• 👋 Initial pre-orders for the Legend of Zelda 40th anniversary Nintendo Switch 2 and Switch 2 Pro Controller quickly sold out

• 🙏 Nintendo confirmed that stock will be replenished in the UK, with updates to be shared via the Nintendo Store app

• 😤 Scalpers have listed many sold-out consoles and controllers on eBay with substantial price markups

• 💰 The Zelda Switch 2 is priced at $529.99, the Pro Controller at $99.99, and the Ocarina of Time remake launches on November 5, 2026, for $59.99

Walmart: Zelda Switch 2 console

Best Buy: Zelda Switch 2 console

GameStop: Zelda Switch 2 console

The Legend of Zelda 40th anniversary Nintendo Switch 2 and Switch 2 Pro Controller were quickly snapped up by fans, with most retailers selling out of early pre-orders.

However, there is good news for those hoping for a Legend of Zelda 40th anniversary special edition restock, as Nintendo has promised more consoles and controllers are on the way – at least in the UK.

A message was spotted by Nintendo Insider on the UK Nintendo Store that says, “The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Collection is currently sold out. We will announce when stock is replenished via the Nintendo Store app.”

As is sadly always the case, many Switch 2 Zelda consoles and controllers were snapped up by scalpers and resellers, with hundreds of listings now on eBay with massive markups. The restock will please those who don’t want to pay over the odds for the Zelda Switch 2, and nor should they.

The Nintendo Switch 2 Legend of Zelda 40th anniversary special edition costs $529.99, while the Zelda Switch 2 Pro Controller costs $99.99. A version that comes with a stand is available exclusively from the Nintendo Store.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake launches exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2 on November 5, 2026, and costs $59.99.

Up next: The Legend of Zelda 40th anniversary edition Nintendo Switch 2 and Pro Controller: where to buy

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Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.

• 🤞 Valve insists that development of the Steam Deck 2 remains on track despite the ongoing RAM crisis

• 🎯 Developers are targeting a clear, delineated performance upgrade and enhanced user experience for the successor

• 📈 Memory shortages have already increased pricing across Valve’s hardware lineup, including the Steam Deck OLED

• ⏳ Valve is biding its time until market conditions allow it to deliver a true generational leap

After finally announcing the Steam Frame price and release date to the world, the next piece of Valve hardware we’re eagerly waiting to hear more about is the Steam Deck 2 – the successor to the most popular PC handheld on the market.

After a steep price rise and ever-aging hardware, it’s fair to say that the Steam Machine isn’t quite appealing as it once was, and an upgrade would be welcome by many. Thankfully, it seems that Valve is still toiling away on the device, and the ongoing memory crisis hasn’t derailed its plans.

Speaking to IGN, software developers Pierre-Loup Griffais and Jeff Leinbaugh said that progress hasn’t really been affected and said: “We’ve talked before about how we want to make sure there’s a very delineated performance improvement for something like a future Steam Deck, and I think we’re still looking at it in the same way.

“It’s just a matter of looking at the current conditions and seeing how and when we can deliver something like that. But from what we’re working on, as far as the user experience goes and what the product that we’re trying to build goes, it’s very similar goals.”

Clearly, the memory crisis has squeezed manufacturers and consumers alike, leading to higher pricing all round. However, the comments sound like Valve is biding its time to deliver something it feels is truly a step over the Steam Deck aside from merely a spec upgrade, and waiting could circumvent the issues it’s currently facing.

We’ve already seen the Steam Machine and Steam Frame release for far higher prices than expected because of the memory shortage, and the Steam Deck OLED 512GB model increased from $549 to $789.

For now, we’ll have to make do with Valve’s current crop of hardware, which includes the Steam Controller, Steam Machine, and Steam Frame, all of which are now available to purchase after lengthy waits.

Up next: Steam Machine and Nvidia GeForce Now are a match made in cloud gaming heaven

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Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.

• 📅 Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days event takes place from October 6 to October 7, running for 48 hours starting at 12:01 am PT

• 💰 Shoppers can save up to 45% on major brands like Sony and Adidas, as well as select Amazon devices

• 😲 Select Blink bundles will feature discounts of up to 70%

• 👍 An Amazon Prime membership is required to access the event’s best deals and free delivery

Shop early Prime Day deals

Join Amazon Prime

Amazon has announced that its Prime Big Deal Days event returns on October 6 to October 7, and promises to knock up to 45% off top brands like Sony and Adidas.

The event starts on October 6 at 12:01am PT and runs for 48 hours. New deals drop each day, and early deals have already begun.

Of course, you can expect to save up to 45% on Amazon devices, including the Amazon Ember 55-inch Mini-LED Series with Alexa+, Kindle Colorsoft Essentials Bundle, and up to 70% off select Blink bundles.

“Once fall arrives, there’s so much to get ready for – the hosting, the decorating, the holiday gifting – and Prime Big Deal Days makes it easy to check it all off while saving,” said Carmen Nestares, vice president of North America Marketing and Prime Tech. “With over one million items at Amazon’s lowest price of the year so far, this is the perfect time to get ahead on season shopping.”

You’ll need to be an Amazon Prime member to get the best deals and enjoy free delivery. We’ll be rounding up the best deals during Amazon’s Big Deal Days event right here on The Shortcut.

Up next: GTA 6 limited edition PS5 controller restock: pre-orders are still up at these retailers

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Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.

• 🎮 The limited edition Wolverine controller has had a restock

• 🆚 Both the Battle Yellow and Adamantium PS5 controllers are still in stock

• 👀 Marvel’s Wolverine is now available as a PS5 exclusive

• 👍 The DualSense controllers mostly sold out, but are back in stock

PS Direct: Wolverine PS5 Limited Edition

Best Buy: Wolverine PS5 Limited Edition

The Wolverine PS5 controller, console bundle, and console covers pre-orders went live on August 19 at 10am local time. And after briefly selling out, you can still grab many of these Wolverine PS5 accessories as it appears many retailers have had a restock, or more stock has appeared after cancellations.

PS5 Wolverine Digital Edition Console bundle

PS Direct: Wolverine PS5 bundle

Best Buy: PS5 Wolverine products

Walmart: Wolverine PS5 console

Target: PS5 Wolverine bundle

The most expensive item in Sony’s Wolverine Limited Edition is still up for sale. It costs $649.99, which is $50 more than the standard Digital Edition. However, you’re saving on the controller and covers, which cost $84.99 and $74.99 when purchased separately.

The PS5 Digital Edition is still in stock at Sony’s PlayStation Direct store, but is out of stock elsewhere.

Wolverine Battle Yellow PS5 DualSense Controller

Walmart: Wolverine PS5 controller

Best Buy: Wolverine PS5 controller

Amazon: Wolverine PS5 controller

PS Direct: Battle Yellow DualSense

Target: Wolverine PS5 controller

If you just want the striking Wolverine Battle Yellow controller, it’s thankfully still available at most retailers. It costs $84.99, which is the usual price Sony charges for special controller designs.

Wolverine PS5 Battle Yellow console covers

PS Direct: Yellow Wolverine covers

Unlike the Adamantium PS5 Pro covers, which quickly sold out, you can still get the Wolverine PS5 Battle Yellow console covers for the PS5 Slim model. They cost $74.99.

What’s sold out?

Wolverine Adamantium PS5 Pro covers

The first item to sell out from the PlayStation Direct store was the PS5 Pro Adamantium covers. It’s unlikely they will come back in stock, but it’s worth checking the link below.

PS Direct: Adamantium PS5 Pro covers

Wolverine Battle Yellow PS5 Pro covers

The PS5 Pro yellow covers also sold out fast and were another exclusive that could only be found on Sony’s PlayStation Direct store. Like the Adamantium covers, they cost $74.99.

PS Direct: Yellow PS5 Pro covers

Wolverine Adamantium PS5 DualSense Controller

PS Direct: Adamantium DualSense

A PlayStation Direct exclusive, the PS5 Pro Adamantium controller has sold out after briefly appearing back in stock. It’s worth checking back periodically as it may reappear. Like the Battle Yellow design, it’s also $84.99.

Up next: PS6 release date is still undecided, Sony CEO admits

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Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.

• 👀 You can pre-order one of two GTA 6 PS5 limited edition controllers

• 🎮 After selling out, some retailers have had a restock

• 📅 The controllers launch on November 19 and cost $84.99

• 🚨 As a limited edition, stock may not last long much longer

Walmart: White GTA controller

Best Buy: White GTA controller

PS Direct: Black GTA controller

PS Direct: White GTA controller

Amazon: White GTA controller

Target: White GTA controller

The GTA 6 limited edition PS5 controller is a must-have accessory for fans of Rockstar Games’ upcoming sequel, and you’ve still got a chance to pre-order one if you missed out on the first wave of stock. It seems like most retailers have received a fresh batch of controllers, but don’t wait around forever – as a limited edition, once they’re gone that will be it.

The Grand Theft Auto IV Black Limited Edition is exclusive to the PlayStation Direct store and is still in stock, while the Grand Theft Auto IV White Limited Edition is available everywhere else and is proving to be the more popular colorway.

Here’s where you can pre-order the GTA 6 limited edition PS5 controller.

GTA 6 limited edition controller pre-order links

The black GTA 6 limited edition controller is still available from the PlayStation Direct store, Walmart, Best Buy, and Target.

• PlayStation Direct: Black GTA 6 PS5 controller ($84.99) – in stock / White GTA 6 PS5 controller ($84.99) – in stock

• Amazon: White GTA 6 PS5 controller ($84.99) – in stock

• Walmart: White GTA 6 PS5 controller ($84.88) – in stock

• Best Buy: White GTA 6 PS5 controller ($84.99) – in stock

• Target: White GTA 6 PS5 controller ($84.99) - in stock

• GameStop: White GTA 6 PS5 controller ($84.99) – sold out

The GTA 6 PS5 controller costs $84.99, the standard price we expect for special, limited-edition designs. The GTA 6 PS5 controller is out on November 19, 2026, the same day the game releases.

Up next: GTA 6 collector’s edition: predicted pre-order date, price, and what to expect

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Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.

• Glowy Vanity Mirror ($129) is Laifen’s first vanity mirror: 8.5 inches, 64 full-spectrum LEDs, CRI Ra98, and a radar sensor that turns the light on as you approach

• AutoCurl Curling Iron ($99) detects a strand in half a second and curls it in 16, choosing the curl direction for you

• P3 Electric Shaver rounds out the grooming side with dual linear motors and a 0.055mm stainless foil

• A US launch event follows on Sept. 17 in New York, Laifen’s first brand-run press event stateside

Laifen brought its largest lineup ever to IFA 2026 in Berlin, and the interesting part isn’t any single product. It’s the shape of the portfolio.

Seven years ago, this was a company with one idea: put an ultra-high-speed brushless motor in a hair dryer and see what happens. It worked well enough that Euromonitor now ranks Laifen as the world’s No. 1 high-speed hair dryer brand, with more than 30 million households across 60-plus countries and a patent portfolio north of 600. Most brands would spend the next decade making that hair dryer slightly better every year.

Instead, Laifen has been quietly widening the definition of what it makes. The three products at the center of its IFA showing are a curling iron, a vanity mirror and an electric shaver – three different categories, three different problems, and no shared component between them. What connects them is the approach.

Each one takes a task you already do every morning and moves the thinking from you to the device. The curling iron decides which direction to rotate. The mirror decides when to turn on. The shaver decides how much power your stubble needs. That’s the practical version of what Laifen calls “Innovation Within Reach” – advanced engineering that shows up as one less decision to make before your coffee kicks in, rather than as a spec you have to study.

It’s also a smart read of where these categories actually sit. Nobody wants to learn a curling iron. People want curls. The gap between those two things is where Laifen is building.

Here’s each product.

Laifen Glowy Vanity Mirror – $129.99, 10% discount at checkout

Check the Glowy Vanity Mirror price →
Discount: 10% off will be applied at checkout

This is a new category for Laifen, and the most interesting product in the lineup.

💡 It turns itself on. A 24GHz radar sensor detects you at roughly 30cm and lights up. Step past about 80cm and it shuts off five seconds later. Laifen’s case for radar over the infrared sensors most smart mirrors use is that radar isn’t thrown off by clothing color or ambient light. A memory function brings back your last brightness and color setting.

🎨 CRI Ra98, the spec that shines. Color Rendering Index measures how accurately a light source reproduces color compared to daylight, and Ra98 is high. In practice, it’s the difference between foundation that matches at your vanity and foundation that reads orange outdoors. Laifen also cites Rg 100 for saturation balance and R9 95 for reds, a metric that determines how blush and lipstick appear.

🔆 64 LEDs, ≥1450 lux, lit from the sides. Side lighting wraps the face rather than blasting it head-on, which reduces hotspots and shadows. There are six brightness levels and three color temperatures – 3000K, 4000K and 5000K – plus a long-press for stepless dimming.

🔋 It’s cordless. A 5,500mAh battery charges over USB-C in about 3.7 hours and works while plugged in. And it’s smart – a constant-brightness chip prevents the gradual dimming most rechargeable mirrors show as the battery drains.

👁️ RG0 rated. That’s the top blue-light safety classification, which matters when you’re sitting in front of a bright panel every morning.

Glowy Vanity Mirror specs

• Price: $129.99

• Colors: Purple, White

• Mirror size: 8.5 in. (216mm)

• Brightness: ≥1450 lux (measured at 10cm)

• CRI: Ra 98

• Reflectivity: >92%

• Color modes: 3000K / 4000K / 5000K

• Sensor: 24GHz radar

• Battery: 5,500mAh, approx. 3.7h charge

• Runtime: 4-5.5 hours depending on brightness

• Body: AL6063 aluminum alloy

• Weight: approx. 1000g (35.3 oz)

• In the box: Mirror, USB-C cable, cleaning cloth

Worth knowing: at a full kilogram, it’s heavy for something marketed on portability, and the warranty is one year, half what Laifen gives its shavers.

Laifen AutoCurl Curling Iron – $99.99, 15% discount at checkout

Check the AutoCurl price →
Discount: 15% off will be applied at checkout

🌀 It starts on its own. Feed a strand into the enclosed chamber and a D-ToF sensor spots it in about half a second. Auto Mode begins without a button press, which means you can be doing something else with your other hand – checking a calendar, holding a coffee, answering the kid who just walked in. Manual Mode is there if you’d rather trigger it yourself.

↩️ It picks the direction. A dual-chamber design reads which side you inserted from, so hair near your face curls inward and hair away from it curls outward. That removes the left/right decision that causes most uneven home curls, and it’s the reason this is usable at 6:45am before you’re fully awake.

⏱️ 16 seconds per section. Three heat levels cover fine, normal and coarse hair, and the iron recovers between sections in under 12 seconds. That cadence is what makes it realistic on a weekday rather than something you save for Saturday.

🛡️ A servo watches for snags. A micro-servo monitors torque in real time and slows or pauses when it detects resistance, which is what keeps an automatic device from pulling on hair it can’t free. The chamber is enclosed on all sides too, so the hot surface isn’t the part your knuckles find.

✈️ It handles a hotel bathroom. Dual-voltage support covers 110–240V, so it works abroad with the right plug adapter. There’s a 60-second inactivity sleep mode and a 30-minute auto shut-off, which is the feature you appreciate from the airport, not the bathroom.

Worth knowing: the 32mm barrel produces loose curls and waves, not tight ringlets, and 16 seconds is per section – a full head is still a multi-minute job.

AutoCurl Curling Iron specs

• Price: $99.99

• Colors: Pink, White

• Barrel: 32mm (1.25 in.)

• Curl time: 16 seconds per section

• Heat settings: 320°F / 356°F / 392°F (160°C / 180°C / 200°C)

• Heat-up: approx. 50 seconds

• Hair length: 25–60cm (9.8–23.6 in.)

• Negative ions: 200 million

• Temp monitoring: 1,000 times/sec

• Weight: 388g (0.86 lb), without cord

• Voltage: 110–240V

• Auto shut-off: 30 minutes

• In the box: Curling iron, 2 hair clips

Laifen P3 Electric Shaver – $164.99, 15% discount at checkout

Check the P3 price →
Discount: a 15% discount will be applied at checkout

⚙️ Two linear motors. Each runs at 12,000 cuts per minute, with a PID control loop adjusting output as beard density changes to reduce pulling in thicker stubble. That’s the difference between a compact shaver you actually use and one that lives in a drawer after the first tug.

🪒 Three blades. Two foil heads handle stubble under 2mm while a center trimmer catches longer and flat-lying hairs. The head floats to follow your jaw and neck – the two places a rigid head misses on a rushed pass.

🧳 Built to travel. IPX7 for wet or dry use, a magnetic detachable head for rinsing, USB-C charging and up to 100 minutes of runtime. A 3-minute charge buys about 7 minutes of use, which covers the morning you realize the battery died sometime over the weekend. Travel Mode locks the power button with a 2-second hold so it doesn’t switch itself on in a packed bag.

💼 It fits the way people actually shave now. Small enough for a gym bag or a carry-on, waterproof enough to use in the shower, and charged by the same cable as your phone. If your routine involves shaving somewhere other than your own bathroom sink a few times a month, that’s the whole pitch.

P3 Electric Shaver specs

• Price: $164.99

• Motor: Dual linear motors, 12,000 cuts per minute each

• Head: 2 foil heads + center trimmer

• Foil: 0.055mm stainless steel, ArcBlade 146.2° curve

• Body: Glass fiber-reinforced PC with UV Monocoat finish

• Waterproof: IPX7

• Charging: USB-C, 3-minute quick charge for approx. 7 minutes of use

• Runtime: Up to 100 minutes

• Weight: 187.1g

• In the box: Shaver body, shaver head, protective cap, charging cable

Worth knowing: The Travel Pod and Non-Slip Pad are sold separately, so check which configuration is in your cart.

What’s next: Laifen’s New York event on Sept. 17

The three newest products make their US debut at a Laifen press event in New York on Sept. 17 – the first the company has run itself stateside, and a reasonable marker of how seriously it’s treating the US market. That’s also the first chance to get hands on all of this at once, so expect a fuller verdict from us after we’ve used them rather than read about them.

• Laifen Glowy Vanity Mirror – $129.99 Shop the Glowy with our reader discount →

• Laifen AutoCurl Curling Iron – $99.99 Shop the AutoCurl with our reader discount →

• Laifen P3 3-Blade Electric Shaver - $164.99 Shop the P3 with our reader discount →

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The new iPhone Duo launch at Apple Park stole headlines this month, but The Shortcut team also discovered a bunch of exciting gadgets 4,000 miles away at IFA 2026 in Berlin. This is basically Europe’s CES, and this year it was home to experimental screen-expanding laptops, MacBook Neo rivals running Windows, bezel-less phones, and dancing robots.

There was even a smart fish tank and toothbrush with a built-in camera. Roaming the Messe Berlin exhibition halls is daunting. Tens of thousands of gadgets are on display.

Between the German beers and soft pretzels, Max and I managed to narrow down which 30 gadgets were hot schnitzel and which were the currywurst. Time to prost the list below.

1. Lenovo Project Swan

Laptop screen sizes don’t have to stay one size. That’s the idea behind Lenovo's expandable laptop, Project Swan. It’s reminiscent of previous concepts, like the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable, which has a display that can expand from a regular 14-inch panel to a wider 17-inch panel with the touch of a button, or the gamer-friendly Legion Pro Rollable.

Project Swan isn’t as dramatic as previous rollable laptops, but that’s what we like about it. It feels more practical and could go mainstream if it graduates from concept to market-ready. Instead of getting super tall or wide, it switches to a manageable 17-inch, 16:9 display that’s perfect for watching videos. There’s no word on whether Lenovo will ship this, but it stood out to us as one of the most useful concepts we saw at IFA 2026.

2. Dyson CameraJet Toothbrush

Dyson always brings groundbreaking takes on existing tech whenever it enters a new product category, and the new CameraJet Toothbrush is no different.

This $500 camera-equipped toothbrush uses AI to detect gaps between your teeth and spurts mouthwash to floss as you brush. Here’s the brushhead spin on old tech that’s award-winning: you can stream a live view of your toothbrushing to a smartphone – the Dyson CameraJet also connects over 2.4Ghz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Beyond combining a water flosser into a toothbrush, Dyson claims its variable sonic oscillation keeps the bristles in constant motion no matter how you’re holding the toothbrush and helps remove 69% more plaque than other leading electric toothbrushes.

3. Anker eufyMake Printer

Anker’s eufyMake Printer is the gadget we want the most at The Shortcut. It’s about to shake up fabric printing for small and medium businesses that want on-demand custom merch. Here at Swider Studios, we’re prepping T-shirt designs for the printer’s Q1 2027 arrival.

What’s cool is that the eufyMake Printer supports both Direct-to-Garment (DTG) and Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing in one compact device, and Anker told The Shortcut that it’ll cost considerably less money than competitors when it launches next year.

It’ll support different film effects for special print jobs, work with both light and dark garments (so important), and its unique nozzle design will help keep the ink from drying out and ruining your next print. We can’t wait to get our hands on this next-gen fabric printer.

4. Anker MagGo Pro 2

The Anker MagGo 2 Pro focuses on maximum-speed charging and cooling. It’s Qi2.2 certified, so you can expect up to 25W wireless charging with the latest smartphones like the iPhone 17 series and Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold.

Wireless charging at such high speeds can raise temperatures to 113°F, but Anker has a solution: the company says the MagGo Pro 2’s integrated fan helps keep temperatures below human skin temperature (98.6°F), so it’s comfortable to hold while preventing heat from slowing your handset’s charging speed. The Anker MagGo 2 Pro also features a screen to show your power statistics and a kickstand to prop up the phone, too.

5. Lenovo IdeaPad Vibe

Plenty of MacBook Neo rivals showed up at IFA 2026, but the Lenovo IdeaPad Vibe is the most customizable option yet. First off, the laptop itself comes in two sizes, 14- or 15-inch, and seven colors. On top of being able to choose between the fun colored Dreamy Violet, Spicy Gold, Zen Green, Chill Blue, Radiant Coral, Moody Blue, and Lowkey Grey, you can also choose to have different colored keycaps as well.

What we really liked: the customization options also extend to CPU options, as you can have either a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor or a beefier AMD AI 400 chip – and Intel versions will be available at a later date.

6. Anker Eufy Baby Care products

Anker is one of the only tech brands in the market regularly introducing innovative products for babies and new moms, and it showcased many of our favorites at IFA 2026. From the intelligent breast pump system that helps moms maintain comfort to the bottle cleaning station that maximizes cleanliness without any intervention, these products could be a huge game-changer for anyone new to parenting. Easy Editor’s Choice winner for our team.

7. Oukitel WP68 Air

Oukitel makes some of the leading rugged Android phones on the market, and one of its latest aims to make this type of device more comfortable to use. The WP68 Air measures just 11.9mm thick, which is quite thin for a device that can take a beating like this one can. It’s powered by Android 16 and has three rear cameras for versatile shooting options, plus a huge 8,000mAh battery that helps the device last multiple days on a charge.

8. XGIMI Aura 3 Max

XGIMI always brings its A-game when it’s time to introduce a new flagship projector. The Aura 3 Max delivers a very premium experience with exceptional picture quality, support for dynamic HDR and detail optimization, 5,700m lumens of brightness, and 4K output at 120Hz. Your movies will feel more theater-like thanks to native 24fps support, the 8000:1 contrast ratio keeps black levels exceptionally dark, and the built-in Harman Kardon speakers sound surprisingly full of life for being in such a compact space. Plus, it has a beautiful design that’ll complement your living room perfectly.

9. Reolink OMVI 2i Ultra Security Camera

Reolink is renowned for subscription-free security cameras, and the OMVI 2i Ultra can now ditch electricity thanks to an integrated solar panel.

The new OMVI 2i Ultra can run for a full day on as little as 30 minutes of sunlight, and with its detachable 10,000mAh battery, it can also run for six months straight. The camera itself features an 8MP sensor and a wide-angle lens. It also has a separate 5MP pan-tilt camera that can be programmed to track people, animals, and vehicles.

10. Laifen AutoCurl

Laifen has been making big strides in the beauty and self-care world with its products, and the AutoCurl is another shining example. This curling iron can detect what direction your hair has been inserted in half a second, identifying exactly how hot the iron needs to be for effortless, consistent curls. It has three heat settings that adapt to different hair types and styling needs, Ionic technology to reduce static and frizz, and it’s somehow only 388 grams, so your arm won’t get tired while styling.

11. Alienware AW3226Q gaming monitor

The Alienware AW3226Q offers the latest OLED gaming monitor technology at a reasonable $699. This 39-inch display truly uses the latest panel technology, combining a quad-tandem OLED panel with an RGB stripe subpixel layer. All of this allows the monitor to reach a 1,000-nit peak brightness for Dolby Vision gaming. It’s also better for everyday tasks thanks to the RGB strip improving color purity, cleaner detail, and text clarity.

12. Beyerdynamic Aventho Y

Wireless noise-canceling headphones for $150 would be award-winning on their own, but the Beyerdynamic Aventho Y really earns its prize with an astonishing 90-hour battery life and unmatched repairability. You can truly keep this pair of headphones going for years by replacing the battery, magnetic earcups, slides, and hinges. We also love the upgrades, which, while optional, allow the Aventho to deliver low-latency gaming audio with a USB-C dongle and a boom microphone for headset-quality calls.

13. MemoMind One

The MemoMind One is one of our favorite smart glasses we’ve tested. The simple, office-friendly design is lightweight and comfortable to wear all day. Meanwhile, the lack of a camera ensures privacy remains at the center of the experience. Dual Harman Kardon speakers let you take calls, listen to music, and speak with Memo AI, MemoMind’s assistant that can take notes, help with research, and even provide live translations on the lens displays. Speaking of which, both displays use advanced projection technology from XGIMI for a crisp, clear experience.

14. Dreame LumaTempo fish tank

Dreame had something unexpected up its sleeve for IFA: a smart fish tank. The LumaTempo fish tank is quite the smart home for your aquatic pets. It features an intelligent feeding system to keep your fish fed on time every day, an advanced filtration system to keep the water clean, water temperature monitoring, and an app that lets you manage it. Plus, there are fun RGB lights so you can customize the look of your tank to match your vibe.

15. Dreame Leaptic Cube

One of the most impressive action cameras we saw at the show was the Leaptic Cube from Dreame. It’s equipped with a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor that can take 50MP pictures and shoot video in up to 8K at 30 frames per second, a rarity in the world of action cams. It also has a 155-degree field of view to fit everything in the frame. Plus, you can detach the sensor and place it wherever you’d like to get the perfect shot.

16. Tecno Bezelless concept phone

Tecno made headlines at IFA for creating something that many companies have chased for years and enthusiasts have dreamed of: a phone free of display bezels. While, yes, you can see the frame of the phone around the sides of the screen, the Tecno Bezelless concept phone manages to look like one of the most futuristic smartphones we’ve ever seen. It has the energy of what we assume next year’s 20th-anniversary iPhone will look like: a single sheet of glass that functions as a full-fledged smartphone. Kinda sick, right?

17. Acer Project DualPlay Mini

The Acer Project DualPlay Mini solves the recent conundrum of choosing between buying a gaming handheld or laptop by giving you both devices in one package.

At first glance, the Project DualPlay Mini looks like any other gaming handheld, including Acer’s own Predator Atlas 8. However, opening the device and flipping the screen reveals a traditional keyboard hidden beneath. Admittedly, this leaves you with a laptop with a dinky 8-inch screen, but if you’re looking for a single PC device that lets you play and work while traveling, the Acer Project DualPlay Mini seems like a dream prototype.

18. Flowtica Verso

There were so many AI-powered note-taking devices out at IFA 2026, but Flowtica puts a unique spin on it by including an E Ink display. The new Verso AI note taker snaps to the back of your phone via MagSafe and gives you a tool to record meetings, conversations, and more, while simultaneously having everything transcribed. The E Ink display lets you sift through your notes, pull up a digital business card, glance at your agenda, and more, all without needing to open your phone. The independence of the device can help you focus a bit more on the task at hand and keep your work in one place.

19. Roomba Max 875 Combo

The Roomba Max 875 has us excited about iRobot for the first time in years. This latest flagship robot vacuum features an innovative carpet-cleaning feature that creates an airtight seal to drag up deep-seated debris.

Its underlying tech is akin to a hovercraft: it uses skirts to create an airtight seal to the carpet. It helps the Roomba Max 875, one of the most powerful robot vacuums, with 35,000Pa of suction power. If that wasn’t enough, it can mop your floors thanks to its self-cleaning roller mop and Ultrasonic TheraMist that sprays heated steam to loosen stains and dirt.

20. LiberNovo Maxis Series chair

Tall and large-framed individuals rejoice, as the LiberNovo Maxis Series is an ergonomic office chair designed for you. This chair not only supports larger people from 5’10” to 6’7″ and up to 399 pounds, but you’ll feel at ease with its backrest made of eight movable panels arranged in an S-curve to help support your back naturally as you lean back and sit forward. That same backrest also supports a wide range of recline, from leaning in at 105° to a relaxing 160°. Additionally, the Maxis Electric and Airflow models include an onboard motor that lets you adjust lumbar support at the touch of a button. Plus, OmniStretch Mode provides a five-minute back massage.

21. Moto Watch Ultra

The Moto Watch Ultra deserves a Best of IFA award not because it breaks new ground or revolutionizes the smartwatch category, but because it does one thing right: it finally brings Google’s Wear OS software back to Motorola’s watches.

It’s a huge upgrade over the custom software Moto ships on its cheaper watches, making the Watch Ultra the best smartwatch from Motorola in years. Plus, you get fitness tracking powered by Polar, a snazzy design, LTE connectivity, dual GPS support, and up to two days of battery life.

22. Xiaomi 18 Fold

Xiaomi made a big splash at IFA with the introduction of the Xiaomi 18 Fold, a foldable smartphone that looks almost exactly like Apple’s iPhone Duo – with the iPhone 18 Pro’s coolest color. It adopts a shorter, wider design that’s optimal for watching movies and multitasking, and it’s powered by Xiaomi’s new Xring 03 chip.

We don’t know everything about the phone just yet, but it looks like it’ll be one of Apple’s biggest rivals in Asia when it launches.

23. iFLYTEK AINOTE 2

There’s an innumerable amount of E-Ink tablets that let you scribe notes, but unless you sort them meticulously into folders, most of your documents will sit buried in your Kindle Scribe, Remarkable, or what have you. iFLYTEK AINOTE 2 changes this narrative by using AI to digitize your handwritten notes into searchable digital text. At the same time, this device can transcribe live conversations and meetings to produce actionable items and a calendar schedule to keep you on track. Even as a simple E-ink tablet, the iFLYTEK AINOTE 2 stands out as one of the thinnest at 4.2mm thick, and it weighs just 295 grams, too.

24. xLean TR1

This robot vacuum cleaner from xLean has a really cool trick we haven’t seen before: it can act as a normal vacuum cleaner, too. The dual vacuum-and-mop system can operate on its own like a normal robot cleaner, but you can also attach an arm to it and push it around your home to clean your floors. That’s on top of all the neat features built in, like dual-motor suction, obstacle avoidance, intelligent mopping for detecting heavy stains, and more.

25. Humanoid PrimeBOT T1

At IFA 2026, we got to witness the PrimeBOT T1, a robot whose sole purpose is to be your companion and bust a move. It can walk on all fours in a sort of “robot dog”-esque mode, then stand up and walk around like a human.

PrimeBOT demoed its appeal for younger users, like children, with a bunch of built-in modes that make it feel friendly and fun to interact with. Plus, it has obstacle avoidance built in, so it won’t run into anything around your home. By far the most advanced robot we saw at IFA.

26. Plaud One Explorer Edition

Plaud has taken its fantastic note-taking AI agent and put it into a new form factor: earbuds. While Plaud isn’t the first to do this, the One Explorer Edition AI Earbuds also support 4G eSIMs, so they can work completely independently without a tethered phone or laptop.

Plaid’s AI assistant is more robust than most and can connect to tools like Gmail, Google Calendar, Notion, and Slack to draft follow-up emails or create documents and presentations after any conversation.

27. JMGO IRIS Ultra Max

There’s a whole lot of horsepower built into the IRIS Ultra Max projector from JMGO. With a dual-iris system, the projector can reach up to 6,500 lumens while maintaining an impressive 10,000:1 native contrast ratio, keeping content sharp and vivid in any lighting condition. It supports up to 4K output at 120Hz, comes with a motorized pan-and-tilt gimbal for adjusting the image, and is powered by Google TV to support all your favorite streaming services.

28. Fitueyes TV stands

With modern designs and plenty of versatile options, Fitueyes had a big presence at IFA with its TV stands, consoles, and other furniture for your living room. We found one of its TV consoles to be particularly interesting: press a button on a remote and the console will present a huge projection screen, turning your living room or basement into a movie theater. Its other stands are made with premium materials and support a wide range of TV sizes and weights, with an option in the lineup for everyone.

29. DJI Osmo 360 II

DJI made major improvements to its 360º camera line by introducing the Osmo 360 II. It’s now equipped with a much better sensor that can capture 8K video at 60fps, giving creators more versatility and resolution to play with in the editing room. It’s safe underwater for cool snorkeling shots, the lenses are user-replaceable in case one breaks, and the design is much tougher than before to withstand any adventure you take it on. It makes DJI a much stronger contender against companies like Insta360 and worthy of consideration if you’re in the market for a new, high-end action cam.

30. Qualcomm Dragonwing Q-2390

Qualcomm’s latest Dragonwing is the Q-2390, and it makes significant strides in incorporating powerful technologies like on-device AI into small, efficient, and cost-friendly devices. It’s designed to power the displays, cameras, and other IO in a single package, this time more efficiently than ever before. It’ll make its way into appliances, smart home devices, and commercial gadgets in the near future.

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Ahead of the release of the iPhone 18 Pro and Apple Watch Series 12 later this week, Apple has begun rolling out iOS 27 to all supported users dating back to the iPhone 11. The update is easily one of Apple’s best in years, as it delivers on key performance upgrades that make your phone feel smoother and more responsive. It also has a boatload of new features that make it a worthwhile upgrade for everyone.

I’ve been using iOS 27 since the very first beta came out in June. Oftentimes, I’m a proponent of new software upgrades simply because they’re more secure and give you access to new features, but they can be daunting for average consumers. Luckily, this year’s iOS version is filled with small adjustments that make your iPhone experience much better than iOS 26 - yes, even with all those Siri AI features.

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• iPhone 18 Pro: $39

• iPhone 18 Pro Max: $39

• AirPods Pro 3: $29

• Slim wallet: $29

• Kickstand wallet: $39

More: iPhone 18 Pro cases: The 14 best for style, protection, and value

Why you should upgrade to iOS 27

🚀 Performance gets a big boost. It all starts with the better performance. Apple touts up to 30% faster app launches and 80% faster AirDrop transfers with iOS 27, and you can see it. My iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone Air feel noticeably faster and more responsive than they did running iOS 26, with snappier animations and less time waiting for AirDrop transfers to complete. Folks I know who have tested the iOS 27 beta on older iPhones say the update improves things for them even more. Apple did a ton of work under the hood to make its software much faster than before, and you’ll notice it the second it’s on your phone.

🤖 Siri AI is actually helpful. For the first time in Siri’s existence, Apple’s smart assistant isn’t a pain in the rear end. Siri AI completely revamps the experience with new Apple Foundation Models that incorporate Google Gemini, giving you a more contextual and personable experience that can understand basic human language. It can see what’s on your screen, decipher what’s in a picture, and be interrupted, just like Gemini or ChatGPT. You get a rolling list of all your chats, Siri remembers what you said yesterday and what your plans are in your calendar, and it looks a lot prettier than it used to. I’ll have more thoughts to share on Siri AI on The Shortcut Live this week, but in short, it’s a night and day improvement over old Sirl.

🫧 Liquid Glass is easier to see. Did you hate how Liquid Glass looked when you first installed iOS 26? Lucky for you, it’ll look a lot better with iOS 27. Not only did Apple adjust the opacity of the UI to make text and icons clearer, but you can also adjust how clear it is depending on your preferences. It can be completely frosted over, or it can be as clear as a glass of drinking water. I kept my toggle smack in the middle, which was perfect for my tastes, but if you want to change things up, you now have the option.

🤳 iPhone Handoff might be super underrated. I’ve been switching between my iPhone Pro Max and my iPhone Air quite a bit lately, so I’m excited to get iPhone Handoff so I can properly dual-wield two iPhones. It’s a feature Apple built into iOS 27 that lets you share the same phone number on two different iPhones, with the one you pick up next becoming the active one. Carriers will need to offer support for the feature, with T-Mobile up first in the United States. I’m unbelievably excited for this since it means I can have a personal phone and a work phone, both with the same phone number. Follow me on X to see my first impressions when I gain access to it.

💬 Sending big photos over text gets easier. Apple has tweaked the backend of Messages to make sending texts to people a bit easier. There’s improved syncing across your devices which is nice, and you can reply in-line with RCS messages for the first time. But the biggest kicker? Sending big pictures or videos. If you send one with a string of text and it fails, it’ll automatically try again until it works. It’ll also make sure both the image or video and the text are sent at the same time, so that the person on the other end doesn’t lose context for what you’re sending. I’ve seen these improvements for myself, and they’re definitely appreciated.

💳 The Wallet app is much nicer to use. Two big improvements to Wallet make it feel like a whole new app. For one, you get a calendar of recurring expenses that’ll notify you when one is coming up - that comes in clutch all the time for budgeting throughout the month. Then there’s the bill-splitting feature. It’s built into the Siri section of the Camera app and can take a picture of your bill. Then, it uses AI to highlight each item. You can tap on each item you purchased and, afterwards, use a floating calculator to figure out how much you owe someone for dinner or lunch. I’ve used it a couple of times and, boy oh boy, is it handy.

📍 Temporarily share your location. I’d also like to highlight a feature I’ve been using a lot for work trips: temporary location sharing in Find My. Now, in iOS 27, you can share your location with a friend for a set period of time, then have it turn off automatically. I’ve used it to share my location with Matt so he can find me at trade shows and roaming the streets of the foreign city we’re visiting. Then, when we’re back in Manhattan it turns off.

How to update to iOS 27

If you want any of these features on your iPhone, here’s how to update it to iOS 27.

1. Open your phone and go to Settings.

2. Tap on General.

3. Then, tap Software update.

4. You should see iOS 27 waiting for you. If you don’t, wait a bit longer until Apple’s servers send it to your phone.

5. From there, tap the blue Update now button.

6. It’ll take a while for it to download, but once it does, you’ll be able to hit Install.

7. Let your iPhone do its thing and reboot. When it comes back on, you’ll be equipped with iOS 27 and all the snazzy new features I just mentioned.

What else dropped today?

Apple is also rolling out these new software updates to its other devices.

• iPadOS 27

• watchOS 27

• macOS 27 Golden Gate

• tvOS 27

• visionOS 27

• homeOS 27

You can follow similar steps to what I outlined above to update your devices with those software updates as well.

Up next! ⬇️

Max Buondonno is an editor at The Shortcut and co-host of The Shortcut Live. He’s been reporting on the latest consumer technology since 2015, with his work featured on CNN Underscored, ZDNET, How-To Geek, XDA, TheStreet, and more. Follow him on X @LegendaryScoop and Instagram @LegendaryScoop.

• 💰 The Steam Frame starts at $1,059 for the 256GB model

• 📈 The 1TB version climbs to $1,299

• ✍️ Sign-ups are live right now on Steam and close on September 17, after which Valve randomizes the queue

• 😮 If you see ‘out of stock’ don’t panic – not a single Steam Frame has sold yet. You’re reserving a spot, not buying a unit

• 📅 Purchase invites start going out on September 21, with the Steam Frame officially launching on

Steam Frame sign-up

At long last, we finally have the crucial details we’ve been waiting for: the Steam Frame price, pre-order, and release date. And if you’re in the market for a VR headset, you can reserve yours now on Steam.

Don’t worry if you see an “Out of stock” button. Like with the Steam Machine, Valve is letting users reserve its next piece of hardware – though you’re at the mercy of a lottery system, essentially.

You can reserve your interest in both Steam Frame models, and you’ll either be one of the first to buy the headset when it’s available, or enter a waitlist for when more units become available.

You’ll also need to have a Steam account that’s in good standing and have recently made a purchase. Fresh accounts made just to grab a unit won’t cut it – a pleasing anti-scalper guardrail.

How to reserve a Steam Frame

The steps are simple, but the timing matters:

1. Sign up now on Steam for whichever model (or models) you want. You can register interest in more than one config to boost your odds.

2. Sign-ups close on September 17. At that moment, Valve closes the list and runs a one-time randomization to set the order. Refreshing the page gives you no advantage over someone who signed up later.

3. Watch your inbox on September 18. You’ll get one of two emails: either you’ve landed a reservation with a Steam Frame held in your name, or you’re on the waitlist for when more units free up.

4. Buying will start on September 18. Valve sends the first batch of purchase invites that day and works down the queue as stock allows.

Steam Frame price: every model

Valve is selling two models of the Steam Machine, which only differ in terms of storage and price:

• Steam Frame 256GB - $1,059, comes with a copy of Half-Life: Alyx, a power supply is not included

• Steam Frame 1TB - $1,299, comes with a copy of Half: Life Alyx, a power supply is not included

Steam Frame specs

Display and optics

• Resolution: 2160×2160 LCD per eye

• Refresh Rate: 72Hz, 90Hz, 120Hz, and 144Hz (experimental)

• Optics: Pancake lenses

• Field of View (FOV): Up to 110 degrees

• IPD Adjustment: Variable with a physical dial

Performance and storage

• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3

• RAM: 16GB Unified LPDDR5X

• Storage: 256GB or 1TB UFS

• Expandable Storage: Yes, via a microSD card slot

Connectivity

• Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 7, with dual 5GHz and 6GHz radios

• Wireless Adapter: Bundled Wi-Fi 6E (6GHz) USB adapter for direct, low-latency PC connection

Other specifications

• Tracking: Inside-out computer vision tracking, with eye tracking support

• Audio: Integrated dual audio drivers in the headstrap

• Weight: 185g for the core unit; 440g with the standard headstrap and facial interface installed

• Battery: 21.6 Wh rechargeable Li-ion battery located in the rear headstrap

• Expansion Port: User-accessible front expansion port

Steam Frame vs Meta Quest 3: which should you buy?

When it comes to the Steam Frame vs Meta Quest 3, the Steam Frame feels like the next big thing for VR, though some may see it as more of a refinement than an evolution of the Meta Quest 3. The price will be a big factor for many, as the Meta Quest 3 is far more affordable. However, its open-ended nature means it’ll appeal to tinkerers, and its promise to let you play your entire Steam library in a new 2D display mode is also a unique selling point.

Walmart: Meta Quest 3

Best Buy: Meta Quest 3

GameStop: Meta Quest 3

Amazon: Meta Quest 3

Up next: Steam Machine review roundup: ‘an expensive curio, rather than a gaming device for the masses’

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Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.

• 🎮 Apple has reportedly been developing an iPhone gaming controller for over a year

• 🎧 The controller will launch under the Beats brand to enter the third-party accessories market

• 👍 Using the Beats brand allows Apple to release experimental gaming hardware without risking its core brand identity

• 👀 Specific controller features are unknown, but strong Beats brand recognition is expected to boost consumer trust

Apple has always positioned the iPhone as a gaming platform, but we’ve never seen the Cupertino-based company release any specific branded hardware to support its gaming ambitions. However, that could be set to change.

According to reliable insider Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, Apple has “been working on gaming controllers for the iPhone for a bit over a year”.

Instead of being Apple-branded, the controller will be designed under the Beats brand, and it could kick-start the release of more experimental products.

Beats, which was acquired by Apple in 2014 for $3 billion, has only really been used for headphones primarily, but Gurman says Apple could use Beats to “capitalize on the third-party accessories market” without risking the prestigious Apple brand.

Gurman believes Beats would be a good fit for a gaming controller, as it fits “naturally under the Beats umbrella” as a culture and lifestyle product.

As for what the controller will entail, there are few details available. We’ve seen countless mobile controllers over the years, from clip-ons to wireless and transforming designs.

A Beats iPhone gaming controller would be an easy choice for many consumers, who will immediately recognize the brand and therefore feel its trustworthy and more reliable than a competing, yet unknown third-party brand.

Apple already sells third-party controllers on its store, including the PS5 DualSense controller and the Backbone One.

Up next: iPhone 18 Pro cases: The 14 best for style, protection, and value

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Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.

• 👏 A new console update brings customizable boot screens, profile badge showcases, and improved search

• ☁️ Remote Play gains 1440p resolution support, while Cloud Gaming adds background downloads during streaming

• 🗣️ Party chat introduces ‘Voice Clarity’ to suppress background noise in supported games

• 🤝 Microsoft has now partnered with Hideo Kojima for PHYSINT alongside the upcoming Xbox exclusive OD

Shop Xbox at Walmart

Shop Xbox at Best Buy

Microsoft is pulling out all the stops recently to win back the hearts and minds of disillusioned Xbox gamers – and even those who have pledged their allegiance to Sony PlayStation.

As shared on Xbox Wire, a new console update is on the way that lets players choose the boot screen of different Xbox generations, whether that’s Xbox One, Xbox One X, Xbox Series X|S, or the default ‘We are Xbox’ logo. Sadly, there’s no Xbox 360 or original Xbox boot screens, though perhaps they’ll be added at a later date.

Microsoft is also adding new customization options for players that let them showcase up to five badges they’ve earned on their public profile, and the console’s search functionality is being improved.

Remote Play is getting a surprise update, too, with support for up to 1440p resolution and increased video bitrates for sharper visuals and smoother gameplay on supported devices. You’ll need to make sure your console is set to 1440p or 4K to take advantage of the new resolution bump.

Those who use Xbox Cloud Gaming – despite the new limits – will be pleased to hear that downloads will continue in the background when you stream a game, when network conditions allow, allowing you to play while a game installs or updates without any interruptions.

Party chat, one of Xbox Live’s most iconic features, is also getting an update, with an enhanced audio experience that helps reduce everyday background noise. It’s called ‘Voice Clarity’ and it will be enabled by default in party chat in most games released since 2020.

If the latest Xbox console update wasn’t enough to get excited about, Microsoft announced it has picked up Hideo Kojima’s PHYSINT, after the legendary Japanese developer parted ways with Sony.

Xbox CEO Asha Sharma recently visited Kojima Productions in Japan, which is also developing another Xbox exclusive called OD.

Sony announced it was parting ways with Hideo Kojima in a shock announcement on X. Since starting his own studio, Kojima has closely aligned with Sony, using Guerrilla Games’ graphics engine ‘Decima’ to create Death Stranding and Death Stranding 2, both of which released on PS4 and PS5 as timed exclusives.

Up next: Xbox Project Helix release window narrowed down as Xbox CEO hints at multiple next-gen consoles

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Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.

• 👍 Marvel’s Wolverine has achieved a Metacritic score of 77

• 📉 That’s lower than Insomniac Games’ other superhero titles

• 😒 The game’s repetitive combat, hand-holding and messy story have been criticized

• 📅 Marvel’s Wolverine is a PS5 exclusive and is out on September 15, 2026

Walmart: Marvel's Wolverine

Best Buy: Marvel's Wolverine

Amazon: Marvel's Wolverine

Marvel’s Wolverine is the latest comic-book adaptation from developer Insomniac games. But does it live up to the studio’s excellent Spider-Man games? Sadly, the consensus seems to be no.

Marvel’s Wolverine currently has a Metacritic score of 77 after 118 critic reviews. That still means the game has received generally favorable review scores, but compared to Marvel’s Spider-Man (87), Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales (85), and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 (90), Marvel’s Wolverine has clearly fallen short.

Here’s what the critics made of Marvel’s Wolverine, which is exclusive to PS5 and releases on September 15.

Hardcore Gamer was one of the few outlets that gave Marvel’s Wolverine a perfect score, saying:

“Marvel’s Wolverine is an absolute triumph in nearly every category, doing for the character what Marvel’s Spider-Man did for Spider-Man. The story is exceptional through its deep dive into Logan’s complex character, using both allies and villains and an overarching plot to deliver the best Wolverine performance since Hugh Jackman first stepped into the role.”

Game Informer praised the game’s graphics and sound, awarding Marvel’s Wolverine a score of 85/100:

“Insomniac’s latest action opus is beautiful to look at and listen to, and it plays like a dream. Whether you’re a fan of the wily mutant lead or you simply gravitate to taut, tightly animated combat like what you’d find in God of War or Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Wolverine is an intense and unrelenting ride. It may not hit a lot of notes, but like Logan himself, it nails the vitals where it counts.”

TheSixthAxis also enjoyed Insomniac’s Wolverine adaptation, and gave the game an 8/10 in its review:

“Marvel’s Wolverine carves out its slot in a packed year for single-player adventures. The comparisons back to Insomniac's previous work are inevitable, and it's true that Wolverine's blood-soaked combat can feel more restrained and limited, but this globetrotting odyssey never outstays its welcome and sets the foundation for what could be a stone cold killer of a sequel.”

GamesRadar+ gave the game 6/10 and criticized the game’s combat and story:

“Marvel's Wolverine is a surprisingly average game let down by basic combat, a messy story, and the whelming feeling it could have all been a lot better. It's an enjoyable enough experience but one that lacks the depth, nuance and variety you'd expect.”

GameSpot also thought Marvel’s Wolverine was worthy of a 6/10 score:

“Wolverine is a difficult game to grapple with. As I’ve emphasized repeatedly, there’s nothing outright wrong or bad about it. It delivers an authentic, highly playable Wolverine experience. I don’t regret my time with it and, in fact, I left hoping there’s a sequel that makes good on what the game sets up. But at the same time, that inoffensiveness comes from the fact that it’s a barebones third-person action game executed in a no-frills way, with no real surprises. At best, it’s a fun but forgettable experience that’ll entertain you for a few hours. At worst, it shows that just because you can make really good superhero games with one character, that doesn’t mean you can make really super hero games with any character. Insomniac is an incredibly talented developer, but it shines with characters that allow it to flex its well-trained design muscles. Wolverine might be the best at what he does, but what he does hasn’t let Insomniac’s developers be the best at what they do.”

IGN was also not a fan of Marvel’s Wolverine, giving it a 6/10 in its review:

“Just like its hero’s adamantium core, Marvel’s Wolverine is built of sturdy stuff – it just fails to layer something special atop its initially satisfying action, which wears thin well before the conclusion as a result. I wish there was more variety, as the combat shows its hand early on and the level design plays it safe more often than not. That means this 15-hour campaign is largely carried by its story, which, while not revolutionary, is an enjoyable tale with good character work at times and a strong portrayal of X-Men’s lead. Marvel’s Wolverine is okay, just a step or two below Insomniac’s other superhero efforts.”

Marvel’s Wolverine doesn’t sound like a bad game by any means, but it clearly doesn’t live up to the quality that many expect from Sony first-party exclusives, and specifically, developer Insomniac Games. If you’re a huge X-Men and Wolverine fan, it’s probably worth picking it up when it’s on sale.

Up next: Wolverine PS5 controller and console update: this is what’s still in stock

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Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.

• 📅 Valve is expected to announce the Steam Frame release date, pricing, and pre-orders today, September 14

• 🚨 Sign-ups for the reservation queue run until September 17, with order emails expected to go out on September 21

• e👀 A 30-minute review video accidentally leaked on Short Circuit, and the headset is expected to start at $1,000 for 256GB

• 🎮 The Steam Frame is Valve’s second VR headset following the Index, supporting both PC streaming and standalone gameplay

After several false dawns and misplaced predictions, it looks like the Steam Frame launch will take place today, September 14.

After a flurry of new information was revealed by data miners, the Steam Frame release date, price, and pre-order should be revealed at 1pm ET / 10am PT / 6pm BST / 7pm CEST, with sign-ups for the reservation queue lasting until September 17, 2026. After that date, users will be entered into a randomized queue, similar to the Steam Controller and Steam Machine.

Emails will be sent out on September 18 to let you know whether you made it into the reservation queue or if you’re on the waitlist. September 21 is predicted to be the date order emails will start being sent out.

It’s likely that the first wave of Steam Frame reviews will also appear today, as Linus Tech Tips’ second channel, Short Circuit, published a 30-minute Steam Frame review accidentally before it was pulled.

The Steam Frame is expected to cost at least $1,000 for the 256GB model. Hopefully, there will be more supply than the extremely scarce Steam Machine and Steam Controller, as Valve has received several Steam Frame shipments during this year.

However, you’ll want to sign-up to reserve your unit, otherwise you’ll be at the mercy of a randomized queue which likely won’t deliver a Steam Frame until next year at the earliest.

The Steam Frame is Valve’s second attempt at a VR headset after the Index. It’s designed with streaming from a PC in mind, but also allows you to play games standalone on the headset.

Up next: Steam Machine and Nvidia GeForce Now are a match made in cloud gaming heaven

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Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.

The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are Apple’s most powerful smartphones to date. With a new variable aperture on the main camera, more powerful performance with the A20 Pro chip, bigger batteries for even longer endurance, and improved cooling, these phones are the ones to get if you’re a content creator, a tech enthusiast, or just want the best iPhone that doesn’t fold in half.

Both phones are also very durable with Apple’s Ceramic Shield 2 and the aluminum enclosure, but glass can still crack, and the metal can get scuffed if you drop it on concrete or other hard surfaces. Luckily, the case market has quickly cooked up a wide selection of covers and protective layers you can attach to your shiny new iPhone 18 Pro to safeguard against accidental damage.

We’ve sifted through them all and have found the 14 best iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max cases we’d spend our money on. Scroll down to see our selections and to pick one up for yourself.

Disclosure: This guide is equipped with affiliate links that help The Shortcut earn a small commission from your purchase. Use these links to keep the lights on at Swider Studios and help out a small team of NYC-based creators!

🍎 Best iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max cases

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The MNML case is dbrand’s first ultra-thin case that’s designed to protect your device from scratches and light drops. Despite being so thin, dbrand says the case can survive drops up to 10 feet, notably high for any thin case. It also comes with a sandstone texture on the outside for extra grip, click buttons, MagSafe magnets, and four color options: black, dark blue, tan, and dark red to match the Burgundy iPhone 18 Pro.

Price: $39

dbrand: MNML case

dbrand Tank Case

The Tank case is sort of the opposite of MNML in the best way possible. It protects every aspect of your iPhone 18 Pro with a design that’s so chaotic and detailed, it could only be from dbrand. It adds plenty of grip to help you from dropping your phone, and if you still do, it’ll be fine thanks to reinforced corners and a protective lip around the screen. The buttons are metallic and super tactile, it integrates both MagSafe and Camera Control compatibility, and it wraps the cameras up to protect them from damage as well.

Price: $59.95

dbrand: Tank case

dbrand Ghost 2.0 case

The Ghost 2.0 case from dbrand is one of our favorite clear cases for any device because of its robust design. Not only does it let you show off the color of your iPhone 18 Pro, but it also gives it protection against drops up to 12 feet high. It’s super thin at 1.8mm to avoid making your phone too thick to carry around, and dbrand famously claims “you’ll die before it yellows.” I believe that - I’ve been using the Ghost 2.0 case every day on my iPhone 17 Pro Max, and it still looks brand-new.

Price: $59.95

dbrand: Ghost 2.0 case

Apple Clear Case with MagSafe

Apple’s Clear Case remains a default staple for a lot of people who upgrade to a new phone. It’s durable enough for everyday wear and tear; it fits perfectly; it works with MagSafe, and the color of your iPhone 18 Pro will shine through. Plus, this year, Apple stopped painting the entire back of the phone in white, only giving the magnets a matte white coating so that more of your phone’s paint job can be seen.

Price: $49

Amazon: Apple Clear Case

Nomad Traditional Leather Case

Our favorite leather case for the iPhone 18 Pro - by a long shot - is Nomad’s Traditional Leather case. It wraps your device in premium Horween leather and gives your phone a premium fit and finish. It’s lined with a microfiber material to protect your phone from scuffs when installing it, and it has a Camera Control button on the side. You also get MagSafe, aluminum buttons, and three color options: Black, Rustic Brown, and Saddle.

Price: $89

Nomad: Traditional Leather (18 Pro)

Nomad: Traditional Leather (18 Pro Max)

Moft MOVAS Snap Case

If you’re more of a vegan leather fan, our friends at Moft have just what you’re looking for. The MOVAS Snap Case has an ultra-light design that’s slim and feels premium, with a high-quality vegan leather exterior that’s protective and very stylish. It comes in a variety of fun colors with a stain-resistant coating to maintain its color over time, and it has built-in drop protection. It’s also slimmer than you’d expect in person.

Price: $49.99

Amazon: Moft MOVAS Snap Case

Aulumu A18

This might be one of the coolest cases we’ve seen in a long time. The Aulumu A18 comes with a durable design that protects your iPhone 18 Pro from drops and scratches, it has MagSafe and Camera Control, and it has a built-in temperature gauge, giving you a visual cue for how hot your device is while you use it. The MagSafe magnets also glow in the dark, just in case you need even more flair from this funky case.

Price: $39.99

Amazon: Aulumu A18 case

Peak Design SlimLink Loop Case

Peak Design incorporates premium fabrics and materials into every item it makes, and the same reigns true for its latest iPhone 18 Pro cases. The SlimLink Loop case comes in three material finishes: Versa Shell (a durable nylon shell), Clarino (vegan leather), or ECCO bovine leather. All three offer slim profiles that keep your phone easy to handle and protected from the elements. It also incorporates Peak Design’s magnetic-plus-mechanical mount system, as well as MagSafe compatibility. Plus, there’s a built-in loop towards the bottom to slip your finger in and make it easier to handle.

Price: $59.95

Peak Design: SlimLink Loop case

Pitaka Edge Case

If you’re shopping for a super-thin case to drape your iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max in, check out the Edge case from Pitaka. Made from military-grade aramid fiber, the case protects your phone from scuffs and dings while staying as slim and lightweight as possible. It’s available in three stylish finishes, integrates both MagSafe and Camera Control, and fits your phone like a glove.

Price: $79.99

Amazon: Pitaka Edge case

CASETiFY Impact Ring Stand Case

This clear bumper case from CASETiFY is great for those who want something protective, expressive, and versatile. It lets your iPhone 18 Pro’s color shine through on the back, with an anti-yellowing clear build that integrates MagSafe and Camera Control. You get a strong bumper design around the sides for drop protection, while the camera area has a kickstand that props your phone up for hands-free viewing.

Price: $78

Amazon: CASETiFY Impact Ring case

ESR Cyber Tough Case with Flex Stand

This super-protective case from ESR doubles down on keeping your iPhone 18 Pro safe, while also providing immense value. The case comes with 7x military-grade drop protection with an anti-slip texture on the outside. It’s available in a bunch of different colors to match your vibe, and there’s a kickstand for hands-free use. You also get MagSafe support and Camera Control. For under $30, it’s an easy pick-up if you just need great protection.

Price: $29.99

Amazon: ESR Cyber Tough Case

Apple TechWoven Case

Apple’s TechWoven case is one of our favorites for a stylish way to protect your iPhone, and the company has shipped a few new colors for the iPhone 18 Pro. There’s Chambray Blue, Black, Burgundy, Mulberry, Olive, and Taupe, all of which pair nicely with the selection of colors you can get the 18 Pro in. The case itself features a durable nylon-like design on the back with clicky buttons, camera protection, and a snug fit around your device.

Price: $59

Amazon: Apple TechWoven Case

Spigen Enzo Aramid T

This case from Spigen offers a great balance of style, protection, and price. The durable bumper around the sides will aid in protecting it against drops, while the aramid fiber finish on the back gives it a premium look. The buttons are made from diamond-cut anodized metal, there are magnets in the back for MagSafe support, and there’s even Camera Control integration. Plus, it maintains a slim and lightweight profile.

Price: $34.99

Amazon: Spigen Enzo Aramid T

UAG Pathfinder Case

If you need extreme drop protection in a thin-and-light case, check out UAG’s Pathfinder case. It’s perfect for iPhone 18 Pro users who want something that looks good, doesn’t add a ton of bulk, and ships with 18-foot drop protection. UAG’s reinforced design on the corners of the case give it atht extra layer of protection you won’t find in a lot of other cases, while the added camera protection will ensure the lenses on the back remain scuff-free. It also works with MagSafe and comes in a variety of colors.

Price: $54.95

Amazon: UAG Pathfinder (18 Pro)

Amazon: UAG Pathfinder (18 Pro Max)

Max Buondonno is an editor at The Shortcut and co-host of The Shortcut Live. He’s been reporting on the latest consumer technology since 2015, with his work featured on CNN Underscored, ZDNET, How-To Geek, XDA, TheStreet, and more. Follow him on X @LegendaryScoop and Instagram @LegendaryScoop.

• 🤲 Apple’s new foldable iPhone Duo has enamored the media with its polished form factor, overshadowing years of iterations from competitors like Samsung

• 🥰 It features an ideal passport-style footprint with rounded right edges for comfortable handling and an almost invisible screen crease

• 👏 Apple has custom-built iOS to allow apps to switch seamlessly between inner and outer displays, offering a superior multitasking experience

• 📈 Despite trade-offs like weaker cameras, a smaller battery, and a high price tag of $1,999, it is positioned to be the best-selling foldable on the market

Apple’s foldable iPhone Duo has dominated headlines and media attention since its reveal, and the flurry of disgruntled posts from Samsung Mobile’s X account that followed wasn’t a surprise.

While I can sympathize with Samsung’s frustration that Apple is notoriously late to the party and already deemed the belle of the ball, the Korean company has had several years to become the de facto foldable.

dbrand MNML cases

• iPhone 18 Pro: $39

• iPhone 18 Pro Max: $39

• AirPods Pro 3: $29

• Slim wallet: $29

• Kickstand wallet: $39

However, ever since it launched the Galaxy Z Fold in 2019, too many minor iterations have allowed Apple to step in and render years of work seem irrelevant. And that must hurt, when Samsung was the one that established the foldable market.

Apple magic

Apple has waited patiently until it felt it could improve on everything that has come before it.

From the gorgeous opening and closing animation to the almost invisible crease, it’s the little things that elevate a product from something we’ve already seen to something you actually want.

I used to lament Apple for being overly cautious and essentially spring-boarding off the foundations laid down by other companies, but you can’t help but admire the execution. Samsung may have accused Apple of “reheating its leftovers”, but in reality, it’s taken the same ingredients, added more flavor, and nailed the presentation. It’s the equivalent of eating at a fine-dining restaurant compared to a drive-in diner.

A great example is the Duo’s passport-style footprint. Samsung has beaten Apple to the punch, sure, but Apple made the form factor even better by prominently rounding out the right-hand edges so it doesn’t dig into your palm. Suddenly, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 looks sharp and unwieldy.

Apple has also clearly put in the hours to ensure iOS 27 and its apps work wonderfully with the new displays, whereas Android is always hit-and-miss. The way apps can be viewed side by side, sit above one another, or seamlessly switch between the inner and outer displays is almost magical. Apple even moved the main UI elements to the right-hand side, making them easier to reach.

And that’s crucial to the overall experience. “It just works,” as Apple’s Steve Jobs would famously say.

The iPhone Duo doesn’t feel as experimental as the iPhone Air, either, which had one too many compromises for most users. You’re still getting the A20 Pro chip, as well as a 48MP main camera, 12MP ultra-wide and an additional under-display camera. The periscope zoom found on the 18 Pro Max is missing, but I doubt many people are buying the Duo for that. The display is also 120Hz, there’s MagSafe, and support for the Apple Pencil is on the way.

Durability, which was a problem with earlier foldable phones, appears to be top-notch, with water resistance and higher dust resistance than Samsung, Motorola, Huawei, or any other competing foldable.

The only real downside, then, is that the battery size is reduced, though Apple promises it will still last at least 24 hours. Face ID has also been replaced by Touch ID, which is hardly a deal breaker for people who still miss the ease of the home button. It’s just a well-rounded, well thought-out device.

This is the way

The iPhone Duo is a polished, sleek, yet cautious upgrade of what competitors have been offering for years. And although it isn’t a generational product, the Duo proves once again that only Apple can deliver the potent combination of quality hardware, thoughtful design, and innovative software that continues to elude its rivals.

Is the iPhone Duo the best foldable on the market, then? We’ll know for sure once we get our hands on it for review. But I can confidently say it’ll easily be the best-selling foldable to date, despite its $1,999 price tag, and the only one I’d consider buying.

The iPhone Duo didn’t need to reinvent the wheel. Apple only needed to improve on every foldable that came before it to make everything else seem obsolete.

Playing it safe may be frustrating for some, but for Apple, it just works.

Up next: Our iPhone Duo hot takes and first impressions

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Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.

• 👀 Two GTA 6 PS5 limited edition controllers are available, but selling out fast

• 🎮 We’ve rounded up all the retailers where it’s still in stock

• 📅 Both controllers launch on November 19 and cost $84.99

• 🚨 Pre-orders began on September 10 at 10am local time

Walmart: White GTA controller

PS Direct: Black GTA controller

Amazon: White GTA controller

The GTA 6 limited edition PS5 controller is proving to be extremely popular, but you’ve still got a chance to grab one if you missed out yesterday. Stock is still available at a few retailers, though the longer you wait, the more chance they will sell out for good.

The Grand Theft Auto IV Black Limited Edition is exclusive to the PlayStation Direct store and surprisingly still in stock. The Grand Theft Auto IV White Limited Edition is available at several retailers, though not everyone has stock.

Here’s where you can buy the GTA 6 limited edition PS5 controller while stocks last.

GTA 6 limited edition controller pre-order links

The black GTA 6 limited edition controller is still available at the PlayStation Direct store, but the white version has sold out. Walmart and Amazon both have the white GTA 6 controller in stock as of writing. Best Buy may get more stock, as a “coming soon” message is in place, while GameStop is showing that it’s sold out. Target has also sold out of its allocation

• PlayStation Direct: Black GTA 6 PS5 controller ($84.99) – in stock / White GTA 6 PS5 controller ($84.99) – sold out

• Amazon: White GTA 6 PS5 controller ($84.99) – in stock

• Walmart: White GTA 6 PS5 controller ($84.88) – in stock

• Best Buy: White GTA 6 PS5 controller ($84.99) – sold out

• GameStop: White GTA 6 PS5 controller ($84.99) – sold out

• Target: placeholder (it should appear here) – sold out

The GTA 6 PS5 controller costs $84.99, which is the standard price we’ve come to expect for special edition designs. The GTA 6 PS5 controller releases on November 19, 2026, the same day the game releases.

Up next: GTA 6 collector’s edition: predicted pre-order date, price, and what to expect

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Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.

Thanks to MemoMind for sponsoring The Shortcut Live! Learn more about MemoMind One here.

• 👀 Sony has teamed up with Rockstar to create two GTA 6 PS5 limited edition controllers

• 🎮 A black and white limited edition controller captures Vice City’s style

• 📅 Both controllers launch on November 19 and cost $84.99

• 🚨 Pre-orders begin today, September 10 at 10am local time

Walmart: White GTA controller

PS Direct: White GTA controller

PS Direct: Black GTA controller

Best Buy: White GTA controller

GameStop: White GTA controller

Amazon: White GTA controller

If you’re interested in purchasing the GTA 6 limited edition PS5 controller, you’ll want to get your pre-order in fast. Like previously released special edition DualSense controllers, the GTA 6 PS5 controllers will likely sell out fast.

Luckily, there are two options to choose from: the Grand Theft Auto IV Black Limited Edition and the Grand Theft Auto IV White Limited Edition. That should help take the strain off one color, but expect one to sell out quicker than the other.

Here’s where you’ll be able to find the GTA 6 limited edition PS5 controller when pre-orders go live.

GTA 6 limited edition controller pre-order links

The GTA 6 limited edition controllers will be available for pre-order today, September 10, from 10am ET / 7am PT. We’ll be adding all the retail links when they’re live, so keep this page open and refresh it regularly for updates. The queue for the PS Direct store is now open, and the white controller is also available from Walmart, Best Buy, and GameStop.

• PlayStation Direct: Black GTA 6 PS5 controller ($84.99) / White GTA 6 PS5 controller ($84.99)

• Walmart: White GTA 6 PS5 controller ($84.88)

• Best Buy: White GTA 6 PS5 controller ($84.99)

• GameStop: White GTA 6 PS5 controller ($84.99)

• Target: placeholder (it should appear here)

• Amazon: White GTA 6 PS5 controller ($84.99)

The controller will be available from the PlayStation Direct store and select retailers in other regions. It costs $84.99, which is the standard price we’ve come to expect for special edition designs. You can get your hands on the GTA 6 PS5 controller on November 19, 2026, the same day the game releases.

Up next: Best Sony Inzone Buds EQ settings: a bit of fine-tuning makes a world of difference

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Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.

🏆 Review score: 4/5

🏅 Editor’s Choice Award

✅ Pros

• 🔄 Seamlessly switches control between PC, Xbox, and Bluetooth-connected devices

• 🔋 Hot-swappable batteries charge in the dock provide unlimited power

• 📺 Integrated screen gives instant access to customize the controller

• 🎮 Tight controls with Hall-Effect thumbsticks and triggers & microswitch buttons and bumpers

• 😌 Repositioned select, menu, and share buttons at the bottom of the controller prevent mispresses

❌ Cons

• 🤑 $259 is crazy expensive

• 👾 No PS5 or Nintendo Switch 2 support

• 🤷‍♂️ Few interchangeable parts and no included case

Best Buy: SteelSeries Aeon Pro - $259

Amazon: SteelSeries Aeon Pro - $259

The Shortcut Review

SteelSeries is renowned for its multiplatform gaming headsets, and now it’s bringing the same simultaneous platform support to controllers. The SteelSeries Aeon Pro is the first controller that lets you seamlessly switch between PC and Xbox with a single device. It’s all thanks to the controller’s dual dock, which lets you connect two systems at a time with USB-C, plus a third Bluetooth connection for phones, tablets, and other devices. Every high-end feature you could want is here too, including Hall-Effect thumbsticks and triggers, microswitch buttons and bumpers, an integrated OLED screen, and two hot-swappable batteries that charge in the base station.

The SteelSeries Aeon Pro is a whole lot of controller that costs a lot too, at $259. That price is indisputably high, but you’re essentially getting two controllers in one, three if you want to connect your phone or tablet over Bluetooth. Just know this is primarily a PC and Xbox controller and doesn’t support the PS5 or Switch. If you’re looking for a fully customizable controller with a swappable D-Pad, interchangeable face buttons, or even removable shortcut buttons, the SteelSeries Aeon Pro isn’t what you’re looking for.

However, if you’re looking for a premium controller that you can adjust on the fly and be a reliable tool for PC and Xbox gaming, the SteelSeries Aeon Pro is well worth its price. Its tight controls and improved layout will ensure you never misjudge a counter in Onimusha: Way of the Sword and hit the apex while drift attacking in Forza Horizon 6. The swappable battery system also ensures you never run out of juice to keep playing.

Full Review

2 systems, 1 controller. SteelSeries practically pioneered multiplatform gaming peripherals with its Siberia 800 wireless headset, and now it’s doing the same with controllers. The Aeon Pro is the first dual-deck designed to connect to an Xbox and PC at the same time, allowing you to swap between them or a Bluetooth-connected device at a whim. It’s the perfect solution for me, as I have both a PC and Xbox connected to my TV, and this saves me the hassle of keeping multiple controllers around or moving USB dongles. The only issues are that you need both systems close to the dock for a hardwired USB-C connection.

👾 Nintendon’t & PlayStationo. You might notice the Nintendo Switch 2 and PlayStation 5 are only mentioned four times in my entire review, and that’s because the SteelSeries Aeon Pro does not support either of them. This controller is for the Xbox and PC only, so if you wanted a PS5 or Switch controller, you’ll have to look elsewhere.

I’m certain this wasn’t an unforeseen oversight, but rather it was too complex, or the licensing was a headache to get all four platforms to work with the SteelSeries dock. By SteelSeries own account, its “focus was on XBOX and PC gamers, so we set out to create a premium controller that delivers the ultimate experience for gamers who switch between both platforms.”

🕹️ A better Xbox controller. The SteelSeries Aeon Pro is shaped like a taller Xbox, making it feel instantly familiar. Most of the buttons and the joystick are in their usual place, but SteelSeries made the smart decision of moving the select, menu, and share buttons to the bottom of the controller. This really frees up space around the left analog stick and face buttons, so I never accidentally misclick a control in the center of the controller. More companies should follow SteelSeries’ example and use this underutilized controller real estate.

Layout aside, this controller features upgraded hall-effect thumbsticks, microswitch buttons and bumpers, and two-stage hall-effect triggers over your standard Xbox controller. The magnetic sensors in the thumbsticks and triggers should help this controller last longer, as they replace the most easily worn-down mechanisms. I’m glad to report there’s a fair bit of resistance in the Hall-Effect thumbsticks, which can often feel too loose, so it’s close, if not identical, to the feel of the Xbox controller thumbstick.

📺 On-screen settings. The SteelSeries Aeon Pro is also easily configurable on-the-fly thanks to its OLED screen integrated above the Xbox button. This display regularly shows battery life and connection status, but holding the select and menu buttons for three seconds lets you check which system you’re connected to, switch between gaming profiles, and dive into customization. This on-screen menu essentially shows you every configurable option that’s available from the SteelSeries Engine app for PC, so you can tweak settings even when you’re just connected to the Xbox.

🤏 Few frills. For a $270 controller, the SteelSeries Aeon Pro doesn’t come with a lot of extras for customizable parts. No case is included, and although this is a dual-dock controller, it comes with only one USB-C to USB-A cable instead of two. Similarly, the only customizable parts an additional concave thumbstick and a longer convex thumbstick. SteelSeries hasn’t marketed the Aeon Pro as a fully customizable controller, but its high price point puts it in line with other more configurable controllers like the $219 Scuf Omega.

🔋 Infinite battery life. Battery life on the Aeon Pro only lasts a short 12 hours, but it virtually has infinite battery life since a second cell is always charging in the dock. That battery charges fast too. I was back to nearly two out of three bars charged in less than an hour. These are the very same batteries that SteelSeries has used since the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, so you could also use any extras from your SteelSeries Arctis Nova Omni or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro wireless gaming headset to hot-swap into the Aeon Pro or vice versa.

Best Buy: SteelSeries Aeon Pro - $259

Amazon: SteelSeries Aeon Pro - $259

Should you buy the SteelSeries Aeon Pro?

✅ Yes, if…

• You want a premium controller that swaps easily between PC and Xbox gameplay

• You want a controller that will practically never run out of power

• You want software customization at your fingertips

• You want the tighter controls from Hall-Effect sensors and microswitches

❌ No, if…

• You want a controller with more swappable parts (get the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded instead)

• The PS5 and Nintendo Switch 2 are your main gaming platforms (get the Scuf Omega or

• GuliKit TT Max instead)

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Kevin Lee is The Shortcut’s Creative Director. Follow him on Twitter @baggingspam

• 👀 Rockstar Games has not officially announced a GTA 6 Collector’s Edition, despite high demand

• 📷 A potential Collector’s Edition box was reportedly photographed by an employee in Mexico

• 🤷‍♂️ The photos have since been deleted, leading to speculation that the box could be for promotional use or influencers

• 💰 Currently, only a $99.99 Ultimate Edition containing in-game items is officially available

Rockstar Games hasn’t announced a GTA 6 Collector’s Edition, despite the fact that there’s clearly demand for a premium version that includes some physical goodies.

• Walmart: GTA 6 - $79.99

• Best Buy - GTA 6 - $79.99

• GameStop: GTA 6 - $79.99

• Amazon: GTA 6 - $79.99

• Target: GTA 6 - $79.99

• PlayStation Store: GTA 6 - $79.99

So far, only an Ultimate Edition is available, which contains exclusive in-game items and costs $99.99. However, a GTA 6 Collector’s Edition may have been spotted in Mexico.

A box for the GTA 6 Collector’s Edition was reportedly photographed by an employee of Unique Services Group located in Mexico. The employee stated that the box could include a disc as they saw “a circular piece where a disc could fit”. However, we know that GTA 6 physical copies only include a download code in the box, and that other collector’s editions have shipped with a steelbox, despite no disc being included.

The poster has since deleted the photos of the GTA 6 Collector’s Edition, so take this with a pinch of salt. People are speculating that the box could just be for promotional purposes, or maybe for influencers.

Either way, the general sentiment seems to be that the leak could indeed be real, and that many would be willing to pay more for a GTA 6 Collector’s Edition, if one is announced. Remember, GTA 6 costs $10 more than usual at $79.99, and the Ultimate Edition is $99.99. Rockstar Games could charge at least $149.99 for the Collector’s Edition and make even more money.

Up next: GTA 6 PC release date could arrive sooner than expected, as PS5 and Xbox prices rise

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Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.