Holiday shoppers, there's still time. We're still in that peak window where you can reliably get your orders delivered before Christmas, often with free shipping. If you've missed out on the Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals bonanza, don't fret. You still have opportunities to pick up some amazin gifts for the holidays and save a ton of money while you're at it. There are plenty of great deals on popular tech products like gaming handhelds, AirPods, video games, and more. In fact, most of these prices are lower than what I saw during Black Friday or Cyber Monday.

Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)

In the wake of an incredible run at The Game Awards last week, during which Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 won a record-breaking nine awards and announced a free DLC out right now, a whole lot of people are purchasing and/or downloading the game to see what all the fuss is about.

This observation comes from multiple data sources, all of which are pointing to a sudden rush of players to Clair Obscur across platforms. On Steam, the game reached a peak over the weekend of 56,993 players, according to SteamDB. The numbers haven't been that high since June.

The game's popularity is reflecting in sales, as well. According to Rhys Elliott, head of market analysis at Alinea Analytics, sales of Clair Obscur have spiked since The Game Awards. They're up 76% on Steam, 21% on PS5, and 3% on Xbox (where it's available on Game Pass). Alinea's estimate is that this amounts to over 200,000 more copies sold in just a few days.

Haven't finished your holiday shopping? Your time's running out if you're looking to have your order arrive before December 25. Fortunately, Sonos kicked off a last minute holiday sale where you can score extra savings of up to 25% off select certified refurbished soundbars, speakers, and subs. You better hurry, though, because today is the last day for free Christmas delivery. Sonos refurbished products come like new, in pristine packaging with all the original accessories. They even come with the same one year warranty as a retail purchased product. If this is a gift for someone, that person probably won't ever realize that the item is anything but new.

Sonos Era 100 SmartSpeaker

Although there’s no shortage of free VPNs for PC, very few can be trusted. Some of the many problems you’ll face using one include slow speeds, limited server locations, data caps, insufficient encryption, and extensive data logging. Needless to say, free VPNs aren’t suitable for more bandwidth-heavy tasks such as streaming or online gaming.

The good news is that there are still a handful of free VPNs for PC that avoid the many common pitfalls of free VPNs. I installed them on my Windows, MacOS, and Linux devices to assess their speed, server locations, security, and privacy policies, as well as their available features. Better still, all of the VPNs covered below are genuinely free as opposed to merely free trials (though they do also have paid plans with more features than the free versions).

TL;DR – These Are the Best Free VPNs for PC:

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a service that takes your internet traffic and routes it through an encrypted tunnel to a server in your preferred location. You’re provided with a different IP address, which allows you to browse the web anonymously. The ability to effectively change virtual locations also makes VPNs a popular choice with those who wish to bypass geo-blocks on content.

1. Proton VPN

Best Free VPN for PC

2. Hide.me

Best Free VPN With No Signup

3. Windscribe

Best Free VPN for Features

4. PrivadoVPN

Best Free VPN for Privacy

5. TunnelBear

Best Free VPN for Traveling

What to Look for in a Free VPN for PC

The fact is that most free VPNs have a number of issues, some of which are too significant to overlook. This may be heavy bandwidth throttling or expensive logging of user data. Below are some of the key things to evaluate in a quality free VPN for PC.

• Unlimited data: Very few VPNs offer unlimited data to free users. This means that in most cases, you’ll only have between 2-10GB of data which is extremely limiting, particularly if you want to use your VPN for streaming. Fortunately, I’ve found two rare exceptions in Proton VPN and Hide.me.
• No speed limits: Bandwidth throttling is common with free VPNs. Often, this can make even basic browsing a challenge. This is not the case with the VPNs included here, all of which offer unlimited speed. You’ll still find them to be slower than their paid counterparts, though, due to the heavier user load on each free VPN server (though TunnelBear makes its entire server network available to free users).
• No ads: Download a free VPN for your PC and there’s a chance you’ll be bombarded with ads. Of course, this is a way in which a free service is able to remain free. However, it’s not the only way (and it’s downright annoying!). For this reason, none of the free VPNs for PC I’ve recommended include ads.
• Strong security: Some free VPNs may actually put your security at greater risk than not using a VPN at all. Weak encryption and outdated software can result in vulnerabilities and lead to data breaches. What’s more, some free VPNs even install adware or malware on your device. I only recommend VPNs with a high level of encryption, typically 256-bit AES.
• Strict no-logs policy: Most people don’t, understandably, read what can be extremely long privacy policies. As a result, they don’t realize that some free VPNs keep extensive records of their data. This may include their actual IP address and the websites they visit. Such data can easily identify a user, compromising privacy in the process. It’s important to stick with VPNs that have no-logs policies with absolutely no logging of any identifying data.
• Multiple server locations: The more locations a free VPN offers, the more likely it is that there’ll be one close to your location for a faster connection. A greater number of server locations increases flexibility when it comes to bypassing geographic restrictions on online content. TunnelBear lets its free users access its entire server network (across 45 countries) while our other selections offer multiple locations.
• No signup required: Most VPNs, free or paid, require you to sign up for an account and provide an email address to access their services. One notable exception is Hide.me, which lets you access its servers anonymously.

How to Use a Free VPN for PC

Regardless of the VPN you choose, the process for getting set up and connected to a server is pretty much the same:

1. Visit the website of the provider in question and select the free plan. In most cases, you’ll need to sign up for a free account.
2. Download and install the Windows, Mac, or Linux app for your device by following the on-screen instructions provided.
3. Open the VPN app and log in (or create an account if you haven’t already).
4. You can now connect to a server in your preferred location.
5. That’s it! Your connection is now secured.

Best Free VPN for PC FAQs

Are free VPNs safe to use?

Unfortunately, many free VPNs are not safe to use and pose genuine risks including malware. I’ve tested dozens of VPN services and identified the best free options, performing leak tests and fine-combing their privacy policies. That way, you know you can use them with absolute peace of mind.

What are the differences between free VPNs and paid VPNs?

Free VPNs tend to be far more limited than paid VPNs. Data, speed, and connection limits are all common. In most cases, you’ll have access to far fewer servers and features. Some free VPNs are adequate for basic browsing but for anything else (namely streaming or online gaming), you’ll almost certainly want a less restrictive, paid VPN subscription.

Can I use a free VPN for streaming?

You cannot use most free VPNs for streaming, at least not without contending with persistent performance issues. Although I’ve identified free VPNs that don’t throttle speeds, their servers aren’t optimized for streaming. Free VPN servers also attract plenty of users, which means they tend to experience too much load for seamless streaming.

How do free VPNs make money?

The answer to this question is really what separates quality free VPNs from the rest. Most free VPNs make money by spamming you with ads or, even worse, by logging and selling your data. The difference is that the best free PC VPNs have quality paid services that help support their free tiers. Of course, these plans are more limited, encouraging you to potentially upgrade in future.

Mark Gill is a freelance VPN writer for IGN, bringing over five years of dedicated experience from Comparitech, where he delves deep into the intricacies of VPNs. When he’s not testing VPNs, Mark is an avid gamer with a soft spot for the Sega Mega Drive, reliving the classics for a dose of nostalgia.

New York has made history as the first state to enact a law requiring transparency in the use of AI-generated actors as well as the use of a person’s name, image, and likeness after death.

Governor Kathy Hochul signed two pieces of legislation on December 11 that intend to slow down the unchecked use of AI in entertainment and ads. The first piece of legislation requires advertisers to disclose whenever AI-generated actors are used instead of humans in commercials they produce.

“The proliferation of deepfakes and other artificial intelligence has blurred the lines between the digital world and reality, costing jobs and harming consumers in the process,” Assembly member Linda B. Rosenthal said of the impact of AI in these niche fields.

The second piece of legislation requires consent from a deceased person’s heirs or estate before their name, image, or likeness can be used for commercial purposes. This has been a hot button topic in the industry over the last few years as many of the greats passing away brought the notion of profiting from their likenesses into question. To be fair, some estates have approved that kind of usage, but it’s still a fairly easy thing to exploit without the necessary guardrails.

McDonald's unveiled what has to be the most god-awful ad I've seen this year – worse than Coca-Cola's.

Fully AI-generated, that's one. Looks repulsive, that's two. More cynical about Christmas than the Grinch, that's three.

I don't wanna be the only one suffering, take a look: pic.twitter.com/lRYODLkkBJ

— Theodore McKenzie (@realTedMcKenzie) December 6, 2025

“We are enacting common sense laws that will ensure we are fully transparent when using images generated by artificial intelligence and also prevent the unauthorized commercial use of a deceased individual’s name or likeness,” Hochul explained of the law. “In New York State, we are setting a clear standard that keeps pace with technology, while protecting artists and consumers long after the credits roll.”

State Senator Michael Gianaris also noted: “Film and television production remains an integral part of New York’s economy, and that is why New York will continue to lead in protecting the workers who power this industry.”

The labor union for actors, the Screen Actors Guild, aka SAG-AFTRA, is fully in support of this legislation. “These protections are the direct result of artists, lawmakers and advocates coming together to confront the very real and immediate risks posed by unchecked AI use,” national executive director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland said in a statement. “By mandating transparency and securing consent, New York has drawn a bright line that puts human creativity, integrity and trust first. This is smart, forward-looking legislation that will have national impact.”

Coca-Cola’s annual Christmas advert is AI-generated again this year.

The company says they used even fewer people to make it — “We need to keep moving forward and pushing the envelope… The genie is out of the bottle, and you’re not going to put it back in” pic.twitter.com/g1dogxS8Tq

— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) November 3, 2025

The news comes hot on the heels of two controversial AI-generated holiday commercials: one from Coca-Cola, for the second year in a row, and one from McDonald's. McDonald's ended up pulling the ad amid a backlash, but Coca-Cola's remains online.

Jason Zada, founder and chief creative officer of AI studio Secret Level, defended his company’s work on Coke’s Christmas promo. “The haters on the Internet are the loudest. A lot of the people complaining last year were from the creative industry who were just afraid — afraid for their jobs, afraid for what it did. But I think the spot tested really well and average people really enjoyed it.”

Pratik Thakar, global vp and head of generative AI at Coca-Cola, added: “Last year we decided to go all in, and it worked out well for us… Yes, some parts of the industry were not pleased we were using a 100% generative AI film, but that’s part and parcel of doing something pioneering. We understand that concern. But we need to keep moving forward and pushing the envelope. The genie is out of the bottle, and you’re not going to put it back in.”

The use of generative AI to create videos both commercial and non-commercial is one of the hottest topics in all entertainment. OpenAI’s Sora 2 app, for example, has caused significant controversy after it was used to flood social media with videos containing depictions of copyrighted characters including those from popular anime and game franchises such as One Piece, Demon Slayer, Pokémon, and Mario. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has called Sora 2 videos using copyrighted characters "interactive fan fiction."

And in September, SAG-AFTRA issued a strongly worded statement in response to the emergence of Tilly Norwood, the AI-generated “actress” that has enraged Hollywood.

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

Ubisoft will launch its final Assassin's Creed Shadows update of the year this week, ahead of the game's arrival on Nintendo Switch 2.

Included in Title Update 1.1.7 are a set of brutal-looking new finishers to spice up Naoe and Yasuke's combat (there's some brutal-looking new moves in there).

For fans following Shadows' typically-bizarre Animus content, this week brings a new Rift to explore as the mysterious Guide seeks players' help once again. And there's another new battle pass-like Project to work through, unlocking a fresh bo staff, as well as an outfit for Naoe (sadly, no more cats or Ezio costumes this time).

One useful tweak is the ability to access your Vault content — those text logs with modern day story — without fully quitting the game and heading to the Animus desktop, which was a faff. You'll also be able to exchange Animus keys for more Gold, Mastery and Knowledge Points, should be be needing any more of those.

The above improvements come in addition to a long list of bug fixes and other changes, including some launch day updates for Assassin's Creed Shadows' Nintendo Switch 2 edition (that arrives this Wednesday, December 17).

Here are the rest of those changes in full:

Assassin's Creed Shadows Title Update 1.1.7 — Bug fixes & Improvements patch notes:

Nintendo Switch 2

• Improved various FPS issues.
• Fixed crashes for stability improvements
• Fixed various visual issues.
• Improved the touchscreen experience.
• Fixed an issue where players were asked to connect to a controller whenever the Switch 2 was docked or undocked, even if controllers were already connected.
• Resolved an issue where the players would remain in an infinite black screen after creating a Ubisoft Connect account or log in with an already existing account upon selecting an audio pack from the initial boot menu.

Gameplay

• Removed an exploit that would permit double engravings on the Sword of Fathoms.
• Fixed an issue preventing Naginatas from being sold. Fine, I shall sell my best wares somewhere else!
• Resolved an issue where perks that checked Mastery points spent would not update if Mastery points changed after equipping the item.
• Fixed an issue where upgrading skills to Rank 3 would sometimes cause damage upgrades from Rank 2 to be missing.
• The Bo Staff will now increase its affliction buildup stat when upgrading it Mythic and Artifact quality.
• Perks with affliction effects now have dynamic wording that specify which affliction they apply, based on the item they are engraved on.
• Fixed an issue where Knowledge Scrolls were removed from the players inventory. Junjiro did you take my scrolls again??
• Shared skills between Naoe and Yasuke will now correctly be learned by both.
• Edited wording for the "Affliction After Deflect" perk to clarify it applies 35% buildup instead of a full Affliction.
• Ensured that "Restore 6% Health With Posture Attack" is present for all Critical Damage and Health Gain engravings for all weapons when equipped.

Claws of Awaji

• Fixed an issue where players with two copies of the game, one with the Claws of Awaji Expansion and one without, would permanently lose the ability to fast travel to the island of Awaji when switching between the two editions of the game.

World

• Players can now whistle while using the Follow Road mechanic. Enjoy the open road, whistle a tune and relax!
• Corrupted Castles will no longer reset when loading into a previous save after a season has already changed.
• Fixed an issue where enemies and loot would respawn upon loading a save before changing seasons.

Visuals & Graphics

• Adjusted some facial animation for Naoe or Yasuke that looked unnatural during all cinematics when a hood was equipped. Psst! Naoe, stop making silly faces, please!

UI

• Corrected inconsistencies between the smuggled rewards shown in the UI at the end of a season and what was truly received. All the goods are there, boss!
• Fixed inconsistencies with the smuggled rewards UI when the Stables are upgraded. Remember to give your trusty steed an apple as a treat.
• Corrected location name for "Kawarajiri Lumber Camp" in Japanese.

Online Store

• Fixed an issue with receiving Store, Deluxe and Premium items into the player's inventory.

PC SPECIFIC

• Fixed inputs issues when rebinding on Mouse and Keyboard.
• Improved FPS stability issues on PC.

SPOILERS AHEAD!

Quests

• "Swords And Sake": Fixed an issue where the mission couldn't be completed due to Gennojo dying.
• "Eliminate Outlaws": Corrected issues preventing the completion of the mission.
• "Temple Stories": Ensured that Joken Hokkyo will not disappear so that the quest objective can be completed. Wait! Don't go! I need to complete this mission!
• "Dismantling One by One": Wandering enemies will now be indicated with a marker.

Tom Phillips is IGN's News Editor. You can reach Tom at tom_phillips@ign.com or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social

If you're a lucky owner of a brand new Nintendo Switch 2 console, you'll definitely want to pick up some extra storage. The Switch 2 only has 256GB of onboard storage, and chances are you'll probably need to expand it down the road. Amazon just lowered the price of the 256GB Samsung P9 MicroSD Express card, which will double your available storage, for just $32.99. As a comparison, the best previous deal I saw on a 256GB memory card was during Cyber Monday for $39.99. You don't have to worry about performance, either. We recently reviewed this exact card and strongly recommend it.

256GB Samsung P9 MicroSD Express Memory Card

Nintendo Switch 2 compatible

It's that time again to hang some Poké Balls on your Trevenant or Exeggutor and get festive, but it's not Christmas without spending some Pokédollars on some good old Pokémon merch, right? I'm a massive Pokémon trainer (both in circumference and fandom), and I know a thing or two about the video games, TCG, plushies, and Funko.

So I thought this is the best time of year for a Pokémon Gift Guide, with the back end of 2025 focusing on the return of Mega Evolution. First introduced in the Pokémon X and Y video games and TCG, it's the most favored Pokémon gimmick, and it's back for the mainline games’ return to Kalos in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. So let's get into it, because there's a gift here for every budget and Pokéfan:

Best Pokémon TCG Gifts

The Pokémon Trading Card Game has seen the end of the Scarlet and Violet era this year, ending with the Black Bolt and White Flare expansions. We're now a base set and expansion into the Mega Evolution era, with the most recent set being the Mega Charizard X-fronted Phantasmal Flames. Speaking of:

Mega Charizard X ex Ultra-Premium Collection

Pokémon Video Games

I'd be shocked if you haven't at least tried a mainline Pokémon game, seeing as they've been around since 1999, but there's a first time for everything. I've focused on Nintendo Switch 1 and 2 Pokémon games here, and there's currently some great discounts going. I've even managed to work out the cheapest way to get the Switch 2 version of Pokémon Legends: Z-A.

Cheapest Pokémon Legends: Z-A Deal

Obviously, this is while stocks last, but if you pick up the Nintendo Switch 1 version of Pokémon Legends: Z-A for $44.99 on Woot, then upgrade it to the Switch 2 version for $9.99 via the Amazon digital code service, you're saving $15 over buying the usual Switch 2 copy of Legends: Z-A. If you're going to dive into the Mega Dimension DLC too, you're paying a total of $84.97 vs. the full-fat price of $98.99.

More Pokémon Video Games

Legends: Z-A isn't the only Pokémon game getting a nice discount right now, either. One of the top games for Nintendo Switch is Pokémon Legends: Arceus, a pseudo-prequel to Z-A that showcases similar mechanics and carries on the trend of turning the traditional gameplay of Pokémon games on its head.

If you're rocking a Switch 2 this Christmas, I'd highly recommend getting Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. They're the latest traditional Pokémon games that get a much-needed and free upgrade for Nintendo Switch 2. That means it now runs at a full 60 frames per second in handheld and docked mode, with 4K resolution when playing through the TV. There's more Pokémon hanging around in the wild now, too, and some other quality-of-life improvements that fix most of the issues it had at launch.

Pokémon Gifts: Funko Pop!

Now, I won't collect Funko Pops, as I'd end up not feeding my kids, and you have to do that every now and again, apparently. But they're awesome nonetheless; I just have zero self-control with collectibles. There's some bargains to be had right now, such as 2 for $24 on select Pokémon Funkos on Amazon, to some cheeky discounts on others.

Funko Pop Moments Deluxe: Pokémon Starters

Pokémon Squishmallows

Squishmallows are the softest and most cuddly Pokémon plushies you can get, and they come in various shapes and sizes. They're super high quality and hardwearing, too, so they're perfect for little trainers as well.

20-Inch Sprigatito Pokémon Squishmallow

Just weeks after making its PlayStation 5 debut, Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl is getting a big free content update adding new quests, characters and a fresh hub, as well as an additional weapon.

In a post on the PlayStation blog, Stalker 2's Ukranian developer GSC Game World announced the new update and noted that it would be "completely free to all owners of the game" — so anyone who may have played previously on PC and Xbox Series X/S should expect to receive the additional content also.

Xbox owners who played the shooter via Xbox Game Pass when it originally launched in November 2024 may need to check if they still have access, however, as Stalker 2 departed from the subscription's catalog last month, causing something of a stir.

New content is on the way to S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: https://t.co/VGavXyDygk

⚬ 8 robust quests
⚬ 7 locations to explore
⚬ 6 characters with their own stories
⚬ Unique weapon
⚬ Creation hub pic.twitter.com/P1bkNJW5H7

— PlayStation (@PlayStation) December 15, 2025

"Strange things start happening near the Malachite on the western part of the map," GSC says of its new questline. "The research groups sent by scientists were reporting a signal interfering with their usual PDA communications. After listening to it, stalkers were suffering from headaches, nose bleeds, and hallucinations."

It all sounds like something interesting, if potentially deadly, that's well worth investigating. Eight missions are included, with seven locations to explore, six more characters to meet, plus a new rifle to master: the GP37V2. You'll also get the chance to establish a new hub in the Burnt Forest region.

GSC had previously promised new quests were on the way as part of its 2025 development roadmap, which included fresh gameplay featurs and story missions, as well as continued technical upgrades — such as a move to the latest version of Unreal Engline. Memorably, Stalker 2 launched in a bit of a state, though GSC has pledged to continue working to turn things around.

"Underneath the technical problems that plague Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl is a unique greatness," IGN wrote in our Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl review, giving it 8/10. "It emerges as a refreshingly brutal shooter that strives to hook you with its incredible atmosphere and leave you invested by the end of this long, arduous journey." Read more on how Stalker 2 has changed everything for the studio amid the full-scale invasion of Ukraine here.

Tom Phillips is IGN's News Editor. You can reach Tom at tom_phillips@ign.com or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social

Gaming earbuds have plenty of advantages over full-sized headsets. They're more portable, more versatile – many can connect to your phone for commuting and moseying around – and ditching the headband makes them more comfortable for many people, too.

They're ideal for handheld consoles like the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch 2 but the best earbuds can also become your go-to audio device for your gaming PC or console, delivering clear sound and crisp communication with your teammates.

Here are seven of the best, broken down into categories so you can pick the one that suits you most.

TL;DR – These Are the Best Gaming Earbuds:

1. SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds

The Best Gaming Earbuds

2. Sony Inzone Buds

Gaming Earbuds With the Best Battery Life

3. Momentum True Wireless 4 Earbuds

Best-Sounding Earbuds That Also Work for Gaming

4. Asus ROG Cetra

Best Budget Wireless Gaming Earbuds

5. Logitech G333

Best Budget Wired Gaming Earbuds

6. Asus ROG Cetra True Wireless SpeedNova

Most Comfortable Gaming Earbuds

7. PlayStation Pulse Explore

Best Gaming Earbuds for PS5

8. HyperX Cloud Mix Buds 2

Best for Travel

How to Choose the Best Gaming Earbuds

Price is one of the biggest factors when choosing gaming earbuds. You’ll find solid budget gaming earbuds for as low as $25 or high-end ones for upwards of $200. If these earbuds get daily usage at home and on the go, you might want to spend more for the feature set and sound quality that pricier earbuds can bring. But if you’ll only occasionally pick up these earbuds to play on your handheld gaming PC or smartphone during a short commute, stick with a budget option.

Connectivity also matters. Wired sets will bring a more reliable connection, but you'll be tethered to your device. If you go with wireless, consider getting earbuds that offer a 2.4GHz dongle – you’ll experience less latency and a more stable connection than Bluetooth. Just be sure the earbuds are compatible with your choice of gaming device. Unfortunately, a good chunk of our picks aren’t compatible with Xbox, so you may want to stick with an Xbox headset.

Battery life is big with wireless earbuds, and what you need really depends on how long your gaming sessions will last. Obviously, try to find the best-sounding buds that last as long as possible, but you shouldn't settle for anything less than four hours.

Design is also important; the earbuds need to fit comfortably. Finding lightweight options with different ear tip sizes is a great place to start. From there, it's a matter of personal preference. You’ll also want a compact case for your wireless earbuds, so they’re easier to take on the go.

Beyond that, figure out which extra features are important to you. Some gaming earbuds can offer just as many bells and whistles as headsets. Noise canceling will help keep distractions at bay while you’re out in the world. EQ adjustments let you tune the sound to your preferences, while a decent microphone ensures you're audible to your teammates. RGB lighting adds a subtle gamer aesthetic.

Gaming Earbuds FAQs

What is the difference between gaming earbuds and normal earbuds?

Wireless gaming earbuds tend to include a 2.4GHz dongle to connect to gaming devices. This wireless receiver makes for lower-latency and more reliable link to your consoles or PC: If you're playing with a regular set of earbuds, you might notice a delay between what you see on screen and what you hear.

Gaming earbuds also tend to have better quality mics than regular earbuds, making them better for voice comms.

Do gaming earbuds work with consoles?

Gaming earbuds are lightweight, comfortable, and compact, making them great for every type of gamer. But best of all, they often work just as seamlessly with your consoles as gaming headsets and even feature similar connectivity options, so there’s no reason you can’t grab gaming earbuds over a traditional headset.

If you opt for wireless gaming earbuds, many come with a 2.4GHz wireless dongle. The dongle easily ports into consoles like the PS5 or Xbox Series X/S and delivers a low-latency connection (although triple check compatibility, because not every bud works with every console). Most wireless options also feature Bluetooth connectivity. For the most reliable link between your earbuds and console, wired are the way to go and slot into a controller or directly into the console itself.

Can AirPods be used as gaming earbuds?

AirPods aren’t designed for gaming. If you’re concerned about latency in some games and simple connectivity on certain consoles, you're likely better off going with earbuds specifically designed for gaming.

Still, if you’re dead set on using AirPods for gaming, you’ll connect via Bluetooth to your devices. Connecting consoles is a bit more involved than simply connecting to your phone, so be sure to check out our guide on how to connect AirPods for more info.

When do gaming earbuds go on sale?

Gaming earbuds, much like the best gaming headsets, can be an expensive purchase. If you're hoping to find earbuds specifically for gaming at a discount, there are a few sales events every year that usually bring the price down. Amazon Prime Day in July is a great time to find deals in the summer and Black Friday in November is the overall best time to buy headphones and earbuds in general.

Additional contributions by Danielle Abraham, a freelance writer for IGN based in Los Angeles who spends most of her time updating tech buying guides.

2025 was a banner year for action games. From a surprise breakout Soulslike with one of the hardest-hitting and most brutal combat systems the genre has ever seen, to the hotly anticipated follow-up of one of the most influential roguelites of all time, to the latest in a certain legendary monster hunting series. And let us not forget that this was absolutely the year of the ninja as well, which brought us not one, but two brand new Ninja Gaiden games (plus a long-awaited remaster of Ninja Gaiden 2), letting action fans Izuna Drop foes in both two and three dimensions.

But only one of these fierce games can claim the honor of being the strongest of the year. Here are our picks - and our chosen winner - for the Best Action Game of 2025.

Runner-Up - The First Berserker: Khazan

Fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping action is not generally what one would associate with the Soulslike genre, considering its typically methodical combat and eerie, isolating exploration. But The First Berserker: Khazan is not your ordinary soulslike. This revenge-fueled action RPG, set in the world of Dungeon Fighter Online, features one of the best combat systems the genre has ever seen, taking the core of Sekiro's parry-based sword fighting and adding several extra layers of depth. The result is one of the most exciting, action-packed, and certainly one of the most difficult soulslikes in recent memory.

Runner-Up - Ninja Gaiden 4

Ninja Gaiden 4, like 2023’s Hi-Fi Rush before it, is a breath of fresh air in a genre that feels predominantly ruled by stamina-based combat systems with Soulslike elements. This is a pure action fan’s action game, featuring some of the best melee combat we've seen in years, bolstered by aggressive enemy AI, excellent weapon design, and the ability to let your creativity run wild by giving you the freedom to hotswap between all of your weapons on the fly. Predictably, it turns out that the dream collaboration of Platinum Games and Team Ninja leads to some damn good combat.

Runner-Up - Monster Hunter Wilds

No matter what side of the fence you sit on about the direction Capcom has been taking the Monster Hunter series in, or the general structure of its hunts, there’s little debate that it's still among the best action games of the year. Few games offer even close to the same level of depth that Monster Hunter Wilds does when it comes to its weapon and monster design, and most of the ones that do also have the words "Monster Hunter" in the title. Add to that depth the ability for up to four players to experience the thrill of its combat together, and you've got a excellent, flexible adventure that's good for either a team of hunting veterans, or those arriving in the wilds for the very first time.

Runner-Up - Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound

2D action games need some love as well, and our pick for the one most deserving of that love is Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound. Developed by Blasphemous studio The Game Kitchen, Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound reimagines and modernizes the classic stylings of old-school, 2D Ninja Gaiden with a unique hypercharge mechanic that encourages you to think not just about the order in which you dispatch your enemies, but the tool they use as well. Challenging boss battles, clever level design, and carefully considered enemy placement all prove that Ninja Gaiden’s exemplary action is just as potent in 2D as it is in 3D.

Winner - Hades 2

It’s easy to look at Hades 2 on a surface level and think “Oh, this is just more Hades.” And while yes, this is still a roguelite about a child of Hades going through a gauntlet of combat rooms, beating up mythological creatures and beasts, all while gaining Boons and Blessings from the Pantheon of Greek Gods, developer Supergiant Games has done a stellar job of never making it feel like we’re just retreading old ground. The brand new protagonist, Melinoe, plays completely differently compared to Hades’s Zagreus, with less focus on dodging and invulnerability frames and more emphasis on charged magical attacks and resource management. The characters that you interact and build relationships back at your home base are all new; pretty much all of the enemies, boons, and bosses are brand new; progression is handled completely differently; the list of significant changes just goes on and on.

And even if you were to look at it through the misguided perspective of it just being “more Hades,” it’s still a lot more Hades. The addition of the above-ground campaign through the City of Ephyra, all the way up to the peak of Mt. Olympus, essentially means this second adventure is double the size of the original, all while packing its own unique set of enemies, bosses, and boons to play around with.

Hades 2 is quite simply one of the most well-rounded games we’ve played this year. From its combat, to its story, to its amazing soundtrack and its one-of-a-kind art style, it hits on every single front, which is why it’s our pick for the best action game of the year.

But what is your pick for the best action game of 2025? Do you think it's Hades 2, one of our other shortlisted games, or something else entirely? Let us know in the poll above, or the comments below.

2025 was a critical year for the superhero movie genre. Once the undisputed dominant force in Hollywood, superhero movies are no longer quite the safe bet they used to be. Are moviegoers growing tired of superhero films altogether, or are they just becoming more discriminating? Based on how much better James Gunn’s Superman performed compared to other recent DC releases, we’d like to think it’s the latter.

In their own ways, Marvel Studios and DC Studios both used 2025 as a way of stepping back and focusing on quality over quantity. Marvel finally gave fans the Multiverse Saga team-up they’ve been waiting for in Thunderbolts*, while also ringing in Phase 6 of the MCU by reintroducing the Fantastic Four. And DC kicked off the theatrical wing of its new DCU shared universe with Superman.

Each December, the IGN team looks back at all the movies they’ve watched and reviewed over the past year and votes on which one they think is the greatest of them all. Now, the time has come to drill down on 2025’s superhero lineup and pick the winner. And frankly, it wasn’t such a hard choice this year. The winner came in with over 75% of the vote. Read on to find out which film is IGN’s best superhero movie of 2025.

Runner-Up: The Fantastic Four - First Steps

The MCU is a sprawling palace full of countless heroes and villains pulled from all corners of Marvel’s extensive publishing history. But after all these years, the MCU is only just starting to take advantage of the X-Men and Fantastic Four franchises. 2025 marked a key turning point in that regard, as Phase 6 began with the debut of a brand new cinematic incarnation of Marvel’s First Family.

The result is easily the best Fantastic Four movie to date. No, that’s not exactly a high bar to clear, but it’s still satisfying to see these characters done justice on the big screen. First Steps is a briskly paced adventure that emphasizes the family aspect of the team in a big way. The charisma among the various FF members is undeniable. First Steps is a great foundation on which we hope the MCU will continue to build in the years to come.

Runner-Up: Thunderbolts*/The New Avengers

Despite the massive success of 2024’s Deadpool & Wolverine, the MCU wasn’t necessarily on the firmest footing coming into 2025. The consistent quality and forward momentum of earlier phases just hadn’t been present. But whether you call it Thunderbolts* or The New Avengers, this team-up film proved to be a vital shift for this shared universe.

Thunderbolts* has a lot going for it, from the relatively darker tone and well-shot action scenes, but as with The Fantastic Four: First Steps, it’s really the core team dynamic where the movie thrives. Thunderbolts* takes full advantage of this motley crew of anti-heroes and screw-ups, playing them off of each other in fun ways and telling a surprisingly compelling story about dealing with mental illness. It’s not quite a proper Avengers movie, but we’ll take it.

Winner: Superman

2025 was truly DC’s year to sink or swim. After a string of flops like 2023’s The Flash and 2024’s Joker: Folie à Deux, they needed a bona fide hit to get their brand-new cinematic universe off on the right foot and prove to audiences that the DC brand is still worth following. It’s fortunate that they tapped noted superhero movie veteran and geek extraordinaire James Gunn for this nigh-impossible challenge.

Superman is exactly the strong start the DCU needed on the big screen. The film delivers a confident, fast-paced reboot of the Man of Steel, thrusting viewers right into the midst of a thriving superhero universe where David Corenswet’s Supes himself is just one hero among many. Getting to spend time with the likes of Edi Gathegi’s Mister Terrific, Isabela Merced’s Hawkgirl, and Nathan Fillion's Guy Gardner is half the fun.

That said, the core Superman cast more than hold their own, with Corenswet’s Kal-El and Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane establishing a chemistry to rival that of Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder. And who could forget the demonic intensity of Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor, a villain who brings new meaning to being a professional hater?

Ultimately, it’s Superman’s heart that helps it rise above the pack, with the film making a very pointed argument that kindness and decency are the new punk rock in 2025. The film is a great foundation for the new DCU, and we can’t wait to see what Gunn and his various collaborators have in store over the coming years.

But what do you think? Was Superman the greatest superhero movie of 2025, or would you pick a different film? Let us know in the comments below, vote in our poll, and be sure to check out our various other best of awards for 2025 across film, TV, gaming, and comics. We’ll see you in 2026.

It's tough to really wrap your head around 2025 for Xbox. There were some real hits from Xbox Game Studios, fantastic day-one, third-party launches on Game Pass… and then a whole lot of baffling moves from Xbox as a platform, with multiple rounds of price increases, project cancellations, and layoffs. It was a year that constantly had our collective heads spinning. But hey, if you've been subscribed to Game Pass and playing on your Xbox Series X/S (or PC, or anything deemed an Xbox) this year, there was no shortage of great games to celebrate.

Here at IGN, we’ve voted across several categories for our end of the year awards, including our shortlist of the five best games that landed on Xbox in 2025. Those votes have determined the one winner that represents our pick for the best Xbox game of the year. With exclusives largely a thing of the past now, especially for Xbox – which published some high-profile games on PS5 this year – our contenders are simply what's been available on Xbox consoles this year, regardless of exclusivity or publishing status.

So, let's get to it by first recognizing the honorable mentions that made Xbox's year one banger after another, and then revealing the Best Xbox Game of 2025.

Honorable Mentions

Obsidian had an all-time year with three launches in 2025, all of which hit in different ways. It gave a jolt to start the year with a tightly packed fantasy RPG in Avowed to stave off the appetite for a new Elder Scrolls, then brought its co-op survival sequel into early access with Grounded 2, which got off to a great start. Compulsion Games weaved a unique artistic vision into a love letter to the American South with the action-adventure game South of Midnight, while id Software brought us back to Hell with a bit of a melee twist on its shooter roots in Doom: The Dark Ages. If Avowed wasn't enough, we kicked it like it was 2006 in Cyrodiil with The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered, which reminded us that Bethesda’s long-running fantasy series had the sauce well before Skyrim. We busted out the notepads and corkboards for the roguelike puzzler Blue Prince that hit Game Pass on day one, but we also champed at the bit for more stylish action after Ninja Gaiden 2 Black whet our appetite for Ninja Gaiden 4, which Xbox published for Team Ninja. Oh yeah, and there's an Xbox handheld now with the Asus ROG Xbox Ally – well, sort of; rather it's an Xbox-branded PC handheld, that is arguably one of the best ones yet. And since everything is an Xbox now, it doesn't really matter where you play these hits. The sheer variety of games that launched under the Xbox banner this year was indicative of how vast and great the medium can be – and none represent that quite as well as our five best Xbox games of 2025.

Runner-Up - Hollow Knight: Silksong

It seems that every year has an indie darling that folks rally around loudly, and Hollow Knight: Silksong was certainly that game in 2025. The jokes about Silksong never coming out have finally been laid to rest, and Team Cherry's long development journey resulted in a dense, daunting, and satisfying action-adventure – or "metroidvania," if you will. While it hit Game Pass on launch, its impressive sales figures and $20 price tag made it the talk of the town... aside from it being the wildly anticipated follow-up to Hollow Knight, of course.

On its own merits, Silksong's dark and foreboding atmosphere matches the gruesome platforming challenges that make its exploration more involved than many of its contemporaries. Hornet's traversal mechanics are smooth and will have you flowing through Silksong's sprawling, web-like map, leading you toward some of the hardest-fought battles we've experienced this year. Being smart, nimble, and aggressive against these tough and unpredictable bosses is the key to victory, but you must stay committed and locked in, try after try, even if the runback can be grueling.

But for as punishing as Silksong may be, it's also frequently adorable, blessed with cute, memorable bug friends like Sherma, who sings his song and is generally a precious little guy!

Runner-Up - Split Fiction

Coming off of It Takes Two, which swooped in to secure Game of the Year back at The Game Awards 2021, Split Fiction continues developer Hazelight's catalog of great split-screen co-op adventure games. Its premise – two novel writers trapped in their respective fictional worlds made manifest – paves the way for imaginative worlds and a mashup of gameplay mechanics and genres that are consistently exciting to play alongside a friend. Coordinating with your partner in puzzles, platforming, and high-speed action is a ton of fun as you phase in and out of fantasy and sci-fi worlds. Oftentimes it blends the two remarkably well, and packs in references that reflect where its two protagonists, Mio and Zoe, are as creatives (and, as any writer knows, that sometimes means they’re not very creative themselves).

But that's the thing about Split Fiction – art doesn't always have to be good, but it's the process through which art is created that should be respected, and that can't be treated as a commodity to be manufactured. And just when you think you had Split Fiction figured out, its finale delivers some of the most memorable sequences in recent memory, elevating the experience to one of the best games of this year. If you haven't played it yet, find a friend, give them the free co-op pass, and see what it's all about.

Runner-Up - Keeper

We hadn't heard from the team at Double Fine in quite some time after Psychonauts 2 headlined many best of lists back in 2021, but this year we got a pleasant surprise in Keeper. Playing as a walking lighthouse may not seem too appealing on paper, but the Double Fine charm and distinct art style brings to life a world that's about showing rather than telling. Its puzzles have you looking at the environments with intent, and the little interactions you have with characters living in a seemingly abandoned world create tiny stories without having to say a word. Our review described Keeper as "a psychedelic exploration of life packed into a brief runtime" and it's a prime example of what a studio can do when left to its own creative devices. It's easygoing and impactful, and one of the standouts for 2025.

Runner-Up - The Outer Worlds 2

Back when we saw The Outer Worlds 2 in action for the first time earlier this year, we could tell it had the makings of a top-tier Obsidian RPG. We liked the original entry well enough, but it was just as much an attempt to create a foundation for a new universe as it was the team trying to separate itself from Fallout and build atop the reputation it earned from New Vegas years ago. With this year’s sequel, it seems as if Obsidian recognized the shortcomings of The Outer Worlds and has addressed almost all of them, creating a sequel that delivers what the studio is known for: dense, story-driven RPGs with a whole load of interconnected systems that let you play exactly how you want.

There's a concerted effort to improving gunplay and melee combat, which goes a long way in making its violent encounters a lot more fun. But it’s the deeper progression systems, along with intricate level design reminiscent of immersive sims like Deus Ex, that makes the overall RPG experience feel so much more dynamic. The game itself observes how you play, and offers tangible perks at the expense of some unusually creative debuffs as part of its Flaws system, with each one offered based on your actions. Such as system demonstrates in microcosm how The Outer Worlds 2 better accounts for your playstyle and shows you the consequences of how you interact with its world. And with a universe still rooted in dystopian satire, but with a good crew of companions and a tighter story told across much bigger worlds, The Outer Worlds 2 is Obsidian firing on all cylinders.

Winner - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Perhaps to the surprise of absolutely no one, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is IGN’s choice for the best game to hit Xbox this year. And if you're a Game Pass subscriber, you were treated to one of the best RPGs in recent memory on day one.

In its debut as a development team, Sandfall Interactive has drawn inspiration from classic Japanese RPGs (looking at Final Fantasy 10 and Persona 5 directly) to tell its own harrowing story about grief and the sometimes ugly ways it changes us. But while JRPGs are a clear influence, the studio’s French roots are significantly responsible for making Clair Obscur what it is, from its artistic vision to its storytelling style, right down to the unqiue music that both captures the hype of big boss fights and the atmosphere of its magical, painterly world.

Like any great RPG, Clair Obscur strives to give you an intimate understanding of its characters, drawing you in and making you feel for them in their moments of triumph and despair. It’s a credit to the studio's strong writing team, and performances from an incredible cast, that Expedition 33 is able to effortlessly pull you in through all the wild twists and turns of its story.

There’s also a top-tier turn-based combat system, bolstered by timing-based inputs for attacking and defending. That active element keeps you locked in during each and every battle with an intensity you wouldn’t feel otherwise. The intricate progression and customization systems for each character make you feel like a genius tactician, creating the best builds for their unique moveset and mechanics. And damn, does it look good when it all comes together. Clair Obscur is a wonderful example of executing on a clear creative vision while simultaneously recognizing what made its inspirations so great. It very easily won the hearts and minds of us here at IGN.

What was your favorite Xbox game of 2025? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to vote in the poll at the top of this page! For more IGN awards, you can check them all out in one place here, including our picks for the best PlayStation and Nintendo games of the year.

Michael is the tech reviews editor at IGN, but regularly contributes to games coverage with reviews, features, and news.

Did you see that Divinity reveal at The Game Awards and think, hey, I really should get around to playing Divinity: Original Sin 2? Great news, Larian just made it a much nicer experience on modern consoles with a free upgrade for PS5, Xbox Series, and Nintendo Switch 2.

This was announced in a new trailer, which highlights the differences in the new versions. It's nothing too crazy - just better resolution and framerate. But it's free if you own the game already on any of the previous platforms (PS4, Nintendo Switch, or Xbox One) and it will hopefully bring the eight-year-old game up to par with current technology on consoles.

If you don't own the game already anywhere, now's probably a good time to grab it. At the time of this writing, it's on sale in a few places. It's 50% off if you buy the regular NIntendo Switch edition down to $25, and then you get the free upgrade on Switch 2. On Xbox, it's down to $17.49. If you own the game on PC, don't worry, as you don't need an upgrade. You're already set with a great version of the game.

Divinity: Original Sin 2 is fantastic and well-worth checking out if you haven't yet. We gave the most recent Definitive Edition in 2018 at 9.6/10, saying it's "a new way to play one of the absolute best RPGs in years. And whether you’re diving back in on PC, or booting it up on the console for the first time, it’s flexibility, personality, and charm make for an amazing adventure."

It also may be worth checking out before the new Divinity comes out, as Larian has said that players of Original Sin 1 and 2 might "be able to enjoy greater understanding and continuity."

Rebekah Valentine is a senior reporter for IGN. Got a story tip? Send it to rvalentine@ign.com.

Amazon has brought forward the Prime Video release date of Fallout Season 2 by a day in a surprise move.

Season 2 now debuts tomorrow, Tuesday, December 16, at 6pm PT / 9pm ET — one day earlier than previously announced. Confirmation comes direct from Las Vegas’ Exosphere of Sphere, tweeted by the official Fallout account, below.

Well, well, looks like Christmas came early on Sphere. The Fallout Season Two premiere, now arriving December 16 at 6 p.m. PT. pic.twitter.com/RHpSBBXJ6H

— FALLOUT⚡️ (@falloutonprime) December 15, 2025

To promote the launch of Season 2, the Sphere was turned into a post-apocalyptic snow globe featuring Fallout characters Lucy (Ella Purnell), Maximus (Aaron Moten), and The Ghoul (Walton Goggins), as well as a Deathclaw — one of the Fallout universe's most deadly monsters — attempting to break through the Exosphere itself.

The new season picks up in the aftermath of Season 1’s finale and travels through the wasteland of the Mojave to the post-apocalyptic city of New Vegas. The eight-episode season will now premiere tomorrow (or 2am on December 17 in the UK), with one episode rolling out weekly (on Wednesdays) until the season finale on February 4, 2026.

Fans of Obsidian's much-loved video game will be interested to hear that Season 2 takes a "fog of war" approach to how it juggles Fallout: New Vegas' various endings.

We've got plenty more on the Fallout TV show, including a Season 1 recap, below. We’ve also got an interview with Bethesda development boss Todd Howard, who has ruled out ever appearing on the show itself.

Meanwhile, Amazon has pulled its AI-powered Fallout Season 1 recap after fans noticed it made significant errors ahead of the launch of Season 2. To date, Fallout Season 1 has amassed more than 100 million viewers worldwide, ranking among Prime Video's top three most-watched titles ever.

Wesley is Director, News at IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.