The Alienware 16 Area 51 may just be the most unique gaming laptop I’ve reviewed this year. Its sci-fi-inspired styling immediately makes it stand out from the pack, but its great gaming performance and surprisingly heavy weight – nearly ten pounds with the power adapter included – make this more of a desktop replacement thana typical 16-inch gaming laptop. Its size and weight return with better cooling, high in-game FPS, and a luxurious user experience.
The Alienware 16 Area 51 embodies so much of what makes a great gaming laptop, it’s hard not to fall in love – with a couple exceptions. But if you can live with a few trade-offs, what you’re left with is a portable gaming rig that looks, feels, and plays every bit of its $3,000 price point.
Dell Alienware 16 Area 51 – Design and Features
Alienware’s designs aren’t always winners, but no one could accuse the brand of playing it safe. I’ve come to expect a healthy dose of science fiction from Alienware products after years of Alien-inspired designs. The last few years in the gaming laptop space have seen the brand strike a middle ground between uniqueness and general good looks, and the Area 51 is one of the best examples.
It’s available in a single colorway, a deep teal which makes up most of its lid. It’s not a common color for gaming laptops but looks beautiful in contrast to the black used throughout the rest of the case. It’s not a machine that will pass for a business laptop any time soon, unless business laptops start shipping with glowing alien heads on the lid and full RGB keyboard decks, but it’s not garish enough to be distracting if you turn off the lighting.
There are two less-common display upgrade options to choose from, and I recommend taking advantage of both. When you customize your own system, you can choose between a 4K and 1080p webcam and, surprisingly, there’s no price difference between them (though, presumably, the 4K camera will have a small impact on battery life, but I wasn’t able to test this to confirm). You can also choose between a standard or fully mechanical gaming keyboard with Cherry Ultra-Low Profile switches for an additional $50.
I was surprised to find that Dell didn’t outfit the system with an OLED display like the Razer Blade 16 and other close competitors around its price. Instead, it uses a 16-inch WQXGA IPS display with a 16:10 aspect ratio. Though it can’t deliver anywhere near the same black levels as an OLED, it looks very good and delivers a crisp picture thanks to its 2,560 x 1,600 resolution and esports-ready 240Hz refresh rate. It also doesn’t carry the same risk of burn-in or reduced performance over time and still offers great colors and 500-nits of peak brightness for use during the day.
The system is a chunker, though. On its own, it weighs in at 7.49 pounds and is 1.1 inches thick at its tallest point. If you actually plan on gaming and want the best performance, you’ll also need to lug around the bulky power brick, which adds another couple of pounds. Frankly, it’s not the kind of system I personally want to carry around every day. You feel every bit of its weight, even without the brick, which makes this system feel much more like a desktop replacement rather than something you’d actually carry with you throughout the day. But you can, so for the intermittent gaming marathon at a friend's house or the campus library, it could still be a compelling option.
It comes with a generous port selection, so connecting peripherals or a docking station won’t be an issue. And I have to commend Alienware for making good use of its added thickness by putting most of that I/O around the back where it won’t get in the way of a mouse. There are three USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, two Type-C Thunderbolt ports (version four for the RTX 5060 and RTX 5070 and Thunderbolt 5 for everything higher), and a full-size HDMI 2.1 video-out for connecting a monitor. Thunderbolt 5 is a major upgrade here, offering up to 80 Gbps of bi-directional bandwidth to support the highest resolution external monitors. The power brick also connects around the rear and uses a straight plug that doesn’t get in the way of other cables. The only other ports are on the left side. There, you’ll find an SD card reader and an audio combo jack.
The system also makes good use of its size for cooling. There are plenty of vents to bring cool air in and exhaust it out the back, away from your hands. The keyboard gets warm when gaming but doesn’t get hot or uncomfortable to use. The vent right above it does, but it’s away from your fingers. I recorded a peak temperature of 86°C after benchmarking for a good hour, which is well away from the range of thermal throttling. The system also didn’t get excessively loud, though like other high-performance gaming laptops, its fans are loud enough to warrant headphones if white noise bothers you – or you could just crank up the speakers.
The sound quality on the built-in speakers is surprisingly full-bodied compared to what you would usually expect from a gaming laptop. It uses dual two-watt speakers for bass, complete with their own amplifier that’s separate from its pair of two-watt tweeters. This isn’t common in gaming laptops, or even full-size gaming PCs, and allows the system to sound louder and more full as a result. Watching Netflix or listening to music with the included speakers is a no-brainer. For gaming, I would still opt for a gaming headset due to the loud fans.
My sample was sent with the Cherry mechanical keyboard, and it is 100-percent worth the cost to upgrade. Though it’s a little louder than a membrane keyboard, Cherry’s ultra low profile switches are sublime to type on with great tactility and the classic precision feel iconic to mechanical keyboards. They’re also per-key backlit and fully programmable, so you can change colors and assign macros to your heart’s content.
The trackpad also stands out by not being oversized like most other gaming laptops. It measures 4.5 by 2.5 inches, which I prefer to the massive trackpads on most gaming laptops. It may not offer as much real estate for gaming, but it stays out of the way for typing and, let’s be real, who uses a trackpad for serious gaming anyway? Like the keyboard, it’s also backlit and able to deliver a convincing RGB wave of its own.
The 4K webcam on my sample was also excellent. It handled challenging lighting well and its sharper quality was immediately noticeable. But since most teleconferencing apps still limit you to 1080p, whether it’s a real benefit over the FHD version will depend on how you plan to use it. There’s no privacy shutter, which is a bummer, but it does support Windows Hello and worked reliably for me throughout my testing.
There’s another interesting feature around the bottom of the system. Like the Razer Blade 18, Dell has added a window into the bottom panel giving you a peek into its internals. The pane is made of Gorilla Glass for durability and scratch resistance, and is surrounded by a protective lip, but I could still see this getting microscratches over time.
Dell Alienware 16 Area 51 – Software
The Alienware 16 comes with the Alienware Command Center for system configuration. It’s a very polished suite that’s designed to be easy to use, so newcomers don’t need to worry about being overwhelmed. At the same time, it offers more depth for advanced users that may want to try their hand at overclocking.
Opening it up for the first time, you’re given a brief introduction to its different capabilities and then dropped into the Command Center home page. This page provides you with a quick overview of system diagnostics like CPU and GPU utilization and temperature data. The same panel allows you to change your current performance mode, launch games, and, by clicking on the graphic of the laptop, customize the lighting of the keyboard, trackpad, and logo on the lid.
If you click into the Performance tab, you’ll be treated to a much larger view of the diagnostics from the home page. Along the top are six different modes: ExpressCharge for quicker charging, Quiet, Balanced, Performance, Overdrive, and Custom. Clicking a tooltip to the right shows details for each mode in both a star ranking and in text, so you know exactly how each balances performance, temperatures, and battery life.
The game launcher is a nice addition, but I personally never use systems like this. It essentially doubles up on Steam and other launchers. I could see launching a game from here if you had it open anyway, but otherwise, it just adds another piece of software running in the background.
Dell Alienware 16 Area 51 – Performance
The Alienware 16 Area 51 has a lot going for it in the design department, but that doesn’t amount to much if the laptop doesn’t hold its own when it comes to gaming. The system definitely does, and I suspect it has to do with its cooling system, but there’s more to the story than pure numbers.
Before getting into facts and figures, a quick reminder about our testing procedure at IGN. Every system we test is put through a series of synthetic and in-game benchmarks, all with the same settings and matching conditions, so we can provide the best comparisons possible. While the synthetic benchmarks we use are all standardized, in-game benchmarks offer many more options. To keep things consistent, we set all of our games to high or max settings and demonstrate the performance with different levels of upscaling and frame generation. Our settings are disclosed in the charts.
For this review, I’m presenting the Alienware 16 in comparison to the Gigabyte Aorus Master 16, which uses the same processor and graphics card. I’ve also included the Razer Blade 16, which utilizes the AMD Ryzen 9 AI HX 370 CPU and the higher performance RTX 5090, but in a thinner and more portable design.
The Alienware 16 Area 51 I reviewed is a high-performance configuration with a steep $3,000 price point to match, but you don’t need to spend that much if you’re willing to scale back on some of the components. Dropping to an Intel Core Ultra 5 255 HX and an RTX 5060 graphics card drops the price all the way to $1,849 when ordered direct from Dell.
To its credit, the company provides plenty of configuration options to help you dial in the system for your needs. In addition to the two processor options, you can choose any Nvidia laptop GPU up to the RTX 5090, and choosing anything from the RTX 5070 Ti up also nets you the higher performance CPU. It can be configured with up to 64GB of memory and 12TB of NVMe storage, both of which are user upgradeable.
Beginning with synthetics, the Alienware 16 comes out swinging, eking out higher scores across the board compared to the Aorus Master 16. Every score is close, as you would expect from a system with the same core components, but the consistently higher performance definitely points to a better implementation from Dell. The Blade 16 bests both in 3DMark’s Speed Way and Steel Nomad benchmarks thanks to its higher-performance RTX 5090. The results of the Procyon Office Productivity benchmark highlight the advantage the Intel Core Ultra 9 275 HX offers over the AMD Ryzen 9 AI HX 370.
The Alienware’s performance advantage remains consistent when we move to in-game benchmarks. Performance remains expectedly close between it and the Aorus Master 16, but it still pulls the same or slightly better performance across everything but Assassin’s Creed Shadows with frame generation disabled. The difference is small enough to not be noticeable and potentially a result of a process spinning up in the background.
At the laptop’s native 1600p resolution, the trend continues. With the exception of Assassin’s Creed, the Alienware 16 pulls a consistent, if small, lead over the Aorus and both of them match or beat the Razer Blade 16 more often than you might expect.
The Alienware 16’s cooling system may be the cause, as the Aorus Master reached a peak of 93 degrees Celsius in my testing. It could also be how Dell has configured power delivery for the laptop. Either way, it offers impressive performance even in demanding games.
When it comes to use as a daily driver, it’s mostly excellent. The keyboard is the best I’ve ever used on a gaming laptop, even topping the MSI Titan 18 HX AI which also has a Cherry ULP mechanical keyboard. The trackpad has also been one of my favorites. I prefer a smaller trackpad in general, but the accuracy and reliability it offered were fantastic. This is one of the only laptops I’ve tested where I didn’t misclick or activate it by accident even once, despite cranking out thousands of words in the time I’ve had it.
The biggest issue facing it is how heavy it is and just how much it needs its power brick. Gaming performance takes a big hit the minute it’s unplugged and battery life plummets. This goes with the territory for gaming laptops, of course, but most others with this size display aren’t tipping the scales as heavily as the Alienware 16. The Aorus Master 16, for comparison, is almost two pounds lighter while offering similar performance and a nicer OLED screen. Battery life tanks when it’s unplugged too, of course, but at least it’s easier to carry with the power brick.
For pure productivity, it works well and you’ll be able to get a few hours out of it for mixed use. But, in that case, you can also take advantage of its Thunderbolt ports and charge it with a much smaller 100W GaN charger. Just be warned, it’s not enough to overcome the power draw when you’re gaming, or to unlock its full performance, so it’s a solution that only works some of the time.
When it comes to battery life, the Alienware 16 was able to last just over six hours in Procyon’s battery life test with the screen set to half brightness. I personally find this is a bit too dim for my own use, even indoors, but that comes down to preference. At that brightness and with mixed use between Google Docs, Sheets, web browsing, and Microsoft Office, it lasted closer to four hours with Energy Saver mode turned on.
Christopher Coke has been a regular contributor to IGN since 2019 and has been covering games and technology since 2013. He has covered tech ranging from gaming controllers to graphics cards, gaming chairs and gaming monitors, headphones, IEMs, and more for sites such as MMORPG.com, Tom’s Hardware, Popular Science, USA Today’s Reviewed, and Popular Mechanics. Find Chris on Twitter @gamebynight.
Ahead of Black Friday, the Bose Outlet eBay store is offering some huge discounts on certified refurbished speakers. That includes the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar, Bose's biggest and most impressive soundbar speaker with Dolby Atmos and Bose TrueSpace Technology. It normally retails for $1,000 new, but you can get a certified refurbished model for just $550.00 with free delivery. That's 45% off and it even comes with a 2 year AllState warranty.
Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar for $550 (was $999)
Certified Refurbished
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is the highest end sound bar speaker in Bose's product lineup. The soundbar measures 41" long and houses a 5.1.2ch array consisting of nine total speakers. Two of these are upward firing dipole speakers for spatial audio and Dolby Atmos supported content. The soundbar also incorporates Bose's TrueSpace technology, which does a great job of simulating a 3-dimensional soundscape even though internal speakers in soundbars are crammed together.
Popular amongst home theater setups nowadays is "A.I. Dialogue Mode". This feature automatically balances voice and surround sound so that you don't need to turn up the volume to deafening levels in order to hear what everyone is saying.
As befits Bose's flagship soundbar, the Smart Ultra boasts great build quality and premium materials, and is the only Bose soundbar fitted with a tempered glass top. It supports several wireless protocols including Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, and has a microphone to accept voice commands. App-based setup is easy as well.
Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn't hunting for deals for other people at work, he's hunting for deals for himself during his free time.
More recently than I’d like to admit, I was convinced that no soundbar could reproduce the sound quality found with good home theater speakers and an amplifier. It seems that Samsung, Sonos, LG, and the rest of the soundbar world took that assumption personally because today’s roster of soundbar systems has revolutionized what’s possible in terms of getting great sound without the hassle of furnishing an entire home theater setup. From high-powered Dolby Atmos systems to compact, all-in-one solutions, there’s no shortage of great-sounding setups that suit all kinds of needs.
The question now is, with all kinds of soundbar options, where do you go from here? And how do you find the bar that best fits your personal preferences? We have answers. As a tech journalist who has personally tested and reviewed dozens of soundbars over the years, I’ve hand-built a robust list of the best soundbars you can find in 2025.
TL;DR: The Best Soundbars
1. Samsung HW-Q990F
Best Overall
Another year, another flagship Samsung soundbar system that blows the pants off the competition. Samsung has once again struck gold with the HW-Q990F, a behemoth system that features 11 front-facing speakers, a big, beefy subwoofer, and four up-firing drivers that work in concert for a movie-watching experience that’s nothing short of cinematic. Action scenes have depth and impact, dialogue is crystal clear, and the system’s Dolby Atmos effects provide a serious sense of immersion. I reviewed it earlier this year and gave it a 9.
If great sound isn’t quite enough of a selling point, the Q990F packs all kinds of extra features and technology. Thanks to onboard Wi-Fi, the high-end bar has Amazon Alexa and Google Chromecast built in, and it works with Apple AirPlay. Samsung’s proprietary features like SpaceFit Sound Pro are meant to adjust the bar’s sound profile to match your space, and Adaptive Sound tunes the system’s audio to match the scene you are watching, enhancing voices during important conversations and boosting bass in CGI-molded action sequences. It also has HDMI 2.1 support, allowing for 4K at 120Hz passthrough to offer a better gaming experience.
What’s more: If the latest and greatest Samsung standout is a little too pricey, you can always take a look at last year’s model. Samsung still sells its previous flagship – the HW-Q990D, which largely mirrors the audio performance of the Q990F – for about $300 less than its newer, more improved version. It means investing in yesterday’s tech, but it would net you a great soundbar for a bargain.
2. Sonos Arc Ultra
Best Dolby Atmos Soundbar
The successor to Sonos’ previous high-end soundbar (the Arc), the Arc Ultra doubles down on pushing the limits of what a soundbar can do. It largely follows the same design as the original, but the hardware underneath got an overhaul to the tune of a 9.1.4-channel configuration (compared to 5.0.2 with the Arc), and 15 total Class-D amplifiers driving the entire ensemble. The Arc Ultra is also Sonos’ first product to utilize SoundMotion technology, which essentially helps a speaker produce the best performance possible within the tight confines of a soundbar cabinet. Sonos says the Arc Ultra has double the bass output of the Arc, and after listening to the two side-by-side, I’m surprised it's only double.
That last “.4” in the soundbar’s configuration comes particularly in handy when it comes to Dolby Atmos. The Ultra has four dedicated upfiring drivers to help produce overhead effects and immersive scenery when playing Dolby Atmos content, and boy, does it. Even without the aid of rear speakers with upfiring drivers (like several competing soundbar systems offer), the Arc Ultra is able to create a real, comprehensive soundstage that surrounds you from seemingly every angle.
I had the chance to review the Sonos Arc Ultra and found a lot to love, including its penchant for delivering great-sounding music and features like Speech Enhancement to boost dialogue as needed. There’s also, of course, the Sonos of it all – that is, the ability to build an ecosystem of connected speakers around the Arc Ultra for a whole-home audio setup. The only reason the Ultra doesn’t take the top spot is that, after adding the Sonos Arc and a pair of Sonos speakers to “complete” the home theater, it doesn’t represent the same, impressive value that Samsung’s HW-Q990D promises.
3. LG S95TR
Best Soundbar for Bass
LG’s answer to the Samsung HW-Q990D may not be quite as immersive as its counterpart, but the S95TR is still a great-sounding system in its own right. With a total of 17 drivers, including a dedicated center height channel in addition to the “standard” front and rear upfiring speakers, the S95TR effortlessly balances lows, mids, and highs for a soundstage that works remarkably well regardless of what you throw at it.
The S95TR’s bass performance is a major selling point in its own right. Testing the S95TR with cinematic action from the Marvel Cinematic Universe or Game of Thrones showed me exactly what its hulking 22lb subwoofer is capable of, adding depth and presence to action scenes. Alternatively, if you’re jamming out to some music around the house, the S95TR’s woofer is nimble enough to deliver punchy bass notes in pop hits and country tracks while digging considerably deeper for songs that hammer home the low end.
In addition to audio prowess, the S95TR offers tons of technology to support its status as a high-end soundbar. It has AI Room Calibration technology for tuning sound to your room, and works seamlessly with Apple AirPlay, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant. In all, the S95TR makes for an extremely competitive high-end soundbar system, one that isn’t afraid to bring bass by the boatload while maintaining great overall sound and useful, intuitive features.
4. Vizio V21-H8
Best Cheap Soundbar
Not everyone needs a gigantic, theater-imitating soundbar system to pair with their TV. For those after something that sounds good for cheap, Vizio’s V21-H8 represents a compelling package with solid stereo sound. This compact soundbar system handles movies, TV shows, and music reasonably well, especially considering it only has a left and right speaker and a subwoofer. It isn’t an immersive experience the way a full surround sound system is, and the lack of a center channel means dialogue isn’t always crystal clear. But the V21-H8 still is an exceptionally-sounding system, adding an instant improvement to whatever’s plaything through it.
The other note about Vizio’s V21-H8 is its downright simple blueprint. There’s no Wi-Fi, no Bluetooth, and certainly no Dolby Atmos capabilities. In fact, it doesn’t have many features to speak of at all, outside of controls for bass and treble, subwoofer adjustments, and a few different sound modes and EQ settings. It’s a real set-it-and-forget-it soundbar, something that’s become far less common in today’s environment. If you want or need a more comprehensive system, scroll past the V21-H8. But for something that’s guaranteed to be a meaningful upgrade over your TV’s speakers without costing as much as the TV itself, Vizio’s stereo soundbar is still the gold standard for simplicity.
5. Vizio Elevate SE Soundbar
Best Surround Sound Value
There was a time when a full surround sound system featuring Dolby Atmos capabilities for less than $500 was unthinkable. Today, Vizio’s Elevate SE soundbar leads a wave of value-packed audio options, thanks in part to a 5.1.2 ensemble and both Dolby Atmos and DTS: X technology onboard. Better yet, the bar’s design compliments its capabilities: When Dolby Atmos or DTS:X content is detected, the soundbar’s height speakers automatically rotate up to direct and reflect sound off your ceiling, improving the impact of the three-dimensional sound it’s working to simulate.
There aren’t a ton of other bells and whistles with the Elevate SE, and frankly there doesn’t really need to be. This system is meant for folks who want exceptional sound quality from a full surround sound system, but don’t want to do so at the expense of high-ticket solutions from Samsung, LG, Sonos and more. The Elevate SE sounds good, sets up seamlessly, and offers an above-average Dolby Atmos experience for a price that will appeal to the masses. To many, that takes the cake over the frills of a more advanced system.
6. Klipsch Flexus Core 200
Best Soundbar for Small Rooms
Klipsch has long been a pioneering brand in the audio space, and it has consistently evolved its lineup of soundbars over the years. The Flexus Core 200 is a direct result of that adaptive spirit, an all-in-one bar featuring Dolby Atmos technology and powerful sound that exceeds what you might expect from its modest form factor. The bar houses four 2.25-inch aluminum drivers, dual 4-inch built-in subwoofers, a pair of elevation speakers, and two dedicated horn-loaded tweeters. In other words, there’s quite a lot going on under the hood.
The good news is, they all operate in near-perfect unison. Even without a separate, dedicated subwoofer included in the system, the Flexus Core 200 packs considerable punch for action-packed movie scenes – it came in particularly handy during a Stranger Things rewatch, adding to suspenseful moments and battles against demogorgons in the Upside Down. For a compact living room or small theater space, the Core 200 will bring your content to life in ways that shouldn’t be possible from a singular soundbar.
Additionally, if the Flexus Core 200 ends up in a larger space, it has the capacity to grow. To expand your system, you can add either Klipsch’s Flexus 200 or 100 subwoofers, or a pair of Flexus Surround 200 or 100 speakers to create a complete surround sound experience. It adds a convenient layer of flexibility to an already outstanding system.
How to Pick a Soundbar
The number of soundbars out there can be a bit dizzying, making it hard to choose which one will work best for you. Here’s a bit of advice to help guide you along.
How Many Audio Channels Do You Need?
Soundbars come with different channel options that will simulate the surround sound of a speaker system. If you’re just looking to watch some TV and listen to some music with a soundbar, 2 channels and maybe a subwoofer should have you covered. A 3.1 channel soundbar will come with a center speaker dedicated to dialogue. So, if you find you’re struggling to hear what’s being said while binging talky shows like Severance or Succession, this will be a good option.
With 5.1 channels or more, your speaker system will be ready to take on all the action in your favorite movies and games. Additional speakers and subwoofers typically come with this many channels; however some soundbars can pack all that noise into a great-sounding all-in-one system.
What Type of Connectivity Do You Need?
When looking at a soundbar, it is important to make note of its connections. An HDMI ARC (or eARC) is standard in most soundbars and TVs these days. This will simplify your life, as it’s the only cord needed to get your TV sending its audio through the soundbar. A Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection should also be on your shortlist if you're looking to listen to other devices on your soundbar. If you rely on voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri, you should look for a soundbar that’s compatible with those, too.
What About Dolby Atmos?
If you want the latest and greatest in sound technology, include a soundbar with support for Dolby Atmos in your search. Dolby Atmos can provide excellent virtual three-dimensional sound, turning any room into a theater. Just be sure your soundbar comes packing some up-firing drivers, subwoofer, and rear sounds. Some other impressive sound formats coming out include DTS:X and Sony’s 360 Reality, so you may want to find a soundbar that supports those as well.
Best Soundbars FAQs
What’s the difference between 2.0, 2.1, and 5.1 soundbars?
2.0 Soundbars: These have two channels (left and right) but no subwoofer. They provide stereo sound, which is ideal for general TV viewing and smaller spaces.
2.1 Soundbars: These have two channels plus a subwoofer (the “.1”), adding more depth and bass, which enhances movies, music, and gaming.
5.1 Soundbars: These include five channels (front left, front center, front right, rear left, rear right) and a subwoofer, providing surround sound. Some 5.1 soundbars use extra speakers or virtual surround technology to create an immersive audio experience.
How do I know if a soundbar is compatible with my TV?
Most modern soundbars connect to TVs via HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) or optical audio cables. Check that your TV has one of these ports, which should cover most soundbars on the market. Some soundbars also support Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or AirPlay for additional streaming and connectivity options.
Do I need a subwoofer with my soundbar?
A subwoofer isn’t required, but it can enhance the audio experience by adding deep bass. If you enjoy action movies, music, or gaming, a subwoofer can make a big difference. Many soundbars include a built-in subwoofer or come with a wireless sub, which is ideal if you want rich sound without adding multiple speakers.
What is Dolby Atmos, and do I need it?
Dolby Atmos is an advanced object-based surround sound technology that adds height channels, creating a three-dimensional audio experience, making it seem as if sound comes from all directions, even above. While it’s not essential, Atmos can significantly enhance the cinematic experience.
Can I stream music through my soundbar?
Yes, many soundbars offer Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to stream music from your smartphone or favorite streaming service. Look for soundbars with Bluetooth, Chromecast, or AirPlay if music streaming is a priority.
Nick Woodward is a sportswriter-turned-tech journalist, covering A/V tech as a contributor at IGN.
You don't see many 20,000mAh power banks priced under $20, but then again Black Friday is just around the corner. Amazon is currently offering an Iniu 20,000mAh 22.5W Power Bank for just $15.29 after an automatic 49% coupon is applied. Better yet, you don't need to be an Amazon Prime member to get in on this deal. The 22.5W power output makes it an ideal power bank for your Nintendo Switch or Switch 2 console, and the bigger 20,000mAh capacity is perfect for longer airplane flights or when you're away from an outlet for an extended period of time.
Iniu 20,000mAh 22.5W USB Power Bank for $15.29
This Iniu power bank boasts a generous 20,000mAh, or 74Whr battery capacity. If you factor in 80% power efficiency, here are the approximate number of times you can fully recharge each gaming handheld:
Nintendo Switch (16Whr) about 3.7 times
Steam Deck (40Whr) about 1.9 times
Apple iPhone 16 (14Whr) about 4.2 times
Apple iPhone 16 Plus (18Whr) about 3.3 times
The Iniu power bank has three total ports: two USB Type-C and one USB Type-A. The 22.5W of Power Delivery is enough to charge the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 even while you're playing games (both use less than 20W on average in handheld mode). It's also one of the smaller 20,000mAh power banks I've seen, measuring 4.8" long and 2.8" wide (it's pretty chunky though at 1.2" thick) and weighing in at about 11 ounces. The built-in cable is a popular feature on newer power banks because you no longer have to bring along your own USB Type-C cable.
Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn't hunting for deals for other people at work, he's hunting for deals for himself during his free time.
Haha. Yeah, I know. "Half-Life 3". The long-fabled, often-rumored, still non-existent third numbered entry in the Half-Life series that fans have craved but never heard a credible whisper of. It's been a pervasive joke in the industry and among fans for years, a stand-in for a thing that doesn't exist and never would.
And yet, for some reason, a lot of people seem to think it's being announced soon. Possibly in the next few weeks. Maybe even today.
You might have seen it. The sudden flurry of mentions of Half-Life 3, some humorous, some quite serious. The surge of memes. A handful of people that seem to have lost their dang minds:
So what's going on? Why do people think Half-Life 3 is imminent, seriously or unseriously? We investigated:
Half-Hope
Half-Life 3 rumors have existed pretty much since Half-Life 2 first released, so that's nothing new. But the last couple of years have seen a steady trickle of interesting little threads that have lead many to believe that a third entry was actually in development, quietly, at Valve. There were vague nods, such as the Half-Life: Alyx team saying they wanted to make more Half-Life games and a Final Hours documentary that actually confirmed it was in development at one point between 2013 and 2014. We've also seen dataminers pulling crumbs from various Valve releases over the last few years of what seems to be an in-development game internally at Valve known only as "HLX", using Source 2. Dataminers have worked out that it's a full-fledged, non-VR, Half-Life game of some sort, that's been in the works since at least 2021, probably earlier. That game is possibly the same one as was accidentally leaked by a voice actor in 2024, who referred to it as "Project White Sands".
But this year there's been a marked increase in little breadcrumbs. Right after the new year, G-Man's voice actor issued a cryptic post teasing "unexpected surprises" in 2025 – it was his first tweet since he congratulated Valve on Half-Life: Alyx in December 2020. Fans proceeded to tear apart the post, delving deep into an album cover image and the number 197 for what they believed were even more hints that something was in the works.
But an already simmering pot of rumors turned into a full boil with the announcement last week of new Valve hardware: the Steam Machine, complete with a new Steam controller, and a VR headset known as the Steam Frame. Notably, there were no software announcements alongside these hardware reveals, which is a bit odd given that Valve tends to release new games alongside new hardware - recall Half-Life: Alyx and the Valve Index headset. Around the same time, a number of Valve and industry insiders began mentioning Half-Life 3, saying confidently that it was planned for a 2025 announcement still. One leaker, who has a good track record of getting Valve stuff right, said back in May that Half-Life 3 was officially "playable, end-to-end." There's a massive Miro board floating around that has catalogued every remotely credible recent mention of Half-Life 3, and is worth digging into if you want follow along.
Go, G-Man, Go
There are so many other weird little indicators floating around that are leading to wild speculation. For instance, Valve's "Upcoming Releases" tab on its own Steam page only lists one game (Deadlock) despite the sidebar indicating that there are two upcoming game releases. A tweet/X post from the official The Game Awards account commemorating Half-Life's 27th anniversary today has sent everyone into a frenzy, even though it tweets this anniversary every year. There was a weird amount of extra security at Valve during the recent Steam hardware preview events – something noticed by IGN's own representatives and contrasted with my personal experience there for Half-Life: Alyx years ago, which featured a relatively normal and relaxed amount of security.
And there was an incredibly silly saga where Geoff Keighley posted a screenshot that showed he had one game in his Steam wishlist. When asked what the game was, he responded with an eyes emoji, and then showed the game Dadlympics. Of course, the Half-Life nerds pounced. Keighley then posted a screenshot of his wishlist showing only the game "Dadlympics," but notably, this was added on 11/18, the same day he posted the screenshot, suggesting he's hiding something. Is he hiding Half-Life 3? Probably not! It doesn't have a viewable Steam page! That's not how Steam works! But that hasn't stopped Half-Life 3 fans from pouncing. Seriously, the replies are hilarious.
Whatever you believe is happening here, the reality is that this has resulted in the community going completely bonkers. The Half-Life subreddit is overflowing with Half-Life 3 summoning and hope posts. A quick search for Half-Life on Twitter/X reveals an overflow of discourse, prayers, and memes. It's kind of nuts, and also really, really fun:
Okay, so let's say everyone's right, and we really are getting Half-Life 3 announced soon. When? Well, some think it's as soon as today. November 19, as The Game Awards posted, is the anniversary of Half-Life – what better time to make an announcement? We've already passed the anniversary of Half-Life 2, and the anniversary of Half-Life: Alyx's announcement, but that particular anniversary is the reason you're likely seeing so much noise around this today. The other big possibility floated by some is an announcement at The Game Awards, which is coming up on December 11. That would be a little surprising, given that Valve doesn't need an awards show to command attention with such an announcement. But Valve also has a long history of friendliness with host Geoff Keighley, so maybe it's not so far-fetched after all.
Whatever the case, one thing is certain: either Half-Life 3 is getting announced before December 31, 2025, or an awful lot of folks are going to have egg on their faces come January 1, 2026. I'm personally hoping for the former, but the community has been hoodwinked before with Half-Life rumors, multiple times even. Keep injecting that Hopium, folks. Perhaps the return of G-man is right around the corner.
Rebekah Valentine is a senior reporter for IGN. You can find her posting on BlueSky @duckvalentine.bsky.social. Got a story tip? Send it to rvalentine@ign.com.
If you are planning a PC build and have been waiting patiently to get ahold of one of the new Nvidia Blackwell graphics cards that can run games in 4K, your time has finally come. Right now the PNY GeForce RTX 5070 Ti graphics card has dropped to just $699 with free shipping. It's sold and shipped directly from Walmart or Amazon and not a marketplace reseller. Orders are limited to just one per person and even still it's going to go out of stock pretty quickly.
PNY GeForce RTX 5070 Ti GPU in Stock for $699
The GeForce RTX 5070 Ti card was supposed to retail for $749.99 when it launched in February. Unfortunately, this wasn't the price we ended up seeing, with base models starting at $1,000 and remaining there for months until supply finally caught up with demand. There are still more expensive RTX 5070 Ti variants that offer better cooling, flashier colors, or a little bit of overclocking, but the "base" model will get you the best performance for your dollar. Keep in mind that there is no "Founder's Edition" for the RTX 5070 Ti, so you will have to go with an aftermarket card no matter what.
The RTX 5070 Ti GPU Is Our Best Reviewed Nvidia Blackwell GPU
It excels at 4K gaming performance at a reasonable price point
Of all the Blackwell cards released thus far, the RTX 5070 Ti offers the best value, especially if you're intending to play games at more demanding resolutions. This GPU is fully capable of running games in 4K at high framerates. It performs neck-and-neck with the RTX 4080 Super and marginalizes the RTX 5080, which is only about 10%-15% faster but costs 33% more. Like all Blackwell cards, the RTX 5070 Ti supports DLSS 4 with multi-frame generation. If you plan on using this card for AI, the RTX 5070 Ti may be a better value since it has the same amount of VRAM as the RTX 5080.
Compared to AMD, the RTX 5070 Ti is roughly comparable in raw performance to AMD's new RX 9070 XT graphics card, but the 5070 Ti has better upscaling technology and better ray tracing performance. The RX 9070 XT should be better priced at $599, but in reality you won't find any model for less than $700.
Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn't hunting for deals for other people at work, he's hunting for deals for himself during his free time.
Mafia: The Old Country’s Free Ride update finally has a release date: November 20. It adds a number of new features, including challenges, a first-person driving camera, classic difficulty, and photo mode.
The major update to Hangar 13’s narrative adventure is a callback to the original Mafia’s Free Ride Extreme and the Free Ride mode in Mafia: Definitive Edition. As explained by Peter Amato, Content Manager at publisher 2K in a post on the PlayStation Blog, Mafia: The Old Country’s Free Ride update is a collection of challenges separate from the main story that give players chances to revisit the world in a “more self-guided way.” Veteran fans of the series will find that Mafia: The Old Country’s Free Ride mode will be slightly different from previous titles as a result.
The repeatable challenges include combat, stealth, and different race types. Completing them earns you the Dinari in-game currency to spend on the new outfits, charms, weapons, and vehicles unlocked by progressing through this content (as well as on items unlocked via the campaign).
“We want players to explore the world in a freeform way, and Free Ride turns it into an expansive hub where you’ll find and access various challenges by travelling around, unlocking Hitching Posts, and meeting contacts,” Amato said. “Challenges are instanced and accessed via these contacts, and doing so will place you into a combat location or special world state.
“These combat encounters reuse mission locations, so once you’ve played the corresponding story chapter and unlocked a Challenge in Free Ride, you’ll get to re-experience areas in new ways. Races happen out in the world and we’ve placed them along less-traveled paths, so it should be fun seeing parts of the map you may have previously passed by.
“Of course, there may be new places to explore too, but that’s something you’ll have to discover for yourself…”
Elsewhere, there’s the Cinema Siciliano visual treatment, which Amato said makes Mafia: The Old Country feel like playing “a genuine piece of classic Italian cinema.” “The visual treatment is stunning and it feels like you’re experiencing a black-and-white movie shot on an old-school sound stage, while the vintage-sounding audio convincingly brings the whole thing together,” Amato explained.
All the new items earned by playing Free Ride are usable in the main story campaign. All the new elements are present from the start, so new players will have them as options going through the game for the first time.
The addition of first-person driving is a first for the Mafia franchise. And the Classic difficulty makes the game harder.
“Definitely,” Zelnick said when asked if The Old Country performed well enough to instill confidence to continue the franchise. “We’re really excited about Mafia, and I think that’s a great question because it is sort of a reset for the franchise. We don’t have anything to announce — that comes from the label — but it definitely performed well ahead of expectations."
Take-Two stopped short of providing exact sales figures but said the early 1900s Sicily-set Mafia “quickly surpassed our internal expectations and affirmed our belief that consumer demand remains strong for premium, narrative-driven experiences that over-index on value.” Although it’s unclear when or how another Mafia game could materialize in the future, more new content and updates for The Old Country are confirmed to be in the works.
Mafia: The Old Country launched in August as a prequel for the crime drama video game franchise that got its start with the original Mafia in 2002. The series saw semi-regular releases up until the launch of the divisive Mafia 3 in 2016, with only a group of well-received definitive edition remasters arriving to break up the wait for more in 2020.
IGN's Mafia: The Old Country review returned an 8/10. We said: "Mafia: The Old Country is a conventional but effective return to the linear and tightly story-driven format of the original Mafia and Mafia II, and it boasts a wonderful eye and ear for detail."
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.
There are a lot of mobile gaming controllers on the market today, but few offer the versatility and comfort of the Backbone Pro. And if you've been holding off on taking the plunge because of how expensive it is, you'll be excited to hear that this top-tier phone controller is currently at its lowest price since it first launched earlier this year.
Backbone Pro Early Black Friday Deals
The Backbone Pro, which is compatible with both Android and iPhone devices, took the top spot in our list of best phone controllers of 2025, and it's not hard to spot why. With above-average comfort, built-in Bluetooth, killer battery life, rear buttons, and stellar customization via the Backbone app, it's really the ultimate phone controller for anyone who loves gaming on the go. To sweeten the deal even further, it's compatible with a wide range of cases, meaning you won't need to take any unnecessary risks slipping your phone in and out of a case just to play games.
In our review, we said, "The Backbone Pro improves on its predecessor in nearly every way with full-size thumbsticks, customizable rear buttons, and the ability to connect to more screens over Bluetooth, making this the only controller you’ll need for mobile and cloud gaming."
With all of that in mind, it's easy to see why there's a reason to celebrate its current sale over at Best Buy. At a discounted price of $134.99, you're saving $35 off this popular mobile gaming controller. If you buy it online, you'll receive free shipping, as well as a free 1-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership.
Alternatively, you can also purchase the Backbone Pro at Target for $135.99, or at GameStop for $139.99 during this sale period. If you use a Target Circle Card, you'll save an additional 5% off the purchase, which will actually make it even cheaper than the Best Buy deal. That's hard to beat!
The standard Backbone One is also on sale across a variety of retailers like Best Buy and Target for $79.99. While it's missing some of the more premium features of the Backbone Pro, it's still a fantastic choice for those looking for a solid phone controller at a more reasonable price point. So, regardless of whether you snag the Backbone Pro or Backbone One, you should be set for many hours of comfortable mobile gaming.
Should you wait for Black Friday deals to start?
This deal on the Backbone Pro has started ahead of many official Black Friday sale dates, but it's highly unlikely that the price will drop any further than this. This discount is being offered across multiple retailers, including the GameStop Black Friday sale, and is currently at its lowest price of the year. Both the Best Buy and Amazon Black Friday sale kick off tomorrow, but since this discount is already available at Best Buy it seems like this is the best price we'll see in 2025.
And even if you buy it now and see it drop in price next week, most retailers offer a good enough return or trade-in policy to ensure you get the best possible price this season.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of Shuichi Shigeno's massively popular street racing manga, Initial D. The series centers on the life of Takumi Fujiwara, a high school student who digs high-stakes racing through narrow mountain passes.
When the manga began its run in 1995, Takumi's car of choice, the Toyota AE86 Sprinter Trueno that doubles as his dad's tofu delivery vehicle, became synonymous with street racing and drifting. The manga ran for 18 years in Kōdansha’s Weekly Young Magazine, and it inspired a popular animated series in 1998, several video games across numerous consoles, and a recent arcade game.
The story is about Takumi and his colleagues becoming "hashiriya," or street racers. But Takumi initially doesn't take racing or driving very seriously. If he's behind the wheel of his Sprinter Trueno, it's to make a tofu delivery for his dad to the resort at the peak of Mount Akina. That’s a fictional place, but it expertly portrays the heart-stopping twists and steep curves in the roads that snake up many real Japanese mountainsides.
Takumi often practices drifting to pass the time while he makes his deliveries. His tight handling combined with the off-white color of the Sprinter Trueno makes people in the area wonder if there’s a ghost haunting the mountain pass.
When a rival group of racers called the Agaki RedSuns move in on the mountain peak and insist they're after Akina's speed record, Takumi's senior coworker and eventual friend, Iketani Kōichirō, starts to wonder if he can track down this "ghost" and convince him to join his own team, the Speed Stars. He thinks the ghost might be Takumi's father, a former hashiriya himself.
But while Kōichirō is right about there being a phantom driver, he's wrong about who's behind the wheel: It's just Takumi making his early morning tofu deliveries. After agreeing to race, Takumi soundly beats the leader of the RedSuns, Keisuke Takahashi, by out-maneuvering him with tight hairpin turns and other near-deadly feats of driving trickery. From there, Takumi discovers his calling as a hashiriya and goes ripping down the roads for years afterward.
Initial D is still well-loved for being a bit of an underdog story. Takumi doesn't necessarily want to be a racer; things just worked out that way for him, and he decides to confront his own destiny. His dad's faithful Sprinter Trueno became a mascot for street racing in Japan and beyond. It's an underdog itself, as Takumi often finds himself up against bigger, flashier cars. But Takumi emphasizes maneuverability over power, which is how he's able to keep up with (and eventually outduel) his rivals.
Now, Toyota is paying tribute to Initial D's history and the legacy of the Toyota AE86 Sprinter Trueno with its GR86 RZ sports car. With its sleek, low-riding stature, it's right at home among the speed demons that populate Initial D's fast-paced world. You can even see the GR86 RZ zipping through Initial D The Arcade, a 2021 arcade racing game. In 2022, the GR86 RZ and Initial D also teamed up to make an animated commercial where Takumi engages in a stomach-dropping race up in the mountains. The rivals jostle each other until they reach the end of the line and the driver of the GR86 RZ is revealed: Takumi's own father and former street racing legend, Bunta Fujiwara.
While the AE86 and GR86 will be forever associated with Initial D, Toyota populates racetracks around the world with all kinds of vehicles. Racing fiends with pedal-to-the-metal appetites can watch Toyota Gazoo Racing's motorsports tear up the tracks worldwide, from Formula One to NASCAR and beyond. Maybe no person alive can out-drive the legendary Takumi Fujiwara, but TGR’s drivers can put on one heck of a show.
The Initial D manga’s run has been done for some time, but its spirit is alive and well — you can still see its influence in racing games and movies today as well as through motorsport divisions like TGR. Mangaka Shuichi Shigeno depicted cars in a way that made them characters themselves, proving there are many ways to make an impression on the world.
As expected, the video game characters are out of the console. The first look from Jumanji 3 is here, and it shows us something we kind of already knew was going to happen, but love nonetheless: the film’s main characters are in the real world now.
“Look who’s on the loose,” Sony Pictures’ official Twitter/X account shared on Wednesday, November 19, alongside a photo of Dwayne Johnson's Dr. Xander 'Smolder' Bravestone, Karen Gillan's Ruby Roundhouse, Kevin Hart's Franklin 'Mouse' Finbar, and Jack Black's Professor Sheldon 'Shelly' Oberon standing in the middle of a residually snowy wintertime Boston street. That means they’ve left the video game world of Jumanji — and there’s a chance they might have an encounter with the real-life board game now that they’re beyond the console.
Look who’s on the loose 👀 #JumanjiMovie is coming exclusively to theatres Christmas 2026.
The first two films in the spinoff franchise — 2017’s Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and 2019’s Jumanji: The Next Level — saw the characters getting pulled into a Jumanji video game, so it’s clear that the last film in the franchise is changing up the tactic.
It feels like there’s a big chance the characters will encounter the actual board game in this installment, and one of the biggest hints in favor of that plot point is the fact that Johnson’s character will be wearing a dice necklace in the film meant to pay homage to the original 1995 classic.
"The significance of the dice in the last picture is a little Easter egg that my character, Dr. Smolder Bravestone, wears on a necklace in our final film," the actor recently shared on Instagram. "It’s the dice from the original 1995 JUMANJI and a way of paying homage, love, and respect to the great Robin Williams."
Johnson also shared that the movie will officially be the final installment in the franchise. "What a massive, fun, heartfelt adventure," Johnson wrote in a post that highlighted the film’s first table read. "Feels emotionally appropriate for our beloved JUMANJI franchise to end on this beautiful grace note of our final film."
Jumanji 3 is set to be released in theaters on December 11, 2026.
Remember that MTG: Avatar Collector Booster Box I shared yesterday? Well it's just dropped by nearly $100, so get your preorder in before prices go up. Seeing as you all liked the Final Fantasy Anniversary Collection deal so much, I've also included the HD-2D remakes of Dragon Quest I - III on Nintendo Switch. It's a pixel art kind of week.
TL;DR: Deals for Today
The Prismatic Evolutions Figurine Collection is also dropping from today at potentially four different retailers, so if you missed out on your preorder I have all the inside scoops on where it'll show up and when. I've also got a couple of essential gadget deals for your desk and car too, so let's get straight into it:
Prismatic Evolution Figurine Collection
Missed out on preorders? Well multiple retailers will be selling the Prismatic Evolution Figurine Collection out of the gate. Here are the details on when I think they'll be on sale and where:
Black Friday Arzopa Portable Monitor Deals at AliExpress
A portable USB monitor has many practical uses, such as a secondary display for your laptop or a travel-friendly screen for your Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck handheld gaming PC. Ahead of Black Friday, Arzopa is hosting some big markdowns on its popular lineup of portable USB monitors via its official AliExpress storefront. Combined with some general AliExpress coupon codes, these deals are the lowest prices I've seen all year long. All of the portable monitors listed ship free from the United States, which means you don't have to worry about tariffs or long shipping times.
Magic: The Gathering | Avatar: The Last Airbender Collector Booster Box
The price on this has already dropped by nearly $100 to $455.88 compared to yesterday, so now is a better time than ever to get your preorder locked in. Avatar: The Last Airbender is one of the best things Nickelodeon put out when I was a kid, and its fandom still beats strong. This Universes Beyond MTG set hasn't only got me back into Avatar, but it's got me on MTG Arena to learn the game, not just collect it when I can. Collector Boosters aren't for playing, it's for those who want some solid binder material with far better pull rates than standard play boosters. There's a premium for that of course, but Amazon won't charge until it ships, which means you'll probably have a day or two to get the money you need together.
Final Fantasy I-VI Collection Anniversary Edition
For Final Fantasy fans who haven't played the 2D old school games, or for those who are fans of the sprite-based RPG vibe, this is the deal for you. It features a re-arranged soundtrack by original series composer Nobuo Uematsu, improved gamplay, a user interface overhaul, auto battle options and more quality of life improvements. 47% off makes this collection a no-brainer.
Dragon Quest HD-2D Remakes
Dragon Quest I, II and III HD-2D remakes are all out now on Nintendo Switch, with I and II also out on Nintendo Switch 2. Nintendo Switch titles can be played on Nintendo Switch 2 if you want the full game on-cart rather than a game-key card, which requires a sizable content download to play. Of course you'll miss out on graphical fidelity and other upgrades.
JVSCAM 130,000RPM Cordless Electric Air Duster with Adjustable Tips
I love my cordless electric air duster, it comes in so handy for my desk and gaming rig, with the added attachments turning it inot a mini vacuum cleaner or duster. Ditch the cans of compressed air when cleaning out your keyboard and get one of these bad boys, you won't regret it for under $20.
AstroAI P10 Car Battery Jump Starter
Unless you've been stuck with a dead battery waiting for your breakdown cover to pick you up, you have no idea how handy these things are. They fit right in the trunk of the car, ready to save the day when you've left your headlamps on at night or need a bit of juice to get you to your local mechanic. With $50 off, this is something everyone should have in their diesel and gas cars.
Up to 50% off Pokémon TCG and Free $60 Gift Card
Imagine getting Pokémon TCG Booster Bundles for free, or paying $20 to $30 for an Elite Trainer Box, cool right? Well it's a real deal, and here's how to do it. Start by applying for a Amazon Visa card, then if accepted you'll get an instant $60 Amazon gift card added to your account, which means free Booster Bundles, Premium Collections and Booster Blisters.
If you're after something more expensive and want to knock the price down before using the $60 gift voucher, you'll need an AMEX or Discovery card. By paying $1 on your Pokémon TCG items in your basket, you'll receive an automatic discount up to 50%. So whatever you need to pay after the gift card is cut in half. That's not bad when you're talking Elite Trainer Boxes and Booster Boxes. If this discount doesn't apply, check the loyalty page on Amazon to see if you're eligible.
TCGPlayer 10% Cashback Black Friday Event
You read that right, everything is eligibe too. Buy something, get 10% back as in-store credit. With sets like Mega Evolution and Phantasmal Flames finding new floors, this is 100% the best time to fill those gaps in your binder. The sale kicks off on Black Friday, November 28. and ends on Cyber Monday December 1.
Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra Resin 3D Printer Deals
The Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra line of Resin printers are perfect for anything that needs intricate detail, especially the 16k model, although the standard ultra does an amazing job too. The Saturn 4 Ultra and Mercury V3.0 wash is a perfect starter kit for anyone wanting to get into the hobby.
Elegoo FDM Printer Deals
What if I said I printed a full sized Stormtrooper helmet on a Neptune 4 Max in one go? It was such a fun project and this printer can handle some insane projects on the large and small side. In fact all of these FDM 3D printers are great for printing anything practical. I'm looking at you cosplayers.
Meta Quest 3S 128GB (Gorilla Tag Bundle)
$50 off a Quest 3S isn't a bad deal to say the least, and you also get the "Cardboard Hero: Gorilla Tag" game bundled alongside a three month trial to Meta Quest Horizon+, which means free access to over 40 games. You can also upgrade to the 256GB version and get Batman: Arkham Shadow bundled in instead for $329 instead of $399.99. Now that's an early Black Friday deal.
TMNT: The Last Ronin Box Set
This set contains three hardcover graphics novels encompassing the TMNT: The Last Ronin continuity. That includes "Lost Years", "The Last Ronin", and "The Last Ronin II: Re-Evolution". I won't spoil them for you, but this is one of the best series i've ever read, and I'm not a massive TMNT fan. And you won't be charged for your preorder until this bad boy ships. Not a bad deal at all with that cheeky 25% off.
Christian Wait is a contributing freelancer for IGN covering everything collectable and deals. Christian has over 7 years of experience in the Gaming and Tech industry with bylines at Mashable and Pocket-Tactics. Christian also makes hand-painted collectibles for Saber Miniatures. Christian is also the author of "Pokemon Ultimate Unofficial Gaming Guide by GamesWarrior". Find Christian on X @ChrisReggieWait.
Amazon has officially greenlit a new Stargate series, which will be released exclusively via Prime Video.
In a press release today, Amazon described its fresh show as a "new original series" rather than a direct continuation of anything that has come before, in order to tell "a bold new chapter" of the dormant sci-fi franchise.
Casting and release details remain under wraps for now but, speaking to fans in an announcement video, the new series' creator Martin Gero reassured long-term Stargate followers that the project would definitely "not be a reboot."
Gero previously served as story editor on Stargate: Atlantis, alongside work on the franchise's other two series, Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Universe. Here, he will serve as showrunner and executive producer. Other executive producers will include Joby Harold and Tory Tunnell for Safehouse Pictures (Obi-Wan Kenobi, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters), Dean Devlin (Stargate, Independence Day), and Roland Emmerich (Stargate, Moonfall).
Long-term Stargate fans will also recognize Stargate SG-1's co-creator Brad Wright and executive producer Joe Mallozzi in the video above, who are working on the new series as consulting producers. "We're back, it's happening, it's going to be incredible," Gero teased.
"I'm beyond thrilled that Amazon MGM Studios has entrusted me with guiding this incredible franchise into its next phase," Gero continued. "For those who've kept the gate active through conventions, rewatches, and unwavering faith — this one's for you. And for those that are new to our world — I promise you're in for something extraordinary."
Stargate originally kicked off with Roland Emmerich's 1994 sci-fi film of the same name, which established a core group of characters expanded upon by hit television spin-off SG-1. Across 10 seasons and several TV movies, SG-1 then spawned its own sister show, Atlantis, and latterly a more separate, darker take on the franchise, Stargate Universe.
Over the years, various novels, video games and a web series have expanded the franchise, though Stargate has lately fallen into something of a hiatus — until now.
Tom Phillips is IGN's News Editor. You can reach Tom at tom_phillips@ign.com or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social
The Battlefield 6 team has reversed its defibrillator changes for the Support class after players reported recent difficulty reviving teammates.
EA and Battlefield Studios delivered a series of new adjustments via a small update that is live for players across PC and consoles now. Details about the hot fix, which were published in a post on X/Twitter, highlight a fix for those pesky defibrillators, as well as tweaks to the new limited-time Sabotage game mode and additional challenges changes.
Players took to social media to complain of inconsistent defibrillators following the launch of the Battlefield 6 California Resistance update yesterday. Where previous versions of the game had players using the Support gadget to slide and dive in for last-second saves, changes brought about by update 1.1.2.0 instead asked players to slowly and precisely use the tool if they wanted to revive their friends. It’s resulted only in confusion, as the demanding requirements left teammates with what has been perceived as either a new bug or a bizarre nerf without any explanation.
“At first I thought it was just a pointless range nerf,” one comment says, “but it's also much more inconsistent and easy to get bodies bugged into a state where the defib doesn't work at all, and you have to grab / drag them.
“Overall, I hate it, but that second part of it makes me think it wasn't really intentional.”
The Battlefield 6 team didn’t clarify what caused faulty defibrillators to pollute matches, but it sounds like they didn’t like the change either. Today’s hotfix reverts the gadget back to how it was before yesterday’s update by increasing hit-boxes and range.
Meanwhile, Sabotage game mode has had its AFK kick timer increased from 60 seconds to 180 seconds. Bot backfilling for the mode has also been temporarily disabled and will be reintroduced in the future.
Finally, there’s challenges, which have benefited from frequent adjustments as BF Studios continues to fine-tune its progression system. Today’s Battlefield 6 update targets clarity while reducing requirements for a few of the harder-to-achieve challenges. You can see the full list of every challenge change below.
Battlefield 6 Challenge Updates November 19, 2025
Here is the full list of changes:
Recon 2: Get headshots beyond 150m as Recon.
• Challenge and Description Updated to: Get head shots hits beyond 75m as Recon.
Recon Expert 3: Get headshot kills beyond 200m as Recon in a match.
• Challenge and Description Updated to: Get headshot kills beyond 125m in a match as Recon.
Deadeye 2: Get headshot kills over 200m with Sniper Rifles
• Challenge and Description Updated to: Get headshot kills beyond 125m with Sniper Rifles
Engineer 3: Deal damage to Laser Designated enemy vehicles using lock-on weapons.
• This has been removed.
Rapid Fire 2: Get kills beyond 50m with Assault Rifles
• Challenge and Description Updated to: Get kills beyond 40m with Assault Rifles
Rapid Fire 3: Inflict damage under 15m while hip-firing with Assault Rifles.
• Challenge and Description Updated to: Inflict damage while in ADS with Assault Rifles.
Bullet Storm 1: Suppress enemies with LMGs
• This has been removed.
Bullet Storm 1: Inflict hip-fire damage with LMGs
• Challenge and Description Updated to: Inflict damage with LMGs
Squad Death Match 5: Enemy Squad Wipes of the whole Squad in a Round
• Adjusted to add squad to the criteria
Rush 4: Destroy M-COMs in Rush
• Challenge and Description Updated to: Destroy or disarm M-COMs in Rush
Battle Royale 3: Call in three strike packages in a match of Battle Royale.
• Added team mates to this criteria
Combat Expert 2: Perform 10 Takedowns in a round
• Challenge and Description Updated to: Perform Takedowns
Protection Expert 3: Destroy a Vehicle with the Power Tool.
• This has been removed.
Battlefield 6 launched for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X | S October 10 and is currently in the midst of its first post-launch season. So far, Season 1 has introduced two new maps, with the most recent, Eastwood, arriving as part of the California Resistance mid-season update yesterday. Another content update called Winter Offensive will follow December 9.
Michael Cripe is a freelance writer with IGN. He's best known for his work at sites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to give him a follow on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).
Connexion
