Just last week, Microsoft announced a limited-edition Deadpool-themed Xbox controller with a bright red design and a less-than-conventional ergonomic design, if you know what I mean. Let’s just say that biblically accurate controller had curves in all the right places, and was exactly as hilariously audacious as its inspiration, the merc with a mouth. The biggest problem was that the controller was limited to just 2 units, which would be gifted to the winner of a Twitter (or X) competition… and the second biggest was that there wasn’t a Wolverine controller to match. However, 3D artists at Do3D have solutions for both of those problems.

Meet the unofficial Wolverine Xbox Controller, complete with a yellow body and even three Adamantium claws appearing outward from behind the controller. Designed to pair perfectly with its Deadpool counterpart, this controller actually comes as a set of 3D files you can buy and 3D print on your own.

Designer: Do3D

The Wolverine-themed controller augments the controller’s body in a similar way to its Deadpool counterpart. An attachment fixes to the back, providing a themed take on the handheld unit. In Deadpool’s case, it was a rather cheeky little attachment… however, Wolverine’s controller has his signature back-of-the-fist with three Adamantium claws emerging from within. The attachment is purely cosmetic, and doesn’t affect the grip or gameplay at all. The controller’s body, on the other hand, comes with a diamond plate-inspired texture, along with the wolverine whisker pattern on the front in black.

The controller isn’t available as is, but Do3D is selling detailed 3D files for those looking to print the parts. Once printed (and painted), you can simply disassemble the outer plastic housing of your existing Xbox controller and replace it with this one, provided the print is 100% accurate and without any errors or flaws. We recommend going for ABS, known for its durability… but a PLA filament should work just as well too. You may have to do some additional spray-painting work to make the controller look exactly as shown in the renders here.

The best part is that Do3D is even selling an unofficial version of Microsoft’s Deadpool controller, which you can similarly buy and 3D print. Both the Deadpool and Wolverine controllers can be used with or without their magnetic attachments, and while individual files cost $19, you can buy the combo for just $29 on Do3D’s website and print as many controllers as your heart desires.

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There have been some crazy iterations of Xbox in the popular Xbox Sweepstakes competition and this one doesn’t disappoint either. Themed on the cocky superhero, Deadpool, this Xbox Series X controller has got perfectly rounded butts, and we all know why. The gaming accessory joins the growing number of themed Xbox controllers including Starfield, Porsche and Nike Air Jordan inspired designs.

As a part of the competition, one lucky gamer will get the chance to own the custom Xbox Series X console, a themed stand with foam katanas (with Bea and Arthur), and of course, two cheeky controllers themed on Deadpool. This is for promotion of the Marvel Studios’ Deadpool and Wolverine movie hitting theatres on July 26. To be a part of the challenge, one has to be over 18 years of age, follow Xbox on X, and repost the sweepstakes post from July 17 to August 11.

Designer: Microsoft

While we could talk of the Series X console with the custom skin, our attention focuses on the perfectly contoured rear of the gamepads dubbed Cheeky Controllers. The front has texture and imprint of the superhero’s thighs adorned with leg holsters and the infamous logo. The themed accessory has a leathery texture to it on both sides, representing the superhero’s costume in the latest movie.

The question though remains, will the controller’s sizeable tush covered in the red and black spandex suit hamper the gaming experience or will it comfort the tense fingers? As far as I think, it should work well for someone with large hands while someone with small hands will find it a tad difficult to grab the rear and register trigger button inputs.

While the Deadpool controller is a one-off gaming accessory that a lucky gaming fanatic will ultimately own, others will get a chance to own cool Deadpool merchandise. The first 1,000 buyers who purchase the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 will get a Deadpool controller holder.

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Microsoft has been very aggressive with its push of AI on new Windows computers, represented by its now omnipresent CoPilot key. New laptops have just been launched touting AI capabilities that revolve largely around the usual culprits like content generation or summarizing content, but they’re not the only new kids on the block either. A new breed of gaming laptops is also on the rise, advertising some AI tricks to optimize their performance. That also means a refresh of popular models that promise even smoother performance and pack more power, but those always come at some cost. Rarely will you find a design that delivers the power that gamers need at a more affordable price point, which is the proposition that the 2024 Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 9 (16IRX9H) is making, so we naturally had to put it to the test to see if it holds up in practice.

Designer: Lenovo

Aesthetics

Common gaming laptops often look like tanks, and the Legion Pro 7i (2024) is sadly no different. It’s not rugged by any means, sporting a sleek and sharp appearance, but it’s thick, heavy, and sharp at the edges. It has an aggressive look to it, though coupled with some RGB lights, it does have a bit of a cyberpunk flair. While it doesn’t shout to the world that it’s a gaming laptop, it doesn’t try to deny its identity either.

It’s also not that different from its Gen 8 predecessor, so there’s practically nothing that sets it apart visually. On the one hand, it establishes a familiarity with the Legion Pro line, so buyers will know what to expect. On the other hand, however, it also feels like it’s lagging behind when it comes to aesthetics, especially when Lenovo has quite a few interesting and distinctive designs available.

Overall, the Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 9 looks pretty plain on the outside. It isn’t as obnoxious as other gaming laptops that show off all their kaleidoscopic lighting, but it isn’t subtle either. You might feel a bit conscious bringing it to the workplace or meeting (unless you work at a game studio), but it will probably only get a few passing looks. Fortunately, most gamers will be willing to overlook this aspect if they’re getting the performance that they’re actually paying for.

Ergonomics

At 4.93 lbs (2.24kg) and 17.6mm (0.69in), there is no mistaking the Legion Pro 7i Gen 9 for a thin and lightweight notebook. Again, this is your expected dimensions for a gaming laptop, so many gamers won’t be so bothered by it. But if you’re a creator and a gamer who find yourself moving around a lot, you best prepare your back and shoulders for some workout.

Fortunately, actually using the laptop turned out to be a more enjoyable experience, from the bright and vibrant screen to the responsive and comfortable keyboard. That keyboard is a bit notable in how it sufficiently spaces out the keys and still has room for a numeric keypad as well as a regular T-shaped cursor key arrangement. The latter actually extends a bit lower than the rest of the keys, which has the effect of pushing the touchpad to the left just a little. Definitely not enough to make the button-less surface painful to use.

As we’ll get to later, the Legion Pro 7i has a wide selection of ports, and they’re placed in a way that really takes into account how most people use laptops these days. The left side has a USB-A and a USB-C port, while the opposite side gets a USB-A along with a 3.5mm headphone/mic jack. This gives easy access to accessories you’ll connect and disconnect often, like a gaming mouse or your phone. The back has connections like two USB-A ports, one USB-C port, HDMI, and Ethernet, practically the ones you’ll use to “dock” the laptop to more stationary peripherals, making cable management a bit easier. Whether it’s gaming on the go or maybe even working in the office, the Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 9 is designed with ease of use and comfort in mind.

Performance

As a somewhat high-end gaming laptop, the 2024 Legion Pro 7i carries some of the best hardware in the market today. Sure, it might not have an NPU-toting processor, but the Intel Core i9-14900HX is definitely as or even more capable than an “Ultra” chip. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 is just one step lower than the top-of-the-line card, but it’s more than enough for both gaming and content creation. Our review unit came with 32GB of DDR5 RAM and 1TB of storage, which is to say it’s not wanting in any aspect. With both benchmarks and actual usage alike, the Legion Pro 7i Gen 9 performed impressively, yielding consistent high frame rates in games even high settings. It’s also a testament to the laptop’s cooling system that it’s able to squeeze out as much performance consistently, though it naturally did get warm to the touch and the fans were quite audible.

Visual quality is important for gamers, but it is an even more critical aspect for content creators who need color accuracy. This is one area where the Legion Pro 7i Gen 9 surpasses the previous generation, adding support for NTSC, Adobe RGB, and DCI-P3 color gamuts. Not only does this make colors really pop, it also means that the 16-inch 2K screen is now able to support the needs of creatives, making the gaming laptop more of an all-around high-performance tool. And with extremely thin bezels, you experience a better immersion into that colorful world, especially when the decent bottom-firing speakers complete the audiovisual experience.

This heavy laptop carries a 99.99Whr battery, the largest allowable on planes, and its uptime is as much as you’d expect. Normal use, which is a mix of multimedia and browsing, can net you around 7 hours, but heavy gaming makes that figure nosedive to just two or less. Lenovo compensates for this with a “Super Rapid Charge” technology that can fully charge the Legion Pro 7i in around 80 minutes, presuming you’re using the hefty 330W power brick with a proprietary connector. You can also charge the laptop via USB-C if you have a 140W charger, but Lenovo doesn’t ship one in the box.

All in all, the Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 9 performs so well that we have very little to complain about it. There’s very little bloatware aside from Lenovo’s own tools, as well as those from Nahimic for audio and Tobii for the webcam. Yes, it’s heavy and it burns through a battery quickly, but that’s also expected from high-end gaming laptops. It’s a rather powerful package made even more enticing by its bang-for-buck value.

Sustainability

Before we get to that, however, a word has to be said about Lenovo’s actions to leave a more positive impact on the planet. Though the Legion Pro 7i Gen 9 might look plain to the naked eye, it actually uses quite a number of sustainable materials for its body. It uses recycled aluminum as well as magnesium, giving the laptop both durability as well as a premium touch. The bottom, in particular, is made with 50% recycled aluminum, while the cover frame utilizes 30% post-consumer recycled polymers.

The laptop is also designed to be upgradable, at least as far as RAM is concerned. Repairs and other upgrades, however, require a bit more work, so it comes up short of getting a high score. Given how gaming laptops are more likely to wear out components faster than regular laptops, repairability should be the next priority for Lenovo’s designers and engineers.

Value

There’s no getting around the fact that the Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 9 is a bit pricey, starting at around $2,420 all the way to $2,850 for the highest configuration. And that’s with discounts already! On its own, that price tag might feel quite burdensome, until you consider that many laptops on this tier ask for more and deliver less.

With this sub-$3000 gaming laptop, you’re getting a near-perfect configuration that is useful not just for gaming but even for content creation as well. It’s not perfect, of course, and we wished it had a longer battery life given its weight, but you’d also be hard-pressed to find a similar experience on designs that won’t require you to pay even more with not as much performance gains.

Verdict

With PC gaming on the rise again, the number and variety of gaming laptops have also seen an uptick. While the need for power has never changed, gamers have become more conscientious not just about price value but design value as well. Carrying the design DNA of its predecessor, the Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 9 (16″, 2024) looks sleek yet deceptively simple, belying the power it carries inside. But more than just unrelenting performance, it brings a well-rounded set of features that give gamers, creators, and any other user a powerful tool for a relatively fair price.

The post Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 9 (2024) Laptop Review: Uncompromising Power at a Fair Price first appeared on Yanko Design.

It’s been nearly 10 years since Apple launched the infamous Magic Mouse 2 and its absurd charging port placement. While the 2-trillion-dollar company hasn’t done much to improve its flagship mouse’s design, AJAZZ launched a clever little gaming mouse with a much better charging solution. The AJAZZ AJ159 Apex mouse comes with a wireless design that’s both ergonomic and functional, but its most impressive feature is its charging dock/cradle. Designed to hold your mouse when not in use, this cradle keeps your gizmo rested at an accessible angle while it charges, but more importantly, it comes with a screen on the front that works as a tiny widget for displaying the time, date, battery level, or mouse connection status. It’s a clever solution that works elegantly and impresses too, with just a $79.99 price tag… I guess Apple could use some design inspiration.

Designer: AJAZZ

One of the highlights of the AJ159 Apex is its PixArt PAW3950 optical sensor. This sensor is known for its incredible tracking accuracy, with a maximum DPI (dots per inch) of 30,000 and a blazing-fast IPS (inches per second) tracking speed of 750. This translates to ultra-smooth cursor movements, no matter how quickly you flick your wrist across the mousepad. Additionally, the 8,000Hz polling rate ensures minimal latency between your actions and what appears on the screen. In layman’s terms, your clicks and movements will be registered almost instantaneously, giving you a crucial edge over your opponents.

Beyond raw performance, the AJ159 Apex is lightweight and durable, making it a perfect candidate for a gaming mouse. The mouse itself is incredibly lightweight, clocking in at just 56 grams. This featherweight design minimizes fatigue during extended gaming sessions and allows for effortless movements. Durability is also a focus, with Huanuo switches rated for a lifespan of 100 million clicks. These switches provide a satisfying and crisp click feel, ensuring your commands are registered accurately.

For added customization, the AJ159 Apex is QMK programmable. This open-source software allows you to tailor the mouse buttons’ functions to your specific needs and preferences. Whether you prefer complex macros or simple remappings, the AJ159 Apex can adapt to your playstyle. The AJ159 Apex offers three modes: wired USB-C, 2.4 GHz wireless, and Bluetooth. This versatility allows you to choose the connection method that best suits your setup, whether you prioritize low latency or a clutter-free desk.

Perhaps the most unique feature of the AJ159 Apex is its magnetic charging dock. This innovative design not only keeps your mouse juiced up but also doubles as a storage solution. The dock even features a small display that can show relevant information or even custom GIFs. It’s a small touch, but it adds a bit of flair and functionality to the overall package.

The AJAZZ AJ159 Apex is available in four colors (black, blue, orange, and white) to suit your aesthetic preferences. With its impressive specs, user-friendly features, and innovative design, the AJ159 Apex is a strong contender for gamers seeking a high-performance and feature-rich mouse.

The post This Wireless Gaming Mouse’s Charging Display Dock will put Apple’s Magic Mouse to shame first appeared on Yanko Design.

It seems that we’re seeing a rather curious design trend in the gaming market. Once filled with plastic-encrusted designs, there are a few coming out with more stylish cases, be it for the device itself or for its accessories. Analogue just recently launched its CNC aluminum limited edition Pocket, but 8BitDo was actually a few steps ahead of it. Although one’s eleventh anniversary isn’t actually associated with metal (it’s Turquoise, by the way), the famed maker of throwback controllers released metal versions of its widely popular SN30 Pro, giving fans of the brand a collectible they can actually use and, in case of an emergency, even throw like a deadly weapon.

Designer: 8BitDo

Game controllers are made to be light enough not to cause hand strain but still have enough weight to feel substantial and improve gameplay. Gamers have come to expect that bulkier controllers that follow the Xbox and PlayStation designs would be heavier than most, especially controllers that are patterned after the designs of yesteryears. Not so this variant of the SN30 Pro, itself designed after the super lightweight Super Nintendo gamepad, mostly because most of its body is made of metal.

The Gold and Silver editions of the SN30 Pro aren’t just cheap paint jobs, though you might be forgiven for making that presumption given the resemblance to powder-coated metallic paint. It’s true metal, or as 8BitDo calls it, metal zinc alloy, and it’s used not just for the main body but for almost every part visible to the eyes. That includes buttons, triggers, and, yes, even the joysticks. The gold edition gets a matte paint finish while the silver version undergoes electroplating. The cables aren’t metal, though, which is probably for the best.

More than just visual oddities, the SN30 Pro Gold/Silver Edition controllers also have one other advantage over their plasticky older siblings. They’re built to last, at least more than the common controller, as metal will not warp or deform over time. It’s also less likely to crack when accidentally dropped, though you might dent this here and there. And drop it you might indeed, given how heavy it is 381g. For comparison, the normal SN30 Pro weighs a mere 114g and even the Xbox Wireless Controller is just around 287g.

Not all that glitters is gold, as they say, and despite the luster and heft of these limited edition controllers, their feature set might leave gamers sorely disappointed. They’re definitely more like functional collectors’ editions rather than serious gaming weapons (unless you throw it like one), and the $99.99 price tag definitely cements, or rather forges, that image.

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Gaming laptops are pretty much like miniature desktops on (your) legs, but their power has traditionally come at the expense of their design. The majority of these portable gaming computers are built like tanks, so when somewhat slim laptops come along, people definitely stop and take notice. Last year, Lenovo made quite a bold and ambitious move with the 8th-gen Legion 9i, a gaming laptop that was as much beauty as it was brawn. As with any other product line, the PC maker followed it up this year with the Lenovo Legion 9i Gen 9 (16IRX9), promising the same stunning good looks but with upgraded specs and, of course, more AI. But was Lenovo able to manage a repeat of last year’s groundbreaking success or is this the generation to pass? We give this distinctive gaming laptop a spin to see whether it flies or flops.

Designer: Lenovo

Aesthetics

If you were worried that the Legion 9i Gen 8’s design was a one-off experiment, you’d be pleasantly surprised that isn’t the case, at least not yet. Right off the bat, the Lenovo Legion 9i Gen 9 gives off that same eye-catching aura that makes it a mix of a rugged gaming machine and a trendsetting office laptop. The forged carbon chips are still the star of the show, at least when it comes to first impressions. Chosen for their lightweight properties, the random mix of pieces gives each laptop a unique personality. Admittedly, some might not like its camo-like design, but it’s hard to argue that it’s different from the RGB-laden black surfaces of common gaming laptops.

The die-cast magnesium chassis is still here and still 90% made from recycled materials. It gives the Legion 9i Gen 9 its light 5.51 lbs (2.49kg) weight without sacrificing its durability and structural integrity. That said, these figures must be taken in the context of other gaming laptops, not conventional notebooks like the sleek MacBook Pro. Yes, it’s relatively thin and light compared to others, but it has the unmistakable design of a gaming powerhouse. That thick extended rear is a testament not only to the variety of ports available but also to how much room Lenovo had to make to fit all those powerful components inside.

As with any gaming laptop, RGB lighting is a staple feature of the Legion 9i Gen 9, and every area is customizable and controllable, including completely turning them off, like the backlit icons for the ports on the back, for example. Aside from the keyboard, the amount and placement of lighting are tasteful and add a beautiful accent to the equally beautiful profile of the laptop without being gaudy or obnoxious. All in all, the Gen 9 gaming laptop carries on its predecessor’s title as one of the most striking of its kind.

Ergonomics

The size and weight of a gaming laptop aren’t just for bragging rights, of course. They go a long way in providing comfort and convenience, especially when carrying the computer from one place to another. Granted, the Lenovo Legion 9i Gen 9 is hardly the thinnest nor the lightest, but it balances portability and power quite well. You won’t have any trouble shoving it into a backpack or laptop bag, perhaps aside from the fact that it is closer to a 17-inch laptop thanks to that protruding back portion.

Using the laptop itself is quite enjoyable, especially the tactile and responsive keyboard. With a decent amount of trouble, the full keyboard layout is both pleasurable and productive, freeing you from the need to look for external numeric keypads or do finger gymnastics to get to common functions. Of course, there’s plenty of RGB lighting underneath the keys, all of them configurable. A nifty trick is how the laptop can light up the most common shortcut keys by holding down the Fn key.

Unlike most laptops, including gaming ones, the Legion 9i Gen 9’s keyboard is pushed lower, closer to the user, to make room for cooling elements. While that does mean you don’t have to extend your arm too far to reach the keys, it also means that there isn’t enough room for the touchpad. Yes, the same gripe we had with last year’s model remains unchanged this year, and we have little hope the situation will improve any time soon. Granted, many gamers will probably reach for their favorite gaming mouse anyway, but this unfortunate design decision does make the laptop feel less appealing as an all-rounder.

Performance

While the Lenovo Legion 9i Gen 9 hasn’t changed at all on the outside, it has a few upgraded parts inside that warrant a bump in model number. There’s the 14th-gen Intel Core i9-14900HX as well as an NVIDIA RTX 4090 graphics, both top-of-the-line as far as gaming laptops go. Our review unit was equipped with 32GB of RAM and a 2TB SSD, though other configuration exists. The biggest upgrade from last year’s model, however, is really the Lenovo LA3-P AI chip, the intelligence that fine-tunes the laptop’s performance on the fly, faster than a human could. And it’s not just some buzzword-filled AI that makes funky images or answers questions but a true demonstration of what AI can actually do for us.

In terms of performance, the Legion 9i Gen 9 doesn’t disappoint, and the AI-powered Smart FPS manages to squeeze out every bit of performance compared to, well, the Performance profile. It’s not perfect, mind, and the difference between the two isn’t that staggering. It is, hopefully, just a portent of things to come as Lenovo continues to improve its AI.

Lenovo made a rather unusual decision in choosing a 3200×2000 resolution for the screen, but this 3.2K figure works just as well in balancing quality and power efficiency. The 16-inch 165Hz Mini LED is absolutely gorgeous and bright, easily rivaling OLED displays. The refresh rate might be a bit of a letdown, but 16-inch laptops that boast 240Hz also have a lower 2K resolution.

It’s not all sunshine and roses, though, as the Lenovo Legion 9i Gen 9 feels like it made a few trade-offs as well. Audio, while loud, feels a little insufficient and thin. The fans can get pretty loud as well, even with the boasted true liquid cooling. That doesn’t seem to kick in often to keep temperatures consistently cool and feels more like an emergency feature when things are about to start burning up. The biggest gripe in this area is the lack of improvement in battery life, which still scores less than two hours when gaming even at medium settings. As if adding insult to injury, the fast-charging 330W GaN charger is still a literal charging brick, a veritable dangerous weapon if you ever decide to start swinging it around to clear people away from the power outlet you’ll desperately be aiming for.

Long story short, the Lenovo Legion 9i Gen 9 (2024) definitely delivers on its promise of big power, but the cost of that promise is also starting to show. Make no mistake, it’s the kind of power that gamers want and need, but there will be more compromises and sacrifices along the way. More importantly, the gap between it and its predecessor might not look too big, making it an even more difficult choice, as we shall see later.

Sustainability

It’s definitely encouraging to see PC manufacturers starting to make big strides in changing the formula for their laptop designs. That’s not just about the appearance but, more importantly, the materials being used. Using post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastics is one thing, but reducing the use of plastic in the first place is an even more effective solution.

The Legion 9i Gen 9 doesn’t just use metal for its chassis. It uses 90% recycled metal instead of raw materials. That not only reduces material waste but also reduces energy consumption when creating fresh new metal. Lenovo is also slowly but surely improving the repairability of its products, a family trait being shared by many Lenovo laptops, not just the Legion 9i.

Value

There’s no denying that the Lenovo Legion 9i Gen 9 offers one of the best laptop gaming experiences in the market today, from its impressive performance to its gorgeous display to its intelligent lighting that can sync to any video or audio that’s playing. And while beauty is still in the eye of the beholder, few will argue that it commands a striking presence in any room either. It’s not without its shortcomings, but many of those can admittedly be taken for granted given how much power it offers.

The biggest hurdle to its adoption, however, will be that $3,200 price tag hanging over its head, and that’s just for the starting configuration. A maxed-out Legion 9i Gen 9 could very well cost you more than $4,000 even with a discount. Unfortunately, the 16-inch gaming laptop market has quite a few competitive entries this year as well, making the choice even harder. Fortunately, you don’t have to go far because Lenovo has quite a few offerings as well that could better fit your budget, including last year’s Legion 9i Gen 8.

Verdict

Gone are the days when gamers just took whatever kind of laptop was thrown at them just because those were the only designs possible. People have become more discerning as well as more sensitive to how their gear looks and many don’t just want some neon billboard masquerading as a laptop. The Lenovo Legion 9i Gen 9, just like its predecessor, puts design on the same pedestal as performance, delivering a gaming experience that isn’t just powerful but also pleasing to look at. It doesn’t carry a rather high price tag, enough to deter some early adopters, but it’s an investment that will keep on giving long after other laptops have gone out of fashion.

The post Lenovo Legion 9i Gen 9 (2024) Review: (Carbon) Forging Ahead first appeared on Yanko Design.

Gaming handhelds are making quite the trend in the video game industry these days, from small DIY gadgets the size of key fobs to hulking computers crammed in a questionably portable form factor. But with the exception of the more expensive handheld PCs, the vast majority of these handheld consoles are made of plastic, at least for their bodies. Plastic, after all, is durable, lightweight, resilient, and, more importantly, cheap, and the products made with it sometimes come out feeling that way too. Once in a while, however, someone gets the idea to turn a geeky device into a glamorous product, like this aluminum-clad version of the Pocket Analogue that makes it one of the most stylish, let alone distinctive, gaming handhelds to grace the market today.

Designer: Analogue

It has been years since Analogue pulled off what can probably be considered a miracle in this industry. It launched what looks like a homage to the Game Boy, one that can actually play original Game Boy cartridges, that hasn’t hit any legal roadblocks considering how popular it is. Over the years, it has launched various limited editions of the Analogue Pocket, but this Aluminum Edition is its most ambitious one yet.

Precision CNC’d from solid billet 6061 aluminum, the limited edition Analogue Pocket Aluminum looks and feels more like a designer product than a functional gaming device, one that’s just meant to honor the original and be put on display but not used. That wouldn’t be much fun, of course, and thankfully this is not the kind of product that Analogue is putting out. It’s the same gaming experience offered by any Analogue Pocket, except now in a chassis that’s designed to really outlast those games.

If Analogue had left the Aluminum edition unfinished, it would have resulted in a striking and unique industrial aesthetic. But for those who still prefer a pinch of style and class, the limited-run gaming handheld is being offered in four anodized colors. Natural is as closest as you’ll get to that raw aluminum look, while Noir (Dark Gray) and Black both offer subdued hues. Bluish Indigo, on the other hand, stands out the most and is probably reminiscent of the transparent Atomic Purple case of the Game Boy Color.

Given its name, it probably shouldn’t come as a surprise that the Analogue Pocket Aluminum Limited Edition will be, well, limited. There’s no word on how many units will be made, but the $499.99 price tag and difficulty of machining a block of aluminum suggest there won’t be much. Judging by how fast previous limited editions disappeared, this will probably be gone before you know it.

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It seems like Android gaming hasn’t had a moment in a while. With Nintendo Switch 2 news circling around, and Sony’s PlayStation Portal, and also the news of Assassin’s Creed coming to iPhones, it truly does feel like Android gaming got left in the past for a hot minute. Thankfully that minute didn’t last too long, considering players like AYANEO are always cooking something new. It just seems like yesterday that the company dropped the Next Lite console, and now they’re gearing for their next move in handheld gaming.

The AYANEO Pocket EVO seamlessly integrates exceptional performance with a sleek, user-friendly design. The world’s first Android handheld with a 7″ 1080P OLED 120Hz high-refresh-rate display, it boasts a Qualcomm Snapdragon G3x Gen 2 chipset that provides the muscle to effortlessly power through demanding high-resolution mobile games, streaming services, and cloud gaming. This combination makes the Pocket EVO a versatile and unmatched powerhouse in the large-screen Android handheld market.

Designer: AYANEO

The name “EVO” perfectly embodies the Pocket EVO’s philosophy – evolution. It represents a complete overhaul of the Android handheld experience, offering unparalleled advancements in performance, aesthetics, display technology, and control configurations. The design draws inspiration from AYANEO’s award-winning Windows handhelds, inheriting a touch of refined elegance often missing in the Android handheld space. The Pocket EVO boasts a meticulously crafted new mold, resulting in a remarkably slim and lightweight body. The contours are carefully considered to enhance both visual appeal and comfortable gripping. The streamlined screen design and use of OLED technology deliver breathtaking color reproduction and a slimmer overall profile, pushing the boundaries of handheld display technology.

Under the hood, the Qualcomm Snapdragon G3x Gen 2 Gaming Platform delivers 15W of esports-grade performance, making light work of even the most demanding retro games and graphically intensive Android titles on the highest settings. The larger form factor allows for a more comprehensive cooling system, incorporating a larger heatsink and fan comparable to those found in X86-based devices. This translates to significant improvements in active cooling efficiency, extending sustained performance output and keeping heat dissipation in check.

The control configuration breaks new ground for Android handhelds. The Pocket EVO is the first to feature hall-sensing joysticks, providing a wider range of motion and precise feedback, free from drift and dead zones. The meticulously designed button layout ensures that intense gameplay sequences won’t hinder your grip, striking a perfect balance between aesthetics and comfortable control.

The highly regarded ergonomic grip has been further refined with adjusted curves for a more natural and comfortable experience. The Pocket EVO also features the largest HD linear motor ever implemented in an Android handheld. This, coupled with the comprehensive vibration settings offered through AYASpace software, delivers nuanced, multi-dimensional vibration feedback that deepens immersion across various gaming scenarios.

Despite its slim profile, the AYANEO Pocket EVO manages to pack in a massive battery exceeding 8000mAh, making it the Android handheld with the largest battery capacity among 7-inch devices. Gamers who enjoy streaming and cloud gaming will appreciate the support for the latest high-speed WiFi protocol, offering theoretical speeds of up to 30Gbps for lower latency and more stable data transmission.

Continuing the tradition of AYANEO’s software innovation, the Pocket EVO comes pre-installed with the AYA Home desktop launcher and AYA Space management software. These user-friendly interfaces offer features like performance mode customization, device spoofing for compatibility, button mapping, and optimized game library management. Future software upgrades promise to introduce even more functionalities, further enhancing the user experience.

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Seating ergonomics are constantly changing as working hours from the desk and individual video gaming sessions grow by the day. From adjustable chairs to those with lumber support and from cushiony backrests to airy ones, the chairs have not just evolved in style, but functionality and construction in a similar breath. To that accord, chairs with saddle-shaped seats are making an uncanny appearance as people who spend longer times in front of their computer screens prefer such stools and chairs above traditional seat types.

This transition is primarily credited to the back pain; which saddle seat configuration helps easily, at least that’s how we have come to believe. I believe back pain is generally because of static sitting; for long hours. It’s the lack of movement more than anyone sitting position that impacts the back. But if you are from the school of thought that believes a seat can make a difference to your backaches, an ergonomic saddle-shape gaming chair, with adjustable features, called the ‘Cross Mantis’ is here to address your woes.

Designer: Fyodor Lazariev and Farukh Imin

The Cross Mantis orthopedic saddle chair is designed for the gaming furniture brand SILIQS. The idea was to design a chair that combines the functionality of an office chair with the comfort and benefits of a saddle seat. Saddle seat, which allows an open hip position offering good leg circulation, erect spine position, and improved balance, is an orthopedically correct fit for the spinal cord, the designers believe.

After various iterations and toiling, the gaming chair – comprising a bent aluminum frame and highly cushioned mesh fabric – is made adjustable and usable with standing tables to do gaming in more positions than just sitting up front. Since the chair is conceived for a brand specializing in e-sports furniture, it is designed in contrasting color combinations with an aggressive shape. The adjustable back support, rotating headrest and armrests, and adjustable height all allow the chair to be more versatile to use.

It would take you closer to your gaming universe so you can reach further, sit up straighter, and have various adjustable positions to lock that perfect position to nail your opponent before the brink of an eye. The Cross Mantis saddle gaming chair is designed in individual modules. It can be shipped in a box and the modules can be assembled on site.

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Casio has partnered with UNO to create a one-of-a-kind timepiece that merges the nostalgia of both brands. This collaboration brings together the vintage A168 watch with the playful and colorful elements of the iconic card game UNO. The result is a watch that’s both a stylish accessory and a tribute to a beloved game that has entertained families and friends for decades.

Designer: Casio x UNO

Known for its reliable and affordable watches and the classic card game that has been a household staple since 1971, both brands emerged in the 1970s and have since built a loyal global following. This collaboration celebrates the enduring popularity of these two brands by integrating the playful spirit of the card game with the timeless design and functionality of the watch.

UNO collaboration model Vintage: A168WEUC-1A

Created by Merle Robbins in 1971, the card game has become one of the most popular worldwide. The game is simple yet engaging, where players match cards by color or number, aiming to be the first to play all their cards. The game’s excitement is amplified by special cards like the Wild Card, which allows players to change the current color, adding an element of strategy and unpredictability. Over the years, the game has evolved with various themed editions and special rules, but its core appeal remains unchanged: bringing people together through fun and friendly competition.

Watch face design with classic UNO motif

This watch collaboration captures attention with its incorporation of vibrant and iconic colors. The face is adorned with the distinctive hues of the Wild Card—red, blue, yellow, and green. These colors are strategically placed around the digital display, creating a visually engaging and nostalgic look. The case is finished in gunmetal gray ion plating, offering a sleek and modern aesthetic. The black ion-plated stainless steel band complements the case, adding a touch of sophistication to the playful design.

EL backlight

One of the most captivating elements is the electroluminescent (EL) backlight. It reveals the word “Wild” across the LCD display when activated. This feature enhances visibility in low-light conditions and brings an interactive element to the design, echoing the excitement of drawing a Wild Card during a game.

Whimsical touch in case back engraving

Turning the watch over, the attention to detail continues. The case back is engraved with the game logo and a playful arrangement of the 1, 6, and 8 cards—corresponding to the model number. This hidden touch adds an element of surprise and delight, much like discovering a special card in the deck.

Back engraving

The technical features are equally impressive. The case size measures 38.6 x 36.3 x 9.6 mm and weighs 49 grams. The case and bezel are made of resin with chrome plating, while the band is stainless steel with an adjustable clasp for a comfortable fit. The watch is water-resistant, making it suitable for everyday wear.

Band clasp engraved in UNO card pattern

It boasts an impressive battery life of approximately seven years, powered by a CR2016 battery. The watch face is protected by resin glass, ensuring durability, and the black ion-plated band is both stylish and resilient. It features a 1/100-second stopwatch with a measuring capacity of up to 59’59.99″ and various modes, including elapsed time, split time, and 1st- and 2nd-place times.

It is equipped with a daily alarm and hourly time signal to keep you punctual. The electroluminescent backlight illuminates the display in blue, enhancing visibility. An auto-calendar function ensures accurate date-keeping, accounting for leap years. The watch maintains an accuracy of ±30 seconds per month and supports both 12-hour and 24-hour formats, displaying hours, minutes, seconds, PM, date, and day.

Special packaging

This unique watch comes in co-branded packaging, highlighting the collaboration while embracing sustainability. The packaging features the four iconic card colors and is made from recycled materials, reflecting a commitment to environmental responsibility. This collaborative watch is more than just a timepiece; it celebrates two iconic brands from the 1970s. It combines the nostalgia and fun of the card game with the reliable and stylish design of the watch, creating a unique and functional accessory that appeals to both watch enthusiasts and fans of the classic card game. Priced at $99.95, this special edition watch is available now online.

The post One-of-a-Kind Design Casio x UNO Watch: Classic Timekeeping Meets Iconic Card Game Fun first appeared on Yanko Design.