Alienware’s 27-inch 4K QD-OLED, the AW2725Q, hit shelves about a month ago. It was the first of several faster, better models to launch after being announced at CES 2025, with a 240Hz refresh rate, VRR, and a high 166 pixels per inch display. In short, it rules, so I’m tickled to find it already selling at a 17 percent discount at Dell’s site. Normally $899, it sank to its all-time best price of $746.99 before tax. There’s a slight catch, which is that you can only get this price if you’re signed up for Dell Rewards (they’re free to enable when you create a Dell account). The good thing is that you can sign up right now to get a user-specific coupon code to use on this purchase.
Once you’re signed in, go to your Dell Rewards page here, click the “Benefits” button at the middle of the page, the, select “Dell Benefits.” From there, you’ll be able to generate a code to get 10% off an Alienware monitor.
Some more context on the value here: In March, Alienware announced a 27-inch 1440p QD-OLED gaming monitor coming this summer for $549.99. The company acknowledged this price could change due to tariffs — even before the recent, stock market-crashing import taxes were announced. That means it may not actually cost $549.99 when it comes out, so consider this monitor, with its higher resolution, higher refresh rate, and more features, a very good value for just $200 more.
If you sat out the first couple waves of OLED gaming monitor releases, you’ll find the tech has matured nicely. On top of Alienware’s 3-year warranty that protects against burn-in, the AW2725Q sports an anti-reflective coating that looks more glossy than other OLED monitors I’ve tested (not TV levels of glossy, but somewhere between matte and glossy).
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The Lego Icons Atreides Royal Ornithopter set from the Dune films is down to its lowest price ever at Amazon. A 20 percent discount may not seem like much (a final price of $131.95), but it’s the cheapest we’ve ever seen for this 1,369-piece kit. It includes the Ornithopter vehicle, plus eight mini figures, from Paul Atreides and other major and minor characters to “long Baron,” a name that I’ve lovingly given the extremely silly and tall Baron Harkonnen mini figure.
Xbox gift cards are 10 percent off at Newegg, so you can get $100 digital gift cards for $90. These gift cards can be used on anything available on the Xbox or Microsoft store, ranging from Fortnite in-game currency to snatching Game Pass, or renting a movie.
If you’re on the hunt for a not-too-expensive gaming laptop (and you aren’t the most discerning person when it comes to specs), this Asus TUF model sports a 16.1-inch 1080p screen with a 165Hz refresh rate. As for its internal hardware, it’s packed with the AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS, a Radeon RX7700S GPU, 16GB of DDR5 RAM, and a 512GB SSD. Normally $1,099.99, it’s $699.99 through Best Buy’s eBay seller page.
I’m always on the lookout for deals on Philips Hue gear, in part because that stuff’s expensive and I’m not keen on paying full price. Still, it’s worth the money to get the lighting exactly how I want it in each room — down to the precise color temperature that fits the mood or time of day. Woot is offering deals on a mix of new, open-box, and refurbished Philips Hue products, and through today, April 4, you can save an additional 15 percent off each one with the offer code 15OFF at checkout.
Here are just a couple that I plucked out, but there are several others on the landing page linked above, including filament bulbs, light bars, and spotlights.
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The Beats Pill regularly gets $50 lopped off its original $150 price, but we’re resurfacing the discount here today in case you didn’t know that. It’s $99.99 in a variety of colors from Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart. Apple’s remastered version of the iconic Pill Bluetooth speaker came out last summer. It’s the perfect time to snag one as the weather gets nicer. Reviewer Chris Welch was delighted by some unexpected features in this iteration of the Pill, including lossless audio via USB-C, speakerphone support, plus native features that work on Android and iOS. Read the review.
Woot is where you’ll find a deal on the Baseus retractable 3.3-foot USB-C cable that The Verge’s David Pierce loves. Better yet, the price is even lower than Amazon’s recent Big Spring Sale. Normally $19.99, it’s just $8.49 with the offer code 15OFF, a code that’s valid only on April 4th. This cable supports 100W charging and retracts into its small, puck-like hub.
The biggest threat to the Steam Deck in 2025 wonât be the arrival of other Windows-based handheld gaming PCs. Instead, itâll likely be the Nintendo Switch 2, which arrives on June 5 for $449.99 â smack dab between the cost of the $399 Steam Deck LCD and the $549 Steam Deck OLED.Â
Ironically, the Steam Deck is also the Switch 2âs biggest threat. While Nintendoâs new console may have Valveâs beat on screen resolution, refresh rate, and a custom Nvidia processor capable of DLSS and ray tracing, Steam trumps it in value, particularly with game prices.
I get it, I get it. Theyâre totally different devices. So even though comparing Nintendo and Valveâs hardware and software philosophies is an apples versus oranges exercise, the two devices â and companies â are more aligned than you might think. And thatâs especially true when consumers, whether because of tariffs or other economic reasons, need to choose between one or the other.
Youâve come to the right place, as weâll break down all of the specs worth caring about to show how they stack up.
Pricing and availability
As mentioned, the Switch 2 and the Steam Deck have somewhat similar prices. The Switch 2 …
Accessories like the Xbox Wireless Headset let you make the most of Microsoft’s latest consoles. | The Verge
The Xbox Series X and Series S are excellent machines directly out of the box, but thereâs always room for improvement. Add-on accessories like the Elite Series 2 Controller and the Xbox Wireless Headset can help you get the most out of your new gaming console, while others, like Seagate and Western Digitalâs expansion cards, can help ensure you have ample storage space to stow all of your favorite games.
Below, weâve listed some of the best accessories available for the Series X and Series S, many of which often go on sale at most major retailers.
The last-gen Xbox wireless controller from the Xbox One generation is compatible with the Series X / S consoles. However, the older controller lacks a few features only found in the newer, better version. For instance, the revised controller (which comes with every new Series X and Series S) has a dedicated button for saving and sharing clips and screenshots, a USB-C port for wired use or charging Microsoftâs play-and-charge rechargeable battery, and an improved D-pad.
It’s World Backup Day, which to the makers of storage devices means driving home the urgency of protecting the files you hold dear. So obviously, there are deals on all sorts of storage today, including SSDs and microSD cards. B&H Photo is making a big thing out of its deals, and with this being the final day of Amazon’s Big Spring Sale, there are many discounts happening there, too.
The one that popped out to me immediately as being exemplary is a 26 percent discount on the 1TBWD Black C50 expansion card that can fit in an Xbox Series X or Series S console. It typically hovers around $150, which is criminal for 1TB of storage, but you can snag it now at Amazon and Best Buy for a much more reasonable $109.99. It’s never a bad idea to snag one of these. You don’t need me to remind you that game install sizes are getting huge, and with Grand Theft Auto VI set to come out sometime this year, you’ll likely want the extra space.
Given that Amazon’s Big Spring Sale is about to conclude, we want to highlight one of the most attractive deals on an equally appealing device. Anker’s 25,000mAhLaptop Power Bank, which has two handy, retractable USB-C cables (with 100W charging speeds, to boot), is 20 percent off at Amazon, costing $87.99 (from $109.99). It might not sound like much of a deal, but this is the most sizable discount we’ve spotted yet on this charger.
In addition to being able to charge multiple devices without the need to buy extra cables, it’s worth pointing out that this battery supports passthrough charging, letting it quickly charge a device while being charged itself. Its USB-C ports support up to 165W of power when just two devices are plugged in, or 130W when three or four are tapping into its juice.
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The Neat Microphone Bumblebee II desktop USB microphone is just $16.99 at Woot. It’s a running deal, so Woot must have plenty of stock, but I like to point readers to this discount occasionally. Whether you’re dipping into podcasting, or just want to sound good while gaming and during video calls, there’s no reason to spend over $100 without first seeing if this mic under $20 can suit your needs. I’ve been using one since around the time the company (founded by Blue Mic veterans before Logitech acquired it) was purchased by Turtle Beach in 2021, and it still gets the job done.
Back to it being World Backup Day, Amazon has a good deal on SanDisk’s 1TBExtreme M2 PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD. It’s listed as normally having a $99.49 MSRP, but you can get one for a very reasonable $69.99. While it lacks a built-in heatsink, making it a plug-and-play affair with PS5, you can buy a heatsink for about $10 (here’s one of many examples) and easily add it on yourself with next to no technical knowledge required.
We’ve covered this deal before, but it bears repeating: you can get a good 48-inch OLED TV for just $549.99 at Best Buy. This deal is on the LG B4, which unlike the previous generation B3 has four HDMI 2.1 ports instead of two. It also supports nearly all of the same gaming-savvy features found in the pricier LG C4, including a fast refresh rate (120Hz versus 144Hz in the C4), variable refresh rate, and Nvidia G-Sync support. It just doesn’t get as bright as the C4 with its HDR or SDR modes, which is, I feel, the most notable difference among the list compiled by the folks at RTINGS.
The SteamOS-powered version of Lenovoâs Legion Go S handheld gaming PC debuted at CES 2025 with a somewhat attractive $499.99 price tag. At that price, The Vergeâs Sean Hollister considered it a true Steam Deck rival, wedged neatly between the cost of Valveâs $399 LCD and $549 OLED models. The handheld recently went up for preorder at Best Buy with a higher $549.99 price (and a May 25th release date), and Lenovo communications director Jeff Witt confirmed to The Verge that this is the new cost for the base model.
Whatâs done is done, I suppose, but the $499.99 price seemed right for the Legion Go S. Despite its perks over both the Steam Deck LCD and OLED models (Hall effect joysticks, a larger 8-inch screen with variable refresh rate, a cozy design, adjustable triggers), its Ryzen Z2 Go chip didnât blow us away. In fact, the Windows-based Go S models that Sean and I tested were outperformed by the Steam Deck. Simply swapping the OS will cure some headaches (mainly, that Windows on handhelds is an atrocious experience), but itâs unclear whether it will somehow let the Z2 Go do more.
A $50 price jump probably wonât spell failure for this device, but it makes the arri …
I admire birds as much as the next person, but taking up birdwatching isn’t something I’ve considered. I don’t have the patience, nor do I own a good pair of binoculars — which is necessary for seeing the majestic, winged creatures up close. What I might sooner settle on, however, is the Bird Buddy Pro, a smart bird feeder with an integrated camera that can give you a much, much closer look at birds as they munch (and identify them using AI). Normally $299.99, the video-equipped feeder is matching its all-time low of $199 at Amazon as part of its Big Spring Sale, which runs through March 31st.
If not to satisfy your own desire to be a proverbial fly on the wall of a bird feeder, the Bird Buddy Pro could be a fantastic gift as well. We’ve got Mother’s Day coming up, though I consider this a good gift for anyone looking to ring in the shift to spring, as leaves come to life and flowers bloom. Bird activity will soon soar, making it the perfect time to try something like this out. You can spy on birds through its integrated camera, which can display 5-megapixel stills or video at 1080p resolution.
The Bird Buddy Pro is available in blue or yellow, and this one in particular comes with a solar roof, relying only on the power of the sun to run, not some fiddly battery system. The app that you can use to view the feed does more than just show you the birds. As mentioned previously, it can identify species and send you a notification when a bird is present. It’ll also provide educational context about each type of bird that visits your Bird Buddy Pro. If you opt for a Premium membership — which costs $6 a month or $60 a year, according to Wirecutter — the video capture resolution goes up to 2K, and you’ll unlock extra features for the duration of your subscription.
Samsung launched its new, very fast 9100 Pro PCIe Gen 5 SSD last week, and the prices are pretty high, starting at $199.99 for the 1TB model without a heatsink pre-installed. This had me looking at prices for its predecessor, the still-very-fast 990 Pro, and I was happy to see that its 4TB model is currently selling for $279.99 at Walmart and at Amazon as part of its Big Spring Sale — more or less half off the price of the 9100 Pro’s 4 TB version ($549.99).
Why buy the 990 Pro over the 9100 Pro? Well, the 9100 Pro requires PCIe Gen 5-ready hardware to take advantage of its speeds, and that tech is far from being affordable or mainstream at the moment.
As we wrote when the 990 Pro launched in 2022, that SSD came close to PCIe Gen 4’s theoretical speed limit, making it among the quicker options out there for PC (its faster speed is wasted on the PS5, though it’ll work fine in one). It’s still a great value today, especially as prices for all storage configurations have dropped considerably. Considering that a 2TB version of the 990 Pro is $170 and doubling the storage costs just about $100 more, we think that the 4TB is the one to get right now. As game install sizes continue to increase, it’ll be a great addition to any PS5, or in any desktop or laptop that supports PCIe Gen 4 speeds.
Given that the 990 Pro we’re recommending doesn’t have a heatsink (one’s suggested for use in the PS5, and it’s never a bad idea on PC), it’s cheaper to buy and install your own instead of paying Samsung a $20 premium for the heatsink edition of the 990 Pro.
When it comes to working out or just hanging outside, the perks of bone conduction headphones versus over-ear headphones or earbuds are growing. They’ve always been the safer alternative since they don’t obstruct your hearing, but with the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2, they now actually sound good. Thanks to its USB-C charging (in place of the proprietary charger that its predecessor used), more bass, fewer audible vibrations, and AI-powered noise cancellation, it’s easier than ever to recommend them to more people — especially since they’re $30 off during Amazon’s Big Spring Sale.
Shokz has given the OpenRun Pro 2 a small, but welcome 17 percent discount, making them $149.95 in either the black or silver color schemes at Amazon. If you want the orange color, you’ll have to head to B&H Photo or Shokz’ official site. Even though this model has been available since August 2024, this is the first time it’s been discounted.
The Select 4 Go, Soundcore’s latest Bluetooth speaker, is on sale starting at just $19.99 for a limited time.
Amazon’s Big Spring Sale is happening now through the end of today, March 31st, with several dozen good-to-great deals available that don’t require an Amazon Prime membership. Our main roundup has you covered with more than 100 deals on Verge-favorite gear with quite a high price ceiling. But, for this post, we wanted to provide some low-cost alternatives that, to us, are just as appealing as the pricey ones.
All of these deals come from Amazon, with the exception of one that’s on Woot (which is owned by Amazon). We’ll keep our eyes out for more $30 and under candidates as the sale nears its final hours, just in case you’re hoping to pick up an inexpensive pair of earbuds, a retractable charger, or another accessory before the clock strikes midnight.
Update, March 31st: Verified existing discounts are still in effect and added several new deals, including those for SwitchBot’s Smart Switch Button Pusher and Ugreen’s Magnetic Wireless Charging Station.
“Pick-your-own” promotions are a personal favorite of mine, so I’m stoked to see the return of Amazon’s deal that lets you grab three 4K Blu-rays, standard 1080p Blu-rays, or DVDs for the price of two. All you have to do is add any three items included on this page and head to checkout, after which point you’ll find the cheapest of the three to be free. Just a note that playing a 4K Blu-ray requires a PlayStation 5 with a disc drive, an Xbox Series X, or a standalone 4K Blu-ray player — such as this high-end Panasonic model that’s currently 23 percent off.
Included in the list are some of our favorite movies of 2024, including Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu, The Substance, and Alien: Romulus. The page has other titles you might be interested in, like the recent 4K re-releases of Kill BillVol.1 and Vol. 2, the steelbook version of Akira, Prey (an incredible Predator spin-off), the 4K version of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and a whole lot more.
It’s extremely hard to beat Anker’s A1695 “InstaCord” 25,000mAh portable battery when it comes to value and price, especially now that it’s 20 percent off thanks to Amazon’s Big Spring Sale. Originally $109.99, it’s currently available from Amazon and Anker for an all-time low $87.99 — not bad considering the high-capacity power bank offers 165W of total charging power and not one, but two retractable USB-C cables built in. One doubles as a sturdy carrying loop, while the other is embedded near its ports on the top.
The battery was a recent star in The Verge’s fun Today I’m Toying With video series, in which our own Sean Hollister heaps some praise onto the InstaCord battery. Something cool about its built-in cables is that they’re bidirectional, meaning they can charge devices and be used to charge the battery itself. Anker usually comes out with at least one must-own portable battery per year, and so far, this is 2025’s top candidate.
Hoto makes tools for DIY tinkerers who have a preference, not just for how their tools perform, but how they look, too. Not to be hyperbolic, but they’re the slickest tools we’ve seen, so we love to tell Verge readers every time its products go on sale. And, wouldn’t you know it, the reliable Hoto electric screwdriver is cheaper than usual during the Amazon Big Spring Sale. The 3.6V USB-C rechargeable screwdriver comes with 25 steel bits and a carrying case, and it’s just $34.99 right now ($35 off) at Amazon.
It’s not the only Hoto product we think is worthy of your attention during the sale period, which lasts through March 31st. If you’d rather have a rechargeable power drill instead of a screwdriver, we suggest the Drill Tool Set, which is $40 off at Amazon. It includes 10 screw bits and eight bits for drilling holes into wood, drywall, or what have you. In addition to the drill and its accessories, Hoto adds a tool starter kit in the case with needle-nose pliers, a tape measure, a wrench, a hammer, and a screwdriver, the latter of which is compatible with the drill bits.
You may think you have enough tools, but there’s perhaps one that you still don’t have yet: a handheld vacuum for your desk or car. Hoto is one of many companies that makes one, but not every company is discounting their models for Amazon’s Big Spring Sale. Normally $109.99, this model is $57.98 at Amazon.
Amazon’s first big sale event of 2025, the Big Spring Sale, is officially in the bag. Many of the best deals have since disappeared, but, fortunately, a few of our favorites are still hanging around. We’ve rounded up the cream of the crop below, which includes deals on everything from headphones and robot vacuums to chargers and OLED TVs.
Even better, while having a Prime subscription means your packages will arrive more quickly, you don’t necessarily need to be a member to get in on these tried-and-tested Verge favorites (only in rare cases are deals exclusive to Prime members, and we’ll note when that’s the case). We’ve also highlighted deals at competing retailers, including Best Buy and Walmart, just in case you don’t want to shop from Amazon.
The Dreame L20 Ultra is on sale for $599.99 ($400 off) a new low of $549.99 ($450 off) at Amazon. It lacks the self-retracting arms found on the newer, more powerful X40, but otherwise it’s a great cleaning machine. The dual mop pads can still extend to clean baseboard and corners, while its 7,000Pa of suction power does a good job of sucking up unwanted dirt and debris. The robovac is also capable of emptying its own dust bin and water tanks (as well as refilling them), in addition to washing and drying its own mop pads.
Headphone and earbud deals
The Beats Studio Pro are on sale at Amazon and Walmart for $199.95 ($150 off). Looks-wise, they’re not drastically different than prior Beats models, though they tack on a useful transparency mode, personalized spatial audio, and lossless playback over USB-C. Plus, unlike most noise-canceling headphones, they offer native support for both iOS and Android software features. Read our review.
The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e — aka, the best-sounding wireless headphones you can buy — are available at Amazon starting at $295.60 (about $103 off), or from Bower & Wilkins or Best Buy for $319 ($80 off). The British audio brand isn’t as well-known as Sony or Bose, though with the S2E, you’re getting superb sound, superior build quality, and controls that rely on physical buttons as opposed to the sometimes finicky tap/swipe gestures found on mainstream noise-canceling headphones like Sony’s XM5. Read our review.
The Beats Solo 4 have returned to $129.95 ($70 off) at Amazon and Best Buy, which represents their second-best price to date. It’s a shame they lack noise cancellation, but the headphones still offer good value with bass-rich sound as well as features like spatial audio and lossless playback over USB-C (or 3.5mm). They also offer native support for both iOS and Android, making them a good buy if you want some platform flexibility. Read our review.
Portable charger and cable deals
If you’re not ready to pony up for a Qi2 charger, Ugreen’s Magnetic Wireless Charging Station has fallen to $23.99 ($12 off) at Amazon, which is about $2 shy of its all-time low. Unlike the newer Qi2 offerings that provide 15W charging speeds, Ugreen’s charger can only supply 7.5W of power to MagSafe-compatible devices, or 5W to a pair of wireless earbuds or any Qi-ready device if you’re using the integrated charging stand located on the bottom.
Speaker and soundbar deals
JBL’s Charge 5 is on sale at Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart in multiple colors starting at $119.95 ($60 off), which is the best price we’ve seen on the portable speaker since July. We’re not huge fans of the oversized JBL logo, but the powerful Bluetooth speaker hits all the right marks when it comes to functionality and performance, offering an impressive 20 hours of battery life and a built-in USB-A port that lets you top off your phone while listening to music.
Despite the fact the Sonos app has been a bit of a debacle as of late, I have few qualms about recommending the Sonos Era 100 for around $199 ($50 off), its current price at Amazon, Best Buy, and Sonos’ online storefront. It’s a great smart speaker with stereo sound, privacy-conscious microphone controls, and support for both Bluetooth and line-in connections. It can also connect to Spotify and every other music service you can think of and supports AirPlay 2, letting you stream content from Apple devices. Read our review.
Sony’s SRS-XB100 speaker is available at Amazon, Best Buy, and Target for around $48 ($12 off), matching its second-best price to date. Despite the fact that it’s tiny, the Bluetooth speaker delivers crisp, clear sound along with up to 16 hours of continuous battery life. It also sports IP67 dust and water resistance, so you can take it hiking or to the pool without worrying. Read our review.
Smart home deals
The newer Eero Max 7 routers are also down to some of their best prices to date, with Amazon and Eero selling a single router, which can cover 2,500 square feet, for $479.99 ($120 off). You can also buy two for $919.99 ($230 off) or three for $1,359.99 ($340 off). The mesh routers support Wi-Fi 7 and feature a pair of 10GB ethernet ports, along with two 2.5GB ethernet ports. They also support Matter as well as Zigbee, and can act as a Thread border router.
You can buy the Eve Energy Smart Plug and Power Meter at Amazon for $29.95 ($10 off), an all-time low. Like other smart plugs, Eve’s handy device can turn traditional indoor gadgets like lamps and fans into smart devices; it’s also capable of monitoring your energy use and works with all the major smart home platforms (Amazon Alexa, Google Home, etc.) thanks to its support for the newer Matter standard.
The best outdoors gadgets and goods deals
Having access to clean drinking water everywhere you are is a privilege, but not guaranteed. If you’ll be out in the wild, or if you’re vacationing but want to be cautious when it comes to water intake, the LifeStraw Peak is worth picking up at Amazon for its current price of $18.62 ($6 off). It’s essentially a thick straw outfitted with a filter that’s capable of removing 99.9 percent of bacteria, parasites, and microplastics from the water you’re drinking.
Other Verge favorites
The Blue Yeti microphone is on sale at Amazon in a myriad of colors starting at $90.99 ($39 off). That’s not the lowest price we’ve seen — it’s fallen to around $70 in the past — but it’s still a good deal on what has become a certifiable classic USB mic in the era of never-ending Zoom meetings. The versatile mic is easy to set up and simple to use, with a three-capsule microphone that can capture clear, warm sound that should appeal to both amateur podcasters and anyone wanting a more professional setup.
Update, April 1st: Updated to reflect current pricing/availability and to reflect the fact that Amazon’s spring sales event has ended.
I’m still getting accustomed to seeing 27-inch 1440p QD-OLED gaming monitors for less than $700 — after all, it wasn’t long ago that they were retailing for around $1,000. So imagine the feeling of sticker shock (complimentary) to spot one of Alienware’s models with a fast 360Hz refresh rate for hundreds of dollars off, which is the case right now at Dell’s website.
Originally $899.99, this monitor’s final price plunges to $599.99 when you use promo code AW27300 at checkout. With tax, my checkout total rang up to a cool $653.24. An OLED gaming monitor that costs less than a mid-range GPU? Hell yeah. At this price, there’s no need to wait for Alienware’s forthcoming AW2725D, which the company hopes (but isn’t promising) to launch for $549. It’ll have 1440p resolution with a 280Hz refresh rate, so it’s actually slower than Alienware’s discounted AW2725DF.
In terms of the specs, Alienware’s 27-inch AW2725DF sports AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, plus support for VRR via either its HDMI 2.1 port or through either of its DisplayPort 1.4 ports. That’ll ensure that the screen looks smooth and tear-free, even during moments when the frame rate fluctuates wildly. While the panel can achieve up to a 360Hz refresh rate — equating to 360 visible frames per second, if your GPU can keep up — it’s only supported via the DisplayPort. Through HDMI 2.1, the monitor’s refresh rate tops out at a respectable 144Hz.
The AW2725DF has an anti-reflective coating, but since I haven’t used this exact display, I can’t vouch as to whether it’s fully matte or slightly on the glossy side (the newer AW2725Q is more glossy than matte, in turn letting more contrast through). It has 111 pixels per inch (PPI), which should be enough clarity to avoid seeing pixelated text. A low PPI dampened my enthusiasm for other OLED monitors, including the Corsair Xeneon Flex that I reviewed in late 2022.
So far, 2025 has been a great year for watching new, must-see TV shows and movies on subscription services. But if you, like many of us, have more concurrent subscriptions than you care to admit, you’ll agree that keeping up with the latest each month is expensive. They may not cost as much as most of the tech we cover, but it adds up.
If you’re trying to cut down on your expenses, you might be able to do so while holding onto your precious subscriptions. Several services offer ongoing promos, some of which are even available to new and returning subscribers alike. Below, we’ve curated some of the best deals going on right now, so you can enjoy streaming your favorite show or movie for less than it would typically cost you.
Note: keep an eye out for free trials and student discounts
Most streaming services offer free trials that typically last from a week to a month, whether you sign up for an annual membership or just a monthly subscription. However, you will likely have to provide your credit card information in advance, and you will be charged once your trial is over, so make a note in your calendar if you don’t want to be charged.
Some streaming platforms offer student discounts. These include Hulu, Paramount Plus, YouTube TV, Amazon Prime, and more. You’ll have to prove your student eligibility through a sign-up form and typically be enrolled in an accredited Title IV college or university to take advantage of these deals.
For just one dollar more, Disney offers an ad-supported, $10.99-a-month Duo Basic subscription that brings together Disney Plus and Hulu. To make that an ad-free experience across both services, that’s $19.99 per month.
There’s also the $16.99-a-month Disney Bundle Trio Basic bundle, which includes the ad-supported Hulu and ESPN Plus (paying $26.99 a month nets you the ad-free version of Hulu and Disney Plus, though ESPN will still have ads). That’s cheaper than subscribing to all three streaming services individually, and is the wisest route to take if you want all three.
That being said, there are other ways to save. Select carriers are offering deals. Those currently on one of Verizon’s Unlimited plans can get the Disney Plus Trio Basic that includes Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Plus — each with ads — for $10 a month instead of $16.99. It previously offered the Legacy Trio bundle (a $21.99 monthly value) that included ad-free Disney Plus, but with ad-supported Hulu and ESPN Plus. If you already have the Legacy bundle, it’ll increase in price from $10 to $15 per month starting April 17, per an e-mail from Verizon that went out to subscribers taking advantage of the promotion.
The best Hulu deals
Hulu offers both ad-supported and ad-free plans. No matter which you buy, you’ll be able to access all of Hulu’s TV shows and movies on multiple devices, including originals like The Handmaid’s TaleandSand Land, as well as other content, like Shogun, The Bear, Futurama, and The Veil. The service also allows two people to stream simultaneously, and you can have up to six user profiles. However, subscribing to the ad-free plan means you won’t have to deal with commercials; You’ll also be able to watch downloads offline.
The ad-supported plan currently costs $9.99 per month, while the ad-free plan costs $18.99 a month. Hulu also sells ad-free and ad-supported bundles that include Disney Plus and / or ESPN Plus, which are cheaper than subscribing to each service individually. With the Hulu with Live TV, Disney Plus, and ESPN Plus bundle, you’ll be able to access more than 90 live sports, news, and entertainment channels, as well as content from each of the streaming services. You’ll also be able to record live shows with unlimited DVR storage and take advantage of the same features the standard, ad-free, and ad-supported Hulu plans offer. The ad-supported Hulu with Live TV subscription is $82.99 a month, while the ad-free tier is $95.99 a month (though, it’s worth noting that, of the three services included, ESPN Plus will still have ads, even at this tier). Complicated, right?
However, if you just want Hulu and don’t need the live TV version, you can subscribe to the ad-supported Disney Bundle Duo Basic, which includes Disney Plus, for $10.99 a month. You can also add ESPN Plus for $16.99 per month, or get rid of ads and add live sports for $26.99 a month.
In terms of deals, students can subscribe to the ad-supported version for $1.99 a month or a bundle that combines Spotify Premium, Showtime, and ad-supported Hulu for $5.99 a month. Some wireless carriers are also offering customers discounts when they buy premium phone plans. As mentioned previously, those currently on one of Verizon’s Unlimited plans can get the Disney Plus Trio Basic that includes Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Plus — each with ads — for $10 a month instead of $16.99. It previously offered the Legacy Trio bundle (a $21.99 monthly value) that included ad-free Disney Plus, but with ad-supported Hulu and ESPN Plus. If you already have the Legacy bundle, it’ll increase in price from $10 to $15 per month starting April 17, per an e-mail from Verizon that went out to subscribers taking advantage of the promotion.
T-Mobile, meanwhile, is offering complimentary access to Hulu’s ad-supported tier when you maintain a qualifying Go5G Next line.
The best Peacock deals
Peacock is NBCUniversal’s streaming service, one that offers next-day programming from NBC (and Bravo). The platform also provides access to live sports programming, including Sunday Night Football and WWE, as well as movies and shows like The Wild Robot, Conclave, Wicked, Oppenheimer, Yellowstone, Teacup, The Office, Saturday Night Live, and Rian Johnson’s Poker Face.
The platform currently offers two plans: an ad-supported Peacock Premium tier for $7.99 a month (or $79.99 a year) or the ad-free Peacock Premium Plus tier for $13.99 a month (or $139.99 a year). Only the latter lets you download content for offline viewing.
In terms of deals, you can grab a complimentary subscription when you sign up for a year of Instacart Plus ($99 annually or $9.99 a month). You can also get free access if you’re an Xfinity Internet customer with gigabit speeds or a Diamond or Platinum Rewards member.
The best Sling TV deals
Sling TV is a streaming service that functions as a more affordable alternative to YouTube TV and Hulu with Live TV. With it, you can watch a range of streaming services as well as live and on-demand channels — including ESPN, CNN, Fox, NBC, Comedy Central, and Cartoon Network — on multiple devices.
Sling offers an ad-supported free tier — Sling Freestream — which provides access to more than 500 live channels as well as more than 40,000 on-demand movies and TV shows. The platform also offers three paid plans, all of which come with 50 hours of DVR storage: Sling Blue ($50.99 a month); Sling Orange ($45.99 a month); and Sling Orange and Blue ($65.99 a month). Sling also lets you subscribe to Max as a Blue-tier add-on for a discount (totaling $57.97 per month), or you can buy an ad-free subscription to Max as a standalone service for $16.99 a month.
If you’re into sports, you may want to opt for Sling Orange over Blue as it grants access to ESPN channels — but only on one device. Sling Blue, however, offers a number of channels Sling Orange lacks, including Fox News, MSNBC, E!, Discovery, Bravo, and local NBC or Fox affiliates. You can also subscribe to a bundle that includes both Sling Orange and Sling Blue, which offers all of the channels the first two plans feature.
Sling is currently offering new customers a 50 percent discount on their first month of Sling Orange, so instead of $45.99, you’ll pay $23. The promo also applies to Sling Blue, although it’s a tad more expensive: $25.50 for the first month instead of $50.99.
There are a couple of promos to make note of when it comes to Apple TV Plus. The service currently offers a weeklong free trial for new subscribers, after which you’ll be charged $9.99 a month. You can also get a free three-month subscription when you buy an Apple device, though you’ll have to redeem the offer within 90 days of purchase.
Apple TV Plus is also included in the larger Apple One suite of apps. The all-in-one service lets you bundle four other Apple services for a single monthly subscription starting at $19.95 a month. New subscribers will get a free month of Apple TV Plus if they include it as part of their Apple One membership. In addition, eligible individuals who sign up for the student Apple Music subscription, which starts at $5.99 per month, can get Apple Music for 50 percent off with a free Apple TV Plus subscription.
As far as carrier deals go, T-Mobile offers discounts on Apple TV Plus, as well as other streaming services. For instance, the wireless carrier is currently offering customers in the US complimentary access to Apple TV Plus when they subscribe to a qualifying Go5G Next line. For Verizon Unlimited customers, the option exists to get Apple One (which includes Apple TV Plus) for $10 per month ($9.95 off) for an individual plan, or $20 for a family plan ($5.95 off).
The platform offers an ad-supported tier that costs $9.99 a month and two ad-free plans that start at $16.99 a month. Unlike the ad-supported plan, the standard ad-free tier also lets you download 30 shows or movies for offline viewing. Max also offers a $20.99-a-month Premium plan, which allows you to stream in 4K and supports Dolby Atmos with select content. The latter plan also lets you stream on four devices simultaneously and download a maximum of 100 shows or movies to watch on the go.
Max offers an annual subscription and various bundles, both of which drop the price compared to subscribing on a monthly basis. The ad-supported plan costs $99.99 a year, saving you a modest $19 over the course of 12 months, while subscribing to the annual ad-free base plan for $169.99 saves you $33. You can also save about $41 by subscribing to the annual Ultimate Ad-Free plan for $209.99. Lastly, you can opt for the ad-supported bundle that contains Max, Disney Plus, and Hulu for $16.99 a month, or pay $13 extra a month to get rid of ads. The combined total is cheaper than subscribing to all three individually, thus saving you some money in the long run.
Max isn’t currently offering a discount, but multiple wireless carriers are offering deals. You can, for instance, get a year of Netflix and Max when you purchase a 5G Home Plus, LTE Home Plus, Fios 1 Gig, or the Fios 2 Gig Verizon Home Internet (VHI) plan. Alternatively, Verizon is offering those with an Unlimited plan the ability to get Netflix and Max (with ads) for $10 a month (about $7 off).
A Netflix subscription grants you access to thousands of movies and TV shows, as well as a limited number of mobile games. Notable shows and movies include Squid Game, Dan Da Dan, Baby Reindeer, The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep, Cobra Kai, Stranger Things, The Killer, and Arcane, among countless others.
The well-known streaming service currently offers three plans: Standard with ads ($7.99 per month), Standard without ads ($17.99 per month), and Premium ($24.99 per month). The premium tier allows for higher resolution, lets multiple users watch content on four devices at the same time as opposed to just two, and lets you download on six devices at a time as opposed to just two. It’s also the only plan that supports 4K HDR content, as well as spatial audio.
Netflix isn’t currently offering a discount, but T-Mobile is offering the ad-supported plan for free to those on qualifying Go5G Next and Go5G Plus lines. This deal is also available to those on qualifying Magenta Max lines, or for those who sign up to two or more Go56 and Magenta lines. As mentioned previously, you can also get a year of both Netflix and Max when you purchase one of the following Verizon Home internet plans: a 5G Home Plus, LTE Home Plus, Fios 1 Gig, or the Fios 2 Gig Verizon Home Internet (VHI) plan. Alternatively, Verizon is offering those with an Unlimited plan the ability to get Netflix and Max (with ads) for $10 per month ($6.98 off).
The best YouTube TV deals
YouTube TV grants subscribers access to live sports and a number of major news and entertainment channels, including PBS, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, NBC, ABC, Fox, CNN, and more. It also comes with unlimited recording for a maximum of six accounts, all for $82.99 per month. You can buy optional add-ons as well, which range between $2 and $65 a month and include access to services like Max, Starz, and NBA League Pass. The service also offers a separate Spanish-only plan.
Now through July 31st, new subscribers can sign up for the YouTube TV Base Plan for $59.99 ($23 off) a month for the first two months. It’ll be free for 21 days as a trial.
The best Paramount Plus and Showtime deals
Paramount Plus and Showtime provides access to live sports and 24/7 live news with CBS News. It also grants access to the entire Paramount Plus catalog, including shows like Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Yellowstone spinoff 1923, as well as films like Gladiator II and Top Gun: Maverick. You’ll also get access to Showtime’s library, which includes originals like Billions, Dexter: Resurrection, and Yellowjackets, as well as movies like Talk To Me and Past Lives.
If you want to subscribe to both Paramount Plus and Showtime, you can sign up for the ad-free Paramount Plus with Showtime package for $12.99 a month (it comes with a one-week trial). Alternatively, if you’re willing to pay upfront, you can save about $36 over the course of a year when you subscribe to the annual plan for $119.99 per year.
Alternatively, you can subscribe to Paramount Plus as a standalone service when you pay for Paramount Plus’ ad-supported Essential plan, which costs $7.99 per month (it, too, comes with a one-week trial for new subscribers). The annual plan, meanwhile, costs $59.99 per year, saving you $36 over the course of 12 months if you’re willing to pay upfront. Just bear in mind this plan offers fewer live sporting events than the Paramount Plus with Showtime package, and won’t let you download content for offline viewing.
In terms of deals, Walmart Plus subscribers can currently get the Essential plan for free as part of their subscription. College students can also subscribe to the Essential plan for $5.99 ($2 off) a month, while seniors with an AARP membership can get a 10 percent discount on the Essential plan or Paramount Plus with Showtime plan. Lastly, military members can get a 50 percent discount on a year of the Essential or Paramount Plus with Showtime plans.
The best Starz deals
With Starz, you can stream a variety of shows and movies, including John Wick: Chapter 4, M3GAN, and Asteroid City, as well as originals like Outlander and Sweetpea. The platform only offers a single ad-free plan that runs $10.99 a month, and you can stream on up to four devices at a time and download content for offline viewing. Right now, however, some subscribers can get three months of Starz for $3 a month. Alternatively, you can get a full year of service for $23.99 instead of $69.99.
The best Amazon Prime Video deals
Amazon Prime Video is an on-demand streaming service owned by Amazon. Its library includes a range of movies, some live content, and shows like Fallout, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, The Boys, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and more. Through the service, you can watch certain titles in 4K and take advantage of deals on rentals and purchases not included in the subscription. There’s also an option to add extra channels with Prime Video channels, or go ad-free for an additional $2.99 a month.
Amazon Prime Video is included with an Amazon Prime membership, though you can sign up for the service without a membership for $8.99 a month with ads or $11.98 without. Right now, customers of Metro By T-Mobile’s unlimited plan can also get a free Amazon Prime membership, which provides access to Prime Video and other benefits, for free.
Update, April 7th: Changed prices for Disney Plus, Hulu, and YouTube TV as each had promotions end on March 31st. In the case of YouTube TV, its promotion adjusted in price and duration, and will last through July 31st.
The best Nintendo Switch controllers aren’t the ones that come with the console. While the removable Joy-Cons included with all non-Lite Switch consoles are convenient given they can be detached for wireless use, their tiny, curveless design isn’t comfortable for long gaming sessions or large hands. And while Nintendo has taken steps to address the dreaded Joy-Con drift and earlier quality control problems, some issues persist. The company claims that the Switch 2 Joy-Con 2 controllers will be more durable, but we’ll have to wait and see.
In this buying guide, we focus on wireless controllers that are both comfortable and reliable, as well as a few options that come with unique features designed to match your play style. We’re not covering wired controllers that plug into the Switch’s dock, as they’re similar to each other and don’t offer substantial savings in many cases. (PowerA and PDP make decent ones that will do in a pinch, but they’re very basic. Unless you detest recharging your controllers, it makes more sense to go wireless.)
Also, if you buy a third-party wireless controller (as in, one not made by Nintendo), they likely won’t support HD rumble, motion controls, NFC for Amiibo, or be able to turn on the Switch remotely. However, there are exceptions that we feature below!
We test Nintendo Switch controllers by playing with them with a standard grip — the same way most gamers do. We test how easy they are to connect to the Switch and other compatible platforms, as well as how reliably they stay connected. Then, we jump into a game. Since some controllers are better suited to specific genres than others, we try a variety of titles, including fighting games like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, racers like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and shooters like Overwatch 2. We pay attention to how buttons, triggers, analog sticks, and the D-pad feel, noting whether any of them feel mushy or stiff. For controllers that support sensitivity customization, we note how easy it is to make these adjustments and how they feel compared to their default settings.
Connectivity
Does it support Bluetooth? Can you use it in wired mode? Are there alternate wireless modes, such as 2.4GHz?
Quality
Do the buttons, sticks, and triggers feel good and sturdy? Does the controller have a satisfying, well-balanced weight? Does it use premium materials for the casing and grips? Any connection issues or glitches?
Extra features
Are there rear-facing buttons? Does it support macros? Can you use it on multiple platforms?
Customization
Can you remap buttons? Is there software support for tweaking controller settings? Does it have interchangeable buttons or sticks? Can you fine-tune vibration and sensitivity?
Value
Is it priced fairly? Are the features and quality worth the money?
The best Nintendo Switch controller for TV mode
Supported platforms: Nintendo Switch, PC, Steam Deck, mobile, Apple TV / Connectivity: Bluetooth, wired / Connector type: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: No / Software customization: No / Rumble: Yes, HD / NFC: Yes / Motion: Yes / Power: Built-in rechargeable / Console Wakeup: Yes
Ever since the Switch launched, Nintendo’s first-party Pro controller has been the best gamepad for the console. In many ways, it rivals the standard models from Sony and Microsoft in terms of comfort and build quality.
Aside from the Joy-Cons, the Switch Pro Controller is the only wireless option that includes HD rumble, gyroscopic movement support, and an NFC reader for Amiibo cards and figurines. It’s one of a few controllers we’ve tested (aside from the Joy-Con and 8BitDo’s Ultimate series) that can power on the Switch without being plugged into it. The gamepad is built like a tank, and its battery life is so good that it sometimes seems like it’ll never run out. Nintendo says that it lasts around 40 hours per charge, so it’ll likely take casual gamers a long time to run down the battery.
The buttons and triggers have a satisfying bounce, while its directional pad is responsive and clicky enough to satisfy retro gamers. The controller charges via USB-C, just like the Switch, and it’s compatible with a slew of other platforms you might game on, including PC, Android, and SteamOS. It also works with Apple devices thanks to its compatibility with the latest versions of iOS, macOS, and even tvOS and visionOS.
Given the price, we wish that it had other features, like programmable buttons or a 3.5mm headphone jack for audio, even if wireless audio transmission from the Switch to a controller isn’t currently possible. (At least you can connect a pair of wireless headphones via Bluetooth, but only if you have no more than two controllers connected to your Switch at once.)
The best Switch controller for handheld mode
Supported Platforms: Switch / Connectivity: Wired / Connector type: Joy-Con slots / Mappable rear buttons: Yes / Software customization: No / Rumble: No / NFC: No / Motion: No / Power: via Joy-Con slots / Console Wakeup: No
I’m sure there are some people who enjoy using Joy-Con controllers, but kids and small-handed folks aside, most people probably wouldn’t say they’re the most comfortable option. If you struggle with hand pain when you use the Switch, that’s where the Hori Split Pad Pro comes in.
The Split Pad Pro comes in a variety of colorways, and it both looks and feels like a Switch Pro Controller that’s split in half. One half slides into each side of the Switch console like Joy-Cons, but unlike Nintendo’s default controllers, Hori’s gamepad features big, easy-to-reach buttons and generously sized triggers and analog sticks, all of which feel great in play. It also provides a lot of grip, which is particularly useful for people who need to get a better handle on the console for fast gameplay or stay comfy over longer play sessions.
The Split Pad Pro doesn’t have batteries or sensors — or support for rumble, motion, IR, or NFC — so it’s completely useless when detached from the Switch. It’s only for handheld mode unless you purchase the Split Pad Pro Attachment seen above that turns it into a wired controller. We don’t recommend most people go that route since the attachment alone costs more than a Switch Pro Controller, which is a shame considering it doesn’t add any of the aforementioned elements (it does add a 3.5mm headphone jack, however).
The company also sells the Split Pad Compact, which is a smaller version of the Split Pad Pro that costs $50 (you can also get it with an Attachment Set for $74.99). It might be worth a look if you want something as functional as the Split Pad Pro but closer in size to a Joy-Con.
On the surface, the GuliKit KingKong 3 Pro and KingKong 3 Max are similar to the last-gen models they replaced, which took design cues from Microsoft’s standard Xbox controller but rivaled the Switch Pro Controller in terms of build quality and features. We tested them on the Nintendo Switch, PC, and mobile, but you can also use them with other Bluetooth devices, including the Steam Deck and Apple TV 4K.
But there are several notable improvements and additions if you scratch deeper. They each have Hall effect dual-mode triggers (both can switch between analog and digital, but the KK3 Max exclusively adds physical trigger stops), in addition to RGB LED-surrounded Hall effect analog sticks. It should make them virtually impervious to drifting and waning responsiveness, as iFixit explains here. They each have GuliKit’s powerful magnetic vibration motors with two intensity levels and three distinct modes (including the Switch’s HD rumble). You can even customize the hot-swappable face buttons to match your preferred platform, and to the delight of tournament players, you can play with a 1,000Hz polling rate for reduced input lag on PC (wired or wireless via a dongle).
Additionally, both controllers feature detachable rear-facing paddles. You get two metal moon-shaped paddles with the KK3 Pro that protrude further from the controller than the extra four you get with the KK3 Max, which are longer and curved to match the contour of the controllers’ rear grips. The latter are similar to the paddles on the Xbox Elite Series 2 and even borrow the same installation technique — just push them into the designated holes on the back. They require a lot more force, though they won’t easily dislodge.
The longer paddles are comfortably reachable once installed, but if you have larger hands, you may need to make adjustments for the shorter variety. They only need a light tap, but since they occupy the space where your fingers usually rest, it can lead to increased misfires while gaming. You can map each back button to emulate any other button on the controller — including the rear triggers — but you can’t configure them to execute combo presses or macros.
In summary, the KK3 Pro and KK3 Max offer a lot for the money. In fact, there may be no better option for interoperability and value in a single multiplatform controller right now. If we’re nitpicking, our biggest gripe is that GuliKit still hasn’t created an app to manage all of its settings more easily.
The best Switch controller that’s also great for PC and Steam Deck
8BitDo’s Ultimate Bluetooth Controller feels like a Switch Pro Controller in shape, with a similarly short grip profile that larger hands may not prefer. Both share Switch and Windows PC support, but 8BitDo gets a leg up with full Steam Deck compatibility. Its haptics are decent but not as good as Nintendo’s, and it’s missing Amiibo support, though it does feature customizable back paddles and motion controls — along with a hidden trick that allows you to wake a docked Switch by giving the controller a little shake.
It also comes with a charging dock, which stores the 2.4GHz dongle when not in use. The included dock is handy for charging the battery. Speaking of, it typically lasts around 22 hours, which is still pretty generous but comes well short of the 40-hour mark set by Nintendo’s official controller.
The Ultimate controller comes in several variants, but we recommend the Bluetooth model over the 2.4GHz or wired options for a couple of reasons. One because it’s the only version of the Ultimate that’s compatible with the Switch. Plus, it includes both 2.4GHz connectivity and GuliKit Hall effect sticks, which the 2.4GHz-only version lacks. The analog sticks offer just the right amount of resistance and sport a comfortable concave top, but they’re just a tad short on the sides. All of the buttons offer great travel, though, and the analog triggers have a satisfying amount of resistance when pulled.
As for tweaks, you can customize button mapping profiles, macros, vibration intensity, and stick and trigger sensitivity using the Ultimate Software app on mobile or PC. The controller has a dedicated button that lets you swap between three profiles on the fly, plus an extra turbo button you can either reconfigure or remap. When it comes to Switch controllers, 8BitDo sets the standard for the breadth of these options and how to access them, which is another reason it’s high on our list.
A well-rounded Switch controller that looks like a DualShock
The 8BitDo Pro 2 is another great option with Hall effect sticks for the Nintendo Switch, especially if your hands are happiest with a PlayStation-style controller layout. The Pro 2 has a comfortable grip, a crisper D-pad than the Switch Pro Controller, and two easy-to-press paddle buttons on the underside.
It has rumble support (though not HD rumble) and motion control for games like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Overwatch 2, both of which allow for gyroscopic aiming. PlayStation gamers will also appreciate that the left analog stick is located toward the bottom — just like on Sony’s controllers — rather than above the D-pad as on the Switch Pro.
With 8BitDo’s Ultimate software on a mobile device or a Windows computer, you can customize the Pro 2’s button mapping and the sensitivity of its triggers and analog sticks. You can even save up to three control scheme profiles and cycle through them with a button located between the analog sticks.
On its rear, there’s a switch that lets it toggle between Nintendo Switch, X-input for PC, DirectInput, and macOS modes, each with its own control customizations and Bluetooth profile. This controller offers a lot for $50 (or $54.99 if you want one of the incredibly cool translucent blue, purple, or green editions).
There are many otherdevices that allow you to use third-party controllers, but 8BitDo’s might be the best value. Instead of spending $70 on multiple Switch Pro Controllers, the $19.99 8BitDo Wireless Bluetooth USB Adapter 2 lets you turn a Bluetooth controller you already own into a wireless Switch controller. It plugs into your Switch dock and supports a wide variety of models, from the latest Xbox and DualSense controllers to last-gen gamepads for the Wii and PlayStation 3. (Note: the first-gen model can’t connect to most Xbox Bluetooth controllers due to a Bluetooth incompatibility, so make sure you get the latest model.)
To our surprise, the PS5 DualSense controller we tested it with worked incredibly well, with better-than-average rumble and more responsive motion controls than many dedicated Switch controllers offer. What’s more, so long as you’re using one of the newer Xbox Series X or S controllers, an Xbox One Bluetooth controller, a DualSense, a DualShock 4, or the Switch Pro Controller, you can customize their button mapping, analog stick sensitivity, and more within 8BitDo’s computer and mobile app.
8BitDo has an extensive support page that lists the steps required to set up your specific controller, as well as which features of those controllers it supports. That said, it’s best if you know the Switch’s button layout by heart if you plan to use either a PlayStation or Xbox controller with this adapter, as the layout on your controller will not match the on-screen prompts in games.
If you already have a controller you really like and don’t mind jumping through a few small hoops to connect it, 8BitDo’s affordable adapter deserves a spot in your entertainment center. If you plan to use more than one third-party controller at a time, you’ll need an adapter for each controller (and a USB hub), but if you have a lot of controllers sitting around, it might be worth it.
We like CRKD’s Nitro Deck around here. It’s a cradle-style controller that holds the Switch between a pair of Hall effect sticks, outfitting it with a standard array of face buttons, four programmable back buttons, turbo functionality, gyro motion controls, and rumble. It has passthrough charging, though not passthrough video, which would allow it to double as a dock for TV gameplay. The step-up Nitro Deck Plus adds said functionality (with a USB-C to HDMI adapter), along with Bluetooth connectivity and adjustable vibration intensity / analog sensitivity. We’ve found these to be notable improvements, but we wish the passthrough solution was more elegant and that CRKD could solve the ergonomics (particularly on the right side, where the analog and button placement can cause discomfort).
We recently tested the GameSir T4 Cyclone Pro ($45.99) for consideration. It offers a few of the same functions as the GuliKit KingKong 3 — including remappable buttons, Hall effect sticks, and two distinct macro buttons — along with dedicated vibration motors in the triggers, which is something the GuliKit doesn’t match. That said, it falls just short due to mushy-feeling buttons. GameSir considers the extra padding under the buttons a feature that makes the impact softer, but we felt it takes away from the experience. Also, although it’s perfectly usable with the Switch, the Pro’s button labeling takes after Microsoft’s, which may not be ideal for those who have trouble memorizing inputs. We also found resyncing with the Switch to be a chore after switching from a mobile device or a Windows PC.
We also recently tried several wireless PowerA controllers, including the GameCube Style Wireless Controller ($59.99) and a Pikachu-themed version of the standard PowerA Enhanced Wireless($59.99). We like the fun design of PowerA’s controllers, but they don’t live up to the quality of the models we recommend above, which is a shame considering some cost nearly as much. The GameCube-style wireless controller is a pretty faithful recreation of the original if you fancy a pure Super Smash Bros. experience, but it’s barebones with no rumble, NFC, or IR. It’s an easy way to get the old-school feeling back if you don’t already have a Bluetooth-based alternative to use with 8BitDo’s USB Adapter 2.
What’s coming next?
The Switch 2 is what’s coming next. Nintendo’s new console launches on June 5, and it’s both bigger and more powerful than the original model. Suffice it to say, there will be many new accessories at launch, including new Joy-Con 2 controllers and a refreshed Switch Pro Controller that features customizable rear paddles.
That brings into question whether existing Switch controllers will work with the Switch 2 at all. Thankfully, Nintendo has published an in-depth support page regarding the Switch 2’s compatibility (or lack of compatibility) for original Switch accessories. Good news: most of them will work just fine.
As for new controllers for the original Switch, we’re in a bit of a holding pattern, since most manufacturers are likely at work on Switch 2 controllers. 8BitDo has announced an Ultimate 2 controller with TRM analog sticks, and presumably, there will be a version compatible with Switch, even if one hasn’t been announced yet. There’s nothing else notable on the immediate horizon, however, and that probably won’t change until the Switch 2 arrives later this year.
Update, April 7th: Updated to reflect current pricing / availability, a well as new details regarding the Nintendo Switch 2.
