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The Best Deals Today: Monster Hunter Wilds, 11th Gen iPad, Xbox Series X, and More

The weekend is officially here, and we've rounded up the best deals you can find! Discover the best deals for May 3 below:

Monster Hunter Wilds for $54.99

Monster Hunter Wilds is still one of the biggest games of 2025, and you can save $15 off the PS5 version for a limited time at Woot. This is by far the most beginner-friendly Monster Hunter to date, with new features like Focus Mode that allow you to approach fights in new ways. In our 8/10 review, we wrote, "Monster Hunter Wilds continues to smooth off the rougher corners of the series in smart ways, making for some extremely fun fights but also lacking any real challenge."

11th Gen iPad for $299

First up, you can save $50 off the newest iPad. Powered by the A16, the newest 11th-generation iPad is an exceptional addition to any workspace. You can use this device with both Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard Folio to make the most out of it without having to go for the iPad Air or iPad Pro.

Pre-Order Ghost of Yotei Now

Ghost of Yotei is finally up for pre-order at Amazon. Set in the Hokkaido region in 1603, you'll play as Atsu to gain revenge on those who killed your family. While not much has been revealed for this game yet, we can expect Yotei to play very similarly to its predecessor, Ghost of Tsushima.

Visions of Mana for $34.99

Visions of Mana released at the end of August, and it's available on sale for the first time this weekend. This is the first new Mana game in almost two decades, starring a cast of characters on a quest to save the world. In our 8/10 review, we stated, "Visions of Mana finally brings the long-dormant classic RPG series into the modern age, looking great and playing even better thanks to multi-layered class and skill systems that interact in clever ways."

Xbox Series X for $479.99

Xbox announced this week that the Xbox Series X will increase in price by $100 in the United States. This puts the almost five-year-old console at $599.99, but you can still score an Xbox Series X for under its previous MSRP at Amazon right now. At $479.99, you're saving $120 off the new price of Xbox Series X, and there's no telling when or if we will see it this low again soon.

LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga for $10

LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is by far the biggest LEGO game available, with hundreds of characters to collect across numerous planets. You can pick up the game for just $10 at Amazon right now for PS4, making this a deal you won't want to pass on. All nine films are included in this game, with characters from newer Disney+ Star Wars series as well.

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Here are 3 minutes of new gameplay footage from MindsEye

MindsEye is a new story-based, single-player action-adventure game. Developed by Build A Rocket Boy, it will come out on PC on June 10th. Strangely, there’s no official gameplay trailer for it yet. But luckily, YouTuber Punish shared a video showing 3 minutes of gameplay. In this game, you play as Jacob Diaz. Jacob is a … Continue reading Here are 3 minutes of new gameplay footage from MindsEye

The post Here are 3 minutes of new gameplay footage from MindsEye appeared first on DSOGaming.

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Here's Where to Read the Saga Comics Online in 2025

Brian K. Vaughan's and Fiona Staples' celebrated series may not quite be finished yet, with Vaughan stating he envisions the long-running Image-published comic to run for 108 issues. Currently at issue 72, now is the perfect time to jump into Saga, and what better way to start the series than digitally? You have a handful of options to get the incredible space fantasy story on your mobile device or reading tablet, and we've broken them down for you here.

Where to Read Saga Online

Read Issue #1 For Free on Image's Site

To start, get your feet wet by trying out Saga #1 for free, no strings attached. This is the perfect way to see if this kind of story is the right fit, and you also get to appreciate pages and pages of Fiona Staples' amazing art. This is available directly on Image Comic's website.

Read Free Through Hoopla

The entirety of the available Saga run is yours to read for free through Hoopla. Be aware, however, that reading through Hoopla comes with a caveat: you have to link an existing library card with your account and choose from your nearest local library. You can only check out what that library has in stock, so if you're not in a major metropolitan city, your mileage may vary. All-in-all, though, Hoopla is one of the best places to read comics for free online and it works great for free books as well.

Subscribe to Kindle or ComiXology

ComiXology Unlimited through Amazon is easily the best way to read any comic book online. With Saga, you can even get the entirety of the Volume 1 collection (issues 1-6) for free with a 30-day free trial. Once you're caught up on the available story, you can switch to appointment reading by purchasing single issues as they release every month.

Try out GlobalComix

GlobalComix is a newer, creator-focused reading and distribution platform that helps creators track analytics and monetize their digital comics. While their overall selection is relatively sparse compared to these other avenues, they do have Saga available. Sign up is free, too!

What If I Want to Read Saga Physically?

A lot of comics fans prefer physical media, myself included. Luckily, you can purchase multiple volumes and editions of the collected story so far, and most of them are even on sale at Amazon every now and then. You can pick up the regular trade paperbacks, which are currently up to Volume 11 (Volume 12 is coming May 13), or grab the oversized Saga: Compendium 1, which collects issues 1-54, which is currently on sale.

Myles Obenza is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Bluesky @mylesobenza.bsky.social.

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OnePlus Watch 3 Review

Battery life is a huge point of contention among smartwatch users right now, especially given that it’s such a hassle to have to constantly charge an ambient device that’s meant to track lifestyle patterns in the background and provide quick information cues while posing as a timepiece. After one full week of testing the OnePlus Watch 3 against my older-model Apple Watch Series 6, I've found the OnePlus Watch 3 to be a fashionable little Andoid device that excels in several big areas while stumbling in others. But even with a battery that seems to keep a charge for several days in Smart Mode, its moment-to-moment tracking capabilities didn't quite live up to the polish of its exterior… until I manually activated its workout mode, after which it held its own against the Series 6 when I tracked workout performance side-by-side.

OnePlus Watch 3 – Design and Features

The OnePlus Watch 3 makes a strong first impression with its big and bright 1.5-inch LTPO AMOLED display and stainless steel frame. The crown and touchscreen offer precise navigation through menus, while the dedicated workout button provides quick access to fitness functions – a thoughtful touch for active users who want to quickly jump into their routine, and it isn’t too different or unfamiliar for a longtime Apple Watch user to figure out intuitively. However, the included fluoro rubber wrist strap is a major disappointment that immediately gave me trouble upon first setup; it’s ugly and cheap-feeling, and the lugs detach too easily, making it difficult to wear securely without randomly snapping off. And that undermines the premium feel of the watch itself.

The 466 x 466-resolution AMOLED screen offers bright and crisp visuals with vibrant colors that pop even under direct sunlight, thanks to excellent contrast at 2,200 peak nits. Its bigger size and brighter screen make it easy to read notifications and workout metrics at a glance. Touch responsiveness is also snappy and precise, with smooth animations that make the interface feel fluid and slick. My Apple Watch Series 6 doesn’t have this same internal slickness anymore, and upon first setting up the Watch 3, I felt a little bit of new tech euphoria from how fast its Snapdragon W5 and BES2800 chips make it feel, even with Power Mode turned on. The haptic feedback deserves special mention: each vibration feels refined and intentional rather than buzzy or jarring.

The watch’s crown is shaped in a sharp-looking pyramid pattern designed for precise control. Once I put the watch on my wrist for the first time, it immediately felt way more sophisticated than what I’m used to, and I kept coming back to this distinction whenever I reached for words to explain why the OnePlus Watch 3 feels so premium. The pancake-shaped crown of the Series 6 is such a small detail (literally), and yet it makes the watch feel small by comparison. Like a toy rather than a timepiece. The only downside to the OnePlus Watch 3’s outward aesthetic design, aside from its wristband, is that it’s only available in Emerald Titanium and Obsidian Titanium colorways. Both of these are boring in comparison to its competitors – both the Google Pixel Watch 3 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 can be customized a bit, while the Apple Watch Series 10 has a much larger collection of aluminum and titanium colorways. Even the Series 6 had way more customizability in terms of size and color.

Water resistance is rated at 50 meters, which should theoretically make it shower and swim-friendly. However, I encountered issues with water on the screen triggering false inputs and causing erratic behavior, forcing me to remove it during showers – something I've never had to do with my Apple Watch. This raises questions about its practical water resistance in daily use. Of course, the Apple Watch isn’t perfect in such conditions either, but it usually stops being interactive (as in, none of my inputs or presses do anything) rather than invasive, as the OnePlus Watch 3’s touchscreen became when I tested it during a short ten-minute shower.

Battery life is where the OnePlus Watch 3 truly shines. After the average full day of use, including casually moving around my apartment and doing chores, receiving daily notifications, and tracking a light workout or two (typically walking for an hour or playing the VR fitness game Supernatural), the battery dropped by only around 15% on average. For the record, my Apple Watch was left at around 20% by the end of each day, without fail, no matter what I was doing. Given the age of my Apple Watch, its shorter battery life is somewhat expected due to predictable battery degradation over the years. Even so, the difference between what I was previously used to (only having to charge the Apple Watch every two or three days) is still remarkable when the OnePlus Watch 3 could easily last five days on a single charge. Smart Mode needs to be enabled to get the most out of this, but it’s simple to set up in the watch’s onboard interface.

The Watch 3 includes standard smartwatch sensors for heart rate, blood oxygen (SPO2), and movement tracking. It also features wrist temperature tracking, though this requires five days to establish a baseline before providing meaningful data. Wrist temperature may seem unconventional at first glance, but that data stream is incredibly useful for things like the Watch 3’s 60 Second Health Check-In feature, which gives an all-in-one contextual summary of my overall well-being. It’s a little frustrating that I need to get on the OHealth phone app to make that happen instead of doing it all on the watch – it’s decently easy to set up, but I don’t want to have to pull my phone out for something that feels like it should run easily on the watch alone. At least the results are comprehensive thanks to the Watch 3’s onboard PPG (photoplethysmography) sensor and ECG (electrocardiography) sensor working in tandem. Unlike the Apple Watch, it lacks AFib detection capabilities in the United States and Canada, which could be deal-breakers for users with specific health concerns.

For fitness enthusiasts, the OnePlus Watch 3 offers detailed workout tracking for various activities. During walks, it captures metrics like heart rate zones, pace, calorie burn, and distance traveled. Of course, not all walks count as outdoor activities – when your workouts take you outdoors, whether you’re walking or running, the Watch 3’s excellent GPS tracking creates route maps with elevation data. The GPS-routed maps look bright and detailed on the watch’s screen, and don’t seem to be reliant on proximity to the Android phone that the Watch 3 is paired to. In fact, Bluetooth connectivity between the Watch 3 and my Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has been nothing short of excellent, seamlessly reconnecting whenever I returned home and the devices were together again.

OnePlus Watch 3 – Software

Setup is not particularly intuitive for someone coming from the Apple ecosystem. Getting in requires downloading the OHealth companion app, and its interface feels more complex and requires deeper familiarity with Google services and Android structure that I’m still getting the hang of. Mainly because I am not the primary user of the phone – and especially since an additional OnePlus account is required to even begin pairing the watch to the phone, it was difficult to get things aligned properly. It’s not a huge deal as I was able to sort everything out in less than 20 minutes, but YMMV.

For the record, I understand that the vast majority of people who will be interested in the OnePlus Watch 3 aren’t going to feel these concerns – they’re already Android-savvy, they already know what they’re doing, and (as I imagine what the pushback in the comments section will look like) they don’t want to hear some Apple fanatic complain about complicated interface structure. Totally fair! Still, the companion app layout is organized in ways that caused me some extra frustration and took time to learn, and that probably isn’t going to attract non-core users into Android’s ecosystem if they’re not already in the mix.

Onboard UI navigation is straightforward once you learn the basics – swipe down for quick settings, up for notifications, and use the crown to scroll through menus or apps. The user interface is responsive with minimal lag when moving between screens. Using apps like Spotify and Google Calendar is also seamless, sleek, and highly responsive.

The OnePlus Watch 3 runs on Wear OS, which is basically the same thing as Apple’s watchOS by any other name. Of course, instead of tying into the Apple ecosystem it instead grants direct access to Google's ecosystem of apps and services. For example, giving the user the option to store health data in Google Fit, pushing data via notifications from Gmail, and granting access to Google-specific applets (Google Play Store, Google Maps, etc) found directly in the watch’s central menu. This is no different from any other Android smartwatch in practice, but I’d like to imagine the Watch 3 simply does a better job of running its services than all the others, due in part to its powerful battery and advanced Snapdragon 5 chipset. Upon this foundation, OnePlus has added its own layer of customization with attractive-looking exclusive watch faces and health features – like its Vascular Health check-in feature that uses several sensors to determine how close the user is to being at risk of developing severe heart disease. Fortunately, I’m still over the green line of what is considered “Normal” vascular health for a 31 year old, but I wouldn’t have known this if I hadn’t reviewed the Watch 3. It could be a powerful warning tool that informs long-term health decisions, even without Afib detection.

Sleep tracking on the OnePlus Watch 3 provides detailed breakdowns of sleep stages, including deep sleep, light sleep, REM, and awake time. It also offers a sleep score and breathing quality assessment. While these metrics seem comprehensive, I'm still evaluating their accuracy compared to other dedicated sleep trackers. For the most part, the Watch 3 seems to track closely to my Apple Watch Series 6’s readouts. Additionally, the automatic sleep mode activation is a nice touch that dims the display and reduces notifications when it detects the user has fallen asleep.

The watch's fitness interface provides impressively detailed data visualizations. After workouts, it breaks down heart rate zones with time spent in each zone, shows pace variations throughout routes, and offers insights that Apple doesn't surface as clearly. The "Wellness Curve" is a proprietary metric that attempts to measure your overall physical state based on various health parameters, though I'm still learning how to interpret its fluctuations meaningfully as someone who is still only just breaking in the Watch 3.

Notification handling is pretty standard compared to my experiences. Text messages, emails, and app alerts appear promptly, and you can respond with quick replies or voice dictation. Additionally, the watch does offer Google Assistant integration, which performs well for basic tasks like setting timers or checking weather forecasts, but at this moment it’s not all that perceptibly different from Siri.

OnePlus Watch 3 – Performance

Fitness tracking is where the OnePlus Watch 3 shows its most significant weaknesses. Step counting consistently lagged behind the Apple Watch, sometimes by dramatic margins. During one VR fitness session, the Apple Watch recorded 5,255 steps while the OnePlus only registered 1,612 – a massive discrepancy that I’m still trying to wrap my head around, as this was a pretty consistent occurrence. On one hand, I use Supernatural for my primary VR workouts, which is attuned to my Series 6 and (from my understanding) feeds in extra contextual data to Apple Health. But on the other hand, this pattern continued throughout testing, with the OnePlus Watch typically recording about 25-30% fewer steps than the Apple Watch whether I was working out in Supernatural, doing a core workout, or playing some other high-intensity VR game like The Thrill of the Fight. When not in workout mode, the Watch 3 also seems to update step counts in bursts rather than in real-time, sometimes missing passive movement entirely.

At one point I saw the number of recorded steps suddenly drop from around 2,500 to 1,700, only for the step count to level out later in the day and become nearly equal to the Series 6’s step count after recording an outdoor walk. This is bizarre, considering that I wore both watches at the same time, at all times. It’s highly possible that the Watch 3’s fitness tracking mechanisms need time to calibrate to the user, but it seems like the only way to get the Watch 3 to accurately track daily steps is by taking it on long stretches of outdoor activity where it can deliberately track movement over a longer period of time.

In fact, workout tracking showed way more consistency with calories burned and heart rate measurements generally aligning with the Apple Watch's readings. During a brief core training session, both watches reported similar calorie burns (30 vs. 27 active calories) and average heart rates (120 vs. 115 BPM). The OnePlus Watch did provide more detailed heart rate zone analysis than I’m typically used to, breaking down time spent in warm-up, fat burning, and endurance zones.

GPS accuracy during outdoor activities was pretty good, with the OnePlus Watch recording slightly longer distances than the Apple Watch (4.04 vs. 3.94 miles on one walk). This could be due to different sampling rates or algorithms, but the difference wasn't significant enough to be concerning. What was impressive was the battery efficiency during GPS tracking, with minimal drain even after stacking a longer outdoor session together with a full VR workout routine on the same day, dealing with notifications, and so forth. All of that activity still rounded up to no more than 16% battery drain on that day, which is exceptional.

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10 Years Later, the MCU Is Still Missing an Important Part of Avengers Lore That Age of Ultron Nailed

This article contains spoilers for Avengers: Age of Ultron.

As Marvel prepares to launch massive new Multiverse Saga films like The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Avengers: Doomsday, and Secret Wars to try and recapture the franchise’s glory days, it’s sobering to remember that ten years ago the Marvel Cinematic Universe was only just getting to its first Avengers sequel. MCU mania was at an all-time high back in 2015; fresh off the critically acclaimed one-two punch of Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Guardians of the Galaxy, Marvel was on top of the mountain as they kept comic nerds and general audiences invested in the teases for Thanos and the ongoing Infinity Saga. But after Avengers: Age of Ultron, there was a bit of concern that the franchise was going through some growing pains.

Age of Ultron wasn’t hated, mind you. It received mostly positive reviews and was a big financial success. But as the franchise moved forward with more beloved films like Captain America: Civil War, Thor: Ragnarok, Black Panther, and the two-part finale of Infinity War and Endgame, Age of Ultron has been relegated to history as the “just okay” Avengers sequel. However, looking back ten years later, the film stands out from the MCU pack as one of the more dramatically ambitious Marvel films, and is perhaps the only one that makes the Avengers feel like a regular part of the universe instead of a team that only shows up for massive events. Let’s take a look at why the MCU should’ve taken a lot more from Age of Ultron.

The Weight of Your Failure

Before we begin, let’s get one thing straight: Age of Ultron is a mess. It has way too many moving pieces, there isn’t enough runtime for everything it tries to cram in, and it’s a startlingly inelegant feature, whipping from place to place and struggling to find a consistent tone. It’s a movie that is practically buckling at the seams between writer-director Joss Whedon’s narrative sensibilities and its larger franchise obligations. Yet despite these not-insignificant problems, Age of Ultron has always been better than the sum of its parts, and that largely comes down to how it’s one of the few big ticket MCU films that places the emphasis on the anxieties and relationships of its characters over feeling like an event designed to rock the cinematic universe.

Being the middle entry in the Avengers “trilogy” (if we’re semi-cheating and considering Infinity War and Endgame as two parts of one giant movie) was both a blessing and a curse for Age of Ultron. There needed to be a direct sequel to The Avengers, but the larger machinations that had been set in place in regards to Thanos and the Infinity Stones were instead being left for the big finale. When Thanos was first teased in the mid-credits scene of the first film, many fans assumed the Mad Titan would be the villain of Avengers 2. So when Age of Ultron’s title was announced the following year, there was a mix of excitement and confusion. Ultron is one of the Avengers’ most prominent antagonists, if not the archenemy of the team as a whole, but how much of an effect could he really have if we knew he was merely a lead-in to Thanos?

Age of Ultron wisely dismisses the idea that any of its principal characters are in mortal danger and instead focuses on digging deeper into what makes them tick. Tony Stark has become a frenzied neurotic terrified of the oncoming cosmic storm. Bruce Banner is desperate to reach out for a more intimate connection despite still not being convinced he’s not a threat to everyone he cares about. Hell, this is probably the only film in the franchise that makes an effort to give depth to Clint Barton, dramatizing him as a man among gods who nevertheless feels responsible for keeping this team of oversized personalities in one piece. Add in the entire dark side to redemption arcs for newcomers Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch, and Age of Ultron has more dramatic meat for its characters than most of its MCU brethren.

But if we really want to dissect what makes the film work, we have to dig into one of its most controversial aspects: the big bad bot himself.

Everyone Creates the Thing They Dread

Despite being based on one of the Marvel universe’s most prominent villains in the comics, the MCU’s take on Ultron hasn’t penetrated the cultural consciousness in the same way Loki or Thanos have. Part of that is a lack of exposure; Tom Hiddleston’s Loki has made numerous appearances in MCU projects, and Thanos was the main villain of two massive films after several teases beforehand. But even taking that into account, MCU Ultron had a decidedly mixed reception from fans, even if James Spader’s slithery line delivery is second to none. However, part of that lukewarm welcome comes down to a misunderstanding of who Ultron actually is in the comics, and what type of character he’s supposed to be.

Many fans lamented that Ultron was a sardonic trash-talker, just as quick with sarcastic remarks and random philosophical musings as he was with laser beams. Numerous social media comments have been written by comic fans claiming they wanted a more “accurate” Ultron who was a cold, calculating menace with no emotion whatsoever. But this isn’t really what Ultron is like in the books at all. Ultron has always stood out from other artificial intelligence villains in fiction by being a character who thinks he’s driven by logic, but is actually one of the most petulant and emotionally stunted villains in Marvel lore. This comes down to the fact that his brain waves are based on his creator: in the source material, that’s Henry Pym aka Ant-Man, but in the film, it’s Tony Stark.

We’re dealing with Stark's son, not Pym’s

In the comics, Ultron is an Oedipal nightmare who isn’t sure if he wants to kill his father or prove that he’s better than him. He wants to have sex with his “mother” Janet van Dyne (no, really), despises his “children” like the Vision and Jocasta for turning on him, and in the excellent 2015 graphic novel Rage of Ultron, admits that he’s a manifestation of Pym’s hatred of others for loving him. MCU Ultron isn’t a direct representation of those traits, but that’s because we’re dealing with Stark's son, not Pym’s. When seen as a dark reflection of Tony, Ultron’s severe superiority complex, mockingly cynical personality, and strange fixation on God and creation myths make a lot more sense. Ultron hates his creator, himself, and the world at large for his own imperfections, unable to process that wrestling with his darker impulses that derive from his ego is what makes Tony Stark a hero. Instead, Ultron doubles down on them, in the mistaken belief that his warped idea of “evolution” will save the world when it will only leave it in ruins.

Yet Age of Ultron’s most important quality is the way it treats the titular super team, a way that no Marvel film before or since has: as an everyday thing.

Peace in our Time

Age of Ultron is the only MCU movie starring the Avengers where the Avengers exist at both the beginning and end. Sure, they go through some trials and tribulations and shuffle the roster somewhat, but the Avengers, as an enterprise, exist in the present tense. They have a headquarters, go on missions together, and generally seem to like each other. Despite nearly every MCU film referencing the team or featuring at least one character who’s been a member of it, the Avengers rarely seem to actually “be around” in the MCU. They came together in the first film, were absent from each other’s Phase 2 sequels, had collapsed by Civil War, were still scattered for Infinity War, and were essentially over after Endgame. Even though the MCU is structured around the Avengers brand, the team’s place within the wider universe has rarely been all that coherent.

Yet in Age of Ultron, you can see a version of the MCU where that wasn’t the case. The party scene where the main cast and some of their supporting characters all hang out and interact like normal people is one of the best scenes in the franchise, and it’s because of how low stakes it is. Yes, we love the Avengers because they’re superheroes, but the reason they truly resonate with audiences is because they’re also interesting characters. But when going through their journey across the Infinity Saga, there were so few times where the movies slowed down to remind us of that basic humanity, that the Avengers had everyday lives beyond stopping bad guys and saving the world. Not allowing the audience to soak in the interpersonal dynamics of these larger than life heroes when they’re not being larger than life is what has kept many of the post-Endgame films from capturing the same emotional highs as the Infinity Saga.

For all of the perfectly fair criticisms that can be lobbied at Age of Ultron for being overstuffed, weirdly paced, or tonally inconsistent, it’s a movie that has an actual beating heart at the center of it. The conflict in philosophy between Steve and Tony at the farm is perhaps the most perfect illustration of their differences in the franchise. Ultron’s villain speech as he lifts Sokovia into the sky is practically Shakespearean. The final confrontation between Vision and the last Ultron bot is one of the MCU’s most beautifully profound scenes, a rare moment between two characters that’s still and patient enough to engender actual melancholy instead of manufactured catharsis. It will never be a perfect movie, but as time goes on, it has only become a more interesting one. That the MCU strived for the former instead of the latter is perhaps the franchise’s greatest mistake.

Carlos Morales writes novels, articles and Mass Effect essays. You can follow his fixations on Twitter.

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Where to Stream Every Star Wars Movie Online This Weekend

The Star Wars universe continues to capture new audiences as it expands with new shows and movies under Disney’s ownership. For these fans, there are decades of older Star Wars movies to explore, while that same back catalog provides longtime fans a deep well of nostalgia and adventure to return to time and again.

Where to Watch Every Star Wars Movie Online

Disney+ is the streaming home to all 12 Star Wars movies: the complete Skywalker saga, two live-action spinoffs, and the animated Clone Wars movie. Only one film (The Force Awakens) is available on another streaming service (Starz) in addition to Disney+. The overall best streaming option for Disney+ is the bundle with Hulu and Max currently available. You can also rent all of the movies online via Prime Video or YouTube.

Here’s where you can stream every Star Wars movie, split by main series and spinoffs and ordered by release date. For a breakdown of the series’ chronology, you can read our explainer on how to watch Star Wars in order.

This list compiles all 12 Star Wars films released theatrically; made-for-TV movies are not included.

Future Star Wars Movies

There are nearly a dozen new Star Wars movies in various stages of development. Only two have been given theatrical release dates: The Mandalorian & Grogu (May 22, 2026) and Star Wars: Starfighter (May 28, 2027).

Below is a list of every known Star Wars movie in development. Check out our full breakdown of every upcoming Star Wars movie and TV show for more details on each project.

  • Jon Favreau's The Mandalorian & Grogu Movie (May 22, 2026)
  • Star Wars: Starfighter (May 28, 2027)
  • Taika Waititi's Star Wars Movie (TBA)
  • James Mangold's Dawn of the Jedi Movie (TBA)
  • Dave Filoni's Mando-Verse New Republic Movie (TBA)
  • Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy's New Jedi Order Movie (TBA)
  • Simon Kinberg's Star Wars Trilogy (TBA)
  • Star Wars: Rogue Squadron Movie (TBA)
  • Star Wars: Lando Movie (TBA)
  • Untitled J.D. Dillard/Matt Owens Movie (TBA)
  • Rian Johnson's Star Wars Trilogy (TBA)

Jordan covers games, shows, and movies as a freelance writer for IGN.

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We Shouldn't Be Surprised GTA 6 Was Delayed, Rockstar Has a Long History of Doing Just That

Take a deep breath and remember: Delays are good.

OK, that statement isn’t always true, but it usually is. Delayed projects sometimes result in bad games (looking at you, Duke Nukem 3D), but much more often taking more time produces good stuff. Spending meticulous weeks to get something just right matters in art, as does finding the bravery to throw out ideas that seemed wise in concept but never panned out. Think about how many half-finished games you’ve ever bought and played and then wished the publisher had just delayed until it was right and ready. Got that thought in your head? OK, hold onto it.

GTA 6 is delayed, and that’s good, because it will probably be better for the delay.

Rockstar has a long history of delaying games to make sure they’re ready for market, a strikingly consistent bit of discipline that places them alongside Nintendo in an elite fraternity of studios that wait until the casserole is fully cooked before serving. And boy, is it always delicious.

I’ve been playing GTA games as long as they’ve been around, starting with four-player PC GTA LAN parties. I’ve played the most obscure (London 1969), the best (GTA V), and the true best (Chinatown Wars for DS). I’ve ransacked and crashed and shot my way through these goofy, wonderful worlds for decades. And thankfully, these games are practically always late... and not coincidentally, always great. Here’s every delay in GTA history (and some Red Dead too).

Grand Theft Auto III

Rockstar’s New York offices were located only a few blocks from the World Trade Center, and Take Two didn’t waste any time briefly delaying GTA III following the September 11 attacks. . Marketing VP Terry Donovan announced the delay only days after the tragedy:

"Our decision is based on two factors, firstly it has been a little difficult to get work done in downtown Manhattan in the last week since basic communications infrastructure has been intermittent at best, and secondly we felt that a full content review of all our titles and the marketing materials we use to represent them was absolutely necessary for us in light of the horrifying event we all witnessed in the United States last week.”

He continued: "As for Grand Theft Auto, since the game is so huge the review is no short process. So far we have come across certain small contextual references that we were no longer comfortable with, as well as a couple of very rare gameplay instances that no longer felt appropriate to us. We apologize to you and all the people waiting for this game to ship for the delays that have now ensued, but I'm sure you can understand our reasoning. Rest assured the game will be phenomenal...and you can expect it to hit shelves in late October.”

Even with only minimal content changes, the delay was a wise decision for Rockstar and players alike. Blasting cops and ambulances in Liberty City so soon after the violent deaths of thousands wouldn’t have been appealing to anybody.

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

The co-prize for shortest delay is shared between Vice City and San Andreas. Back in the olden days before downloadable game stores and day-one patches, manufacturers guessed ahead of time just how much of a physical product they’d need to produce for a given shelf date, and sometimes they guessed wrong. Rockstar delayed Vice City by seven days to give them time to manufacture more discs (and thus meet the tremendous day-one demand for a GTA III follow-up).

San Andreas for PS2 also hit streets a week later than planned, a strategic decision designed to give the dev team a few extra days to polish their two-year project.

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories and Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars

Okay, so real talk: The GTA handheld games go hard... hard enough that it’s worth dusting off your ancient PlayStation Portable or DS to try them. GTA’s excellent forays onto portables usually arrive on time, but Vice City Stories for PSP was delayed for two weeks in North America, and longer in parts of Europe.

The best GTA of them all (fight me!) didn’t arrive precisely on time. The incredibly creative and intricate DS gamechit shelves two months later than expected. When it did finally arrive, it blew the socks off of critics, and it’s one of gaming’s great tragedies that nobody bought it... we might be playing Chinatown Wars 3 on our new Switch 2s right now if they had.

Grand Theft Auto IV

After GTA III changed the landscape of video games, anticipation for GTA IV was palpable. With clunky RenderWare left behind and a brand new console generation to work with, Rockstar Leeds was aiming for the stratosphere. Bringing their vision to reality ultimately demanded several months of delay.

As Rockstar’s Sam Hause explained, “The new consoles [PS3 and 360] are allowing us to create the Grand Theft Auto game we always dreamed about. Every aspect of the game and its design has been completely transformed. The game is huge and is pushing the hardware platforms to their absolute limits. The top engineers from Sony and Microsoft are working closely with the team in Edinburgh right now, helping us to fully leverage the power of both platforms. As always, our goal is to surpass even the wildest expectations of the game's fans, and to create the ultimate high definition video game experience."

Grand Theft Auto V

The biggest console game of all time was a long time coming. GTA V finally landed in September 2013, but was originally anticipated to arrive in the spring of that same year. But in late January 2013, Rockstar released the following message:

“We know this is about four months later than originally planned and we know that this short delay will come as a disappointment to many of you, but, trust us, it will be worth the extra time. GTAV is a massively ambitious and complex game and it simply needs a little more polish to be of the standard we and, more importantly, you require. ‘To all Grand Theft Auto fans, please accept our apologies for the delay, and our promise that the entire team here is working very hard to make the game all it can be. We are doing all we can to help ensure it will meet if not exceed your expectations come September – we thank you for your support and patience.’"

They weren't wrong. GTA V went on to become the most successful console game of all time, and alongside RDR2, it’s a true jewel in Rockstar’s crown.

Red Dead Redemption 2

Speaking of RDR2... it’s not a part of the GTA series, but it is Rockstar’s best game and I love talking about it. In keeping with the tradition of Rockstar quality-based delays, we’re adding a bit of an appendix by mentioning Red Dead Redemption 2, which was delayed twice, first in spring 2017 for quality assurance purposes. The second delay came in February 2018, pushing RDR2 to late October. The statement from Rockstar explained that, again, this was a quality issue.

"We are excited to announce that Red Dead Redemption 2 will be released on October 26th 2018. We apologize to everyone disappointed by this delay. While we had hoped to have the game out sooner, we require a little extra time for polish.

“We sincerely thank you for your patience and hope that when you get to play the game, you will agree the wait will have been worth it. In the meantime, please check out these screenshots from the game. We look forward to sharing a lot more information with you in the coming weeks."

That delay, like all the others here, worked out swimmingly, delivering a true work of art still unparalleled in adventure gaming.

So friends, don’t despair. GTA 6 will come, and when it comes, it will almost certainly be very, very good. See you in Vice City.

Jared Petty is a former IGN editor who likes writing about how wonderful and silly video games are. You can find him at Bluesky as pettycommajared.

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How Much Would It Cost to Buy Avengers Tower? We Asked a NYC Real Estate Specialist

Spoilers follow for Thunderbolts.

You wouldn’t expect a Marvel movie to be so focused on prime New York real estate. And yet, that’s exactly what happens in Thunderbolts, where a major portion of the action takes place in and around what was formerly known as Avengers Tower – now called The Watchtower, thanks to new owner Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus). While this does tie up a plot point that’s been dangling since Happy Hogan (Jon Favreau) moved the Avengers out of the HQ in 2017’s Spider-Man: Homecoming, it also raises a bunch of questions. Money questions. Specifically, how much did Valentina pay Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.) for the tower? And what would be involved in renovating an entire high-rise, right in the center of New York City?

To give a little more background here, and you may be aware of this: Avengers Tower does not exist in real life. Despite being home to two major battles next to Manhattan’s Grand Central Station (those would be in the first Avengers movie and Thunderbolts), the MCU building has replaced another, real-life landmark: 200 Park Avenue South, also known as the MetLife Building. In the comics, the Tower is 93 stories tall, and as seen in the movies, it’s packed with bells and whistles like a helipad that allows both Iron Man and a Quinjet to take off. It also gets attacked. A lot. The MetLife building? No Iron Man take-off platform, and also far fewer supervillain attacks.

Michael T. Cohen, a Principal with Williams Equities, which owns and invests in several million square feet of NYC real estate, has over 40 years in the real estate business – and more importantly, has been a fan of Marvel Comics and movies for years. He compared Valentina’s purchase to the offering of 590 Madison Avenue, a high-rise office building 15 blocks uptown from “Avengers Tower” that recently had an asking price of $1.1 billion.

'Avengers Tower would sell for a billion dollars or more based upon the look of it, the size, and the location.'

“The metric by which we would measure the value would be price per square foot,” Cohen explained. “So my guess is, there's nowhere where they safely tell you whether it's a million square feet, or a million and a half, or how large it really is… So we're kind of shooting in the dark here, without any of the underlying math, but I would say one could easily assume that the Avengers Tower would sell for a billion dollars or more based upon the look of it, the size, and the location.”

Other buildings in the area that have changed hands or are getting built up include a Hyatt that has been on hold for a while, though it looks to get started next year. The Chrysler Building has changed hands a number of times. And multiple buildings in the 50s and 60s (streets) – 10 to 20 blocks North of Grand Central – are getting converted into apartments, versus the towering office buildings that have dominated the area for decades.

There are a few more factors that Cohen added that would impact the asking price for Avengers Tower. The first? The rooftop helipad, which was banned in NYC in 1977. “How did the Avengers, and how did the buyer… How did these people arrange for the city to change the rules to permit a helipad back in the middle of the city again?” Cohen said. “Somebody would have had to pull some strings. There would have had to have been some interesting conversations around allowing that to happen, because right now it's not permitted.”

As a not-so-insignificant sidebar, the 1977 ban occurred after a helicopter crashed on May 16, on top of what was then called the Pan Am Building. The horrific accident killed five people and wounded eight others, including a pedestrian who was hit by a rotor falling from the roof. In 1992, after Pan Am was dissolved, the name was changed to match the new owners, and the building was renamed as… the MetLife Building.

Kevin Draper, a New York City historian and owner of NewYorkHistoricalTours.com, explained further that there were already issues with helipads in the city due to the noise. While the Pan Am helipad was part of New York history – Draper recalled that The Beatles took off from there for their iconic Shea Stadium concert in the ‘60s – the accident in ‘77 “pushed it over the edge. That's when people realized, ‘We can't have this anymore.’”

So the mere existence of that part jutting out from Avengers Tower would be an issue to work out for both Tony Stark and new owner Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, since it shouldn’t exist at all. But helicopters landing is far from the only issue facing the building, home of both the Old Avengers and the New Avengers: It’s a prime target for supervillain attacks, as seen in multiple movies and TV shows.

“It would be very challenging to buy property insurance for Avengers Tower if you were a conventional investor,” Cohen continued. “The Avengers, presumably, don't occupy the entire building. While it's a fabulous location and it's terribly prestigious, how would you feel about being a tenant in Avengers Tower, say, on the floor beneath them, or above them, or anywhere in the same elevator bank? Do the Avengers have a private entrance, or do they ride with the conventional tenants? If you really built Avengers Tower in the middle of the city, there are some very interesting, idiosyncratic considerations one would have to take into account.”

And one last idiosyncratic consideration? The constantly under-attack building is, just like the MetLife Building, on top of a transportation hub, aka Grand Central Station.

Draper noted that Grand Central has become even more desirable recently as “tens of thousands of people can come straight from Long Island into Grand Central Terminal, which means that's going to do a lot … in terms of people wanting to keep their corporations and headquarters or what have you in that neighborhood… In the world of Marvel, having some sort of very important headquarters there makes perfect sense.”

The subway entrances at Grand Central are utilized in Thunderbolts when the team is ferrying innocent bystanders to safety while The Void (Lewis Pullman) is going hog wild. But in terms of a building prone to destruction, the potential liabilities both for the owner of Avengers Tower and the city of New York might outweigh the benefits.

'The magnetic attraction of cities like New York is so great that people will tolerate a certain amount of discomfort.'

Just to take a step even further back, what would even be involved with a massive real estate deal like buying Avengers Tower? According to Cohen, it’s a multi-step process that would involve creating an offering memorandum, which would contain reports on the maintenance of the building and infrastructure, and then inviting interested parties to sign a confidentiality agreement to check it out.

“For Avengers Tower? It would not be outlandish to have 40 or 50 investors sign the confidentiality agreement and visit the website to examine this data. But then, eventually, the seller will call for bids,” he says.

From there, the sealed bids are submitted to the seller – in this case, Tony Stark, or more likely Pepper Potts (Gwenyth Paltrow), since she handles the business side of the company. The buyers will evaluate what they think the building is worth and how they’ll gather those funds. If those buyers be worthy, they wield the power of… A second bid. That second bid will encompass a higher offer, which will continue to whittle the number of bidders down to one or two. At that point, the seller will try to “squeeze as much money from his favorite buyer as he possibly can, and hands are shaken, and papers are drawn, and whoever got left at the altar becomes, you know, Miss Congeniality waiting in the wings.”

In this case, we don’t know who Miss Congeniality was (perhaps Sam Rockwell’s Justin Hammer?), but we do know who won Miss America: Valentina Allegra de Fontaine. She purchased the building around 2016 (when Spider-Man: Homecoming is set), but as we discover in Thunderbolts, essentially abandoned it and any planned renovations for years.

Cohen explained it’s unusual for prime real estate like Avengers Tower to sit vacant for years, though it does happen. If so, it’s usually because the investor “didn’t have the capital necessary to re-tenant it,” or alternately, there might be a “casualty event, meaning a flood, a fire, an explosion, something that would account for the building being emptied.”

In this case, it’s simply that whatever Valentina’s plans were for the building -- the Sentry program, a new Avengers team, setting up a Shane's Tires outlet -- didn’t pan out. Now, though, with the New Avengers team introduced at the end of Thunderbolts, it’s time to finish what she started.

“If it’s been sitting vacant for 11 years, [it] would be a likely candidate for a makeover,” Cohen noted. (Thunderbolts is set around 2027, so 11 years after Homecoming.) “Being in disuse for that period of time, building systems, other things, there are a lot of things that go bump in the night. And a buyer of a building that's been vacant for 11 years, it would not be unusual for them to want to invest, revamp, and dress it back up.”

But there is one last question worth addressing: Why would other people want to be anywhere around Avengers Tower, given the semi-regular bouts of destruction raining down on their heads?

“The magnetic attraction of cities like New York is so great that people will tolerate a certain amount of discomfort,” Cohen explained. “Now, would they really tolerate an alien attack? That's anybody's guess, right? But New York is a terrific city.”

And the Thunderbolts – now the New Avengers – might be prone to agree. No asterisk necessary.

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RealDOOM 3 Version 4.0 is now available for download

Modder ‘AgentLoginov’ has just released a brand new update of the RealDOOM3 Mod for, you guessed it, Doom 3. So, let’s see what this new update brings to the table. For those who don’t know, RealDOOM3 is a mod that aims to update the game’s atmosphere and graphics. It also updates the maps, adds new … Continue reading RealDOOM 3 Version 4.0 is now available for download

The post RealDOOM 3 Version 4.0 is now available for download appeared first on DSOGaming.

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Doctor Who Season 2, Episode 4 Review – "Lucky Day"

This review contains full spoilers for Doctor Who season 2, episode 4, "Lucky Day."

"Lucky Day" marks a notable shift in Season 2: It’sthe first episode without Russell T Davies credited as a writer. While his guiding hand is often a hallmark of this era, Peter Hoar’s script brings a refreshing change in tone. There’s a distinct, almost nostalgic charm to “Lucky Day,” one that subtly evokes the scrappy energy of the early revival years. Grounded in a recognisably mundane modern-day setting – a welcome sidestep from mystical contrivances – we’re instead thrown back in with season 1 companion Ruby Sunday, navigating life back on Earth.

The focus on Ruby marks “Lucky Day” as this year's Doctor-lite episode, but with some bookending appearances that lend the story a stronger sense of his presence than last season’s “73 Yards”. 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, that’s not really where “Lucky Day” finds its footing.

What ultimately elevates the episode out of its Doctor-lite obscurity is its choice of villain: Ruby’s seemingly harmless boyfriend, Conrad. It’s smartly revealed halfway through the episode that he’s the ringleader behind the online anti-alien conspiracy group Think Tank. It’s 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 Conrad’s behaviour throughout the episode. His awkward attempts to impress Ruby, calling on the Doctor’s 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 Ruby’s fury at how he’s put others in harm's way feels both earned and real. Plus, in a universe crowded with cosmic gods and ancient evils, it’s 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 “Lucky Day” stumbles is in how generic it can feel from moment to moment. There’s a case to be made that this ordinariness is intentional – a reflection of Ruby’s post-TARDIS disorientation and the numbing quiet of everyday life after cosmic adventure. But the episode doesn’t foreground that idea strongly enough for it to resonate. A few scattered lines gesture at Ruby’s 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 – 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 “Lucky Day” 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 Doctor’s 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 Stewart’s morally murky decision to weaponise the captured Sheek alien against Conrad (who, comically, continues to insist it isn’t real) is a rare moment of genuine moral complexity, and a compelling step forward for UNIT’s evolving role in the new era. But in the same episode, that very organisation – one that has survived Zygons, Cybermen, and the rest – is nearly undone by a staff doxxing. It’s not about nitpicking plot logic, but the scales do feel off, and that dissonance dulls the episode’s sharper ideas. Ultimately, these contradictions don’t undo its successes, but they do hold it back from greatness, even as it proves there’s still space in Doctor Who for more politically charged, satirical stories rooted in our own messy reality.

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Blue Prince Interactive Map is Now Available

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.

Blue Prince Interactive Map

The available map filters for our Blue Prince interactive map include:

  • Locations, including Safes, Terminals, Floorplans, and Permanent Unlocks, such as the West Gate Path.
  • Exploration, such as Clues, Red Letters, Puzzles, and Special Keys.
  • 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.

Our Blue Prince coverage includes:

Head to our Blue Prince wiki for more Game Help.

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.

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The Secret History Behind the Game-Changing Marvel Team Introduced in Thunderbolts

Warning: This article contains full spoilers for Thunderbolts!

All throughout the MCU’s 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 Marvel’s various New Avengers comics? Here’s what you need to know.

The MCU’s New Avengers Revealed

The Thunderbolts movie ends on a somewhat unexpected note. No sooner do Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova and her team regroup from their confrontation with Lewis Pullman’s Sentry and prepare to confront Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ Valentina Allegra De Fontaine than they realize they’ve walked right into a PR trap. Valentina stages a press conference where she introduces the befuddled Thunderbolts to the public as “The New Avengers.”

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 Kurylenko’s Taskmaster, who is killed off early into the film) has now graduated to become a New Avenger. It’s 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 they’re the team the MCU needs right now.

Of course, it’s already becoming clear that the New Avengers aren’t the only Avengers team on the block. Captain America: Brave New World ends with Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson deciding he’s 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 he’s 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. They’re 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 Sam’s Avengers in Avengers: Doomsday. But we’ll 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 Marvel’s 2004 New Avengers comic. That series debuted in the aftermath of a major tragedy in Marvel’s 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 they’re called back into action.

The reason Marvel branded this team “New Avengers” 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 MCU’s Thunderbolts, these heroes never expected to become Avengers, but they quickly rise to the challenge anyway.

At first, the “New Avengers” term was completely literal. Over time, however, it came to represent a more underground, unsanctioned alternative to the traditional Avengers. Following the events of 2006’s 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 don’t really get along.

That split only intensifies during Marvel’s 2009 Dark Reign storyline, as Norman Osborn usurps Tony Stark’s 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 Osborn’s psychological manipulation.

In many ways, the MCU’s New Avengers seem as inspired by the Dark Avengers as they are the New Avengers of the comics. Like the Dark Avengers, Valentina’s 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 Osborn’s crimes are eventually exposed and their names are cleared. At this point, it’s become tradition for Marvel to feature one core team of Avengers and another team of New Avengers. They aren’t 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 we’ve established that the MCU’s 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 2026’s Avengers: Doomsday?

It seems safe to assume that there will be conflict between Valentina’s New Avengers team and Sam’s 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 isn’t so different now. We’ve got the former Thunderbolts-turned-New Avengers and Sam’s Avengers team, and they clearly aren’t 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 (we’re 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.’s 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 won’t 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 that’s not even getting into the question of where Fox’s 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 MCU’s New Avengers can truly live up to the example of the original team.

Be sure to check out our full Thunderbolts Ending Explained, and check out every Marvel movie and series in development.

Jesse is a mild-mannered staff writer for IGN. Allow him to lend a machete to your intellectual thicket by following @jschedeen on BlueSky.

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The Ultimate Star Wars Action Figure Buying Guide

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 aren’t hard to find. Whether you’re 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, we’ve 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, Hasbro’s 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 “legends” no longer considered part of the official canon. They’ve even given some iconic troopers, aliens and creatures holiday special repaints. If you’ve ever wanted a trick-or-treating Were-Wookiee or a festive two-pack of Jawa Claus and Salacious Grinch, you’re 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 it’s 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 wasn’t 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, they’re 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 3’¾” 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 don’t take up a ton of space. Plus, the small scale allowed for plenty of vehicles, playsets and creatures. Sadly, the same can’t 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 they’re not quite as prevalent as they were in decades prior, Hasbro is still putting out a steady stream of smaller Star Wars figures, though they’ve 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 who’s got an existing collection of 4-inch figures from the ‘90s-’00s, these ones will display nicely alongside them.

A fun-size action figure for $17 bucks a pop might seem a bit steep, but it’s a drop in the bucket compared to a $400-500 playset of Jabba’s Sailbarge, the Mos Eisley Cantina, or The Ghost in the same scale, all of which have been produced through Hasbro’s Haslab crowdfunding program; proving there’s 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 Vader’s giant mech suit that’s just shaped like a larger version of him. I’m behind on the comics, but I’m guessing that’s not canon.

Toy Line: The Retro Collection

In recent years, there’s been a rise in popularity of non-Star Wars figures made in the same style as Kenner’s original toy line, namely Super7’s 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 “Real Scan” technology that allowed actors’ 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 people’s likenesses and shrink them down as toys, it could also be used to scan toys, and blow them up to… much bigger toys. And that’s exactly what Gentle Giant’s Jumbo Figures are; Kenner’s classic Star Wars figures, recreated 400% larger, packaging and all.

As gorgeous as the packaging is, it’s comically cumbersome. I’ve 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 I’m glad I did because they’re really nice toys on their own. Unlike the solid plastic of the toys they’re based on, the Jumbo Figures are hollow vinyl, which means they won’t 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.

They’re all really limited edition, and most of the classic stuff has come and gone, so you’re 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 you’re into.

Toy Line: Movie Masterpiece Series

Hot Toys are expensive, but it’s 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 they’ll 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 it’s easy enough to put them back in the box for storage). They’re not designed for any kind of rough play, and have a lot of delicate parts, but they’re 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, Bandai’s 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 isn’t always the case.

Nobody’s 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, they’re pretty sturdy. (Not sturdy enough that I’d let my 4-year-old play with mine, but not the sort of thing you’re afraid of breaking.)

Toy Line: MAFEX

Basically everything I said about S.H. Figuarts also applies to MAFEX. It’s 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 there’s 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 that’s almost mitigated by the amount of armor plating that gets in the way. They’re 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 didn’t 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 you’re looking for one of those, JediTempleArchives, Banthaskull and RebelScum are all great resources.

If you’re interested in building your own Star Wars action figures, that’s also an option. Check out the model kit buyer’s 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 IGN’s weekly PlayStation show, Beyond.

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The Best Nintendo Switch Accessories for 2025

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 – some of which are Switch 2 compatible, including the Pro Controller as we've learned from the April Nintendo Direct – 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 – 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, you’re 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.

See more of our picks for the best Switch controllers.

2. AmFilm Tempered Glass Screen Protector

Best Nintendo Switch Screen Protector

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, it’s 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. There’s 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 you’ve got the Switch Lite or OLED, those devices can also fit comfortably in this case.

See more of our picks for the best Switch cases, including Nintendo Switch battery cases.

4. SanDisk 128GB Ultra

Best Nintendo Switch Memory Card

Unless you're comfortable carrying around a bunch of game cartridges, you’ll 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

Don’t love the Switch’s 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.

It's not quite as convenient as many of our favorite gaming earbuds on the market, but what you get for the price makes it on of the best Switch headsets you can buy in 2025.

7. Satisfye ZenGrip Pro Gen 3

Best Nintendo Switch Grip

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. You’ll 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 would’ve thought its dock would be too, but that’s not the case. It’s clunky and prone to damage, so you’ll 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 isn’t 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 Switch’s 1080p max output. You aren’t 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 it’s not as advanced as a fully-fledged racing wheel, it’s 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) you’ll feel like you’re 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, it’s excellent value for money, providing a simple way to enhance your gaming experience without breaking the bank. It’s 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 stick’s look and feel should take you back in time to a less complicated life but with all the modern features you need.

See more of the best fight sticks for fighting games.

12. HyperX ChargePlay Quad 2

Best Joy-Con Charger

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 game’s action. The Pokeball look also adds to the charger's aesthetic.

13. Marseille mClassic

Best Nintendo Switch Upscaler

Nintendo isn’t 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. There’s 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 you’ll 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 don’t need to worry about bringing your own along. You aren’t 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.

3 must-haves:

  1. Switch case
  2. Screen protector
  3. SD card

From there, you’ll 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 more immersive gaming: 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 for the Switch Lite, it’s also light on accessories. There’s no dock or HDMI, as you can’t connect it to your TV. The Joy-Con are also not detachable, so you’ll 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.

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The Best SD Cards for Nintendo Switch in 2025

If you're a Nintendo Switch owner, you've probably noticed something pretty quickly – 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. That’s 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 – that’ll help with smoother gameplay and faster loading times.

If you’re wondering which SD card is best for Nintendo Switch, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve 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 you’re 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 Switch’s 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 doesn’t go to waste. In the meantime, the SanDisk 512GB Extreme microSDXC Card boasts generous data transfer speeds of up to 190MB/s – just download the games you want and put them straight onto your SD card in a cinch.

This SD card’s durable design is shockproof, temperature-proof, waterproof, and X-ray-proof (who knew that was a thing?). So if you’re going on vacation and taking your Nintendo Switch with you, you’ll 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 won’t be a discernable difference in game load times compared to those faster, pricier cards. It’s 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. That’s plenty of room to store a sizable gaming library, gameplay clips, and more. If you want to use this card with other devices, it’s 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.

What’s 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 that’s 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 you’re looking for an SD card for Nintendo Switch, you’ll obviously need to make sure you find one that’s compatible with the console. The Switch supports microSD cards – 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 card’s 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, you’re 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.

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The Best Star Wars Deals To Check Out During May the 4th Sales

Star Wars Day is May the fourth, which sounds enough like “May the Force be with you” 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, we’ve gathered all the best deals on all things Star Wars into one place for your perusing convenience. So grab your lightsaber and let’s take a look at what’s on sale this year.

Star Wars Day Sales at Major Retailers

Star Wars Day is big enough that a number of major retailers are running sales on all sorts of Star Wars-related items. We’re 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.

Star Wars Video Game 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 that’s your preferred retailer. They’re 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.

Star Wars Funko Pop Deals

Funko Pops are great because they’re small and inexpensive – and they have figures for just about every piece of pop culture under the sun. There’s a whole world of Star Wars Funko Pops out there, and many of them are available in Funko’s Buy 2 Star Wars Items, Get 1 Free sale.

Secret Lab Star Wars Gaming Chair Deals

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.

New Star Wars Action Figures

Hasbro revealed new Star Wars action figures during the Star Wars Celebration last month, and preorders have already started. Altough it isn't a deal, it's worth mentioning here for any fans looking to collect Star Wars action figures.

Chris Reed is a commerce editor and deals expert for IGN. He also runs IGN's board game and LEGO coverage. You can follow him on Bluesky.

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Where to Stream Crunchyroll's Nominees for Anime of the Year 2025

Crunchyroll’s 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.

Where to Stream: Crunchyroll, Netflix, or Hulu

Delicious in Dungeon

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.

Where to Stream: Netflix

Frieren: Beyond Journey's End

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.

Where to Stream: Crunchyroll or Netflix

Kaiju No. 8

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.

Where to Stream: Crunchyroll

Solo Leveling

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.

Where to Stream: Crunchyroll

The Apothecary Diaries

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.

Where to Stream: Crunchyroll, Netflix, or Hulu

Check Out the Rest of the Nominees

Anime of the Year may be the biggest award, but categories include every genre of anime (this year added “Best Isekai Anime” 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.

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The Best MicroSD Express Cards for Nintendo Switch 2

The Nintendo Switch 2 is right around the corner, and if you’re 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, you’re going to want to expand that storage. However, unlike the original Nintendo Switch, the new console now requires a MicroSD Express card – 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 haven’t 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 isn’t out yet, I haven’t 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 hasn’t really explained its reasoning behind the decision, but it’s 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 it’s 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 isn’t allowing for any wiggle room here. If you want to expand the Nintendo Switch 2 storage, you’re 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 can’t 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, it’s 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 shouldn’t 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 doesn’t 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 isn’t a bad deal, especially if you can find this MicroSD card at a lower price. It’s also not quite as fast as the Lexar Play Pro, coming in with a read speed of up to 880MB/s. That’s a minor enough disparity that you’re not going to notice any difference when you’re 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 you’re 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

Samsung’s MicroSD Express card isn’t out yet, but this is the expansion card that’s 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, it’ll probably provide some comfort to get an SD card that has Nintendo’s 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 I’ll 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.

Don’t 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, that’s 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 aren’t meant to be used for long-term data storage, and so they have a shelf life. How long they’ll last depends largely on the environment it's being used in, and whether or not you’re dropping it. I wouldn’t 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

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A Ton of New LEGO Harry Potter Sets Have Been Revealed for June 2025

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.

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Best Free Anime Streaming Sites in 2025

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.

If a particular Premium offering catches your eye, you can also sign up for (then try and remember to cancel) a seven-day free trial of Crunchyroll Premium.

Free Anime on Crunchyroll:

Tubi

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. You’ll find plenty of the classics, like Naruto, Pokémon, 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 TV’s 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 “sneak peaks” 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, there’s a treasure trove of free anime on YouTube. I won’t necessarily point you (or the copyright police) in any specific direction, but I will say it’s worth checking if something you’re 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.

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20 Anime You Can Watch for Free on Crunchyroll During Ani-May

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 service’s Premium membership. If you’ve 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 you’ve been wanting to see what the hype’s 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, there’s almost certainly something in the mix for you to enjoy this month. Check out the full list of what’s streaming for free below.

20 Anime You Can Watch for Free on Crunchyroll Right Now

Let’s cut to the chase. Here’s the full list of what’s streaming on Crunchyroll for free in May:

  • Black Clover (Seasons 1-4)
  • Chainsaw Man
  • Cowboy Bebop
  • Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (The Complete Series)
  • Fruits Basket (Seasons 1-3)
  • Haikyu!! (Seasons 1-4)
  • Heaven Official's Blessing (Seasons 1-2)
  • Hell's Paradise
  • Jujutsu Kaisen (Seasons 1-2)
  • Junji Ito Collection
  • Kaiju No. 8
  • My Hero Academia (Seasons 1-7)
  • Overlord (Seasons 1-4)
  • Shangri-La Frontier (Seasons 1-2)
  • Solo Leveling (Season 1)
  • Soul Eater
  • Spy X Family (Seasons 1-2)
  • The Apothecary Diaries (Season 1)
  • Toilet-bound Hanako-kun (Seasons 1-2)
  • Tokyo Ghoul (Seasons 1-3)

There’s a range of series in the mix. Highlights include every season of My Hero Academia, which will be airing its eighth and final season later this year, and all of Demon Slayer that you can watch ahead of the movie trilogy to finish out the seires. In fact, we have quite a spread of the best shonen anime, from Tokyo Ghoul and Soul Eater to Jujutsu Kaisen and Chainsaw Man.

Solo Leveling has most recently taken the anime world by storm. IGN’s review of the first season says it “brings 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 IGN’s Apothecary Diaries review that “the titular apothecary, Maomao, is a delightful protagonist who embodies this balance between matter-of-fact and goofy.”

Otherwise, the Junji Ito Collection is an interesting addition to the mix, though I’d 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 “Ani-May”?

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. Here’s the message Crunchyroll’s Head of Global Products had to share about the event:

Collector’s 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 what’s 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.

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The Best MacBooks to Buy in 2025

Apple’s 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 you’re getting a quality product that’ll last for years. And if you’re already deeply entrenched in Apple’s 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 – The Best MacBooks to Buy Right Now:

All of Apple’s latest MacBooks run on the tech giant’s own powerful processors. However, most won’t need the monstrous capabilities of the M4 Max chip unless you’re 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 – a big software update with AI at the forefront.

Looking for discounts? Check out the best MacBook deals.

1. Apple MacBook Air (2025)

The Best MacBook for Most People

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 – with up to 19 hours of video playback – 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 – Apple sells plenty of dongles.

2. Apple MacBook Air (2024)

Best Budget MacBook

If you’re 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 – which is a bit hefty compared to previous models of the MacBook Air – 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. That’s just the start, as you’ll enjoy a stunning 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display for a crystal clear view of all your workflows while a long-lasting battery – we’re talking up to 18 hours – 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 it’s 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 – which comes in Silver and Space Black – 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 – 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 – can handle just about anything you can throw at it. In fact, it’s 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 doesn’t come cheap. It starts at $3,499, but for Apple’s 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 it’s 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. Here’s what to look for in a MacBook in 2025.

First and foremost, you should really think about what you’re 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 you’re a writer, then go with the MacBook Air (2025) for its speed and portability. If you’re 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 company’s first chipset that’s designed in-house. It’s speedy and efficient, but it’s 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 – a 13.3-inch display for the older MacBook Air and a slightly larger 13.6-inch “notch-style” 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 – the latter two are also “notch-style.”

Price

In terms of pricing, MacBooks start at $999 (sometimes as low as $799, if it’s 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 you’re 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, you’ll 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 “go head-to-head in several categories with the AirPods Pro 2.” 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.

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The Best Handheld Gaming PCs to Take Your Games on the Go

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 Steam’s 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 you’re after the Steam Deck itself or one of the best Steam Deck alternatives, we’ve selected excellent handheld gaming PCs ready to chew through the top PC games.

TL;DR – 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 doesn’t mean they’re 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 we’re 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.

Contributions by Danielle Abraham, Ural Garrett, Georgie Peru

1. Asus ROG Ally X

The Best Handheld Gaming PC

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.

2. Valve Steam Deck

The Best Steam Deck

Responsible for popularizing the handheld gaming PC revolution, the Valve Steam Deck doesn’t actually come with Windows installed. Instead, it uses Valve’s custom SteamOS, and thanks to the API Proton, the Steam Deck supports dozens of games optimized for the portable from Cyberpunk 2077 to Forza Horizon 5.

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.

There’s 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 – and beautiful – 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 you’re after a Windows-based handheld that puts the Steam Deck’s Linux-based SteamOS to shame, look no further than the Asus 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 – if you’re 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 can’t 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 screen’s 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 Sony’s 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, there’s 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 – 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.

Check out our guide on the Steam Deck vs. gaming laptops for more information.

What’s the best Steam Deck alternative?

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 – 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

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11 Jigsaw Puzzles for Adults That Are Worth Your Time and Money

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

What’s 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 you’ll 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 that’ll be great for showing off once it’s 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 you’ve finished putting it together. It’s an exciting twist on the usual puzzle, and well worth picking up for your puzzle and games collection.

See our guide to the best Magic Puzzle Company puzzles for more.

Lord of the Rings Jigsaw Puzzle

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 you’ll be just as busy pointing out even after you’ve 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 you’re looking for another unique puzzle, this 3D puzzle of Thor’s 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 it’s 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 you’re 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 you’re 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 that’s well worth displaying after you’ve put it together. With 1,000 pieces in the box, this puzzle features a vibrant stained glass design with flowers blooming at the center. It’s a great one to work at slowly and appreciate the beautiful result once you’re 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.

Need a better table for puzzling? Check out our picks for the best board game tables and board game storage that work great for all of your puzzles as well.

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

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The Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic Show and Exhibits Will Be One of the Biggest Draws of Disneyland's 70th Anniversary

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."

“He'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 he’s so excited to share all of this with us.”

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.

For more, check out our story of how a century of Disney magic began for Disney 100th anniversary and our rankings of the top 25 Disney animated films of all time.

Adam Bankhurst is a writer for IGN. You can follow him on X/Twitter @AdamBankhurst, Instagram, and TikTok, and listen to his show, Talking Disney Magic.

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Where to Buy a PS5 Before a Possible Price Hike

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.

PS5 Astro Bot Bundle

Disc Edition

Digital Edition

PS5 Disc Edition

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.

PS5 Digital Edition

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.

PS5 Pro

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.

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New trailers for WUCHANG: Fallen Feathers, The Alters, Blades of Fire, REMATCH and more

A new set of trailers aired today during the FGS Live From gamescom latam. So, below you can find new trailers for WUCHANG: Fallen Feathers, The Alters, Blades of Fire, REMATCH, Dreadzone, MOUSE: P.I. For Hire and more. WUCHANG: Fallen Feathers is a soulslike, action RPG set in the land of Shu during the dark … Continue reading New trailers for WUCHANG: Fallen Feathers, The Alters, Blades of Fire, REMATCH and more

The post New trailers for WUCHANG: Fallen Feathers, The Alters, Blades of Fire, REMATCH and more appeared first on DSOGaming.

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