This August will see the release of some awesome new LEGO Star Wars sets. From large-scale display models to smaller playset builds geared more towards the younglings, there's something for everyone. Some of these ideas have already been released as sets in the past, but modern LEGO design sensibilities keep them coming back after retirement. I welcome this, since the secondary LEGO market can be a bit rough, and I'm all for affordable and accessible hobbies. Also, there are a bunch of characters that are getting the minifigure treatment for the first time. This batch of sets will see one of the very few releases of Kaminoan minifigures, as well as new Jango and Boba Fett, Asajj Ventress, and Clone Trooper Figures.

New LEGO Star Wars Sets Coming This August

Some obvious standouts are the new massive AT-ST Walker (75417) and the Wicket the Ewok (75430) display models. Of the entire batch, the Walker is the one I'm looking forward to the most personally. At 1,513 pieces, it's sure to be one of the most accurate recreations of the iconic mech we've seen to date. The Wicket set joins countless other buildable display figures like C3-PO (75198) and the Battle Droid with STAP (75428) as another super accurate and to-scale set depicting a fan-favorite character in brick form.

Then there's the new version of Jango Fett's Starship (75433), which also includes a sweet Lama Su minifigure, the first time this cloner has been shrunk down to LEGO size. The set overall is a smaller version of the massive 2,970-piece Jango Fett's Firespray-Class Starship (75409), so if you're on a budget or tight on space, it's a great way to get Jango's ship and stay practical.

Finally, I would be silly not to call out the V-19 Torrent Starfighter set (75432). Asajj Ventress is one of my favorite characters from The Clone Wars, and her new minifigure here will be a fine addition to my collection. I'll also never pass up a reason to get more Obi-Wan in his Clone Wars armor, so this is one I'll be tracking down once all eight of these sets start to ship out on August 1.

More Coming From the Galaxy Far, Far Away

San Diego Comic-Con 2025 just wrapped up over the weekend, and while we didn't get any huge Star Wars movie news, Lucasfilm Publishing dropped tons of new details on what fans can expect in the near future. Some notable teases include Industrial Light & Magic: 50 Years of Innovation, a hardcover book that celebrates the storied history of the iconic visual effects studio. Then there's Star Wars: Hyperspace Stories: Bad Batch #2: Rogue Agents. That's a lot of colons. This comic book features the return of Clone Force 99, and is notably published by Dark Horse Comics and not Marvel. Finally, Star Wars: The High Republic is finally coming to a close with The Finale, which starts very soon on July 30.

Myles Obenza is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Bluesky @mylesobenza.bsky.social.

San Diego Comic-Con once again offered us a glimpse into the future of movies and TV shows, and we are very excited about a lot of these projects. However, this isn't about us, because we need your help.

What were your favorite movies and TV shows from SDCC, and which left you wanting more? Was the promise of seeing how John Cena's Chris Smith jumps from the DCEU to the DCU enough to make Peacemaker Season 2 top your list? Is IT: Welcome to Derry just too terrifying for you, meaning you need to hide it near the bottom of the list so it won't keep you up at night?

We've selected 25 of the biggest movies and TV shows that made a splash at SDCC, and we've entered them into a Tier List you can check out below. Where these projects fall is entirely up to you, as we'd love you to rank these entrants from the best of the best to the worst of the worst. Our scale goes from S all the way down to D, and there is space to fill in the others in between.

Does the promise of the Spinal Tap gang returning to the big screen after 41 years make the upcoming sequel worthy of an S? Can you not wait to see who follows Korra as the next Avatar in Avatar: Seven Havens? Do you think Spartaus: House of Ashur will be too violent for your taste? Let us know below!

For more, check out the biggest trailers of SDCC and which movies and TV shows we here at IGN are most excited about!

The new school year is just around the corner, meaning it might be time to upgrade your devices to ensure your equipment isn't what's holding back your study goals. iPads are known for their versatility, performance prowess, and portability – features students juggling classes, jobs, and internships can benefit from. Whether you’re looking for something to access digital textbooks, somewhere to jot notes, or even take online classes, iPads are the best tablets for the job. Take a look at our favorite iPads for students in 2025. From undergrads to med students, there’s a great iPad model to suit your needs.

TL;DR – These Are the Top iPads for Students:

Not all iPads are created equal, coming in different sizes and prices and offering various capabilities. At the top of the pack performance-wise is the mighty iPad Pro, which perfect for students in creative or STEM majors who require a device to run more intensive programs. It is expensive, so if you don’t need that much power, the mid-range iPad Air is a great all-around option. Plus, if you slap a keyboard on either of these powerful tablets, they can be a viable laptop replacement.

Need something a little more pocketable? The iPad mini might be for you. Even the budget-friendly iPad A16 is ready to take on daily tasks and is great for streaming shows during your limited free time. No matter which iPad you go for, all come running on the familiar and reliable iPad OS. Take an in-depth look at our favorite iPads for students below:

1. iPad Air M3 (2025)

Best iPad for College

2. iPad A16 (2025)

Best Budget iPad for Students

3. iPad Mini (2024)

Best iPad for Medical Students

4. iPad Pro M4 (2024)

Best iPad for Design and STEM Students

How to Choose the Best iPad for Students

Since their inception, iPads have completely changed the tablet game, acting as powerful, portable computers. The best iPads for students can serve various purposes, from notetaking, reading, and research tools to full-on laptop replacements ready to cruise through whatever tasks are thrown their way. If you’re after your first iPad for school or want a replacement, here's what look for:

What size iPad is good for school?

iPads range in size from 8.3 inches up to 13 inches. For students looking for a reading tablet that also works great for notetaking on the go, the most pocketable and smallest iPad, the Mini, is the way to go.

The sweet spot between portability and plenty of space to draft documents and consume media is an iPad between 10 to 11 inches. That size range is where you’ll find the true tablet experience, and Apple has three iPads that fit the bill: the iPad, iPad Air, and iPad Pro.

The 13-inch iPad size – available on the Air and Pro models – is ideal for productivity, and the extra screen space will serve students in creative and STEM majors well. Slapping a keyboard on the iPad makes it a viable laptop replacement. However, the larger screen means this tablet is slightly less portable than the others.

How much should you pay for an iPad?

Since it's not the most current generation of the iPad, the 10th generation iPad is the most budget-friendly – if it's in stock. Otherwise, there will often be awesome deals on the newer 11th generation iPad during popular deal times like Prime Day and Black Friday. By going for a lower-cost option, sacrifices to power and screen quality will be made, but students can still easily run many of their favorite apps.

Pricier iPad models like the Pro and Air see an uptick in performance prowess, storage, and features, so your experience running apps and completing tasks will be speedier and more fluid. The iPad Pro is the most expensive iPad model, costing upwards of $2,500 depending on specs. That’s a lot for college students. Therefore, we’d only recommend grabbing the Pro if you truly need the power and graphical abilities. The iPad Air is significantly more affordable than the Pro, and when you add in its lightweight, sleek design, and fast processor, it’s easy to see why it’s our favorite iPad for students.

Apple also often offers education pricing and student discounts, so be sure to see if it’s running any promotions on the iPad model you’d like to purchase. This back-to-school season, Apple is adding a pair of AirPods (or another eligible accessory) with an iPad or computer purchase.

What features do you need for school?

All iPads are versatile machines with useful features for students, but starting with a strong internet connection is key. Each iPad delivers WiFi support for a reliable wireless connection, which should work great around campus. It’s possible to purchase iPad models with cellular support, but we don’t think that's a necessary additional expense for students.

When FaceTiming relatives back home or attending online classes, a great front-facing camera is essential. As for the main lens, students should be less concerned. That extra camera is great when you just need to snap a quick pic for reference later, but smartphones always look better and are far more convenient to handle than the ones on tablets.

Solid-sounding integrated speakers can also come in handy when you’re sick of using your wireless earbuds. The iPad Air and iPad Pro are superior in this regard, though almost no tablet is capable of producing incredible audio for things like movies and music. However, if you want to tune out the world when working from your tablet at the library or on the quad, IGN expert Nick Woodard's review of the Apple AirPods 4 with ANC was overwhelmingly positive, meaning these earbuds are a great alternative to the pricier AirPods Pro 2.

Unfortunately, connectivity options on iPad models are limited. For the most part, you’re just getting a USB-C, some of which have DisplayPort capabilities. At least Bluetooth support is strong on all models for connecting wireless accessories.

Best Student iPad FAQs

Is 64GB enough iPad storage for students?

The amount of storage necessary for students depends on what the iPad is used for. If its primary purpose is to run some apps, take notes, and stream a some videos, you can get by with that 64GB of storage. Luckily, it’s easy and cheap enough to connect the device to a cloud storage service for additional space to save your photos, videos, and documents. The 11th gen iPad that came out earlier this year now comes with 128GB of base storage, which is great upgrade. The only iPad to offer 64GB of storage out of the box is the 10th gen iPad, which is getting harder to come by.

If downloading the best iPad games and top shows is a high priority, upping to 128GB or 256GB is a good idea. However, STEM, graphic design, film, and other creative majors could benefit from saving projects locally and need extra space for bloated software, and should therefore seek 512GB or more storage space. Of course, grabbing a great external USB-C drive is also always a great idea.

What iPad accessories do students need?

The best iPad accessory that a student can arm their tablet with is a case or cover. Chances are good that it’ll be sliding in and out of bags often, so something to keep the chassis and screen protected ensures you don’t brick it. Students could also benefit from a portable charger during busy days shuffling between classes, while the compatible Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil prove useful when taking notes. Beyond that, all the basics, like AirPods and a USB-C charger come in handy.

Samsung tablet vs. iPad for students

Many of the best Android tablets are Samsung-made, and while iPads are great, Samsung is giving Apple a run for its money. iPads tend to provide a more fluid, smooth experience consistently, espeically if you already have an iPhone. For students looking for a creative powerhouse, the Pro can’t be beat. However, pricing is a bit more restrictive and some find iPadOS limiting. Samsung, on the other hand, offers a wide range of Galaxy Tablets at different price points for more flexibility – some of which keep up with the iPad – but performance can still be a mixed bag, depending on the model and specs chosen.

Ultimately, when it comes to students deciding between the two, it’s more a matter of personal preference. If you’re all in on the Apple ecosystem, an iPad is the way to go, and if you’re dedicated to Android devices, Samsung makes more sense.

Danielle Abraham is a freelance writer for IGN based in Los Angeles who spends most of her time updating tech buying guides.

If you're looking for an affordable power bank that will fast charge your brand new Nintendo Switch 2, Steam Deck, or Apple iPhone 16, then check out this new deal that just popped up. Amazon is currently offering the Iniu 10,000mAh Power Bank with up to 45W of Power Delivery and a USB Type-C cable lanyard for just $10.28 after you clip the 45% off coupon on the product page. It will more than double your total Switch 2 playtime and has enough power output for you to play and charge simultaneously. Iniu power banks have solid reviews and are less expensive than Anker models.

Iniu 10,000mAh 45W Power Bank for $10.28

San Diego Comic-Con 2025 was filled to the brim with movies and TV shows we can't wait to watch, but there are a few that we wish we could use time travel to watch right now...

From Peacemaker Season 2 to Alien: Earth to Predator: Badlands to King of the Hill and more, we've picked the eight films and series we can't stop thinking about. We'd love to know what you are most looking forward to and what you loved the most from SDCC, so be sure to let us know below and then check out our roundup of the biggest San Diego Comic-Con trailers!

Peacemaker Season 2

Making peace with yourself is harder than it looks.

Season ✌️ of #Peacemaker premieres August 21 on HBO Max. pic.twitter.com/kMHIU5z3Gt

— HBO Max (@hbomax) July 26, 2025

Peacemaker is returning for its second season on August 21, and we couldn't be more excited to see how John Cena's Chris Smith jumps from the DCEU to the DCU. We caught a small glimpse of that at SDCC, and we also learned that the show takes place one month after the events of Superman.

We loved Peacemaker's first season, giving it a 9/10. We said it was James Gunn's "best work to date" and that, "while its abrasive characters and gory spectacle might turn some viewers off, they run parallel with a deep emotional core and pointed critiques that are powerfully delivered as part of a well-conceived and twisty plot."

Alien: Earth

Alien: Earth is set to be released on August 12 and will see the space vessel Maginot crash-land on Earth with Xenomorph samples on board. We were able to see the first episode of Alien: Earth at SDCC and we learned a ton about the new show that has us even more excited/terrified of what's to come.

From Xenomorphs to Synthetics to Hybrids to Facehuggers jumping out of eggs, this prequel looks to be packed with everything we love about this franchise, and we don't have to wait long to see how it all plays out.

Predator: Badlands

Predator: Badlands follows the tale of a young Predator outcast named Dek and a Synthetic name Thia who forge an aliance to survive on a dangerous and remote planet. At SDCC, we learned this whole Predator carrying an Android idea was inspired by Chebacca carrying C-3PO in The Empire Strikes Back, and we just think that's awesome.

That's not all, as we also learned that this film also takes inspiration from Shadow of the Colossus, Half-Life 2, Uncharted, and God of War, and these bits of news gives us more and more hope this will be a worthy entry in the long-running franchise.

IT: Welcome to Derry

You’ll love Derry so much, you’ll never leave.#ITWelcomeToDerry premieres October 2025 on HBO Max. pic.twitter.com/ptRIpC2Emg

— HBO Max (@hbomax) July 27, 2025

IT: Welcome to Derry is a prequel that looks just as terrifying as the original. At SDCC, we saw more of this series with some footage that explores the origins of how the entity known as IT came to take on the form of Pennywise the Clown. Future seasons may go further back in time to show more of this twisted universe created by Stephen King.

As for the footage, it was set in 1962 and shows a boy getting in trouble at a movie theater. What follows is a bit disturbing so we'll let you read more here, but suffice to say, we see more nightmares headed our way from Welcome to Derry when it arrives in October 2025.

Project Hail Mary

Project Hail Mary was one of the most anticipated movies at SDCC and what we saw there has us even more excited for the film, which is based on the beloved book by The Martian author Andy Weir. We saw several scenes featuring Ryan Gosling's Ryland Grace, who is a teacher that was recruited for a mission to space to save Earth from a danger caused by a strange cosmic event.

We also got our first look at Rocky the alien, and the fans in Project Hail Mary's panel were very excited about this. We have to wait a little for Project Hail Mary as it won't arrive until March 20 of next year, but all the signs are pointing to this movie shaping up to be something special.

Gen V Season 2

Gen V is returning for its sophmore season on September 7 and it will be bringing some fan-favorite characters from The Boys with it, including Starlight, Black Noir, and The Deep. We also learned of the surprising casting of Ethan Slater as Thomas Godolkin and saw a trailer that teases how our characters are reacting to the big changes that happened in the last season of The Boys.

We here at IGN are excited for more episodes of this spin-off of The Boys as, in our 8/10 review of Gen V Season 1, we said, "Prime Video hit the jackpot with Gen V, a spinoff that asserts its dominant presence as both a standalone series and in-universe continuation."

King of the Hill

A new season of King of the Hill is headed our way on August 4 and we learned a lot about these new episodes at SDCC -- and even got to see the second one. The episode was titled "The Beer Story" and see Hank retired and starting to brew beer at home. We also got to see how much Arlen has changed (and how it hasn't) in 15 years, and this is all making that wait for early August even harder.

For more, you can check out our chat with the creators on how the revival will feature more cursing but propane is "still the main character" and how cultural authenticity drove a recasting decision. Also, watch the series' voice cast deliver iconic movie quotes as their characters and see how Hank would react to Fortnite, Lady Gaga, and Ozempic.

God of War TV Show

God of War is one of our favorite gaming franchises here at IGN and we got to talk to Ronald D. Moore, the executive producer and showrunner on the Prime Video adaptation, who assured fans that "the tone of the show is trying to emulate the tone of the game."

You can read our entire chat by clicking on the link above, but a lot of care is being put into giving both Kratos and Atreus their time to shine, and it appears their relationship as father and son will remain core to this series. Moore at the helm is also great because his history with series like Star Trek: The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine alongside Battlestar Galactica gives us all the confidence in the world that this project is in good hands.

What at SDCC got you most excited? Let's discuss in the comments!

It's no secret that while Nintendo Switch 2 has some excellent games already available, many of these are quite expensive. While the console just launched in early June, Woot has an ongoing sale where you can save a few dollars off some of the biggest Switch 2 games out now. This includes Mario Kart World and the Nintendo Switch 2 Editions of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

Save on Mario Kart World and Zelda Switch 2 Editions

First, Mario Kart World is on sale for $71.99. As the first new Mario Kart experience in over a decade, World has a ton of new courses and mechanics to discover. For the first time ever, Mario Kart enters an open world, with each track interconnected on one landmass. The trick system has seen a massive overhaul, with support for wall riding, and the new Knockout Tour mode is an excellent battle royale-style way to play Mario Kart.

Moreover, the Switch 2 Editions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom are both on sale, and these games are simply masterpieces. The Nintendo Switch 2 Editions only improve on that, offering enhanced resolutions and framerates that elevate the experience. You can even use the new Zelda Notes functionality through the Nintendo Switch app to hear voice recordings and tips to assist you on your journey through Hyrule.

The creators of Avatar: The Last Airbender, Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, confirmed a major piece of casting news for the upcoming The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender movie in an interview with IGN at San Diego Comic-Con 2025.

Paramount Pictures had confirmed Steven Yeun, of The Walking Dead and Invincible fame, for the Aang movie in March, but we didn’t know which character he was set to play.

Speaking to IGN’s Kim Horcher at Comic-Con, Konietzko and DiMartino revealed that Yeun plays Zuko. That will come as a surprise to some fans who had assumed Yeun would reprise his role as Wan, the first Avatar. (Yeun voiced Wan in three episodes of The Legend of Korra.)

Zuko is the Crown Prince of the Fire Nation who is searching for Avatar Aang. "Steven Yeun was Avatar Wan," Konietzko said. "He played the first Avatar in The Legend of Korra. We loved working with him and we're excited to have him back in the universe."

The natural follow-up question is whether Yeun will also be playing Avatar Wan, but neither Konietzko nor DiMartino would budge on that one.

Yeun joins previously announced cast members Dave Bautista (a so-far unannounced villain), Eric Nam (Aang), Dionne Quan (Toph), Jessica Matten (Katara), and Román Zaragoza (Sokka).

The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender, due out October 9, 2026, is said to focus on the original Avatar protagonist in a story that takes place many years after the series came to an end. It’s the first of three movies planned to take place in that universe.

It’s a busy time in the world of Avatar. Also at Comic-Con, DiMartino and Konietzko revealed the first image from Avatar: Seven Havens, a 26-episode, 2D animated series following a young Earthbender who is the next Avatar following Avatar Korra.

Photo by Christoph Soeder/picture alliance via Getty Images.

Wesley is Director, News at IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.

Whether it’s the difficulty of gathering your game group together consistently, you prefer playing solo, or you're just looking for new players to test your strategies against, physical board games and tabletop experiences may not be enough. Luckily, some fantastic games have been adapted into digital formats that allow for gaming wherever your gaming group may be and for tense matches whenever you want. It really is an exciting time to be a fan of tabletop games.

This guide will point you in the direction of digital adaptations that will scratch that itch you have to play some board games, but also serve as learning resources to introduce new titles into your game night rotation.

Featured in this article

Just a note: This list won’t include digital adaptations for TCGs such as Magic: The Gathering or Virtual Tabletop platforms for TTRPGs; it focuses solely on board games.

Root

Dune: Imperium

Spirit Island

Machi Koro with Everyone

Scythe: Digital Edition

Gloomhaven

Dominion

Werewolf / Mafia

Wingspan

Board Game Arena

As part of its Back to School Sale event, Amazon is offering the new 2024 Apple MacBook Pro 14.2" M4 laptop for just $1,299 after $300 off instant savings. This is a better deal than buying from the Apple Education Store, which is currently offering the same laptop for $1,499 along with a pair AirPods. Amazon is an authorized Apple reseller, which means you get a 1 year Apple warranty that is extendable with AppleCare. The 2024 MacBook Pro is equipped with the latest M4 chip and a healthy dose of memory and storage to power through all of your back to school needs.

MacBook Pro 14.2" M4 (16GB/512GB) for $1299

Sony is suing Tencent, alleging its upcoming game Light of Motiram is "a slavish clone of SIE's...Horizon series of video games."

The complaint, which was filed in a California court last week, alleges that Tencent's upcoming adventure game Light of Motiram is illegally similar to Horizon: Forbidden West and Horizon: Zero Dawn in everything from creature design to protagonist to marketing materials. The complaint outlines numerous similarities, comparing various marketing screenshots from both games as well as the game descriptions.

Like Horizon, Light of Motiram takes place in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by giant robot dinosaurs who roam large, natural environments such as tropical forests, deserts, and snowy mountains. Humans, just like in Horizon, live in tribal groups and must fight the machine animals, who also largely line up with those in Horizon, to survive. Both games even feature red-haired women protagonists that wear very similar outfits and styles, and Motiram even has its lead sporting a device awfully similar to Aloy's "Focus" earpiece.

After eight years of Nintendo’s console-handheld hybrid, its successor, the Nintendo Switch 2, is finally in our hands and it's already become the all-time fastest-selling piece of gaming hardware in the U.S. While it’s a brand-new system, there are some old accessories that still work with the platform. But because of its bigger screen and the new magnetic Joy-Con, that old Switch case isn’t going to fit. You’ll need a handful of new accessories to get the most out of your next-gen Switch. From finding the best grips for your Joy-Con 2 to the easiest bubble-free screen protectors to guard that shiny new display, we have you covered in this Switch 2 accessories guide.

I’ve researched the best Switch 2 accessories you can buy right now based on direct hands-on experience with new gear and knowledge about some of our favorite Switch 1 accessory manufacturers. Of course, we’re still in the early days, and plenty of companies are still shipping their products to retailers as I’m writing this. Some haven’t even made them available for preorder yet, so I’ll continue to update this list over time with my favorite new accessories as I go hands-on with them over the next few months.

Best MicroSD Express Cards for Switch 2 So Far

Bigger games with great graphical detail meant the Switch 2 needed a faster storage solution for your downloaded games. That means your old SD cards from the Switch 1 will not work here. You need to get a MicroSD Express card for the Switch 2, which is faster (and more expensive) than the basic model. We'll be updating our guide to the best MicroSD Express cards for Nintendo Switch 2 as we do more testing now that the console is out.

Best Switch 2 Cases So Far

The Switch 2 may be portable, but it’s not invincible. If you’re gearing up to take the 10/10 Donkey Kong Bananza, Mario Kart World, or Cyberpunk 2077 on the road, you’ll need to protect your console with a sturdy, reliable case. Again, your original Switch case is not going to fit your Switch 2, so you will need to purchase a new one. In addition to materials, construction, and form, I specifically made sure to look for extra features like comfort grips, game cartridge storage, bundles, and tested brands when making my suggestions. Of course, whether you want to go with a slim soft case like the one from Tomtoc that we reviewed and loved or a bulkier hard case like CoBak's, you have options for your preferences.

Best Switch 2 Screen Protectors So Far

Even though the Switch 2 has a built-in layer that acts as screen protector – don't peel that off – a good screen protector is non-negotiable for handheld devices. Since the launch of the original Switch, tons of companies have stepped up their game, offering new applicators, matte finishes, and kits to make sure your protector doesn’t trap dust or air bubbles when you apply it. Some are also built to take hits like a tank (though we’d never suggest testing this out yourself).

I use some of these brands to protect other devices I own, like my Steam Deck and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra smartphone, and many of the same design principles are applied across different designs, including the Switch 2. Most of these also come with extra units in case your first protector gets damaged.

Best Gaming Headsets for Switch 2

The Switch 2 still has a standard audio jack, yet it’s the small but major secondary USB-C port that makes wireless gaming headsets even more useful. A majority of the best gaming headsets are compatible, and since Bluetooth isn’t the best idea for gaming (as was evident on the original Switch), I recommend checking out our picks for headsets that go particularly well with the Switch 2 rather than just using the earbuds you’re probably wearing right now.

Best Switch 2 Controllers

Unless you want to stick with the packaged Joy-Con 2, you’re going to want the new Pro Controller that we reviewed, or one of the gamepads made in its image. Especially if you’re playing more sophisticated games that demand precise controls or need something more comfortable for long sessions, a proper controller will probably be the most beneficial accessory for your Switch 2.

While you could certainly use an original Pro Controller or whatever your previous gamepad of choice was, the Switch 2 brings new features to the table – notably, a 3.5mm audio jack that allows you to use a wired headset for audio and chatting in-game without being tethered to your console. You may be interested in Switch 2’s GameChat feature, and you can seamlessly go into a video and/or voice chat room with friends with the new C button. Not every new controller has it, but licensed manufacturers like PowerA do include it. Lastly, the built-in programmable back buttons on the official Pro Controller can be a game-changer, letting you map normal inputs to them, and that can improve performance or comfort across many different types of games.

If you’re just looking for a solid Pro-style controller, our favorite original Switch controllers will serve you well. Something like the Gulikit KK3 Max has programmable back buttons, Hall Effect sticks, high polling rate for smoother inputs, and is versatile enough to use on PC without trouble. Either way, you have plenty of great options.

Best Switch 2 Handheld Grips So Far

Although it promises some ergonomic enhancements from the original Switch, the Switch 2 still won’t have fully formed grips on the new Joy-Con – the likes of the Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally X still have an ergonomic advantage that can help make long handheld play sessions more comfortable. But you already have ways of improving the ergonomics of the Switch 2 with a handful of attachments available now. The grips above are the best we could find for playing in handheld mode from reliable manufacturers.

Best Switch 2 Joy-Con Grip / Handles So Far

Even though the Switch 2 ships with a central grip to attach both Joy-Con to use like a singular controller, they’re not perfect. Especially for intense games like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, there are more comfortable ways to play using the Joy-Con. Some companies are even starting to offer stands to help prop up your Joy-Con in the new Mouse Mode as well, which comes in handy for navigating menus and playing games like Civilization VII. Getting a proper connecting grip can be a more cost-effective solution compared to buying an entirely new gamepad, so long as you’re happy with the inputs of the Joy-Con. And many of these options will also charge your Joy-Con while they’re in use, which is a neat little cherry on top.

Best Switch 2 Joy-Con Charge Stations So Far

Nintendo has stated that the Switch 2 Joy-Con could last as long as 20 hours on a full charge, which is the same amount of time as the original Joy-Con. When looking at wireless controllers nowadays, 20 hours is fairly decent, although they still go by pretty quickly compared to other wireless controller options. It’s intuitive to just reattach your Joy-Con when they’re not in use to keep them charged, but if you plan on having multiple sets ready to go at all times, it’ll be a good idea to have a charging station on-hand. For those who often host multiplayer get-togethers, a Joy-Con charging station will make your life easier. I made sure to include models that feature as many ports as possible so you never run out of charged controllers.

Best Switch 2 Portable Chargers

The original Switch’s battery life remains one of its weak spots depending on the game you’re playing (some drain more power than others), even after a mid-gen refresh that brought some welcome improvements. It’ll remain something you have to manage by nature of using a portable gaming device especially if you’re taking the Switch 2 on long flights, trips, or car rides. That max battery life of 6.5 hours won’t always hold up and looking for an outlet is less than ideal when charge times can be quite longer than something like a smartphone.

Being able to charge in-between sessions untethered comes in clutch more often than you may expect, so having an extra battery pack to get some extra juice can be a total game-changer. I personally love Anker’s line with built-in USB-C cables, but Magsafe options like Genki’s Energy Pack are also really enticing. Either way, make sure you check the capacity and wattage of a portable charger before purchasing one you plan to use with your Switch 2 – some might simply be overkill for what you need.

Other Switch 2 Accessories Worth Considering

It feels like every new Nintendo console comes with a mountain of weird accessories. From Wii Sports-style tennis rackets to fishing rods, there’s a lot of extra and niche add-ons mixed in with the core accessories that are typically more practical. That’s not to say there aren’t some cool ideas that stretch the imagination of gaming on the Switch. Hori’s Piranha Plant camera is a fun example – while it costs $5 more than the first-party camera we reviewed, it’s a fun alternative that’s can double-up as some themed decor. (Though don't expect it to work miracles: The camera has a pretty dismal 480p resolution.) While it’s not an ideal way to play everything, the steering wheel attachment can be a fun and more accessible way for younger kids to play Mario Kart World. These accessories don’t fall into the conventional categories like controllers and cases, but they’re worth considering regardless. I’ve also thrown in a couple of "starter kits" that make for decent one-and-done purchases that include most of what you’ll want on day one.

Charlie's a freelance contributor for IGN. You can reach them via Twitter or Instagram at the handle @chas_mke.

Microsoft has begun asking Xbox users in the UK to verify their age in order to continue accessing the platform's full range of social features.

The move is in response to the UK's sweeping Online Safety Act, though Microsoft has said it anticipates making similar changes in other countries in future.

Currently, the age verification requests are limited to accounts already flagged as belonging to owners aged 18 and over within the UK — and for now, the process is optional. But this will change in "early 2016", Microsoft says, when accounts that have not been verified will lose access to Looking for Group functions and custom clubs, and be limited to voice and text communication, party functionality and game invites, plus "user-generated content" (including the Activity Feed) just amongst Xbox friends. Integration with Discord will be disabled, as will the ability to broadcast to Twitch.

"Age verification is a new feature being introduced for players logging into an Xbox experience with Microsoft accounts based in the UK," the company wrote in a just-published Q&A. "It helps ensure that we can continue to provide players on our platform with age-appropriate experiences and keep the Xbox community safe.

"If you have an existing account or are setting up a new one, you may be asked to verify your age using Yoti, a trusted and secure third-party identity verification service."

Yoti is one of the common age verification services now being used by companies operating within the UK to ensure users accessing social features or adult content are old enough to do so. The past week has seen a swathe of platforms suddenly requiring their users to now verify their age — from bespoke adult websites, to social media platforms such as reddit and Bluesky.

According to Xbox's Q&A, users will need to either provide a live photo, a mobile number to check your age via your phone network, a credit card, or a photo of a government-issued ID — including a passport, driving licence or national ID card.

"Whether a player verifies their age will not affect any previous purchases, entitlements, gameplay history, achievements, or the ability to play and purchase games," Xbox vice president of gaming trust and safety Kim Kunes said, "however we encourage players to verify their age via this one-time process now to avoid uninterrupted use of social features on Xbox in the future.

"As this age verification process rolls out across the UK, we’ll continue to evaluate how we can keep players around the world safe and learn from the UK process," Kunes continued. "We expect to roll out age verification processes to more regions in the future."

While Xbox is the first of the major console platform holders to discuss its plans to comply with the UK's Online Safety Act, it seems only a matter of time before PlayStation, Nintendo and other gaming companies publish similar requirements.

Tom Phillips is IGN's News Editor. You can reach Tom at tom_phillips@ign.com or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social

If some new rumors turn out to be accurate, the inevitable iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max may be getting some substantial camera upgrades.

According to a rumor from MacRumors, which claims to have obtained the information from a source familiar with an upcoming iPhone ad, the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will sport a telephoto lens with an 8x optical zoom. The rumor also states Apple's newest family of phones will feature a camera control button on the "top edge" of the devices and an all-new pro camera app.

An 8x optical zoom would mark a fairly significant upgrade over the 5x optical zoom on the iPhone 16 Pro models. While Apple hasn't confirmed anything yet, it would make sense to see some major upgrades, considering that leaks suggest the iPhone 17's camera array will also receive a full redesign.

The rumor of an additional camera control button sounds a little less likely, as Apple added a customizable Action button to 2023's iPhone 15 Pro, then a camera control button on the right side of the iPhone 16 lineup last year. It would seem a bit premature to add yet another button to the device. Stranger things have happened, though.

Not much was shared about the new camera app, so it's not certain whether the app would be exclusive to Pro models or available to all iPhone 17 users. MacRumors' source claims that Apple could simply be bringing a major update to its existing Final Cut Camera app instead.

A few months ago, Front Page Tech's Jon Prosser also stated that the iPhone 17 Pro models will allow video to be recorded from the front and back cameras at the same time, which would be quite a cool feature for enthusiasts and content creators. If all of these rumored upgrades turn out to be true, iPhone users could be looking at some great reasons to upgrade later this year.

Of course, these rumors come from an unverified source with no history of leaks, so take them with a grain of salt for now. We'll certainly learn everything we need to know about the iPhone 17 family when Apple unveils its new devices, which will presumably happen in September.

Robin Williams' Mrs Doubtfire co-star has suggested the late actor's voice should be revived using AI.

Matthew Lawrence, who played Williams' young son in the film, has said he'd "love" to see the legendary voice behind Aladdin's Genie brought back via artifical intelligence.

The star of countless films including Jumanji, Patch Adams and Night at the Museum, Williams died by suicide in 2014, aged just 63, after receiving a Parkinson's diagnosis.

"I would love — now, obviously, with the respect and with the OK from his family — but I would love to do something really special with his voice," Lawrence told Deadline during an interview at San Diego Comic-Con, "because I know for a generation, that voice is just so iconic.

"It's not just the fact that I knew him and worked with him and so it's in my head — it's in everybody's head," Lawrence continued. "And it would be so cool."

While a handful of actors have given permission for their voice to be reproduced using AI, the practice remains highly controversial. Protection from the encroaching use of AI was a key trigger for the recent video game voice actor's strike, and numerous stars have voiced concern over the fact their vocal likenesses have been used without their permission.

Considering what it offers, Disney Plus is one of the best streaming services on the block. From classic Disney animated films to the latest Marvel shows and Star Wars movies, excellent kids' programming like Bluey, and so much more, Disney Plus puts an incredible range of high-quality viewing options at your fingertips. And with so much to check out - including Marvel's latest series Ironheart - you'll want to find a plan that best suits you. We're here to help.

At the moment, one of the best Disney Plus bundle deals available is the massive Disney Plus, Hulu, and HBO Max streaming bundle. This starts at $16.99/month to get you all three streaming services with ads. It's one of the best bundles available at the moment, but we've included more Disney Plus bundle deals worth exploring below. If you're looking for more streaming deals from other services, check out the best Hulu deals and bundles and the best HBO Max deals.

How to Get the Disney Plus, Hulu, and HBO Max Streaming Bundle

The Disney Plus, Hulu, and HBO Max streaming bundle can be purchased through any of the three streaming services and starts at $16.99/month for the ad-supported tier or $29.99/month for ad-free access across the three platforms.

If you currently own all three and want to cut down on costs, this is a great way to bundle them together and save big on what you'd pay for them separately per month – 43% on the ad-supported plan and 42% on the ad-free plan.

What Is the Paid Sharing Plan on Disney Plus?

In an effort to crack down on password sharing, Disney has added a paid sharing plan for individuals outside of your household. Basically, anyone using your account that's not within your household will have to be added as an "Extra Member" to your account. This costs an additional $6.99/month for the ad-supported Basic subscription and $9.99/month for the Premium ad-free plan, and only one Extra Member slot is available per account. You can learn more from Disney's paid sharing explainer here.

What Are the Different Disney+ Subscription Tiers?

Disney+ is available in a couple of different tiers. You can get the least expensive option (called Disney+ Basic) for $9.99/month, which gives you access to everything except the ability to download select shows to watch on the go. This tier is ad supported. If you want to get rid of ads and be able to download certain shows, you can spring for the $15.99/month or $159.99/year Disney+ Premium package.

What Are the Different Disney+ Bundles?

Want a way to save on your Disney+ membership? Bundles are a great, affordable way to go. As far as bundles go, there are two ad-supported bundles and two ad-free bundles. Here's the breakdown:

• Disney+, Hulu Bundle Basic is $10.99/month and comes with subscriptions to Disney+ and Hulu. This plan lets you stream on multiple devices at once and comes with ad-supported versions of both services.
• Disney+, Hulu Bundle Premium is $19.99/month and comes with Hulu and Disney+ with no ads. It also includes Disney+ Premium features like the ability to download shows to watch on the go.
• Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ Bundle Basic adds ESPN+ (With Ads) to the mix alongside Disney+ (With Ads) and Hulu (With Ads), bumping up the price to $16.99/month. You can also download and watch select content on ESPN+ at this level.
• Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ Bundle Premium is $26.99/month and comes with ESPN+ (With Ads) and ad-free versions of Disney+ and Hulu. You can also download select content across all three streaming services.

Disney+ Gift Cards

If you want to help someone out and give them a gift that will keep on giving, gifting a one-year Disney+ card is a great way to go. It provides all the great things Disney+ offers and it costs a fraction of what it would take to buy even a small sampling of those movies physically.

What Can You Watch on Disney+?

There is a bonkers array of shows and movies you can watch on Disney+. Let's start at the top and simply talk about the verticals on offer here with the base subscription.

Here's what you get:

• Disney
• Pixar
• Marvel
• Star Wars
• National Geographic

Disney on Disney+

On the Disney front, you have awesome classic movies like The Sword In The Stone, Robin Hood, 101 Dalmations, Hercules, and Sleeping Beauty, modern classics like The Princess & The Frog, Tangled, and Frozen, and a wide range of animated shows, including Phineas & Ferb.

You also gain access to a ton of vintage content like Escape to Witch Mountain, The Apple Dumpling Gang, Bedknobs and Broomsticks, The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes, The Love Bug, and a whole lot more. The Disney Junior section is home to absolutely top tier animated shows like Bluey (which, for my money, is worth the price of admission on its own).

There's way more on offer, too, including a ton of Muppet movies, new live-action films and adaptions (including the new Snow White), nature programs, documentaries, Pirates of the Caribbean, and musical programs featuring Taylor Swift (like her wildly popular The Eras Tour), Elton John, Ed Sheeran, and more.

Pixar on Disney+

When it comes to computer generated films, Pixar stands alone. Kicking off the revolution with Toy Story, Pixar has consistently put out fantastic films, and they are all here. From the Toy Story series to Finding Nemo, Cars, and more recent hits like Inside Out 2, there is a ton to love.

Beyond even that, there are incredible shorts like Bao and Party Central, as well as a wide range of originals and series based on major films, such as Dory's Reef Cam, Forky Asks A Question, Cars On The Road, and more.

Marvel on Disney+

The MCU has become a true juggernaut, and there are many viewers who subscribe to Disney+ purely for access to nearly the entire MCU lineup of films and shows.

Whether you are a fan of the blockbuster action films, you are an appreciator of the classic 90s runs of "Saturday morning" cartoons like X-Men, or you are currently vibing to the funky theme of the 1981 Spider-Man series, there is a ton of Marvel to enjoy on Disney+. And with new movies and shows being added to the MCU all the time, including most recently Deadpool & Wolverine and Captain America: Brave New World, there is always more coming.

Star Wars on Disney+

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, there was a film that changed everything. The original Star Wars is a seminal sci-fi fantasy work that inspired generations of creators, but there is still nothing quite like that far away galaxy. Disney+ grants access to all things Star Wars, including the remastered versions of the original trilogy (hopefully some day they'll add the theatrical cuts, too), as well as the prequels and sequels.

You can also stay up-to-date on all the latest shows, including The Mandalorian and the critically-lauded Andor, which recently wrapped up its second and final season. There are also fantastic short series like Star Wars Visions, and longer-form series like The Clone Wars, The Bad Batch, Young Jedi Adventures, and a whole lot more.

Take a look at our list of Disney+ alernatives for additional streaming services. To play while you watch, see our roundup of the best LEGO Disney sets. For more deals, dive into our Daily Deals page.

Hannah Hoolihan is a freelance writer who works with the Guides and Commerce teams here at IGN.
Original story from Brian Barnett.

Alienware's new mainstream gaming laptop for 2025 is dubbed the "Alienware Aurora" and comes in two 16" models: the 16 and 16X. The 16X is the superior of the two and is on sale right now during the Dell Back to School Sale. Dell is currently offering the Alienware Aurora 16X gaming laptop equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX CPU and GeForce RTX 5070 mobile GPU for $1,799.99 after a $300 instant discount. That's the lowest price I've seen so far for the Aurora 16X laptop and RTX 5070 GPU combo (the previous low being $1900 during Alienware's Black Friday in July Sale).

Alienware Aurora 16X RTX 5070 Gaming Laptop for $1,799.99