News: Black Friday 2025

It’s that time of year again (Black Friday 2025) – the sales sirens are blaring, the deals are stacking up, and if you’ve been holding off on that gadget upgrade, game console bundle or tech treat, now is your moment. I’ll be bringing you a curated guide to the best bargains across games and tech as we dive headfirst into this year’s Black Friday bonanza.

From next-gen consoles and cinephile-worthy home theatre gear to those sneaky accessories you didn’t know you needed, the deals are already rolling in – and you’ll want to be ready. At Movies, Games and Tech, we’ve sifted through the noise to pick out what’s genuinely worth your wallet’s attention. So whether you’re seeking to expand your gaming setup, upgrade your streaming experience or simply snag the kind of tech that makes you grin, stay tuned. Because when the prices drop, and the discounts hit, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

What deals are available this Black Friday 2025?

Nex Playground.

The Nex Playground is a compact, motion-tracked “active play system” designed for all-ages family fun. Plugged into your TV, it uses body movement instead of traditional controllers and features kid-safe, ad-free games. With up to four players and AI-powered tracking, it turns your living room into a gym, arcade and game night hub.

The Nex Playground is perfect for families who want to stay active while having fun together. It promotes fitness through play, encourages teamwork, and reduces screen fatigue by getting everyone moving. Easy to set up and packed with inclusive games, it’s an engaging, health-boosting alternative to traditional gaming systems.

(Black Friday price $199. 20% off at Amazon, Best Buy, and Target. 20/11/2025 -01/12/2025)

IMOU.

IMOU Cruiser Dual 6MP – Compact dual-lens outdoor security camera delivering sharp 6 MP video through two independent lenses, with 0–355° pan/tilt coverage and full-colour night vision. It adds two-way audio, a built-in 110 dB siren + spotlight for deterrence, and AI-powered human/vehicle detection for smart alerts.

It effectively replaces two cameras in one. The dual-lens system lets you monitor two zones simultaneously, while pan/tilt motion ensures near-complete coverage around your property. Its AI detection reduces false alarms.

(Black Friday price £49.99. 29% off at Argos. 19/11/2025 -02/12/2025)

Imou Doorbell 2S Kit – compact, wire-free video doorbell delivering sharp 3 MP (2K) video. Additionally, it has a 166° ultra-wide lens and a 30° pan for extra coverage. It supports two-way talk, PIR + AI human detection (plus loitering detection), infrared night vision up to 5 m, and sends instant motion notifications.

It brings serious front-door security in a simple, affordable package. The wide-angle + pan-lens lets you see the full doorstep and tracks movement — ideal for catching visitors or potential intruders.

(Black Friday price £49.99. 23% off at Argos. 19/11/2025 -02/12/2025)

Imou Rex 3D 2K – Indoor pan-tilt Wi-Fi security camera delivering crisp 2 K (3-MP) video with a 0–355° horizontal pan and 0–90° vertical tilt. It supports 360° coverage, 8× digital zoom, night vision up to ~10 m, and smart human/pet detection.

A single camera can effectively monitor an entire room, thanks to its pan-tilt and wide-angle lens. The integrated AI detection and instant alerts help you spot humans or pets quickly. Furthermore, the Two-way audio and the siren give you tools to communicate or deter intruders remotely.

(Black Friday price £29.99. 14% off at Argos. 19/11/2025 -02/12/2025)

LEPRO.

TB1 AI Smart Table Lamp – Combines a sleek design with 196 individually addressable RGB+IC LEDs for vibrant, multi-colour lighting. Controlled via app or voice—compatible with Alexa and Google—it features built-in AI (LightGPM) for scene suggestions, plus music-sync light effects and mood timers. With Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, it’s both a stylish accent and a smart ambient lamp that adapts to your space and vibe.

The Lepro TB1 Table Lamp combines modern design, smart functionality, and customizable lighting in one elegant package. Its sleek triple-ring aluminium frame enhances any décor, while the 196 RGB+IC LEDs let you create millions of vibrant colour combinations to suit your mood or activity.

(Black Friday price £46.99. 33% off at Amazon. 20/11/2025 -01/12/2025)

E1 AI Permanent Outdoor Lights – The Lepro E1 AI Permanent Outdoor Lights blend sleek design with smart functionality. Consequently, they are ideal for year-round exterior lighting. Featuring fully addressable RGB+IC LEDs and tunable white light, they offer both vibrant colours and warm ambient glow. The built-in AI lighting engine generates dynamic scenes based on simple prompts, while app and voice control (Alexa/Google) simplify scheduling, music-sync and group-control. With weather-proof construction and long rated life, they’re made to stay up and shine through seasons.

These lights aren’t just for the holidays—they provide full year-round ambience. With both vibrant RGB/IC colour modes and tunable white lighting, they suit festive moods and everyday lighting.

(Black Friday price 15m £72.19 or 30m £119.99. 45% off and 40% off at Amazon. 20/11/2025 -01/12/2025)

XREAL.

XREAL One AR glasses – The XREAL One AR glasses deliver a cinematic personal display with 50°–57° field-of-view, built-in X1 spatial-computing chip for ultra-low latency (~3 ms) and seamless connection via USB-C to nearly any device. Light, adjustable, Bose-tuned audio completes the immersive wearable screen experience.

(Black Friday price $499. 20% off at XREAL. 20/11/2025 -01/12/2025)

XREAL One Pro AR glasses – Premium AR glasses with dual Sony micro-OLED 1080p displays per eye, 57° field of view and ultra-low 3 ms latency via the XREAL X1 spatial-computing chip. 120 Hz refresh, electrochromic dimming lenses, Bose-tuned audio, lightweight (~87 g) design—ideal for immersive streaming, multitasking and mobile productivity.

(Black Friday price $599. $50 off at XREAL. 20/11/2025 -01/12/2025)

Beam Pro – A dedicated spatial-computing device optimised for AR glasses. Capture stunning 3D content with dual 50MP cameras, access millions of apps in a floating virtual workspace, and stream, game or work on a massive virtual screen—all powered by Android 14/NebulaOS and designed for immersive AR experiences.

(Black Friday prices differ depending on model. 20% off at XREAL. 20/11/2025 -01/12/2025)

CUKTECH.

CUKTECH 15 Ultra Power Bank – Packed with advanced features, this high-performance power bank combines cutting-edge charging speed, intelligent functionality, and exceptional compatibility, making it a game-changer for modern mobile lifestyles.

The CUKTECH 15 Ultra boasts 165W Max dual-port self-charging, enabling the massive 20,000mAh battery to recharge fully in just 45 minutes. This unprecedented speed is enhanced by its dedicated “Beast Mode” user interface, delivering a seamless experience for users who demand reliability on the go. For those in a hurry, a mere 10-minute charge can provide enough power to recharge an iPhone 15 more than once, ensuring all-day usage.

(Black Friday price £59.99. 33% off at Amazon. 20/11/2025 -02/12/2025)

CUKTECH 20 Power Bank – The CUKTECH 20 is a powerhouse, delivering 140W of charging power and fully compatible with the latest PD3.1 charging protocol. This feature ensures supercharged performance for devices such as the MacBook Pro, outperforming ordinary high-power chargers and eliminating sluggish charging times.

Equipped with an automotive-grade battery, the CUKTECH 20 boasts over 1000 charge cycles, more than three times the lifespan of standard power banks. Its robust 25000mAh capacity allows it to charge a MacBook Pro 1.2 times or an iPhone 14 up to 4 times, providing reliable power whenever it is needed.

(Black Friday price £75.99. 24% off at Amazon. 20/11/2025 -02/12/2025)

Oh, so many deals!

Reolink Argus PT Ultra – This features ultra-clear 4K resolution, 355° pan and 140° tilt, and smart AI detection. With dual-band Wi-Fi and a rechargeable battery backed by a 6 W solar panel, it’s fully wire-free and weatherproof (IP64), delivering continuous, subscription-free outdoor security.

It delivers ultra-clear 4K video with full 355° pan and 140° tilt, giving near-complete coverage with no blind spots. It’s wire-free thanks to its rechargeable battery and solar power, and it uses smart AI detection to differentiate between people, vehicles, and pets — without a subscription.

(Black Friday price $97.49. 35% off at Reolink. 20/11/2025 -01/12/2025)

Reolink Elite Floodlight Wi‑Fi – A hardwired 4K security camera with dual lenses that delivers a seamless 180° panoramic view. It features ultra-bright, adjustable 3,000-lumen floodlights, AI-powered detection of people, vehicles and animals, local AI video search, two-way audio and no subscription fees.

It combines ultra-wide 4K surveillance with a powerful 3,000-lumen floodlight, all in a single, subscription-free package. With local AI video search, dual-lens 180° coverage, and smart detection (people, vehicles, animals), it offers complete, reliable outdoor protection — with no recurring costs.

(Black Friday price $153.99. 30% off at Reolink. 20/11/2025 -01/12/2025)

Reolink Video Doorbell PoE – It delivers crisp 5 MP (2K+) video and a super-wide 180° field of view, powered by a single Ethernet cable (PoE) for reliable connectivity. It supports two-way talk, person detection, pre-motion recording, and local storage via microSD or Reolink NVR—no monthly fees.

It offers ultra-sharp 5 MP (2K+) video with a 180° field of view, ensuring you don’t miss anything at your doorstep. It’s powered via PoE for a stable, continuous connection, supports smart person detection, and lets you store footage locally—no monthly subscription required.

(Black Friday price $76.99. 30% off at Reolink. 20/11/2025 -01/12/2025)

SHOKZ.

OpenDots One – ultra-light clip-on open-ear earbuds featuring a U-shaped nickel-titanium frame for a secure, comfortable fit. Weighing just 6.5g each, they deliver rich BassSphere™ sound, Dolby Audio, up to 10 hrs playtime (40 hrs with case), Bluetooth 5.4, and IP54 water resistance.

They combine ultra-light, clip-on comfort (just 6.5g per bud) with an open-ear design for situational awareness. They deliver rich, powerful bass, customizable sound via EQ or Dolby Audio, up to 40 hours of use, and IP54 water resistance — perfect for all-day wear.

(Black Friday price £144. 20% off at Shokz. 20/11/2025 -01/12/2025)

OpenFit2+ -ultra-light, open-ear workout earbuds with DualBoost™ drivers and Dolby Audio for rich, immersive sound. They offer up to 11 hours of playtime (48 hours with the case), Bluetooth 5.4, physical buttons, IP55 sweat resistance, and convenient Qi wireless charging.

Comfortable all-day wear with an open-ear design that keeps you aware of your surroundings while delivering rich, detailed audio. With long battery life, fast wireless charging, strong sweat resistance, and reliable physical controls, they’re ideal for workouts, commuting, and everyday listening without compromise.

(Black Friday price £144. 20% off at Shokz. 20/11/2025 -01/12/2025)

OpenRun Pro2 – Dynamic open‑ear audio using DualPitch™ dual-drivers, combining bone and air conduction for richer sound. With up to 12 hours’ battery life (2.5 hours from a 5‑minute quick charge), Bluetooth 5.3, AI-enhanced dual mics, a memory‑alloy Ti frame, and IP55 water resistance, it’s built for reliable, high-performance workouts.

It pairs powerful, high-fidelity open-ear sound with bone and air conduction for immersive audio — all while letting you stay aware of your environment. Add in long battery life, quick-charge capabilities, a durable titanium frame, and sweat resistance, and you’ve got a rugged, workout-ready companion.

(Black Friday price £135. 20% off at Shokz. 20/11/2025 -01/12/2025)

We’re not done yet!

TCL.

TCL NXTPAPER 14 – The TCL NXTPAPER 14 is a sleek 14.3″ tablet featuring a 2.4K “NXTPAPER 3.0” display. Accordingly, it mimics paper while reducing blue light and glare for easier reading.

If you’re looking for a tablet that feels as gentle on your eyes as a paperback and offers more than just streaming and browsing, then the TCL NXTPAPER 14 is worth your consideration. With its 14.3″ 2.4 K display and specially designed NXTPAPER 3.0 matte finish and anti-glare coating, it delivers a paper-like reading experience that reduces eye strain for long sessions of work, study or reading.

(Black Friday price $97.49. 35% off at Amazon. 20/11/2025 -01/12/2025)

TCL NXTPAPER 11 PLUS – Combining a paper-like 11.5″ 2.2K 120Hz NXTPAPER 4.0 screen with AI-enhanced tools, the NXTPAPER 11 Plus is built for comfort, productivity and media. It features an 8,000 mAh battery with 33 W fast-charging, powered by a MediaTek Helio G100 chipset and Android 15 for a versatile tablet experience.

If you’re after a tablet that’s genuinely easier on your eyes, the TCL NXTPAPER 11 Plus hits a sweet spot. Its 11.5″ 2.2K display with NXTPAPER 4.0 technology delivers superb clarity and colour while layering in eye-comfort modes.

(Black Friday price $259.99. 26% off at Amazon. 12/11/2025 -19/11/2025)

TCL NXTPAPER 60 XE – Featuring a 6.78″ FHD+ matte 120 Hz display with ink-style modes, this phone combines a paper-like reading experience with solid smartphone functionality. It runs Android 15 on a MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ with a 5,010 mAh battery, 50 MP main camera, and micro-SD support.

If you’re after a smartphone that stands out for comfort and long reading sessions, then the TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER is a smart choice.

(Black Friday price $199.99 128 GB. 20% off at Amazon. 12/11/2025 -19/11/2025)

Tech, tech, and more tech.

iFFALCON.

iFFALCON Mural QLED TV (55″, 65″ and 75″) – Sophisticated and ultra-slim, the iFFALCON Mural QLED TV transforms your wall into a gallery or cinema. With 4K QLED clarity, a 93% DCI-P3 colour gamut, a 144 Hz refresh rate, and built-in Art Mode for masterpieces or personal photos, it combines high-end performance with seamless contemporary design.

The iFFALCON Mural QLED TV blends cutting-edge display technology with elegant home design. Its QLED panel delivers vibrant, true-to-life colours and ultra-smooth 144 Hz motion for stunning visuals. With its ultra-slim frame and Art Mode, it doubles as a stylish wall-mounted centrepiece that enhances any room’s decor.

(Black Friday price $559.99. 20% off 55″ TV at Amazon. Black Friday price $699.99. 30% off 65″ TV at AmazonBlack Friday price $1099.99. 21.4% off 75″ TV at Amazon. Until 1st December 2025)

Ulticam.

Ulticam IQ 4K UHD Wired AI Camera – Capture your surroundings in sharp 4K UHD. Equipped with edge and cloud-powered AI, it detects people, vehicles or faces in real time. Built for indoor or outdoor use, it supports PoE or wired power. Additionally, enjoy free 7-day cloud storage, and up to 128 GB local storage—smart security made simple.

(Black Friday price $99.99. 50% off at Amazon. 20/11/2025 -01/12/2025)

Ulticam Dot 2K QHT Wireless Camera – Capture home security at its smartest with this wire-free, battery-powered camera. It delivers crisp 2K QHD (2560 × 1440) video through a 170° ultra-wide lens, supports two-way audio and siren alerts, and includes free 7-day cloud storage + built-in 8 GB memory — no monthly fees required.

(Black Friday price $46.99. 33% off at Amazon. 20/11/2025 -01/12/2025)

Ultraloq.

Ultraloq Bolt Fingerprint HomeKit Smart Lock – Unlock your door with a thumb – no key required. This smart deadbolt features biometric fingerprint recognition, seamless integration with Apple Home Kit (and other ecosystems), remote access via the U-Home app, and multiple entry options, including PIN and smartphone. Built for convenience, security and easy installation.

(Black Friday price $139.99. 30% off at Amazon. 20/11/2025 -01/12/2025)

Utraloq Bolt NFC Homekey NK – Effortless, key-free entry: this smart deadbolt supports Apple Home Key for iPhone and Apple Watch taps, as well as Android NFC/device cards. Built-in Wi-Fi enables remote unlocking, while IP65 weather protection, ANSI security certification and year-long battery life deliver secure, flexible smart-home access.

(Black Friday price $139.99. 30% off at Amazon. 20/11/2025 -01/12/2025)

OneOdio.

OneOdio A70 Bluetooth Over Ear Headphones – These stylish, high-definition stereo Bluetooth headphones deliver powerful bass-driven sound, exceeding the performance of traditional stereo headphones. Featuring proprietary 40mm large-aperture drivers for enhanced bass, clear low mids, and crisp treble, these Bluetooth wireless headphones excel at delivering high-fidelity audio, enhancing your music experience.

(Black Friday price £33.99. 17% off at Amazon. 20/11/2025 -01/12/2025)

OneOdio Pro10 Wired Over Ear Headphones Hi-Res – Enjoy clear sound and superior comfort with the OneOdio Studio Monitor Headphones. Equipped with large 50mm speaker drivers and neodymium magnets, pro-10 delivers powerful bass, clear vocals, and crisp highs for a balanced stereo sound.  Built for Comfort: The soft, padded ear cushions are designed to provide long-lasting comfort and effective noise isolation. The adjustable, stretchable headband allows you to easily find the perfect fit and angle for your listening pleasure.

(Black Friday price £27.99. 20% off at Amazon. 20/11/2025 -01/12/2025)

More tech this Black Friday 2025.

MAONO.

DM40 Pro Black and White – The DM40 Pro wireless condenser microphone delivers professional audio with ultimate freedom and flexibility. With up to 75 hours of battery life, it supports long, uninterrupted gaming, streaming, and recording sessions while eliminating cable clutter. One-tap noise cancellation offers four levels, including a customizable option, ensuring crystal-clear sound in any environment. Its broadcast-quality audio captures every nuance with rich, natural detail, making it ideal for podcasts, streaming, voiceovers, and professional recordings.

(Black Friday price £72.99. 39% off at Amazon. 20/11/2025 -01/12/2025)

Wave T5 Series – True Wireless Microphone System – The MAONO WAVE T5 is a next-gen wireless microphone designed for creators who demand portability and professional sound. Weighing just 9g, it delivers broadcast-quality audio with an impressive 80dB signal-to-noise ratio, 120dB SPL, and 48kHz/24-bit resolution, ensuring every detail is captured with clarity. Its pro-level ENC chip and algorithm provide intelligent noise cancellation, with 3 modes and 14 adjustable levels via the Maono Link app, making it adaptable to any environment.

(Black Friday price £63.74. 39% off at Amazon. 20/11/2025 -01/12/2025)

DANGBEI.

DBOX02 Pro – Premium 4K UHD projector with AI instant setup and Dolby Audio – Designed for home theatre perfection, the Dangbei DBOX02 Pro delivers true 4K UHD resolution with 2,000 ISO lumens brightness and HDR10+ support. Google TV integration unlocks over 700,000 movies and shows, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 provide seamless connectivity. The projector’s built-in gimbal stand allows projection from 40″ up to 300″, and InstanPro AI ensures a flawless image instantly. Dual 12W speakers with Dolby Audio and DTS Virtual:X complete the immersive cinematic experience.

(Black Friday price £839. 35.4% off at Amazon. 20/11/2025-01/12/2025)

Freedo – Portable 1080p projector with tilt projection and Bluetooth speaker mode – The portable Dangbei Freedo projector delivers 1080p resolution and 450 ISO lumens brightness, with wide tilt projection up to 165°. Its battery supports 2.5 hours of video playback or 6 hours of music. Autofocus and AI keystone correction ensure a perfect picture every time, while vibrant colours (>90% DCI-P3) and Bluetooth speaker mode make it perfect for indoor and outdoor use.

(Black Friday price £359. 28.1% off at Amazon. 20/11/2025-01/12/2025)

Creative.

Stage Pro – Designed for small spaces, the Creative Stage Pro transforms your desk or living room into a mini theatre. With Dolby Audio and a powerful dedicated subwoofer, it delivers room-filling sound, deep bass, and crystal-clear dialogue that brings every movie, song, and game to life. Connect easily via HDMI ARC, USB-C, Optical, AUX, or Bluetooth 5.3 — and enjoy the perfect balance of performance and simplicity. Compact, elegant, and immersive — Stage Pro makes every moment sound larger than life.

(Black Friday price £109.99. 15% off at Amazon and Creative. 22/11/2025-07/12/2025)

Pebble Nova – Where stellar sound meets cosmic design. Pebble Nova brings clarity and depth to your audio with custom-tuned coaxial drivers that deliver pristine highs, balanced mids, and rich, immersive bass — all from a compact form that feels at home in any modern setup. With seamless USB-C and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, you can move effortlessly between your laptop, phone, and tablet. Every note, every detail, every moment — beautifully amplified in a design that looks as refined as it sounds.

(Black Friday price £209.99. 13% off at Creative. 22/11/2025-07/12/2025)

QPAD.

QPAD OmniBeam Stream RGB Pro Mic – Ideal for top-tier creators, the OmniBeam Stream RGB Pro steps things up with high-end construction, RGB design, and professional capability built in. It combines studio-grade components with stylish aesthetics for serious streaming setups. Whether you’re broadcasting, podcasting or working from home, this mic gives both form and function to meet demanding workflows.

(Black Friday price £79.99. 33% off at Currys. 29/10/2025-02/12/2025)

More deals coming your way!

Hozo.

NeoBlade – The NeoBlade redefines cutting with its 40kHz ultrasonic transducer, vibrating 40,000 times per second for smooth, precise cuts across materials like PLA, ABS, acrylic, leather, wood, and carbon fibre. Its adaptive output ensures perfect results, while dual cutting modes—Continuous and Pulse—offer flexibility for long sessions or delicate detailing.

Fully wireless with a swappable TurboDock battery, NeoBlade delivers uninterrupted creativity and freedom of movement. Built for endurance, it features a titanium alloy transducer, cooling turbofan, and airflow vents that maintain optimal temperature. Thoughtfully designed for safety and visibility, it includes an LED light and a child lock.

(Black Friday price £119.99. 20% off at Amazon. 29/10/2025-20/12/2025)

NeoRulerGo – The NeoRulerGO is a compact, smart measuring tool designed for precision and versatility. It supports linear, circular, curved, irregular surface, and cylinder diameter measurements with ±0.04 (±1mm) accuracy, displayed on a user-friendly LCD screen. Equipped with a Class I laser (<1mW), it ensures safe and accurate use.

With 93 built-in scales (52 US and 41 metric) and support for multiple units, it suits various projects. Users can also create custom scales for unscaled or misprinted plans—ideal for architects, designers, and DIYers.

(Black Friday price £49.99. 28% off at Amazon. 29/10/2025-20/12/2025)

Boulies.

Boulies OP300 Ergonomic Chair – Engineered for a tailored seating experience, the Boulies OP300 features a Multi Tilt Mechanism to help users get a comfortable and ergonomic sitting posture with a 360° swivel. Built for durability and adjustments, the tilt mechanism provides long-lasting support whilst adapting to unique needs. The backrest can be adjusted to lean forward or backwards (recline 90°-109°). Furthermore, Boulies engineers the backrest to perfectly align with the spine’s natural curve to help reduce strain.

The mechanism features a seat depth adjustment to accommodate individuals of different sizes, leading to a customised and ergonomic experience. By allowing users to adjust seat depth, this helps maintain thigh support and posture, reducing strain. The wide-sized seat cushion is soft yet supportive, relieving pressure on the tailbone. It also has an adjustable backrest height with 3 levels to ensure ultimate comfort. For more personalisation, the fully adjustable headrest can move in height, angle, and depth, offering personalised neck or head support.

(Black Friday price £259.99. £30 off at Boulies. 01/11/2025-29/11/2025)

Boulies OP180 Ergonomic Chair – The Boulies OP180 is an ergonomic chair that is strong, solid, and built to last. Equipped with Boulies new heavy-duty tilt mechanism, the OP180 chair can support up to 160kg in weight. Designed to give strength and durability, the solid tilt mechanism ensures long-term performance and reliable support for everyday use.

For added flexibility, the Boulies OP180 features a seat tilt function which allows you to lean forward for focused work or recline slightly backwards to relax. Whether sitting for short tasks or long hours, the OP180 offers the support you need in every position – helping reduce strain and improve overall comfort.

(Black Friday price £169.99. £70 off at Boulies. 01/11/2025-29/11/2025)

Time to get racing!

Revosim.

RENNSPORTRENNSPORT is a next-gen racing simulation offering photo-realistic cars, laser-scanned circuits, and full cross-play across PC and consoles. Developed in collaboration with manufacturers and pro drivers, it delivers ultra-precise driving physics, authentic sound design and a dynamic motorsport experience for both casual racers and esports contenders.

RENNSPORT is one of the most authentic and visually stunning racing experiences available. With ultra-realistic physics, officially licensed cars and tracks, and support for competitive esports, it’s designed for drivers who crave precision, immersion, and community—whether you’re racing casually or pushing for the podium. If gamers purchase the RS Pure Bundle during the deal window, they will receive a copy of RENNSPORT completely free!

(Black Friday price £0.00. Free at Nacon when purchased with the RS Pure Bundle. 13/11/2025-20/11/2025)

RS Pure Bundle from Revosim – Step into serious sim-racing with the RS PURE Bundle by Revosim. Featuring a 9 Nm Direct Drive base with 21-bit encoder, a quick-release racing-style wheel, and a modular steel/aluminium pedal set with 100 kg load-cell brake, it delivers professional-grade immersion and performance.

The RS PURE Bundle from Revosim offers unmatched realism and precision for sim-racing enthusiasts who want a professional experience at home. Its powerful 9 Nm direct drive motor, ultra-responsive pedals, and ergonomic wheel deliver authentic feedback that helps you improve control, consistency, and immersion. It’s a complete, future-ready setup built to perform and last. If you invest in the RS PURE Bundle, a free pair of PURE Racing gloves will be included.

(Black Friday price £549.99. £150 off at Nacon. 20/11/2025-02/12/2025)

More Black Friday 2025 deals to come.

This is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Black Friday 2025 deals. As the days roll on, I plan to add more deals to improve your gadget portfolio and save you money. Whether it is headphones, a keyboard, a gaming console, a projector, or more, I have your back. 

Review: Tormented Souls 2

Survival horror owes a lot to Resident Evil. Arguably the first series to take the genre mainstream, it spawned many imitators, though few were able to match its enthralling combination of tense atmosphere and B-movie cheese. As the franchise advanced, the games grew out of their simple, fixed-camera presentation, instead adopting a greater focus on third-person shooting, resulting in titles that ran the gamut of quality.

Many fans still yearn for a return to the old style of gameplay, one that prioritized aspects like resource management and authored horror over nailing headshots. If companies like Capcom are unwilling to service that market, then it’s up to smaller developers to fill the void, and that’s exactly what Dual Effect hopes to do with Tormented Souls 2.

The game is a sequel to 2021’s Tormented Souls, thrusting you straight into the plight of Caroline and her sister Anna. There’s not much opportunity for newcomers to catch up on the duo’s previous adventure, but the premise you’re presented with is easy enough to understand. They’re traveling to a special clinic to investigate Anna’s bizarre visions, but she’s promptly kidnapped upon arrival, forcing Caroline to track her down. Along the way, she’ll have to explore the sinister Villa Hess, battle cultists, and solve puzzles.

One of the advantages of presenting your game with fixed camera angles is that you can pour a ludicrous amount of attention into your environments. Tormented Souls 2 doesn’t disappoint in this respect, featuring incredibly rendered scenes packed with detail. Lighting is also a major standout. At many points, Caroline will need to traverse areas with a small flame, and illuminating new areas of the map helps lend to the creepy atmosphere.

Tormented Souls 2_20251121161648

Other aspects of the presentation don’t fare as well. Character models look straight out of the early 360 era. They’re serviceable while in gameplay, but during cutscenes they can be quite an eyesore. This isn’t helped by the poor animation quality, which also feels ancient. Everything is herky-jerky, with unnatural starts and stops that can take you out of the experience.

If you’ve played any of the first three Resident Evils, gameplay will be immediately familiar. You’ll traverse various spooky locales, collecting items to solve puzzles while engaging in a splash of combat. Some puzzles prove to be more frustrating than others; true to the game design of older RE titles, you won’t always have the items to solve the problems you’re presented with, encouraging you to scour other areas to find them.

Tormented Souls 2_20251121165646

This sounds good in theory, but can lead to more frustration. Items aren’t always clearly marked, and it’s unclear at times which parts of the environment you can interact with. This is certainly in line with the standard put forth by other games of this ilk, but it doesn’t make it any less annoying. I had multiple moments where I was cycling through every room I had access to, trying to find anything that would help me advance the plot. I’m not from the generation that grew up with games like this, so there may be a bit of a disconnect, but it does feel like there could be a bit more organic signposting to guide players.

Tormented Souls 2 does a good job emulating the survival horror greats that came before, ensuring that younger players are able to experience the older style of gameplay even as bigger brands continue in other directions. It certainly has a learning curve for newcomers, but those who persevere will discover why the genre was so popular during the 90s and 2000s.

Review: Of Ash And Steel

I need to be clear with both you guys and the developers of Of Ash And Steel: this is not going to be a particularly professional review. I’ll be honest with you. I gave up. I reached a critical point where I pushed the keyboard away and said, ‘No, thank you’. Part of that is on my shoulders. Of Ash And Steel has a combat system, and a world, that relies on skill and the ability to push through constant hardship. I have a modest amount of skill, but constant death wears me down. Maybe this was inevitable.

Perhaps you might be able to write off my criticisms by saying, very reasonably, that this just isn’t my kind of game. But there’s a lot wrong with Of Ash And Steel that can’t be explained away so easily. The odd balance, the lack of any proper direction, the performance, and the stream of bugs. All these serve to drag down what could be a thoroughly absorbing game. As it is, all it made me think about was whether it’s truly good for a game to be so hands-off.

Of Ash And Steel

Blood & Salt

Of Ash And Steel stars Tristan, a somewhat naïve cartographer’s assistant, who accompanies an order of knights to the island of Grayshaft, to deliver a letter to its commander. His job is to help the navigator get around the reefs, while also trying not to chuck up his breakfast. Shortly after landing, the squad is ambushed, the captain gets an arrow in the eye, and Tristan takes charge of the letter. For five minutes anyway, until a bandit coldcocks him and nicks it. After being rescued by a local, Tristan sends out on a quest to get home.

First things first, he needs to find someone to help him. There’s a faction system in play here, where you can choose between the somewhat crumbling Order of the Seven, or the ragtag bunch of Freemen. I went with the Order, for the record, for the sole reason that the commander reminded me of Bill Bailey. Anyway, there’s a lot of busy work to get to that point. Of Ash And Steel‘s world is impressively large, with a good chunk of side quests and mini-factions stuffed into it.

The forest areas feel alive, too. They’re generally crawling with both enemies, and locals trying to make a living. World building is quite good too. Grayshaft feels like a well realised place, even if NPCs do have a tendency to spout the same lines over and over. There’s a big sense that the world doesn’t give a toss about us. If you piss off the wrong thing, you will die. To that end, there are quite a few different systems under hood. There are hunger and thirst mechanics, for instance, requiring preparation. There’s a fairly detailed crafting system in play too. There’s a lot of promise here.

Of Ash And Steel

Off Balance

But let’s move on to kicking portion of Of Ash And Steel. Let’s start with the combat. On the surface, it’s not too bad. Tristan is a cartographer, not a warrior, and this is reflected in the panicky feeling of fighting. It’s stamina focused, with an emphasis on picking your moment to strike. It’s just that the balance is bonkers. I took a quest to duff up a sailor, and he diced me in three hits. Despite me having cleared a bandit camp hours earlier. I very quickly found myself outclassed by basic enemies. If you agro more than one enemy you might as well give up. I ended up just quicksaving my way through things. What fun was found was eclipsed by half my health disappearing with each hit.

Part of that might be down to the fact I had no clue what I was supposed to be doing. There’s no map for about twenty hours at least, and no real indication of where to go. That’s fine. I’m not asking for objective markers. I even liked running away from enemies in the beginning, knowing I could come back with a big sword. But quest descriptions are either incredibly vague, just straight up wrong, or give no indication that it’s way beyond your level. One quest took me about three hours, because all I had was a name and that the NPC was still in town. Turns out he was in a corner behind a bush. Go figure.

It raises the question of what level of hand-holding is acceptable. Personally, I think it’s something like Morrowind. A description of where to go, and a map to cross-check. Of Ash And Steel gives you less than the bare minimum. It took me twenty hours just to beat the first act, and eighteen hours of that was just running around trying to figure out where to go. You’d think I’d be able to ask the guards for directions like a sensible person, but no. Everything in the main city looks the damn same, and one patch of forest looks like any other. It’s maddening. Give me a nudge in the right direction, or I’m just gonna get bored.

Of Ash And Steel

Of Ash And Steel – Far From Ready

I’m afraid the drubbing keeps going. At time of writing, Of Ash And Steel is both buggy and poorly optimised. It did horrible things to my RAM, frequently eating up over 80% (despite being well over the recommend requirements), which often resulted in crashes. FPS was relatively stable at the start, but after a recent update was a bit more flexible. I also hit constant bugs, crashes and stutters. In fact, it’s a bug that killed it for me. A bunch of dead NPCs resurrected right as I was finally getting the map, and completely blocked my progress. I almost snapped my keyboard in half.

Lastly, just to kick Of Ash And Steel while it’s down, it’s missing a massive amount of polish. While the overworld graphics are nice, character animation is awful. The lip syncing makes everyone looks like puppets. Hair will randomly thin, making everyone look balding. Subtitles frequently don’t match spoken dialogue. At one point, a vocal flub and the actor’s apology were kept in the game. It all smacks of a game that needed significantly more time in the oven before release, perhaps on Early Access. I can’t really recommend buying it now, if you’re interested.

And that’s a shame, because in writing this up I realised I don’t hate Of Ash And Steel, despite how much it pissed me off. If that bug brick wall wasn’t there, I’d probably still be playing it. While there’s a big grinding noise as all its systems interact, the result is something intriguing. It’s brutal, and makes no apologies for that, and even has an interesting world. It’s just poorly presented in so many ways. There’s a long road ahead for Of Ash And Steel, and I do hope it survives the journey.

(Of Ash And Steel‘s Steam Page)

News: Amazon Christmas Guide

Amazon are a huge company who deliver mountains of incredible gifts and treats globally. However, it is their branded products that catch my eye. Home security, tablets, digital home solutions, and much more are available to buy. This Amazon Christmas Guide aims to highlight some of the impressive goods to improve your festive period.

Amazon Christmas guide.

Echo.

Echo Dot Matrix – A compact, voice-activated smart speaker designed to elevate everyday living. With a sleek geometric design, enhanced sound clarity, and seamless integration with smart home devices, it delivers instant information, hands-free control, and immersive audio—making it both a stylish and highly functional addition to any space.

It blends convenience, performance, and modern design into one affordable device. Whether you’re managing your smart home, listening to music, or getting quick answers, it provides effortless support. Its improved audio and intuitive voice control make daily tasks easier, faster, and more enjoyable.

Amazon Christmas Guide price £99.99)

Echo StudioAmazon’s premium smart speaker, built to deliver immersive, room-filling sound. With rich bass, dynamic mids, and crisp highs, it brings music, movies, and voice assistance to life. Its sleek design, 3D audio support, and seamless smart-home integration make it a powerful centrepiece for modern living spaces.

It offers a truly elevated listening experience while still providing the convenience of Alexa. Its high-fidelity sound, ability to adapt audio to your room, and effortless control of compatible smart-home devices make it an ideal choice for those who want both premium performance and everyday functionality.

(Amazon Christmas Guide price £219.99)

Echo Show – A versatile smart display featuring an 8-inch HD screen, powerful speakers, and intuitive Alexa integration. Perfect for video calls, streaming, smart-home control, and everyday assistance, it offers crisp visuals, rich sound, and a compact design that fits seamlessly into kitchens, bedrooms, and living spaces.

It combines the convenience of hands-free Alexa with the added power of a vibrant screen. Whether you’re following recipes, chatting with family, checking security cameras, or enjoying entertainment, it delivers an easy, interactive experience that enhances both productivity and comfort at home.

(Amazon Christmas Guide price £179.99)

Fire TV.

Fire TV Stick 4K Select – It delivers vibrant 4K Ultra HD streaming with fast performance and an easy-to-use interface. With support for HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision, it brings shows and movies to life. Its compact design, Alexa Voice Remote, and wide app compatibility make premium entertainment effortless.

Offering high-quality streaming at an affordable price. With smooth navigation, excellent picture clarity, and hands-free convenience through Alexa, it instantly enhances any TV. It’s perfect for cord-cutters, binge-watchers, and anyone who wants fast, reliable access to their favourite content.

(Amazon Christmas Guide price £49.99)

Fire TV Omni Mini-LED QLED 65″ – A stunning 4K picture quality with vibrant QLED colour, precise Mini-LED backlighting, and enhanced contrast. With built-in Fire TV, hands-free Alexa, and adaptive brightness, it offers a premium cinematic experience. Sleek design and smart home integration make it a powerful entertainment centrepiece.

Blending exceptional picture performance with the convenience of built-in Fire TV and hands-free Alexa. Its Mini-LED technology creates deeper contrast and brighter highlights, making movies, games, and sports look incredible. It’s a future-ready, feature-rich upgrade for any living room.

(Amazon Christmas Guide price £759.99)

More tech.

Kindle.

Kindle Colorsoft – a vibrant, full-colour e-reader designed for immersive reading and creativity. Its soft-matte display reduces glare while delivering rich illustrations, crisp text, and smooth page turns. Lightweight, long-lasting, and easy on the eyes, it’s perfect for books, comics, magazines, and interactive learning anywhere you go.

It blends the comfort of an e-reader with the excitement of full-colour content. Whether you enjoy graphic novels, children’s books, or richly illustrated nonfiction, it brings pages to life without sacrificing battery life or portability. It’s an ideal upgrade for readers who want more visual depth.

(Amazon Christmas Guide price £239.99)

Ring.

Ring Outdoor Cam Pro – A high-performance security camera built for reliable outdoor protection. With crisp HD video, advanced motion detection, colour night vision, and two-way talk, it delivers clear visibility day and night. Weather-resistant design and seamless Ring and Alexa integration make monitoring your home effortless and secure.

It offers powerful outdoor surveillance with sharp video quality and intelligent motion alerts. Its durable build, customizable detection zones, and easy app control provide peace of mind from anywhere. It’s a strong choice for anyone wanting dependable, smart outdoor security.

(Amazon Christmas Guide price £179.99)

Ring Wired Doorbell Pro – A premium video doorbell featuring ultra-clear HD+ video, advanced motion detection, and colour night vision. With lightning-fast alerts, two-way talk, and seamless integration with the Ring app and Alexa, it provides reliable, real-time visibility and control over your home’s front door activity.

Offering top-tier clarity, responsiveness, and smart security features in a sleek, always-powered design. Its advanced motion alerts and enhanced video quality help you monitor visitors and packages with confidence. It’s an ideal upgrade for homeowners seeking robust, reliable front-door protection.

(Amazon Christmas Guide price £219.99)

Blink Mini 2K+ – A compact indoor security camera offering ultra-sharp 2K+ resolution for clear, detailed monitoring. With motion alerts, two-way audio, night vision, and easy app control, it provides reliable home awareness. Its small footprint, simple setup, and smart feature set make it ideal for any room.

It delivers high-resolution security at an affordable price. Whether you’re checking in on pets, monitoring entry points, or staying aware while away, its crisp video quality and smart alerts offer peace of mind. It’s a great way to strengthen home security without complexity.

(Amazon Christmas Guide price £69.99)

Longer than Santa’s list.

Tablets.

Fire HD 10 Tablet – This tablet features a vibrant 10.1-inch Full HD display, speedy performance, and long-lasting battery life. Perfect for entertainment, reading, video calls, and productivity, it offers smooth app use and a hands-free Alexa. Lightweight and durable, it delivers exceptional value for both work and play.

It offers a dependable and high-quality tablet experience at an affordable price. Whether streaming, browsing, or tackling daily tasks, its sharp display and responsive performance make everything feel effortless. It’s an excellent choice for families, students, and anyone who wants a versatile device without overspending.

(Amazon Christmas Guide price £149.99)

Fire HD 8 Tablet – This tablet offers an 8-inch HD display, reliable performance, and up to 12 hours of battery life. Compact, lightweight, and portable, it’s perfect for reading, streaming, browsing, and hands-free Alexa use. Its durable design makes it a versatile companion for home, travel, and everyday entertainment.

It strikes a balance between performance, portability, and affordability. Its vibrant display and long battery life make it ideal for entertainment, learning, and casual productivity. Lightweight and durable, it’s perfect for both kids and adults who want a flexible, on-the-go device without breaking the bank.

(Amazon Christmas Guide price £99.99)

Eero.

Eero 7 – A high-performance mesh Wi-Fi system designed to provide fast, reliable coverage throughout your home. With seamless connectivity, easy setup, and smart home integration, it ensures every device stays online. Its compact, sleek design delivers stable, low-latency Wi-Fi for streaming, gaming, and work.

This device eliminates Wi-Fi dead zones and keeps your entire home connected effortlessly. With smart routing, automatic updates, and robust security features, it’s ideal for busy households with multiple devices. It’s a practical investment for anyone seeking a faster, more reliable home network.

(Amazon Christmas Guide price from £169.99)

Christmas is all about the kids!

Kids.

Echo Dot Kids (Stardust) – A compact, kid‑friendly smart speaker with built‑in voice assistant Alexa. It delivers clear, lively audio for music, stories, and games. Designed for children, it includes a fun protective housing and comes with one year of kid‑safe content via Amazon Kids+, ideal for playback, learning and play.

This offers a safe, controlled way for children to access music, audiobooks, and interactive Alexa features — while giving adults peace of mind. Parental controls let you filter content, set time limits, and manage usage easily. Its small size, fun design, and robust ecosystem of kid‑appropriate content make it a convenient, family‑friendly option for homes with younger children.

(Amazon Christmas Guide price £64.99)

Kindle Colorsoft Kids – A 7″ colour‑e‑ink e‑reader designed for children, featuring a vibrant, glare‑free display, 16 GB storage, and a protective illustrated cover. It includes a one‑year subscription to Amazon Kids+, Bluetooth for audiobooks, and a durable build — perfect for reading stories, comics, and illustrated books.

This e-reader makes reading fun and safe. The colour display brings illustrated books, comics, and graphic novels to life, while parental controls, reading timers, and the kid‑friendly Amazon Kids+ catalogue give you peace of mind. Its sturdy cover, long battery life, and lack of distracting apps make it a focused, durable reading device for growing readers.

(Amazon Christmas Guide price £259.99)

Kids Tablets.

Special Edition Peppa Pig Fire HD 8 Kids Tablet – An 8″ HD touchscreen tablet with 32 GB storage (expandable) and up to ~13‑hour battery life. It includes a fun Peppa Pig‑themed kid‑proof case, one year of ad‑free content through Amazon Kids+, and parental controls for safe, age‑appropriate use. 

This tablet is ideal for young children because it blends entertainment, education, and safety in one device. The Peppa Pig design makes it engaging and kid‑friendly, while parental controls and a durable case give parents peace of mind. With access to curated books, games, and videos via Amazon Kids+, it serves as both a fun and developmental tool for kids.

(Amazon Christmas Guide price £159.99)

Fire HD 10 Kids Pro Tablet (Nebula) – This is a 10.1″ Full HD tablet designed for children aged 6–12. It features a bright 1080p display, 3 GB RAM, 32 GB internal storage (expandable), a protective kid‑proof case, and up to 13 hours of battery life — with a 1‑year subscription to kid‑appropriate content.

It combines a full-featured tablet with child-friendly safety and durability. Its large, sharp screen and solid performance make it great for reading, learning, and entertainment. The built-in parental controls, kid‑proof case, and included subscription to age‑appropriate content give peace of mind that kids can explore safely.

(Amazon Christmas Guide price £199.99)

The end of the Amazon Christmas Guide.

Just like Christmas dinner, this Amazon Christmas Guide is eye-catching, appealing, and never-ending. There is something for everyone, and you are bound to make your loved ones smile if you invest in one of these amazing products. Accordingly, don’t miss out as Amazon Prime members get free delivery and extended returns for the festive period (Selected items only).

(Full disclosure! This article was written for free for Amazon!)

Review: Schildmaid MX

Schildmaid MX is an original Shoot ’em up that took me by surprise. Unlike its peers, this side-scrolling, retro game asks you to absorb bullets to increase your score. I’ve never known anything like it, and it took a serious mindset shift to maximise my potential and get on board with the madness.

This old-school Shmup was developed by HitP Studio B.V. and published by Eastasiasoft Limited. It is a single-player, 60+ FPS experience that will make your eyes water. Moreover, there is mind-bending action as the world, bosses, and alien spaceships are out to get you. Accordingly, you have to bring your A game if you wish to complete this hectic title.

Schildmaid MX tells a heroic tale.

Being outnumbered and outgunned is enough to make anyone quit. After all, why bother fighting your way out of a losing position? Thankfully, there is one hero who doesn’t believe in failure! Instead, this pilot will use the enemy’s weapons against them as they fly head-on into the hellish wave of projectiles. Determined to survive, the pilot absorbs bullets and unleashes hell on anything they face.

If you were to remove the bullet-absorbing mechanics, Schildmaid MX is your atypical shoot ’em up. Enemies approach you from all sides. Moreover, there are bosses, waves of projectiles, and plenty of destruction. Additionally, it is incredibly loud, as the vibrant colours, non-stop audio, and bloodthirsty aliens keep you on your toes.

3 ships and risk vs reward.

I love it when this genre adds in some tactical nuance. Schildmaid MX achieves this with three unique spaceships. Each vessel has special stats and a powerful ability to adjust the way you fight. Additionally, there are various game modes to up the ante and test your skills. If you are fresh to the genre, try the Jaeger mode. Alternatively, if you love to test yourself, the Krieger mode will break your resolve pretty quickly.

This genre is all about high scores and progressing as far as you can. However, you have to risk it all if you wish to get the highest score. Absorbing bullets to get to the ultimate golden projectile setting is no mean feat. Yet, if you can hold your bottle and push yourself all of the way, you’ll maximise your score and fly through the levels.

Schildmaid MX looks so retro.

I love how the developer has incorporated such a great retro approach. Schildmaid MX has vibrant colours, dated pixel art, and wonderfully smooth animation. Additionally, there is so much variety that you will not become bored. Alongside this, I was amazed at how well it ran. 60+ FPS and no stuttering, bugs, or glitches was an impressive feat for an indie studio.

The audio will hurt your ears. The never-ending noises and the up-tempo soundtrack were enough to drive you to distraction. However, this approach works perfectly, and it is exactly what fans of the genre have come to expect.

Trial and error.

I usually frown at trial and error. However, this is a key element of Schildmaid MX. As you play with your tactics, you must experiment with each of the ships at your disposal. Furthermore, mastering the reasonably simple controls was an easy and enjoyable experience.

If you love to hold the high score and keep moving forward, this is the game for you. The arcade edge is hard to ignore, and this keeps you coming back for more. Additionally, the unlockable game modes, in-game art, and other elements ensure that there is plenty of replay value and longevity.

Schildmaid MX is a refreshing indie title.

I’ve played many games in this genre. In fact, I recently reviewed R-Type Delta: HD Boosted. I have to say, Schildmaid MX has broken the mould with its unusual mechanics and brilliantly smooth gameplay. Moreover, it is unbelievably addictive and fun to play. Accordingly, it is great, and you should buy it here! Can you absorb the bullets and top the leaderboard? Pick your ship, plan your approach, and hope that luck and the projectiles are on your side.

Review: CUKTECH 15 Ultra Power Bank

The CUKTECH 15 Ultra Power Bank takes things to a whole new level. I know what you are thinking, “How can someone get excited about a power bank?” Well, it is easy when you use them every time you hike, camp, or commute and game with your Steam Deck. This power bank is an absolute game-changer. Not only is it ridiculously powerful, but it is aviation safe, and it can be recharged in next to no time.

This results in a power bank that kicks its competitors into the dirt. Moreover, its compact design hides its almighty charging prowess. Accordingly, this device will not draw unwanted attention from security staff. Additionally, it can slide into your bag or pocket without looking out of place.

What’s in the box of the CUKTECH 15 Ultra Power Bank?

  • The packaging is heavy, sleek, and attractive. Furthermore, it can be recycled.
  • The CUKTECH 15 Ultra Power Bank is a compact but reasonably chunky device. Although it is small, you can feel its quality from the outset. It has 2 USB-C ports and one USB-A port. Alongside this, it has a helpful display screen to highlight key information.
  • Power the device with the supplied USB-C cable.
  • Keep things safe with the travel bag.
  • Learn the basics with the user manual.

Technical aspects.

The CUKTECH 15 Ultra Power Bank is a future-proof device thanks to its high-powered PD3.1 port. This is fast enough to charge a Laptop, MacBook Pro, or any modern phone. Furthermore, this power bank offers a maximum 165W total output or 145 watts via the PD3.1 port. You may charge 3 devices simultaneously to save time and effort. With 20,000 mAh capacity, this PB is the ideal size to charge your phones multiple times or to keep your Steam Deck and other portable gaming consoles going.

On top of this, there is a Beast mode to recharge the power bank in no time at all. If you have 2 compatible cables, you can recharge this device to approximately 70% in around 20 minutes. Therefore, there is no waiting around to get back in the game. Instead, you could have this charged by the time you’ve ordered a drink, read the paper, and left your local public house. This product is compatible with plenty of fast-charging protocols. PD3.1, PPS, QC, FCP, SCP, and MiPPS (Xiaomi 120W Max) ensure that this device is versatile with many modern tech products.

Build quality.

I own several CUKTECH products, and they do not disappoint. These hard-wearing devices are perfect to chuck in your bag, and they’ll be perfectly safe. Moreover, the lightweight bag is nicely designed to store your cables and the power bank. This prevents the metal casing from unnecessary bumps and scratches.

The ports are conveniently placed at the top of the device. Subsequently, you can stand this up or lay it on its side while charging any devices. Each port is snug and secure, and I had no issues with the cable coming loose. This was reassuring as I could charge items in my bag while I was hiking or walking to work.

Finally, the smart TFT display is a vibrant and helpful tool. This well-built extra makes the CUKTECH 15 Ultra Power Bank stand out from the crowd. It displays temperature, current wattage, amperage, voltage, and battery level. This comprehensive list of stats ensures that you are in full control of what you are doing.

Is the CUKTECH 15 Ultra Power Bank worth it?

In short, this is one of the best power banks I’ve used. The 145W charging is impressive. Moreover, getting around 70% power in around 20 minutes is a game-changer if you are out and about. On top of this, it is incredibly well-built, and I didn’t realise how much I’d need a data screen until I had one. Accordingly, this is a spectacular product, and I recommend buying it here!

(More information on CUKTECH can be found here!)

The CUKTECH 15 Ultra Power Bank has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

(Full disclosure! A sample was provided for an unbiased and free review!)

Review: Surviving Mars: Relaunched

Back in 2018, Haemimont Games released a city building colony sim game, Surviving Mars. Set entirely on Mars, players build thriving ecosystems and bustling colonies. The game received generally positive reviews at the time and also had several DLCs to bolster the gameplay. The developers released the last DLC in 2022. Though the game’s big updates ended there, Survival Mars left it’s impact on the city simulation genre. Though I personally have not played, my partner remembers spending hours on end watching his colonies grow.

Surviving Mars: Relaunched is a relaunched version of this classic game. Developed by the same company, Haemimont Games and also published by the same company, Paradox Interactive, the game was released on November 10th, 2025. This relaunched version comes with all the previous DLCs, improved visuals and UI, a new political system and various quality of life updates. Surviving Mars: Relaunched offers five tutorials to learn the basics, a standard campaign mode, a creative mode with some creative limitations and 33 challenges to attempt. Though city building games aren’t my go-to genre, I found quite a lot to appreciate in Surviving Mars: Relaunched! The developers did decent job at walking through but not hand-holding players into the gameplay aspects. Though I wouldn’t say my colonies ever reached the point of “thriving”, I still had an enjoyable time managing them. So, gather your drones, its time to discuss Surviving Mars: Relaunched!

The Pre-Game Aspects: Tutorials and Pre-customization

The five tutorials in this game cover a variety of the basic functions. This includes things like camera control, placing items on the map, the machinery such as drones and rovers, domes and colonists and research. Each tutorial goes into some depth for their relative topics. It took me an hour or two just to complete these alone. Once completed, players then have the option to try out a standard campaign mode, creative mode or one of the 33 challenge campaigns to play. Campaigns seem like the original gameplay—a race against other colonies to see who can complete the most objectives to earn points. These objectives are milestones for colonies, such as discovering water, having an increasing number of colonists and improving the environment on mars.

Creative mode follows along this same gameplay, but makes things a lot easier for the player. It provides additional funding, near unlimited resources and makes other elements such as rockets and research faster. It is a good way to test things out and see if your creations would work, without having to go through a standard campaign. Achievements are disabled in this mode, so keep that in mind.

Before jumping into a standard or creative campaign, you are allowed to change various mission set up options. This can include things like the mission sponsor, which determines starting funding and other money factors, your commander profile, which provides some passive skills for your colony, and various game rules to add a challenge or make this easier. You can also edit your initial cargo rocket and your landing location. What I really appreciated during this was the changing challenge percent. This will increase or decrease as you select different options. If you want a beginner-friendly experience, choosing a difficulty between 100% and 120% is your best bet. However, if you wanted a super challenge to test your skills, I’ve seen percentages go up and beyond 300%. I can certainly appreciate a game that allows the player to decide how difficult it will be.

The Gameplay Part 1: First Steps on Mars

As mentioned before, the developers set up the game in a way that introduces players to basic concepts, but still has more to discover as you play. As I started my first game, I had a general understanding of what I needed to do, but could already see on the HUD much more I was unfamiliar with. I want to quickly add that one thing I really do appreciate is the inclusion of not only the encyclopedia, which explains various gameplay elements in simple sentences, but also the fact that hovering over almost everything gave you some information about the item. There are also optional gameplay hints, but these are kind of rehashes of what was already explained in the tutorials. Still, with all my existing knowledge and some I was unsure about, I took my first steps onto Mars.

Or should I say, my drones and rovers drove out onto Mars. Typically, drones and rovers will begin your colony and serve as its backbone. Drones are ever helpful machines that harvest resources such as metal, unload rockets and carry resources around and also perform maintenance and construction. It was enjoyable in the beginning to watch them stroll about, carrying out the various tasks I assigned to them. Rovers are a bit different in that different types of rovers will perform different duties. Explorers will examine anomalies which provide benefits such as research points. Commanders control small groups of drones and can transport them to new areas. I will say that most of the time, at least in the beginning, the rovers would perform a task here and there before sitting idly in my colony with not much to do, while my drones did all the manual labor.

The first steps you’ll probably want to do are gather nearby resources and start setting up various systems such as power and water. Commonly, the first resources you will encounter are metal and concrete, which can be gathered and/or mined from ground. Icons are always visible for where a deposit is, which is nice when it comes to planning the layout. If you can see a nearby concrete to the left of your rocket, it might be a good idea to start setting up power on the left as well. Power lines and water/oxygen pipes will need to placed down as well, so it is important to take this into consideration as you begin your layout of the land.

Once you’ve gathered a decent amount of resources, it might be time to consider placing down your first dome. All domes require power, water, oxygen and eventually food in order to keep your colonists alive and well. When placing your first dome, it might be best to place it close to the initial rocket’s landing location. Drones are not the fastest and though you can speed time up, I found myself waiting half a sol just for them to finish. Domes require buildings within to keep your colonists happy. This includes things like living accommodations, a grocery or some sort of food source, recreational facilities and decorations to keep them happy, and it’s probably a good idea to put a few productive things like research or medical facilities as well. Ideally, a decent bit of this should be pre-build before you land your first colonists, or aka, your founders.

The Gameplay Part 2: Second Steps on Mars

When your dome is built and your life needs are flowing, it is time to order the first passenger ship. This ship will serve as your founders ship, which will be your first colonists on Mars. This is important because once they have landed, the founder stage begins. During this stage, no additional colonists can be sent to your colony until the end of the stage in 10 sols, or if a child is born. It is super important that you keep your founders alive as it will determine if your colony is livable. If all of your founders die during this stage, it is considered a game over and your mission will end. However, if you’ve done proper planning and resource management, it would be more difficult to have a death than to keep them alive and well.

When you order a passenger ship, you decide who will be invited to live on the Red Planet. Applicants have differing aspects such as specializations, perks, flaws and quirks. I believe the first set of colonists should have a decent split in specializations, though future ones can focus more so in one area or another. In my gameplay, I was aiming to make Mars greener and more inhabitable. So, I went with more scientists and botanists later on. Applicants can have perks, flaws, and quirks that appear as randomized traits. These include things like being religious, sexy, a gamer, vegan, or composed, among many other possibilities. Colonists can have up to three traits. Invite only those you deem qualified, since space is limited on the ship and in your colony’s early stages.

Another important initial aspect to consider is research. You gain research passively each sol, and you can boost it in several ways. Research is the main way to unlock new technologies and or great passive buffs to your colony. It is divided into seven different categories. These include engineering, robotics, physics, biotech, social, recon & expansion, terraforming and also a rare breakthrough category as well. Each category has many different research potentials which will unlock as you complete previous ones. There are some researches that are essential, but after a while you can begin to dive deep into specific areas. It is important to always be researching something to keep your colony and technologies up to date.

The Gameplay Part 3: Third Steps & Beyond

Another important gameplay aspects to consider are sector discovering and the newly added politics factor. The game begins in a single sector, and you must discover outside sectors to expand. Like research, you can queue sectors for discovery, which then progress passively over time. Exploring new sectors reveals additional resources and anomalies, while building sensor towers boosts the speed of discovery.

New to Surviving Mars: Relaunched, politics will also play a factor early on as well. In standard and creative campaigns, you compete against computer-controlled colonies racing to complete milestones. Maintaining good standing within the group is essential. Every two sols, the council will meet and vote on laws and regulations that all factions must follow. These include things like society regulations, better sponsor relations or even the ability to skip the founder stage. This also gives you a slight hint at how the competition is doing.

Since I haven’t played the first Surviving Mars, I’m unsure whether politics significantly shaped its core gameplay mechanics. I’m leaning more towards them being a slight boon, or small factor. I tended to forget about which laws were in place after leaving the politics screen. Beyond the skipping founder stage, the boons they provide are nice, but nothing that will determine how well a colony thrives in the long run. I guess overall, it’s a nice little addition for the launch, without the feeling that it takes over gameplay completely.

Beyond all that I just listed, there’s still so much more that exists within Surviving Mars: Relaunched. Eventually, things like wonder building and terraforming will play key roles as you expand your colonies. A milestone such as 1000 colonists is achievable and the number of people living in your colony will continue to grow as Martian-born children, or children born on Mars, will make up future generations. Different weather effects can occur which will require players to act quickly to preserve their colony’s life. Again, I appreciate the inclusion of gameplay hints and the encyclopedia to explain these aspects to me, but trying to take a crash course all at once might be a bit much. It is probably better to discover different aspects as they occur over time, as you and your colonies discover Mars in the process.

Once you’ve had your fill of the standard and creative campaigns, don’t forget about the 33 challenges available. These challenges start you off in pre-existing campaigns with a limited time in order to achieve specific goals. The difficulty on these range from varying challenge percentages as the pre-determined factors will play a heavy hand in how you are to accomplish the goals.

The Graphics & Audio: Life on the Red Planet

Just wanted to take a quick moment to discuss the graphics and audio. To start with, despite the surface of Mars probably not being the most pleasing to look at in real life (red, rocky, and rather bland), I found this game to be visually pleasing. Once you get your colony growing and expanding, it ends up being a space-mechanic wonder. I’ve already mentioned before enjoying the scene of my drones performing tasks, but the other mechanical objects were pleasing and felt realistic as well. Nothing felt too “out of this world” that made me think that the game was diving headfirst into sci-fi, despite the game being about building a colony on Mars. The graphics are also not too intense that you would need a computer from NASA in order to play. For what it is, it’s super pleasing to me.

The sounds in this game also fall along the same positive outlook for me. I really enjoyed the different sound effects in the game. I especially enjoyed zooming in and out of the map and how this changed what you heard. For example, my own headset vibrated with the intensity of the rockets as they landed. Sounds of life activity played whenever I zoomed the camera inside of a dome. I enjoy these details in sound and that it isn’t just the same music playing over and over again. Of course, there is background music, which isn’t bad at all! However, it’s the type that might get a bit stale over time, despite the radio function to change it, and I would probably end up listening to my own tunes. Regardless, both graphics and audio receive a A from me.

The Concerns: A Few Bugs, Hopefully Squashed with Updates

Currently, Surviving Mars: Relaunched sports a Mixed review rating on Steam. A decent bit of the reviews claim that this relaunched version is sadly just the exact same as the original. This includes some existing bugs. In my gameplay, I did run into two issues, one minor bug and one potentially bigger bug.

The first one is small. After reloading my save, I saw that my colonies name and logo—Eatin’ Greens with the brussel spout icon—was changed to some generic thing. This was was probably one of the random potential initial names when starting a new game. Again, it’s not a major issue and I was able to edit it back to what I set it as, but it is a bug nonetheless.

The bigger bug I may have came across occurred while I was trying to build a dome. As a disclaimer, this could just be user error and if it is, please let me know in the comments! When ordering some of my drones to work on a dome I was building, it kept popping up with an error saying “can’t find the required resources.” I believe this resource was concrete, which was located not too far from where my dome placement was.

Even after I manually went in and ordered these drones to pick up the concrete and then deliver it to the dome, they would deliver one piece before going back to mining metal. Other drones were able to deliver concrete just fine, so I wasn’t sure why only a few seemingly had this problem. Again, could just be user error, but if it is a bug, it’s a pretty important one that affects gameplay.

With the relaunched version, I expect future updates to patch the bugs the game will receive. In 2026, the DLCs Feeding the Future and Machine Utopia will add major updates to the game. Much like us players with our colonies, the developers will need to continue working on the game in order to expand its fanbase and longevity.

The Conclusion: Life on Mars, Is It Possible?

Overall, I had a fun time trying to make my colonies thrive on Mars. Despite my shortcomings and failed attempts, it was enjoyable to test out new ideas and settings. A full standard campaign will probably take a few hours to complete, even on the highest in-game speed setting. The many different campaign options, along with the 33 challenges, provides longevity. Players may spend many weeks on end, if not longer, to complete everything. Surviving Mars: Relaunched packs in a wide range of gameplay elements. It demands a certain level of strategy that makes even the easiest settings (maybe not creative mode) an enjoyable challenge.

I believe the developers at Haemimont Games made a great decision in relaunching the original Surviving Mars. Many reviews claim that the game is too similar to the original. However, I think this should be obvious given that it is a “relaunch.” The game isn’t designed as a sequel to the original. Instead, it serves to bring the game more up-to date with modern gaming, running on more advanced engines. It is a relaunching on the game’s life and for that, I think it is doing it’s job well. Plus, with future DLCs, the game will hopefully continue to be worked on and improved. I can see a bright future ahead of Surviving Mars: Relaunched, and a bright future for life on Mars!

Thank you for reading and best of luck to your colonies!

Review: Escape Simulator 2

I’ve tried more than a few at-home escape room experiences over the years, some fun, some forgettable, some best left sealed in their envelopes forever. Still, Escape Simulator 2 is the first that genuinely captures the buzz of stepping into a physical escape room. 

That little thrill when the door shuts behind you and suddenly every book, every lever, and every misplaced candle feels like a clue? This game bottles that feeling beautifully.

Developed by and published by Pine Studio, Escape Simulator 2 is a sequel to the best-selling escape room game, bringing a fresh take on first-person puzzles with a variety of new rooms to explore solo or with friends.

Where many puzzle games spend far too long warming up, Escape Simulator 2 wastes no time. You spawn directly into the room, look around, and immediately start thinking, 

“Okay… what here is going to betray a secret?” 

There are no story-heavy intros, no tutorial fluff… Just you, a room full of mysteries, and three wonderfully distinct themes: the gothic shadows of Dracula’s Castle, the sleek sci-fi tech of Starship EOS, and the ramshackle charm of The Cursed Treasure.

An Escape You Can Actually Touch

Despite the lack of cutscenes, the rooms flow into one another with surprising cohesion, almost like you’re progressing through themed chapters. It’s subtle, but it works.

One of the greatest strengths of Escape Simulator 2 is how tactile everything feels. You can pick up piles of objects, spin them around, drag furniture, examine scraps of paper, and hoard tools like a goblin.

It all adds up to a sense of being physically present in the space. Important items stand out just enough to feel fair while still encouraging you to scour ceilings and corners for stray clues.

The game is constantly nudging you to poke around, to overthink things, to try something silly “just in case.” In other words, it nails the spirit of escape rooms.

Up to eight people can play together, although I agree that the rooms feel most balanced with two to four players. Still, the fact that the game supports that many without devolving into total madness (well… too much madness) is impressive.

A Fresh Coat of Paint… Mostly

Escape Simulator 1 was stylishly cartoony, but the sequel pushes into darker, more detailed territory. Dracula’s Castle is atmospheric, Starship EOS looks convincingly futuristic, and the pirate caves feel like set pieces you’d expect to see at a theme park.

That said, the game isn’t without quirks. Clipping into teammates’ bald heads, sudden perspective shifts, and missing animations occasionally snap you out of the moment. It’s minor, but noticeable.

Still, if slightly janky animations are the price we pay for fully co-op 3D rooms with this level of interactivity, I consider it an acceptable trade.

Hints, Glitches, and Growing Pains

The hint system is clever in concept, creating shareable clue notes, but sometimes refuses to participate, especially in puzzles that really should offer guidance. There were moments where we needed a nudge, and the hint system simply shrugged its shoulders.

But honestly? This feels fitting. Real escape rooms have their own brand of jank. A stiff lock, a missing clue sheet, a puzzle that feels like it was added last minute. Here, the occasional hiccup feels almost… authentic.

And with DLC already planned and a massively expanded Room Editor (the first game spawned over 4,000 custom rooms), the future of this community is bright.

Escape Artists Wanted

Escape Simulator 2 doesn’t reinvent the escape room genre. It perfects the formula its predecessor started. 

The puzzles are satisfying, the environments are imaginative, the co-op is joyous chaos, and the potential for community creations is practically limitless.

Sure, there are rough edges. But the core is strong, polished, and packed with charm.

Escape Simulator 2 is easily one of the most enjoyable puzzle games of the year, and a near-essential experience for escape room fans… digital or otherwise.

Review: Vlad Circus: Curse of Asmodeus

Vlad Circus: Curse of Asmodeus does a great job of prequeling and sequeling its predecessor. This may be a confusing statement, but this title plays with multiple timescales and a healthy dose of amnesia. Accordingly, it can pretty much do what it wants. Furthermore, it has some wonderfully grim moments as the story unfolds.

This puzzle adventure game was developed by Indisruption and published by Blowfish Studios. It is a single-player, side-scrolling affair. Moreover, it has plenty of fetch quests and old-school puzzle elements to appeal to an older generation. However, at its core is a great story and some sinister moments.

Vlad Circus: Curse of Asmodeus is a family affair. 

If you’ve played the previous Vlad game, you’ll recognise many of the key players. However, if this is your first jaunt into this seedy world, it matters not. You are not penalised for a lack of knowledge or understanding. Instead, you can piece together the story with blissful ignorance. 

You play the part of Josef Petrescu. He is the brother of Vlad and has awoken in a “hospital” with terrible injuries. His disfigured form disgusts him, but it is the gentle reminders of his previous life that haunt him more. Asmodeus is portrayed as a parasite that infects humans. The only way to remove it is through fire and torture. Accordingly, there are plenty of victims who may or may not survive.

A combination of 2 worlds. 

The grim story unfolds horribly. As the truth is revealed, you’ll be repulsed. The hero stomachs every snippet of information as they live through 2 unique worlds. The past is blurry, unfair, and often surreal. Clues, friendships, and explanations must be found as you explore your surroundings. 

Modern-day living isn’t much better. Josef is an outcast from his brother’s circus. However, he needs help if he is to move on and come to peace with his existence. This leads the protagonist down a dark path of realisation. 

If you can handle the twisted and uncomfortable imagery and gameplay, you’ll enjoy classic puzzle mechanics. Grabbing items, combining them, and unlocking new paths are essential elements. Furthermore, you’ll need to be aware of your surroundings as rats, gas, and other obstacles will cause you irreversible damage. 

Vlad Circus: Curse of Asmodeus is a pixelated masterpiece. 

People say that pixel games are lazy. However, I totally disagree. Vlad Circus: Curse of Asmodeus blends horrific colours with daunting images. Furthermore, the claustrophobic spaces, unique areas, and interesting puzzles create a tough-to-stomach game. 

The audio enhances the horror edge. Atmospheric music drives home the horrible story. Additionally, uncomfortable ambient sounds and strange noises fill the silence. The result is a game that never lets you take a breath. 

Excellent controls. 

Though the action is relatively refined and easy to follow, finding items and reading information could have been terrible. Thankfully, the excellent controls and simple UI make Vlad Circus: Curse of Asmodeus a joy to play. 

Where this falls short is longevity. Around 7 hours will get you everything completed. This was a little light for my liking, and I wanted much, much more. However, the dark imagery and sinister story can be oppressive, so maybe less exposure is a good thing. 

Vlad Circus: Curse of Asmodeus is wonderfully grim. 

If you loved the original, you’ll adore this awfully cruel sequel. The story is grim, and the visuals are uncomfortable. Furthermore, solving every problem is rewarding. Accordingly, I love it and recommend buying it here! Can you piece together the clues and restore your memory? Explore the world, understand your mind, and maintain your sanity.

News: SteelSeries Sale

Black Friday is well and truly underway. However, we have not covered the monster brand that is SteelSeries. I love this gaming behemoth and enjoy covering its exceptional products. As such, when they discount their products, I have to shout about it. Accordingly, we’ve put together this SteelSeries Sale article.

Whether it is a keyboard, mouse, headphones, speakers, or accessories, this brand has you covered. Some of the greatest gamers around love this gaming brand. Consequently, if you invest, you know you’ll improve your game.

Black Friday.

Cyber Monday.

What’s included in the SteelSeries sale?

Headphones.

Arctis Nova Pro Wireless – Black – A premium, multi-system gaming headset with 7.1 spatial audio, active noise-cancelling mic, and a dual hot-swappable battery system for unlimited play. The sleek base station features an OLED screen for EQ and audio profile control, while USB, Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz connectivity keep you versatile and fully immersed.

(SteelSeries sale Black Friday, was $379.99, now $289.99 until December 1st.)

Arctis Nova Pro X – A high-fidelity gaming headset with 360° spatial sound powered by the Hi-Res GameDAC Gen2. It features a retractable ClearCast Gen2 mic, steel-infused ComfortMAX headband, and an EVA-designed build for durability. Compatible across PC, Xbox, Switch, and mobile, it delivers balanced, immersive audio. 

(SteelSeries sale Black Friday, was $249.99, now $149.99 until December 1st.)

Arctis GameBuds – Compact, low-latency gaming earbuds with 360° spatial audio, hybrid ANC, and transparency mode. Seamlessly switch between 2.4 GHz (via USB-C dongle) and Bluetooth with a triple tap. Up to 40 hours of total use via the Qi-charging case. Rugged IP55 water-resistant build. 

(SteelSeries sale Black Friday, was $199.99, now $149.99 until December 1st.)

Arctis Nova 5 – A lightweight, multi-platform gaming headset offering high-fidelity 40 mm neodymium drivers, 100+ game-specific audio presets, and up to 60-hour battery life. It features seamless Quick-Switch between 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth 5.3, plus a retractable ClearCast 2. X mic for crystal-clear voice chat. 

(SteelSeries sale Black Friday, was $149.99, now $109.99 until December 1st.)

Keyboards.

Apex Pro TKL (Gen 3) – White – A compact, high-speed competitive keyboard featuring OmniPoint 3.0 Hall-effect switches with per-key actuation (0.1-4.0 mm), Rapid Trigger & Rapid Tap, and Protection Mode. It boasts a sleek white build, PBT keycaps, triple-layer dampening foam, and an OLED smart display for on-the-fly control.

(SteelSeries sale Black Friday, was $239.99, now $189.99 until December 1st.)

Apex Pro Mini (Gen 3) – A compact 60% gaming keyboard featuring ultra-responsive OmniPoint 3.0 Hall effect switches with 40 levels of adjustable actuation (0.1–4 mm). Offers Rapid Trigger, Rapid Tap, and Protection Mode via SteelSeries GG software. Built with factory-lubed stabilisers, dampening foam, and per-key RGB lighting.

(SteelSeries sale Black Friday, was $219.99, now $189.99 until December 1st.)

More tech to come.

Mice.

Aerox 3 Wireless – A featherlight 66 g gaming mouse with a custom TrueMove Air 18,000 CPI sensor, dual Quantum 2.0 wireless (2.4 GHz + Bluetooth), and IP54 AquaBarrier protection. It delivers up to 200-hour Bluetooth battery life, fast USB-C charging, PTFE skates, and vibrant 3-zone RGB lighting.

(SteelSeries sale Black Friday, was $119.99, now $69.99 until December 1st.)

Aerox 5 – A super-light, high-precision mouse weighing just 66 g, powered by the TrueMove Air sensor with 18,000 CPI, 400 IPS and 40 G acceleration. It features IP54-rated AquaBarrier protection, 9 programmable buttons, and smooth PTFE skates for fast, reliable control. 

(SteelSeries sale Black Friday, was $99.99, now $59.99 until December 1st.)

Aerox 9 Wireless – An ultra-light 89 g MMO gaming mouse with 18 programmable buttons (including a 12-key side panel), TrueMove Air 18,000 CPI sensor, and IP54 AquaBarrier protection. Connect via lag-free Quantum 2.0 wireless (2.4 GHz or Bluetooth 5.0), and enjoy up to 180-hour battery life.

(SteelSeries sale Black Friday, was $189.99, now $119.99 until December 1st.)

Mics.

Alias – A premium USB gaming mic with a massive 1″ condenser capsule (3× larger than usual) for rich, broadcast-quality voice. It uses a cardioid pattern to reduce background noise, features a 5‑stage LED level meter, tap-to-mute, and RGB lighting, all powered by SteelSeries Sonar AI‑enhanced software. 

(SteelSeries sale Black Friday, was $199.99, now $139.99 until December 1st.)

Never-ending tech.

Speakers.

Arena 7 – A powerful 2.1 gaming speaker system featuring two-way satellite drivers and a 6.5″ down-firing subwoofer for rich, deep bass. Offers multiple inputs—USB-C, optical, 3.5mm, and Bluetooth—plus dynamic 4-zone RGB lighting that reacts to in-game audio, all customisable in SteelSeries Sonar.

(SteelSeries sale Black Friday, was $399.99, now $239.99 until December 1st.)

Arena 9 – A premium 5.1 surround‑sound gaming system featuring two front speakers, a centre channel, wireless rear satellites, and a 6.5″ down‑firing subwoofer. Lights up with reactive 16.8M‑colour RGB, offers custom EQ via Sonar software, and connects easily via USB, Bluetooth, optical or 3.5 mm.

(SteelSeries sale Black Friday, was $679.99, now $499.99 until December 1st.)

Accessories.

QcK XXL – A huge, desk‑sized cloth pad (900 × 400 mm) with a soft micro‑woven surface for consistent tracking and precision. Backed by a non-slip rubber base, it delivers stability even under full keyboard and mouse use. Durable, washable, and built for serious gaming.

(SteelSeries sale Black Friday, was $29.99, now $17.99 until December 1st.)

Qck Performance – A premium e‑sports‑grade surface with a high‑density 3.5 mm neoprene base for consistent, stable tracking. Available in Speed, Balance, and Control variants to suit playstyle — from ultra-slick glide to precise aim. Low-profile stitched edges enhance durability.

(SteelSeries sale Black Friday, was $39.99, now $27.99 until December 1st.)

Cyber Monday!

Headphones.

Arctis Nova Pro – A high-end gaming headset featuring dual hot-swappable batteries for continuous play, 40 mm hi‑res drivers, and simultaneous 2.4 GHz + Bluetooth connectivity. Includes reusable DAC/base station with EQ control, 360° spatial audio via Sonar, and a retractable ClearCast Gen 2 mic. 

(SteelSeries sale Cyber Monday, was $279.99, now $209.99, December 1st only.)

Arctis Nova 5 – White – A sleek white over‑ear gaming headset that combines 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth 5.3 for flexible connectivity. Sporting 40 mm neodymium drivers, a retractable ClearCast Gen 2 mic, and up to 60‑hour battery life, all enhanced by 100+ game‑specific EQ presets through the Nova companion app.

(SteelSeries sale Cyber Monday, was $279.99, now $104.99, December 1st only.)

Arctis Nova 3X Wireless – Lavender – A stylish lavender gaming headset built for marathons, weighing just 260 g. It offers low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless, Bluetooth 5.3 quick‑switching, and up to 40 hours of battery life. Equipped with 40 mm neodymium drivers, a detachable ClearCast mic, and mobile-app EQ presets. 

(SteelSeries sale Cyber Monday, was $109.99, now $89.99, December 1st only.)

Keyboards.

Apex Pro TKL (Gen 3) Wireless – A pro-tier, tenkeyless gaming keyboard featuring OmniPoint 3.0 Hall‑effect switches with adjustable actuation (0.1–4 mm), Rapid Trigger, Rapid Tap, and 2‑in‑1 action keys. Offers lag-free Quantum 2.0 2.4 GHz or Bluetooth 5.0, OLED display, double-shot PBT keys, and 45‑hour battery life.

(SteelSeries sale Cyber Monday, was $239.99, now $234.99, December 1st only.)

Apex Pro TKL (Gen 3) – A high-speed, tenkeyless gaming keyboard equipped with OmniPoint 3.0 Hall-effect switches, offering fully adjustable actuation (0.1–4.0 mm), Rapid Trigger and Rapid Tap. Features an OLED smart display, GG QuickSet presets, double-shot PBT keycaps, and a detachable USB‑C cable.

(SteelSeries sale Cyber Monday, was $239.99, now $189.99, December 1st only.)

Apex 9 TKL – A lightning-fast, tenkeyless keyboard outfitted with custom OptiPoint optical switches offering 0.2 ms response. Switch between 1 mm gaming actuation and 1.5 mm precision, hot-swap switches freely, enjoy durable double-shot PBT keycaps, and a rugged aerospace aluminium top plate for pro-level performance.

(SteelSeries sale Cyber Monday, was $149.99, now $109.99, December 1st only.)

We’re not done yet!

Mice.

Aerox 5 Wireless – A feather‑light, 74 g gaming mouse with 9 programmable buttons and a high-precision TrueMove Air sensor (up to 18,000 CPI, 400 IPS, 40G). It features lag-free Quantum 2.0 wireless (2.4 GHz + Bluetooth 5.0), IP54 AquaBarrier protection, radiant 3‑zone RGB, and up to 180-hour battery life.

(SteelSeries sale Cyber Monday, was $169.99, now $109.99, December 1st only.)

Rival 5 – A versatile 85 g wired mouse built for any game genre, with a TrueMove Air sensor (18,000 CPI) and 9 fully programmable buttons. It features durable IP54-rated Golden Micro switches, a Super Mesh cable for low drag, and 10-zone PrismSync RGB lighting.

(SteelSeries sale Cyber Monday, was $69.99, now $49.99, December 1st only.)

Mics.

Alias Pro – A pro-grade XLR condenser mic with a 25 mm capsule that captures crystal-clear, broadcast-quality 24-bit/48 kHz audio. It comes with a dedicated Stream Mixer for gain control, mute, RGB lighting, and dual-PC streaming. Built‑in shock‑mount and Sonar software support complete the stellar setup.

(SteelSeries sale Cyber Monday, was $369.99, now $259.99, December 1st only.)

Speakers.

Arena 3 – A powerful 2.0 desktop speaker system featuring 4″ organic-fibre full‑range drivers for rich highs and vibrant mids. Offers wired (3.5 mm) and Bluetooth (v4.2) connectivity, front-facing bass ports, a tilt-adjustable stand, and intuitive volume, mute, and EQ controls.

(SteelSeries sale Cyber Monday, was $179.99, now $129.99, December 1st only.)

Accessories.

Qck Performance – XL – A massive 900×400 mm gaming surface with three tailored textures (Speed, Balance, Control) to fit your playstyle. Built on a dense 3.5 mm neoprene base for stability and consistent sensor tracking. Stitched low-profile edges prevent fraying during intense battles.

(SteelSeries sale Cyber Monday, was $49.99, now $34.99, December 1st only.)

The SteelSeries sale is epic.

Whether it is Black Friday or Cyber Monday, the SteelSeries sale is epic. There are some amazing products, and I haven’t covered them all. Accordingly, I recommend heading over to their website for all of the deals!

(Full disclosure! This article was written for free for SteelSeries!)