Review

Intro

Xbox controllers can get very expensive – just look at the line-up of some of our favorites. For those on a budget, though, PowerA has been a consistent source of more affordable options that go beyond the stock controller. Its latest, the PowerA Fusion Pro 3 is packed with features for the $80 price tag but can it compete with more expensive controllers? Be sure to hit the video to see all of the details.

Earlier this year, Satechi launched its most popualr charging station to date. Brimming with 200W of GaN power, its latest USB-C offering takes on a desktop form-factor that’s outfitted with enough ports and juice to power up your entire Apple kit. But with a $150 price tag, we’re checking out just what to expect from the experience.

Audio-Technica is launching its latest USB mic today known as the AT2040USB. The brand has been in the transducer and microphone business for over 60 years now and has been delivering some of the best bang for your buck in both the USB and XLR space for nearly as long. Its XLR mics have been a staple in my personal home studio for years, as seen in my latest Behind the Screens feature, and the classic Audio-Technica AT2020+ is a favorite among USB mic users (it has since been superseded by the new AT2020USB-X). But today the brand is starting a new journey with its latest dynamic USB model and we have had a chance to test it out for a few weeks ahead of today’s official reveal. Head below for a closer look. 

Skullcandy today is launching its latest pair of ANC headphones. The new Crusher ANC 2 deliver Skullcandy’s latest over-ear designs that on top of delivering stables like active noise cancellation, also come backed by some more standout inclusions. There’s up to 60-hour playback on a single charge, not to mention built-in Tile tracking and multipoint Bluetooth connectivity. But the real star of the show from my listening so far is the Crusher bass controls, making these headphones standout from the competition.

It’s now time to take a hands-on look at Harber London’s luxurious City Leather MacBook Backpack. The brand delivers higher-end leather goods for just about any Apple product, and its carriers have been a real highlight for me after getting a chance to give them a go. The City Backpack on display here, though, is easily one of my favorite designs in its lineup of back-mounted bags ready for lugging around MacBooks and iPads in style, but is it worth the hefty price tag? While it is just what you expect from a bag handmade in Spain and constructed of premium leather, let’s dig in and find out for sure in the latest entry to our long-running Tested with 9to5Toys series.

We’re finally able to get our hands on some of the products that Philips announced in Paris last year with the launch of its Evnia brand. The first one we have is the Philips Evnia 7000, or more specifically, the 34M2C7600. It’s a 34-inch, 1440p 165hz mini-LED gaming monitor with a ridiculous brightness of 1400nits but when it comes to gaming, this $1,299 monitor does have some drawbacks. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details.

Earlier in the spring we covered a discount on AirPods Max, to which readers chimed in that despite being $100 off, there are better options out there. One of the cited options at the top of everyone’s list is the Sennheiser Momentum 4, a recently-released pair of over ear headphones from one of the more beloved brands on the market. I’ve been daily driving these for the past month, and have to say that I agree. But just how well do they stack up against Apple’s flagship headphones?

The Blackshark V2 Pro has been one of the best-reviewed gaming headsets that I can remember. The wired versions are an even better deal. Now, Razer is updating the beloved esports-focused headset with a new microphone, sound modes, and Bluetooth connectivity. Do these upgrades make the Blackshark V2 Pro 2023 worth the $200 price tag? Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

Late last year, Shargeek launched a new version of its popular Mac-themed USB-C charger. Stepping up to include even more power into much of the same classic Apple form-factor, the new release can refuel far more than just an iPhone. Having just launched, we’re taking a hands-on look to see if the new Shargeek Retro 67W GaN Charger and its iconic design are worth the $79 price tag.

Pad & Quill has expanded its lineup of gorgeous Apple Watch bands this year a few times, most recently with the Leather Apple Watch Bomber Strap and the new Adventure Ultra Leather Band on display here today. The latter of which moves away from the usual military-inspired designs the brand has become known for while still delivering on a classy handmade leather treatment that fits right in with the existing lineup. We have had a chance to give the Ultra Strap a go over the last couple weeks and are now ready to leave you with our impressions (spoiler alert, I really loved it) as part of our Tested with 9to5Toys series. 

As it tends to always do on May the 4th, the LEGO Group celebrated Star Wars Day with the launch of its latest collectible kit. Joining the Ultimate Collector Series for 2023, one of the most iconic vehicles in all of the galaxy is getting the display-worthy treatment. Not the first time we’ve seen a UCS version, we’re taking a hands-on look at the latest LEGO X-Wing Starfighter to see if it really was worth a third attempt.

When we reviewed the PlaySeat Trophy Logitech G Edition, I mentioned how expensive it was to get the shifter mount. It costs $50 plus an additional $100 shipping to get it to me here in the US. It’s now listed on B&H but is temporarily out of stock with availability expected in 4-6 months. So, I decided to design and 3D print my own shifter mount, and I’ve been having a blast playing the new Rally Adventure mode in Forza Horizon 5. Let’s dive in and check it out.

Apogee just recently unveiled its latest home and on-the-road interface solution known as the Jam X. As a follow-up to previous iterations in the Jam lineup, Apogee is once again applying its nearly 40 years of expertise in the digital audio space and wrapping it up into a pocket-size solution at a far more affordable price than world-class, pro-grade interfaces used in professional environments all over the world. We have had a chance to give the new Apogee Jam X a run for its money over the last couple of weeks, and it’s time to weigh in as part of our ongoing Tested with 9to5Toys series.

The LEGO Group just launched its Star Wars Day celebration, and at the top of all the fanfare is the new mini Death Star II set. This limited-edition creation not only arrives to pay homage to the 40th anniversary of Return of the Jedi but also arrives as an exciting new build that’s free on select orders. Today we’re taking a closer look at how the kit stacks up to see if it’s worth the entry fee.

Thrustmaster is expanding on its hot-swap controller module lineup with the ESWAP XR Forza Horizon 5 edition. It comes with the standard layout but also packs a racing wheel module and can be reconfigured on the fly. The wheel is also available separately for $39 if you already have an ESWAP controller, but for Forza Horizon 5 fans and collectors, this $180 special-edition controller is worth a look. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

ROKFORM is an accessory maker with a focus on rugged, purpose-built goods to support your smartphone experience (among other things), and today, we are taking a hands-on look at its brand-new metal MagSafe wallet. Its previous-generation solution sold out, and after receiving a number of requests as to when it would return, ROKFORM decided to head back to the drawing board to come up with something even better. The result is its new Fuzion metal MagSafe wallet with expandable storage, which just officially launched last week after the debut of its Eagle 3, the “first-ever iPhone case developed for golf.” Head below for a closer look and more of our hands-on impressions of its latest magnetic carrier.

The battle of high-end gaming headsets is getting more interesting today. Turtle Beach is out with the Stealth Pro – an ANC, wireless, Bluetooth, swappable battery high-end gaming headset that looks like it is aimed directly at one of my favorites – the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details of the Stealth Pro and how the two compare. 

If you’re in the photography scene at all, there’s no avoiding just how popular the Fujifilm X100V is. And even if you’re not, odds are you’ve at least seen someone on TikTok or Twitter sharing gorgeous photos all across social media. But if you’ve tried to get your hands on one, all of that popularity has made it nearly impossible to bring those signature vibes to your photography kit.

Last fall, Fujifilm released the new X-T5, a mirrorless camera that not only delivers on those signature vintage shooting capabilities and old-school form factor but packs even more professional features. As far more than just the next best thing to its famous brethren, I’ve been putting the new camera through its paces over the past few months.

NZXT is refreshing its AIO CPU cooler line with the Kraken and Kraken Elite. Each comes in 240mm, 280mm, or 360mm variants. These new coolers are very similar to the older models in both looks and performance, but there are some nice updates. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

This is our hands-on review of the new Sennheiser Profile USB Mic Streaming Set. After launching in late March, we have now had enough time to really put the setup through its paces to deliver a verdict. Sennheiser’s gear has been a staple in professional recording studios since the mid-1940s – you’ll be hard-pressed to find a commercial studio without some of its mics and other gear present, in my experience – but today we are taking a look at the USB side of things for home podcasters, streamers, and music makers. The spoiler version here is that it’s good…really good. Head below for the details.

Today, ShiftCam, a slightly newer brand in the mobile videography/photography space, is introducing its LensUltra Series of smartphone lenses. Comprised of metal and high-quality glass, these lenses offer mobile photographers and videographers a wide range of options when it comes to capturing stunning imagery. We’ve spent the past few weeks with the LensUltra Series, as well as some other gear from ShiftCam, and our thoughts on the latest launch are down below in our hands-on review.

Earlier this year, Twelve South refreshed one of its more popular desktop accessories with the debut of the new HiRise Pro. Packing a few new tricks over its predecessor alongside the usual Twelve South quality, I’ve been putting the stand to the test over the past couple of months to see if its $100 price tag is worth a spot in your desktop MacBook setup.

Intro

As GPU prices return to normal prices, NVIDIA is releasing the new RTX 4070. We’ve gone hands-on with the 4070 Ti in a few different desktops – even comparing three builds with the same GPU. This time, we got our hands on the PNY RTX 4070. Priced at $599, it’s $200 less than the MSRP of the 4070 Ti. Be sure to hit the video below to see how it performs against the bigger and more expensive 4070 Ti. 

Last month, Belkin refreshed some of its latest MagSafe power banks with some new spring colors, and today we’re taking a hands-on look. Ready to refresh your iPhone 14 through the new season and beyond, this portable power pack arrives in new purple or pink designs. Complete with a fold out kickstand and MagSafe support, we’re seeing just how fresh these new releases are.

NZXT’s latest addition to its peripheral lineup is the Capsule Mini – a smaller version of the Capsule USB microphone we reviewed back in the fall of 2021. The Mini keeps the stylish design language of the larger mic but comes in a much smaller package that won’t take up as much space on a desk – making it ideal for gamers who want more room. It’s also much more affordable at just $70. But how does it stack up against one of my favorite small streaming mics – the HyperX SoloCast? Be sure to hit the video below to see and hear all of the details. 

LEGO just launched a new collection of sets over the weekend, notably bringing a new wave of creations from Guardians of the Galaxy onto store shelves. The latest Marvel kits celebrate the third installment in the trilogy hitting theaters next month. Today we’re taking a hands-on look at the lineup’s flagship set, deemed the “New Guardians’ Ship.” With a vibrant color scheme and even more eye-catching design, we’re seeing just how the $100 LEGO Guardians Bowie set stacks up.

Today, Insta360 is announcing its latest product, and it isn’t a camera this time. The Insta360 Flow is an easy-to-use, run-and-gun smartphone gimbal. Quick setup, powerful AI tools, and handy built-in features make the Flow worth a look for those wanting smoother video out of their mobile devices. Don’t let its small, portable design fool you though, this mobile gimbal is packed with features to make shooting easier. We got our hands on one so be sure to hit the video below and see all of the details. 

Xbox controllers can get very expensive – just check out our round-up of some of our favorites here. But there are more affordable options like the brand new HyperX Clutch Gladiate that we are taking a look at today. It is a wired controller but comes in at just $35 and with premium features like programmable buttons on the back and adjustable trigger pull; it’s worth a look for those who aren’t in the market for an expensive controller. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

When the Drop Sense75 was announced last fall with some reviews of the prototype version of the board going live from well-known keyboard enthusiasts, it did not go well. Priced at $350 for the black colorway or $400 for the Polar White that we have here, the sound didn’t live up to the ultra-premium price point. Since those early prototypes, Drop has tweaked the design to address that feedback. So is the Drop Sense75 now worth that premium price? Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

When looking for a new gaming PC, there are pros and cons to buying a prebuilt computer or building your own custom rig. Over the last few months, we’ve looked at building a custom PC in the NZXT H9 case, checked out the NZXT Player: Three, and now we are adding the Maingear MG-1 Shroud Edition to the comparison. All three of these builds are packing near-identical processing power with an Intel 13700K or KF as well as an Nvidia RTX 4070 Ti. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the performance and price details.

Last fall, the folks over at Ultimate Ears launched a new generation of its most portable speaker before refreshing it with some new colorways at the beginning of the year. Ahead of spring, we’re taking a hands-on look at a top contender for the year’s best portable Bluetooth speaker. The new WONDERBOOM 3 arrives with all of the usual Ultimate Ears fixing, but also some firsts for the brand like a recycled build.

Today we are taking a hands-on look at SANDMARC’s latest leather Apple Watch band. After releasing what are easily some of my favorite leather iPhone cases over the past couple years, alongside a slew of particularly well-made iPhoneography gear, the brand set its sights on Apple Watch accessories at the tail end of last year to particularly successful effect. Its stainless steel and titanium Apple Watch bracelets look like something from a high-end house of horology, not to mention being some of the more popular options among 9to5Toys readers in 2022, and we wanted to see if its leather Apple Watch bands could keep up. So head below for the latest Tested with 9to5Toys for our hands-on impressions of SANDMARC’s leather Apple Watch band.

Today, CASETiFY officially launched its latest collection of Star Wars iPhone 14 cases, this time putting everyone’s favorite bounty hunter in the spotlight. The new lineup of gear from The Mandalorian includes more than just phone cases for Apple’s latest, and carries over to a whole host of other accessories. Though CASETiFY’s bread and butter really is the covers, and we’re taking a hands-on look at some of the all-new releases including the shiny Beskar Ingot case.

The Model O Wireless from Glorious was one of my favorite mice when we reviewed it in December 2020. Today, Glorious is launching the next-generation Model O 2 wired and wireless. As with many products these days, the new model means new updates and a higher starting price as well. Are the updates worth the $100 price tag? Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details.

Over the past few years, we’ve been annually reviewing the new additions to the LEGO Group’s collection of new Star Wars helmet sets. Back at the start of March, we saw the company officially launch three new additions to the lineup with some iconic Clone Wars characters finally getting the brick-built treatment alongside one of the more unique faces from Return of the Jedi for its 40th anniversary. So if you’re still on the fence, we’re taking a hands-on look to see how the new LEGO Commander Cody, Captain Rex, and Boushh helmets stack up.

When looking at the new Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro that was recently released, I was reminded of the K100 RGB that we reviewed back in October of 2020. With macro keys and extra dials, they both sit near the top of the line for their respective brands. So, which one is the right pick for you? Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details.

Building a PC from the ground up can be a rewarding experience that helps to better understand the whole system if there are issues or the time comes to upgrade. But with parts shortages and pricing, sometimes you want to open a single box and have a PC that just works. The NZXT Player: Three is a higher-end option from its new Player series of pre-built PCs – and with an Intel 13700KF and an RTX 4070 Ti, it’s a direct comparison to the from-scratch H9 build we completed earlier this year. So be sure to hit the video below and see all of the details of the new NZXT Player: Three pre-built gaming PC.

Since joining the 9to5 team back in August of 2017, my setup has gone through many iterations. Some have come out of boredom with the setup and others have come from replacing gear entirely, but today, we’ll be taking a look at how my setup has been for the better part of the past year. In fact, I think it’s been this way almost longer than any other iteration I’ve had. So, without further ado, welcome to my Mac and PC productivity and gaming setup.

RC cars are already a lot of fun, but Kobotix has upped the ante with the Real Racer FPV car. Combined with an app that enables recording video, taking photos, and even streaming, it’s a fun way to experience RC racing around a house or office. Priced at $150, is the Kobotix Real Racer a must-have RC toy? Be sure to hit the video below to find out.

Today, GravaStar is launching the latest addition to its lineup of Bluetooth speakers. Known for their unique designs, the all-new Supernova steps that up a notch with an even more eye-catching design that integrates LED lights with a distinctly mecha form-factor. Plus, a companion USB-C charger that delivers even more of the robotic elements in a compact and adorable build. Now for launch day, we’re taking a hands-on look at both of the new reveals down below.

Earlier in the month, CASETiFY launched its latest collaboration. Tapping into one of the most iconic sitcoms in history, The Office finally got the iPhone case treatment from one of 9to5Toys‘ favorite brands. After having the covers finally arrive in the mail, today we’re taking a hands-on look at just how these Dunder Mifflin-infused accessories stack up for Apple’s latest.

We have recently relaunched our Behind the Screens feature, offering readers a chance to see where we work everyday and the gear we use to do it. Rikka gave us an in-depth look at a colorful and inspiring MacBook setup last week, and now it’s my turn. Centered around a Mac mini and a more than modest display, my setup focuses on high-quality audio, saving money wherever possible elsewhere, and a generally natural, minimalist, and organic design approach. 

Sony today launched the new DualSense Edge, a next-generation PlayStation 5 controller that marries all of the original next-generation features with some entirely new additions. Complete with swappable joystick modules, there are also back paddles, adjustable trigger depth, and remappable button profiles to elevate the experience. Now that it is widely available, we’re taking a closer look at how the $200 gamepad stacks up.

Anker is finally out with a 15W MagSafe charger, packing Apple’s full magnetic charging spec into a compact design. The new MagSafe 3-in-1 Cube delivers more than just the ideal iPhone 14 companion, with a fold up stand that reveals spot for AirPods to refuel, as well as a hidden Apple Watch charging puck to deliver one of Anker’s most capable power stations yet. But is the Anker 15W MagSafe Cube worth the premium price tag? We take a closer look.

While announcing its Pro Wheel and Pedals, Logitech also revealed its collaboration with Playseat for a branded version of the Trophy racing cockpit. A small tubular cockpit that has the rigidity to handle the max 11nm torque of the Pro Wheel, the Playseat Trophy Logitech G Edition is a solid sim racing cockpit choice, but it does come with some limitations. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

Over the years, we’ve shared the workstations of where past and current writers spend our time during the day, and now we’re relaunching that Behind the Screens series. To kick things off, welcome to my recently-renovated workstation. Centered around a 14-inch MacBook Pro, my setup only gets more unique from there with custom Pokémon keyboards, podcasting gear, and some other oddities that make this a uniquely Rikka workstation.

Corsair is out with a few new wireless gaming headsets. They feature a 2.4gHz connection as well as Bluetooth. At first, they look pretty similar and the differences are few but those differences are key to choosing the right headset from Corsair. Today, we’re taking a look at the Corsair HS55 and HS65. Which one is the best fit for you? Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

Just before its latest Chromebook solution hit, Plugable launched its new 8-in-1 USB-C iPad Dock. The brand is no stranger to hub and docking solutions of all kinds, but its latest looks to combine the typical iPad stand with an integrated USB-C hub. A compelling feature list and overall aesthetic, we though it would be a good idea to give the new Plugable 8-in-1 USB-C iPad Dock a run for its money as part of our Tested with 9to5Toys series and our findings are waiting down below.