Reviews stories
The sequel's faster, stamina-free combat and tougher runbacks will test soulslike fans on PS5, even as its eerie visuals impress.
Unreal Engine 5 gives the sequel smooth 4K 60fps action on Xbox Series X, though its short campaign and one-potion limit may frustrate players.
Streaming and everyday privacy get a lift from this easy-to-use VPN, which proved faster than NordVPN in testing and works on TVs too.
Rewind battles and a sprawling 80-hour campaign make Fire Emblem's Switch 2 debut a standout for RPG fans.
PS5 players get a faithful Arrakis survival experience, though the single-player world can feel empty without the online crowd.
A 20-year wait ends with a semi-open world swordsman tale that may still feel too familiar for modern action-adventure fans.
The 1997 Saturn strategy classic is now playable in English worldwide, with 4K upscaling, rewind, quick saves and faster matches on Xbox Series X.
Its heavy aluminium build and 8,000Hz polling make the Q6 Ultra 8K a compelling but pricey desk upgrade for gamers and remote workers.
Nostalgia is tempered by a high price and only two distinct shooters, despite extra modes, save states and leaderboards on Switch 2.
New MyCareer eras and tougher defence give the annual basketball sim its best shake-up in years, though most players may still feel it familiar.
Portable devices can be turned into full desktop setups, with four 4K displays, 100W charging and broad compatibility.
Gory combat and a fresh pre-X-Men story give the PS5 exclusive a darker edge than Insomniac's Spider-Man games, with optional blood settings.
Players get a colourful open-world racer with four islands, 150 unlockable cars and track-building tools, but some versions run slower.
Budget-conscious buyers may like the JBL Live Beam 4 earbuds, which deliver strong sound and 48 hours of battery life for NZD $289.
A timed 30-day quest adds pressure to this vampire action-adventure, but its fair combat and rich setting keep it compelling.
A strong squad-based campaign and permadeath stakes give this Clone Wars-era strategy game more tension than most Star Wars tie-ins.
Switch 2 owners get Elden Ring and its acclaimed DLC, but the handheld port is capped at 30fps and can still dip below that.
Travellers can now charge a laptop and three other devices from one palm-sized wall plug, without lugging a bulky power brick.
At just shy of NZD $700, the 3.1.1-channel speaker is a pricey but versatile rival to Bose and Sonos for music and films.
Its lower cost, slimmer build and barely visible crease make Samsung's latest foldable the first to seriously tempt iPhone users.