The Meta Horizon Plus free games for May 2026 include A Fisherman’s Tale 2 and Ancient Dungeon. They’re available to download from May 1 to May 31. New games will come to the service on the first of each month, so grab these titles before they’re gone. We’ll also list all the games in the Meta Horizon Plus Games Catalog that are free to subscribers.

Check back regularly as we’ll be rounding up all the upcoming games and those that previously came to the service.

Meta Horizon Plus free games May 2026

• A Fisherman’s Tale 2

• Ancient Dungeon

A Fisherman’s Tale 2

Explore mind bending VR puzzle mechanics and use your own body to detach and control your limbs, and find new attachments to progress. Enjoy a poetic story and more immersive locations in A Fisherman’s Tale 2.

Ancient Dungeon

Team up with up to four players in Ancient Dungeon and discover over 200+ unique power-ups, making each run different. Defeat randomly monsters and unlock permanent skills as you reach new milestones.

Meta Horizon Plus Games Catalog

On February 28, 2024, Meta announced it would add a Games Catalog for subscribers to enjoy as part of their Meta Horizon Plus subscription. The Games Catalog includes over 100 games that will be rotated to keep things fresh, but it adds much more value to the service.

Walmart: Meta Quest 3

Best Buy: Meta Quest 3

GameStop: Meta Quest 3

Amazon: Meta Quest 3

The current titles in the Meta Horizon Plus Games Catalog include:

• Alvo

• Angry Birds VR: Isle of Pigs

• Apex Construct

• Arcade Paradise VR

• Asgard’s Wrath 2

• Assassin’s Creed Nexus

• Bartender VR Simulator

• Battlenauts

• Blacktop Hoops

• Bocce TIme!

• Cactus Cowboy - Desert Warfare

• Chess Club

• Coffee Quest VR

• Cook-Out

• Crumbling

• Cubism

• Cybrix

• Darksword: Battle Eternity

• Deisim

• Demeo

• Discovery 2

• Disc Frenzy

• Drop Dead: The Cabin

• Dumb Ways Free For All

• Dungeons Of Eternity

• Eleven Table Tennis

• Elysium Trials

• Espire 1: VR Operative

• Final Fury

• Final Overs - VR Cricket

• Fruit Ninja 2

• Galaxy Kart

• Ghosts of Tabor

• Ghost Signal: A Stellaris Game

• Gravity League: Galactic Football

• Green Hell VR

• Grimlord

• Guardians Frontline

• Human Fall Flat VR

• I Expect You To Die 3

• iB Cricket

• Iron Guard

• Laser Thief

• Lax VR

• Into Black

• Into the Radius

• In Death: Unchained

• Ironlights

• Job Simulator

• Killer Frequency

• Kingspray Graffiti

• Les Mills Bodycombat: Fitness Workouts

• Onward

• Operation Serpens

• Maestro

• Make It Stable

• Medieval Dynasty New Settlement

• Moss

• Motion Soccer Pro

• Mythic Realms

• Noun Town Language Learning

• Pets & Stuff

• Pistol Whip

• Pixel Ripped 1995

• Premium Bowling

• Project Demigod

• Puzzling Places

• Racket Club

• Red Matter

• Red Matter 2

• Retropolis 2: Never Say Goodbye

• Rogue Ascent VR

• Rogue Pinatas: VRmageddon

• Runner

• Shooty Fruity

• Space Elevator

• Starship Home

• Stupid Cars

• Squingle

• Sushi Ben

• Swarm

• Synth Riders

• Tactica

• Taiko Frenzy

• Tetris Effect: Connected

• The Climb 2

• The Curious Tale of the Stolen Pets

• The Pirate Queen with Lucy Liu

• The Secret of Retropolis

• The Thrill of the Fight

• The Wizards

• Thief Simulator VR: Greenview Street

• Tiny Archers

• Titans Clinic

• Towers and Powers

• Townsmen VR

• Ultimate Swing Golf

• Underworld Overseer

• Vibe Punch

• Walkabout Mini Golf

• War of Wizards

• Windlands 2

• Zero Caliber: Reloaded

What is Meta Horizon Plus?

Previously called Meta Quest Plus, Meta Horizon Plus is a subscription service that gives you two free VR games every month. The service operates similarly to what we’ve come to expect from PlayStation Plus, meaning you can add games to your library over time and have access to them as long as you have a running subscription.

How much does Meta Horizon Plus cost?

Meta Horizon Plus costs $7.99 per month or $59.99 for the year. It’s worth opting for the annual subscription as you can save 37% compared to paying monthly.

Is Meta Horizon Plus good value?

On the face of it, yes. Like the PS Plus free games PlayStation gamers enjoy and Xbox Game Pass, the value proposition is very tempting but there are a couple of factors to consider. Some months may include games you’ve already bought, making your monthly spending seem like a waste. The cost of each game given away will also vary. However, it’s more than likely that more than $59.99 of VR games will be given away in the 12 months, so the value is certainly there.

Which platforms is Meta Horizon Plus available on?

You can sign up for Meta Horizon Plus and enjoy free games on the Meta Quest 2, Meta Quest Pro, Meta Quest 3S and the Meta Quest 3 headset. It’s only available on the Meta Quest Store, too.

Walmart: Meta Quest 3S

Best Buy: Meta Quest 3S

Amazon: Meta Quest 3S

Can I keep Meta Horizon Plus free games forever?

Yes, as long as you have an active Meta Horizon Plus subscription. If your membership expires, you’ll need to sign back up to play the games you currently downloaded. You’ll only be able to play the games you redeemed during your subscription as well, so don’t expect access to everything you may have missed.

What were the past Meta Horizon Plus free games?

If your subscription lapsed or you just want to get a good idea of the types of games that have come to Meta Horizon Plus before you subscribe, here’s a list of all the free Meta Horizon Plus games you may have missed.

Meta Horizon Plus free games list April 2026

• Vendetta Forever

• The House of Da Vinci VR

Meta Horizon Plus free games list March 2026

• Arizona Sunshine Remake

• The Pirate: Republic of Nassau

Meta Horizon Plus free games list February 2026

• Glassbreakers: Champions of Moss

• Clay Hunt VR

Meta Horizon Plus free games list January 2026

• Ultrawings 2

• Superhot VR

Meta Horizon Plus free games list December 2025

• Tactical Assault VR

• Smash Drums

Meta Horizon Plus free games list November 2025

• Moss: Book II

• UBOAT: The Silent Wolf

Meta Horizon Plus free games list October 2025

• Ghost Town

• Vampire: The Masquerade - Justice

Meta Horizon Plus free games list September 2025

• MLB Home Run Derby VR

• Hubris

Meta Horizon Plus free games list August 2025

• The Room VR: A Dark Matter

• Starship Troopers: Continuum

Meta Horizon Plus free games list July 2025

• Among Us 3D

• Block Buster

Meta Horizon Plus free games list June 2025

• Warplanes: Battle over Pacific

• Border Bots VR

Meta Horizon Plus free games list May 2025

• Pavlov Shack

• Kill It With Fire VR

Meta Horizon Plus free games list April 2025

• Breachers

• Thrasher

Meta Horizon Plus free games list March 2025

• The Light Brigade

• Golf+

Meta Horizon Plus free games list February 2025

• PowerWash Simulator VR

• Budget Cuts Ultimate

Meta Horizon Plus free games list January 2025

• Real VR Fishing

• Dragon Fist: VR Kung Fu

Meta Horizon Plus free games list December 2024

• Moss

• I Expect You To Die: The Spy and the Liar

Meta Horizon Plus free games list November 2024

• Warplanes: WW1 Fighters

• Spacefolk City

Meta Horizon Plus free games list October 2024

• Down the Rabbit Hole

• Zombieland: Headshot Fever

Meta Horizon Plus free games list September 2024

• Zero Caliber: Reloaded

• We Are One

Meta Horizon Plus free games list August 2024

• Myst

• Ragnarock

Meta Horizon Plus free games list July 2024

• The Last Clockwinder

• Creed: Rise to Glory - Championship Edition

Meta Horizon Plus free games list June 2024

• Stride

• Warhammer 40,000: Battle Sister

Meta Horizon Plus free games list May 2024

• Stones of Harlath

• Vacation Simulator

Meta Horizon Plus free games list April 2024

• Drop Dead: Dual Strike Edition

• Floor Plan 2

Meta Horizon Plus free games list March 2024

• Contractors

• Shadow Point

Meta Horizon Plus free games list February 2024

• I Expect You to Die

• DYSCHRONIA: Chronos Alternate

Meta Horizon Plus free games list January 2024

• Nock: Bow + Arrow Football

• Richie’s Plank Experience

Meta Horizon Plus free games list December 2023

• The Thrill of the Fight

• Swarm

Meta Horizon Plus free games list November 2023

• NFL Pro Era

• Angry Birds VR: Isle of Pigs

Meta Horizon Plus free games list September 2023

• Onward

• Little Cities

Meta Horizon Plus free games list September 2023

• Red Matter

• A Fisherman’s Tale

Meta Horizon Plus free games list August 2023

• Walkabout Mini Golf

• Mothergunship: Forge

Meta Horizon Plus free games list July 2023

• Pistol Whip

• Pixel Ripped 1995

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Last updated: May 1, 2026

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 NEOGEO AES+ will be released on November 12, 2026, offering a modern re-release of the classic console

• 🕹️ A range of accessories are available separately, including Wireless Arcade Sticks, a Wireless Gamepad, and Memory Cards

• 🥳 Most accessories come in standard and 35th Anniversary (white) editions

• 👏 All NEOGEO AES+ accessories are backward-compatible with the original NEOGEO AES console

Amazon: NEOGEO AES+

Amazon: NEOGEO AES+ Anniversary Edition

Amazon: NEOGEO AES+ games

The NEOGEO AES+ will be released on November 12, 2026, and it’s fair to say it’s proving popular with gamers who may have initially missed out on the coveted system.

Alongside 10 NEOGEO AES+ games and the NEOGEO AES+ Ultimate Edition, a range of accessories are also being released that you may want to consider.

I’ve rounded up the NEOGEO AES+ accessories that are well worth picking up below, along with how much they cost, plus where you can pre-order them.

NEOGEO AES+ accessories list

Depending on which version of the NEOGEO AES+ bundle you get, you’ll receive the following accessories:

• NEOGEO AES+ Original Edition: comes with a Wired Arcade Stick

• NEOGEO AES+ 35th Anniversary Edition: comes with a White Wireless Arcade Stick and White Memory Card

• NEOGEO AES+ Ultimate Edition: comes with a Wired Arcade Stick, a Wireless Arcade Stick, a Wireless Gamepad, and a Memory Card

It’s clear then, apart from the NEOGEO AES+ Ultimate Edition, the following NEOGEO AES+ accessories below will be on many gamers’ shopping lists. Oh, and all of these accessories are backward-compatible with the original NEOGEO AES console!

NEOGEO AES+ Wireless Arcade Stick - $119.99

The NEOGEO AES+ may be a 1:1 replica of the original NEOGEO AES from the 90s, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have a few modern-day improvements. The Wireless Arcade Stick is chief among them, allowing you to sit wherever you like and still enjoy the amazing controls. It costs $119.99 and is a great option for the player two in your life. It also comes with a wire, if you’d prefer to be hooked up to the console.

Amazon: NEOGEO AES+ Arcade Stick

NEOGEO AES+ Wireless Arcade Stick 35th Anniversary Edition - $119.99

Just like the NEOGEO AES+ Wireless Arcade Stick, those who purchased the 35th Anniversary Edition of the console may want to pick up a second, matching white Wireless Arcade Stick. It’s also a great option for those who have chosen the original edition but love the look of the white colorway. Despite being a 35th Anniversary Edition, the price is the same at $119.99.

Amazon: NEOGEO AES+ Arcade Stick White

NEOGEO AES+ Wireless Gamepad - $59.99

Most NEOGEO AES+ games will feel incredible to play with the Arcade Stick, but those who are hankering for a more modern control scheme will want to pick up the NEOGEO AES+ Wireless Gamepad. Featuring the classic micro-switched thumbstick and 4-button layout, the NEOGEO AES+ Gamepad is ideal for fighters, shooters and arcade classics alike. It costs $59.99, making it cheaper than controllers from Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft.

Amazon: NEOGEO AES+ Gamepad

NEOGEO AES+ Memory Card - $34.99

The NEOGEO AES+ Memory Card lets you store game data, high scores, and your progress across compatible titles. There’s no longer a lithium cell battery inside, so it won’t die on you like the old one. It’s available for $34.99.

Amazon: NEOGEO AES+ Memory Card

NEOGEO AES+ Memory Card 35th Anniversary Edition - $34.99

For those who want to celebrate NEOGEO’s 35th Anniversary or simply want a color-matching Memory Card, you can also pick up the NEOGEO AES+ Memory Card in white for the same $34.99 price tag.

Amazon: NEOGEO AES+ Memory Card White

Up next: ModRetro Chromatic review: a perfect retro revival of the Game Boy and Game Boy Color

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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 NEOGEO AES+ Ultimate Edition is a limited-run collector’s bundle priced at $999.99

• 🕹️ It includes the numbered NEOGEO AES+ console, all 10 release games, and every accessory (total separate value of $1,364.95)

• 👉 The package offers a significant saving of $364.96 over buying the items individually

• 🔒 The Ultimate Edition is exclusively available for purchase on the Plaion Replai website

Plaion Replai: NEOGEO AES+ UItimate

Amazon: NEOGEO AES+

Amazon: NEOGEO AES+ Anniversary Edition

Amazon: NEOGEO AES+ games

The NEOGEO AES+ is scheduled to be released on November 12, 2026, and there are three options for retro gamers to choose from.

The standard NEOGEO AES+ costs $249.99 and comes with a wired arcade controller, while the NEOGEO AES+ 35th Anniversary Edition comes in white, includes a copy of Metal Slug, a wireless arcade controller, and a memory card for $349.99.

However, for the hardcore NEOGEO fan, the NEOGEO AES+ Ultimate Edition is the one you’ll want, as it comes with some exclusive perks, all 10 NEOGEO AES+ games being released, and the best NEOGEO AES+ accessories. The bundle is already proving popular with collectors, so if you’re interested in nabbing the NEOGEO AES+ Ultimate Edition, my advice is to get it now or regret it later.

NEOGEO AES+ Ultimate Edition: what’s included for $999.99

For the price of $999.99, you might think the NEOGEO AES+ Ultimate Edition isn’t worth it. However, once you break it down, it’s actually a really great deal.

Not only do you get the original NEOGEO AES+ console, but it comes with all NEOGEO AES+ products, accessories, and games, all included in one premium box. The NEOGEO AES+ units included in the Ultimate Edition are first off the production line, numbered at the factory, and produced in extremely low quantities.

Here’s what you get with the NEOGEO AES+ Ultimate Edition:

• NEOGEO AES+ console (numbered) - $249.99

• Wired NEOGEO AES+ Arcade Stick (included with the console)

• Wireless NEOGEO AES+ Arcade Stick - $119.99

• Wireless NEOGEO AES+ Gamepad - $59.99

• NEOGEO AES+ Memory Card - $34.99

• All 10 NEOGEO AES+ games - $899.99

• Game-rack

As you can see, if you were to buy everything separately, you’d have to pay a grand total of $1,364.95. It means you’re saving $364.96 with the NEOGEO AES+ Ultimate Edition, and you’re also getting a numbered console and Game-rack as part of the deal.

NEOGEO AES+ Ultimate Edition: where to buy

Unlike the NEOGEO AES+ and NEOGEO AES+ 35th Anniversary Edition, which can both be purchased directly from Amazon, the NEOGEO AES+ Ultimate Edition is only available from the Plaion Replai website.

Unlike Amazon pre-orders, you’ll have to pay upfront on the Plaion Replai website, though financing options like PayPal’s ‘Pay in 3’ options are available.

NEOGEO AES+ Ultimate Edition: should you buy it?

If you’re all-in on NEOGEO’s return, then the Ultimate Edition is a pretty tempting option. Not only do you get every NEOGEO AES+ game being released, which totals to $899.99 anyway, but collectors will appreciate the fact that each console is numbered and it comes with an exclusive Game-rack to hold all the games.

Up next: Best ModRetro Chromatic games: pick up these pocket-sized titles today

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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 NEOGEO AES+ is a $249.99 1:1 replica of the original 1991 NEOGEO AES console, offering a more accessible way to play classic titles

• 🎮 10 physical NEOGEO AES+ games will be available for $79.99 each on November 12, 2026, many of which are rare and expensive collector's items

• 👊 The launch lineup includes highly regarded fighting games like Garou: Mark of the Wolves and The King of Fighters 2002

• ⭐ The list also features iconic titles such as Metal Slug, the never-before-released on AES Shock Troopers, and the competitive shooter Twinkle Star Sprites

Amazon: NEOGEO AES+

Amazon: NEOGEO AES+ Anniversary Edition

Amazon: NEOGEO AES+ games

The NEOGEO AES+ is making waves among retro gaming fans and collectors. The upcoming console is a 1:1 replica of the original NEOGEO AES that was released in 1991 with an incredibly high price tag of $649.99 (around $1,500 by today’s standards). At $249.99, it’s giving many gamers a second chance to experience a platform they probably missed out on.

Alongside the console, fans can look forward to playing 10 NEOGEO AES+ games, many of which are simply unobtainable in their physical form, as they’re often sold for thousands of dollars. However, thanks to the NEOGEO AES+, these games can be yours for just $89.99.

That may sound steep for games that were released decades ago and are available in digital form elsewhere, but again, you can’t pick these up in physical form unless you’re willing to re-mortgage your house. And for many retro gaming enthusiasts, nothing beats the real deal.

So what are the NEOGEO AES+ games releasing on November 12, and why is each title chosen significant? We’re rounding up all the 10 games you can play, and will update this page should more titles come to the system.

Big Tournament Golf - $89.99 (originally released in 1996)

Known internationally as Neo Turf Masters, Big Tournament Golf is a fast-paced, arcade-style golf game that focuses on fun over simulation. It boasts gorgeous-looking sprites and smooth animation, and the NEOGEO AES+ re-release includes the hidden Scotland course for the first time, which was previously exclusive to the NEO GEO CD version. Many regard Big Tournament Golf as one of the best golfing titles ever made, and complete-in-box copies go for around $10,000 to $20,000 today.

Amazon: Big Tournament Golf

Garou: Mark of the Wolves - $89.99 (originally released in 2000)

A 2D fighting game developed and published by SNK, Garou: Mark of the Wolves is the eight-entry in the Fatal Fury series and widely regarded as the best. Some fans even claim it’s the best fighting game ever made, period. With a fresh roster of 12 characters, the game is fast and responsive, and pushed the NEOGEO AES to its limits with pre-rendered 3D-style sprites, semi-transparent effects, and dynamic backgrounds.

Amazon: Garou: Mark of the Wolves

Magician Lord - $89.99 (originally released in 1991)

Magician Lord was included as a pack-in title with early NEOGEO AES bundles. It’s a run-and-gun platformer renowned for its rather crushing difficulty, as it combines pinpoint platforming with hard to read enemy attack patterns and challenging boss fights. The NEOGEO AES release included some improvements that made it more forgiving than the arcade version, such as checkpoints and slightly more health. It’s one of the more affordable games for collectors today, costing around $350-450 complete-in-box.

Amazon: Magician Lord

Metal Slug - $89.99 (originally released in 1996)

Arguably the face of the NEOGEO AES, Metal Slug was a smash-hit in the arcade. Being able to experience the frenetic run and gun action at home with zero compromises was unprecedented, and though it’s relatively short to run through, its gameplay is just as timeless today. With two-player co-op support, Metal Slug is included as part of the NEOGEO AES+ 35th Anniversary Edition, and will probably be at the top of many players’ wishlists of games to buy for the new console.

Amazon: Metal Slug

Over Top - $89.99 (originally released in 1996)

An isometric top-down racer that focuses on rally-style action, Over Top is one of the few racing games for the NEOGEO AES. The game was never released in the West, making this an appealing pick for those who may have actually owned a NEOGEO but never got the chance to play it. Oddly, Over Top is single-player only, but it has replay value thanks to its selection of cars and branching paths.

Amazon: Over Top

Pulstar - $89.99 (originally released in 1995)

A visually and technically ambitious title for the NEOGEO AES, Pulstar is a horizontal side-scrolling shoot ‘em up that’s notorious for its high difficulty level. There are eight stages to beat and it supports one to two players, either alternating or simultaneously in some modes. Pulstar was one of the first NEOGEO titles to use pre-rendered 3D graphics and is also fondly remembered for its excellent soundtrack by Harumi Fujita and Yasuaki Fujita.

Amazon: Pulstar

Samurai Shodown V Special - $89.99 (originally released in 2004)

Released in 2003, Samurai Shodown V Special is notable for being the last game released for the NEOGEO, both arcade and home platforms. It arrived 14 years after the NEOGEO AES launched in 1990, but was a controversial release as it was heavily censored at the last-minute because of the tragic 2004 Sasebo Slashing in Japan. The arcade version remained uncensored, and many will hope that this re-release will deliver the original gore-filled sword-fighting gameplay experience.

Amazon: Samurai Shodown V Special

Shock Troopers - $89.99 (never released for the NEOGEO AES)

Shock Troopers’ upcoming release for the NEOGEO AES+ is significant, as the game was never released for the original NEOGEO AES, as it remained an arcade/MVS exclusive. The game mixes run-and-gun shooting with some shoot-‘em-up elements and features two-player co-op. There are eight characters to select, and many stages have multiple branching routes, making it a game that’s well worth replaying.

Amazon: Shock Troopers

The King of Fighters 2002 - $89.99 (originally released in 2002)

Another highly revered fighting game, The King of Fighters 2002 is a 2D brawler that marked the return of 3-on-3 team battles and featured a massive roster of 44 playable characters. The US version of the game was slightly censored compared to the Japanese release, but the game is still widely praised for its detailed sprites, energetic soundtrack, and balanced gameplay.

Amazon: The King of Fighters 2002

Twinkle Star Sprites - $89.99 (originally released in 1997)

Twinkle Star Sprites is a competitive versus shooter that has strong puzzle elements, similar to Puyo Puyo. It has bright, pastel colors and manga-style characters, and was never released outside of Japan. It’s one of the rarest NEOGEO AES titles today, fetching a high price for those willing to pay it. The game is deemed a hidden gem among NEOGEO fans, and even though it has a single-player mode, its head-to-head mode is arguably the main attraction.

Amazon: Twinkle Star Sprites

Up next: Best NEOGEO AES+ accessories: what you need to get the most out of the classic console

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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 NEOGEO AES+ is a re-engineered console, fully compatible with original NEOGEO AES cartridges, promising an authentic arcade experience with modern upgrades like low-latency HDMI

• 💰 The standard edition is priced at $249.99, with a $349.99 35th Anniversary Edition and a $999.99 Ultimate Edition also available

• 📆 Pre-orders are live now, and the console’s release date is set for November 12, 2026

• 🎮 Ten classic NEOGEO games, including Metal Slug and The King of Fighters 2002, are being re-released as physical cartridges for $89.99 each

Amazon: NEOGEO AES+

Amazon: NEOGEO AES+ Anniversary Edition

Amazon: NEOGEO AES+ games

Plaion Replai: NEOGEO AES+

Retro gaming fans, rejoice. The legendary NEOGEO AES, the 24-bit console that delivered a full arcade experience at home back in 1990, is returning later this year as the NEOGEO AES+.

The NEOGEO AES+ isn’t an emulator, nor does it use an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). Instead, it promises to deliver an authentic experience via re-engineered ASIC chips. It’s fully compatible with original NEOGEO AES cartridges, and the console is also being supported with a full ecosystem of games and accessories.

The new NEOGEO AES+ will include quality of life upgrades, including a low-latency HDMI output, DIP switches for language selection, overclocking and display mode selection, and original AV output for CRT enthusiasts.

If you’re interested in the NEOGEO AES+, here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming console’s price, pre-order and release date, and the 10 games that will be available at launch.

NEOGEO AES+: price

The NEOGEO AES+ price starts at $249.99 for the original edition. However, a white 35th Anniversary Edition, which comes with a white copy of Metal Slug, a white wireless Arcade Stick, and a white Memory Card, is also available for $349.99.

For those who want to own the original edition console, a gamepad, arcade stick, and all 10 NEOGEO game cartridges and game rack, the NEOGEO AES+ Ultimate Edition can be yours for $999.99.

Newly released NEOGEO AES+ games will cost $89.99, and the best NEOGEO AES+ accessories include the NEOGEO AES+ wireless gamepad, which costs $59.99, the NEOGEO AES+ Arcade Stick for $119.99, and the NEOGEO AES+ memory card, which is $34.99.

NEOGEO AES+: pre-order date

You can pre-order the NEOGEO AES+ today. Pre-orders went live on April 16, shortly after the console was revealed. It’s available from Amazon, or the Plaion Replai website, and you can also pre-order the available accessories and games.

NEOGEO AES+: release date

The NEOGEO AES+ release date is November 12, 2026. It means you’ll be able to relive the classic console just in time for the holidays, and potentially pick a few more games for Black Friday or Christmas.

NEOGEO AES+: games

Alongside the release of the NEOGEO AES+, 10 games are being re-released as physical cartridges. The NEOGEO AES+ games available from launch on November 12, 2026, are:

• Big Tournament Golf

• Garou Mark of the Wolves

• Magician Lord

• Metal Slug

• Over Top

• Pulstar

• Samurai Shodown V Special

• Shock Troopers

• The King of Fighters 2002

• Twinkle Star Sprites

Amazon: NEOGEO AES+ games

Should you buy the NEOGEO AES+?

The NEOGEO AES+ is a genuine surprise, and will probably be snapped up by retro gaming enthusiasts. It presents a fantastic opportunity to truly rediscover the NEOGEO’s library of classic games, as purchasing original NEOGEO hardware and games is extremely expensive, making it impossible for many.

The NEOGEO and its games were also expensive when it was released back in the 90s, which means many gamers couldn’t afford or missed out on some fantastic games.

The promise of the NEOGEO AES+ essentially being original hardware with a few modern tweaks is also appealing, as we’ve seen countless emulator versions of the NEOGEO with varying success.

The price is also reasonable at $249.99, as the NEOGEO cost $649.99 when it was released in 1990. To put that into perspective, that’s roughly $1,500 in today’s dollars.

The NEOGEO AES+ is an exciting product and continues the trend of retro gaming being revived. Analogue recently released its N64 remake, the Analogue 3D, and ModRetro, which released the ultimate Game Boy and Game Boy Color in the Chromatic, is also releasing its version of the N64, the M64, this year.

Up next: ModRetro Chromatic review: a perfect retro revival of the Game Boy and Game Boy Color

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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 Nintendo Music app lets you enjoy all of Nintendo’s iconic tunes

• 🆓 It’s free for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers

• 👍 The app features recommendations based on your Switch play history

• 👏 You’ll also find curated playlists, background play and offline play

Walmart: Switch Online + Expansion Pack

Walmart: 12 months Switch Online

Nintendo’s iconic soundtracks are now available on a dedicated smartphone app called Nintendo Music. It’s available to Nintendo Switch Online subscribers at no extra cost and takes aim at YouTube Music, where the company’s tunes are often uploaded, much to the anger of Nintendo.

Nintendo Music updates keep coming thick and fast, with new games and songs being added every month for fans to enjoy. However, it can be hard to keep track of what’s been recently added, so we’ve rounded up all the Nintendo Music updates in one place as well as an explainer if you’re new to Nintendo’s app.

Nintendo Music updates and game soundtracks

Nintendo continues to add new tracks and famous franchises to the app, but you can find all the games, songs, and platforms included on Nintendo Music below. We’ll update this list with any new entries as and when they arrive.

So far, Nintendo has added the likes of Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Wii Sports, F-Zero X, Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest, Dr. Kawashima’s Brain Training, Splatoon 2, Wave Race 64, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, Super Mario 64, and the Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong’s Double Trouble! soundtracks to the app since it launched. You can see the full list of Nintendo Music games below.

Nintendo Music: game list, and every platform included

Nintendo Switch 2

• Donkey Kong Bananza 🍌

• Kirby Air Riders ⭐️

• Metroid Prime 4: Beyond 👽

• Super Mario Bros. Wonder + Meetup in Bellabel Park 🐘

• Super Mario Party Jamboree 🎲

Nintendo Switch

• 51 Worldwide Games 🎯

• Animal Crossing: New Horizons 🎣

• Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker 🍄

• Fire Emblem Engage ⚔️

• Kirby and the Forgotten Land 🩷

• Kirby’s Dream Buffet 🎂

• Kirby Star Allies ⭐️

• Mario & Luigi: Brothership 🤝

• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe 🚘

• Metroid Prime Remastered 👽

• New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe 🍄

• Paper Mario: The Origami King 👑

• Pikmin 4 🌸

• Pokémon Legends: Arceus 🐉

• Pokémon Scarlet and Violet ❤️

• Princess Peach: Showtime! 🍑

• Splatoon 2 🦑

• Splatoon 3 🦑

• Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury 😻

• Super Mario Bros. Wonder 🐘

• Pokémon Sword & Shield 🗡️

• Super Mario Odyssey 👀

• Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door 🚪

• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 🍃

• The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom 👸

• Yoshi’s Crafted World 🧶

Wii U

• Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker 💰

• Mario Kart 8 🚘

• New Super Mario Bros. U 🍄

• Super Mario 3D World

• Splatoon 🦑

• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 🍃

Wii

• Super Mario Galaxy 🪐

• Super Mario Galaxy 2 🪐

• The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword 🗡️

• Wii Channels 📺

• Wii Fit Plus 🧘

• Wii Party 🎉

• Wii Sports 🎾

Nintendo GameCube

• Animal Crossing 🏠

• Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance 🔥

• Luigi’s Mansion 👻

• Metroid Prime 👽

• Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door 🚪

• The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker 🌊

Nintendo 64

• F-Zero X 💨

• F-Zero X Expansion Kit 💨

• Mario Kart 64 🚘

• Pilotwings 64 ✈

• Star Fox 64 (Lylat Wars) 🦊

• Super Mario 64 🍄

• The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 🕰️

• Wave Race 64 🌊

• Yoshi’s Story! 🍎

Super NES

• Donkey Kong Country 🐵

• Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest 🙊

• Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong’s Double Trouble! 🐒

• F-Zero 💨

• Mario Paint 🎨

• Pilotwings ✈

• Super Mario Kart 🚘

• Super Mario World 🦝

• Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island 🥚

• Super Metroid 👽

• The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past 🗡️

NES

• Balloon Fight 🎈

• Baseball ⚾️

• Clu Clu Land 💎

• Devil World 😈

• Donkey Kong 🐵

• Donkey Kong 3 🐵

• Donkey Kong Jr. 🐵👶

• Donkey Kong Jr. Math 🧮

• Dr. Mario 🩺

• Duck Hunt 🦆

• Excitebike ✌️

• F1 Race 🏎️

• Golf ⛳️

• Gomoku Narabe Renju 🧩

• Gyromite 💣

• Hogan’s Alley 🔫

• Ice Climber 🧊

• Kid Icarus 😇

• Kid Icarus (Famicom Disk System) 😇

• Mach Rider 🏍️

• Mah-Jong 🀄️

• Mario Bros. 🍄

• Metroid 👽

• Metroid (Famicom Disc System) 👽

• Pinball 🩶

• Soccer ⚽️

• Stack-Up 🆙

• Super Mario Bros. 🍄

• Super Mario Bros. 2 🤝

• Super Mario Bros. 3 🎶

• Tennis 🎾

• Tetris 🧩

• The Legend of Zelda 🗡️

• The Legend of Zelda (Famicom Disk System) 🗡️

• Urban Champion 👊

• Wild Gun Man 🤠

• Wrecking Crew 👷🏻

• Zelda II - The Adventure of Link 🗡️

Nintendo 3DS

• Animal Crossing: New Leaf 🍁

• Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker 🍄

• Fire Emblem Awakening ⚔️

• Luigi’s Mansion 👻

• Mario Kart 7 🚘

• Pilotwings Resort ✈

• StreetPass Mii Plaza 👋

• The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D 🗡️

• Tomodatchi Life 🏡

Nintendo DS

• Dr. Kawashima’s Brain Training: How Old is Your Brain? 🧠

• New Super Mario Bros. 🍄

• The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass ⌛️

• Tomodachi Collection 👯

• nintendogs 🐶

Game Boy Advance

• Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade 🔥

• Golden Sun ☀️

• Golden Sun: The Lost Age ☀️

• Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen 🍃

• Wario, Inc.: Minigame Mania 🕹️

Game Boy

• Dr. Mario 🩺

• Kirby’s Dream Land 😴

• Metroid II: Return of Samus 👾

• Super Mario Land 🍄

• Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins 💰

• Tetris 🧩

What is Nintendo Music?

Nintendo Music functions like your typical music streaming app, though there are some unique features. The app provides recommendations based on your Nintendo Switch play history and includes curated playlists, and each track features an in-game screenshot. If you’re worried about spoilers for games you haven’t played, there’s also an option to hide certain game art.

Those who want to keep the party going can extend tracks up to 60 minutes or loop them, which means I can spend an entire day working with ‘Aquatic Ambiance’ from Donkey Kong Country playing in the background.

You can also download tracks, play tracks in the background, and create your own playlists.

While the move to create a proprietary music streaming app may anger those who dislike Nintendo’s protective practices over its IP, it makes sense. Nintendo has an enviable library of tracks that people enjoy, and having an app that collates all past, present and future titles is something that fans have been hoping to see for years.

It also continues to add more value to its already excellent Nintendo Switch Online service, which includes thousands of classic games to play, and free DLC and perks if you subscribe to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack tier. Nintendo just added two new N64 Mature games to Switch Online in time for Halloween.

At just $19.99 for a 12-month membership ($49.99 for the Expansion Pack), I think Nintendo Switch Online has become the best subscription service for gamers.

Hopefully, Nintendo brings its music app to the web and other devices, but remember you’ll need to be a Nintendo Switch Online or Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscriber to access it.

• Up next: N64 Mature games list: every title you can play right now and expect to see

Subscribe now

Last updated: April 14, 2026

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.

• 🎧 Sony sent us the Sand Pink version of the WH-1000XM6 - and my girlfriend immediately scooped them up

• 🎹 She’s been rocking out to all of her favorite music with them for a couple weeks

• 🩷 It’s one of her first pairs of over-ear headphones, and she’s in love with them

• 🖐 Here are her 5 favorite features (hint: one of them will connect with fans of monochromatic aesthetics)

We use the Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones every day at The Shortcut office. These $469 headphones have been at the top of our power rankings for the best headphones you can get for nearly a year, and they continue to deliver exceptional audio and noise cancellation.

About a month ago, Sony showed us a refreshed version of the XM6s in Sand Pink. While there weren’t any new features or upgrades, they managed to catch the attention of many - including my girlfriend.

Once we knew we got a pair at the office, she immediately swooped them up and has been using them for the past couple of weeks. As a first-time Sony headphones user, she was curious about all the features packed into these cans and whether she’d adapt to using them every day. Turns out, she might use them more than I do.

Here are her 5 favorite features after testing the Sony XM6s herself.

Amazon: $61 off Sony WH-1000XM6

🎧 Sony WH-1000XM6 in Sand Pink: favorite features

1. Palming for transparency

When Chloe rested her palm on the side of the XM6s for the first time, she was blown away with how quickly the headphones responded and switched to transparency mode. It’s one of Sony’s most convenient features by far; just rest your hand on the right ear cup and you can hear what’s going on around you. She uses it all the time, oftentimes around our apartment when she’s jamming out and I have very important questions to ask her (… if we count “what’s for dinner?” as an important question, of course).

2. Easy touch controls

When she’s moving around the city, Chloe loves being able to touch the side of her XM6s to adjust the volume or swipe between tracks. Sony’s touch controls are intuitive and easy to learn, and after using the XM6s myself for the past year, I can confirm that they rarely ever fail to register a swipe. It’s the difference between having to pull your phone out to control your media and effortlessly changing tracks or cranking up the volume on your commute to work.

3. Noise cancellation

New York City is almost never quiet, and sometimes, that can be a lot when you wanna just zone out and listen to some music or a podcast. For this, Chloe loves how good the noise cancellation is on the XM6s. The rest of The Shortcut team is right there with her - this is the best noise cancellation on any pair of headphones we’ve tested so far. The upgrades Sony introduced with this version can easily drown out the sounds of the train as it approaches you, it gets rid of all the ruckus walking down Fifth Avenue, and it keeps any audio you’re listening to front and center.

4. Very comfortable design

One of the biggest reasons she’s obsessed with wearing these headphones is the design. The Sony XM6s weigh just 254 grams, which feels like nothing on your head. It’s easy to forget you even have them on - I’ve worn them for the entirety of 8-hour flights, and only when my ears got a little warm did I remember that I was wearing them. Speaking of which, Chloe wanted me to mention that they kept her ears nice and warm during the winter and acted like the perfect pair of ear muffs - you can thank Sony’s excellent sealing around your ears for that.

5. Sand Pink!

Of course, this isn’t necessarily a feature, but I never saw Chloe get so excited about the XM6s until she saw the Sand Pink version. When we attended Sony’s launch party for the new color, she immediately asked for a pair simply because they looked so pretty. Sand Pink is a nice color, with the right amount of saturation for a monochromatic finish that isn’t too in-your-face. Plus, there’s a matching case, which makes these the most Chloe-coded headphones I’ve personally ever seen.

Where to buy Sony WH-1000XM6

You can grab the Sony XM6s from a variety of retailers, oftentimes on sale. We’ve listed a few places you can currently get them on sale below. They also still have Sand Pink in stock at a lot of retailers, but you’ll want to act fast since Sony did confirm it’s a limited edition.

• Amazon: $61 off Sony WH-1000XM6 (now $398)

• Best Buy: $60 off Sony WH-1000XM6 (now $399.99)

• B&H Photo: $61 off Sony WH-1000XM6 (now $398)

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 Galaxy S26 Ultra has officially launched, and it’s on sale wherever you buy phones

• ⚙️ The phone comes with a number of notable upgrades, like Privacy Display, Horizon Lock for stable videos, new Galaxy AI features, and more

• 🪨 While it’s one of Samsung’s most durable phones to date, it’s still a good idea to get a case to protect it

• 🛍️ We’ve rounded up 12 of the best on the market to help you decide which is right for you

Finding the best case for your Galaxy S26 Ultra depends on what you’re after. The phone, Samsung’s latest flagship with a number of upgrades compared to the S25 Ultra, is the largest in the company’s lineup at 6.9 inches. It’s also the most durable Samsung’s ever shipped with Corning Gorilla Armor 2 on the front and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the back, an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, and an aluminum frame.

If you consider yourself a bit of a clutz, chances are you’ll want something protective that’ll save your S26 Ultra from cracks and dents. On the other hand, if you don’t typically drop your phone but want to avoid scratches, you can opt for something thinner and more stylish. This is also the route for anyone who just wants magnetic charging, since Samsung doesn’t include it natively on the Galaxy S26 series.

Below, we’ve rounded up 12 of the best Galaxy S26 Ultra cases you can buy to help you decide which is right for you.

Best Galaxy S26 Ultra cases you can buy

Dbrand Ghost Case 2.0

• ✅ 12-foot drop protection

• ✅ Anti-yellowing coating

• ✅ Slim design

• ✅ Works with magnetic accessories

• ❌ Border is only available in black

Dbrand might have the best all-around case on the market. The Ghost Case 2.0 for the S26 Ultra protects your phone from drops up to 12 feet high. It’s lightweight and adds just under 2mm of thickness to your device. The back is transparent with an anti-yellowing coating to keep it looking fresh, enhanced scratch resistance, and magnets that work with MagSafe chargers and accessories. It’s a great go-to if you want protection, good looks, and don’t want to spend a ton of money.

Price: $59.95

Dbrand: Ghost Case 2.0

Samsung Silicone Magnet Case

• ✅ Slim, grippy design

• ✅ Works with magnetic accessories

• ✅ Fun color options

• ❌ Not as protective as other cases

• ❌ Silicone can attract lint

Samsung’s first-party silicone case gets you solid scratch protection for your Galaxy S26 Ultra. The silicone is grippy and durable, and it’s available in six vibrant colors to help your device stand out. Plus, Samsung includes magnets on the back so you can use magnetic accessories. It’s a good choice for those who want something that pops or will help make their phone a bit grippier.

Price: $54.99

Amazon: Samsung Silicone Magnet Case

Samsung Rugged Magnet Case

• ✅ Multi-layer design for reinforced drop protection

• ✅ Raised edges to protect your screen

• ✅ Semi-transparent back plate lets your phone’s color shine through

• ✅ Works with magnetic accessories

• ❌ Only one color option

• ❌ Pricey

Samsung also offers a more protective option for your Galaxy S26 Ultra. Its Rugged Magnet Case includes a multi-layer design to ensure your phone is safe against drops, and it gives you a stronger grip thanks to the bumper around the edges of the case. It’s semi-transparent so the color of your phone will still be visible, and it has magnets built into the back.

Price: $79.99

Amazon: Samsung Rugged Case

Spigen Tough Armor MagFit

• ✅ Durable design with Air Cushion Technology

• ✅ Built-in kickstand

• ✅ Works with magnetic accessories

• ✅ Affordable

• ❌ Materials aren’t very high-quality

Spigen’s Tough Armor case makes for an easy addition to your Galaxy S26 Ultra thanks to its durable design and low price. It has military-grade drop resistance to protect your phone from drops at up to 1.2m high, all thanks to its hybrid PC and TPU structure with Air Cushion Technology. It has a built-in kickstand to watch content hands-free, magnets for accessories and chargers, and a variety of color options.

Price: $21.99

Amazon: Spigen Tough Armor

TORRAS Q3 Spin

• ✅ Military-grade drop resistance

• ✅ Built-in kickstand doubles as a tripod

• ✅ Color-matched finishes

• ✅ Works with magnetic accessories

• ❌ Materials aren’t very high-quality

For creators and viewers alike, TORRAS’ Q3 Spin case is right up your alley. The magnets on the back of this S26 Ultra case double as a kickstand, allowing you to prop your phone up for hands-free viewing. It can also physically rotate so you can position your phone upright, which means it can also act like a tripod. The case also comes with military-grade drop resistance and colors that’ll match your S26 Ultra.

Price: $45.99

Amazon: TORRAS Q3 Spin

UAG Pathfinder Glow-in-the-Dark

• ✅ Military-standard drop resistance

• ✅ Clear design with glow-in-the-dark magnets

• ✅ Slim design

• ✅ Included lanyard

• ❌ A bit expensive

Urban Armor Gear (UAG) has a huge lineup of durable Galaxy S26 Ultra cases, and one of the stand-outs is the Pathfinder. It’s the brand’s hybrid-transparent case that offers 18-foot drop resistance and tactile grips along the edges, but what makes this version special are the magnets in the back. Not only do they enable support for magnetic accessories, but they also glow in the dark for a unique appearance.

Price: $69.95

Amazon: UAG Pathfinder

TORRO Premium Leather MagSafe Case

• ✅ Slim, premium cowhide leather design

• ✅ Multiple color choices

• ✅ Works with magnetic accessories

• ✅ Affordable

• ❌ Construction isn’t as nice as other leather cases

If you want to add a premium touch to your Galaxy S26 Ultra, consider this case from TORRO. It’s covered in premium cowhide leather that gives your device an upscale feel in the hand, while the bumper around the case will protect it from drops. It’s available in three different colors: Dark Brown, Light Brown, and Black. It also comes with magnets so you can use all of your favorite accessories.

Price: $22.99

Amazon: TORRO Leather Case

OtterBox Defender Series Pro Case

• ✅ Extreme protection with multi-layer design

• ✅ Maintains a slim profile

• ✅ Works with magnetic accessories

• ✅ Port covers

• ❌ Pricey

• ❌ Color options are a bit boring

This slim yet tough case from OtterBox has been tried and tested on plenty of phones in the past, so you can trust it’ll protect your Galaxy S26 Ultra from almost anything. Its multi-layer design allows for 7x stronger defense than the military standard. It’s made from 50% recycled materials and maintains a slim profile so that your phone doesn’t feel gigantic. It also integrates magnets so you can use MagSafe accessories. While it’s on the pricier side, it’ll give your phone plenty of protection for years to come.

Price: $69.99

Amazon: OtterBox Defender

Pitaka Ultra-Slim Case

• ✅ Extremely thin design made from 600d aramid fiber

• ✅ Built-in NFC buttons to quickly access apps

• ✅ Extra camera protection

• ✅ Works with magnetic accessories

• ❌ No drop protection

Pitaka is the brand to shop from if you want an ultra-thin case for your S26 Ultra to protect it from scratches. The company’s Ultra-Slim Case uses 600d aramid fiber for its construction, a material that’s commonly used in the aerospace industry, to keep its profile just over 1 mm thick. What’s unique about this case are the extra buttons on the side; Pitaka built custom NFC readers into the case that you can program to open any app you’d like on your phone. It’s extra functionality you don’t typically find on cases like this.

Price: $59.99

Amazon: Pitaka Ultra-Slim Case

Spigen Ultra Hybrid MagFit Clear Case

• ✅ Crystal-clear design that’s thin and light

• ✅ Works with magnetic accessories

• ✅ Won’t yellow over time

• ✅ Affordable

• ❌ Not the best drop protection

• ❌ Prone to scratches and fingerprints

One of the best cases in Spigen’s lineup is the Ultra Hybrid MagFit Clear Case. It’s such a great go-to case since it offers a thin and lightweight design, a crystal-clear exterior that doesn’t yellow over time, and magnets to support MagSafe accessories. There are plenty of other, more durable cases on the market, but if you just want a clear case for your S26 Ultra, this is a great one to scoop up.

Price: $19.99

Amazon: Spigen Ultra Hybrid MagFit

BOULETTA Wallet Case

• ✅ Detachable design

• ✅ Premium leather exterior

• ✅ Plenty of room for cards and cash

• ✅ Works with magnetic accessories

• ✅ RFID blocking for safety

• ❌ Expensive

This wallet case from BOULETTA has a 2-in-1 design. The case for the S26 Ultra itself can detach from the wallet portion so that you can use it independently, and when you’re on the move, the case folds in nicely and gives you a ton of room to store your cards and cash. The wallet portion doubles as a kickstand so you can prop your phone up for hands-free viewing, and the entire thing is wrapped in premium leather in a variety of colors.

Price: $89.90

Amazon: BOULETTA Wallet Case

OtterBox Sole Series

• ✅ Unique, colorful design that adds grip

• ✅ Included lanyard

• ✅ Works with magnetic accessories

• ✅ 5x military-grade drop protection

• ❌ Adds some bulk to the design

• ❌ A bit pricey

For something more playful and colorful, there’s OtterBox’s Sole Series cases. With a grippy design and bold color options, the case makes it easier to handle the S26 Ultra and protect it from drops thanks to its durability that’s rated for 5x military-grade standards. There’s also a lanyard in the box to make it easier to hang onto your phone when out and about.

Price: $69.99

Amazon: OtterBox Sole Case

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.

• 😍 PSSR 2 is Sony’s upgraded upscaling technology for the PS5 Pro, enhancing image stability and clarity in supported games

• 👏 A number of titles currently support PSSR 2, including Alan Wake 2, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, and Dragon’s Dogma 2

• 🔜 More games, such as Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Cyberpunk 2077, are scheduled to receive PSSR 2 support soon

• 🎮 You can enable PSSR 2 across all compatible PS5 games in the system’s Screen and Video settings

Walmart: PS5 Pro

Best Buy: PS5 Pro

GameStop: PS5 Pro

Amazon: PS5 Pro

Sony’s upgraded PSSR (PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution) is available now in specific PS5 Pro titles. PSSR 2, as we’re calling it, offers enhanced image stability, improved clarity in fine details, and more consistent performance across supported titles.

A growing number of games already support PSSR 2 on PS5 Pro, with more to come. The results are impressive, with shimmering, distracting artifacts and aliasing issues cleaned up considerably compared to the previous version of PSSR.

Every PS5 Pro game with PSSR 2 support

• Alan Wake 2

• Control

• Dragon Age: The Veilguard

• Dragon’s Dogma 2

• Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

• Monster Hunter Wilds

• Nioh 3

• Resident Evil Requiem

• Rise of the Ronin

• Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2

• Silent Hill 2

• Silent Hill f

PS5 Pro games getting PSSR 2 support soon

• Assassin’s Creed Shadows

• Crimson Desert (coming March 19)

• Cyberpunk 2077

How to enable PSSR 2 on PS5 Pro

You can turn ‘Enhance PSSR Image Quality’ on to apply it to all PS5 games that support the new PSR by heading to ‘Screen and Video’, ‘Video Output’, and toggling on ‘Enhance PSSR Image Quality’. If you notice any adverse results, you can turn it off at any time.

Up next: Astro A50 best EQ settings: get the most out of Logitech G’s high-end headset

Subscribe now

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.

• 🤝 GameShare allows Switch 2 owners to share specific games with others for co-op and multiplayer, even if they don't own the game

• 🚨 The feature works locally with both Switch 2 and original Switch systems, but only Switch 2 can share games

• 👏 A Nintendo Switch Online account is required for online GameShare, but local sharing does not need one

• 🧠 Supported games include Super Mario Odyssey, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, and Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain

One intriguing feature about Nintendo Switch 2 is GameShare. It allows Switch 2 owners to share specific games with other Switch 2 owners for co-op and multiplayer, even if they don't own a copy themselves. This can be done locally or online.

GameShare also works with existing Nintendo Switch systems, though Nintendo Switch owners can only receive games, not share them. The feature only works locally, too, not online, so you'll need to be in the same room as someone if they have a Switch 1.

Still confused? Essentially, GameShare lets you play local co-op and multiplayer modes online or locally with another Switch 2 or Switch 1 system and uses only one copy of the game!

GameShare isn't available in all games, which is why we've listed every Nintendo Switch 2 game with GameShare support. We'll update this list when more GameShare-supported titles are announced.

Nintendo Switch 2 games with GameShare support

These are all the Nintendo Switch 2 games that support GameShare. Some titles like Super Mario Party Jamboree support local sharing only, which we’ve highlighted below.

• 🏎️ 4GP Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

• 🧠 Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain

• 🥔 Brotato: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

• 🎣 Cast n Chill Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

• 💣 Super Bomberman Collection

• 🍄 Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker

• 🎯 Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics

• 🍌 Donkey Kong Bananza

• 🐵 Donkey Kong Country Returns HD (local sharing only)

• 💨 Fast Fusion

• 🏋️‍♀️ Heave Ho 2

• 🗡️ Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment

• 🩷 Kirby Air Riders

• ⚡️ Linked: Banner of Spark Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

• 👊 Marvel Cosmic Invasion

• 🐉 Mortal Kombat Legacy Kollection

• 🏀 NBA 2K26

• 🎲 Nicktoons & The Dice of Destiny

• 🚀 Orbitals

• 🧟 Plants vs Zombies: Replanted

• 🏡 Pokémon Pokopia

• 💚 Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S

• 🎸 Scott Pilgrim EX

• 📖 Split Fiction

• 🐷 Stardew Valley

• 🤝 Storm Lancers

• 💣 Super Bomberman Collection

• 🍉 Suika Game Planet

• ⭐️ Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury

• 🧢 Super Mario Odyssey

• 🎲 Super Mario Party Jamboree - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV (local sharing only, no online via GameChat)

• ⛺️ Survival Kids

• 🐢 Teenage Ninja Hero Turtles: Splintered Fate Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

• 🦖 Tokyo Scramble

• 🤼 WWE 2K26

Do you need a Nintendo Switch Online account to use GameShare?

You'll need a Nintendo Switch Online account if you want to use GameShare online as it uses GameChat. However, GameChat is free until March 31, 2026, which means you should be able to use GameShare without a Nintendo Switch Online account until that date. Local sharing doesn’t appear to require a Nintendo Switch Online account, though we’ll need to confirm that when we have the console in our hands.

• Up next: Nintendo Switch 2 120fps games: enjoy silky-smooth frame rates in these titles

Subscribe now

Last updated: March 6, 2026

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 folding phone market has heated over the past few years

• 👀 There are lots of different foldables you can pick from

• 📸 Some have better cameras and batteries, while others focus on design

• 📋 Here’s a breakdown of which foldable you should buy

Foldable smartphones come in all shapes and sizes nowadays, but which one is right for you?

There are three big players in the United States who want to deliver the best foldable possible: Samsung, Motorola, and Google. We’re still waiting for Apple’s iPhone Fold to land later this fall, but until then, these three companies have a slew of excellent devices you can pick up.

To help you decide which is right for you, we’ve rounded up the best ones you can get and broken them down to highlight what makes each of them unique. If you’re ready to ditch regular smartphones once and for all, keep scrolling down.

• More: Best Phones You Can Buy in 2026

The best overall foldable

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7

• ✅ Ultra-thin design that feels like a phone when closed

• ✅ Gorgeous 8-inch display

• ✅ 200MP camera from the Galaxy S25 Ultra

• ✅ Fast performance

• ❌ Battery life is underwhelming

• ❌ $100 more than last year

Samsung knocked it out of the park with the Galaxy Z Fold 7. It’s our favorite folding phone of the moment, with a stunning design that’s ultra-thin and feels like holding a regular smartphone when it’s closed. Open it up, and you’ll see a gorgeous 8-inch AMOLED display that’s big enough for enjoying your favorite movies and multitasking. There’s a 200MP camera on the back that was taken directly from the Galaxy S25 Ultra for great photos, and the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip inside delivers exceptional performance. It’s the most cutting-edge foldable we’ve ever seen, with a design and spec sheet to match.

Starting price: $1,999.99

Samsung: Galaxy Z Fold 7

Amazon: Galaxy Z Fold 7

Best Buy: Galaxy Z Fold 7

Walmart: Galaxy Z Fold 7

AT&T: Galaxy Z Fold 7

Verizon: Galaxy Z Fold 7

The smartest foldable with the best cameras

Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold

• ✅ Best cameras on a folding phone

• ✅ Advanced AI features powered by Gemini

• ✅ Qi2 wireless charging

• ✅ Longer battery life than Z Fold 7

• ❌ Design isn’t as pretty as Samsung’s

• ❌ Limited multitasking features

The Galaxy Z Fold 7’s biggest competitor is Google’s Pixel 10 Pro Fold, and it comes with a number of advantages while being $200 cheaper. The most notable? Better camera quality, all thanks to Google’s excellent post-processing magic. Google also packs in a wide variety of smart AI features that prove to be quite useful the more you use them. You also get longer battery life with Qi2 magnetic wireless charging, beautiful screens, and fast performance thanks to Google’s Tensor G5 chip.

Starting price: $1,799

Amazon: Pixel 10 Pro Fold

Best Buy: Pixel 10 Pro Fold

Verizon: Pixel 10 Pro Fold

The best clamshell foldable

Motorola Razr Ultra (2025)

• ✅ Stylish design with strong durability

• ✅ Best cameras on a flip phone

• ✅ All-day battery life

• ✅ Fast performance

• ❌ Only three years of software updates

• ❌ The foldable display is quite large

Motorola really impressed us with the Razr Ultra. It’s the company’s highest-end folding phone to date, and it delivers on the fundamentals of a great smartphone while still being able to fold down to a super compact size. It has big, beautiful screens with the best cover display on any clamshell folding phone; between the size and functionality, you’ll find that you’ll use it far more than you’d think. The 7-inch folding screen has a minimized crease and looks stunning, and the design is stylish with materials like wood used for a head-turning look. What’s more, the cameras are the best we’ve tested on a clamshell foldable, and the battery life lasts all day.

Price: $1,299

Amazon: Moto Razr Ultra

Best Buy: Moto Razr Ultra

AT&T: Moto Razr Ultra

Runner-up: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7

• ✅ Great design and displays

• ✅ Solid camera quality

• ✅ Smart AI features

• ✅ 7 years of software updates

• ❌ Performance isn’t as good as the Razr Ultra

• ❌ Battery runs out quicker than Razr Ultra

If you’re a fan of Samsung phones and want a clamshell, your best bet is the Galaxy Z Flip 7. While we like using the Razr Ultra more (especially for the longer battery life and faster performance), the Z Flip 7 isn’t a bad phone at all. The large cover display gives you a bigger window into your phone for checking notifications, while the folding screen is spacious enough for enjoying movies and reading content. The cameras are also solid, and Samsung guarantees seven years of software updates over the device’s lifespan. Plus, it’s a little bit cheaper.

Starting price: $1,099

Samsung: Galaxy Z Flip 7

Amazon: Galaxy Z Flip 7

Best Buy: Galaxy Z Flip 7

AT&T: Galaxy Z Flip 7

Verizon: Galaxy Z Flip 7

The best budget foldables

Motorola Razr (2025)

• ✅ Useful cover display

• ✅ Good performance for the price

• ✅ All-day battery life

• ✅ Fun color choices

• ❌ Cameras are mediocre

• ❌ Limited software support

For those on a budget, get the regular Motorola Razr (2025). It’s the best affordable foldable on the market with a spiffy, durable design that ships in a variety of fun colors (including one coated in Swarovski crystals). The displays are large and high-quality, the performance is solid for the money you spend, and the battery will last all day. It’s the easiest way to adopt the foldable lifestyle without breaking the bank.

Starting price: $799.99

Amazon: Moto Razr (2025)

Walmart: Moto Razr (2025)

Verizon: Moto Razr (2025)

Google Pixel Fold

• ✅ Compact design that stands out

• ✅ Versatile camera system

• ✅ Access to the latest AI features

• ✅ All-day battery life

• ❌ Limited software support

• ❌ Noticeable crease

The original Google Pixel Fold might be a few years old at this point, but it’s still a killer foldable for less than $600. With a premium design that reminds one of holding a passport (something that Apple’s iPhone Fold is rumored to duplicate), the Pixel Fold feels just as high-end to hold as other foldables from 2025. It has two beautiful displays with Google’s software front and center, complete with access to all its latest Gemini AI features. There’s also a versatile triple camera system on the back, all-day battery life, and up to 512GB of storage.

Starting price: $579.99

Amazon: Pixel Fold

Best Buy: Pixel Fold

Walmart: Pixel Fold

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.

• 😳 Nintendo is bringing back the Virtual Boy next year

• 🤩 Virtual Boy games will be playable on the Nintendo Switch 2 and Switch

• 🤔 However, you’ll need to purchase the Virtual Boy console to enjoy them

• 📦 A cardboard version of the accessory will also be released for a cheaper price

Walmart: Switch Online + Expansion Pack

My Nintendo Store: Virtual Boy - $99

My Nintendo Store: Virtual Boy Cardboard

It’s hard to believe, but Nintendo is bringing back the Virtual Boy. In an announcement during the September Nintendo Direct last year, it was revealed that Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members will soon be able to revisit the Virtual Boy’s library of 14 games.

However, what made the news even more surprising is that Nintendo is releasing a replica Virtual Boy that you’ll need to purchase to experience the games as they were intended: in stereoscopic 3D. A more affordable cardboard Virtual Boy will also be released, similar to what we saw from Nintendo Labo.

The Virtual Boy was one of the few big misfires from Nintendo during its storied history. The 32-bit, tabletop “portable” console was released in 1995 but was quickly discontinued in 1996, with only 22 games released (19 in Japan, 14 in North America) and 770,000 units sold.

Despite this, some fans still hold a soft spot for the console, and Nintendo clearly believes the Virtual Boy is worthy of revival. We’ve rounded up all the Virtual Boy games coming to Switch Online, the release date and the price.

Virtual Boy Switch 2 games

It’s easy to predict which Virtual Boy games are coming to Nintendo Switch Online. In fact, Nintendo already shared that the 14 games that released in North America will make their way to the service. As with other Nintendo Classic console libraries, expect games to arrive in drips and drabs throughout the Switch 2’s lifespan.

Here are all the Virtual Boy games we can expect to see and when:

Launch on February 17

• 3D Tetris

• Galactic Pinball

• Teleroboxer

• Virtual Boy Wario Land

• The Mansion of Innsmouth

• Golf

• Red Alarm

Coming later

• Jack Bros.

• Mario Clash

• Mario’s Tennis

• Panic Bomber

• Space Invaders Virtual Collection

• Vertical Force

• V-Tetris

Previously unreleased games coming later this year:

• D-Hopper

• Zero Racers

Virtual Boy Switch 2 release date

The Virtual Boy Switch 2 release date is February 17, 2026. It means we’ve not got long to wait until we can stick our faces into the Virtual Boy and revisit the weird red and black games that were previously lost in time.

Virtual Boy Switch 2 pre-order date

Virtual Boy for Switch and Switch 2 pre-orders went live on Wednesday, December 10 at the My Nintendo Store. It means fans have more than a month to get their orders in before the headset arrives on February 17.

Virtual Boy Switch 2 price

The Virtual Boy for Nintendo Switch 2 costs $99.99. It’s available for purchase from the My Nintendo Store. Nintendo is also releasing a cardboard version of the Virtual Boy for $24.99.

The Virtual Boy cost $179.99 when it was released in August 1996, which equates to $370 today.

You’ll need a Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch to play Virtual Boy games, as the Virtual Boy console is just a replica that houses the consoles and includes the lenses to create a stereoscopic 3D effect.

Do Virtual Boy games work on the Nintendo Switch?

Yes! The Nintendo Switch can also play Virtual Boy games and will slot into the Virtual Boy console the same way the Switch 2 does. You’ll still need a Nintendo Switch 2 + Expansion Pack subscription to access the games, but original Nintendo Switch owners won’t miss out.

Why did the Virtual Boy fail?

The Virtual Boy was criticised for its red, monochrome display, awkwardness form factor, and the lack of motion-tracking that people expected from a “VR” headset. The lack of portability was also questioned, as were the fairly meager lineup of games.

Some praised the console’s novelty and were impressed with the unique 3D effect, but it was considered an extremely niche product that would struggle to sell. With only 770,000 units sold before Nintendo pulled the plug, it turned out critics were right.

However, like any piece of tech or gaming console, everyone has their own opinion, and it’s great that Nintendo is bringing the Virtual Boy back for those that missed out on the experience.

Up next: Nintendo Switch 2 120fps games: enjoy silky-smooth frame rates in these titles

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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. Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.

• 🎮 The ModRetro M64 is a modern N64 revival console featuring 4K output

• 🎨 It launches with four translucent color options: purple, green, red and clear, reminiscent of the original N64

• 🙌 ModRetro founder Palmer Luckey plans to release over a dozen colors via swappable, low-cost body kits later on

• 👏 The M64 controllers also come in matching swappable shells (purple, green, and clear)

Register your interest for the M64

Get the ModRetro Chromatic

Get ModRetro Chromatic games

The ModRetro M64 aims to revive the Nintendo 64 for the modern age with a 4K output and powerful new hardware. But what colors are available?

Unlike the Analogue 3D, which comes in an all-black and all-white design, the three M64 colors are a real throwback, featuring translucent plastic that so many tech enthusiasts love.

The N64 was released in a similar style, and it proved to be popular with gamers. After a long hiatus, translucent and transparent tech has undergone a bit of a revival, with Nothing and Beats bringing back the unique look.

There are three M64 colors to choose from: purple, green, red and clear, and we’ll update this list when new colors release. According to ModRetro’s founder Palmer Luckey, more than a dozen colors are on the way.

M64 purple

The purple M64 color is the most reminiscent of one of the original translucent N64 that Nintendo produced all those years ago. It’s bound to be a popular choice, and purple has quietly become a color associated with Nintendo thanks to the GameCube and Game Boy Advance.

M64 green

Best described as a yellowish green, the M64 certainly stands out in this bold colorway, especially the large power and reset buttons. We’d wager that the green M64 will be the least popular color, but it still resonate with some.

M64 clear

The M64 clear colorway looks absolutely glorious and may be our personal favorite. Similar to Nothing’s eye-catching translucent design language, the M64 looks suitably smart yet striking in the clear colorway. Expect this M64 color to be a popular choice.

M64 red

Luckey revealed that more than a dozen colors will be released for the M64, with “easily swappable low-cost body kits”. He also showed off an ‘AMD Red’ color for the M64 as part of ModRetro’s collaboration with AMD gaming, which has now become an official option for players to choose from.

M64 controller colors

Luckey also shared that the M64 controllers will also come with swappable shells, and that it can take “less than a minute to swap” a shell if you’re speedy. For now, you can get the M64 controller in purple, clear, and green, which will match the console. Of course, you can also use existing N64 controllers with the M64.

Up next: ModRetro Chromatic review: a perfect retro revival of the Game Boy and Game Boy Color

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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.

• 💰 Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade pack prices range from being completely free to $2.59 to $19.99, depending on the game and included content

• 👉 Games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom cost $9.99 for visual and performance upgrades

• 📈 Some upgrade packs, like Kirby and the Forgotten Land, include additional content and cost $19.99

• 🆓 Nintendo Switch Online plus Expansion Pack subscribers get Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom upgrades for free

If you're planning on purchasing an upgrade pack to make Switch games look and perform better on Nintendo Switch 2, we now have a clearer picture of how much each upgrade pack costs.

Unlike on PS5, where most games cost $10 to upgrade to a PS5 version, Nintendo seems to be leaving it up to specific publishers to decide. In terms of its own upgrade packs, Nintendo is charging between $9.99 and $19.99. The high-end price is for games that contain additional content, like DLC, while games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition cost $9.99, as it's mainly a visual and performance upgrade.

Don't forget, Nintendo has also released Switch 2 free upgrades for 12 Nintendo Switch games. These games benefit from better graphics and performance, or GameShare support. Some games have even received mouse mode support.

Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade pack prices

Here's the full list of prices for games that can be upgraded to take advantage of the Nintendo Switch 2's increased capabilities.

• 🏝️ Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition - $4.99

• 🎱 BALL X PIT - Free

• 🤿 Dave The Diver - Free

• 🦸‍♂️ Dispatch - Free

• 🩷 Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World - $19.99

• 🙋‍♀️ Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time - $2.59

• 🗡️ Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles - Free

• 🔥 Hades II - Free

• 🐱 Hello Kitty Island Adventure Nintendo Switch 2 Edition - $9.99

• 👽 High On Life - Free

• 🪲 Hollow Knight - Free

• 🪲 Hollow Knight: Silksong - Free

• 🧑‍🚀 No Man’s Sky - Free

• 🧢 Pokémon Legends: Z-A - $9.99

• 🤠 Red Dead Redemption - Free

• 💃 Romancing SaGa 2 - $9.99

• ߷ Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition - $10.00

• 💛 Shadow Labyrinth - Free

• 🏛️ Sid Meier's Civilization 7 – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition - $9.99

• 🐮 Stardew Valley: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition - Free

• 🌽 Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar - $10.00

• 🐘 Super Mario Bros. Wonder - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park - $19.99

• 🎲 Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition plus Jamboree TV - $19.99

• 👾 Tamagotchi Plaza - $10.00

• 🐢 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate - $2.49

• 🗡️ The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - Special Edition - Free

• 👋 The Exit 8 - $1.00

• 🍃 The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition - $9.99

• 👸 The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition - $9.99

• 😎 The Touryst Deluxe - $4.99

We'll update this list when new games appear It's worth noting that Nintendo is making The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom upgrade packs free for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers. Hopefully, more free upgrades will be added in the months ahead.

• Up next: Nintendo Switch 2 mouse mode games: get an extra level of control in these titles

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Last updated: January 23, 2026

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.

• 🙌 We’re rounding up all the games that work with the Switch 2's new mouse mode

• 🙌 They include Nintendo's own Drag x Drive, as well as big third-party games, including Hogwarts Legacy and Cyberpunk 2077, which have the mouse mode as an option

• 🐭 As it stands, there is only one game where the mouse mode is a requirement – Mouse Work

• 👏 Mouse mode has been one of the most exciting features of the console and has been praised by both fans and game devs alike

The Nintendo Switch 2's clever new mouse mode has received a lot of high praise from people, including excited games developers. But which Switch 2 games take advantage of the control scheme? We’ve rounded up all the Nintendo Switch 2 games with mouse mode support.

The headline title is Nintendo's own Drag x Drive, which uses both Joy-Con 2 optical sensors to recreate the experience of playing wheelchair basketball. There are also several Nintendo Switch 2 launch games that include the new feature in various guises.

Third-party games such as Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition let Switch 2 players enjoy a more PC-like experience, while some games have been created entirely around the new control option, like Mouse Work.

Nintendo Switch 2 games with mouse support

Here’s the full list of Nintendo Switch 2 games with mouse mode support. We’ll update this page with any new entries in the future.

• 🚂 A-Train: All Aboard! Tourism Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

• 🏝️ Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

• 🔫 Apex Legends

• 🐝 Arcade Archives 2 GEE BEE

• 🌍 Bokura: planet

• 🧚 Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster

• 🃏 Card-en-Ciel Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

• 🦾 Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition

• 🌼 Deltarune

• 🐵 Donkey Kong Bananza (DK artist mode)

• ♿️ Drag x Drive

• ⛏️ Fortnite

• 🤖 Game Builder Garage

• 🏑 Handy Hockey

• 👽 High on Life Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

• 🪄 Hogwarts Legacy

• 👋 Human Fall Flat

• ⚽️ Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

• 😇 Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess

• 🙂 KUUKIYOMI 4

• ⚡️ Lynked: Banner of the Spark - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

• 🎨 Mario Paint (SNES)

• 🥳 Mario Party Jamboree: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

• 👽 Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

• 🐭 Mouse Work (Mouse mode required)

• 🙏 Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

• 😴 No Sleep For Kaname Date - From AI: The Somnium Files

• 🇯🇵 Nobunaga’s Ambition (SNES)

• ♟️ Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition

• 🧟 Plants vs Zombies: Replanted

• 🧩 Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S

• 👮 Pritto Prisoner - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

• 🎩 Professor Layton and The New World of Steam

• 🧩 Punyan for Nintendo Switch 2

• 🤠 Red Dead Redemption Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

• 🤔 Sid Meier’s Civilization VII

• 🐭 Simogo Legacy Collection - Nintendo Switch 2

• 🐷 Stardew Valley: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

• 🐘 Super Mario Bros. Wonder - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (when playing as co-star Luma)

• 🪐 Super Mario Galaxy (multiplayer)

• 🪐 Super Mario Galaxy 2 (multiplayer)

• 🍄 Super Mario Picross (SNES)

• 🤖 System Shock Remake

• 🐶 Tamagotchi Plaza: Switch 2 Edition

• 🗡️ The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Special Edition

• 🏹 Tomb Raider Definitive Edition

• 🪣 Mario & Wario (SNES)

As well as its clever mouse mode, the Switch 2 also brings some other noteworthy boosts and upgrades, such as a larger and higher-res 7.9-inch Full HD screen, complete with support for up to 120fps in selected games. It’s also far more powerful, capable of a 4K output when docked, and faster load times thanks to microSD Express cards.

Does mouse mode work on your pants?

Yes! While the optimal way to play will obviously be on a hard surface like a desk with a mouse mat, the optical sensor does work on your pants. That’s a relief for those who enjoy gaming while slumped on the couch, or if you’re taking part in minigames and don’t want to keep getting up.

Why is mouse mode a big deal on Switch 2?

There’s a reason why people still use mice today. The device offers a level of accuracy and ease of use that’s unmatched for certain applications, and the same is true for specific genres of games. Real-time strategy games and first-person shooters still play best with a mouse, and it’s now an option for developers on Switch 2, should they wish to implement it. You could say Switch 2’s mouse mode is Nintendo’s secret weapon.

• Up next: Nintendo Switch 2 120fps games: Enjoy silky-smooth frame rates in these titles

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Last updated: January 23, 2026

Reece Bithrey is a journalist with bylines for Trusted Reviews, Digital Foundry, PC Gamer, TechRadar and more. He also has his own blog, UNTITLED, and graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in International History and Politics in 2023.

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.

• 👏 Nintendo Switch 2 offers free upgrades for existing Switch games, enhancing performance, resolution, HDR, and adding GameShare support

• 😍 Titles like Super Mario Odyssey, ARMS, and Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury all have improved visuals and HDR support

• 🙏 Pokémon Scarlet and Violet has also received a much-needed performance boost for smoother gameplay

• 🆕 New features include GameShare support for up to four players in select games and optimized frame rates for multiplayer experiences

Nintendo has shared how the Switch 2 benefits existing titles, whether that's by boosting resolution, performance, adding HDR and GameShare support, or even mouse controls.

The Nintendo Switch games listed below have received a free upgrade for Switch 2. It might give many a reason to revisit these titles or purchase them for the first time.

Thankfully, some of the best Switch games are included on this list, including Super Mario Odyssey, ARMS, and Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury. There are also games that were in desperate need of a performance boost, specifically Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet.

I've seen some players disappointed that The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening and Echoes of Wisdom haven't received a frame rate boost. However, it's worth stressing that both games already targeted 60fps but would often fall short. The Switch 2 helps these games run at a locked 60fps, therefore a dedicated performance patch wasn't necessary.

Here's a breakdown of how Nintendo Switch 2 improves the following Switch games. Remember, these are free upgrades. You don't need to pay for a Switch 2 upgrade pack like we've seen with some Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or Metroid Prime 4: Beyond.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

• Visuals: Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and improved image quality.

ARMS

• Visuals: Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality

• Frame rate: Optimized for Nintendo Switch 2 for smoother movement (even when playing with 3 or more players)

• HDR support

Big Brain Academy: Brain vs Brain

• Up to four people can play in Party Mode

• Share locally or share online via GameChat

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker

• Visuals: Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality

• HDR support

GameShare support:

• Two people can play all of the courses

• Share locally or share online via GameChat

Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics

GameShare support:

• Up to four people can play 34 games

• Share locally or share online via GameChat

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD

• Visuals: Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality

GameShare support:

• Two people can play together, with one player controlling Donkey Kong and the other controlling Diddy Kong or Dixie Kong

• Share locally

Game Builder Garage

• Visuals: Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality

• Supports Joy-Con 2 mouse controls

New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe

• Visuals: Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality

Pokémon Scarlet

• Visuals: Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality

• Frame rate: Improved for smoother movement on Nintendo Switch 2

Pokémon Violet

• Visuals: Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality

• Frame rate: Improved for smoother movement on Nintendo Switch 2

Splatoon 3

• Visuals: Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality.

• Frame rate: Optimized for Nintendo Switch 2 for smoother movement in the plaza and Grand Festival Grounds.

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury

• Visuals: Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality

• Frame rate: Optimized for smoother movement on Nintendo Switch 2 (including Bowser’s Fury)

• HDR support (Bowser’s Fury only)

GameShare support:

• Up to four people can play Super Mario 3D World

• In Bowser’s Fury, two people can play together, with one player controlling Mario and the other controlling Bowser Jr.

• Share locally or share online via GameChat

Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2

• Visuals: Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality

• Supports Joy-Con 2 mouse controls

Super Mario Odyssey

• Visuals: Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality

• HDR support

GameShare support:

• Two people can play together, with one player controlling Mario and the other controlling Cappy

• Share locally or share online via GameChat

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom

• Visuals: Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality

• HDR support

The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening

• Visuals: Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality

• HDR support

For games that support HDR, you’ll need a compatible TV. However, if you’re playing in handheld mode, the Switch 2 display supports HDR natively.

• Up next: Nintendo Music app: updates, games, songs, and everything you need to know

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Last updated: January 21, 2026

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. Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.

There are too many gaming peripherals to keep track of, including gaming headsets, controllers, keyboards, mice, flight sticks, and racing wheels. You could easily pore over YouTube videos, Reddit threads, and individual buying guides for days – instead, here’s the short version of how to choose the best gaming peripherals.

Whether you’re looking for a better controller for console gaming, want the best keyboard and mouse for PC gaming, or want to take your flight/racing sim to the next level, finding the right peripherals will enhance your gaming experience and help you build the ultimate setup. Here’s what to look for and a few recommendations on the best gaming peripherals in each class.

Gaming Headsets

It’s essential to have the best gaming visuals on a 4K TV or gaming monitor; it’s just as vital to immerse yourself with a gaming headset. Gaming headsets can cost anywhere from $75 to $600, and within this price range, you’ll find a wide range of sound quality, comfort, customization, and features.

Aside from price, the first thing you should consider for a gaming headset is how many platforms you need it for. The days of buying one gaming headset per platform or moving it between devices are over, thanks to headsets that connect to multiple consoles simultaneously. The $159 Logitech G Astro A20 X is easily our favorite gaming headset for its ability to support two separate gaming systems and its flexible equalizer.

• Logitech Astro A20 X at Logitech - $159

• Logitech Astro A20 X at Amazon - $159

• Logitech Astro A20 X at Best Buy - $159

If you’re connecting up to three systems at a time, you should upgrade to the Logitech G Astro A50 Lightspeed Gen 5. It costs $259, but you would spend just as much on three separate gaming headsets for each platform. This is also a more full-featured option with a magnetic charging base, simultaneous Bluetooth audio connection, and better sound separation for spatial audio.

• Logitech Astro A50 Lightspeed Gen 5 at Logitech - $259

• Logitech Astro A50 Lightspeed Gen 5 at Amazon - $259

• Logitech Astro A50 Lightspeed Gen 5 at Best Buy - $259

Gaming Mice

Gaming mice are possibly the most subjective gaming peripheral to get into. Some people like a light or heavy mouse, an ambidextrous shape vs an ergonomic one, and how many buttons do you prefer?

The first thing that will help decide which mouse is best for you is whether you hold your mouse in either a palm, claw, or fingertip grip. Larger mice go well with a palm grip, while smaller mice cater better to gamers with a claw or finger tip grip.

One thing I can tell you for certain is that you shouldn’t worry about a wireless mouse adding latency. Wireless technology has improved so much over the years that there’s almost no need for a wired mouse anymore – unless you hate charging batteries.

You’ll also see gaming mice touting high polling rates of 1000Hz, 2000Hz, 4000Hz, or even 8000Hz. This polling rate determines how often your mouse sends positional data to your PC. Usually, higher is better, but you’ll get plenty of smooth aiming motion in games even with a 1000Hz polling rate mouse.

For most people, we recommend the $149 Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2c. Its ambidextrous shape and middle-of-the-road size will work for most gamers, no matter their preferred mouse grip. It’s also absurdly light at just 51g, and it’s not full of holes that will invite dust like other super-light mice.

• Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2c at Logitech - $159

• Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2c at Amazon - $149

• Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2c at Best Buy - $149

If you prefer a larger, more ergonomically sculpted gaming mouse, consider the $129 Logitech G502 X Plus. It’s fantastically set up for right-handed users and features a unique DPI shift button that reduces mouse sensitivity when held for precise aiming.

• Logitech G502 X Plus at Logitech - $159

• Logitech G502 X Plus at Amazon - $134

• Logitech G502 X Plus at Best Buy - $159

• Logitech G502 X Plus at Walmart - $129

Gaming Keyboard

There’s also a lot to consider when picking the right gaming keyboard, including size, keyswitches, key height, and more. Firstly, let’s go over a few different keyswitch types.

• Membrane - This is the most basic keyswitch, using a rubber dome to register keystrokes. While membrane keyboards are cheaper and offer a very soft and comfortable typing feel, they’re not very durable and can fail to register simultaneous key presses

• Mechanical - Mechanical keyboards fix most of the pitfalls of membrane keyboards by directly connecting metal contacts to register keystrokes. They also offer a more consistent actuation with less latency and can register any number of simultaneous key presses.

• Optical - Optical keyboards essentially replace the mechanical element of a keypress with a laser. Pressing any key triggers a tiny light inside each key switch, which translates into a keystroke. The significant advantage of optical keys is that they’re much more durable than mechanical elements rubbing against each other.

• Magnetic - This type of keyboard also replaces the mechanical key switch with magnets. However, unlike the binary on/off only nature of other key switches, you can program magnetic keys to perform different functions depending on how deeply they’re pressed.

Generally, you’ll want a gaming keyboard with at least mechanical switches. Magnetic switches, meanwhile, have seen increased adoption and outpace the functionality of an optical keyboard if you have the money to splurge.

There’s also the feel of your gaming keys to consider, which basically comes down to how annoying you want to be to those around you. If you don’t want any resistance or noise, go with linear keycaps. Tactile keys are similarly quiet but have a distinct bump when pressed. Lastly, clicky switches actuate with an audible click you can also feel, but they can be extremely disruptive to those around you.

Gaming keyboards also come in multiple key heights, depending on whether you prefer the feel of full-height key caps or a low-profile keyboard like a laptop. There are also mid-height keyboards that split the difference with almost half-height keycaps.

The $229 Logitech G915 X Lightspeed and the $129 Logitech G515 Lightspeed TKL are our top picks for gaming keyboards. They’re both wireless and use durable mechanical key switches, and we love how their low-profile shape keeps our fingers from having to reach high over the keys.

• Logitech G915 X Lightspeed at Logitech - $229

• Logitech G915 X Lightspeed at Amazon - $229

• Logitech G915 X Lightspeed at Best Buy - $229

• Logitech G515 Lightspeed TKL at Logitech - $129

• Logitech G515 Lightspeed TKL at Amazon - $129

• Logitech G515 Lightspeed TKL at Best Buy - $129

• Logitech G515 Lightspeed TKL at Walmart - $129

The $169 Logitech G515 Rapid TKL is also a standout, as its magnetic keyswitches add much more versatility, with programmable primary and secondary functions on each key. You can set the C key, for example, to crouch when lightly pressed and then go prone when fully actuated.

• Logitech G515 Rapid TKL at Logitech - $169

• Logitech G515 Rapid TKL at Best Buy - $169

Flight stick

While you can get by with just a controller in a flight or space simulator, we recommend a flight stick for a more immersive experience. You’ll be able to move your craft with more 1:1 control, and flight sticks often come with more buttons and other controls called hat switches that align with aircraft functions.

There’s a huge variety of flight sticks, flight yokes, throttles, pedals, and more to get into with the flight sim world. If you’re just starting with Microsoft Flight Simulator and piloting commercial airliners, get a flight yoke. The best we’ve tried is the $159 Logitech Flight Yoke System. It makes turning planes smoother than a joystick, and it features a throttle quadrant to manage all your jet engines.

• Logitech G Flight Yoke System at Logitech - $159

• Logitech G Flight Yoke System at Amazon - $159

• Logitech G Flight Yoke System at Best Buy - $179

• Logitech G Flight Yoke System at Walmart - $205

If you’re feeling the need for speed and play mostly fighter plane games like Ace Combat 7 and Project Wingman, check out the $199 Logitech G X56 H.O.T.A.S. It offers 13 axes of tilt and 189 programmable buttons/hat switches, making it well-suited for both flight and space sims. The throttle, meanwhile, gives you a tactile way of adjusting your air speed or switching to FTL in space sims.

• Logitech G X56 H.O.T.A.S. at Amazon - $229

• Logitech G X56 H.O.T.A.S. at Best Buy - $249

• Logitech G X56 H.O.T.A.S. at Walmart - $199

Racing wheel

Racing wheels are another niche gaming peripheral that can help you perform better at racing games, but as with flight sticks, they’re not entirely essential. If you just play racing games casually and most of your racing titles include arcade-style games like Mario Kart and Need for Speed, you’ll be fine with just a controller. However, if you want to feel the weight of your car, hit turns precisely, or drift like Ken Block, then here’s what you need to know about racing wheels.

The first thing that differentiates racing wheels from each other is their force feedback system, which falls into three categories:

• Gear drive is the most basic type of wheel mechanism, in which the wheel is attached to the force-feedback gears. This type of mechanism can deliver strong force feedback, but there’s no nuance for subtle resistance. Gear-drive wheels also tend to be noisy, and turning the wheel can feel notched due to the gears’ spokes.

• Belt drive offers a smoother experience with more detailed force feedback. This mechanism essentially puts a belt between the force feedback motor and your wheel axle. This setup allows for stronger motors, while the belt smooths out turning and wheel vibrations.

• Direct drive connects the wheel directly to a more powerful force-feedback motor. These wheels offer the strongest resistance, up to 25 newton meters of force, which can give your forearms a workout. The force feedback on these wheels is so strong that we recommend not locking your thumbs into the wheel and wearing gloves to reduce hand wear during a long race.

Direct drive wheels have become much more ubiquitous and affordable in the racing-sim world, so we recommend skipping other types of wheels and going for the best. The Logitech RS50 System is our top recommendation, as it gives you a full wheelbase, race wheel, and pedal setup for $699.

The Logitech G drives a considerable eight newton-meters of force, which makes controller haptics feel like a vibrating smartphone. Logitech also exclusively offers TrueDrive force feedback, which translates the audio and physics of a moving car into subtle vibrations so that you can feel the rumble of your virtual engine and the road surface.

• Logitech G RS50 System at Logitech - $699

• Logitech G RS50 System at Best Buy - $699

If you want even more force feedback, consider the $1,119 Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel – now that price only includes the wheel, while the pedals are another $279. This higher-end wheel increases the force feedback to 11 newton meters. However, this added power also makes it significantly bulkier and heavier than the RS50 wheel. It can also be noisier due to its active cooling fan.

One advantage of the Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel is its G923 compatibility mode, which enables it to work with older games.

• Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel at Logitech - $1,119

• Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel at Best Buy - $1,119

That’s just the basics for a racing wheel. Be sure to check out our complete guide on how to build the ultimate racing rig if you’re also looking for a racing cockpit, shifter, and more.

• Up next: Racing sim glow-up: how to build the ultimate racing rig

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

• 🥳 Apple Arcade is home to over 200 games, and we’ve rounded up the best ones

• 👏 It costs $6.99 a month, and many titles work across multiple Apple devices

• 🙌 The games feature no microtransactions, ads, or in-app purchases

• 🎮 Many Apple Arcade games can be played with a controller

The best Apple Arcade games are more than just a worthy distraction. Apple’s growing subscription service costs $6.99 a month and features games that include no microtransactions, advertisements, or in-app purchases – arguably the biggest problem with mobile games.

Also, many of the titles below can be played on your iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV, giving players an unrivaled level of flexibility. It’s incredibly satisfying to go from playing on your phone while out of the home to relaxing in front of the TV.

Apple Arcade games might not be able to match the scale and quality of the best PS5 games or best Xbox games – though that’s changed thanks to the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max’s gaming capabilities. But there’s plenty of fun to be had at home or on the go.

If you already have an iPhone, plan on buying an iPhone 17, or are new to Apple’s ecosystem, check out the best Apple games in 2026 you need to download.

Best Apple Arcade games 2026: quick list

• Balatro+

• Fantasian

• Easy Come Easy Golf

• Pocket Card Jockey: Ride On!

• Sneaky Sasquatch

• Vampire Survivors+

• Dead Cells+

• Hello Kitty Island Adventure

• LEGO Builder’s Journey

• Stardew Valley+

• Shovel Knight Dig

Balatro+

• Platforms: iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV

Balatro+ is a fiendishly addictive spin on poker and solitaire. It’s also one of the best games to release in 2024 and currently free to all Apple Arcade subscribers. You’ll quickly lose track of time playing Balatro, as each run provides new possibilities as you pick up and discard different joker cards that can dramatically alter the course of your run. If there’s one game you download from this list, make sure it’s Balatro+.

Download Balatro+

Fantasian

• Platforms: iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV

Want a throwback turn-based RPG from the creator of Final Fantasy? Look no further than Fantasian. If you’re put off by the new action-orientated direction of RPGs, Fantasian feels like comfort food in comparison. That’s not to say it doesn’t have some neat ideas of its own: the game stands out due to its use of beautiful hand-crafted dioramas and a clever “Dimengeon” system that lets players skip battles against previously encountered enemies until a limit is reached.

Download Fantasian

Easy Come Easy Golf

• Platforms: iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV

You can’t beat a good golf game, and thankfully Apple Arcade is home to one of the best. Easy Come Easy Golf is a fantastic take on the classic sport, and it’s developed by a team with real pedigree. ClapHanz is better known for its Hot Shots Golf series on PlayStation, and anyone familiar with the developer’s past work will immediately love what Easy Come Easy Golf has to offer.

Download Easy Come Easy Golf

Pocket Card Jockey: Ride On!

• Platforms: iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV

It’s not often we see Nintendo 3DS games make their way to Apple Arcade, but Pocket Jockey Card: Ride On! is a nice exception. Developed by Pokémon creators Game Freak, this spin on horse racing mixes things up with card-based gameplay. How well you perform in the card portion of the game determines how successful your horse will be in the race. It’s a great pick-up-and-play title.

Download Pocket Jockey: Ride On!

Sneaky Sasquatch

• Platforms: iPhone, iPad and Apple TV

Come on, who hasn’t wanted to live the life of a Sasquatch just once in their life? In Sneaky Sasquatch, you’ll need to do things like disguise yourself as a human, steal food from campers, compete in sports, and… get an office job? You’ll need to play Sneaky Sasquatch yourself just to see how silly things can get. This Apple Arcade game is also perfect for children if you’re looking to entertain the little ones.

Download Sneaky Sasquatch

Vampire Survivors+

• Platforms: iPhone and iPad

Vampire Survivors+ will suck away hours of your time thanks to its addictive gameplay and endless replayability. Fend off thousands of enemies as you upgrade your chosen character with new weapons and power-ups in a bid to survive the ever-increasing hordes of monsters.

Download Vampire Survivors+

Dead Cells+

• Platforms: iPhone, iPad and Apple TV

“One more run,” you find yourself saying as your latest attempt to conquer Dead Cells+ ever-changing, sprawling castle comes to an end. If you haven’t played this rogue-lite inspired by classic games like Castlevania, prepare to hunker down for a few hours as this 2D action game sinks its hooks into you.

Download Dead Cells+

Hello Kitty Island Adventure

• Platforms: iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV

Move over Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Hello Kitty is the new kid on the block. This cute and cuddly title may look like a poor substitute for one of the best Switch games out there, but don’t be fooled. The game takes all the best bits from Nintendo’s island management life sim and adds more structure and focus to the gameplay. It’s also packed with recognizable Sanrio characters like Retsko and Gudetama, which earns it some instant brownie points.

Download Hello Kitty Island Adventure

LEGO Builder’s Journey

• Platforms: iPhone, iPad and Apple TV

There are countless LEGO games out there, but LEGO Builder’s Journey is arguably the best of the bunch. LEGO Builder’s Journey is a geometric puzzle game where you’ll need to follow the instructions and at other times break the rules. Experiment with free-form puzzle solving and enjoy a narrative that features ups, downs, and plenty of iconic LEGO pieces.

Download LEGO Builder's Journey

Stardew Valley+

• Platforms: iPhone and iPad

Stardew Valley is widely regarded as one of the best indie games ever made – and rightly so. The immensely popular farming sim kickstarted the “cozy sims” genre and sees you moving to the country to live off the land, build relationships, and mine for resources. This version of Stardew Valley+ isn’t pared down by any means, either. It includes all the latest updates and features that players on other platforms enjoy.

Download Stardew Valley+

Shovel Knight Dig

• Platforms: iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV

Join Shovel Knight on a new adventure that takes things underground! Shovel Knight Dig features gorgeous high color pixel graphics and sound, procedurally generated levels that keep every playthrough feeling fresh, and loads of loot, enemies, and bosses to discover. Jump, slash and dig your way down in this superb Apple Arcade game.

Download Shovel Knight Dig

Is there an Apple Arcade free trial?

Yes! You can try Apple Arcade for free for an entire month. After your trial has ended, it’ll then cost you $6.99 a month, but you can cancel at any time. You can also get Apple Arcade free for three months when you buy an Apple device. Redeem the offer within 90 days, and you can enjoy over 200 games across your Apple devices.

Can you use a controller with Apple Arcade?

Yes! Apple Arcade games can be played with a Bluetooth controller, including the Xbox Wireless controller and PS5 DualSense controller, or something like the Backbone One. Not every game comes with controller support, but the vast majority of Apple Arcade games played through Apple TV will require a gamepad to be connected.

Can you play Apple Arcade games on your TV?

Yes! You’ll need an Apple TV to play compatible Apple Arcade games on your TV, but new iPhones, such as the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, will be able to hook up directly to your TV via the USB-C port.

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Last updated: January 15, 2026

There are only three things promised in this lifetime: death, taxes, and the occasional smartphone upgrade. Our phones are the gateway to information, communication, entertainment, and more, and picking the right one you’ll stay with for years to come can be a great challenge.

That’s where we come in. At The Shortcut, we have a team of experts who have spent a combined 40+ years reporting on smartphones, meeting with the executives and engineers responsible for them, and reviewing them. We’ve spent countless hours testing their cameras, battery life, software, and all the quirks and gimmicks companies have introduced over generations.

Whether you’re looking for something with the latest technologies, something budget-friendly, or something flexible, we’ve got you covered. Below is our comprehensive list of all the best phones you can currently buy, broken down in our signature easy-to-read format.

• More: Best iPhone you should buy 2026: which one is right for you?

Best high-end phones

Price range: $799+

Apple iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max

• ✅ Amazing triple 48MP cameras

• ✅ Longest battery life ever on an iPhone

• ✅ Durable design in vibrant colors

• ✅ Fastest performance in a smartphone

• ❌ Higher starting prices

• ❌ Thick and heavy

Apple’s latest top-of-the-line iPhones are some of the best we’ve ever tested. The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are the biggest and baddest iPhones yet, complete with aluminum unibody designs that give the devices a substantial feel in the hand. Outfitted with three excellent 48MP rear cameras, bigger batteries (equating to the longest battery life yet in an iPhone), the ultra-fast A19 Pro processor, and a vapor chamber cooling system, these iPhones are impressive, to say the least. If you want the most spec’d-out iPhone experience you can have, the 17 Pro line is worth considering.

Starting prices

• iPhone 17 Pro: $1,099

  AT&T: iPhone 17 Pro

  Best Buy: iPhone 17 Pro

  Verizon: iPhone 17 Pro

  Walmart: iPhone 17 Pro

• iPhone 17 Pro Max: $1,199

  AT&T: iPhone 17 Pro Max

  Best Buy: iPhone 17 Pro Max

  Verizon: iPhone 17 Pro Max

  Walmart: iPhone 17 Pro Max

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

• ✅ Big, beautiful 6.9-inch display

• ✅ S Pen is handy for note-taking

• ✅ Powerful 200MP camera with 100x zoom

• ✅ Fast performance

• ❌ No MagSafe support

• ❌ Thick and heavy

Until the Galaxy S26 Ultra arrives, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is our favorite flagship phone you can get. It has just about every feature you could ask for in a phone. There’s a huge 6.9-inch display that’s bright and colorful, a fast Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor, an impressive 200MP rear camera with 100x zoom, and a big battery. It also carries an S Pen, which makes taking notes and signing documents on the go a breeze. It’s the Swiss army knife of smartphones, which makes it ideal for multitaskers and casual users alike.

Starting price: $1,299

Amazon: Galaxy S25 Ultra

AT&T: Galaxy S25 Ultra

Best Buy: Galaxy S25 Ultra

Verizon: Galaxy S25 Ultra

Walmart: Galaxy S25 Ultra

Google Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL

• ✅ The best AI features on any phone

• ✅ Brighter displays

• ✅ Impressive cameras with 100X zoom

• ✅ Qi2 MagSafe support

• ❌ Fast charging is limited to the 10 Pro XL

• ❌ Design may not appeal to you

The Google Pixel has been one of the smartest smartphones you can buy since it came out in 2016, and the latest Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL are another example of that. Loaded to the brim with Gemini AI-powered tools and features, the phones offer one of the most intelligent smartphone experiences you can have. It helps that the hardware around it is pretty great, too. Three excellent cameras sit on the back, brighter displays are on the front, and there’s even Qi2 MagSafe charging support. You also get great performance from the Tensor G5 processor and longer battery life than last year. If you want to be on the cutting edge of AI for smartphones, the latest Pixels are worth picking up.

Starting prices

• Pixel 10 Pro: $999

  Amazon: Pixel 10 Pro

  Best Buy: Pixel 10 Pro

  AT&T: Pixel 10 Pro

  Verizon: Pixel 10 Pro

• Pixel 10 Pro XL: $1,199

  Amazon: Pixel 10 Pro XL

  Best Buy: Pixel 10 Pro XL

  AT&T: Pixel 10 Pro XL

  Verizon: Pixel 10 Pro XL

Motorola Razr Ultra (2025)

• ✅ Stylish, durable design

• ✅ Solid battery life

• ✅ Better cameras than Galaxy Z Flip 7

• ✅ Large and versatile cover screen

• ❌ Limited software upgrade support

• ❌ Video quality is a let-down

The Motorola Razr Ultra is the best flip-style folding phone we’ve used thus far. It’s all thanks to a excellent combination of premium design and high-end specs that, together, create an experience that matches that of a normal phone with the advantages of a foldable. The design is stylish yet durable, performance is fast, the battery life is shockingly good, and the cover display allows for more functionality than the one on Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 7. Another advantage the Razr has over Samsung’s phone is the camera system, which produces better photos with its dual 50MP rear cameras.

Starting price: $1,299

Amazon: Moto Razr Ultra

AT&T: Moto Razr Ultra

Best Buy: Moto Razr Ultra

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7

• ✅ Stunningly thin design

• ✅ Big, beautiful screens

• ✅ The most powerful cameras on a folding phone

• ✅ Reliably fast performance

• ❌ Battery life isn’t great

• ❌ It gets warm quickly

• ❌ No S Pen support

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 got a 5/5 rating in our review. Why? Because it’s one of the most impressive folding phones we’ve ever used. Samsung managed to make the phone so impressively thin that when it’s folded, it’s as thick as a normal phone. That might not sound like much, but it makes a big difference when you aren’t using the gorgeous 8-inch folding display. Speaking of which, the screens here are stunning, and they give you a ton of space to multitask and watch movies. The Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy is plenty powerful, the rear 200MP camera takes the best pictures you can get from a folding phone in the United States, and it’ll get updates for seven years down the line.

Starting price: $1,999

Amazon: Galaxy Z Fold 7

AT&T: Galaxy Z Fold 7

Best Buy: Galaxy Z Fold 7

Verizon: Galaxy Z Fold 7

Walmart: Galaxy Z Fold 7

Apple iPhone 17

• ✅ Bigger, brighter, faster screen

• ✅ Incredible performance thanks to the A19

• ✅ Center Stage selfie camera is a game-changer

• ✅ All-day battery life

• ❌ Camera zoom quality is disappointing

• ❌ Limited to 8GB of RAM

Apple’s iPhone 17 is so well-rounded, it’s almost hard to recommend buying anything else. It has a bigger 6.3-inch screen compared to the iPhone 16, but this time, it’s brighter and has a 120Hz refresh rate, which makes it as smooth and silky to use as Apple’s iPhone Pro models. The A19 chip is speedy and responsive, the dual rear cameras capture awesome photos and videos, and the new Center Stage selfie camera will be a game-changer for anyone who takes a lot of selfies. It’s backed up with all-day battery life and a solid starting price, making this the best “default” iPhone ever.

Starting price: $799

AT&T: iPhone 17

Best Buy: iPhone 17

Verizon: iPhone 17

Walmart: iPhone 17

Google Pixel 10

• ✅ Excellent camera quality

• ✅ The smartest smartphone on the market

• ✅ All-day battery life

• ✅ Great performance

• ❌ Much shorter zoom than the Pros

• ❌ Only 128GB of storage to start

The standard Pixel 10 is a great go-to for those who need a reliable Android device. Google packs it to the brim with Gemini AI features (just like the Pro phones), making it just as smart and capable of doing things like translating conversations in real time and surfacing relevant information across your phone when you need it. It comes with a gorgeous screen that’s 11% brighter than Pixel 9, the Tensor G5 processor for great performance, and some of the best cameras we’ve tested all year.

Starting price: $799

Amazon: Pixel 10

Best Buy: Pixel 10

AT&T: Pixel 10

Verizon: Pixel 10

Best mid-range phones

Price range: $499 - $799

Apple iPhone 16

• ✅ Very similar to the iPhone 17, but cheaper

• ✅ Same great camera quality

• ✅ Fast performance

• ✅ All-day battery life

• ❌ No 120Hz ProMotion display

• ❌ Only 128GB of storage available

The iPhone 16 didn’t stop working just because a new one came out. Apple’s 2024 flagship holds up extremely well for less than $700. You get a beautiful 6.1-inch display with the Dynamic Island, dual rear cameras that produce some killer photos and video, the fast A18 processor, and Camera Control. It also includes Apple Intelligence support, all-day battery life, and five different finishes to pick from. It’s a good phone to buy if you plan on using it for years down the line.

Starting price: $699

Amazon: iPhone 16

AT&T: iPhone 16

Best Buy: iPhone 16

Verizon: iPhone 16

Walmart: iPhone 16

Google Pixel 9a

• ✅ Beautiful and bright screen

• ✅ Reliable cameras

• ✅ All-day battery life

• ✅ Seven years of software updates

• ❌ Generic design

• ❌ Charging speed is a bit slow

Google has a knack for making some of the best value smartphones on the market. The Pixel 9a is further proof of this: it manages to come with high-end specs and features for a fraction of the price. At $499, this phone comes with a beautiful 6.3-inch OLED display that gets up to 2,700 nits bright, the plenty-capable Tensor G4 processor, a 48MP main camera with a 13MP ultra-wide, and a bunch of AI features powered by Gemini. It’s smart, it’s fast, and it lasts all day on a charge. For its price, it’s quite a compelling package.

Starting price: $499

Amazon: Pixel 9a

AT&T: Pixel 9a

Best Buy: Pixel 9a

Verizon: Pixel 9a

Walmart: Pixel 9a

Motorola Razr (2025)

• ✅ More durable than previous Razrs

• ✅ Dual rear cameras

• ✅ A big cover screen

• ✅ Regularly on sale

• ❌ Cameras are underwhelming

• ❌ Limited software support

The entry-level Motorola Razr is a great option if you want a folding phone but don’t want to break the bank. The phone sports a 6.9-inch folding display and a sizable 3.4-inch cover screen, paired with a design that’s rated IP48 for water and dust resistance. There’s a 50MP camera on the back with a 13MP ultra-wide, a Dimensity 7400X processor, and a big 4,500mAh battery. It checks enough boxes to make it a great value for the price, and the fact that it’s almost always on sale makes the standard Razr even more appealing.

Starting price: $799

Amazon: Moto Razr

Verizon: Moto Razr

Walmart: Moto Razr

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE

• ✅ 6.7-inch AMOLED display

• ✅ Solid triple camera system

• ✅ Seven years of software upgrades

• ✅ All-day battery life

• ❌ Performance is underwhelming

• ❌ Boring design

Samsung took the Galaxy S25 and re-worked it a bit to bring the price down, and the result is the reliably-good Galaxy S25 FE. With a 6.7-inch AMOLED screen up front, a triple rear camera on the back, and a big 4,900mAh battery inside, it’s equipped to handle just about anything you need. Plus, it comes with a more durable design and seven years of software updates, so it’s built to last in the long run.

Starting price: $649

Amazon: Galaxy S25 FE

AT&T: Galaxy S25 FE

Best Buy: Galaxy S25 FE

Verizon: Galaxy S25 FE

Walmart: Galaxy S25 FE

OnePlus 13R

• ✅ Huge battery for multi-day endurance

• ✅ Fast performance

• ✅ Triple rear cameras

• ✅ Big and bright display

• ❌ No wireless charging

• ❌ Limited software support

If you need a phone with super-long battery life, look no further than the OnePlus 13R. With a huge 6,000mAh battery inside, this phone runs laps around others on our list and can easily last 2+ days on a full charge. When it’s time to recharge, OnePlus includes its SuperVOOC charging brick in the box to get you back to 100% quickly. The rest of the phone is pretty solid, too: there’s a 6.78-inch OLED screen that reaches a whopping 4,500 nits of brightness, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, a triple rear camera system, and OnePlus’ signature Alert Slider on the side for quickly switching between silent / vibrate / ring.

Starting price: $599

Amazon: OnePlus 13R

Best Buy: OnePlus 13R

Best budget-friendly phones

Price range: $49 - $499

Samsung Galaxy A36 5G

• ✅ Flagship-level display

• ✅ Durable design

• ✅ Speedy performance

• ✅ Large battery that delivers

• ❌ Cameras are underwhelming

• ❌ Not a lot of AI features

The Galaxy A36 is one of the most reliable phones you can buy for less than $400. Samsung includes a nice mix of features here, including a bright 6.7-inch AMOLED display that’s on par with many phones that cost twice as much. You also get a triple rear camera system that delivers similar versatility to a flagship, and a big 5,000mAh battery for multi-day endurance. Performance is also solid thanks to the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor. With six years of software upgrades and a durable design to boot, the A36 5G is a good choice for budget shoppers who want something that’ll last.

Starting price: $399.99

Amazon: Galaxy A36 5G

AT&T: Galaxy A36 5G

Best Buy: Galaxy A36 5G

Verizon: Galaxy A36 5G

Walmart: Galaxy A36 5G

Moto G Stylus (2025)

• ✅ Stylus for taking notes and signing documents

• ✅ IP68 certification

• ✅ Nice screen for the price

• ✅ Speedy performance

• ❌ Cameras are mediocre

• ❌ Underwhelming battery life

Smartphones with a built-in stylus are hard to come by nowadays, especially if you don’t want to spend upwards of $1,200. Luckily, Motorola has what you’re looking for with the Moto G Stylus. The phone comes with a big 6.7-inch display that’s quite nice for the price, a snappy Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor, and a built-in stylus for taking notes and signing documents on the go. It also has a triple rear camera system, fast 68W charging, and clean Android software.

Starting price: $399.99

Amazon: Moto G Stylus

AT&T: Moto G Stylus

Best Buy: Moto G Stylus

Verizon: Moto G Stylus

Walmart: Moto G Stylus

Nothing Phone (3a)

• ✅ Very unique design

• ✅ Good performance

• ✅ Solid battery life

• ✅ IP64 rating

• ❌ Poor camera quality

• ❌ Limited 5G support

The Nothing Phone (3a) is another solid value that doubles-down on unique design. The phone’s transparent back reveals the “guts” that give it a bold look compared to other budget devices. LED lights sit at the top and can act as status indicators or strobe lights for your music, while a triple rear camera system sits between them. On the front, there’s a nice 6.77-inch AMOLED screen, while a snappy Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor lives inside. You also get great battery life with the 5,000mAh battery, an IP64 rating for water and dust resistance, and clean software. It’s one of the most unique phones you can get, regardless of price.

Starting price: $399

Amazon: Nothing Phone (3a)

Samsung Galaxy A16 5G

• ✅ Triple camera system

• ✅ IP54 rating

• ✅ Big battery

• ✅ Six years of software updates

• ❌ Slow performance

• ❌ Screen isn’t very bright

For less than $200, we recommend picking up the Galaxy A16 5G. It’s one of Samsung’s most well-rounded budget phones with a big 6.7-inch display, a triple camera system, and a 5,000mAh battery. It’s powered by an Exynos 1300 processor and has 128GB of storage, which should give you plenty of room to store your music, photos, and apps. Samsung also promises to deliver six years’ worth of software updates to it, so you’ll always have the latest features long after you buy it.

Starting price: $199.99

Amazon: Galaxy A16 5G

AT&T: Galaxy A16 5G

Best Buy: Galaxy A16 5G

Verizon: Galaxy A16 5G

Walmart: Galaxy A16 5G

Max Buondonno is an editor at The Shortcut. 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.

• 📱 There are lots of different Android phones out there

• ⚙️ Some focus on big batteries, while others deliver on camera quality

• 💰 Depending on your budget, it can be tough to decide which one to buy

• 👇 Below, we’re breaking down the best Android phones on the market to help you figure out which is right for you

There’s never been more diversity in the world of Android phones than there is today. Many manufacturers have introduced futuristic designs to stay competitive, new AI features to improve user experience, doubled down on cameras and battery size, and more. Depending on what you need most from your smartphone, some are better suited for your needs than others, and finding the right one can be a challenge.

Luckily, we’ve got you covered. Here at The Shortcut, we’ve spent countless hours reviewing all of the top Android phones, getting to know all their quirks, best features, and capabilities. Below, we’ve rounded up our list of the best Android smartphones you can buy, while highlighting what makes each of them so great. No matter what your budget is, there’s a phone on this list for you.

• More: Best phones 2026: our top picks for every budget

Best flagship Android phones

Price range: $799+

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

• ✅ Big, beautiful 6.9-inch display

• ✅ S Pen is handy for note-taking

• ✅ Powerful 200MP camera with 100x zoom

• ✅ Fast performance

• ❌ No MagSafe support

• ❌ Thick and heavy

Until the Galaxy S26 Ultra arrives, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is our favorite flagship phone you can get. It has just about every feature you could ask for in a phone. There’s a huge 6.9-inch display that’s bright and colorful, a fast Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor, an impressive 200MP rear camera with 100x zoom, and a big battery. It also carries an S Pen, which makes taking notes and signing documents on the go a breeze. It’s the Swiss army knife of smartphones, which makes it ideal for multitaskers and casual users alike.

Starting price: $1,299

Amazon: Galaxy S25 Ultra

AT&T: Galaxy S25 Ultra

Best Buy: Galaxy S25 Ultra

Verizon: Galaxy S25 Ultra

Walmart: Galaxy S25 Ultra

Google Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL

• ✅ The best AI features on any phone

• ✅ Brighter displays

• ✅ Impressive cameras with 100X zoom

• ✅ Qi2 MagSafe support

• ❌ Fast charging is limited to the 10 Pro XL

• ❌ Design may not appeal to you

The Google Pixel has been one of the smartest smartphones you can buy since it came out in 2016, and the latest Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL are another example of that. Loaded to the brim with Gemini AI-powered tools and features, the phones offer one of the most intelligent smartphone experiences you can have. It helps that the hardware around it is pretty great, too. Three excellent cameras sit on the back, brighter displays are on the front, and there’s even Qi2 MagSafe charging support. You also get great performance from the Tensor G5 processor and longer battery life than last year. If you want to be on the cutting edge of AI for smartphones, the latest Pixels are worth picking up.

Starting prices

• Pixel 10 Pro: $999

Amazon: Pixel 10 Pro

Best Buy: Pixel 10 Pro

AT&T: Pixel 10 Pro

Verizon: Pixel 10 Pro

• Pixel 10 Pro XL: $1,199

Amazon: Pixel 10 Pro XL

Best Buy: Pixel 10 Pro XL

AT&T: Pixel 10 Pro XL

Verizon: Pixel 10 Pro XL

OnePlus 15

• ✅ Three days of battery life

• ✅ Cameras that keep up with the best

• ✅ Gorgeous design

• ✅ Powerful performance

• ❌ Limited software support

• ❌ Not available through carriers

The OnePlus 15 is the phone you should buy if your biggest priority is battery life. The humongous 7,300mAh battery lasts 2-3 days on a charge without breaking a sweat, making every other phone seem foolishly light on stamina in comparison. It’s paired with the bleeding-edge Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, delivering exceptional performance. It also has a gorgeous screen, a nice design, and cameras that can keep up with the big dogs.

Starting price: $999

Amazon: OnePlus 15

Best Buy: OnePlus 15

OnePlus: OnePlus 15

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7

• ✅ Stunningly thin design

• ✅ Big, beautiful screens

• ✅ The most powerful cameras on a folding phone

• ✅ Reliably fast performance

• ❌ Battery life isn’t great

• ❌ It gets warm quickly

• ❌ No S Pen support

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 got a 5/5 rating in our review. Why? Because it’s one of the most impressive folding phones we’ve ever used. Samsung managed to make the phone so impressively thin that when it’s folded, it’s as thick as a normal phone. That might not sound like much, but it makes a big difference when you aren’t using the gorgeous 8-inch folding display. Speaking of which, the screens here are stunning, and they give you a ton of space to multitask and watch movies. The Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy is plenty powerful, the rear 200MP camera takes the best pictures you can get from a folding phone in the United States, and it’ll get updates for seven years down the line.

Starting price: $1,999

Amazon: Galaxy Z Fold 7

AT&T: Galaxy Z Fold 7

Best Buy: Galaxy Z Fold 7

Verizon: Galaxy Z Fold 7

Walmart: Galaxy Z Fold 7

Motorola Razr Ultra (2025)

• ✅ Stylish, durable design

• ✅ Solid battery life

• ✅ Better cameras than Galaxy Z Flip 7

• ✅ Large and versatile cover screen

• ❌ Limited software upgrade support

• ❌ Video quality is a let-down

The Motorola Razr Ultra is the best flip-style folding phone we’ve used thus far. It’s all thanks to a excellent combination of premium design and high-end specs that, together, create an experience that matches that of a normal phone with the advantages of a foldable. The design is stylish yet durable, performance is fast, the battery life is shockingly good, and the cover display allows for more functionality than the one on Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 7. Another advantage the Razr has over Samsung’s phone is the camera system, which produces better photos with its dual 50MP rear cameras.

Starting price: $1,299

Amazon: Moto Razr Ultra

AT&T: Moto Razr Ultra

Best Buy: Moto Razr Ultra

Google Pixel 10

• ✅ Excellent camera quality

• ✅ The smartest smartphone on the market

• ✅ All-day battery life

• ✅ Great performance

• ❌ Much shorter zoom than the Pros

• ❌ Only 128GB of storage to start

The standard Pixel 10 is a great go-to for those who need a reliable Android device. Google packs it to the brim with Gemini AI features (just like the Pro phones), making it just as smart and capable of doing things like translating conversations in real time and surfacing relevant information across your phone when you need it. It comes with a gorgeous screen that’s 11% brighter than Pixel 9, the Tensor G5 processor for great performance, and some of the best cameras we’ve tested all year.

Starting price: $799

Amazon: Pixel 10

Best Buy: Pixel 10

AT&T: Pixel 10

Verizon: Pixel 10

Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro Edition

• ✅ 185Hz refresh rate

• ✅ Unique Mini-LED display on back for mini games

• ✅ Incredible performance

• ✅ Internal cooling system

• ❌ Mediocre cameras

• ❌ Battery life widely varies

For the gamers out there, the phone we recommend is the ROG Phone 9 Pro Edition from Asus. Between the sleek design and insane spec sheet, it’s clear off the bat that this phone is built for serious mobile gamers. That’s emphasized even further by the second Mini-LED screen on the back, which powers four retro mini games and a bunch of cool effects when you’re using the main display. It’s powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite, 16GB of RAM, and gobs of storage with an internal cooling system to keep your phone from overheating. Complete with a screen that has a 185Hz refresh rate, there’s no phone from Samsung or Google that’s better for gaming than this one.

Starting price: $1,299

Amazon: ROG Phone 9 Pro Edition

Best mid-range Android phones

Price range: $499 - $799

Google Pixel 9a

• ✅ Beautiful and bright screen

• ✅ Reliable cameras

• ✅ All-day battery life

• ✅ Seven years of software updates

• ❌ Generic design

• ❌ Charging speed is a bit slow

Google has a knack for making some of the best value smartphones on the market. The Pixel 9a is further proof of this: it manages to come with high-end specs and features for a fraction of the price. At $499, this phone comes with a beautiful 6.3-inch OLED display that gets up to 2,700 nits bright, the plenty-capable Tensor G4 processor, a 48MP main camera with a 13MP ultra-wide, and a bunch of AI features powered by Gemini. It’s smart, it’s fast, and it lasts all day on a charge. For its price, it’s quite a compelling package.

Starting price: $499

Amazon: Pixel 9a

AT&T: Pixel 9a

Best Buy: Pixel 9a

Verizon: Pixel 9a

Walmart: Pixel 9a

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE

• ✅ 6.7-inch AMOLED display

• ✅ Solid triple camera system

• ✅ Seven years of software upgrades

• ✅ All-day battery life

• ❌ Performance is underwhelming

• ❌ Boring design

Samsung took the Galaxy S25 and re-worked it a bit to bring the price down, and the result is the reliably-good Galaxy S25 FE. With a 6.7-inch AMOLED screen up front, a triple rear camera on the back, and a big 4,900mAh battery inside, it’s equipped to handle just about anything you need. Plus, it comes with a more durable design and seven years of software updates, so it’s built to last in the long run.

Starting price: $649

Amazon: Galaxy S25 FE

AT&T: Galaxy S25 FE

Best Buy: Galaxy S25 FE

Verizon: Galaxy S25 FE

Walmart: Galaxy S25 FE

OnePlus 13R

• ✅ Huge battery for multi-day endurance

• ✅ Fast performance

• ✅ Triple rear cameras

• ✅ Big and bright display

• ❌ No wireless charging

• ❌ Limited software support

If you need a phone with super-long battery life, look no further than the OnePlus 13R. With a huge 6,000mAh battery inside, this phone runs laps around others on our list and can easily last 2+ days on a full charge. When it’s time to recharge, OnePlus includes its SuperVOOC charging brick in the box to get you back to 100% quickly. The rest of the phone is pretty solid, too: there’s a 6.78-inch OLED screen that reaches a whopping 4,500 nits of brightness, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, a triple rear camera system, and OnePlus’ signature Alert Slider on the side for quickly switching between silent / vibrate / ring.

Starting price: $599

Amazon: OnePlus 13R

Best Buy: OnePlus 13R

Nothing Phone (3a) Pro

• ✅ Solid camera quality

• ✅ Good battery life with fast charging

• ✅ Unique design and Glyph lights

• ✅ Nothing OS is clean and responsive

• ❌ Not available at carriers

• ❌ Performance falls behind other mid-rangers

The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro is one of the most unique smartphones on the market, not just in the mid-range space but as a whole. Between the transparent backplate and Glyph LED lights, this phone has no problem standing out. It’s backed by a good-looking screen and reliable camera system, that manages to capture some really nice-looking photos. Nothing OS is laid on top of Android with a clean interface and useful AI features like Essential Space, and you get all-day battery life with fast charging.

Starting price: $569.99

Amazon: Nothing Phone (3a) Pro

Motorola Razr (2025)

• ✅ More durable than previous Razrs

• ✅ Dual rear cameras

• ✅ A big cover screen

• ✅ Regularly on sale

• ❌ Cameras are underwhelming

• ❌ Limited software support

The entry-level Motorola Razr is a great option if you want a folding phone but don’t want to break the bank. The phone sports a 6.9-inch folding display and a sizable 3.4-inch cover screen, paired with a design that’s rated IP48 for water and dust resistance. There’s a 50MP camera on the back with a 13MP ultra-wide, a Dimensity 7400X processor, and a big 4,500mAh battery. It checks enough boxes to make it a great value for the price, and the fact that it’s almost always on sale makes the standard Razr even more appealing.

Starting price: $799

Amazon: Moto Razr

Verizon: Moto Razr

Walmart: Moto Razr

Best budget Android phones

Price range: $50 - $450

Samsung Galaxy A36 5G

• ✅ Flagship-level display

• ✅ Durable design

• ✅ Speedy performance

• ✅ Large battery that delivers

• ❌ Cameras are underwhelming

• ❌ Not a lot of AI features

The Galaxy A36 is one of the most reliable phones you can buy for less than $400. Samsung includes a nice mix of features here, including a bright 6.7-inch AMOLED display that’s on par with many phones that cost twice as much. You also get a triple rear camera system that delivers similar versatility to a flagship, and a big 5,000mAh battery for multi-day endurance. Performance is also solid thanks to the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor. With six years of software upgrades and a durable design to boot, the A36 5G is a good choice for budget shoppers who want something that’ll last.

Starting price: $399.99

Amazon: Galaxy A36 5G

AT&T: Galaxy A36 5G

Best Buy: Galaxy A36 5G

Verizon: Galaxy A36 5G

Walmart: Galaxy A36 5G

Moto G Stylus (2025)

• ✅ Stylus for taking notes and signing documents

• ✅ IP68 certification

• ✅ Nice screen for the price

• ✅ Speedy performance

• ❌ Cameras are mediocre

• ❌ Underwhelming battery life

Smartphones with a built-in stylus are hard to come by nowadays, especially if you don’t want to spend upwards of $1,200. Luckily, Motorola has what you’re looking for with the Moto G Stylus. The phone comes with a big 6.7-inch display that’s quite nice for the price, a snappy Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor, and a built-in stylus for taking notes and signing documents on the go. It also has a triple rear camera system, fast 68W charging, and clean Android software.

Starting price: $399.99

Amazon: Moto G Stylus

AT&T: Moto G Stylus

Best Buy: Moto G Stylus

Verizon: Moto G Stylus

Walmart: Moto G Stylus

Samsung Galaxy A16 5G

• ✅ Triple camera system

• ✅ IP54 rating

• ✅ Big battery

• ✅ Six years of software updates

• ❌ Slow performance

• ❌ Screen isn’t very bright

For less than $200, we recommend picking up the Galaxy A16 5G. It’s one of Samsung’s most well-rounded budget phones with a big 6.7-inch display, a triple camera system, and a 5,000mAh battery. It’s powered by an Exynos 1300 processor and has 128GB of storage, which should give you plenty of room to store your music, photos, and apps. Samsung also promises to deliver six years’ worth of software updates to it, so you’ll always have the latest features long after you buy it.

Starting price: $199.99

Amazon: Galaxy A16 5G

Best Buy: Galaxy A16 5G

TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER (2025)

• ✅ Unique frosted display for reading

• ✅ Triple rear cameras

• ✅ All-day battery life

• ✅ Expandable storage

• ❌ Performance is lackluster

• ❌ One color choice

TCL is known for making some of the best TVs you can get, but its smartphone division is also full of some notable devices. The 60 XE NXTPAPER (2025) is one of them. Its spotlight feature is a frosted display that can switch between color modes like black and white and sepia, making it look just like using a Kindle for reading books and articles on the go. It also helps extend battery life since you won’t be using the colors all the time. You also get a triple camera system, all-day battery life, expandable storage, and a sleek design.

Starting price: $249.99

Amazon: TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER

Max Buondonno is an editor at The Shortcut. 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.