Like a lot of the best gear for streaming, audio mixers don't come cheap. That's why, now that there's a solid selection of them on the shelves, we're here to give you our expert advice. We've tested plenty of audio interfaces designed for streaming, and sometimes even more demanding tasks. We know which ones will make your life easier, and which are better left alone because they'll cause you more headaches you don't need. The first audio source you'll need to manage is your own microphone - and arguably this is the most important first step when you're buying. Do you have an XLR mic, or a USB-C one? This could determine which mixer you should grab.

Of course, game audio, the volume of your partners who are guesting on your stream, and any background music and sound effects are important too. With a mixer on your desk, managing these things will be easier than ever, and your streams will be propelled to the next level. It's worth mentioning that some of the best streaming mixers can also double as streaming controllers, so it's worth doing your research to know where you can save yourself some cash if you only need one of those things.

The quick list

The best streaming mixer overall

The RodeCaster Duo is by far the best audio interface out there for streamers, and it's what we'd recommend over the popular GO:XLR devices. The two are clearly similar, with four physical faders that are immediately coveted for microphone, game, music, and chat audio levels. That said, the GO:XLR and its mini counterpart may not see support going forward, since question marks still linger over the team that made them actually still being employed. 

Regardless, Rode's smaller version of the RodeCaster Pro II is all you'll ever need for streaming, podcasting, or recording music. It has all the power people have come to know from other RodeCasters, but its smaller footprint makes it ideal for streaming. 

Design: If you've seen Rode's overpowered audio mixers before, you'll immediately recognize the classic look and feel of the Duo. It has four physical faders, two additional virtual faders, six SMART pads, all of the brand's famous effects, and mute and listening buttons that are easily used. In terms of physical faders, it doesn't get better than this, with each channel you can assign in the position you'd like having a professional feel that's reminiscent of the fanciest radio studios. 

Features: As well as an excellent, user-friendly design, the Duo has some of the best connectivity of any mixer on the shelves today. Two USB-C inputs mean you can integrate this easily into a single or double PC setup. This gives you the option of a secondary USB audio output which can be so, so helpful for distinguishing your game audio from music. The helpful USB chat output is a ready-to-go discord audio channel that has the slightly confusing mix-minus feature already assigned to it. On top of that, the brand's SMART pads can be assigned to help you with switching stream scenes, applying audio effects, or playing sound effects. 

You also have outputs on the back of the Duo for hooking up a set of speakers, and multiple headphone jack options as well. This hefty device comes not just with one, but with two XLR inputs, meaning if you're a podcaster as well as a streamer, you'll more than get your money's worth.

Performance: This is quite simply all the streaming mixer you could ever need. Full warning - all this power comes with some learning, and Rode's interface, while useful, isn't always the easiest to wrap your head around. Once you learn all the fine details though, you'll be obsessed with mixing the perfect audio if you aren't already. 

I use the Duo in a one PC setup, and beyond some mixing wobbles and another USB-C controller getting in its way, there are no flaws I can really list for PC streaming. I wish its USB-C outs were compatible with the PS5, but that is something Rode has told me it's trying to work on. Whether its background music, controlling your chat audio, or applying ducking for that intimate, professional feel, this is the perfect streaming mixer. 

Admittedly, it comes at a price, and not everyone needs to spend this much to get a great audio interface. If you're serious about your audio though, and want to take your content to the next level, don't settle for less.

• Read more: RodeCaster Duo Review

The best mixer and software combination

The BEACN Mix Create is one of the best mixers on the market, make no mistake. As simple and efficient as its small footprint is, its four volume dials are made all the better by some of the best audio software available. This Canadian brand understands that controlling audio on the fly can be a nightmare, so they went about designing easy-to-use drag-and-drop software that makes it more fun. Perhaps the biggest draw of this software? Bespoke sub-mixes for your audience and your own ears.

Design: For how powerful it is, the BEACN Mix Create has an impressively small footprint on a desk, giving you ample room for a controller alongside it, or any other gadgets and gismos you might need for creating content. It stands just a little wider than its full-color 5-inch display and is available in white or black. Below that rests four volume knobs used to control its audio channels, and directional buttons to the right allow you to switch to different pages if you need more than four channels. Perhaps most usefully, the buttons below each volume dial let you switch between your personal mix, and what your audience hears. This is a huge strength of Mix Create and something that was missing from all audio interfaces before it.

The whole device operates through a single USB-C connection, which means if you're using an XLR microphone, you might be better off elsewhere with an interface that will work for you. Connectivity could be better, but for the right loadout of streaming equipment, this might be all you need.

Features: What really runs the Mix Create show though, is BEACN's intuitive software. Admittedly, you will need to allow it front-and-center access to all of your PC's audio, but if you're willing to run things this way, you can harness the full potential of this little gadget.

If you've used Sonar software from SteelSeries, you'll be familiar with how the BEACN studio software works - you have the ability to drag and drop audio sources directly onto the channels you want them on the corresponding Mix Create display. You also have the ability to add effects and otherwise route audio sources however you'd like. 

Performance: While admittedly a tad CPU-intensive, BEACN's software is one of the best audio tools we've tested for managing stream sounds. In particular, we found that being able to differentiate between personal and chat mixes was a standout feature. With so many games touting different volume levels, it can be useful to be able to boost it for yourself without completely ruining the balance of your stream mix - especially in competitive games where you don't want to lose out on sound cues. 

It is a bit of a shame that BEACN's best interface doesn't have XLR capabilities, but in the right hands, this is one of the most powerful streaming mixers on the shelves at the moment. 

• Read more: BEACN Mix Create review

The best mixer for PS5

The Yamaha ZG02 isn't our favorite streaming mixer, and our review score reflects that. This device doesn't have a lot of character, and its functionality is pretty limited thanks to software that feels half-baked and a build quality that leaves a lot to be desired. Still, its simple plug-and-play compatibility with PS5 is commendable since some of the best mixers on this list struggle to work with Sony's console. For that reason, it's still worth buying. 

Design: The ZG02 follows on from the brand's ZG01, and actually scales back a few features in an attempt to take up less space on a gaming desk. What we have then, is a plastic black box that feels hollow to the touch, and doesn't boast robust build quality with buttons that create an echo when clicked. The solitary fader fine-tunes the gain level of the XLR microphone input and corresponds with the three more general gain settings toggle to its left. There's a mute button, an echo button, and two effects switches for toggling different sounds on your game and mic audio. 

Up at the top, you'll find a helpful 48V phantom power button, which gives this device legs for those who own more expensive microphones like the Shure SM7dB. Also included is a toggle button for switching between headphone and speaker-out connections. 

The device is rounded out by its three volume knobs, one for game audio, one for chat, and one for live microphone monitoring. 

Features: Around the back, however, is where this mixer redeems itself. It features two USB-C inputs, meaning you can connect up a gaming PC, through which you'll control your stream and the device, and then another USB-C connection you can use to connect a games console like the PS5 or a Nintendo Switch. This seamlessly connected to the PS5's audio, making it easy to stream console gameplay and configure its audio using the mixer. 

Unfortunately, its software feels frustratingly half-baked and takes special care to add in-depth menus for audio effects rather than quality-of-life features that would be useful to a wider range of streamers. Its software, the terminology it uses, and the setup manuals make the initial setup a headache too.

Performance: From the above, you'll see why this isn't our favorite device. That said, it does have redeeming qualities - most notably its XLR input and 48V phantom power, and its flawless compatibility with PS5. Streaming PS5 gameplay was effortless with this thing, and while it is a real shame there's not a fourth volume dial you can dedicate to background music, a lot of console streamers won't require more than this offers. 

• Read more: Yamaha ZG02 review

The best for most Twitch streamers

The Elgato Stream Deck + is another versatile tool for any content creator to have on their desk. It takes the innovative functionality of the Stream Deck and adds audio control dials, along with wider uses for controlling other bits of Elgato kit. As a controller and mixer rolled into one, this is probably the best mixer for most streamers, since they don't need to splash out on two bits of hardware if they opt for this.

Design: On its top half, the Stream Deck + looks like its older sibling, touting some touch keys that can be used to switch scenes with ease. Below, you'll find a touch bar that displays information about the device's four dials, which can be used for additional interactions. As a mixer, the four dials are the star of the show. They have a grippy machined surface making them feel precise to use. We'd have liked to see some backlighting on these to make them stand out a bit clearer when in a darker room, but the build quality is hard to argue with. 

Features: You'll control everything about the Stream Deck + in the same way as other Stream Decks, with intuitive drag-and-drop software in the Elgato Camera Hub. Because this is a catch-all application for pretty much all of Elgato's streaming devices now, it means everything can be controlled by the Stream Deck or Stream Deck+. 

Performance: For managing your entire stream when live, the Deck + is a great option. Four dials give you enough leeway for controlling audio sources, and the versatility on offer for Elgato's wider consumer base makes it nice and viable. Now, thanks to some newly added components the brand sells separately, you can even use it as an XLR audio interface. Overall, we have a versatile controller and mixer for streamers and content creators that will save money versus buying two separate bits of tech.

• Read more: Elgato Stream Deck + review

The best for HDMI audio

The Rode Streamer X is one of the streaming market's truest jack of all trades. Sitting atop your desk, it can assist you as a capture card, an audio interface, or a stream controller. No matter which of these roles you ask it to fill, it's a great choice of mixer for streamers who need to manage HDMI audio.

Design: On the face of it, the Streamer X doesn't look as prepared for audio mixing as some of the other products we highlight here. A simple two knob setup allows you to adjust the gain of your microphone and headphone levels. We'd have liked the ability to rebind these to give more audio controlling potential, but the fact that HDMI will pull audio in from the likes of the Nintendo Switch, PS5, or Xbox Series X will mean all of your gaming audio can be pulled into one place - something that an extra capture card will usually cause more issues with.

Features: The IO on the back of the Streamer X is truly impressive, and actually gives you a lot of the power of the Rodecaster Duo in a much smaller package. There's a combo XLR and 48C Phantom Power for the beefiest of microphones, there's HDMI in and out, there's dual USB-C connections for your PC audio, and an additional USB-C port for powering the device. Of course, the iconic SMART pads can add a lot here, letting you map sound effects or MIDI controls to you can map them to control applications like you would a Stream Deck. 

Performance: Since it tries to do everything well, the Streamer X does come up slightly short as a capture card, because although there's 4K passthrough, there's no HDMI 2.1 support. That means that high frame rates on the capture side aren't going to be possible, which could make or break it for competitive gamers trying to get the best out of their capture card. The audio side, however, is as you'd expect from a Rode product. The VoxLab and APHEX processing onboard feels like a massive win for an audio interface with such a small footprint. 

Overall, this is a device to buy if you stream console gameplay and want to save money on three separate devices. Admittedly, you're going to run into roadblocks with any of the three use cases, but it's a versatile little device that will come in handy for anyone creating content and trying to manage different audio sources.

• Read more: Rode Streamer X review

The best for Razer fans

The Razer Stream Controller X is probably the least audio-centric device on this list, so you might think it's strange that we've chosen to include it. It is, after all, a Stream Deck imitator that runs off of Loupedeck's software, and there are no physical faders or volume dials to be seen. 

That said, it's cheaper and more readily available than Razer's original stream controller, and its audio mixer, both of which could benefit you if you're willing to part with the cash. However, The Stream Controller X now has loads of audio-controlling capabilities, including MIDI support. It might not be the easiest way of controlling your PC and streaming audio, but it's certainly a way to consolidate your gadget purchases, and if you're already bought into the Razer Synapse ecosystem, this is probably your best choice at the moment. 

Design: If you're familiar with the look of an Elgato Stream Deck, you'll see an uncanny resemblance here. The Razer Stream Controller X is definitely derivative of the streaming controllers that have come before, but its operation via Loupedeck's software makes it extremely versatile for wider PC use and content creation, not just for live streaming. The design is actually very simple, you get 1x USB-C connection which runs everything you need - no bespoke audio connections here, so it'll be one for the USB microphone enjoyers among us. You then have 15 Switchblade keys which you can assign to whatever functions you see fit. The bottom right key is permanently mapped to you changing pages though, because there's virtually limitless possibilities with how many pages and functions you program in. 

Features: Audio controls were patched into this device, and can help you control all of your streaming audio despite the lack of faders or dials. You can control Spotify, you can adjust volume levels, you can set your PC up to route all of your audio to different channels that run through it. In other words, this is a much more versatile device than it seems.

Performance: Provided you don't mind a few mis-clicks every now and again, the Stream Controller X is a very usable controller both for audio and wider PC applications. It isn't the most immediately attractive option for controlling audio, but Loupedeck's software, combined with Synapse's wider utility for Razer tech are both very conclusive applications. Again, if you want to specify in audio mixing and power, it might not be for you, but the Stream Controller X is an underrated device with more than one trick up its sleeve.

• Read more: Razer Stream Controller X review

The best for video editors

Of course, streamers aren't the only content creators out there, and there's no reason a mixer can't be geared more for video editors and presenters. The Loupedeck Live is our favorite mixer for remote workers, video editors, and anyone that needs audio mixing capabilities for more than just streaming. The hardware you get here is good, but the true power comes from the customization you can utilize thanks to its versatile software. 

Design: On board you'll find a block of 12 keys to program to different functions, six volume dials which also double as buttons, and a further eight interactive buttons to press below it all. You can imagine just from hearing that the amount of personalisation that's possible here, and Loupedeck's software allows you to remap all of these things to suit you. A single USB-C connection is all that you need to hook it up to your PC or laptop too.

Features: Perhaps the best thing about the Loupedeck Live is its Adobe Creative Suite plugins. While you're editing in Premiere Pro, for example, you can use the volume dials and buttons to select audio tracks, fine tune volume levels, increase their sized on your timeline, and even scrub through footage like you're using an editing controller of days gone by. This is just the tip of the iceberg for Adobe integration - you can also use the dials to fiddle with your color grading too, which is useful for loads of creative professionals. 

Performance: While you can use this for controlling stream audio, this is a standout product on this list because of its wider uses in other creative ventures. If you want to mix audio for a live stream by night, and then edit down some VODs of your gameplay by day, this tool will allow you to with the ease and customization that its multiple dials, buttons, and keys will give you. 

• Read more: Loupedeck Live review

The best streaming mixer: FAQs

For more streaming gear help, check out the best capture cards, the best microphones for streaming and gaming, and the best webcams.

The best gaming handhelds are all the rage at the moment, and Acer has arrived pretty late to the party. There's the Steam Deck and its OLED counterpart, the Asus ROG Ally X, Zotac's upcoming Zone, MSI's claw, and Lenovo's Legion Go. These are all big names, and they're just a few of the devices Acer has pitted itself up against. From an initial look, the Blaze 7 looks like just another option. We don't yet have a price or release date, but we know its specs, which don't exactly stand out from the crowd.

An AMD Ryzen™ 7 8840HS processor seems like it'll keep its 7-inch 1080p, IPS touch display adequately powered. A 144 Hz refresh rate is present but might struggle to be tapped out without using Radeon Super Resolution upscaling trickery. There's generous storage capacity of up to 2 TB of M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD, which is appealing to me, and 16 GB LPDDR5x memory at 7500 MT/s is more than enough for its Windows 11 OS. 

Compared to the spec lists of those aforementioned handheld rivals, this isn't necessarily a trend-setter. However, I'm a firm believer that technology like this is more than the sum of its spec sheet, and after trying it out, three things in particular stood out to me. 

Comfort is king

I review PC controllers, and I have to admit that alarm bells rang in my head the moment this device was revealed and no back buttons were present. These are helpful functions to have on a smaller device, and I'd honestly consider them a must-have for a handheld - particularly because so many other options include them. 

As I was testing the Blaze out however, a product manager from Acer stood ready to answer my questions, and when I asked what was behind the decision to leave back buttons out, he told me that the team's research had shown that the majority of people find them tricky to use, and so they chose to save some costs. 

While I'd always argue including them would make the handheld more appealing to a wider group of people, I wasn't completely turned off. The rest of the ergonomic package did enough to keep me interested for a quick run through some Shadow of the Tomb Raider. 

There's a really nice curved shape to the grips that makes it feel easy to hold for longer sessions, not to mention gripping the thing so it doesn't slip out of your hand. This type of design choice is fundamental for an expensive new gadget- not that I'm throwing too much shade at the Nintendo Switch here.

The face buttons feel great too, and I really loved the almost haptic-like feedback I felt when pulling the triggers. Rumble of any kind can be hard to get right a lot of the time - especially when a plastic chassis can send an uncomfortable and often loud sensation throughout the whole device. The feedback of the Blaze doesn't over-extend itself though, and I really liked how it supported gameplay. 

If there's one thing that worries me about the ergonomic package on offer here, I'd say that it's the choice to use offset thumbsticks. The sticks themselves were big enough that precise movements were easy, but in smaller form factors like the best mobile controllers, it can cause thumb-cramp that I could already feel after a quick play-test here. I know a lot of people prefer this controller layout, so it's hardly going to be a deal-breaker for most.

A smooth operator

The Nitro Blaze's IPS display isn't necessarily going to stand out against the likes of a Steam Deck OLED, even if its RDNA 3 APU from AMD is much more advanced. Still, with the help of AMD's frame rate assisting tech, I was pleasantly surprised with how smoothly the panel operated. 

Shadow of the Tomb Raider was running between 70-90fps during my short hands-on time with the Nitro Blaze. Admittedly, this was based on the settings tuned up by Acer before the trial I had with it, but still. As someone who tries to make every game run on a PC at a minimum of 100fps, and uses one of AMD's desktop GPUs in the form of an Acer Predator Radeon RX 7800XT, I really enjoyed the speed of the display on a smaller, handheld device. The Blaze didn't feel like a compromise of my at-home setup - more a continuation I'd be happy taking on the go.

Sometimes, using the likes of FSR or DLSS can cause textures to look a bit softer, even on a good display - a small compromise for the increased performance these can give you. I was pleasantly surprised to see some crystal clear imagery on Acer's device though, even when FSR was running. Details were vivid, colors popped, and there wasn't a jaggy line in sight. 

There seems to be a good blend of performance options for the talent of the panel on this device, which I like. I particularly liked how easy it was to play around with the device's performance modes, which brings me to my final observation.

How convenient...

The other thing I noticed was how many clever design choices had been made for the convenience of the user. Wanting to know if this was a potential way for me to test out the best SSDs for gaming, I asked the product manager from Acer how easy it was to remove the back and slot a new drive in. With a smile, he said it wasn't difficult at all - two screws on the top and two on the bottom secure the back of the device, but removing these isn't going to damage anything or void warranties. It was clear this was something they had been careful to design. 

The Acer rep made a point of showing me the USB-C ports for charging on the top and bottom of the device, which I was a fan of. He told me these were put in to give players more convenience and more options for playing while charging or plugging into a USB Hub, or dock. 

There's even a fingerprint scanner on the Blaze's power button, which is a nifty wee security touch. Accessing the PC's performance options and brightness can be done at any time with the touch of one button, and a digital keyboard can be brought up in the same way. 

I made a point to try and test the on-board speakers too. A noisy exhibition space where interviews, conversations, and a whole load of echo were happening around me was not exactly an easy testing ground for speakers on a handheld. Still, I could hear the louder points of the game audio in the correct directions relative to Lara Croft, which was impressive indeed. Again, it'd be nice to properly test these out when I don't have a dozen influencers shoving at me and chirping in my ear, but for a first try, this wasn't bad. 

For desktop PC buying advice, check out the best CPUs for gaming, the best RAM for gaming, and the best computer speakers.

If you watch enough podcast recordings on YouTube, you'll immediately recognize one of the best microphones for streaming and gaming. The Shure SM7B and the newer SM7dB have become heavily endorsed by content creators all over the world. They have impeccable sound quality, but their XLR connectivity and high price tags mean they aren't exactly accessible for most folks who stream on Twitch once or twice a week.

The Shure MV6 brings with it the accessibility the brand has been missing, and it launches at a price point of $149 / £130. Not only does it look slightly like an adorable baby-sized Shure SM7dB, but it also has a 3.5mm headphone jack on its bottom - something I'm sure plenty of existing Shure customers wish they had on the more expensive version.

Along with live monitoring and a USB-C connection port, the mic also sports a capacitive tap-to-mute button on it - a helpful addition for those who don't have one of the best streaming mixers to help them control their live audio. 

Bucking the trend for this type of mic however, the MV6 opts not to include an audio or gain dial. At first, this was a bit disappointing to learn, but the folks at Shure have told me this is because they have faith in the microphone's built-in Auto Leveler software and Digital Popper Stopper. Another piece of hardware may have added cost and upset the iconic look of the mic anyway, so I suppose I can understand.

Interestingly, Shure has also made a commitment to battle background noise. The MV6 is a Dynamic mic, which is another irregularity - usually streaming mics are designed to be a bit more forgiving and opt for a condenser capsule instead. Not only that, but the brand has included a real-time de-noiser. This will certainly create an interesting matchup between the new MV6 and the SteelSeries Alias and Alias Pro, which sailed through its launch thanks to ingenious noise-rejection.

Included in the purchase of a Shure MV6 is the microphone itself, a desktop foot-stand, and a USB-C to USB-C cable. The value doesn't end there though - Shure's MV7+ utilizes a digital mixing software called the MOTIV Mix app, and that free program can be used here to customize settings, as well as route audio sources in your PC or laptop.

With the Shure SM7B known as "that mic Joe Rogan uses", I imagine plenty of people will be eager to add the MV6 to their streaming gear selection. The new mic hits the shelves today, but I for one think it'll be very popular, so if you're interested in grabbing one don't wait around.

For more streaming gear, check out the best webcams, the best capture cards, and the best ring lights for streaming.

With the chance to see the Adaptive Joystick up close and try it out playing Forza Horizon 5, I also get to see the new Adaptive thumbstick toppers. The toppers - which come in a variety of shapes that can be attached to the Xbox controller thumbsticks - will be available as 3D printable files on the Xbox Design Lab website. Hearing from Kujawski and senior accessibility product manager Kaitlyn Jones, it's clear that flexibility and affordability are key aspects that drove much of the collaborative design process. 

"Flexibility is really one of the hallmarks of any of these products," Kujawski says, speaking of the various features of the Joystick. "Any decision we have to make, we make the decision that creates more flexibility."

Design  

As Kujawski emphasizes, flexibility is integral to ensure an accessible controller can cater to as many different needs and setups as possible. The design decisions highlighted in the demo certainly reflect how the team strived to make it adaptable and affordable. One feature, for example, is the inclusion of a universal mount point, which was also added to the Xbox Adaptive controller. Not only was this done so that disabled players can mount the joystick to stabilize it to suit their needs, but it was also made universal to try to "work with any number of existing mounts" to fit into as many custom setups as possible. 

Making it more affordable "was a really important aspect," adds Kujawski, which is also partly why the Joystick is wired to both bring down the cost and again feed back into its adaptable nature. Rather than being hardwired, it comes with a removable wire that can easily be swapped out depending on the setup: "We ship with a two meter cable… you can plug it directly into the console," Kujawski says, "But if you're using an adaptive controller, and it's close to you, you don't necessarily need this cable and you can replace it with a shorter one, and really kind of tailor it, so again it's about creating choice and options to make it as flexible as possible." 

The design was entirely driven by feedback, with the team visiting local hospitals and charitable organizations as they were prototyping: "We took a number of prototypes to a hospital in Seattle that uses gaming as therapy for spinal cord patients," Kujawski says. "We asked them, 'hey, what do you think was good? What's bad?'. Some stuff was good. Some stuff was bad. We learned a number of things in that visit, though, just from spending a few hours with them, one of which was the number of buttons on here [the Joystick]. So we have four buttons, and that was very intentionally thought through. We actually tried out a number of different configurations, single, two buttons, no buttons at all." 

Feedback

With four buttons on the front that can be mapped to any input or even unmapped if they aren't needed, the Joystick also has a trigger and bumper. But unlike the standard controller that has an analog trigger, the trigger on the Joystick pushes in like a button. When I try out Forza Horizon 5 using the controller, the bumper and trigger have been mapped to accelerate and reverse the car, but if you can't grip, for example, the mount functionality and mappable buttons give you other options. The accessibility of the Joystick also extends to the packaging, with an unfurling box that's been designed so that each component - from the wire to the controller – can be removed with ease. 

The idea behind 3D printing adaptive thumbstick toppers also came about after feedback, with many facing a barrier of cost when it comes to custom set ups: "Custom setups are really expensive," Kujawski adds. "Not everyone who lives near a hospital that can do that for them. Being able to be creative is a really big part of being a disabled player, and many times, it's a DIY situation, and so [the toppers are about] providing a means for someone who doesn't have the tools or expertise to create this semi-custom shape and implement it at home. 3D printers aren't free, but they are more prevalent than there were a few years ago. So it's a lot easier to have access to that, and providing that as a service was very intentional."

As Jones outlines, the thumbsticks toppers cover a range of the most common shapes needed for various setups, with Kujawski highlighting the plus sign topper as a personal favorite since it can be used with clay or molds to create a shape that's comfortable for the player. The Xbox Adaptive Joystick is set to release in early 2025 for $29.99, while the toppers are now available for printing on Design Labs. 

It's great to see the arrival of more accessible hardware that continues to be developed in collaboration with the disability community: "We don't want to design or create products for players with disabilities," Jones says, "but rather, we create them with players with disabilities, because they're experts in their own needs and experiences."

Playing Avowed feels like an Obsidian RPG with Skyrim-like combat, dialog options that reflect your build, and newbie-friendly fantasy lore.

Coming in at $169.99, the Anbernic RG Cube isn’t the most expensive best gaming handheld contender around, but costs more than your average emulation device. It’s just expensive enough for me to consider it a portable console for enthusiasts rather than casual players, as most of its features cater to emulation power users. If you’ve been eyeing something like the $64 Anbernic RG35XX Plus, the cube will be a significant investment. But, compared to the Steam Deck OLED, it will feel like a sweet deal for anyone solely looking to run classic capers. 

Surprisingly, the RG Cube has a rival with a square screen, namely the Powkiddy RGB30, meaning it doesn’t feel unique within the space. That said, Anbernic’s choice of specs, buttons, and touchscreen make it a reliable Android gadget for emulation that pulls off simulating the dual-screen functionality of the OG Nintendo DS – something I’ve been waiting literally years for.

Specs

At the core of the RG Cube beats an octa-core Unisoc T820 processor alongside quad-core Mali-G57 graphics, 8GB LPDDR4X RAM, and 128GB flash storage. That’s not remotely shabby considering we’re dealing with an Android 13 emulation device, and it provides the handheld with a suitable punch for running most retro consoles.

The Cube’s 3.95-inch IPS square screen is also more impressive than you’d think, boasting a 720 x 720 resolution and multi-touch capabilities. Typically speaking, devices like this tend to stick with lower resolutions since they don’t look as bad when only occupying a few inches, but Anbernic has gone the extra mile. Do retro handhelds need near-HD resolution? Not always, but it’s nice to have the headroom available since we’re talking about an Android 13 device with Play Store access. 

Other Cube perks include a 5,200mAh battery, support for up to 2TB microSD cards, hall-effect thumbsticks, Bluetooth 5.0, and 2.4/5G Wi-Fi. The latter connectivity options are arguably essential, but all still help boost the handheld’s functionality in a similar vein to a gaming phone. That’s not to say you have to take this device online or connect wireless accessories – the option is just there if you want to use it as a cloud streaming machine or a stationary console. 

Design

Visually, the Anbernic RG Cube feels fictional, and I mean that in the best possible way. Its square screen sandwiched between a set of modern controls feels like made-up tech you’d see in a ‘90s anime, usually dressed with a logo that boldly reads “Bentendo.” If those references are currently flying over your head, it also has a similar vibe to the clam-shell cell phone in the horror film It Follows, designed to throw the viewer off when working out when it’s set. 

My point is that the RG Cube almost looks conventional until you notice its squareness, which provides it with a memorable timeless charm. Again, the Powkiddy RGB30 technically uses the same format, but that doesn’t make Anbernic’s take any less attractive. I’d actually say the company has taken things a step further by adding an asymmetrical thumbstick layout and circular d-pad, as it helps give it similar ergonomics to portable PCs like the Asus ROG Ally. 

On that note, the RG Cube is surprisingly comfortable in the handles despite its compact nature. Subtle grips are present around the back to give your fingers somewhere to rest, while subtle curves ensure the handheld rests in your palms without causing strain over time. Anbernic has even made sure to keep its cooling away from the sides with a circular vent in the middle, meaning you won’t have to worry about potentially blocking any ventilation.

I never pick up emulation devices expecting exceptional build quality, but the RG Cube completely caught me off guard with how solid it is. The console’s body feels pretty weighty at 260g (0.57 lbs), and there are no areas that feel remotely hollow across its high-quality plastic shell. All of the device’s buttons are pleasing clicky and avoid any notion of mushiness, with the top bumpers using tactible micro switches. Even the triggers are far better than I was expecting, as they boast smooth action and decent grip.

Aesthetically, the RG Cube is also a looker. I’m testing the off-white version with multicolored face buttons, and I think it might be the nicest-looking handheld to release this year. Striking a balance between nostalgic design choices and contemporary layout isn’t easy, but Anbernic has certainly managed to pull it off. Plus, I’m a big fan of elements like ventilation and speakers being kept to the sides and back rather than the front, as it gives the overall presentation a nicer finish. There’s even some nicely diffused RGB lighting around the sticks, just in case you’re into flashy vibes.

Features

Anbernic could have merely shoved Android 13 on the RG Cube and called it a day, as the OS is packed with its own features and storefront. Instead, the company includes a launcher for every emulator you could possibly need, which can be quickly accessed using a dedicated face button if you’d rather avoid Android altogether. Of course, you can still launch Retroarch or any other app yourself, but it’s nice to see some sort of management system included with this specific handheld. 

While I consider the Cube’s 1:1 screen to be a main feature, putting the display to good use is key. playing games at ordinary aspect ratios will feel a little silly, as even a traditional 4:3 setup will result in letterboxing. However, the handheld will fill in the gaps using themed bezels when using the launcher and Retroarch, and I’m low-key in love with the mock TV frames when playing PlayStation and Sega Genesis (Mega Drive) games. 

Not every emulator will have access to overlays, meaning you will have to deal with either stretch-to-fill or letterboxes, but unless you’re playing 16:9 games, the aspect ratio shouldn’t be much of an issue. I’m not saying that you should play every game at 1:1, as while there are plenty of classics out there designed with square pixels in mind, some are specifically made to suit old 4:3 CRTs. But, the releases that do look right, like most Game Boy games like The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons are an absolute joy to play thanks to the handheld’s screen.

The fact the RG Cube also uses a touchscreen is a massive boon, as it means the display’s usual aspect ratio is perfect for playing DS games. Technically, you can emulate Ninty’s old handheld on most devices, but fitting the dual-screen layout on most screens is awkward. Even the Ayaneo Flip DS can’t use its unique clamshell setup to replicate the experience, as the Windows version of DeSmuME can’t split its windows across two monitors. So, Anbernic’s square approach feels like the perfect compromise, as it provides just enough vertical space to fit everything in while minimizing letterboxing at each side. 

As a handheld hybrid cherry on top, the RG Cube also has a few ways to connect to an external gaming TV or monitor. If you’ve got a Displayport-compatible screen to hand, you’ll be able to hook straight up using USB-C. Prefer to cut the cord? Android also facilitates excellent screencast features that make streaming to big screens a breeze. I was able to instantly use Anbernic’s portable as a living room console using the LG OLED G4, and while there’s naturally some latency to deal with, the experience was pretty fantastic. So long as you don’t try and play anything that requires pinpoint timing accuracy, you’ll have a blast.  

Performance 

To put the RG Cube through its paces, I loaded Anbernic’s handheld up with several retro outings. All my picks are games I’m extremely familiar with in terms of visuals, with some pushing emulation devices in terms of performance and stability. Easing the portable into my roadtests, I started off with Sonic the Hedgehog 2, which unsurprisingly ran flawlessly on the handheld at full speed. Not exactly an achievement, but a green flag before diving into more intense tasks. 

Stepping through the generations, I next loaded up some PS1 favorites, namely Crash Team Racing and Tekken 3. Naughty Dog’s cart racer managed to maintain a steady frame rate scaled to 720p, serving as a testament to Anbernic’s resolution and chipset combo. Namco’s fighter also worked a charm with the same 3x scaling setting applied, confirming that the handheld makes for a pretty nifty OG PlayStation stand-in. 

PS2 is where things start to get ever so slightly dicey. I’m not talking about any deal-breaking performance dips, but I had to fall back to under x3 native resolution to prevent frame dips when running Final Fantasy XII. You’ll still end up with a higher res than the RG Cube supports anyway, so this is still a win for Anbernic. Yet, I actually had a bit more luck with Ikaruga on the Dreamcast at full speed despite scaling to 1440p. Not remotely required, but it’s nice to know it can handle Sega’s 32-bit console beyond native resolution.

As you’d perhaps expect, RG Cube performance will diminish past sixth-gen systems, but as I previously alluded, it’s fantastic for DS emulation. There’s plenty of space to place a dual-screen layout on the touchscreen, and I was able to easily play personal favorites like Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker and The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass without a hitch. Not heavyweight games by any means, but it means you can play your old handheld games despite Nintendo shutting down every modern way to re-buy them.

If you’re itching to ramp things up to 3DS, I’ve got some great news for you. The RG Cube is a bit of a champ when it comes to handling the Switch predecessor’s library, as I was able to play Zelda: A Link Between worlds with a fairly steady frame rate. Just like with the DS, you’ll be able to fit both screens on Anbernic’s square display, but the touch space is admittedly a little smaller.

Of course, it’d be a crime not to delve further into Game Boy games on the Cube, as that square display is perfect for pixellated romps. Would I choose to play GBC games on Anbernic’s device rather than my OG Game Boy Color with an OLED screen? Well, you are getting a larger play space and swish controls here, and the vibrancy provided by the IPS display is commendable. Plus, the whole point of buying an emulation machine is so you don’t have to take a bag of old systems with you on your travels, even if that’s what I’d like to do ideally.

To close things out, I want to touch on playing Google Play store downloads on the RGB Cube. My quest got off to a disappointing start, as I ambitiously installed Alien Isolation for funsies and failed to get to the main menu. I was able to get it working on the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro, which perhaps isn’t surprising since it’s a high-spec monster, but it’s apparently dicey on a bunch of other modern cell phones, specs might not be to blame. On the flip side, I was able to get into Call of Duty: Mobile, with the caveat being that the integrated controls won’t work without some sort of mapping app. 

I don’t want to outright say don't play Android games on this device, as it should be able to pull most off with acceptable frame rates. What I will say is that everything about this portable is made with retro gaming in mind, and if you really want a Genshin Impact machine, you should probably check out the Razer Edge.  

Battery life

I was expecting great things from the RG Cube’s 5,200mAh battery, especially since Anbernic claims you’ll get 7 hours of play. Turns out the handheld can absolutely pull that off, as I managed to squeeze around 8 hours out of it during a typical day. However, what really impressed me was the portable’s idle runtime, with things only dropping to 17% after being left on standby for well over a week. That’s something you won’t get with many other devices and is ideal if you just need a console for occasional use.

Should you buy the Anbernic RG Cube?

Out of all the retro handhelds to release this year, the Anbernic RG Cube is undoubtedly one of the most versatile. If you’re looking to easily dive into emulating the classics without messing around or you’re something of a pixel purist, this portable will serve you well. It’s also incredibly useful for playing DS games or anything that needs a bit more vertical space, including arcade ROMS with a vertical TATE mode. 

Not everyone is going to vibe with the RG Cube’s 1:1 screen, and it’s easy to understand why players would rather opt for a 4:3 handheld. That said, I firmly believe there are more pros than cons to keeping things square in terms of retro gaming, especially if you also want excellent quality controls and full Android capabilities. 

The RG Cube might be a square weirdo, but it’s my square weirdo, and I hope more companies release useful little oddballs like this.

How I tested the Anbernic RG Cube

For a month, I used the Anbernic RG Cube as my main handheld for playing retro games. During that time, I played a setlist of test ROMs for future performance comparisons, including Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Crash Team Racing, Tekken 3, Final Fantasy XII, and Ikaruga in addition to various other classics and specific DS releases. Throughout my time with the console, I also took ergonomics and build quality into consideration, comparing the experience to both other portable devices I’ve reviewed. 

For more information on how we test gaming handhelds and other portable devices, check out our GamesRadar+ hardware policy.  

Already got Valve's handheld PC? Swing by the best Steam Deck accessories and best Steam Deck dock for excellent add-ons. Alternatively, take a peek at the best gaming phones if you'd prefer an all-in-one Android device.

The brand showed off its latest concept project, dubbed 'DualPlay' at IFA this week. A gaming laptop trackpad that can physically detach from the main chassis, revealing a full gamepad underneath. It adds a fair chunk to the palm wrest section of the laptop, but takes unique advantage of new taller 16:10 displays to add extra functionality to the experience overall. Each side is set out as you would expect, with an Xbox-style asymmetrical layout, but can also be split for a more Nintendo Switch-like experience. 

For the concept demonstration, the whole device is tacked onto a Predator gaming laptop, but there's more than an extra set of buttons here. Releasing the controller from its trackpad prison also allows two external speakers to pop out the sides. Just what these grills are doing when you're using a standard keyboard setup is unknown, but it's a neat feature by itself.

Obviously, Project DualPlay is only a concept and likely won't make it to market in its current state. However, there are very few real experiential innovations taking place in the gaming laptop world at the moment. The last time we saw any real change to the established clamshell design was the Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 - featuring a whole second screen that really did add to the experience. Innovations have always been below the surface in this world and it's high time we saw more functional developments. After all, this year's roster of gaming laptops has showed that internal upgrades can be minimal.

We've had no new graphics cards to play with and Intel's 14th generation CPUs offer up marginal iterative upgrades in terms of sheer gaming performance. To truly capture audience imagination, and drive excitement around new releases, brands are going to need to keep experimenting with exactly what a gaming laptop has to offer for the entire play experience as a whole - especially now that 100+fps framerates are rapidly becoming the norm.

Can't wait for something like the DualPlay to make it into reality? Check out the best Alienware laptops instead, or we're also rounding up all the best Asus gaming laptops and the best Razer laptops on the market. 

If you wander to Amazon right now, you can grab the Arcade1Up Ms. PAC-Man Countercade for $119.99, a 33% discount down from $179.99. That's a pretty big saving for a compact retro console of this calibre, and one that's just received its first ever price cut. It's worth noting that the machine has consistently sat at full price since it arrived at the retailer earlier this year, and its "Limited time deal" status means it could leap back up soon.

For just over $120, I'm pretty impressed with what Arcade1Up's adorable arcade cabinet has to offer. Some smaller machines I've tried only come with one game but this system boasts five, including Ms. Pac-Man, Super Pac-Man, King & Balloon, Galaxian, and Rompers. Throwing in some cult classics with obvious favorites is a smart move, as it means you'll have something new to try alongside the ghost-munching action promised on the marquee. 

Should you buy the Arcade1Up Ms. PAC-Man Countercade?

It feels like only yesterday that arcade machines of this size and quality were all expensive homebrew projects. I'm not saying $120 for Arcade1Up's Ms. Pac-Man replica still isn't an investment, but the discount is world's apart from the $500+ tags I'd see on custom jobs throughout the 2010s. 

Sure, some of those projects are justified in price thanks to their premium Sanwa buttons, sticks, and overall hand-crafted nature. However, I doubt any retro gaming fan or collector will be disappointed with this bartop's striking Ms. Pac-Man artwork, crispy 8-inch screen, or full sized controls, particularly if you're looking for something compact.  

If you're simply looking to have access to a lot of classic capers, rather than something that'll look pretty on your gaming desk, there are naturally cheaper options. For example, you could pick up a Super Pocket for $59, collect a bunch of cartridges for the gaming handheld, then invest in Evercade's own Alpha machine later on. Doing that will set you back more in the long run, but will result in your paying less for something to play right now and help you end up with a machine with tons of games. 

Alternatively, if you just fancy adding a piece of video game history to your shelf, you can pick up systems like the Atari 2600+ and THE400 Mini for around the same price. Both look like smaller versions of the company's OG hardware and could serve the same decorative purpose as the discounted arcade machine in question. 

I'm really targeting retro fans who just fancy adding to their collection with these alternatives. Ultimately, if you're hellbent on having something with authentic arcade vibes, you should jump on this Ms. Pac-Man machine while it's still at its lowest price. If, unlike me, you have the space for something larger, I'll include some larger options down below.

Just don't let my mom know I'm encouraging you to clutter your house with retro shenanigans, as she's still mad at me for lugging a 32-inch CRT into her house 12 years ago. 

Using Valve's handheld to play retro games? Swing by the best Steam Deck accessories and best Steam Deck dock for handy add-ons. Alternatively, swing by the best gaming TV if need a modern screen for your old consoles.

This update does more than than swap out the components inside the machine, however, as a new chassis design, innovative cooling methods, and a relaunch of its Predator Sense monitoring app could improve what I already deem one of the best gaming PCs on the market. 

I reviewed the Acer Predator Orion 7000 (2023) model last year, and while it was powerful enough to earn the top spot on our buying guide overall, I wasn't impressed with the machine's cooling abilities, nor its noise levels when trying to keep an Intel Core i9-13600K CPU below boiling point. It seems I wasn't the only one to notice this though, because inside the latest Orion 7000 chassis lies a new system fan and AOI cooler that the team at Acer told me came as a result of listening to feedback.

The new Predator CycloneX 360 system fan was shown off during Acer's keynote presentation, and it removes the borders between three frontal fans to increase the amount of airflow reaching the motherboard. This means a change from the older Orion 7000 chassis, which features only two frontal intake fans. The new three-fan setup will be used on the updated AIO CPU cooler, which utilizes a new pump header that I'm told has a much faster RPM than Acer's previous one.

Overall, these new designs are said to boost the desktop’s cooling efficiency by 15% and lower the motherboard's temperatures by 9 degrees Celsius compared to the previous model. I asked Acer if this would result in more fan noise as a result, but the team told me decreasing the volume was a priority and that the new system runs a lot quieter.

The updated Predator Orion 7000 will feature up to an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 GPU, and a 14th Generation Intel Core i9 processor. Interestingly, I talked to Acer's Manager of Consumer Stationary, and asked if we'd see more affordable configurations on the shelves for those of us who can't afford the best graphics cards and best CPUs for gaming. I was told that there are plans to launch other models, but they may only feature two frontal fans as opposed to three.

Elsewhere in the rig, the GPU is now mounted vertically - something which feels as much a stylistic choice as it is an evolution from what the brand learned with the Acer Predator Orion X, the ITX version of a Predator prebuild.

Storage and connectivity seem to be as optionally beefy as they have been on earlier Orion models. Thanks to a removable SSD enclosure on the top of the chassis, as well as multiple M.2 bays on the motherboard and an HDD tray, there's loads of room to upgrade your space for games and media.

The 1200W PSU keeps you futureproofed for upgrading parts later on as well, and the rig will come with either 16GB or 32GB of multichannel DDR5 RAM.

Lastly, Predator Sense, the proprietary monitoring app that comes with any Orion desktop PC, is seeing an update. There's now even some Nvidia integration for capturing gameplay, broadcasting to a streaming platform, and utilizing AI features.

The only thing I don't know about this update to one of my favorite gaming PCs is the pricing and release date. Either way, this all adds up to an exciting upgrade that fixes some of my biggest grievances with an enthusiast-grade gaming PC. It'll be hard to tell how effective the changes are until I get hands-on with it, but a brand like Acer listening to feedback and acting on it is always a good sign.

For more gaming PC stories, check out the best RAM for gaming, the best PC cases, and the best computer speakers.

That means you can pick up a set of Glorious keycaps for under $40 right now, with the cheapest being the Nebula pack going for just $24.99 (was $39.99). That's a full 38% off the pink / purple gradient design - not bad considering these are heavy-duty PBT caps designed to fit the vast majority of Cherry-switch gaming keyboards. 

I'd personally opt for the Caribbean Ocean version, though. You're spending a little more ($29.99 down from $39.99) but I have a similar set (the Ocean model) and it's a particularly pleasing gradient. The Caribbean Ocean has a more balanced split between the different blue hues, so looks even better than my beloved as well. 

Not all Glorious keycap sets are included in this sale - right now, you'll only find the Nebula, Caribbean Ocean, Rain Forest, and Pastel clickers included. 

Should you buy Glorious keycaps?

I only started using Glorious keycaps earlier this year, when the brand announced its subscription model. I've been a custom keyboard lurker for a long time now, dabbling in hot-swappable keyboards and dreaming of building a fully personalized rig (and spending far too much money on it). Keycaps are the first step to making your keyboard your own, and Glorious knows what it's doing. 

These caps are all PBT (a durable and nicely textured material that offers both a soft typing feel and a grippy surface for gaming), with DYE Sublimation legends. That does mean you're not getting a doubleshot legend (where the RGB lighting can shine through the cap's letters and numbers) which can put some off. If you've invested in a full RGB system and want those LEDs to shine as brightly as possible, I'd recommend looking into some other options. I like both - I can still see my legends when lighting is turned on, but when I was a more subdued experience I can turn it off and let the crisp lettering stand on its own. 

I've had my hands on several Glorious keycap sets in the last few months, and they've all impressed in their quality. I've never encountered any lettering faults and the materials have consistently held up over constant daily use. Their slightly rough surface also just feels incredible premium - especially when paired with a smooth set of switches. And don't worry about the size of your deck, all the offers listed above cater to 60%, 75%, 80%, 85%, TKL, and full size keyboards - just make sure you've got a Cherry MX stem on your switch (most models do). 

We're also rounding up all the best wireless gaming keyboards and the best membrane gaming keyboards on the market. If you're kitting out a full setup, though, check out the best gaming mouse models. 

More and more pieces of technology – from the TYK Radio Telephone to the 3.5-inch Floppy disk – have been gradually added to the registry since 2008, and the PS2 is number 365 in the list, being one of 18 new additions this year. It seems rather surprising that a console hasn't made the list sooner, but out of all the ones that could be picked, there's no doubt that this was a solid choice.

As reported by Japanese publication GameSpark (and translated by Automaton), the reasons for the console's selection include its ability to play DVDs (it was the first console able to do so), in combination with the fact that it was actually cheaper than most DVD players available at the time, which contributed to making the video format even more popular. On top of that, at the time, it had the most advanced base specs of any other console available, allowing it to produce impressive graphics that included more realistic expressions. 

Although this isn't listed as an official reason for its selection, it's definitely worth noting the cultural impact of the PS2 as a result of its sheer popularity, too. More than 24 years after its release, it's the best-selling console of all time, which is seriously impressive, even if the PS5 is Sony's most profitable console. That's understandable given the difference in their price points, although the company's latest console also managed to sell faster than the PS4 despite its stock shortages, so there's no denying its success, either. When it comes to units shipped, though, who knows if the PS2 will ever be topped?

While you're here, be sure to check out our list of the best PS2 games of all time.