse Saga, fans have been asking one question: who are the Avengers now? Only now, with the release of Thunderbolts* at the end of Phase 5, do we finally get an answer to that question. It turns out that the Thunderbolts themselves are now the Avengers. Or the New Avengers, to be precise. At least that pesky asterisk is finally making sense.
What does this mean for the MCU leading into The Fantastic Four: First Steps and Avengers: Doomsday? What does it mean to be a New Avenger, exactly, and how does this twist draw upon Marvelâs various New Avengers comics? Hereâs what you need to know.
The MCUâs New Avengers Revealed
The Thunderbolts movie ends on a somewhat unexpected note. No sooner do Florence Pughâs Yelena Belova and her team regroup from their confrontation with Lewis Pullmanâs Sentry and prepare to confront Julia Louis-Dreyfusâ Valentina Allegra De Fontaine than they realize theyâve walked right into a PR trap. Valentina stages a press conference where she introduces the befuddled Thunderbolts to the public as âThe New Avengers.â
For those keeping score at home, the full New Avengers roster includes:
Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh)
Red Guardian (David Harbour)
Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan)
The Sentry (Lewis Pullman)
Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen)
U.S. Agent (Wyatt Russell)
Basically, everyone who was a Thunderbolt (minus Olga Kurylenkoâs Taskmaster, who is killed off early into the film) has now graduated to become a New Avenger. Itâs not necessarily the Avengers lineup we would have predicted earlier in the Multiverse Saga, but given how they managed to beat overwhelming odds and save New York City, maybe theyâre the team the MCU needs right now.
Of course, itâs already becoming clear that the New Avengers arenât the only Avengers team on the block. Captain America: Brave New World ends with Anthony Mackieâs Sam Wilson deciding heâs finally ready to step up and spearhead his own team of Avengers. Whether Cap has actually gotten around to forming that team is unclear. But we do know from the post-credits scene in Thunderbolts that heâs none too thrilled at the prospect of another group co-opting the Avengers name.
That scene shows us that the New Avengers have now been active in the MCU for 14 months. Theyâre currently embroiled in a legal battle with Sam, who apparently owns the actual Avengers trademark. That seems to foreshadow major friction between the New Avengers and Samâs Avengers in Avengers: Doomsday. But weâll get to that in a bit. For now, what exactly is a New Avenger, anyway?
What Are the New Avengers?
The concept of the New Avengers was first introduced in Marvelâs 2004 New Avengers comic. That series debuted in the aftermath of a major tragedy in Marvelâs Avengers: Disassembled comic, where a mentally ill Scarlet Witch loses control of her powers and kills several members of her team. The Avengers disband, until one fateful day where theyâre called back into action.
The reason Marvel branded this team âNew Avengersâ is that the roster was quite a bit different from any that had come before. While Captain America, Spider-Woman, and Iron Man represented the old guard, the bulk of the team was made up of characters who would normally never be associated with the Avengers franchise - Spider-Man, Wolverine, Luke Cage, Sentry, and the mysterious Ronin. Not unlike the MCUâs Thunderbolts, these heroes never expected to become Avengers, but they quickly rise to the challenge anyway.
At first, the âNew Avengersâ term was completely literal. Over time, however, it came to represent a more underground, unsanctioned alternative to the traditional Avengers. Following the events of 2006âs Civil War crossover, the Marvel Universe suddenly has two Avengers teams. Iron Man leads the Mighty Avengers, a S.H.I.E.L.D.-sanctioned team that operates in full support of the Superhuman Registration Act. Meanwhile, the heroes who refuse to support the SHRA, like Spidey, Wolverine, Luke Cage, and Bucky, form another incarnation of the New Avengers. Needless to say, the two teams donât really get along.
That split only intensifies during Marvelâs 2009 Dark Reign storyline, as Norman Osborn usurps Tony Starkâs position and spearheads his own team of Dark Avengers. The Dark Avengers are notable for featuring many major villains masquerading as heroes. For example, Bullseye becomes Hawkeye, Venom becomes Spider-Man, Daken becomes Wolverine, and so on. The Sentry also sticks around, as he proves sadly all too susceptible to Osbornâs psychological manipulation.
In many ways, the MCUâs New Avengers seem as inspired by the Dark Avengers as they are the New Avengers of the comics. Like the Dark Avengers, Valentinaâs New Avengers consists of several characters who are essentially borrowing the costumed identities of past Avengers. Yelena is Black Widow. John Walker is a failed Captain America. Even Red Guardian is essentially a Russian Captain America. Also like the Dark Avengers, Sentry is both a team member and a ticking time bomb looming over their heads. Valentina herself is basically the Norman Osborn figure, right down to the way she manipulates Bob.
Even as the Dark Avengers are introduced as the government-approved incarnation of the team, the New Avengers continue to work from the shadows in defiance of the law. They are still operating even when Osbornâs crimes are eventually exposed and their names are cleared. At this point, itâs become tradition for Marvel to feature one core team of Avengers and another team of New Avengers. They arenât always as bitterly divided as they were in the post-Civil War era, but the Marvel Universe is a big enough place for two teams. Most of the time.
The New Avengers in Avengers: Doomsday
Now that weâve established that the MCUâs New Avengers draw inspiration from both the New Avengers and Dark Avengers comics, what can we predict about their future? Why is it significant that the New Avengers are being introduced in the lead-up to 2026âs Avengers: Doomsday?
It seems safe to assume that there will be conflict between Valentinaâs New Avengers team and Samâs own Avengers squad. Again, the post-credits scene sets up that rivalry pretty clearly. One Avengers team is backed by the US government, while the other is spearheaded by probably the most high-profile superhero in the MCU. Which team is more legitimate? Which one will the public accept?
In some ways, this seems to be a case of Marvel recreating the status quo of Avengers: Infinity War. At that point, the MCU also had two Avengers teams, one led by Iron Man and the other by the fugitive Captain America. The tragedy of Infinity War is that the Avengers were too divided to put up a united front in defense of their homeworld. Had they been one cohesive, fully functional unit, they might have stopped Thanos from succeeding in his goal of eliminating half of all life. Only when the Avengers truly came together again in Endgame did they set things right.
The scenario isnât so different now. Weâve got the former Thunderbolts-turned-New Avengers and Samâs Avengers team, and they clearly arenât seeing eye-to-eye. Now the Fantastic Four are arriving in the MCU, heralding the great disaster that forced them from their home universe. The MCU faces another existential threat in (weâre willing to bet) the form of the collapsing multiverse. It sure would be nice if the two Avengers teams could put aside their differences long enough to fight Robert Downey, Jr.âs Doctor Doom and save the multiverse.
If anything, we can envision a scenario where one Avengers team throws its lot in with Doom and seeks to save the MCU by any means necessary, where the other team pursues a more noble solution to the Incursion problem.
But that probably wonât happen. If anything, we can envision a scenario where one Avengers team throws its lot in with Doom and seeks to save the MCU by any means necessary, where the other team pursues a more noble solution to the Incursion problem. And thatâs not even getting into the question of where Foxâs X-Men characters fit into this equation.
In short, there seems to be a clear intent in introducing the New Avengers at this stage in the larger MCU roadmap. However good their intentions, this team promises to create friction and tension in a time when the world needs its heroes to be united. Only time will tell if the MCUâs New Avengers can truly live up to the example of the original team.
To say Star Wars and action figures go hand-in-hand is an understatement. Ever since the original Kenner toyline jump-started the merchandising arm of the film industry in the late 1970s, toy collecting has been a huge, integral part of Star Wars fandom. These days, we get a fairly steady stream of new Star Wars media and merchandise, but nothing quite like the deluge of collectibles that coincided with the theatrical releases of the first six films.
Still, Star Wars action figures arenât hard to find. Whether youâre after some cheap and durable toys for a younger fan to bash together, or a screen-accurate articulated replica of your favorite character, or some cool collectibles that are the best of both worlds, weâve got you covered.
Toy Line: The Black Series
The best all-around Star Wars toy line on the market right now is probably The Black Series. Introduced in 2013, Hasbroâs line of 6-inch action figures has covered all manner of characters, from household-named heroes and villains to deep cut background characters, even bringing back some âlegendsâ no longer considered part of the official canon. Theyâve even given some iconic troopers, aliens and creatures holiday special repaints. If youâve ever wanted a trick-or-treating Were-Wookiee or a festive two-pack of Jawa Claus and Salacious Grinch, youâre in luck.
Regular figures in The Black Series will retail for around $25. Resellers will regularly charge double or triple that for older or hard-to-find figures, but itâs not uncommon to find them on deep discount. Would you pay $9 for an action figure of Werner Herzog holding a 1970s ice cream maker? Because I did.
(See? I wasnât kidding)
The quality of paint deco and accessories for The Black Series can be hit or miss, but they consistently feature a ton of articulation and are generally quite sturdy. So, while discerning adult collectors are welcome to keep them in the box, theyâre also really fun to pose, and can probably stand up to a fair amount of posing, not to mention *gasp* actually being played with.
Until The Black Series came along, Star Wars figures were primarily in 3âžâ scale, and nearly every conceivable character from the first six films has been immortalized in that form. Aunt Beru. The alien fishmonger from whom Jar-Jar shoplifts. A member of the Corscant volunteer fire department. The original concept art for Han Solo that looks suspiciously like George Lucas. George Lucas himself.
The 4-inch figures owe a lot of their success to their small scale. They were (initially) cheaper to produce, and they donât take up a ton of space. Plus, the small scale allowed for plenty of vehicles, playsets and creatures. Sadly, the same canât be said for The Black Series. Multiple characters in X-Wing pilot gear have been made, but no X-Wing. A TIE Fighter was released alongside The Force Awakens, but it was the size of an end table and cost about as much.
Though theyâre not quite as prevalent as they were in decades prior, Hasbro is still putting out a steady stream of smaller Star Wars figures, though theyâve been fragmented into three different product lines, clearly aimed at very different types of buyers.
Toy Line: The Vintage Collection
The Vintage Collection is effectively the smaller-scale equivalent of The Black Series. Collector-grade packaging, sculpts, paint and articulation, but roughly 2/3 the size and price. For anyone whoâs got an existing collection of 4-inch figures from the â90s-â00s, these ones will display nicely alongside them.
A fun-size action figure for $17 bucks a pop might seem a bit steep, but itâs a drop in the bucket compared to a $400-500 playset of Jabbaâs Sailbarge, the Mos Eisley Cantina, or The Ghost in the same scale, all of which have been produced through Hasbroâs Haslab crowdfunding program; proving thereâs still plenty of collector demand for stuff in this scale.
Vehicles and playsets are still available at non-idiotic prices, too. Hasbro also recently revealed a Bantha with real hair, (to help you complete that Jundland Wastes diorama and also practice your French braiding), but it has sold out already!
Toy Line: Epic World of Action
Thankfully, they do still make Star Wars action figures that are just for kids, not just maladjusted adults obsessed with weird puppets and background characters from movies they watched growing up. Hasbro quietly launched the Epic World of Action line, a series of reasonably-priced 4-inch figures in colorful packaging with the odd spring-loaded project. The lower price point means limited articulation and minimal paint ops, but if anything, that just makes them better suited to get bashed around in the backyard.
The line also includes the sort of vehicles you might expect, as well as some you might not, like Darth Vaderâs giant mech suit thatâs just shaped like a larger version of him. Iâm behind on the comics, but Iâm guessing thatâs not canon.
Toy Line: The Retro Collection
In recent years, thereâs been a rise in popularity of non-Star Wars figures made in the same style as Kennerâs original toy line, namely Super7âs ReAction figures. Appropriately, Hasbro followed suit with The Retro Collection, which reprinted those classic Kenner molds, and has since moved on to producing new toys of more recent Star Wars characters in that goofy but charming late-70s style.
Toy Line: Gentle Giant Jumbo Figures
In the early 2000s, Gentle Giant pioneered the âReal Scanâ technology that allowed actorsâ faces to be digitized and then faithfully reproduced in miniature. Hasbro used it for the first figures based on Attack of the Clones, and Gentle Giant cornered the market on high-end mini-busts.
Then, presumably, someone had the bright idea that if this technology could be used to scan real peopleâs likenesses and shrink them down as toys, it could also be used to scan toys, and blow them up to⌠much bigger toys. And thatâs exactly what Gentle Giantâs Jumbo Figures are; Kennerâs classic Star Wars figures, recreated 400% larger, packaging and all.
As gorgeous as the packaging is, itâs comically cumbersome. Iâve bought a couple of these figures at conventions and opted to just open them up rather than try to stuff a boogie board-sized clamshell into my carry-on. But Iâm glad I did because theyâre really nice toys on their own. Unlike the solid plastic of the toys theyâre based on, the Jumbo Figures are hollow vinyl, which means they wonât explode or give anyone a head injury if they fall off a shelf, but their scale makes them a delight to play with and hold.
Theyâre all really limited edition, and most of the classic stuff has come and gone, so youâre either stuck with deep cut Return of the Jedi characters or original faux-retro sculpts, which may not be a bad thing, depending on what youâre into.
Toy Line: Movie Masterpiece Series
Hot Toys are expensive, but itâs immediately apparent why. Absurdly realistic and immaculately detailed, these are, without question, the highest quality Star Wars figures ever made (as well as Marvel, DC, Aliens, Predator, and a pile of other licenses). The large scale means theyâll quickly fill up a shelf, but if you can afford Hot Toys in the first place, you can probably also afford another shelf, glass case, and maybe even a whole room to display them in.
As blasphemous as it might seem to take a $300 action figure out of the box, these are absolutely meant to be posed and displayed (and itâs easy enough to put them back in the box for storage). Theyâre not designed for any kind of rough play, and have a lot of delicate parts, but theyâre excellent candidates for toy photography.
Before Hot Toys came along, Sideshow was the company making high-end 1/6th scale Star Wars figures, albeit for around half the price. These days, Sideshow distributes Hot Toys stateside, but they still make the occasional Star Wars figure of their own, which are also gorgeous, and you can generally buy them everywhere Hot Toys are sold.
Toy Line: S.H. Figuarts
My personal favorite toy line for quite some time, Bandaiâs S.H. Figuarts series features an impressive amount of articulation, plus a ton of alternate faces and hands, giving them a ton of versatility for realistic poses. In my experience, the joints stay fairly tight after years of posing, which isnât always the case.
Nobodyâs going to mistake them for the real thing with all the visible joints, but the sculpts and paint ops are all very clean, and despite some fiddly, delicate little parts, theyâre pretty sturdy. (Not sturdy enough that Iâd let my 4-year-old play with mine, but not the sort of thing youâre afraid of breaking.)
Toy Line: MAFEX
Basically everything I said about S.H. Figuarts also applies to MAFEX. Itâs the same type of action figure in the same scale at roughly the same price point, but from a different company. Generally, MAFEX figures are usually a little more expensive, but also frequently more detailed. However, in my experience, they feel a bit more delicate compared to Figuarts.
Toy Line: Meisho Movie Realization
Star Wars was heavily influenced by the samurai films of Akira Kurosawa, so what if they made a bunch of samurai armor inspired by Star Wars? Well, they did. Or at least they made action figures of people wearing it. The Meisho Movie Realization series is dedicated to feudal Japanese remixes of iconic Star Wars characters. The line mostly features masked, armored or otherwise hard-surfaced characters, which makes sense given the subject matter, but thereâs an Obi-Wan and a Darth Maul, plus a couple of aliens in the works.
These are definitely display figures first and foremost. They feature plenty of articulation, but thatâs almost mitigated by the amount of armor plating that gets in the way. Theyâre considerably bigger and heavier than S.H. Figuarts or MAFEX, so getting them to stay put on a shelf is, well, a bit of a balancing act. That said, if you didnât think The Mandalorian paid enough of an homage to Lone Wolf and Cub, problem solved.
This is by no means a comprehensive list of all the Star Wars figures out there, but if youâre looking for one of those, JediTempleArchives, Banthaskull and RebelScum are all great resources.
If youâre interested in building your own Star Wars action figures, thatâs also an option. Check out the model kit buyerâs guide I put together, which features some Star Wars kits as well as a bunch of other alternatives.
Max Scoville is a senior writer, host and producer for IGN covering video games, movies, toys and collectibles. He has 15 years of experience in pop-culture media, previously writing for and/or appearing on Current TV, Destructoid, Revision3 and StarWars.com. He has been involved with several podcasts, including The Comedy Button, Weird Heat, Podtoid and you can currently find him hosting IGNâs weekly PlayStation show, Beyond.
Whether you own a Nintendo Switch, a Switch Lite, or a Switch OLED, you know how versatile and fun this console can be. To make the most of your gaming experience, investing in a few accessories â some of which are Switch 2 compatible, including the Pro Controller as we've learned from the April Nintendo Direct â can take things to the next level.
From Switch controllers allowing better control (and less cramping) during intense gameplay, to screen protectors keeping your Switch safe from any scratches, the right accessories enhance performance and protection. We've logged countless hours on the Nintendo Switch using a variety of different accessories to help direct you to the most essential add-ons.
TL;DR â These Are the Best Nintendo Switch Accessories:
Although the standared Switch console comes with Joy-Con controllers and a charging dock, we still think there are a few extras worth adding to your purchase. Below we've gathered all of the Switch accessories we've tested and deemed worthy of any Switch user in 2025 and beyond.
1. Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
Best Switch Controller That Isn't Joy-Con
The small thumbsticks and triggers available on Nintendo Switch's Joy-Con controllers can be a pain, so unless you're gaming exclusively on the go, you owe it to yourself to play with something bigger and better. We found in our review of the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller that it is a welcome solution to this issue. This gamepad offers all the controls you need for a Nintendo Switch with a familiar and far more ergonomic design. All-in-all, the Switch Pro Controller is better than Joy-Con for most things.
The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller works wireless and charges using a USB-C cable. Boasting a 40-hour battery life, youâre all set for an all-day gaming marathon. The larger, easier-to-use controls and real D-pad provide undeniable improvement to your gameplay, while HD Rumble should immerse you further into the action. It even supports Amiibo with its NFC chip. Best of all, this controller should last the duration of your Switch's life cycle, making it a very sound investment.
If you spend far too much time in a state of panic when you accidentally drop your Nintendo Switch, maybe it's time to make a tiny investment in a screen protector. The amFilm Tempered Glass Screen Protector goes right over your Nintendo Switch's display, keeping it safe and giving you a little peace of mind when the device starts to slip from your grasp.
The screen protector is built to take the brunt of an impact, so you don't have to live with your Switch permanently in docked mode. At under 10 bucks for a two-pack and an installation kit, itâs hard to come up with an excuse not to buy this. A cracked display on a Nintendo Switch will set you back a lot more than this economical solution, and the device's touchscreen capabilities and screen clarity remain the same.
We've done quite a bit of testing with screen protectors across various devices and have confirmed that tembpered glass is the way to go. This is especially true if you have the Switch OLED and want to avoid losing any of the upgraded screen's clarity.
3. RDS Carry Case
Best Nintendo Switch Case
When taking your Switch on the go, you want a hardy case to protect it from the elements, possible scratches, and the inevitable drop. The RDS Carry Case does just that, thanks to its hard-shelled exterior and fitted linen interior with a padded screen protector. Thereâs even a handy rubber handle to make toting it around easy.
Beyond that, inside the case is a pair of hard clamshell cases for games that slot into a recessed panel, while a small attached zipper pocket provides a place to store cables or even more games. There's a built-in adjustable stand, too, which makes for easy playing or viewing on the go. If youâve got the Switch Lite or OLED, those devices can also fit comfortably in this case.
Unless you're comfortable carrying around a bunch of game cartridges, youâll want your favorite games installed directly on your Nintendo Switch. However, there's a little hitch in that plan, given how little storage the Switch actually has for games. So, it's worth it to pony up for a Switch microSD card, especially if you're going to shop several game deals. It can dramatically increase the storage capacity for your Nintendo Switch and do it for an affordable price.
The SanDisk 128GB Ultra drive hits a sweet spot. You can pick it up for under $20, which means it's cheaper than even a so-so controller but provides serious utility. That 128GB offers plenty of room for games, and you can always grab another later if you end up needing more room for your game library. With 120MB/s read speeds, the card ensures you don't run into painfully slow loading times for games stored on it. SanDisk also backs it up with a 10-year warranty. Importantly, standard microSD cards are not compatible with the Switch 2, which require a microSD Express Card to expand storage.
5. CRKD Nitro Deck
Best Switch Deck
Donât love the Switchâs traditional Joy-Con? Well, our hands-on review of the CRKD Nitro Deck offers upgrades to the controllers and offers a slew of other features to make your gaming experience on the device even better. Rather than attaching Joy-Con to either side of the Switch, the Nitro Deck lets you slide the screen into it, connecting via USB-C, providing a sturdy, secure, and more comfortable-to-hold option. It is noticeably heftier than Joy-Con, but the weight is distributed evenly.
However, the quality controls will be the main reason you grab the Nitro Deck. There are Hall effect thumbsticks, so you can say goodbye to that pesky drift that plagues the Joy-Con. All the rest of Switch's traditional controls are accounted for with clicky buttons and a good amount of tension in the D-pad, while the four shoulder buttons are longer with more travel. You also get four programmable back buttons, which, beyond shooters, we found handy in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
6. Razer Barracuda X Wireless Headset
Best Nintendo Switch Headset
Although our Razer Barracuda X review won't blow you away in terms of overall sound quality, what you get for the price is quite good.. For under $100, you get excellent audio quality and a lag-free wireless connection through the low-latency 2.4GHz USB dongle. This headset also offers seamless Bluetooth connectivity for your Nintendo Switch as well any of your other Bluetooth devices.
In our testing of the Barracuda X, we were most impressed by how truly comfortable it is for the price,, Thick headband padding, and lightweight plastic body make for a portable and comfortable option for most gamers. Weighing just 250g, it is ideal for extended hours of gameplay without feeling really heavy on your head. What makes the Barracuda X even better for long gaming sessions is its 60-hour battery life, and even when it runs out of juice, you can always use the included 3.5mm cable to keep playing via a wired connection.
The Nintendo Switch's almost entirely flat form-factor can be a pain to hold, literally, and the small size of the Joy-Con also isn't fun for users with large hands. In our own hands-on testing of the Satisfye ZenGrip Pro, we found that it is able to prevent your hands from cramping up and provides a more ergonomic hold on the console, making you a lot more comfortable during your gaming marathons.
The Satisfye ZenGrip Pro is all about giving your hands a pair of simple, grips to hold onto. With them, your fingers and thumb can properly wrap around rather than dig in at the bottom of the Joy-Con. The handles are diagonally arranged, so your wrists sit at a more natural angle, while the plastic frame can also act as a stand. It even features silicone tabs to prevent the Switch from getting scratched. The only real fault with this grip is it makes your device a bit less portable when attached. Though, if you're looking to add a little extra comfort to your Switch gameplay, the Satisfye ZenGrip Pro is a good place to start.
8. Hori Split Pad Pro
Better Joy-Con
The Joy-con your Switch comes with are great, but sometimes you want a better grip and larger controls. With the Hori Split Pad Pro, you get just that, plus some convenient extras. Everything on this controller is scaled up. You get a bigger, textured grip to help distribute weight better, and in turn, makes your Switch more comfortable to hold even during your longest gaming sessions. Youâll find the larger analog sticks, triggers, and D-pad provides more accuracy in your games and decreases cramping when pulling off combos. Unfortunately, there is no motion control, rumble, or NFC reader on this joy-con alternative.
On top of experiencing a full-size controller in handheld mode on the Hori Split Pad Pro, you also get the option to use the Joy-con as a separate wired controller. With this Split Pad Pro Attachment Set, you dock each one in and get a quality standard controller. You even get a mic input for gaming audio and voice chat. Two additional rear paddles are also included, which can be remapped, but only the right-side buttons can be mapped to the right rear paddle, and vice versa.
9. GENKI Covert Dock Mini
Best Nintendo Switch Portable Dock
Given the Nintendo Switch is ultra-portable, one wouldâve thought its dock would be too, but thatâs not the case. Itâs clunky and prone to damage, so youâll want to find something else to take on the go. Luckily, the GENKI Covert Dock Mini measures just 1.35 x 1.66 x 1.3 inches and has foldable prongs, making for a super compact, pocketable device that has the ability to increase your screen size.
This mini dock isnât equipped with a bunch of extras or the fastest charging speeds. However, it has exactly what you need; a USB-C port and an HDMI output. The USB-C offers 20W charging speeds to keep your Switch topped up as you play; a USB-C cable is even included with the dock. After the Switch is plugged into the USB-C, an HDMI port transfers video signals at up to 4K/30Hz, exceeding the Switchâs 1080p max output. You arenât limited to only using the Switch with the GENKI Covert Dock Mini either, it works seamlessly with the best laptops, iPads, and the Steam Deck.
10. Nintendo Joy-Con Wheel
Best Nintendo Switch Steering Wheel
The Nintendo Joy-Con Wheel is a simple yet effective Switch accessory that brings a more hands-on feel to your racing games, particularly when playing titles like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. While itâs not as advanced as a fully-fledged racing wheel, itâs a great option for casual gamers and younger players who want to get more involved in the action.
With its easy setup (just insert a Joy-Con into the wheel) youâll feel like youâre right behind the wheel, making it a fun and engaging way to race. The Joy-Con Wheel is especially useful for kids, offering them better control and an intuitive way to steer through races. Plus, the package comes with two wheels, making it great for multiplayer sessions.
Though basic in design, itâs excellent value for money, providing a simple way to enhance your gaming experience without breaking the bank. Itâs a practical and enjoyable accessory that turns every race into a more interactive and enjoyable experience!
11. 8BitDo Arcade Stick
Best Nintendo Switch Fight Stick
Want more precise control for fighting games? Using a fight stick helps you dominate your competition. The 8BitDo Arcade Stick we reviewed has you covered when it comes to the Switch, featuring the typical joystick and eight buttons found on most fight sticks and two additional macro buttons. A simple switch lets you change the function of the joystick to serve as the left thumbstick, right thumbstick, or D-Pad. And, if you want to mod it, it's compatible with other arcade parts, including Sanwa's. Pulling off combos and different attacks will be a breeze with this controller.
The 8BitDo Arcade Stick connects to your Switch over Bluetooth, USB-C, or a 2.5GHz wireless receiver. As a bonus, it connects to a PC, too. The fight stickâs look and feel should take you back in time to a less complicated life but with all the modern features you need.
The way Nintendo designed the Joy-Con to charge when connected to the Switch was ingenious. But, if you're hosting a big Mario Party or Smash Bros. Ultimate tournament, this becomes a huge headache. These are the exact scenarios that call for a dedicated Joy-Con charger, like the HyperX ChargePlay Quad 2. Rather than just being able to juice up only two Joy-Con with your Nintendo Switch, you can charge up to four simultaneously.
HyperX ChargePlay Quad allows each Joy-Con to slide easily into the sturdy base, and indicator lights let you know when they're all charged up. The long USB-C cord for power means you can keep the charging station close. It also makes it easy to hot-swap controllers, so you barely miss a moment of a gameâs action. The Pokeball look also adds to the charger's aesthetic.
13. Marseille mClassic
Best Nintendo Switch Upscaler
Nintendo isnât known for chasing the most stunning graphics despite how beautiful its games end up being. Sharp-eyed gamers are likely to spot some jagged edges here and there, and the Switch could benefit from some extra anti-aliasing. Its resolution limit can also result in a blurrier experience when you pair it with a higher-res display. Enter the mClassic adapter. This unit sits between your Nintendo Switch and display, connecting via HDMI, and adds a bit of post-processing magic to your video feed.
The mClassic upscales gameplay to a higher resolution, applies extra anti-aliasing to smooth out pixelation and jaggies, and can add depth of field effects and image sharpening. It performs this processing with negligible lag, too, so you can continue to tackle even the hardest games. The mClassic is particularly handy for retro games on consoles like Nintendo 64, where you want to see smoother visuals, but you can apply it to anything coming out of the Switch. Thereâs even a special 4K upscaler mode to enhance 1080p video content.
14. Emperor of Gadgets Portable Power Bank
Best Nintendo Switch Power Bank
Grabbing one of the top portable chargers is the most simple and effective way to extend the battery life of your Switch. Its stock battery will only last about nine hours, and youâll be lucky to get that much playtime. So during long travel days or time away from an outlet, a portable charger, like our favorite, Emperor of Gadgets Portable Power Bank, can be a lifesaver. Unlike your typical power bank, this one straps onto the console, adding a little extra bulk to the device but still providing an enjoyable playing experience.
With the Emperor of Gadgets Portable Power Bank comes 10,000mAh of extra juice, which should effectively double the battery life of your Switch. A 15-watt power delivery ensures a quick fill-up, while a built-in USB-C cable means you donât need to worry about bringing your own along. You arenât limited to just charging your Switch either, as it comes with an additional USB-A and USB-C port ready to charge up your gaming phone, wireless earbuds, and more.
We've found quite a few other great Nintendo Switch chargers like this one if you need more ways to charge your console on the go or at home.
Where to Get the Best Nintendo Switch Accessories in the UK
How to Choose Switch Accessories
As accessories are add-ons for your Switch, you probably don't want to spend too much money on them. Luckily, the basics we'd recommend are normally under $50 for all three products: a case, a screen protector, and an SD card. These items immediately ensure protection and allow you to store more games, making it a great place to start.
From there, youâll want to focus on quality-of-life products based on your lifestyle and needs:
For comfort: If the Joy-Con are uncomfortable for you, we'd recommend investing in another controller for a more ergonomic hold. Tip: Take it to the next level with a mount for your Switch OLED and a Pro controller so you can game on the go when you're not connected to your TV. The Fixture S2 monitor and Pro controller mount is a must-have for playing in handheld mode.
For on-the-go charging: Get a power bank to extend playtime in general or while on the go.
For moreimmersivegaming: Consider getting one of the best Nintendo Switch headsets we've researched and/or tested. When it comes to performance with the Switch, nothing beats the Razer Barracuda X right now.
As for other accessories like upscalers, docks, or printers, you can grab these down the road depending on your needs. No matter which accessories you decide to purchase, do the research to ensure the accessory is compatible for your Switch model.
Nintendo Switch Accessories FAQ
Will Nintendo Switch accessories be compatible with the Switch 2?
Now that we have more details about the Switch 2, we have better clarity over which current Switch accessories will play nice with the Switch, and it's a mixed bag. Because of the Switch 2's magnetic Joy-Con and bigger screen size, things like screen protectors, cases and other form-fitting attachments will not be compatible. Though the Switch's Joy-Con won't be able to snap into the Switch 2, they are compatible via Bluetooth; the Switch Pro Controller will also be compatible (but the Switch 2 Pro Controller is not compatible with the Switch). Your microSD card will also be incompatible; the Switch 2 will only work with a microSD Express card. However, hold onto any power banks and other accessories that use USB-C: The addition of an extra USB-C port on the Switch 2 means that you'll be able to use more accessories at once.
Which Nintendo Switch accessories should you buy first?
There are several Switch accessories you can buy, but if you've just purchased the console, there are a few things you should get first. The most essential accessories are a carrying case, a microSD card, and a screen protector. These items will allow you to protect your Switch and also download more games to the console. You may also want to look into getting a more comfortable Pro controller or a nicer set of Joy-Con since the base set is not ergonomic for long-term gameplay.
What accessories normally come with a Nintendo Switch?
The original 6.2-inch LCD touchscreen console comes with an AC adapter, a Nintendo Switch dock, and HDMI cable. Beyond that, there are left and right Joy-Con, along with straps for individual Joy-Con use and a Joy-Con grip for turning the two controllers into one for gaming on a TV.
With the 7-inch OLED model, you get all the same accessories as the original, but the Switch dock has a LAN port for a wired internet connection.
As forthe Switch Lite, itâs also light on accessories. Thereâs no dock or HDMI, as you canât connect it to your TV. The Joy-Con are also not detachable, so youâll only find the console and USB-C charger in the box.
When do Nintendo Switch accessories go on sale?
Although the Switch itself doesn't go on sale very often, Nintendo Switch accessories will often see discounts throughout the year. The general rule of thumb is that the best times to buy a Nintendo Switch are also the best times to buy Switch accessories. Some of the more popular events where you're guaranteed to find discounts on gaming accessories are Amazon Prime Day in July and Black Friday in November.
Danielle Abraham is a tech freelance writer and unpaid music historian.
Georgie Peru is a freelance writer and also contributed to this article.
If you're a Nintendo Switch owner, you've probably noticed something pretty quickly â the internal storage fills up fast! The standard Switch only gives you 32GB, and even the upgraded Switch OLED bumps that up to just 64GB. Sounds decent until you realize that most of the best Switch games require at least 10GB of storage on average, if not more. Before you know it, you're out of space, especially if you're into downloading games from the eShop. Thatâs why having a Switch microSDXC card like the SanDisk 512GB Extreme is pretty much essential.
By popping an SD card into your Switch, you can load up on all the games you want without worrying about deleting old ones to make space. Depending on how much you want to store, there are SD cards that offer up to 1TB of storage. Just keep in mind that all your game save data will still live in the console's system memory by default. If you're moving onto the Switch 2, know that your old SD cards won't fly there; you'll need to move on to a MicroSD Express card to upgrade the Switch 2's storage.
TL;DR - These Are the Best SD Cards for Switch:
SD cards come in a bunch of different sizes, speeds, and prices. But if you're looking for the best experience, grab one with UHS-I compatibility and higher transfer speeds â thatâll help with smoother gameplay and faster loading times.
If youâre wondering which SD card is best for Nintendo Switch, youâve come to the right place. Weâve handpicked some great SD cards that work seamlessly with your Switch, whether you want to install tons of games, save gameplay video clips, or need something to hand when youâre transferring data to other devices.
1. SanDisk 512GB Extreme microSDXC Card
Best SD Card for Nintendo Switch
SanDisk is a familiar brand name, so you can expect reliability and durability when you purchase the SanDisk 512GB Extreme microSDXC Card. With a range of storage options to choose from, you can max out your Nintendo Switchâs storage, allowing you to install plenty of games, save files, and screenshots without needing to delete other games to free up some room. We think the 512GB option is incredible value for money, but if you want to splash out, go for the 1TB card.
If you upgrade to a different SD card in the future, this SD card comes with an adapter, meaning you can use it across other devices so it doesnât go to waste. In the meantime, the SanDisk 512GB Extreme microSDXC Card boasts generous data transfer speeds of up to 190MB/s â just download the games you want and put them straight onto your SD card in a cinch.
This SD cardâs durable design is shockproof, temperature-proof, waterproof, and X-ray-proof (who knew that was a thing?). So if youâre going on vacation and taking your Nintendo Switch with you, youâll have the extra reassurance that your game files are somewhat safe even through a TSA scanner.
2. Samsung EVO Select A2 512GB microSDXC Card
Best Budget SD Card for Nintendo Switch
Have a tight budget but still want a capable microSD card? The Samsung EVO Select A2 SD card is a perfect choice. Coming in at around $40, this card meets the minimum requirements of the Switch with its UHS-I interface and A2 rating for faster optimization. Sure, transfer speeds lag behind other cards. But given that Nintendo seems to cap speeds around 95MB/s anyway, there wonât be a discernable difference in game load times compared to those faster, pricier cards. Itâs only when using the microSD card with other devices that those quicker speeds come in handy.
Even if Samsung EVO Select A2 is on the cheaper side, it still offers a healthy dose of storage space at 512 GB. Thatâs plenty of room to store a sizable gaming library, gameplay clips, and more. If you want to use this card with other devices, itâs possible to double the storage to 1TB. And for those that stick to playing only a couple of games, 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB options exist to suit just about any need.
Whatâs even better is this card is built to last, ensuring precious game data remains safe. It's waterproofed in case of accidental splashes or dips in liquids, while resistance to extreme temperatures, X-rays, and magnets means the Samsung EVO Select A2 is ready to go just about anywhere. It can even withstand drops over 16ft. Clearly, this SD card can handle far more wear and tear than the Switch itself.
3. SanDisk 1TB Ultra A1 microSDXC Card
Best High Capacity SD Card for Nintendo Switch
With 1TB of storage, the SanDisk Ultra A1 SD card is an excellent choice for the Nintendo Switch. The SanDisk Ultra A1 has transfer speeds of up to 150MB/s, which is well above the range needed for fast downloads on the console. It's likely that you won't even come close to running out of storage, with room for well over 75 games to be installed at once.
Most games on Nintendo Switch are well below 15GB, so this SD card should more than suit your needs. The biggest games range from anywhere between 30GB and 60GB, but there are less than ten that fall under that umbrella. Any extra space on this SD card is perfect for taking as many screenshots and video captures as you'd like.
4. SanDisk 256GB Extreme PRO microSDXC Card
Best High Speed SD Card for Nintendo Switch
If you're looking for the best high speed SD card for your Switch, look no further than this SanDisk Extreme Pro SD card. This card uses SanDisk QuickFlow Technology to quickly optimize files and give you the best performance possible. When it comes to launching or downloading games, this feature can come in extremely handy for load times.
With 256GB, you shouldn't run into any issues installing a healthy library of games to your system. Although the Switch does not have 4K support of any kind, this SD card is made for quick transfer of 4K content. So, your 1080p screenshots and videos will quickly transfer over to a laptop or PC with the blink of an eye.
5. SanDisk 1TB microSDXC Card - The Legend of Zelda
Best SD Card Design for Nintendo Switch
This Zelda SD card has arguably best design you can find for a compatible Switch SD card. At 1TB of storage, you should have no issues with running out of space for new games. Although the speeds are a bit lower than other options on this list, this is the only SD card officially licensed by Nintendo we feature here.
This card is made with the Nintendo Switch in mind, so you can expect a quality product overall. The design featured is the iconic Triforce from The Legend of Zelda series, which is a perfect way to showcase your love of the Nintendo franchise (even if you can't actually see it when you're using it). Overall, there are better options, but this is a good choice if you prefer to snag a unique design.
How to Choose an SD Card for Nintendo Switch
Investing in an SD card for your Nintendo Switch is a game-changer. But knowing what to look for is important too. You could just buy a cheap SD card thatâs got a decent amount of storage space, but there are other factors to consider.
Storage capacity: This should be your first consideration. Depending on the types of games you play, a 128GB SD card might suffice. But games like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom that takes up 16GB might need a larger SD card. Not to mention your save files and any screenshots you take will add to the overall file size.
Compatibility: If youâre looking for an SD card for Nintendo Switch, youâll obviously need to make sure you find one thatâs compatible with the console. The Switch supports microSD cards â this includes microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC. Be careful not to buy an SD or miniSD card as these will not work!
Transfer speed: The higher the transfer speed, the better your gameplay experience will be. Speed classes are graded in 2, 4, 6, or 10, denoting the cardâs minimum baseline speed. So a grade 2 equates to 2MB/s, 4 is 4MB/s, and so on. If you find a microSD card with a UHS (Ultra High Speed) class like UHS-1, youâre good to go.
Nintendo Switch SD Card FAQs
Do you need an SD card for the Switch?
For the Nintendo Switch, a microSD card is an essential Switch accessory. Without it, you'll only have enough space to install a few games on the system. An SD card will allow you to install dozens of titles on Switch without any worry of deleting games to free up storage.
Generally, Nintendo tends to keep its games on the smaller side, but there is a sizeable amount of third party titles available that are well over 32GB. This is the onboard storage for standard Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite models, so you won't even be able to install that game without an SD card.
How much storage do you actually need?
Most likely any SD card with 256GB of storage or higher will be more than enough for your Nintendo Switch. Some of the largest Nintendo titles, like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Xenoblade Chronicles 3, only weigh in at 16GB and 14GB, respectively. If you plan to primarily play Nintendo-developed titles, you should be more than fine with a 256GB SD card.
However, if you would like to play big third party releases on the platform, like Mortal Kombat 1, you should aim for an SD Card with over 512GB of storage. The latest NBA 2K game takes up over 60GB on Switch, which adds up quickly if you don't have a substantial SD card. Overall, the size of SD card best for you depends on the games you play, but it is essential for any Nintendo Switch owner to have one slotted into their system.
Will Switch SD cards be compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2?
No. Though more details on the Switch 2 confirm that most games will be backward compatible, SD cards for the standard Switch models will not work with the new Switch 2. You're going to need a MicroSD Express card if you want to expand the storage on the Switch 2. These cards are currently compatible with the standard Switch, but have generally been less accessible (and are more expensive) than standard SD cards.
Noah Hunter is a freelance writer for IGN, covering deals, shopping guides and more.
IGN's tech freelancer Danielle Abraham contributed to this buying guide.
Star Wars Day is May the fourth, which sounds enough like âMay the Force be with youâ that the internet turned it into a thing, and Disney was happy to play along. So each year, in the lead-up to May 4, all sorts of Star Wars gifts like games, movies, LEGO sets, accessories, and apparel go on sale. Below, weâve gathered all the best deals on all things Star Wars into one place for your perusing convenience. So grab your lightsaber and letâs take a look at whatâs on sale this year.
Star Wars Day is big enough that a number of major retailers are running sales on all sorts of Star Wars-related items. Weâre talking action figures, board games, LEGO sets, costumes, apparel, movies, video games, and more. If you have a preferred retailer, click the above links to see all its Star Wars Day deals.
Most of the major digital game storefronts are running sales on all manner of Star Wars video games from a galaxy far, far away. These range from classic PC games from the '90s all the way up to PS5 and Xbox Series X games like Star Wars Jedi Survivor and the PSVR 2 game Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy's Edge. That's decades' worth of deals. There are even some older Star Wars games on the Switch on sale if you don't have a more powerful gaming rig.
New Star Wars LEGO Sets
LEGO already has a whole lot of Star Wars sets, but the brick-building company went all out this year by introducing no fewer than 10 new Star Wars LEGO sets. You can see them all here at the LEGO Store, but many are also available on Amazon if thatâs your preferred retailer. Theyâre all very cool, especially the new Jango Fett starship, which is the latest in the 18+ line of Ultimate Collector Series sets.
Star Wars: Andor Season 1 on Sale
My personal favorite Star Wars show is Andor, hands down. The second season is currently airing on Disney+, but you can pick up the first seeason on Blu-ray for 50% off right now. Now that's a deal.
Funko Pops are great because theyâre small and inexpensive â and they have figures for just about every piece of pop culture under the sun. Thereâs a whole world of Star Wars Funko Pops out there, and many of them are available in Funkoâs Buy 2 Star Wars Items, Get 1 Free sale.
The gaming chair maker Secret Lab is running a big Star Wars sale of its own this weekend. In it, you can pick up a new gaming chair that's decked out in Star Wars imagery, or you can get skins, chair sleeves, and more.
Crunchyrollâs Anime Awards are a chance to celebrate your favorite shows, characters, and performances from the previous year. While a panel of judges may decide on the nominees themselves, the winners of each category are ultimately decided by fans. The anime streaming service officially announced the nominees for the 9th Anime Awards last month, and while the voting period is over, you still have time to catch up before the big event on May 25.
At the 2024 Anime Awards, the grand prize (and 10 other awards) went to Jujutsu Kaisen. In 2025, Frieren: Beyond Journey's End leads the charge with 25 nominations, though Dan Da Dan isn't far behind at 22. Here's how to watch this year's nominees for Anime of the Year.
Nominees for Anime of the Year
For this year's Anime Awards, Crunchyroll announced expanded eligibility requirements. Any series that aired between October 31, 2023 and December 31, 2024, which includes five anime 'seasons,' is eligible. With that in mind, here are the nominees for Anime of the Year:
Dan Da Dan
Dan Da Dan, produced by Science Saru, follows a pair of eccentric teenagers who discover that both aliens and demons are real. Season 2 of Dan Da Dan begins airing this summer, and one can hope they use an opening as catchy as the first season's.
The only Netflix exclusive anime to make this list, the first season of Delicious in Dungeon ran for 24 episodes. Adapted from the manga by Ryoko Kui, the seinen anime follows a group of adventurers forced to find meal options in the depths of, well, a dungeon.
The Elven mage Frieren once travelled in a party that defeated the Demon King, but her long lifespan means she's outlived all of her friends. As she decides to take a young human mage under her wing, she considers how to find meaning in fleeting lifetimes. Frieren is, in my opinion, the nominee most likely to make you cry or have an existential crisis.
Kaiju No. 8 (occasionally referred to as Monster No. 8 in English) is a play on the "Man Becomes a Monster to Hunt Monsters" trope that's always been popular in anime. Kafka Hibino originally joins a task force to take revenge on the Kaiju who destroyed his town, but a parasite flying into his mouth makes his plan a little more complicated.
While every other anime on this list started off as a serialized manga in Japan, Solo Leveling instead started as a Korean web comic on WebToon. A-1 Pictures produces the anime adaptation, which recently surpassed One Piece to become the most reviewed anime of all time on Crunchyroll.
The Apothecary Diaries has been adapted into plenty of mediums over the years, including a manga licensed by Square Enix, but the seinen story reached new levels of popularity with its anime adaptation. Set in an alternate version of the Tang Dynasty, The Apothecary Diaries has aired for two seasons so far.
Anime of the Year may be the biggest award, but categories include every genre of anime (this year added âBest Isekai Animeâ to the list), as well as awards for characters, dubbed voice performances, and even opening songs. You can check out the full list of categories and nominees here.
When Are the Anime Awards?
The 2025 Anime Awards will take place in Tokyo on May 25. The event will be livestreamed on Crunchyroll, with more details to come. In the meantime, Crunchyroll is also celebrating "Ani-May," making a selection of their library free to stream and partnering with stores across the globe for merch deals and in-person events.
Blythe (she/her) is an SEO Coordinator at IGN who spends way too much time in character customization screens and tracking down collectibles.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is right around the corner, and if youâre planning on grabbing it, keep in mind that it only has 256GB of storage built-in. If you want to load up on games without having to deal with uninstalling and reinstalling over and over, youâre going to want to expand that storage. However, unlike the original Nintendo Switch, the new console now requires a MicroSD Express card â which are faster, but more expensive than other UHS-based SD cards.
MicroSD Express cards have theoretically been around for a while, but there are only a few of them on the market right now, as creative professionals havenât really found much of a use for them. However, with the Switch 2 launching in the next month, there will likely be a deluge of Express cards to fill that gap.
Just remember that because the system isnât out yet, I havenât tested any of these Nintendo Switch 2 SD cards yet. However, most of them come from reputable manufacturers that have a track record of making excellent storage expansion cards.
Why MicroSD Express?
Unlike many devices, the Nintendo Switch 2 is mandating a MicroSD Express card for storage expansion. Nintendo hasnât really explained its reasoning behind the decision, but itâs not hard to see why it might want to require faster storage.
For one, the flash storage built into the system is the same kind of UFS flash that powers most smartphones. This storage is much faster than the eMMC drive in the original Switch, and itâs likely Nintendo wanted its developers to be able to count on that kind of storage speed, no matter if the game is being stored internally or on an expansion card.
The only thing you can use a regular old MicroSD card for is loading screenshots and videos you took on your first-gen Switch. That means unlike something like the PS5, which allows you to store last-generation games on slower external drives, Nintendo isnât allowing for any wiggle room here. If you want to expand the Nintendo Switch 2 storage, youâre going to need a MicroSD Express card.
1. Lexar Play Pro
The Best MicroSD Express Card
Out of the two MicroSD Express cards that are theoretically "out," the Lexar Play Pro is faster and more capacious. Supporting read times up to 900MB/s and storage space up to 1TB, this is the best MicroSD Express card out there right now. Unfortunately, with the increased demand that the Switch 2 has brought, I canât seem to find it in stock anywhere.
This will likely change in the future, as stock normalizes and people slow down on excitedly buying any accessory related to the Nintendo Switch 2. If you do want the best SD card for your Switch though, itâs worth keeping your eye on the Lexar Play Pro, especially the 1TB version, and scooping it up if it comes in stock somewhere. As for right now, your best bet is to order it through Adorama, which has it on backorder until July.
2. SanDisk MicroSD Express
The MicroSD Express Card You Can Actually Buy Right Now
I have so many SanDisk SD cards lying around, and that shouldnât be super surprising. Over the years, SanDisk has become one of the most prolific SD card manufacturers, and now it has a MicroSD Express card. Unlike the Lexar version, SanDisk doesnât have a fancy name for its card, and it also only goes up to 256GB, which would simply mirror the internal storage of the Nintendo Switch 2.
Still, doubling your storage isnât a bad deal, especially if you can find this MicroSD card at a lower price. Itâs also not quite as fast as the Lexar Play Pro, coming in with a read speed of up to 880MB/s. Thatâs a minor enough disparity that youâre not going to notice any difference when youâre loading up Mario Kart World, but 20MB/s is still 20MB/s.
The SanDisk MicroSD Express card is also much more readily available at the time of writing, so if you just want to grab it and forget it, this might be the card to go for. However, if youâre willing to wait until you have the console in-hand, there will be plenty more options for you.
3. Samsung MicroSD Express for Switch 2
The Official Option We Know Very Little About
Samsungâs MicroSD Express card isnât out yet, but this is the expansion card thatâs being sold directly by Nintendo, which definitely gives it some weight. The problem, though, is that I have no idea what its storage speeds are going to be, or whether or not the 256GB model being sold directly by the likes of Nintendo and Gamestop will be the only version you can buy.
Still, itâll probably provide some comfort to get an SD card that has Nintendoâs seal of approval, no matter what the actual specs of the card end up being. I have reached out to Samsung to learn more about this SD card, and Iâll update this article as soon as I learn anything.
MicroSD Express FAQ
How fast is MicroSD Express?
SD Express is theoretically much faster than older SD cards, and that largely comes down to how it interfaces with the device. Rather than connecting to a bespoke SD card interface, SD Express uses PCI Express 3.1, which is what SSDs use on PC.
Donât go expecting a MicroSD Express card to be as fast as the NVMe SSDs in handheld gaming PCs, though. While the full-sized SD Express cards can come close, with read speeds up to 3,940MB/s, the MicroSD Express cards can only hit a maximum of 985MB/s. Still, thatâs much faster than the older MicroSD cards used by the original Nintendo Switch.
How long will a MicroSD Express card last?
Just like any SD card, MicroSD Express cards arenât meant to be used for long-term data storage, and so they have a shelf life. How long theyâll last depends largely on the environment it's being used in, and whether or not youâre dropping it. I wouldnât expect a MicroSD Express card to last more than 5-10 years before it needs to be replaced, so be sure to keep anything important backed up.
Jackie Thomas is the Hardware and Buying Guides Editor at IGN and the PC components queen. You can follow her @Jackiecobra
LEGO has revealed eight new Harry Potter sets. Some of them are now up for preorder on Amazon, but all of them are set to arrive on June 1, 2025. We've gathered all of the preorder listings below so you can see them at a glance.
These new sets are just the latest in a long line of Harry Potter LEGO collaborations throughout the years. The most recent new set that we saw for the franchise was the Knight Bus Adventure back in March, so the sudden jump to eight new sets in June seems like a significant increase.
New LEGO Harry Potter Sets for June 2025
The prices on the new sets range from $23 to a whopping $260 and there's a little bit of something for every type of Harry Potter fan here. The most expensive new set is the main tower component of the Hogwarts Castle, which is actually just one part of a much larger Hogwarts Castle set that is still getting new releases. On the other end of the spectrum is the adorable little Fawkes set that comes with a sorting hat and the Sword of Gryffindor for just $23.
For those looking for cool sets in the middle price range, there's the Chomping Book of Monsters set you may recognize from The Prisoner of Azkaban. It actually has a built-in chomping feature that looks like it brings the whole thing to life. There's also the Thestrail Family set, which includes two poseable creatures you can only actually see once you've witnessed death (in the books and movies, that is).
Out of all of the new LEGO sets that were revealed, my overall favorite is the Book Nook: Hogwarts Express option. It is a beautiful depiction of the iconic train stationed at platform 9 and 3/4 and it also just so happens to be a pair of book ends. It's an awesome Harry Potter gift for any fan who wants a bonus display for their shelf.
Should you preorder at Amazon or LEGO direct?
Currently, the only Harry Potter sets that are available to preorder are through Amazon, but all of these options will eventually become available at LEGO direct as well. Both websites are good places to buy LEGO for different reasons, and this is especially true for preorders. Amazon offers a preorder price guarantee that ensures you get the absolute best price for that set if a discount arrives before the release date. Alternatively, the LEGO store will offer you a free gift with your purchase and LEGO points for Insiders.
New LEGO Sets Available Now
If you're looking for all of the LEGO sets releasing this month rather than in June, we've got you covered. The most prominent new additions to this month are all of the new Star Wars LEGO sets, but you can also check out the full list of new options to see everything.
Anime just keeps getting bigger. It was reported to be a $19+ billion industry in 2023, so we can only imagine where it's at now. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to watch anime without paying a dime. While you might have to skip out on the occasional Netflix original, there's something for everyone in the hundreds of anime series and movies out there for free.
If you watch anime, you probably know that there are plenty of what we'll call "risky" anime sites, most of which ride a legal gray line or head straight into piracy territory. This list is limited to free anime sites we know for sure legally acquired their streaming licenses.
Whether you want to see what the hype's about with Solo Leveling, are planning a Naruto marathon, or want to dive into classics like Sailor Moon, here are the best sites to watch anime for free.
Crunchyroll
As the ultimate anime streaming service, Crunchyroll offers free ad-supported streaming of a selection of its library. What's available with Crunchyroll's free tier changes with seasonal releases, but it's consistently one of the best ways to check out the latest and greatest anime for free. Right now, you can watch the first season of massive hits like Solo Leveling, Jujutsu Kaisen, Chainsaw Man, and Apothecary Diaries for free. The free streaming tier doesn't always limit you to a first season, either. For "Ani-May," Crunchyroll has made entire series free to stream. For example, you won't get cut off from watching every season of My Hero Academia, Spy X Family, or Demon Slayer.
Tubi is one of the best free streaming sites, period, and licensing deals with the likes of Crunchyroll, Konami, GKIDS, and Viz Media mean the free platform is stocked with a solid amount of anime. Youâll find plenty of the classics, like Naruto, PokĂŠmon, and Sailor Moon, shoujo favorites like Toradora and Maid-Sama, and comedies like Daily Lives of High School Boys. Tubi also has a surprisingly great selection of anime movies, including films directed by Satoshi Kon and Naoko Yamada.
Free Anime on Tubi:
Sling TV Freestream
Sling TVâs new Freestream platform combines a bunch of existing free streaming "channels" into a single platform. One of those streaming libraries is RetroCrush, which itself is a great free anime site focused on old-school classics like Ghost Stories and City Hunter. Freestream also includes âsneak peaksâ at programming from Cartoon Network and Adult Swim, including the new Uzumaki anime and, interestingly enough, the final season of Attack on Titan.
Free Anime on Sling TV Freestream:
Viz Media
Viz Media is a major distributor of anime and manga in North America. While the Viz website does offer free manga chapters (as well as physical volumes), you'll only find physical releases for anime. However, you can find a pretty decent selection of free anime on the Viz Media YouTube channel, including a full spread of InuYasha, Naruto, and Sailor Moon movies.
Free Anime From Viz Media:
Free Anime Sites FAQ
Are there any free anime sites without ads?
Unfortunately, by virtue of licensing agreements, ads are par for the course for free streaming sites. If you find a streaming site without ads, it's more than likely on the "riskier" side of the internet. No judgment, of course.
Is there free anime on YouTube?
Beyond Viz Media's official channel, thereâs a treasure trove of free anime on YouTube. I wonât necessarily point you (or the copyright police) in any specific direction, but I will say itâs worth checking if something youâre interested in is on there.
Blythe (she/her) is an SEO Coordinator at IGN who spends way too much time in character customization screens and tracking down collectibles.
Crunchyroll has always offered a free subscription tier with a decent library of anime. Still, some of the most popular and simulcast series get locked behind the serviceâs Premium membership. If youâve encountered the Premium paywall for a particular series, I have some good news: Crunchyroll has made 20 of its most popular anime free to watch as part of the streaming site's "Ani-May" celebrations.
Whether youâve been wanting to see what the hypeâs about with Solo Leveling, need to catch up on My Hero Academia before the final season, or want to check out a classic like Cowboy Bebop, thereâs almost certainly something in the mix for you to enjoy this month. Check out the full list of whatâs streaming for free below.
20 Anime You Can Watch for Free on Crunchyroll Right Now
Letâs cut to the chase. Hereâs the full list of whatâs streaming on Crunchyroll for free in May:
Black Clover (Seasons 1-4)
Chainsaw Man
Cowboy Bebop
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (The Complete Series)
Solo Leveling has most recently taken the anime world by storm. IGNâs review of the first season says it âbrings gaming mechanics to animation, with a thrilling power fantasy that understands the tediousness of experience farming, the fun of gaining a new level and skill points, and the thrills of facing down a boss."
The list is notably lighter on the shoujo side, but Fruits Basket might be all you need. One show I highly recommend checking out is The Apothecary Diaries, a historical drama with threads of romance. And I fully agree with IGNâs Apothecary Diaries review that âthe titular apothecary, Maomao, is a delightful protagonist who embodies this balance between matter-of-fact and goofy.â
Otherwise, the Junji Ito Collection is an interesting addition to the mix, though Iâd always recommend just checking out the original manga.
As far as we know, these series will be free to stream until the end of May, though some may stick around in the free tier for even longer. Still, any excuse to binge some anime is worthwhile.
What Is âAni-Mayâ?
Ani-May is a Crunchyroll thing. Aside from making some of their Premium catalog free-to-stream, Crunchyroll is releasing new merchandise while partnering with stores across the globe for in-person events. The site will also be hosting the Anime Awards on May 15. Hereâs the message Crunchyrollâs Head of Global Products had to share about the event:
Collectorâs Sale on the Crunchyroll Store
Aside from the streaming celebrations, the Crunchyroll Store is unleashing a full month of new releases and discounts. You can see some of whatâs available below or check out the entire collection.
Blythe (she/her) is an SEO Coordinator at IGN who spends way too much time in character customization screens and tracking down collectibles.
Appleâs MacBooks have a track record for being the best laptops out there. With their consistently reliable performance, sleek designs, and top-notch software, you know youâre getting a quality product thatâll last for years. And if youâre already deeply entrenched in Appleâs ecosystem with your iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch, grabbing a MacBook over a MacBook alternative just makes the most sense. But figuring out exactly what you need from your device has its challenges, so we're here to help.
TL;DR â The Best MacBooks to Buy Right Now:
All of Appleâs latest MacBooks run on the tech giantâs own powerful processors. However, most wonât need the monstrous capabilities of the M4 Max chip unless youâre doing 3D rendering or advanced workflows. Luckily, you can go with something better suited to everyday usage, like the M4 chip on the lightweight MacBook Air. Want to get a bit more creative? The MacBook Pro with the M4 Pro processor may be right up your alley.
No matter what MacBook you go with, you can take full advantage of macOS, which remains competitive with Windows 11 and Linux. Plus, all these MacBooks support the lastest macOS 15 Sequoia â a big software update with AI at the forefront.
The MacBook Air has been probably the most popular laptop for years, and that's not going to change any time soon. The 2025 model updates the laptop with Apple's new M4 chip, which is not only faster than the M3 that preceded it, but allows the Cupertino company to work its 'Apple Intelligence' into the system. Now, this is no MacBook Pro, so don't be surprised if it doesn't handle games super well, but it should be more than capable of powering you through most of your daily tasks.
When I reviewed the new MacBook Air, not only did I find that it had phenomenal battery life â with up to 19 hours of video playback â but it also had a display that outperformed pretty much any other laptop in its price range. Plus, the speakers, in a configuration that bounces the sound off of the display, help make for a compelling multimedia device.
The MacBook Air also has an extremely comfortable keyboard, and after working with it for a couple of weeks, it became on of my favorite laptops for getting work done on, especially if I was commuting. Really, the only thing that holds the MacBook Air back from utter perfection is the lack of ports. For some reason, Apple is still only packing this thing with two USB ports and a headphone jack, which means you're going to have to carry dongles around with you if you want to connect legacy peripherals. And what do you know â Apple sells plenty of dongles.
2. Apple MacBook Air (2024)
Best Budget MacBook
If youâre looking for an affordable MacBook for casual everyday use, then the Apple MacBook Air (2024) is one of the best laptops from Apple for web browsing, watching YouTube and Netflix, office productivity, and more. This is all thanks to its fast processor, sleek and lightweight design at 2.7lbs, vivid 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display, and long battery life of up to 18 hours per charge. It also comes with two USB-C ports (Thunderbolt 3), a dedicated MagSafe 3 charging port, a headphone jack, and a 1080p HD webcam for pristine video calls.
The laptop starts at $1,099 â which is a bit hefty compared to previous models of the MacBook Air â but it's worth it. This model comes with the Apple M3 chip, and starts off with 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD, which should be enough for most people. Though, of course if you want a little more juice, you can get it configured with up to 24GB RAM and a giant 2TB SSD.
Just like the 2022 model, Apple also launched a 15-inch MacBook Air, which is basically the same exact laptop, only with a larger screen and more luxe high-end configuration.
3. Apple MacBook Pro 14 M4 (2024)
Best MacBook for Multitasking
If you do a lot of multitasking and swapping between apps, you want a MacBook that can keep up, and the 14-inch MacBook Pro M4 is ready. With it, you get the latest M4 processor that features Dynamic Caching, which uses only the exact amount of memory needed for a task to help increase performance in demanding programs. Thatâs just the start, as youâll enjoy a stunning 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display for a crystal clear view of all your workflows while a long-lasting battery â weâre talking up to 18 hours â ensures you can work from anywhere.
You will be adding to the price and weight when going with this Pro model over an Air, but itâs hard not to appreciate the extra power it brings. This option also comes in two colors: Space Black and Silver.
4. Apple MacBook Pro 14 M4 Pro (2024)
Best MacBook for Creative Pros
Starting at $1,999 but often on sale for $1,699 or less, the Apple MacBook Pro M4 Pro is ideal for multitasking and heavy workloads. It features a brilliant 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display, the latest M3 Pro processor for fast-switching between loads of different apps, and various ports, including three USB-C (Thunderbolt 4) ports, one HDMI port, one SDXC card reader, one MagSafe port for charging, and a headphone jack. That means you can use it with all sorts of peripherals like external hard drives and 4K monitors, which is especially handy for creatives.
From editing photos and transcoding videos, this MacBook Pro â which comes in Silver and Space Black â is a workhorse and fantastic for creative professionals. It just quickly gets the job done again and again with virtually no hiccups.
5. Apple MacBook Pro 16 M4 Max (2024)
Best Powerhouse MacBook
Want the ultimate MacBook? The Apple MacBook Pro M4 Max â with its massive 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display, insanely powerful M4 Max processor with hardware accelerated ray tracing, and minimum 36GB of memory and 1TB of SSD storage â can handle just about anything you can throw at it. In fact, itâs so powerful that it can support multiple external displays and is ready to take on 3D rendering and other advanced workflows.
However, this beast of a laptop doesnât come cheap. It starts at $3,499, but for Appleâs most high-octane and fastest MacBook, it could be something to consider for just the sheer power of it.
What to Look for in an Apple MacBook
Although itâs a bit overwhelming to pick the best Apple MacBook, using one is pretty much the same across models. One of the best things about the laptop is that they all run the most current version of macOS. This means each model will run as smoothly and elegantly as possible with the latest security updates. However, there are certain key differences that make selecting the best MacBook for you a little tough to figure out. Hereâs what to look for in a MacBook in 2025.
First and foremost, you should really think about what youâre going to use the MacBook for. If you want a MacBook for video editing or photo editing, then go with the MacBook Pro for its power and larger display. If youâre a writer, then go with the MacBook Air (2025) for its speed and portability. If youâre on a budget, then go with the MacBook Air (2024) for its lower price.
Processing Power
You really get into the weeds when it comes to processing power. Apple offers multiple chipsets in their MacBooks: M1, M2, M2 Pro, M2 Max, M3, M3 Pro, M3 Max, M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max. Released in 2020, the M1 chip is the tech companyâs first chipset thatâs designed in-house. Itâs speedy and efficient, but itâs still a few years old. The next generation chip is the M2, which is faster and zippier, and the M3 and M4 only adds perfromance from there. If you want a step up in power, the tech company also has the M4 Pro and M4 Max chipsets, which are reserved for the 2024 MacBook Pro models. These chips are insanely powerful.
Size
Additionally, size matters when it comes to the MacBook. Apple offers two sizes for the MacBook Air â a 13.3-inch display for the older MacBook Air and a slightly larger 13.6-inch ânotch-styleâ display (which is similar to the Apple iPhone 14) for the newer Air model. As for the MacBook Pros, there are three options: 13.3-inch, 14.2-inch, and 16.2-inch displays â the latter two are also ânotch-style.â
Price
In terms of pricing, MacBooks start at $999 (sometimes as low as $799, if itâs on sale) with the M2 MacBook Air (2022) and can go all the way up to a whopping $6,499 with the M3 Max MacBook Pro (2023) for a model with a 16.2-inch display, 96GB of memory, and 8TB of SSD storage.
The most important thing to look out for when picking a MacBook is how youâre going to use it. For most people, the MacBook Air (2024) is the best choice because it features a modern and lightweight design, an M3 processor, a webcam with sharp and crisp picture quality, and a long battery life. If you want more power, then step up to the MacBook Pro (2023). But whichever MacBook you pick up, youâll have a great user experience thanks to the latest macOS Sonoma software.
After grabbing a MacBook, you may want to consider some peripherals, and AirPods should be near the top of that list. One of our experts did hands-on testing of the Apple AirPods 4 with ANC, giving them high marks. The reviewer even stated the earbuds âgo head-to-head in several categories with the AirPods Pro 2.â So, getting these lower-cost AirPods is a great idea.
MacBook FAQ
Are MacBooks good for gaming?
The main draw of a MacBook is that they are excellent laptops for work and productivity. So while you can play some games on a Mac, that doesn't mean that they were built for gaming. Despite the raw power many of these laptops possess, they are not yet the best options for gaming. Check out our guide to the best gaming laptop for better options.
Valve may have revolutionized mobile PC gaming with the Steam Deck, but more and more handheld gaming PCs are coming to market, giving it some stiff competition. The Asus ROG Ally X knocked Steamâs offering from our top spot thanks to its impressive performance, fast memory, and long-lasting battery. With the Acer Nitro Blaze 11 announced at CES 2025, you'll have plenty of options for gaming on the go. Whether youâre after the Steam Deck itself or one of the best Steam Deck alternatives, weâve selected excellent handheld gaming PCs ready to chew through the top PC games.
TL;DR â These Are the Best Handheld Gaming PCs:
Rather than dealing with the bulk of one the best gaming laptops, handheld gaming PCs keep far more compact dimensions, making it easier to play from just about anywhere. Even though these devices are significantly smaller than the best gaming PCs, it doesnât mean theyâre underpowered, as many handheld gaming PCs are packing the performance prowess to cruise through AAA games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Ghost of Tsushima. And if you get sick of playing on a smaller screen, the best Steam Deck docks work seamlessly with most handheld gaming PCs so you can hook up to your gaming TV.
While weâre on the cusp of a handheld gaming PC revolution, we've gotten our hands on a good chunk of these highly-capable devices. Below are the seven we deem worthy of consideration. From the high-performing Lenovo Legion Go to a slightly less powerful option for indie games like the Asus ROG Ally Z1, something is bound to suit your needs.
The Asus ROG Ally X we reviewed last year might use the same AMD Z1 Extreme processor as the original ROG Ally, but Asus has made enough little changes to the handheld that catapult it into its place as the best gaming handheld on the market right now. The Z1 Extreme is accompanied by 24GB of LPDDR5 memory, clocked at 7,400MHz, a massive increase over the 16GB of RAM on the original model. And because the RAM is faster this time around, too, it results in a surprising performance lift that averaged around 12-15% in my testing.
Asus also made the chassis a little thicker and heavier. It's not enough to notice most of the time, but there's a reason behind the madness. The Asus ROG Ally X has an improved cooler and a battery that's twice as large as the original model. This means you can play games for multiple hours before you have to start running for the charger. The improved cooler also helps long gaming sessions by wicking hot air away from the touch display, avoiding the hot touch screen issue that plagued the original model.
The Asus Mobile XG port on the original model has been removed, and has been replaced by a second USB-C port, which is compatible with Thunderbolt 4. Asus has also replaced the controversial MicroSD card slot with one that will hopefully be a little more resistant to damage. (After all, Asus got into some hot water with the original ROG Ally thanks to some lackluster customer support that was documented by YouTuber Gamers Nexus.)
Despite that, the Asus ROG Ally X, by itself, is the best handheld gaming PC experience you can get right now.
There are ways to get Windows running on the 7-inch display portable by booting directly from the USB-C port. Beyond that is one of the best input controls available for any portable gaming handheld. See our full comparison between the Steam Deck and ROG Ally here.
Thereâs also the OLED version of the Steam Deck to consider for users who prefer a larger, brighter, and more vibrant screen. While still displaying at 1200x800, the Steam Deck OLED offers a noticeable difference, providing more clarity for a better visual experience. You'll also get improved battery life, a higher refresh rate, and more storage than the 256GB offered in the tradtional LCD model.
3. Lenovo Legion Go
The Best High Performance Handheld Gaming PC
When you're setting out to buy any kind of gaming PC, there's a balance you need to look for: You want something with incredible performance, but still looks like the premium product that you paid for. Handheld gaming PCs are no different, and that's why the Lenovo Legion Go is such a catch. The Legion Go measures in at a massive 11.76 inches long and 5.16 inches tall with the controllers attached, and that's primarily because of the large display.
Unlike other handheld gaming PCs like the Steam Deck or the Asus ROG Ally Z1 that take a lot of inspiration from the Nintendo Switch, the Legion Go sports an 8.8-inch 1600p display, almost making it a Windows 11 tablet with a controller stapled onto it. Luckily, Lenovo was able to keep the weight down a little bit, just 1.41lbs. Even if it's lighter than it looks, it's probably going to be hard for folks with smaller hands to use it.
The 1600p display causes a bit of a hassle, too. Because this is using the same AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chipset as the ROG Ally, some games can have a bit of trouble running at the native resolution. This is easily solved by tinkering with your in-game settings to lower the resolution. If you're not comfortable doing the hands-on troubleshooting, this might not be the product for you. But if you're a long-time PC gamer like I am, you'll love just how flexible â and beautiful â the Lenovo Legion Go is. This is the handheld gaming PC for the hardcore PC gaming crowd.
If the complicated nature of the Lenovo Legion Go is a bit of a turnoff, the Lenovo Legion Go S did just come out. However, in my review, I found it to be slower than the original Legion Go and at a higher price point. There will be a version launching later this year with a slightly lower-end configuration and running SteamOS, and that's going to be the lite-version of the Legion Go to keep an eye open for.
4. Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme
The Best Windows Handheld Gaming PC
If youâre after a Windows-based handheld that puts the Steam Deckâs Linux-based SteamOS to shame, look no further than theAsus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme we reviewed back in 2023. It runs on Windows 11, so just about any PC game and storefront are easy to use and bounce between with this device, including Xbox Game Pass and Epic. There are no significant caveats, like when attempting to play non-Steam games on the Steam Deck. However, during our review, we found the Armoury Crate software a bit clunky.
Equipped with a speedy Z1 Extreme mobile processor offering an 8-core Zen 4 CPU and RDNA 3-powered graphics, the ROG Ally has one of the most powerful chips available â if youâre looking for something cheaper with a little less oomph, check out the ROG Ally Z1. During testing, the Z1 Extreme could play many games at high or even ultra settings while hitting commendable framerates with just a bit of tinkering, something that canât be said for the Steam Deck. But pushing those higher settings comes at a significant cost to battery life, making a power bank a sound investment.
The ROG Ally is sleek and lightweight, featuring a vibrant 7-inch touchscreen with an adjustable resolution from 1080p to 720p and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. The controllers flanking the screenâs sides have responsive ABXY face buttons and a slightly cheap feeling D-pad. We wish a touchpad were available for mouse-based games, but luckily the joysticks are reliable. A wireless mouse can always be connected if need be. Still, with everything on offer, the ROG Ally is essentially a mini Windows PC masquerading as a gaming handheld.
5. GPD Win 4
The Best Handheld Gaming PC with a Keyboard
More like a mini laptop than gaming handheld, the GPD Win 4 we reviewed looks almost like Sonyâs PSVita until you look beneath the surface. The portable has a AMD Ryzen 7 CPU and AMD Radeon 780m GPU. All of that is hiding behind a 6-inch 1080p screen. One of the highlight features of the GPD Win 4 is a sliding Windows keyboard, which makes using the desktop operating system on the go a breeze.
There are three versions available, including a base configuration with 16GB RAM and 1TB of SSD storage, going up as high as $1,599 for 32GB and 2TB of SSD storage.
6. Ayaneo Air
The Most Portable Handheld Gaming PC
One of the smallest handheld gaming PCs available, the Ayaneo Air has a 5.5-inch OLED FHD screen. Performance-wise, you should be able to get quite a bit of horsepower of the 6-core AMD Ryzen 5 CPU and AMD Radeon GPU. A little under 2 inches thin, the Ayaneo Air also weighs 2.6lbs. With 512GB SSD storage, thereâs also room to expand via Micro SD slot. Though it may lack the sheer power of many portable Windows handhelds on the list, the size alone makes it a worthy buy.
7. Asus ROG Ally Z1
The Best Handheld Gaming PC for Indie Games
If you like the looks of the Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme but want something nearly as powerful for less money, grab the Asus ROG Ally Z1. Running the show is Windows 11 and a 30W AMD APU featuring a Zen 4 processor paired with a GPU with four RDNA 3 CUs. Admittedly, those graphics will struggle to keep up with AAA games at their highest settings on this 120Hz FHD handheld with a 7-inch display. Turning down the settings does help make games more playable, but the device truly shines in indie games.
Upcoming Handheld Gaming PCs
Now that the Lenovo Legion Go S is here, we have a first glimpse of the next generation of handheld gaming PCs. It's a rough note to start on, but keep in mind that the AMD Z2 Go is the weakest of the new generation of handheld chips. There will be handheld gaming PCs coming out over the rest of the year that are powered by the more powerful versions, like the Z2 Extreme. Just keep an eye out for the Lenovo Legion Go 2 and the Asus ROG Ally 2 â or whatever it will be called. Another handheld announcement from CES 2025, the Acer Nitro Blaze 11, comes with a massive 11-inch screen, the biggest we've seen on a handheld from a major company.
Finally, there's the upcoming Switch 2 handheld that we will hear more about during the Nintendo Direct in April. While it isn't a PC gaming machine exactly, it does appear to include mouse-like Joy-Con controllers that could make it feel similar.
Handheld Gaming PC FAQ
Should I buy a handheld gaming PC or a gaming laptop?
Depending on how you want to game and what games you want to play will determine whether you should grab a gaming laptop or handheld PC. Handhelds score higher points in longevity, battery life, optimization, portability, and thermals. But handhelds are only designed to play games up to a certain specification. Gaming laptops cram in the latest GPU, CPU, and RAM, likely sacrificing battery life, thermals, and price. However, some are absolute beasts ready to take on even the most graphically intensive games. Laptops offer more functionality when it comes to editing and other work.
The Asus ROG Ally X is our top pick and also one of the best Steam Deck alternatives. This gaming handheld offers an easy-to-use interface, speedy performance, and stunning design. Most importantly, the Windows 11 gaming handheld lets you access your entire PC gaming library.
How does the Switch 2 compare to the Steam Deck?
It's too early to say for sure, but given that the Switch 2 is using newer hardware, it will probably be a little bit more powerful â though by how much we won't know until it's out on June 5. Check out our in-depth comparison to find out more.
Jackie Thomas is the Hardware and Buying Guides Editor at IGN and the PC components queen. You can follow her @Jackiecobra
Solving puzzles may happen in your daily life from various word puzzle games like Wordle, or through strategy-based games and puzzle books, but piecing together a physical puzzle is a great way to focus your brain, relax and unwind. As a hobby for all ages, there are hundreds of jigsaw puzzles to choose from these days. However, as avid puzzlers ourselves, we put together a list focuses on what we've found as the most challenging yet rewarding puzzles with adults in mind, and even included some 3D gems in the mix. Many of our picks below would make for great Mother's day gifts, but you can buy them for yourself too.
TLDR: These are the Best Puzzles for Adults
Whatâs even better is they come in a variety of different styles and designs once put together. Whether you want the finished product to reflect your favorite franchise, game, artwork, or a piece of beautiful scenery, there are puzzles for everyone to enjoy. The below list includes a nice range of sizes as well, from 1,000 pieces to a whopping 3,000 pieces, so youâll still have quite the challenge when putting them together.
The Legend of Zelda Hyrule Map Jigsaw Puzzle
If The Legend of Zelda games are right up your alley, this is an excellent jigsaw puzzle to have in your collection. Coming in at 1,000 pieces, you can piece together a full map of Hyrule to have in your home. It has a fantastic antique style thatâll be great for showing off once itâs all put together. Frame it and keep it, or pass it on to the next puzzler in your life to do next.
If you do purchase this puzzle with the goal of framing it and displaying it on your wall, we recommend purchasing some puzzle glue to help you preserve the finished product. We recommend RoseArt Jigsaw Puzzle Glue, which works great and dries quickly.
The Mystic Maze Jigsaw Puzzle
Puzzles from the Magic Puzzle Company truly are magical, and one of the best puzzle brands. Not only does this puzzle, called The Mystic Maze, feature over 50 easter eggs for you to find, but it even has a surprise ending for after youâve finished putting it together. Itâs an exciting twist on the usual puzzle, and well worth picking up for your puzzle and games collection.
The main reason this theory11 puzzle is featured here is because it just flat out looks awesome, but the second obvious reason is that it's a Lord of the Rings jigsaw puzzle. The design of this 1,000-piece puzzle has a similar look and feel to some of the original illustrations from J.R.R Tolkien himself. The green and gold colors also go really well together with the illustrated style.
If you like the look and feel of illustrated Lord of the Rings books, you'll like how this puzzle comes together. It's a great option if you are looking for something to frame and display once it's completed. We've even included it on our guide to the best LotR gifts for fans of the franchise.
'80s Game Room Pop Culture Jigsaw Puzzle
Feeling nostalgic? This puzzle is ready to transport you back to the '80s and '90s, thanks to its retro style and assortment of pop culture references that youâll be just as busy pointing out even after youâve pieced it all together. It also comes with 1,000 pieces, so you'll be able to spend plenty of time immersed in it.
Harry Potter Marauder's Map Puzzle
There are quite a few really cool Harry Potter jigsaw puzzles out there and all of them make for great gifts for Potter fans. Our overall top pick within this franchise is The Marauder's Map puzzle. From Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs, this puzzle looks like the full map from the movies once it's been assembled. The puzzle itself is from The Noble Collection, which is known for making some of the highest quality officially licensed wand and Harry Potter prop replicas.
Marvel Mjolnir 3D Puzzle
If youâre looking for another unique puzzle, this 3D puzzle of Thorâs hammer, Mjolnir, is a great twist on a usual puzzle. This model kit comes with 8 sheets of 87 pieces for you to use in order to put this iconic hammer together. It even comes with a stand so you can set it up and show it off once itâs all done, making it a great addition to any superhero collection.
Marvel Infinity Gauntlet 3D Puzzle
This is another 3D puzzle from the same company listed above and features another memorable Marvel item: The Infinity Gauntlet. This puzzle comes with a few more pieces than Mjolnir - 14 sheets with 142 pieces - but comes with a stand as well so you can set it up for display afterward. If youâre a Marvel fan, this is a great investment to have, especially if you enjoy collectibles. Interested in other models? Check out our roundup of the 10 best LEGO alternatives or see more model kits for adults.
Star Wars: Galactic Child Jigsaw Puzzle
This Star Wars jigsaw puzzle is absolutely worth picking up if youâre a fan of the franchise. Coming in at 1,000 pieces, it features Grogu front and center in his little pod with a gorgeous cosmic background behind him. It also comes with a full-color bonus poster to help you with piecing together this Grogu puzzle perfectly. Other Star Wars fans in your life will want to borrow this puzzle when you're done; unless of course, you want to keep it and frame it!
Marvel Spider-Verse Jigsaw Puzzle
Venture into the Spider-Verse with this excellent jigsaw puzzle from Buffalo Games. This 1,000 piece puzzle is a sight to behold, featuring Peter Parker, Miles Morales, Spider-Gwen, Spider-Man Noir, Spider-Man 2099, Spider-Ham, and many more Spideys. It even features some of his greatest enemies lurking around if you take a closer look. This Silver Select puzzle also comes in a giftable box with silver foil accents.
Phoenix Wooden Jigsaw Puzzle
Not only does this wooden puzzle look great once it's all put together, but the pieces themselves also have unique shapes. You'll find shapes of animals and nature items which are fun to spot as you admire the final pieced-together product. Our pick for this Phoenix jigsaw puzzle above comes with 200 pieces, but you can also grab a large version (290 pieces) or x-large version (680 pieces).
Stained Glass Flower Puzzle
This is another puzzle thatâs well worth displaying after youâve put it together. With 1,000 pieces in the box, this puzzle features a vibrant stained glass design with flowers blooming at the center. Itâs a great one to work at slowly and appreciate the beautiful result once youâre all finished.
How to Choose a Jigsaw Puzzle
As an adult, choosing the right puzzle for you requires a bit more thought than it did as a kid. There's more to it than just finding a picture you like and making a purchase. If you're new to the puzzle game, here are some key things to consider before you buy:
How Many Pieces?
The difficulty of a puzzle can almost always be directly attributed to how many pieces there are. For most adults a 100-piece puzzle will likely be too easy, but a 1000-piece puzzle might cause you to get frustrated and lose interest. Because of this, you need to consider how much time you're willing to dedicate before you choose a piece count. If you want something you can finish in a single afternoon, a 500-piece puzzle is likely enough of a challenge.
How Big Is It?
Another thing to consider when purchasing a jigsaw puzzle is how big it is once its completed. If you purchase a massive puzzle that won't fit on your table, you may have trouble ever finishing it. Make sure you have enough room available that you'll be able to slowly piece your puzzle together over multiple days. You can also buy yourself a good puzzle table or board if you need extra space.
Do You Plan on Displaying It?
Perhaps the most important factor in your puzzle purchase is what you plan on doing with your puzzle once you're done. If you are looking for something that's just fun to put together, you will want to focus more on the number of pieces and how the colors fit together in the image. However, if you're looking for something to display when you're done, you'll want something that looks more like a work of art. You'll also likely need to purchase puzzle glue and a frame, depending on what type of puzzle it is.
For Disneyland's 70th anniversary, Disney is bringing Walt back to life as an Audio-Animatronic for a new show that will take guests through his life and give them a chance to hear from him as if they just dropped in for a visit to his office. Ahead of its debut on July 17, 2025, Disney invited us to Walt Disney Imagineering to learn more, and here are the newest things you need to know.
Walt Disney - A Magical Life will take place at the Main Street Opera House at Disneyland and will run for approximately 17 minutes. The first 15 minutes will feature a new take on the "One Man's Dream" short film that goes through Walt's life and is currently playing at Hollywood Studios, and the final two minutes will feature the first-ever Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic.
The screen will rise and guests will see him standing in his office, which is a combination of his actual one from Burbank and the set developed for his many TV appearances. He will then tell "heartfelt stories, anecdotes, and words of wisdom" using his own voice. Yes, they aren't using AI or a new voice to put words in his mouth as they want to make this very authentically Walt Disney.
You can read all about how Disney is bringing Walt back to life as an Audio-Animatronic right here, but the attention to detail here looks to be the key to this show and figure being a success. Everything from his suit to his shoes to his Smoke Tree Ranch tie has been painstakingly recreated from the actual clothing and accessories he wore.
While we didn't get to see the Audio-Animatronic itself, Disney did show us the very impressive life-size model of Walt they built to reference when making the figure that will be in the show, and it was shocking how real it looked. His skin had blemishes, his nails were manicured but not perfectly, every piece of hair was punched into his head and they used the same type of hair product to give it the same sheen, his eyes were a bit weary, he had wrinkles, and he even had nose hairs and little hairs on his hand to heighten the believability.
He also had this "glimmer" in his eye that was created because the Imagineers told us many people would say Walt had this shimmer in his eyes when you talked to him, and they wanted to preserve that as well.
This version of Walt was inspired by the one that appeared in his well-known Fletcher Markle Canadian Broadcasting interview from 1963, meaning it was an older Walt who "was at his pinnacle."
âHe's got the New York World's Fair shows in development, he's got Mary Poppins, he's got the Secret Florida project, and Disneyland's doing great," Tom Fitzgerald, senior creative executive of Walt Disney Imagineering, said. "He's got all these motion pictures and things, and he just has so much going on, he's so alive, and heâs so excited to share all of this with us.â
Also, for those worried about Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, which is currently playing at the Opera House and was one of Walt's big projects during his life, can rest easy knowing it will return after the initial run of this new show. The stage is actually a rotating one and it will eventually switch between the two shows, showcasing the early stages of Audio-Animatronic tech that Walt helped pioneer and the latest with the new show.
Evolution of a Dream and a Celebration of Disney Cast Members
There will be so much more to look forward to at the Main Street Opera House alongside Walt Disney - A Magical Life, including an all-new gallery experience called 'Evolution of a Dream' that will feature returning and never-before-seen images, artifacts, and art of Disneyland during and after Walt's life, and even a small recreation of his apartment.
Some of the most exciting pieces will be pencil drawings and other concept work of the first and secondary preliminary plans for Disneyland that haven't ever been seen in the public like this before. Additionally, some of the earliest memorabilia and merch from the early days of Disneyland will be on display to show what guests of the 1950s and beyond went home with after visiting the park.
The Walt Disney Family Museum was instrumental in helping put this exhibit together, as they donated more than 30 artifacts to be displayed, including original items from Walt's private apartment and some of his most cherished awards.
There will also be a section all about the history of Audio-Animatronics that will tell the story of how Walt helped bring it to life and how it evolved towards Walt Disney - A Magical Life. To help tell the story, there will be original and replica figures from Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room, it's a small world, Pirates of the Caribbean, and more.
That's not all, as guests will be greeted to another exhibit as they leave Walt Disney - A Magical Life that will be a celebration and history lesson all about Disney Cast Members a.k.a. Disney employees. Guests will get to see first hand the impact these cast members have had on Disney Parks and beyond, and mural on display there will pay tribute to Disneyland history plus "what's to come."
Walt Disney - A Magical Life and the rest of these exhibits are only one way Disneyland is celebrating its 70th Anniversary, which actually begins on May 16, 2025, despite this new show and the actual anniversary happening on July 17.
Following Microsoft's out-of-the-blue announcement that it is raising Xbox console prices, people online started to worry about a similar possible price hike for the PS5. It's already happened in other countries, after all. For anyone looking to pick up a PS5 console sooner rather than later, we've gathered up all the major retailers that currently have PS5 consoles in stock at MSRP.
At the moment, PS5 Disc, PS5 Digital, and PS5 Pro consoles are still widely available at a variety of different retailers, which we've broken down in a bit more detail below.
The standard PS5 Slim console with a disc drive is available for $499 at a variety of different retailers. It also comes with a DualSense Wireless Controller, 1TB SSD, and Astro's Playroom pre-installed for you to jump into right off the bat.
If you'd prefer the all-digital version of the console, the PS5 Slim Digital Edition is available from select retailers for $449. This comes with the same items and features listed above with the standard PS5, but without the disc drive.
This is the ultimate version of the PlayStation 5. While it doesn't have a disc drive, the digital PS5 Pro provides a performance and graphics boost to the console. That kind of power comes with a hefty price tag, though. At $699, this PS5 is a costly one, but if you've had your eye on the upgrade and don't mind dropping that kind of cash, you can still find it at several different retailers.
If you're still hoping to pick up an Xbox console at its old price, there are a few still available at a couple of retailers, but they won't stay at these prices much longer. You'll want to act fast to pick up the ones still left.
If you want to track down even more PlayStation items, it's worth having a look at our breakdown of the best PS5 deals to see the latest discounts available. With prices on a variety of gaming items increasing, there's no better time than now to take advantage of the offers available. We also have roundups for the best Nintendo Switch deals and the best Xbox deals so you can see what else is available for each console.
Hannah Hoolihan is a freelancer who writes with the guides and commerce teams here at IGN.
Disney invited us and a few others into the secret halls of Walt Disney Imagineering to see how they are bringing their founder back to life through the magic of Audio-Animatronics for Walt Disney - A Magical Life for Disneylandâs 70th anniversary, and it is shaping up to be a project filled with respect, authenticity, incredible little details, and a ton of Disney magic.
Walt Disney - A Magical Life will debut at Disneyland's Main Street Opera house on July 17, 2025, which will be exactly 70 years after Disneyland itself opened, and the show will invite guests from all across the world into Waltâs office to learn more about his story and how he changed the world of entertainment forever.
While we didnât get to see the actual Audio-Animatronic of Walt Disney, what we did see and hear about has given me the confidence and excitement that Disney may just pull off this ambitious and meaningful project in spectacular fashion.
One Manâs Dream
When we were welcomed into a room at Walt Disney Imagineering for this presentation, we were told what guests can expect from Walt Disney - A Magical Life and why this was the right time to have Walt return to the only Disney Park he ever walked in.
âIt's a huge responsibility, as I'm sure you could imagine, bringing Walt Disney to life in Audio-Animatronics,â Tom Fitzgerald, senior creative executive of Walt Disney Imagineering, said. âAnd I think we are giving the same care and attention that Walt and his team did with Lincoln many decades ago. We worked very closely with The Walt Disney Family Museum and our archives department, we looked at hours and hours and hours of footage and interviews to pull together what we think is the most authentic presentation possible, and we believe Walt's story is as valid and relevant today as it ever was. The idea of following your dream. The fact that you will have setbacks, but you can turn those setbacks into success. No matter what, follow that dream.â
Most importantly, the team assured us they are taking every precaution to bring Walt back the right way and not rush things. This project has been in development for more than seven years, and the idea of a Walt figure has even been an idea at the company for decades. However, it just didn't feel right until now.
I canât truly describe the feeling of seeing this, but it felt as though Walt Disney was in the room with us.
âWe have worked very diligently, for many years, with the Walt Disney Family Museum and with members of the Disney and Miller family and the board,â Jeff Shaver-Moskowitz, executive producer at Walt Disney Imagineering, said. âAnd so we've taken care to make sure that the family is along the journey with us and that we feel that we presented a faithful and theatrical presentation that keeps Walt alive in the medium that he pioneered and in the way that we present stories in our parks.
âTo that effect, weâre authentically recreating the way Walt used his hands to accentuate points, his very expressive eyebrows, and even that glint in his eye that so many people who worked with him and knew him said he had. Also, the words spoken by Walt are spoken by Walt. They are taken from interviews over the years and pieced together so that everything Walt is saying is actually his own original words.â
While we didnât get to see the actual Audio-Animatronic of Walt Disney yet, what they did share was a moment Iâll never forget. There was a storyboard in the room we were in that showed a glimpse of the tale guests will see in Walt Disney - A Magical Life, and when they pulled that aside, a life-size model of Walt Disney that they built for reference when making that Audio-Animatronic was right there. I canât truly describe the feeling of seeing this, but it felt as though Walt Disney was in the room with us.
He was leaning against a desk, as he was known to do when talking and how he will appear in Walt Disney - A Magical Life, and every detail was accounted for. His hands were recreated from a bronze casting of his actual hands that was created by Adrian E. Flatt back in the 60s, he was wearing a suit made out of the actual material of suits he used to wear, each strand of hair was perfectly punched into his head and styled with the same grooming products he used to give it the same sheen it would have had, he wore his Smoke Tree Ranch tie he loved, and so much more.
Even beyond that, there were blemishes on his skin, small hairs on his hands and coming out of his nose, a weariness in his eyes alongside wrinkles, and even his nails were manicured in a way that wasnât perfect but felt appropriate for a man who went about his day after an appointment. And that glimmer in his eye. I know it sounds cliche, but it worked. When you are looking at him, there is this undeniable light in his eye that makes this model even more believable thanks a bit of Imagineering magic.
Weâll see how the actual Audio-Animatronic turns out, but I truly felt as though Walt was there and that I was looking at a true piece of art crafted by a talented team of artists at the top of their game. It honestly left us speechless.
âToday, with all of our phones, every guest can zoom in and do an extreme close-up of our figures,â Fitzgerald said. âSo, we had to sort of reinvent how we portray them. They have to look good from a distance, but they also have to look just as believable in an extreme close-up. That's new for us, particularly with human-based figures. We did a lot of innovation in coming up with a look that would be as realistic and authentic as possible to bring Walt Disney to life in the way that he brought Abraham Lincoln to life, but for a new era.â
This also links to another question we all had - Why was now the right time to bring Walt back? The answer is a complicated one, but itâs a mix of Disneylandâs 70th anniversary coming up, the technology reaching a point where they can do it the right way, and having the right people in the right places to honor his legacy.
A Legacy Well Preserved
Walt Disneyâs daughter, Diane Marie Disney-Miller, passed away in 2013, and one of her biggest accomplishments was co-founding the aforementioned Walt Disney Family Museum with her family. This museum opened its doors in 2009 in San Francisco and holds over 30,000 items related to Disney.
The Walt Disney Family Museum was heavily involved in this project, and I had the chance to speak to its director, Kirsten Komoroske, about Walt Disney - A Magical Life, what they donated for the show and exhibit, and also how Waltâs living family feel about the project.
âDisney told us quite a while ago about Walt Disney - A Magical Life because they wanted to make sure that the family, including Walt's grandchildren, were involved and felt comfortable,â Komoroske said. âAnd I think that the primary feeling the grandchildren had was that, Walt was so fascinated by the technology and the Imagineers felt like their tech had advanced to a point where they could do this right and do it in a way that really did capture the man as he was in his professional life. There was just a lot of thought given to doing this thoughtfully and respectfully.â
The museum donated over 30 items for this exhibit, including artifacts and furniture used in Waltâs private apartment above the Fire Station on Main Street. Some of these items include a green velvet upholstered rocking chair, glass lamps, and a floral embroidered tilt-top table that have never been publicly displayed at Disneyland before.
There will also be many of his awards and humanitarian accolades for guests to see. A few that caught my eye were his Emmy Award from 1955 for âWalt Disneyâs Disneylandâ TV show, his Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Johnson in 1964, and even his plaque from the Racing Pigeon Association that honored him for âThe Greatest Contribution Ever Made to the Sport of Racing Pigeonsâ thanks to the 1958 film âThe Pigeon that Worked a Miracle.â
These items and more will all be part of the exhibit, Evolution of a Dream" that will open alongside Walt Disney - A Magical Life, offering even more a look into the life and work of Walt.
Most importantly, Komoroske shared with me that she believes this exhibit is continuing the legacy of Walt and Diane's mission of preserving his memory.
âDiane really wanted to tell the whole story of her father, who started from very humble beginnings and had some very significant failures, including losing Oswald the Lucky Rabbit and entering into some distribution deals that he ended up on the wrong side of,â Komoroske said. âBut she really wanted to show that, despite these failures, he kept going and kept trying new things. He could have hung up his cleats after Mickey Mouse because he was such a success. But no, he wanted to do animated feature films, then he wanted to get into live action, and then he wanted to start a theme park. So she wanted people to be inspired by, it doesn't matter where you start from, it matters how you journey through life. And so to have that message at Disneyland more substantially is something the family is very, very grateful for.â
âThis is when Walt was really at his pinnacle,â Fitzgerald said. âHe's got the New York World's Fair shows in development, he's got Mary Poppins, he's got the Secret Florida project, and Disneyland's doing great. He's got all these motion pictures and things, and he just has so much going on, he's so alive, and heâs so excited to share all of this with us.â
As previously mentioned, heâll be standing in his office and welcoming everyone to learn about his story. This office will be a mix of the actual one he had in Burbank and the office set that was developed for his many TV appearances. Easter Egg hunters will be delighted to know it will be filled with things to look for, including a photo of Abraham Lincoln, plans for Disneyland, and so much more. Itâs all meant to feel like youâve âdropped in and you get to have some great moments with him.â
As for exactly what heâll be talking about in that office, weâll have to wait a bit longer to find out. However, the messaging is clear.
"While Walt will begin by talking about his legacy, heâll end by leaving you with a kind of profound thought," Shaver-Moskowitz said. "He may have had all these amazing achievements over his lifetime in storytelling and animation, but one of his greatest gifts was to understand the simple virtues of life and to connect with people on those. He was a very humble man despite being this titan of the industry, and that's the humanitarian piece of Walt that we're excited to bring forward as well.â
Throughout this entire presentation, there was so much reverence and respect given to Waltâs legacy and doing this the right way. To get a bit more perspective on the project and that side of things, I was also able to speak to Disney historian Jeff Kurtti, who has written over 40 volumes over the past 25 years about Disney and also worked at the company in the past. He is currently Chapman Universityâs Presidential Fellow, Walt Disney Studies, and he echoed these feelings as well.
âIn the intervening decades since Walt's death, there have been no means to consistently present his reality, his persona, and his philosophy to new generations, where he once was an ongoing presence through the weekly television series, interviews, advertising, and so on.â Kurtti said. âThis attraction and presentation offer a means for new generations to see and understand Walt Disney as a real person, and not a brand name, and to understand the work and philosophies that still inform the Disney Company today and resonate in world culture.
âWalt Disney as a real person is as absent from the culture of current audiences as Abraham Lincoln is, and as unfamiliar to modern audiences as Honest Abe is. This is an excellent chance to bring Walt into currency and conversation.â
"There's no sense of driving attendance or profit with this. There's a sincerity in investing the time, abundant talent, and funding in celebrating the identity and ideals of the founder of the company."
Finally, he said something that really struck a chord with me. What impressed him the most about Walt Disney - A Magical Life is that this was a project The Walt Disney Company âdid not have to do.â
âThere's no sense of driving attendance or profit with this,â Kurtti said. âThere's a sincerity in investing the time, abundant talent, and funding in celebrating the identity and ideals of the founder of the company, for those who remember him fondly and for new generations.â
This is what gives me the hope that Walt Disney - A Magical Life will reach the heights it is aiming for. Disney is taking all the right steps to preserve Waltâs legacy and present it in a very meaningful way for guests of all ages and for those who arenât even born yet.
We still have a bit to wait until Walt Disney - A Magical Life debuts at Disneyland to see if it all comes together, but there's a beauty in this part of the process and the show itself that echoes one of Walt's most famous quotes.
"Disneyland will never be completed," Walt said. "It will continue to grow as long as their imagination left in the world."
Walt Disney - A Magical Life will be a complete show, but it won't tell the whole story of Walt or of each individual who walks through those doors. What it will hopefully do, however, is inspire millions to follow their own dreams and show that they can come true. Walt did it, and so can you.
I check PokĂŠmon TCG prices daily, and I spend way too much of my paycheck on singlesâsome for the kids, most for me. I even risked my marriage for an LED-lit PokĂŠmon card wall. Worth it.
So, I figured it's time to put that obsession to good use. Every week, I'll break down the biggest risers and fallers in the PokĂŠmon card marketâwhat's crashing, what's climbing, and whatâs actually worth your money right now.
As of May 2, prices on cards like Magikarp 203/193 and Pikachu ex 238/191 have nosedived by over 30%, while Rayquaza VMAX and Pikachu with Grey Felt Hat are making moves in the opposite direction. Whether you're hunting bargains or watching the next big spike, here's what to buy and what to keep an eye on this week.
PokĂŠmon Card Crashes
Magikarp 203/193 blew the lid off valuable cards from the Scarlet and Violet era, specifically Paldea Evolved, heading just over $200 back in March. The good news is that this giddy kipper has dropped to $159.99, which is a solid time to bite for me.
Pikachu ex 238/191 kicked off a massive boom in the PokĂŠmon TCG community, with prices going North of $450 in March (are you seeing a trend here, yet?) As more sealed stock rolls in and investor bros not getting the same inflated returns from their scalps, it's deflating the market. This card has dropped 37% to $289.76 as of right now.
I love stamped cards, they remind me of my Fossil pre-release stamped 1st edition Aerodactyl back when I was a kid. So when I realised N's Reshiram was getting a stamped box topper release for Journey Together booster boxes, I was all in on the hype. Now I didn't pay the $69 going rate on release, not even half of that, but $10.94 at a devistating 84% crash is my kind of deal. Snap one up.
Charmander 044 Promo from the Obsidian Flames ETB is the best in-box promo in the Scarlet and Violet era, even more so if you can grab a PokĂŠmon Center stamped one. I'm all about affordability, so we'll stick to the standard promo, which has dropped by 18% in the past couple of weeks from $21.54 to $17.65. In Japanese sets, this card released alongside the Stellar Crown Bulbasaur and Squirtle, so grab the whole set.
If I said the words "Prismatic Evolution bargain" at any other time, i'd probably loose my job. But the Eevee 173 promo from the ETB has crashed by 51% over the past few days, and a bigger 69% from mid-March. Trainers can pick one up right now for $6, and it's beautiful so buy one.
PokĂŠmon Card Climbers
I thought I'd focus on some chase cards here that are below the $500 mark and try to avoid some obvious cards because everyone's watching them who cares anyway.
Umbreon GX has always been a lovely card, featuring the best shiny Eeveelution form (fight me), and it's slowly creeping up in 2025. An 11% rise from $196.49 in January to $221.96 doesn't sound like a lot, but that's an extra $25 and change in value in five months.
Lugia V 186/195 is the best Lugia card in the TCG for me, the detail and atmosphere in this card is stunning. It's holding it's value at $225, a 5% steady climb since Feburary and one to watch for people who have one and plan on having this in their collection until grey hair fully takes hold.
Pikachu with Grey Felt Hat promo is responsible for absolute carnage at the Van Gogh exhibit a while back, which is why TPC distributed more as freebies on PokĂŠmon Center owners. No one saw the price jump on this card comming, which is awesome because I have one. An insane 52% climb has pushed this bad boy to $325 today and it's steady. This same card was going for $155.80 back in Feburary, and that was a jump from around $70-80 last year.
I can't wait for Trainer Gallery cards to come back (I hope they do anyway), they're stunning. Rayquaza VMAX TG20/TG30 is one of my favorite cards in my family collection. I can't help but imagine what it would be like looking up at Rayquazza like this, such an awesome card. It's gone up by 14% since mid-Feburary from $55/77 to $65, And I have a good feeling this will go into the $100 range over the next year as the last bits of Silver Tempest sealed stock dries up. Grab one and thank me later.
Mew ex 053 Promo is one of the best Mew cards around. It's been hovering around the $30 since the start of this year, but what get's me is the cards climb in value from November 2024 at $11.26. It's going to be a slow burner, and sales data shows peaks and troughs in 2025, but I have a feeling we'll be seeing this card shoot up in value next year as content from the 151 Ultra Premium Collection become rarer.
Christian Wait is a contributing freelancer for IGN covering everything collectable and deals. Christian has over 7 years of experience in the Gaming and Tech industry with bylines at Mashable and Pocket-Tactics. Christian also makes hand-painted collectibles for Saber Miniatures. Christian is also the author of "Pokemon Ultimate Unofficial Gaming Guide by GamesWarrior". Find Christian on X @ChrisReggieWait.
Gaming chairs are one of the best investments a gamer can make. After all, during those long gaming sessions, where are you going to sit? While gaming keyboards and gaming monitors can really lift your gaming experience to the next level, none of it really matters if you don't have a comfortable chair to sit in. Our top entry, the Secretlab Titan Evo Nanogen, is a perfect example: It's a chair big enough for pretty much any body, and it's comfortable and sturdy enough to sit for hours.
TL;DR â These Are the Best Gaming Chairs:
I've been reviewing gaming chairs for years, and the overall best ones you can buy provide a place to sink into for hours of gaming without fatigue or pain. Including features like customizable lumbar support, adjustable armrests, and a movable headrest to beef up the ergnomics only adds to a more comfortable, distraction-free space to focus on your favorite PC games.
However, there are an excess of options to choose from. To help you out, I've cut this list down to six tested and researched chairs offering solid frames, high-quality material, and all the creature comforts you could want.
1. Secretlab Titan Evo Nanogen
Best Gaming Chair
The original Secretlab Titan Evo I reviewed reigned supreme as my top pick since its release in 2022. With the release of the Secretlab Titan Evo Nanogen edition, that has officially changed as the new model officially slides into the top spot, and by quite a bit too. Though it might look similar from afar, all it takes is a touch to realize how much better its new leatherette and seat cushion actually are.
In the two years since the release of the original Evo, Secretlab has been hard at work developing its brand new Nanogen Hybrid Leatherette. This new material is much softer and instantly makes the chair more comfortable just by virtue of how nice it is to sit on. In my review, I noted that the only similar material I've felt is Brisa, an "ultrafabric" that's typically found on luxury products. The only gaming chair I've encountered with such a fabric, or that even comes close to the Titan Evo Nanogen and its sweet, sweet suppleness, is the LF Gaming Stealth, a luxury bucket seat that starts at $1,700.
Secretlab also took gamers' feedback to heart about the firmness of its signature cold cure foam. This new model now features a Nanofoam Composite cushion on the seat, providing a layer of softness right out of the box while still providing adequate support for long gaming sessions.
The armrests also see a major upgrade. While they still feature hot-swappable top cushions thanks to their magnetic attachment system, the Nanogen comes with velour-wrapped PlushCell foam arm toppers by default. If you've ever experienced sore elbows from leaning on the arms of your gaming chair, you'll know how important this softness is. Paired with its PlushCell magnetic neck pillow, it's easily one of the most cozy gaming chairs out there. With the optional Ergonomic Recliner add-on, it's the only gaming chair I've ever taken a nap in.
This new model does come at a premium over the original, but it's worth every penny. It's class-leading in every way.
2. Corsair TC100 Relaxed Gaming Chair
Best Budget Gaming Chair
Corsair isnât new to the chair game and the company's expertise certainly extends to its wallet-friendly option, the TC100 Relaxed. This racing-style throne offers a robust steel frame and wide seat packed with plush padding. The entire seat is then wrapped in a durable leatherette or soft fabric material with perforated sections for extra breathability to stay cool during intense play sessions.
Setting you back $250, this affordable gaming chair is my recommendation for anyone on a budget. Though it isnât as feature-rich as more expensive chairs, it has all the basics you need, and 2D armrests and a gas lift with a wide range of height adjustments make for an ergonomic alignment with your desk. There is no built-in lumbar support, but it does come with back and neck pillows, and a deep recline lets you kick back between matches.
Most imporantly, it's comfortable without sacrificing support. While you'll lack more advanced armests, it's a fair trade-off for a chair that gets the basics â and the price â so right.
3. Haworth Fern
Best Ergonomic Gaming Chair
The Haworth Fern might just be my favorite chair of the year. It combines style with support in a way that few others do, even in the upper echelons of the office chair world. While it doesn't come cheap, it comes with a 12-year warranty, making the Fern an investment in your health and comfort with the level of reassurance only other industry leaders can match.
What makes the Fern special, apart from its uniquely modern sense of style, is its multi-part back support. An intricate grid allows the back to flex and offer support wherever you need it, no matter how you might move, where a second piece shaped like a fern (hence the chair's name) reinforces this support. If you opt for the optional adjustable lumbar, which I recommend that you do, that exists in the center and allows you to fine-tune the experience even more.
Reviewing chairs for a living, you come to expect a lot of customization options, but even I was surprised when I visited Haworth's configurator. You can choose from four different materials for the chair: mesh; digital knit, which has a unique chevron pattern; gradient knit, which, as the name implies, has a color gradient from top to bottom; and leather. There are multiple colors for each of these, and you can customize exactly how your chair looks. Elsewhere on the site, you can tailor the headrest, lumbar, arm type, and even tilt type of the chair, as well as choose between an aluminum base or a plastic base to save a little money.
To be honest, I wasn't sure what to expect ahead of my review of the Hawthorn Fern. Lots of chairs look good, but aesthetics definitely don't guarantee comfort or support. The Fern delivers all three in spades. Apart from its appearance, you can customize all the usual ergonomic features, including its 4D armrests, seat depth, recline amount, and tilt tension, as well as the backstop if you'd prefer to lock yourself to a particular sitting angle.
If you are an Xbox gamer, the company even offers a few different options designed around Microsoft, the Xbox, and the Halo franchise. This is a high-end option but absolutely delivers and looks good doing it.
4. Hinomi H1 Pro
Best Mesh Gaming Chair
The Hinomi H1 Pro is the quintessential example of adjustability and customization, offering more adjustments than even some of the most expensive and luxurious office chairs. Its adjustability is its defining feature. While most chairs are designed around ergonomics, the designers have also put an emphasis on versatility and even easy storage. Nearly every aspect of the chair is adjustable in some way. And when you're not using it, you can even fold it up and slide it under your desk to reclaim some of the space in your room.
Hinomi may not be a brand you've heard of before, but don't let that frighten you. It's earned quite a few accolades in its limited time on the market and achieved a high degree of success with its ergonomic chairs, largely based on just how adjustable they are. The H1 Pro is its current flagship model and is designed to support even the longest sitting sessions, whether you are burning the midnight oil at work or playing a marathon session of your favorite esport.
Let's break down its customizations. Starting with the backrest, it's split into two parts to adjust your lower and upper spine. The headrest is adjustable at four different points to ensure it perfectly matches the height and depth of your neck. The chair is able to tilt up to 136 degrees with adjustable tension to achieve the much sought-after floating on air effect. The lower backrest itself is also tension adjustable to make sure it provides just the right amount of support no matter how you may be sitting. The seat can slide in and out, so your back meets the rest at just the right angle and there's enough space between its waterfall edge and the back of your knee. Hidden beneath is a footrest so when you want to kick back with a controller, you don't need to prop your feet up on the printer hiding beneath your desk.
Two of its neatest tricks involve folding, which isn't something I've been able to say about very many chairs, even over years of testing. Often, high-end mesh chairs force you to choose whether you want armrests or not, with little in between. Here, you get 5-dimensional armrests, which offer the typical height, depth, angle, and width adjustments, but when they're not needed, they can completely fold out of the way. As a guitar player, this feature alone makes the chair appealing. But if you're also gaming in a space-constrained environment, you'll appreciate that the entire backrest can fold forward to tuck the chair under the desk when it's not in use.
The chair uses a high-quality mesh material that's breathable and supportive, but some people have reported that they actually find its support too prominent. As always, I suggest trying any expensive chair before committing to a purchase or buying from an online retailer like Amazon, which has a generous return policy. Just be sure to save that packaging. With how adjustable it is, however, you probably aren't going to need it because the Hinomi H1 Pro is designed to meet your body exactly where it's at.
5. Razer Enki
Best Fabric Gaming Chair
The Razer Enki cheats a little bit in this category. Itâs part fabric, part EPU leather, but the portion that actually touches your body is a soft, breathable suede, so I think it counts. The mix of materials lends this gaming seat a unique look thatâs equal parts premium and eminently cool.
More importantly, in my review of the Razer Enki, I found it to be one of the most comfortable gaming chairs you can buy for entire workdays and beyond, which isnât something gaming chairs are typically known for. The mix of its integrated lumbar arch and precise shoulder arch gently guides you to the center, keeping your body in alignment for superior comfort throughout the day. The cushion is soft enough to be comfortable straight out of the box, and a magnetic neck pillow (trimmed in a soft velour) makes adjustments easy. I admit, it seems like marketing-speak at first, but it really works, and itâs really comfortable.
The chair features the usual suite of gaming features, including a deep 152 degree, adjustable tilt and height, as well as 4D armrests. Unlike most gaming chairs, these armrests are soft enough to be comfortable and offer an extended height range to keep your arms in line with your desk. At around $450, itâs not the cheapest chair, but Razer also offers a more affordable Razer Enki X version that lacks a magnetic pillow and features 2D armrests.
6. Secretlab Titan Evo Nanogen XL
Best Big and Tall Gaming Chair
The Secretlab Titan Evo Nanogen XL is a clear winner for the best big and tall gaming chair. I've been recommending the Titan Evo since its original launch several years ago, but with the Nanogen Edition, the company has taken comfort to the next level (which is also why it's my No. 1 pick for overall gaming chair). The XL version just upsizes that to deliver its comfort to a wider audience.
This version takes everything from the normal-sized version and carries it through. That means you'll get the exceptionally soft, Brisa-like fabric and extra seat cushion, as well as those gloriously plush yet still somehow supportive armrests. If you're a larger person, then you know how important proper back support is, and this delivers that too with its adjustable lumbar support.
It also features full compatibility with the company's different magnetic accessories for the standard Titan Evo XL. There are magnetic pillows and different armrest covers and, though not magnetic, you can also attach the company's new recliner accessory to put your feet up and kick back with the controller.
This chair doesn't come cheap, but believe me when I say that it's worth every penny when stacked up against other gaming chairs attempting similar levels of support and comfort. Secretlab has been an industry leader for a reason, and the Nanogen line is easily the best it has ever produced.
How I Chose the Best Gaming Chairs
In deciding which gaming chairs to include on this list, my first consideration is always which chairs I've personally tested and know are worth including from firsthand experience. We â myself and other reviewers at IGN â test a lot of gaming chairs and will be updating this list with others we test over time. Where that's not possible, we use our extensive knowledge to assess each chair's ergonomics, features, and materials. We also consult expert resources from our colleagues in the field and real user reviews. Finally, we take into account real-world feedback on each company, how well they stand behind their products, and how they support customers in need.
How to Choose the Best Gaming Chair for You
Price: This will probably be the biggest determining factor. Going out with a set budget is helpful, as youâll find chairs ranging from under $50 to more than $1,000. Cheaper gaming chairs, like the Corsair TC100 Relaxed, still deliver the comfort of more expensive ones. You just need to be prepared to sacrifice features, like 4D armrests or adjustable lumbar support. Iâd stay away from anything under $100, especially if the chair makes promises that appear too good to be true.
Design: Comfort is king; nobody wants to spend hours in a seat that causes back or neck pain. Finding a chair thatâs the right size for you is essential for preventing discomfort. Luckily, most chairs list their dimensions. Youâll want a wide, well-cushioned seat, a long backrest, and a good range of height adjustability. All that should sit on a sturdy metal frame capable of holding your full body weight. If youâre looking into a racing-style chair with bucket seats, like the AndaSeat Kaiser 3, pay special mind to the bolsters, as they can dig into your thighs.
Materials: For the most part, gaming chairs offer PU leather, fabric, or mesh. PU leather is easy to clean but may not always be super durable, and it gets hot when wearing shorts. Fabric, which is used on the E-Win Champion, wonât be as easy to clean, though itâs less of a heat magnet. Mesh is the most breathable option. However, youâll lose the cushioned seat and backrest in favor of a suspension system, which can be a hit or miss. The Razer Fujin Pro is one chair that gets mesh right.
Ergonomics: After locking those in, a movable headrest, adjustable armrests, and customizable lumbar support can enhance the chairâs ergonomic, but these features often make the chair more expensive. Other quality-of-life additions, like a tilting or rocking mechanism, also help with relaxation between heated gaming sessions.
Because gaming chairs are glorified office chairs, their main selling points are, frankly, aesthetic. Gaming chairs are often a bit more expensive than comparable office chairs and don't have the same comfort features as seats designed for working in all day. Still, if you love the way that gaming chairs look and you're going for a certain vibe in your gaming den, the best gaming chairs do truly shine. You just might want to look at the best ergonomic chairs if you want something that's truly going to take care of your aching back.
How much should you spend on a a gaming chair?
While you can buy a gaming chair for $80 or less, doing so is just asking for eventual pain. Something inexpensive is usually nothing more than a cheap plastic frame (versus steel) with some thin fabric or pleather upholstery on top.
You can get a quality chair for as little as $200, and thatâs the absolute bottom floor of affordability weâd go for. Spending $300 or more will get you access to better options. If your budget allows you to soar a bit higher, more expensive gaming chairs start to come with built-in lumbar support, cooling gel layers, and even more adjustable ergonomics, not to mention RGB LED Kits and more. It all depends on what matters most to you in the long term.
While there are benefits to both, this is a subjective question and boils down to what you're looking for. If you're after looks and the ability to deeply recline, a gaming chair is a safe bet. If you're looking for a chair that places ergonomics first and has lots of adjustments, you'll have more luck with an office chair. It's important to note, however, that there's plenty of crossover between the two. The Steelcase Gesture, for example, would look fantastic on any stream but it's an office chair, through and through. The Mavix M9, on the other hand, is clearly a gaming chair but has the features and adjustments of premium office chairs. Consider what you value most, how long you'll be sitting in the chair, and what adjustments you would prefer. From there, you can find chairs in either category to meet your needs.
Whatâs the best brand of gaming chair?
Your classic gaming brands like Razer and Corsair have been known to make mean chairs. Otherwise, brands like Secretlab, Razer, and Corsair consistently deliver comfortable, well-built seats that blend comfort and durability across price points. More classic ergo brands like Herman-Miller, Steelcase, and Haworth have begun releasing chairs for gamers too. Though expensive, those chairs are made with the best materials and are full of ergonomic features allowing them to offer superior support and comfort. Be wary of some brands available only on Amazon: The most inexpensive options will most likely be a little janky. It's probably worth it to save up and spend extra on a more notable brand.
Christopher Coke has been a regular contributor to IGN since 2019 and has been covering games and technology since 2013. He is the current subject matter expert for gaming monitors, laptops, and gaming chairs. Since 2013, he has covered tech ranging from gaming controllers to graphics cards, gaming chairs to gaming monitors, headphones, IEMs, and more for sites such as MMORPG.com, Tomâs Hardware, Popular Science, USA Todayâs Reviewed, and Popular Mechanics. Find Chris on Twitter @gamebynight.
Mother's Day is fast approaching - May 11, if you need to mark your calendar - and if you're on the lookout for a nice gift idea, we're here to help. Whether you want something that's a bit more budget-friendly or you don't mind splashing out on a fancier gift, we've included a wide selection of options here that any mom is sure to enjoy. Some of them are even on sale as well right now, so you can save a little extra cash while shopping around.
Make Mother's Day special this year by treating them to something nice. Here are our recommendations of the best Mother's Day gifts to buy in 2025.
The Best Motherâs Day Gifts To Buy in 2025
Gifts Under $100
For those who don't mind spending a bit extra, we've gathered up quite a few items under $100 that are worth giving as a Mother's Day gift this year. From earbuds to listen to their favorite music, audiobooks, or podcasts to some nice running shoes and even a beautiful bouquet of flowers, there are plenty of options to check out.
You can never go wrong with a bouquet of flowers, and 1-800 Flowers has a wide variety to buy this Mother's Day. This large Garden Hydrangea bouquet is a lovely pick as a Mother's Day gift, and even comes with a candle! It's currently enjoying a 25% discount as well, so you can pick it up for $52.49 rather than $69.99.
The Apple AirPods 4 are currently marked down to $99, which makes them a worthy gifting option that falls just below $100. Even though these earbuds from Apple don't have noise-canceling features, they still boast excellent sound quality that'll make listening to music an even more enjoyable experience.
Coffee is always a good idea, and a coffee maker is a great Mother's Day gift for those with a busy schedule. This Keurig K-Express Single Serve Coffee Maker is sure to make each morning just a little bit easier. The mint color of the coffee maker is a fun touch as well.
Mom's with an athletic side deserve good footwear to keep them going. These Under Armour Women's Charged Assert 10 shoes are an excellent gift idea for those who love to workout. They're currently on sale as well, which is a very nice bonus.
A bouquet of flowers is nice, but a bouquet of fruits and chocolates? Now we're talkin'. This large bouquet of fruits and chocolate dipped strawberries is sure to bring a smile to your mom's face this year. This bouquet also comes with an additional tray of a dozen dipped berries, so they can be stocked up on tasty treats.
If the AirPods 4 are a bit too much to pick up right now, the Beats Solo Buds are another solid earbud choice to give as a gift this year. They're also on sale at the moment. Boasting up to 18 hours of battery life, these little earbuds will be great for using on the go or even just hanging out at home.
LEGO sets are always a fun gift idea, especially the flower sets from the Botanicals Collection. In particular, the Pretty Pink Flower Bouquet is worth picking up as a Mother's Day gift. Coming in at 749 pieces, not only will it look nice once it's all set up, but it's a fun project that you can work on together.
Gifts Under $50
If you're looking for some gift ideas that aren't as pricy as the ones listed above, this selection features a collection of items that fall below the $50 price point. We've gathered up a wide range of options to look through as well, from a gardening tools set to a board game to a streaming device, so you can find the perfect pick for Mother's Day this year.
For the mom who loves to binge-watch a new series or catch up on the latest movies dropping on streaming services, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max is worth picking up. This streaming stick supports 4K Ultra HD resolution, so they can enjoy all of their favorite shows and films with a vibrant, clear picture. What's even better is it's currently on sale right now at Amazon, so you can pick it up for 33% off at $39.99.
Woot, an Amazon-owned online retailer, is offering some very nice deals on fragrances for Mother's Day, including this great discount on a Coach New York Eau De Parfum Spray. At the moment the 1 oz size is listed for $31.99, 56% off its list price of $72. That's a very nice deal to take advantage of, and a lovely gift to surprise a mom with.
If you're shopping for a mom with a green thumb, this gardening tools set is worth a look as a gift idea. It's a nine-piece tool set that comes with a cute, floral-patterned storage bag that can hold everything. It's a great pick-up that'll set them up with the necessary tools to spend time gardening away outdoors.
If you're searching for more of a playable gift idea, board games are always a nice option. Azul is one we consider to be among the best beginner board games, so even if the mom you're shopping for is new to the world of games, it's a great starting point. It's currently on sale as well, so you can save a little cash by picking it up right now, too.
This is another LEGO Botanicals set that's worth picking up as a Mother's Day gift, but falls more on the budget-friendly side if you don't want to shell out a ton of cash. This lovely little Mini Orchid set is smaller than the Pretty Pink Flower Bouquet, coming in at just 274 pieces, but will look just as nice once it's put up on display.
If you're shopping for a mom who loves to craft, a crochet kit is a very fun gift idea to pick up. This crochet kit from Hearth & Harbor is made for those who are just starting out with the hobby and comes with a wide variety of items to kickstart their crochet journey.
This is another beautiful flower bouquet from 1-800 Flowers that's worth a look as a Mother's Day gift. Featuring a variety of colorful tulips, this selection of flowers also comes with a purple metal planter to hold them all, making them a nice gift to give that's ready to display right away.
Hydration is important, and for a mom that's always on the move, a 30 oz Stanley Tumbler will set them up for success for the day. This huge water bottle is a nice gift idea for those who need to remember to drink their water while they're out on the go.
Gifts Under $25
If you're looking for gift ideas that won't make a massive dent in your wallet, we've gathered up plenty of different options to look through. A few of our favorites include some sweet candles, cozy slippers, jewelry, and a bag of delicious chocolates to enjoy.
If you haven't heard of Homesick candles before, they're one of the best brands out there due to their gorgeous packaging, personalization options, and high-quality candles. With moms in mind, there is a special collection to shop just for Mother's Day, including the Mom's Day Off and Thank You, Mom candles, which are each 27% off right now. Homesick is also offering 25% off sitewide if these mom-specific ones aren't your vibe!
If you've had earbuds on your radar as a Mother's Day gift this year but you don't want to spend a ton of cash on a pair, these Soundcore by Anker A20i earbuds are worth a look. They're even discounted right now, so you can pick them up for under $20 for a limited time, which is a nice bonus.
If you want to pick up a Mother's Day gift that your mom can relax with, nothing beats a good pair of cozy slippers. These options from EverFoams look incredibly comfy, and they come in a wide variety of colors so you can pick out the option that'll best suit your mom's personal taste.
Chocolates are always a great gift idea. If you're looking to bring your mom a tasty treat as a gift this year, this big bag of Dove chocolates is worth a look.
This is another cozy item alongside the slippers that's worth picking up as a Mother's Day gift. This throw blanket looks very soft and comfortable. It also comes in a wide variety of colors, so you'll have plenty of options to choose from. Pair it with the slippers above and you've got one killer combination of coziness going. Even better, why not throw in the chocolates, too?
Buying a bouquet of flowers doesn't have to break the bank. If you want a nice little bouquet to give as a Mother's Day gift this year without spending too much, Walmart is actually a great place to look. They offer a variety of different flowers to choose from, but these lovely lilies caught our eye, in particular.
This is a wonderful gift idea from Shutterfly, allowing you to personalize a mug with three photos of your choosing. With this you can surprise your mom with a gift that features some cherished memories all around it. It's even discounted right now, so you can save a little extra.
If you're shopping for a mom with a love of jewelry, these Flower Studs from the Kate Spade Outlet are definitely worth a look. Normally these cost $49, but they're currently on sale for just $25, allowing you to save 49%. That's an amazing deal to jump on while it's still live, and these earrings are sure to make their day when you gift them.
A mom who loves yoga needs a good yoga mat. This option from Fitvids is worth keeping in mind as a gift idea, not just for its affordable price tag but also the many color options there are to choose from. It even comes with a strap for free to make carrying it around nice and easy.
For the mother out there that loves playing Stardew Valley and cooking, the Official Stardew Valley Cookbook is an excellent option for under $20. It features recipes from the game as well as illustrations and dialogue written by the creator himself. Outside of the this particular option, there are actually quite a few other video game cookbooks to choose from.
These Mother's Day gift ideas just scratch the surface of what's out there, though. If you want some more options to look through, it's worth checking out Amazon's 3 for $33 sale, which is a good idea if your mom is a big movie fan. This features a wide selection of 4Ks that are worth adding to a physical media collection. More great places to look for gift ideas are our roundups of the best board games and the best LEGO sets for adults, which feature a variety of fun options that could make for nice Mother's Day gifts.
Hannah Hoolihan is a freelancer who writes with the guides and commerce teams here at IGN.
Imperial is easily one of Marvelâs biggest and most ambitious new comic book projects in 2025. This series is the latest major project from Jonathan Hickman, the architect behind game-changing Marvel storylines like House of X and the new Ultimate Universe. And just as those projects revamped their respective franchises, Imperial is shaping up to create a whole new status quo for Marvelâs cosmic heroes like Nova and the Guardians of the Galaxy.
To get a better idea of how Imperial will upend the cosmic playing board, IGN chatted with Hickman via email. Check out an exclusive preview in the slideshow gallery below, and then read on to learn more.
To start, we wanted to know about the origins of Imperial. Was this a story Hickman was itching to tell, or did Marvel specifically approach him with an eye toward replicating the past success of Krakoa and Ultimate Invasion? As Hickman explains, 2025 was the right time to look at Marvelâs cosmic lineup with a fresh eye.
âI think it was simply time to revisit this corner of the Marvel Universe,â Hickman tells IGN. âThat I was available and interested, and that itâs been of ongoing interest to the company, and that the model of launching something like this had just been done with the Ultimate line, all added up to it feeling like this was an opportunity to do Imperial. Itâs come together well and I think people are going to enjoy it. Itâs a fun book.â
The new Ultimate line has been a big success for Marvel over the past two years, and there are some obvious comparisons to be made in terms of how Imperial is being used as the foundation for a new line of cosmic books. We were curious how similar Hickman sees this initiative? Are there any lessons from launching the Ultimate Universe that heâs taking into Imperial?
âYou can, in my opinion, draw a direct line between the two in terms of what we think can succeed with in the current market,â Hickman says. âA small, tight line of books that readers can invest in and not feel overwhelmed, and where creators can execute their vision for the individual titles without drowning in external continuity seems to be a pretty solid model of how to launch something like this.â
Hickman continues, âThe big difference, obviously, is that this isnât set in an alternative Marvel Universe, so we wonât be doing the âreal timeâ aspect of the Ultimate line. Which has its pluses and minuses, but I think most people will be pleased about.â
Imperial also brings to mind 2006âs Annihilation crossover, another major storyline that ended with a huge status quo shift for Marvelâs cosmic heroes and an overall shift in the balance of power. In fact, Annihilation paved the way for the modern Guardians of the Galaxy as we know them. Does Hickman see any similarities between Annihilation and Imperial?
âNo. Simply because thatâs an invasion story and this isnât anything like that,â Hickman says. âThe âwhat-you-getâ end results might be similar in that all of a sudden there are a bunch of Marvel cosmic books you care about. But plot/story-wise? No.â
Elements of Imperial are clearly building on Hickmanâs previous Marvel work. For example, the recent âHunt for Xavierâ crossover in the X-Men line tackled a loose end from the Krakoan era. It set the stage for Imperial by resurrecting the former Shiâar Empress Lilandra and reuniting her with the fugitive Charles Xavier, as the two embark to rescue their daughter Xandra. Imperial also features the Intergalactic Empire of Wakanda, an element first teased in 2015âs Secret Wars before going on to play a role in Ta-Nehisi Coatesâ Black Panther series.
Despite these callbacks to his previous work, Hickman reveals that Imperial isnât necessarily as connected to those books as it might seem.
âWell, Iâm kind of notorious for mining my own continuity inside of the greater Marvel one, but Iâd say well over half of this is more like me picking up pieces from a bunch of extended stories that have been done over the years by other creators than me just picking up plot threads from my previous books,â Hickman says. âSure, thereâs some of that in there, but not as much as some people might expect.â
Imperial is also notable for pushing the Hulk family in a more cosmic-oriented direction again. The preview art makes it clear that Hulk and She-Hulk are returning to the wartorn world of Sakaar, hearkening back to 2006âs seminal Planet Hulk storyline. Hickman makes it clear that this is no coincidence, and that thereâs a good reason to return to Sakaar in 2025.
Hickman teases, âAll Iâll say there is weâre coming up on the twentieth anniversary of Planet Hulk and Marvel doesnât usually let those opportunities pass by.â
Finally, we asked Hickman about the decision to divide the series between artists Federico Vicentini and Iban Coello. How is the creative team you trying to take advantage of having two artists bringing this conflict to life?
âBoth of those guys are crushing it,â Hickman says. âIâve been very pleased and surprised at how theyâve tackled some of the story beats, character designs, and wild locations this thing has. And with the book having a compressed publishing schedule (we actually moved it forward at the beginning of the year), the only way it could be done was for them to tag team it. The trick there is they have to complement each other and thatâs clearly the case here.â
If you've been hoping to start up an account to dig into that library, we're here to help. We're keeping track of the best price right now for Max subscriptions, along with any deals as they appear. This includes bundle deals like the Max, Hulu, and Disney+ bundle, which is one you absolutely don't want to miss out on. This mega bundle starts at just $16.99/month, which is an astonishing price to have three very popular streaming services right in the palm of your hand. You can learn more about that bundle deal and Max's subscription plans below.
Subscribe to Max - Save Up to 20% With Annual Plans
If you're just looking to sign up for a Max subscription, there are a few different options to choose from. At the moment, Max also has a limited time offer going on with its yearly plans that'll set you up at a discounted price for your first year. You can see those deals and the monthly plans below.
The Standard tier allows users to download shows and movies to watch on the go. Both of the tiers allow up to two concurrent streams and offer Full HD resolution.
Max also has an additional Premium tier, which offers 4K UHD resolution and Dolby Atmos sound alongside four concurrent streams. The details are as follows:
$20.99/month, ad-free with four concurrent streams
$169.99/year- (usually $209.99/year), ad-free with four concurrent streams
There is currently no Max free trial available as of May 2025.
How to Get the Disney Plus, Hulu, and Max Streaming Bundle
The Disney Plus, Hulu, and Max streaming bundle can be purchased on any of the three streaming services and starts at $16.99/month for the ad-supported tier or $29.99/month for ad-free access across all three platforms. If you're looking to cut down on streaming costs and currently own all three of these, this is an excellent bundle to invest in. It'll save you quite a bit compared to what you'd pay for the three of them separately per month â 43% on the ad-supported plan and 42% on the ad-free plan.
If you're a student, you can score the Max Basic With Ads plan for just $4.99/month. That's 50% off the usual price, which is a very nice deal to take advantage of. In order to get the discount, you'll need to verify your student status with UNiDAYS, then you'll get a unique code that you can use to redeem the discounted plan.
Max: Bundle to Best
Alongside the big Max/Hulu/Disney+ bundle deal, Hulu also offers its own bundle deal with Max if you just want to have those two services. Simply pick out your Hulu base plan, which starts at $9.99/month, and then add Max to your account for an additional $9.99/month with the ad-supported plan or $16.99/month for the ad-free plan. If you'd like to learn more about Hulu's bundles, visit our page on Hulu's best bundles and deals right now.
What Is Streaming on Max?
Max brings together content from the old HBO Max service and Discovery+ under one roof. From Discovery, this includes programming from brands like HGTV, Food Network, TLC, Magnolia Network, and more. Some of the shows include Property Brothers, House Hunters, Fixer Upper, among others.
The service also maintains much of the content from HBO Max, including its slate of HBO Originals like The Last of Us (now airing Season 2), Euphoria, Succession, Barry, Curb Your Enthusiasm, White Lotus, House of the Dragon, and more. It also includes DC's slate of movies like Black Adam and The Batman, as well as other popular films like Dune: Part Two and Barbie. Plus, Max continues to house popular streaming series like Friends, Full House, and the Harry Potter movie collection.
In our updated review of Max, we gave it an 8/10, stating that, "For all its problems and an app that still runs a little too heavy, the extensive selection of well-curated choices make Max a worthwhile investment for cinema and TV lovers."
Hannah Hoolihan is a freelance writer who works with the Guides and Commerce teams here at IGN.
Are you going to invite them in⌠again? Thatâs right, Black Panther director Ryan Cooglerâs new film Sinners has taken the box office by storm â so naturally, it already has plans to return to IMAX screens following the Thunderbolts* run.
The movie is set to do an extra week theatrical run at eight 70mm IMAX screens nationwide: Los Angeles, Irvine, New York, San Francisco, Indianapolis, Phoenix, Ft. Lauderdale, Dallas, as well as Toronto as the ninth screen in North America as a whole. Tickets went on sale May 1 for a weeklong run from May 15-21 â and unsurprisingly, the re-release run is already selling fast.
âAudiences have spoken and we listened. If ever a film needed to be experienced in this incredible larger-than-life format, itâs Sinners,â Jeff Goldstein, President of Global Distribution for Warner Bros. Pictures said in a statement.
âRyan has delivered a film that has been embraced by fans who appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into creating a film for this screen-filling format and we wanted to give everyone the opportunity to see it â or see it again â in 70mm IMAX.â
Mobile Suit Gundam: GQuuuuuuX is finally here for North American audiences. The new Gundam series features a new "alternate history" storyline, a name thatâs harder than ever to pronounce (allegedly âG-Queue-xâ), and, of course, a new line of model kits. In IGN's review of the GQuuuuuuX theatrical release, critic Juan Barquin calls the new series âexactly the kind of inventive reimagining of Gundam we deserve.â
Thereâs the notable influence of another massive sci-fi series in the credits of the new Gundam anime. GQuuuuuuX is directed by Kazuya Tsurumaki (co-director of End of Evangelion), and written by Yoji Enokido â who also wrote stone-cold anime classics like FLCL, Revolutionary Girl Utena, Ouran High School Host Club, and Bungo Stray Dogs, as well as scripts for several episodes of Neon Genesis Evangelion â and the Evangelion creator himself, Hideaki Anno. One can only imagine where this series will go with these minds behind it.
If youâre wondering where to watch new episodes of Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX or catch up on the original Gundam series beforehand, Iâve listed everything you need to know below.
How to Watch Mobile Suit Gundam: GQuuuuuuX
The new Gundam show is streaming on Prime Video instead of Netflix or Crunchyroll. Standalone Prime Video subscriptions start at $8.99/month, but are included in general Amazon Prime memberships, which cost $14.99/month and include Prime shipping benefits. Amazon Prime also offers a 30-day free trial for new subscribers.
Episode Release Dates
Mobile Suit Gundam: GQuuuuuuX initially premiered in Japan as a feature film containing four individual episodes. Starting April 8, individual episodes will become available to North American viewers on Prime Video every Tuesday. The first season of GQuuuuuuX will most likely follow the same trend as the most recent Gundam anime, The Witch from Mercury, running for one cour, around three months, for 12 episodes total. Iâll be sure to update this article with any new developments.
Episode 1: "The Red Gundam" - April 8 (now streaming)
Episode 2: "The White Gundam" - April 15 (now streaming)
Episode 3: "Machu in Clan Battle" - April 22 (now streaming)
Episode 4: "The Witch's War" - April 29 (now streaming)
Episode 5 - TBA
Episode 6 - TBA
Episode 7 - TBA
Episode 8 - TBA
Episode 9 - TBA
Episode 10 - TBA
Episode 11 - TBA
Episode 12 - TBA
What Is GQuuuuuuX About?
Alternative histories arenât new concepts for the Gundam universe, but GQuuuuuuX introduces a particularly massive twist where the Principle of Zeon gets its hands on the prototype Gundam instead of Amuro and the Earth Federation. Hereâs the new show's official synopsis:
New GQuuuuuuX Model Kits and Figures
A world where Zeon secures the ultimate advantage in the One Year War leads to some distinct Gundam designs. Tons of model kits and figures inspired by the new series are already up for preorder. You can check out the full collection here.
Where to Watch the Original Mobile Suit Gundam Anime
While you can probably enjoy GQuuuuuuX regardless of your Gundam experience, the âalternativeâ history is likely best enjoyed with knowledge of, well, the original history. You can watch the original Gundam anime as well as most Gundam series on everyoneâs favorite anime streaming service Crunchyroll.
Gundam GQuuuuuuX Characters and Voice Cast
Amate Yuzuriha (Machu) voiced by Tomoyo Kurosawa
Nyaan voiced by Yui Ishikawa
Shuji ItĹ voiced by Simba Tsuchiya
Challia Bull voiced by Shinji Kawada
Char Aznable voiced by Shin Yuuki
Xavier Olivette voiced by Seiichiro Yamashita
Comoli Harcourt voiced by Akane Fujita
Annqi voiced by Mariya Ise
Jezzi voiced by Yukitoshi Tokumoto
Nabu voiced by Shoya Chiba
Kaine voiced by Yuusuke Nagano
HARO voiced by Rie Kugimiya
Pomeranian voiced by Kosuke Echigoya
Denim voiced by Goto Kousuke
Dren voiced by Takeda Taichi
Blythe (she/her) is an SEO Coordinator at IGN who spends way too much time in character customization screens and tracking down collectibles.
The thing we all knew was going to happen has finally happened: GTA 6 has been delayed. Originally scheduled for release during 2025, what is almost certainly the most anticipated game of all time is now due to arrive on May 26, 2026.
But that doesnât mean that 2025 is going to go down in history as a disappointing year for games. Far from it! Already this year weâve had some phenomenal releases in the form of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, Blue Prince, and Split Fiction, and there are plenty more in the pipeline. Dozens of them, in fact. Thereâs Ghost of Yotei if you need a second samurai fix this year, Borderlands 4 for your co-op chaos needs, and even a brand new console and accompanying games from a little company called Nintendo.
Hereâs everything you have to look forward to in the rest of 2025 that doesnât have the words âGrand Theft Auto 6â in the title.
Whatâs next?
With GTA 6 originally scheduled for later in the year, you almost certainly hadnât made any space in your gaming calendar over the next couple of months. But just in case you did, there are some massive drops imminent. Doom: The Dark Ages arrives on Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC on May 15, and looks to be an incredible goth reimagining of the shooter we know and love. Following not long after is something for all the Souls fans, as Elden Ring Nightreign drops on May 30 for Xbox, PlayStation, and PC. This oneâs a co-op roguelike, so brand new territory for FromSoft, but if youâve been looking for a faster take on the studioâs core formula, then it could be the mainstay of your multiplayer nights for the foreseeable future.
Skip forward a month into June and you can strap in for Hideo Kojimaâs next wild adventure inDeath Stranding 2: On the Beach. Arriving on June 26 exclusively for PS5, its trailers are already packed to the brim with wild and weird ideas, so weâre expecting this one to push the envelope much further than its FedEx simulator predecessor. Talking of games where its difficult to walk over large surfaces without things going horribly wrong, Dune: Awakening lands on PC on June 10. Watch out for the sandworms and drink plenty of water, please.
June is just the start, though, as just a few weeks later Donkey Kong Bananza will arrive on July 17 to ensure the Switch 2 isnât without its mandatory 3D platformer. And from what we've seen so far, it looks worth going bananas for. Later in the year, you can also look forward to Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Pokemon Legends: Z-A and Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment. Oh, and a little game called Hollow Knight: Silksong, which apparently really will arrive on Switch 2 and everything else this year.
Big Hitters
It wouldnât be the end of the year without a three or four months of big hitters leading into the Christmas holiday. While not formally announced yet, weâre sure to get a new Call of Duty as well as EA Sports FC 26 around that time.
September will see the launch of two massive shooters: Borderlands 4 on the 12th, and Marathon on the 23rd. You know what kooky violent fun to expect from Borderlands, but this time the gun drops are promised to be even better. Marathon is more of an unknown, but an extraction shooter from the minds behind Destiny is surely something to keep an eye on.
PlayStationâs long-awaited Tsushima follow-up, Ghost of Yotei, will arrive on October 2, and bring with it a tale of vengeance against a group of shadowy masked samurai â hopefully this yearâs Assassinâs Creed Shadows only left you wanting even more of that plotline.
There will likely be a few others to get excited about, too. While we have no confirmed dates, weâd expect highly anticipated games scheduled for 2025, like The Outer Worlds 2 and Crimson Desert, to also arrive in the last section of the year.
2025 Release Timeline
Thatâs far from everything on the horizon. For a larger list of things coming this year, take a look at our timeline of the biggest games confirmed to be coming in the yearâs remaining months.
Doom the Dark Ages - May 15
Blades of Fire - May 22
Elden Ring Nightreign - May 30
F1 25 - May 30
Mario Kart World - June 5
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition - June 5
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition - June 5
Deltarune: Chapter 3 + 4 - June 5
Dune Awakening - June 10
FBC: Firebreak - June 17
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach - June 26
Tamagotchi Plaza - June 27
EA Sports College Football 26 - July 10
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 - July 11
Donkey Kong Bananza - July 17
Shadow Labyrinth - July 18
Wuchang: Fallen Feathers - July 24
Tales of the Shire: A Lord of the Rings Game - July 29
Mafia: The Old Country - August 8
Madden NFL 26 - August 14
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater - August 28
Lost Soul Aside - August 29
Hell Is Us - September 4
Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion - September 5
Terminator 2D: No Fate - September 5
Borderlands 4 - September 12
Marathon - September 23
Ghost of Yotei - October 2
Directive 8020 - October 2
Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 - October 2025
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment - Winter 2025
Crimson Desert - Q4 2025
PokĂŠmon Legends: Z-A - Late 2025
Little Nightmares 3 - 2025
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond - 2025
Kirby Air Ride - 2025
Dying Light: The Beast - 2025
Hollow Knight Silksong - 2025
Ninja Gaiden 4 - 2025
The Outer Worlds 2 - 2025
Cronos: The New Dawn - 2025
Professor Layton and the New World of Steam - 2025
Valve's MOBA hero shooter Deadlock is still in an invite-only testing phase, as the company continues to develop and iterate. But a recent livestream mix-up looks like it revealed the existence of a second, even more exclusive playtest with some unseen characters and redesigns.
Leaks have swirled from a livestream hosted by a top Deadlock player, who reportedly appeared to open the wrong Deadlock build on stream. (Thanks, Eurogamer.)
The roster, as shown on-stream and captured by viewers, shows several new faces like the old-school Doorman, bespectacled Bookworm, and gothic Vampirebat, as well as visual alterations for characters like Ivy. Though the streamer quickly closed out after realizing their error, you can't really un-spill the beans at this point.
No other info has circulated as of yet, though this leak is still fairly fresh. Deadlock is no stranger to leaks, as its own existence and content was the subject of numerous leaks. And while the existence of a test build for larger numbers of players to tinker with upcoming updates is not new either, it's a bit strange for Deadlock, which is still in an invite-only early state.
Reactions seem mixed, as some on the r/DeadlockTheGame subreddit have expressed frustration with feeling like they were already in on a playtest. Even in its more-public build, Deadlock has seen changes big and small, and even cut a full lane from the game. Valve has used the Hero Labs mode in the past to let players further test new heroes, but it seems like this is an additional method to further test with a select crowd.
Despite being invite-only, Deadlock has garnered a surprising number of players and picked up some notice from fans of both shooter games and MOBAs. A new game from Valve is already noteworthy, but its strange rollout and continued status as an invite-only game has only added to its mystique. Now, it looks like there's another, even more exclusive build for players to speculate over.
It's important to keep the real news in perspective though, as one Reddit user points out: "Oh great as if one Lash wasn't bad enough, now there are two of him!"
The first three episodes of Poker Face premiere on Peacock on Thursday, May 8. New episodes stream weekly through July 10.
American television is in the middle of a boom of throwback dramas about competent professionals solving new problems every episode. But before The Pitt saw its first patient or Elsbeth resumed legal proceedings in the world of The Good Wife, there was Poker Face, whose second season continues to prove how well a revival of the Columbo-style mystery known as the howcatchem works in this new TV era. At a time when trust in institutions is at an all time low, Rian Johnsonâs series offers an unlikely hero whoâs perpetually on the fringes of society, fighting for victims who would otherwise never see justice.
These strong fundamentals were all established in season 1, where human lie detector Charlie Cale (Natasha Lyonne) went on the run from the mob and found herself wandering from town to town solving quirky murders. Season 2 quickly puts aside that larger threat and lets Charlie just drift on her own, picking up odd jobs that connect her to both the killers she foils and their victims.
In Poker Faceâs cleverest innovation on the Columbo formula â which broke from whodunit convention by showing its culprits in the act and hinging the drama on how theyâd be caught (hence âhowcatchemâ) â each episode opens on the killerâs perspective before flashing back to reveal how Charlieâs been lurking over their shoulder the entire time. The switch allows the writers to quickly build up their villains and then demonstrate the tragedy of their crimes, whose fallout often has wide-reaching implications beyond their victimsâ lives. Take season 2âs most skillful use of this tendency: In âHometown Hero,â Simon Rex earns our sympathy as Rocket, a minor league baseball pitcher recognizing heâll never live up to his full potential. The episodeâs murder victim even sort of has it coming, but the greater crime â putting his team itself at risk â is committed against Rocketâs fans.
Heâs one of the many Poker Face killers with an outsized sense of entitlement; other examples this season include a daughter who cares for her abusive mother in hopes of inheriting her fortune and a child who canât stand any threats to her collection of gold stars. Johnson has focused on class warfare in his Knives Out films, but thereâs more breadth to the themes on Poker Face â though its killers are just as odious.
But the greatest strength of the show is Lyonne. She brings so much energy and charm to every scene as Charlie tries to befriend almost everyone she meets. Thereâs plenty of humor in her perpetual wonder at how she gets dragged into so much drama â this in spite of her repeated badgering of people who donât really want to talk to her. But her warmth is often rewarded in unexpected ways: When she encourages a firefighterâs aspirations to be a tap-dancer, it leads to a favor that allows Charlie to catch a killer red handed.
Such zany scenarios are par for the course: Season 2 doubles down on the silliness of its predecessor, sometimes to the point of surreality, like the episode where Kumail Nanjiani plays a cop version of real-life âTiger Kingâ Joe Exotic. It often gets meta, too, which works in a loving tribute to Heat but feels overdone in the Johnson-directed, Knives Out-mirroring premiere. Because Poker Face leans so hard into its absurdity, itâs a better showcase for guest stars with deep comedic backgrounds: Richard Kind, David Alan Grier, and John Mulaney all put in memorable appearances this season. Onscreen villain extraordinaire Giancarlo Espositio, by contrast, is sadly underwhelming in his episode. He just doesnât get enough time to make his killer live up to the standards of cold menace set by Gus Fring or Moff Gideon.
Thereâs consistency and appeal to Poker Faceâs case-of-the-week format.
Still, thereâs consistency and appeal to Poker Faceâs case-of-the-week format â though season 2 gives Lyonne more recurring co-stars to pal around with. Good Buddy (Steve Buscemi), a wise voice who gives Charlie advice and occasional help via CB radio, is a welcome addition to the formula. (Heâs also a fitting audience for her musings about life on the road.) Iâm much more dubious about the late-season addition of Alex (Patti Harrison), a lonely failed entrepreneur who never lies and becomes a sort of sidekick to our streetwise protagonist/polygraph. Itâs a decent idea to have backup, given how dangerous it is to be perpetually confronting murderers without a gun or badge. But in the first Alex-centric episode, the comes at expense of the fresh relationships Charlie forms within each episode.
Stellaris and Crusader Kings 3 developer Paradox Interactive has something "ambitious" to show us next week.
While the team stopped short of showing any concrete details at all, it did remind us that Paradox has been developing and publishing strategy games over the last 25 years "that have taken you from the Roman Empire to the stars," and teased it was now "preparing to announce the next major title in the genre."
The mysterious new game â known only by its codename, Caesar â has been openly discussed on the studio's forum in a number of "Tinto Talks" developer diaries. Over this time, it has been welcoming community feedback on its feature ideas, key game systems, and historical research, but "now the time has come to reveal Ceasar to the world."
The latest Tinto Talks â named after the studio that's developing it, Barcelona-based Studio Tinto â talked about the mechanics of Protestant religions and the "final situation involving all Western Christian confessions, the War of Religions," coming to its "entirely super-top-secret game with the codename Project Caesar."
That, plus the clue that the announcement video will premier on the official Europa Universalis YouTube channel, suggests the mysterious project may be a new addition to that series⌠but nothing's certain right now.
That hasn't stopped fans speculating, though, with many coming to the same conclusion that it's probably connected to Europa Universalis, too.
"Dev Diaries haven't called it EU5 but everything we have been teased thus far heavily implies it," reminded one player on Reddit. Another, replying to someone else pointing out that the video will debut on the Europa Universalis channel, teased: "There might've been clues along the way huh."
"I mean, it was an open secret for over a year thanks to the Tinto Talks Threads on Paradox forums," explained someone else.
To find out more, and discover if the rumors are right, tune in to Paradox's video at 9am PDT (12pm EDT, 5pm UK time) on May 8, 2025, and discover "a new era for grand strategy."
We had a great time with the last Europa Universalis game, awarding it 8.9/10 in IGN's Europa Universalis 4 review, saying: "Europa Universalis IV brings accessibility and flexibility to the strategy series without compromising its complexity."
Vikki Blake is a reporter, critic, columnist, and consultant. She's also a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually High Chaos. Find her at BlueSky.
This isnât just the MCUâs fault, but Marvel and other modern comic book franchises have turned us into Easter egg hunters, the equivalent of the Leonardo DiCaprio pointing meme in real life. You see that nametag identifying Commander Dunphy (William Mark McCullough) in Captain America: Brave New World? Get ready for an explanation of D-Man, the homeless superhero dressed as Wolverine and Daredevil. A license plate that says â63A5M-3â in Spider-Man: No Way Home? You bet thatâs a reference to 1963âs Amazing Spider-Man #3, the first appearance of Doctor Octopus. But the most recent Marvel movie, Thunderbolts, takes a very different route with its âEaster eggs,â as they donât fit the modern definition of Easter eggs at all⌠Theyâre more actual references that enrich the texture and viewing of the film in the context of the greater MCU, rather than being needle-scratches, bringing the action to a halt.
The point being that over the past quarter century, Easter eggs on film, and in Marvel movies in particular, have shifted from being a literal bug to being a feature. Maybe the feature. They are analyzed on YouTube videos, broken down in breathless articles, and shockingly often the main point of discussion of a movie the weekend it opens is the Easter eggs⌠Not the actual content of the movie itself.
So it feels like a revelation to watch the most recent MCU film and see moments that are clear nods to previous MCU movies, do not bring the movie to a grinding halt, and instead are utilized by director Jake Schreier and screenwriters Eric Pearson and Joanna Calo to emphasize and contrast the team in the film against other, previous teams and individuals in the universe.
Unlike the Avengers, who stood on the elevated road over Grand Central in a heroic spinning shot and fought back an alien army, the Thunderbolts are under the bridge⌠Theyâre down, not up.
The most obvious of these is setting most of the third act of the movie in and around Avengers Tower, now named The Watchtower under its new owner, Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus). To be clear, Avengers Tower is not an Easter egg; it is a location in the film. However, compared to the Avengers, who briefly called the building their home base, the Thunderbolts are mostly out of place there. The building is half-finished, with only what might be Tony Starkâs bar mostly intact (but maybe in the wrong spot? Or was it the bar where Nat and Bruce flirted in Age of Ultron?). It is, in and of itself, used as a way of delineating the Thunderbolts as a team that has to take the elevator, not fly out in a Quinjet. They, themselves, arenât finished yet; they have a lot of work to do individually and as a group.
And that expands outwards to their final fight, which takes place in Midtown, around Grand Central Station. Unlike the team in The Avengers, who stood on the elevated road over Grand Central, got a heroic spinning shot, and fought back an alien army, the Thunderbolts are under the bridge⌠Theyâre down, not up. And their heroic moment isnât about facing down the Chitauri; itâs flipping over a piece of concrete.
There are moments throughout this âfightâ scene that call to mind the end of Avengers, as well. Yelena (Florence Pugh) is tossed in the air, a la her sister Natasha (Scarlett Johansson) in Avengers. A little girl who is saved is framed almost exactly the same way Beth the waitress (Ashley Johnson) was after she was saved in the 2012 film. Heck, once the team is named the New Avengers, the score plays a version of the Avengers theme music, but with several notes inverted. Itâs all a little off. Itâs not quite right. And purposefully so, because this is a team, as weâre immediately shown in the end credits, that is not comfortable with being Avengers, and neither is the world. The end credits parade of dubious headlines from news outlets is another reference, this time to the breathless, positive headlines about Iron Man over the opening of Iron Man 2. The world saw his coming out as the dawn of a new age of heroes. For the Thunderbolts, now Avengers, this might be the end.
All of these immediately call to mind previous movies, just like an Easter egg would, and contrast with what weâre seeing on screen. But theyâre not distracting; theyâre enlightening in terms of what the filmmakers intended, if you pick up on them. And isnât that the way things are supposed to be? Rather than the Easter Egg Industrial Complex (EEIC) that exists today, where the mere mention of things in a trailer or movie are deemed Easter eggs â âDid you notice Yelena Belova from Black Widow is in Thunderboltsâ for example, is not an Easter egg; itâs a character that appears in the movie â layering in textures in your film makes for a better, richer repeat experience than simply returning to read a list of names on a computer, a la X2.
Is it hyperbole to say this is the path forward for the MCU? Maybe. But for a movie otherwise devoid of Easter eggs, the references are more thrilling and interesting than any comic book namedrop. Unless there was one, and we missed it. In that case, weâll have to head back to the theater and check.
The same held true at the dawn of home media, expanding on Easter eggsâ employment in video games to include extra bits on DVDs, like secret scenes or simple, fun messages. And plenty of shows and movies have followed suit, from phone numbers that work in real life to QR codes that open up links to websites when you point your phone at the screen (at home, not in the theater, please).
But the way we talk about Easter eggs online has changed immensely, and a lot of that has to do with Marvel movies. In fact, while there are other examples, one of the major Easter egg innovators in the modern realm is the X-Men series. The first movieâs DVD featured a secret âsceneâ featuring a stuntman dressed as Spider-Man, surprising the X-Men cast on set. But X2: X-Men United really set geek hearts aflame with the inclusion of a list of mutants in Strykerâs (Brian Cox) files that referenced characters ranging from Gambit to New Mutants team members to the Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver. Were there plans for any of these characters at the time? It didnât matter, because mostly it was about rewarding repeated viewings of the movie in the theaters to try to catch them all⌠And sparked the idea that the X-Men universe was much, much bigger than we were seeing on screen.
Likely thanks at least in part to the popularity and buzz about this list in X2, other movies started to follow suit. And by the time the MCU kicked off in 2008, a whole industry had built up around breaking down and analyzing movies, particularly in the geek/comic book sphere. You might, as a reader of the website IGN.com, be familiar with this particular part of internet history.
Concurrent with all this was living Easter egg Stan Lee, credited with the creation of most of the Marvel Universe (though your actual historical take on that may vary). He appeared as a hot dog vendor in the first X-Men movie, and spun that out â no pun intended â into a cameo in Spider-Man the next year, followed by his regular appearance in nearly every Marvel movie up until his death, and some even beyond. Itâs arguably with Leeâs cameos that we can nail down the modern view of Easter eggs, even more than that mostly unreadable list in X2: They are winks to the fans, either large or small, that make us feel smart because we noticed them. In some cases, they are literally Stan Lee or another cameo (see: Bruce Campbell) winking at the audience. In the worst cases, they pause for applause from the audience that sometimes never comes. At their best, they are bits that are part of the scene, noticeable or not.
Last Epoch sports a whopping 15 Mastery classes. Masteries are essentially a subclass that allows you to lean in on one aspect of your build. They range from traditional roles like Sorcerer to more out-there options like Falconer (which sees you flying around the map using your bird friend for damage). It can be difficult to choose which ones to focus on with so many options, but this Last Epoch Mastery tier list will help.
How We Ranked the Best and Worst Masteries in Last Epoch
What makes a Mastery strong, weak, or somewhere in between depends on how many key checkboxes it ticks for potential builds. Every build has a long list of things it can use to make its clear (i.e. mapping) and bossing (i.e. single target), and defense as strong as it can be, but some are stronger than others, or have stronger synergies than others.
For example, âmoreâ damage multipliers are stronger than increased damage multipliers, so if a Mastery offers more of the former, itâs more likely to be higher up on this list. Be sure to read passives closely to determine how they scale damage â they will tell you! There are also stats like critical hit chance, critical hit multiplier, flat damage, armour shred chance, armour shred effect, and plenty more that pull a lot of weight.
Defensively, critical hit damage reduction or critical damage avoidance are, well, critical for most builds, as random damage spikes are a great way to die, and these let you avoid them entirely. Resists are also important â while you can always get them on gear and idols, having the option to get them on the Mastery passive tree gives you flexibility. Meanwhile, damage reduction is arguably the best way to survive in the game, so of course itâs a fairly rare stat to find. You also have recovery (leech, health regeneration, health/ward on hit, etc.) and eHP (Ward and/or Health) to worry about, and a ton of other things. All that is to say, any Mastery that offers these in a manner thatâs point efficient is more likely to be toward the top of this list.
As for Mastery skills, these are evaluated largely based on their numbers and damage potential for both bossing and clearing, with a little consideration given to how they feel to play. A skill may be S-Tier but if it feels clunky to play, that may contribute to a Mastery ranking a bit lower than it could. Of course, if youâre not the type to mind mechanics like snapshotting, youâre welcome to rank a given Mastery higher.
Last Epoch Season 2 Masteries Tier List
S-Tier: Paladin, Void Knight
Best overall clear, bossing, and defense, with no significant weaknesses
A-Tier: Falconer, Bladedancer, Shaman, Druid
Strong clear, bossing, and/or defense. Lacking significantly in one area
B-Tier: Marksman, Lich, Beastmaster
Good clear, bossing, and/or defense. Lacking significantly in one or more areas
C-Tier: Necromancer, Forge Guard, Runemaster
Decent to good clear, bossing, and/or defense. Lacking significantly in one or more areas
D-Tier: Spellblade, Warlock, Sorcerer
Poor to good clear, bossing, and/or defense. Lacking significantly in multiple areas
S-Tier Last Epoch Masteries
S-Tier: Void Knight
If you want to delete screens with a giant purple sword and never die, Void Knight (and Erasing Strike) is for you. It scales well too when it transitions into the World Splitter version. A Warpath version is also just as viable, and happens to be both top tier and new player/casual friendly.
Void Knight has more mobility and effective HP (eHP) than it used to, and sports the same huge clear and very respectable bossing damage. It also has the distinct benefit of being able to move and do damage simultaneously, which is always a huge boon for damage per second (DPS), while feeling very smooth to play.
In terms of numbers, it sports 200% added damage effectiveness on all skills (and 600 on Erasing Strike), which is very much where you want to be.
The passive tree offers resistance to and penetration for Physical and Void damage, leech and leech rate, damage reduction, increased health, slow and chill resist, mana solutions, attack speed, and plenty more. Standout nodes include Sorrow & Steel (damage, armor, and area of effect in one tidy package), Void Corruption (a huge amount of critical hit chance and multiplier), and Mortal Cleave (culling, damage, and critical hit chance all in one). Thereâs even more to mention, but you get the idea: Void Knight has it all.
S-Tier: Paladin
Developer Eleventh Hour Games (EHG) admitted it overdid it with the Sentinel rework, which is why Judgement Paladin took four of the top 5 spots in the Terminate Uber Abberoth race. So, there should be no doubt whatsoever this Mastery deserves S-Tier.
As with Void Knight, Paladin has extremely potent skills, doesnât die, and does massive damage. Judgement alone is obscene, offering 350% damage effectiveness and 200% critical multiplier against 15 mana cost and 4s cooldown, paired together in one-two healing and damage punch. The thing is, every single one of its other skills are about as potent, which canât be said for any other Mastery. Symbols of Hope and Holy Aura both follow the damage and defense in one theme, while Healing Hands just offers a metric ton of healing (primarily for those extra tough bosses).
The passive tree offers the most resistances in the game, plus plenty of recovery and damage reduction, mana, attack and cast speed, block, armor, penetration, and more. Standout nodes include Covenant of Light (which buffs Healing Hands and Holy Aura simultaneously), Covenant of Protection, and Reverence of Duality and Convenant of Dominion, which collectively offer ridiculous amounts of damage, sustain, damage over time mitigation, and defense (sometimes all at once).
Though Judgement steals the show, Bleed Hammerdin and Smite are strong build options as well if you want to go a little off-meta.
A-Tier Last Epoch Masteries
A-Tier: Falconer
EHG has stated its goal when nerfing overpowered (OP) builds is to make them âjust under OPâ, and thatâs exactly what happened with the Falconer Mastery and its popular builds. Outrageously powerful when it launched, itâs now simply silly good (the horror!).
Movement speed on this one is unrivaled, and damage is top tier, thanks in part to easy access to critical hit multipliers and Dexterity scaling options. Even better, it has the option to employ both simultaneously thanks to Aerial Assault: just grab your bird and itâs bombs away.
Its only real weakness is defense. You'll need to use Dodge alongside Silver/Dusk Shrouds and/or Glancing Blows to avoid damage, keeping you on your toes. An almost complete lack of resistance options on the tree is a factor as well, as this puts a lot of pressure to get resistance on your Blessings, idols, and gear when you might prefer other options.
You can lean into the Falconer's lack of defense with a Zero HP Ballista Falconer build that hits incredibly hard, but requires you to cheese incoming damage using Silver Shrouds and Dodge. Safe to say we won't be using this in hardcore.
Apart from Ballista, Umbral Blades is one of the top Falconer builds, which can be built using Shadow Daggers before you swap over to a Dexterity stacking version with Talons of Valor bow and Razorfall boots. If you like the idea of slicing enemies up and dashing all over the place while flying around on your feathered friend, youâll find it a joy to play. It is button intensive, however, especially if you insist on maximizing DPS.
A-Tier: Bladedancer
While Falconer is more popular, Bladedancer is about as strong and well-rounded. Clear, single target, and defense are all where youâd want them to be, thanks to the suite of high-DPS skills, powerful passive support, and useful iframes from Lethal Mirage. If you want a strong but fast melee class, this is the one.
Standout nodes on the passive tree include Pursuit (efficient damage and movement speed), Argent Veil (makes dodge a lot more reliable), and Deathâs Door (damage reduction for low life builds). More broadly, Glancing Blows, Dusk Shrouds, and Dodge form a powerful defensive layer, and Dexterity stacking, crit, leech, Frailty, armour shred and armour shred effect are all on offer. In short, you have everything you need to succeed. The only thing really holding Bladedancer back is that itâs not quite as over the top numerically as things like Judgment Paladin.
In terms of builds, you can go with Shadow Daggers, Shadow Cascade, Chakrams (take the Chakram node on the Shurikens tree), or Lethal Mirage using Black Blade of Chaos (requires a 2H sword of the same name). The Chakram version at least should be Uber Abberoth viable.
A-Tier: Beastmaster
The summoner Mastery. Itâs not as tanky as Void Knight or Paladin, but Beastmaster still took 2nd place in the Uber Abberoth race. Granted itâs partly due to Storm Crows, which has top tier DPS due to snapshotting which isnât Beastmaster exclusive, though the Summon Wolf companion buffs surely helped. In any case, Beastmaster Summons is a proven archetype, though they take some time to get going.
You can go heavier on the Beastmaster skills by building around Poison Nova Scorpion (check out CookBookâs version). Itâs well-rounded in terms of damage and clear but usually suffers from low movement speed, so if youâre coming from something like Rogue, itâll be a shock. There are options to alleviate itâHaste via The Scavenger belt and increased Haste effect on idols, for exampleâbut it will never be a fast build.
The passive tree offers ever-important damage reduction, health, healing, health regeneration, endurance for companions, crit support, and stun. There is a lack of damage, but you can grab this elsewhere.
A-Tier: Shaman
A melee and/or elemental Mastery, Shaman is one of the highest Arena pushing builds: it can reach Wave 500-700+. The clear is quite fast, albeit not top tier, with a similar story on defense.
Tornado is a lot more damage than it seems, and the vacuum effect is great, making it the star of the show. Earthquake and Avalanche see little play due to high mana costs and/or requiring Spriggan Form which is clunky. However, using Aftershock idols can be welcome for some extra damage (so youâre essentially using Earthquake without suffering the problems of Earthquake). Summon Storm Totem is fairly popular, as well. If nothing else, itâs a nice decoy with decent damage.
As for the passive tree, you get a lot of Penetration (though you have to go through the defensively weak Attunement to get much of it), cooldown reduction, mana, auto trigger skills, attack and cast speed, elemental damage packaged with resists, Haste, and a lot more. The highlight skills include Fist of Stone (stun, Endurance, and health regen all in one), Lagonâs Answer and Conflux (auto and double cast Storm Bolt alongside area of effect (AoE) and damage reduction is efficient, to say the least), and Swirling Maelstrom (more auto casting fun, with health, mana, and Endurance Threshold on top). Thereâs even more to rave about, but you get the jist.
A-Tier: Druid
The shapeshifting Mastery, Storm Werebear is top of the pile here. Boasting great DPS, it can kill Abberoth (possibly even the Uber version), do 1000 corruption (the most you ever want to push due to severely diminishing returns), and around 300 Wave Arena (and as much as ~700). The eHP is very nice, to boot. If you like a combo playstyle and the idea of mauling enemies to death while filling the screen with tornadoes, this is a well-rounded, engaging Mastery to go for. Its primary weakness is that itâs not very fast at farming, though, so if you want to progress fast, Druid may not be the right fit.
Taking Werebear replaces four of your skills with new ones more fitting for a bear. Rampage and Maul sport the always appreciated package of movement and competitive damage, while adding in Knockback for good measure. Roar meanwhile offers Knockback and Stun, and can be configured to sustain Rage (basically bear mana). Its skill tree sports a no cooldown version of Rampage (yes please), can make Rampage trigger Storm Bolt, and supports Stun, Rage and Health on hit (via Invigoration), and reduces the cooldown of Maul, among other standouts.
Spriggan Form is very strong as well, bringing a ton of defense to the table, but is better supported by Druid/Beastmaster, and so wonât be discussed further here. Swarmblade is no slouch either (just not with Locusts), while Entangling Roots falls by the wayside. Itâs not a terrible skill, but itâs mostly a buff skill for totems, which proves clunky as you canât use it reasonably from Spriggan Form.
As with everything in the top tiers, the passive tree here offers more strong nodes than we have room to go into. Thereâs Spirit Warden for health, mana, and sustain, Focused Wrath for damage coupled with Rage decay rate buffs, Bush Stalker (crit and leech on crit), Fetid Resilience (multiplicative damage over time), Primal Shifter/Tiger Spirit (armour, damage, crit chance, and crit multiplier, all of which can be made to apply to minions as well), and Impervious (which grants damage reduction for doing melee damage). Thereâs plenty more, but the point stands: Shaman is clearly here to play.
B-Tier Last Epoch Masteries
B-Tier: Lich
The classic âsacrifice your life for bonusesâ archetype, Lich can hang with the better Masteries thanks to potent skills like Reaper Form and a meaty passive tree.
Drain Life has underwhelming stats, but can be useful with the Hecatomb node to convert your minions into mana. Aura of Decay is an appealing skill for the poison archetype (which gets a lot of support on the passive trees), but unfortunately is very weak in practice, because scaling applies to damage received and there are no great ways to mitigate it or turn it into an upside. Death Seal on the other hand is excellent, providing a huge 300% damage effectiveness boost and reducing damage taken to half. As with most things Lich, itâs slightly risky but well worth it.
As for Reaper Form, itâs only 100% damage effectiveness but this increases a lot via the passive tree. Additionally, itâs a movement skill, and itâs AoE damage that gains you health, making for a strong all-rounder. Again, it drains you, but you can overcome this with recovery options.
The passive tree provides options for Intelligence stacking, mana, health, ward, recovery, and more. The standouts here include Dance With Death, Hollow Lich, Unclosing Wounds, and Ageless Plagues, all of which offer terribly efficient damage buffs. Thereâs also automatic minion generation (Harvested Legions), critical strike chance and attack/cast speed buffs (Clairvoyant Insight), and Ageless Ascetic for buffs to movement, attack, and cast speed as well as leech. Not the best, but also not bad at all.
B-Tier: Marksman
Your classic Archer subclass. Hail of Arrows and Heartseeker are the popular builds. While not required, the former really wants the Sanguine Hoard unique quiver, but it shouldnât be hard to pick up. If you like the idea of setting up a big bleed combo, itâs worth playing. Meanwhile, Heartseeker is pretty great if you like the idea of auto targeting projectiles. Just be sure to go with Bleed or Poison very early, before transitioning into the Icicle version once your gear is ready.
One of the strengths of Marksman is it offers tons of HP on hit, and because you tend to be shooting out a ton of projectiles, it can hit a lot. Multishot is a bit weak on base with 120% damage effectiveness and base 6 phys, though this improves greatly with all the multiplicative damage nodes on the passive tree, as well as some flat damage. Plus, it has a low mana cost. Meanwhile, Hail is nice because it doesnât care about crit and sports 325% damage effectiveness by default. Detonating Arrow is simply underwhelming numerically, so itâs no surprise itâs not played.
On the passive tree youâll find support for dodge, crit, movement speed, additional arrows, damage, recovery, and heaps more. Some of the best nodes among them include Heightened Senses (crit avoidance and crit multiplier), Thiefâs Quiver (health and leech), and Death From Afar (stun and armour shred). As is typical for Rogue Masteries, itâs not going to win awards for defense, but youâll never have to worry about damage or clear if you play your cards right.
C-Tier Last Epoch Masteries
C-Tier: Necromancer
Another summoner Mastery, this time with undead flavour. With a reasonably strong suite of skills and a passive tree that covers a lot of bases, itâs fitting that Necromancer can often hit 200-400 Waves in Arena.
Summon Skeletal Mage is a nifty skill in that it reduces enemy health regeneration by 20% (most useful against bosses) and can be converted to a Traversal skill; you'll be focusing on a single powerful minion rather than an undead army, however. On the tree, youâll find lots of support for Poison, Necrotic, Cold, and Fire, so thereâs something for almost everyone.
Sacrifice sees little to no play because the Mastery has terrible personal damage support â itâs playable, but minions do the same thing for you but better.
Dread Shade offers a huge flat and increased percentage damage boost temporarily (at the cost of health), and can be made to explode your minions for big Necrotic damage (Doom Brand) or enhance Infernal Shade. Thereâs also the option to convert all Necrotic investment into Poison if thatâs your jam. And then thereâs the Beyond Death node which turns minions into exploding Zombies, Duskheart which converts Shade into a damage over time skill, and Symbiotic Apparition which grants you Shadeâs buffs.
Assemble Abomination, meanwhile, summons a powerful tanky minion. To make the most of it youâll need to employ snapshotting (basically gear and skill swapping, which many players despise), but itâs still reasonable without.
Finally, Summon Wraith has respectable damage thanks to Dread Shade and Wraithâs many critical strike passives. As usual, thereâs lots of support here on the tree for Fire, Necrotic, or Poison variations, but also a Bleed one. And like Shade, it can convert into a damage over time skill (Spectre of Death).
Notable notables on the Necromancer tree include Elixir of Hunger for health, increased percentage health, health on hit, and attack/cast speed, and Rite of Undeath for 120 total resistances on top of a nice damage boost. More broadly, you wonât find yourself short on recovery damage, minion support, armour and resistance shred, ward or ward retention, or crit in both its forms. Thereâs not much in the way of defense here outside of recovery and minion tanking, which holds it back some.
C-Tier: Runemaster
Runemaster is a rarely-seen-in-RPGs caster archetype that lets you combine spells together to make unique spells (any Gauntlet fans in the house?). While you donât have to play it this way, Rune of Invocation â the skill that enables this â is the reason to play Runemaster, offering extreme versatility via invocations, many with very impressive damage numbers.
Hydrahedron is one of the highlights â casting this spell via Rune of Invocation is part of what makes the Mastery and build 1000 corruption viable. Defense is still a serious concern, but if you keep on the move, you should stay alive. For those with a bigger budget, thereâs Focus Autobomber, which uses the Brand of Deception and Runic Fortress passives to strong effect. The DPS isnât anything special, but itâs very tanky. The idea here is to stack Strength, Intelligence, and Ward for armor and shock. As a bonus, itâs easy to play.
Flame Rush is a movement skill with legitimate damage numbers paired with damage reduction, and can serve as a respectable damage skill when desired. Frost Wall, meanwhile, can brag about a very high 400% damage effectiveness, 100% chance to chill, and Freeze chance. Plus, itâs a damage over time skill, so it has less gearing requirements, and itâs a strong bosser thanks to Decree of the Burning Wind (on the Runemaster passive tree).
Runebolt is no slouch either, offering a 200% crit multiplier and mana regeneration while getting around resistances with Decree of the Bountiful Ocean. Lastly, Glyph of Dominion measures up well numerically, while providing guaranteed slow. Thereâs also an interesting interaction there with Decree of Eternal Tundra for lots of ward per second.
As for the passive tree, thereâs all kinds of support for Ward, mana, elemental debuffs, cast and movement speed, reduced critical strike damage, cooldown recovery, and armour and damage for Fire builds and Freeze multiplier and damage for Lightning builds, among other things. Itâs not outrageous like you see with the higher tier Masteries, but itâs still competitive.
C-Tier: Forge Guard
Forge Guard can hold its own as a Mastery, just not as well as the big boys. To put it another way, they do much of what it does but better. Still, there are some unique build options here that are great if youâre looking for something different.
Skill-wise, Manifest Armor is nice as a decoy and rewards STR/armor stacking (the primary unique build option). Shield Throw offers high added damage effectiveness, while Ring of Shields brings great defense to the table (especially with the Shield Crafter passive). Still, comparing it to Symbols of Hope, it comes up short, as itâs situational and purely defensive.
Smelterâs Wrath has a lot of potential as it scales offense and defense and boasts 600% damage effectiveness. Unfortunately, itâs a channeling skill with no option to change that, so itâll slow you down and leave you a bit vulnerable. Next, you have Forge Weapon with a beefy 600% damage effectiveness, alongside summons for defense which scale off your weapon. Not bad at all.
In terms of passives, the only really standout one is Guardian for a lovely combination of health, stun chance, and regen. Steel Aegis, Iron Attunement, Walls of Solarum, and Osprixbane are certainly no slouches, but when evaluating the best nodes in other Masteries, Forge Guard leaves something to be desired. Apart from that, you can find efficient damage scaling throughout the tree.
D-Tier Last Epoch Masteries
D-Tier: Spellblade
It may be D-Tier, but even D-Tier still means viable. Spellblade is not lacking in DPS at all and is pretty speedy, but can struggle a great deal with defenses. The better your positioning, the less youâll get one-tapped, but itâs still going to happen occasionally. If you donât mind that and like the idea of combining magic with melee, itâs worth a go.
Flame Reave is playable but underwhelming. The base stats are strong enough, but damage cuts in half at a distance, AoE is limited, and the mana cost is fairly high. Worse, it only hits once per cast, which is a big no-no when compared to skills like Frost Claw that hit 20 times per cast (and for a lot more total damage), or Judgment on Sentinelâmind you, just about everything comes up short there!
On top of that, it lacks unique buffs and debuffs, and its crowd control node proves ineffective in practice. Too many of the nodes require downsides that arenât worth it, as well. It can still get you to the mid-game or so (around 500 Corruption), but not nearly as efficiently as other skills, and unlike those, it will hit a wall.
Enchant Weapon is a potent DPS boost (65% situationally and 15% permanently), and if going the Ignite route, allows you to trigger Ignites instantly; always a powerful method of damage delivery. Thereâs also some ever-potent Leech for Lightning or Fire variations, and Chill for Cold. Surprisingly, there is no Freeze support.
Firebrand is similar to Reave in that it can hit 300 Corruption but not do much beyond that. It doesnât have all the drawbacks of Reave and is quite enjoyable to playâimagine rapidly shooting fire beams at enemies up to mid-rangeâbut unfortunately the damage isnât quite there compared to top skills, so youâll have a harder time than you need to when progressing, and will eventually fall on hard times. Still, if youâre looking for something off-meta and donât need the best of the best, this is a good skill to go for.
Surge offers mobility, damage, tons of crit, and debuffs (including Stun), as well all all kinds of elemental and Ward support. Meanwhile, Shatter Strike loves crit while also providing some defense and offense in the form of cold debuffs, culling, Knockback, armor, Ward, and more. All in all, you absolutely will not have issues scaling damage, and it wonât even require much gearing, though obviously, better gear will take it even farther.
As for the passive tree, it provides ward support in every form, and intriguing nodes like Flame Walker for some mobile fire damage and fire resistance shred, and Arcane Shielding and Shattered Aegis for damage reduction and armour (worth the 10 points). Apart from those, youâll find resistances, damage, health, and mana available. Unluckily, thereâs little support for Parry. Itâs a decent tree for sure, but thereâs nothing outrageous to help it keep up with the top tiers.
D-Tier: Warlock
Warlock builds are focused on damage over time, which makes them easy to gear and in that sense, very new player and casual friendly. Curses are also a major element, amplifying damage by debuffing enemies. While builds like Witchfire are viable, they donât do much better than other Masteries, and so rarely push far on the ladder.
Cthonic Fissure, Profane Veil, and Chaos Bolts are your star skills, all slotting into both the popular Bleed and Witchfire (Fire/Necrotic damage) variations. The damage they bring is what keeps Warlock at all competitive; Profane Veil even offers some defensive utility by making you invincible to everything but damage over time temporarily while granting damage over time itself.
Defense is where it all kind of falls apart. While you have access to high eHP and recovery (and Profane Veil) thanks to nodes like Spiteful Decay and Spirit Leech, thatâs about it, which is a far cry from the better Masteries.
Fire/Necrotic focus builds will find The Ashen One passive is a must-grab for Witchfire, while Crimson Favours and Cauldron of Blood serves Bleed builds well.
D-Tier: Sorcerer
The classic caster class, Sorcerer is very much viable, but unfortunately doesnât do a lot to stand out. Frostbite Frostclaw is one of the better builds available, proving itself as an all-rounder, but suffering from mana issues and lacking speed.
Skill-wise, you have some strong stats on Static Orb, and as always vacuum skills like this (and Black Hole) hold their own. It gets more interesting with skill nodes like Static Armor that grant a situational 25% less damage taken, and Overwhelming Barrage which dramatically increases stun chance. There are also options to convert it into a cold and Freeze skill for yet another defensive layer.
Ice Barrage sports some respectable numbers as well, and its 40 Freeze rate is competitive with Frost Claw â even better, it auto targets enemies, and has the option to creating a Chill effect AoE or a shield that blocks projectiles.
Arcane Ascendance is powerful but prohibitive, due to its high mana cost (somewhat offset on the tree), lack of crit, and lacking secondary damage. Still, its tree makes it quite versatile, providing access to Knockback, Slow, Haste, auto casting, and more.
As for Black Hole, this is a potent single skill with 600% damage effectiveness and some vacuum utility. Itâs arguably best used as single target, but can be customized for clear. On the tree youâll find even more utility in Knockback and Blind, and options to convert into Fire or Cold for builds focused on those elements.
Lastly, Meteor has huge base stats (190 fire + 950% damage effectiveness), but at a high mana cost, demanding you build around it with mana stacking and Archmage, whjch arenât in a great spot.
On the passive tree you get lots of ward support in all its forms, substantial damage buffs, and cast speed, elemental debuffs, leech, and penetration. Itâs certainly not the whole package, but itâs not nothing, either. The Mana Bulwark node â which deals damage to mana before health â is tempting, but unfortunately this is an ineffective mechanic in practice.
Sean Ridgeley is a freelance contributor for IGN and lives for all things RPG, FPS, horror, and fighting. When heâs not grinding Last Epoch, Path of Exile, or Overwatch, he can be found headbanging in moshpits.
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