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The Best Deals Today: Pokémon TCG, DOOM Xbox Controller, and a Last of Us Vinyl Set

Filed Under: ENTERTAINMENT, IGN

I want to say I have self-control, but when Amazon drops prices on Pokémon cards and limited edition gear, my budget takes the hit. These deals hit that magical combo of actually useful and just tempting enough to justify with “well, it is on sale.

Pokémon TCG, DOOM Xbox Controller, and a Last of Us Vinyl Set

I think today’s lineup is especially worth a look. There’s a Charizard box packed with collectibles, a DOOM Xbox controller that looks like it could double as a weapon, and a Last of Us vinyl set that might just make you cry on your living room floor. Been there.

Pokémon TCG Charizard ex Super Premium Collection

This is one of those sets where I blinked and it was sold out the first time. I’m glad it’s back and actually on sale. You get a shiny Charizard ex, Charmander and Charmeleon promos, a display figure, and ten booster packs. That’s a solid value for under 50 bucks.

In my opinion, this is the kind of product that works for both collectors and anyone trying to build out a fire-heavy deck. The packaging alone makes it feel like a gift, even if you’re just giving it to your future self. You get the following packs:

– Stellar Crown

– Twilight Masquerade

– Paradox Rift

– Temporal Forces

– Obsidian Flames

Xbox Wireless Controller – DOOM: The Dark Ages LE

I want this just to display it. This controller has matte green armor, silver spikes, a sinister red thumbstick, and buttons labeled in the Sentinel alphabet. I’m convinced it could survive a drop from orbit.

It’s still a standard Xbox and Bluetooth controller underneath all the theatrics, so it’ll work across consoles, PC, and cloud. I think it’s the best kind of extra. Completely over-the-top, but still totally usable.

The Last of Us 10th Anniversary Vinyl Box Set – 4LP

I don’t even play vinyl and I still want this sitting on my shelf. The music from Last of Us is unforgettable, and this set leans all the way into the emotion. It includes four colored records, a slipcase that looks like it’s been through some stuff, and two beautiful lithographs.

Gustavo Santaolalla’s soundtrack is about as iconic as game music gets. In my opinion, if you felt anything during that main theme, you’re going to want this in your collection.

Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet — Journey Together Elite Trainer Box

I think this box is for anyone who loves both strategy and structure. It comes with nine booster packs, a full-art promo of N’s Zorua, a mountain of energy cards, dice, sleeves, and even a collector’s box with dividers. It’s basically a starter kit for organized chaos.

It’s not the cheapest trainer box out there, but the amount of content here definitely gives it an edge if you’re all in on the Scarlet & Violet era.

Return to Metroidvania Game Bundle

This bundle is a steal. For fourteen bucks, you’re getting eight quality indie games, and at least three of them could easily stand on their own. I picked it up for Gato Roboto, which is exactly what it sounds like: a cat in a mech suit.

In my opinion, this is ideal for anyone who wants games that actually let you explore and experiment. The titles are highly rated, weird in the best way, and don’t take up 80 gigs of storage. It’s refreshing.

Pokémon TCG – Scarlet & Violet: Journey Together Sleeved Booster

Alright, I’ll be honest. This one’s a bit of a wildcard. You get one booster pack, randomly selected, and that’s it. The listing makes it clear you don’t get to pick the pack art or contents.

I wouldn’t build a collection around this, but if you need to nudge your cart over the free shipping threshold or just like rolling the dice, this might do the trick.

Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet — Journey Together Booster Bundle

This bundle skips the extras and gets right to the point: six booster packs from the latest expansion. If you’re just here for the cards and not the fluff, this is a clean, solid option.

I like using these as a supplement to the bigger trainer boxes, or as a low-effort gift for a Pokémon fan who definitely already has more cards than they need.

Pokémon TCG Scarlet & Violet: 151 Booster Bundle

This bundle brings back the original 151 Pokémon with modern mechanics and new artwork, making it a highly sought-after product among longtime fans and collectors. It’s marketed as a great way to access the set without buying a full booster display box, and it consistently sells out quickly. Still, at nearly twice the standard retail price, it’s worth thinking twice unless you’ve had trouble finding it elsewhere.

Pokemon TCG Surging Sparks Sleeved Booster Pack

Currently the number one best-seller in collectible booster packs on Amazon, Surging Sparks includes over 250 cards, new Pokémon ex, ACE SPEC cards, and more than 50 cards featuring special illustrations. With solid pull potential and a modest price point, it’s an easy recommendation for casual players and serious collectors. Each pack contains 10 cards and is eligible for fast, free Prime shipping.

The Last of Us – Joel With Hatchet Bust

Available now for pre-order, this officially licensed Joel bust from Dark Horse and Naughty Dog stands 8.5 inches tall, reaching 11 inches at the top of the hatchet. The statue features detailed texturing on Joel’s flannel, backpack, and face, all set on a battle-worn concrete base with moss and bullet holes. It includes a certificate of authenticity and is scheduled to ship in August 2025. Ideal for collectors and fans of The Last of Us looking to lock in a centerpiece item.

Pokemon TCG: Azure Legends Tin

This newly released tin includes five booster packs and one random foil promo card featuring either Kyogre ex, Xerneas ex, or Dialga ex. Inside, you’ll find a mix of packs from recent expansions including Surging Sparks, Temporal Forces, Stellar Crown, and Obsidian Flames. It’s a solid mid-tier pickup for anyone looking to expand their collection with newer sets in one convenient package.

Dice & Destiny Game Bundle

This bundle features seven well-reviewed indie RPGs including Disco Elysium, Citizen Sleeper, Broken Roads, Roadwarden, and both Pillars of Eternity games. With ratings as high as 94 percent positive on Steam, the value here is undeniable for turn-based and narrative RPG fans. Plus, 15 percent off Citizen Sleeper 2 is included as a bonus coupon. The deal supports Care.org and is available for the next 15 hours only.

Pokémon TCG – Scarlet & Violet: Journey Together Sleeved Booster

Marked down from $15.99, this pack is part of the Scarlet and Violet expansion and comes in assorted packaging. Each blister contains 10 cards, with a chance to pull some of the newer generation cards and artwork styles. While the pack style you receive is random, this is a good opportunity to sample the set at a much lower price than usual.

Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet — Journey Together Elite Trainer Box

This is the first time I’ve seen the ETB for a reasonable price without having to buy it from someone’s backseat eBay hustle. Nine booster packs, full-art N’s Zorua promo, card sleeves, energy, dice, the works. I’ve seen this box selling for $90+ since launch, so $70.31 from Amazon is genuinely solid. Lillie’s Clefairy ex is still floating around $180 and N’s Zoroark ex has dropped to $13, which tells me the hype has deflated and we’re in “buy because it’s fun” territory again. I like it here.

Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet — Journey Together Booster Bundle

This is the low-frills version for people who just want to open packs without pretending they’re going to organize their collection. Six Journey Together boosters and none of the ETB fluff. Honestly, this is how I like to test a set when prices cool off. You still have a shot at cards like Salamence ex SIR, which tanked from $250 to around $106, or a sub-$20 N’s Reshiram. Even if you pull nothing, at least you didn’t overpay trying to win the cardboard lottery.

Pokémon TCG – Scarlet & Violet: Journey Together – Sleeved Booster

I threw one of these in my cart last week just to hit the free shipping minimum. One pack, random art, decent discount. There’s no reason to expect anything big, but the price is finally low enough that I don’t feel bad if I just pull a Furret. And if you happen to land something like Articuno’s Illustration Rare (now $18.69) or Wailord (around $14.55), it’s a nice win from a $10 impulse buy.

Train Sim world 5 Route Remix Bundle

I don’t know how many people wake up wanting ten train simulator add-ons, but if you’re one of them, today is your day. For $15, you get Train Sim World 5’s Starter Pack plus nine routes and loco add-ons. Antelope Valley, Cajon Pass, Thameslink, Santa Fe F7—the whole diesel buffet. It’s Steam keys, it supports CALM, and the value is so off the rails (pun fully intended) that I bought it just to mess around with the Railpool BR193 Vectron. Don’t judge me.

Lepro O1 AI Floor Lamp

This is one of those “tech that doesn’t make sense until you try it” products. It’s a smart LED floor lamp with AI-generated lighting modes, music sync, voice control, app scheduling, and a vibe for every mood. It’s absurdly bright at 2300 lumens, and it looks clean in any corner setup. The AI stuff isn’t just fluff either. Say “I want relaxing light” and it’ll give you ten preset scenes. I think it’s great if you want one light to do everything without fiddling with settings for half an hour.

Lepro B2 AI Smart Light Bulbs

These are the same AI bulbs as the ones in the floor lamp, but in classic 75W-equivalent LED form. They’re bright, colorful, and weirdly helpful if you’re too tired to fine-tune your lighting manually. The music sync is fun, the AI scenes work well, and the voice commands actually feel smart instead of gimmicky. I bought a set of these last month and haven’t touched the wall switch since. At $8 per bulb, it’s kind of a no-brainer.

Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet – Surging Sparks

I picked up Surging Sparks because six booster packs under $50 is lower than what Amazon has been charging recently (It’s still above MSRP though) Honestly, I wanted something new to crack open. It’s part of the latest Scarlet & Violet expansion, so if you’re trying to keep up with current sets or just enjoy the chaos of pulling a good card, this one’s a smart grab.

Pokémon TCG: Iono’s Bellibolt ex Premium Collection

This one’s for the collectors who care as much about presentation as they do the pulls. Iono’s Bellibolt ex Premium Collection comes with six packs, a full-art promo, and a display sheet that’s more elaborate than it needs to be — in a good way. It’s also a cool way to snag Journey Together packs with a fantastic promo card.

Mass Effect Merchandise

I think anyone who’s replayed Mass Effect more than once knows exactly why these statues are tempting. I pre-ordered Jack immediately because, well, it felt necessary. The line includes Shepard, Tali, Legion, and others, and they look good enough that I’ve already made space for them on the shelf. If you’re still quoting Garrus unironically, these are for you.

Pokémon TCG: Scarlet and Violet: Paldean Fates: Booster Bundle

Paldean Fates is priced a double MSRP, but it’s also very hard to come by in 2025. I grabbed it because the baby shiny sub-set is awesome, but if you just want to grab the single cards from this set, it might actually save you money.

Fellow Traveller Publisher Bundle

This bundle has some of the better narrative indies from the last few years. I paid the $12, added the games to my backlog like I always do, and immediately booted up The Pale Beyond. It’s a strong lineup if you like character-driven games and don’t mind occasionally being emotionally wrecked by minimalist storytelling.

Pokémon TCG: Scarlet and Violet Shrouded Fable Elite Trainer Box

I think of this one as the all-in-one box for when you want cards and a bunch of gear you probably won’t use but still want around. Nine booster packs, a promo, sleeves, dice, and enough extras to make you feel like you’re doing more than just opening packs. It’s a solid option if you like having a little structure with your chaos.

Pokémon TCG: Terapagos ex Ultra-Premium Collection

I hesitated on this one, then immediately remembered it includes 18 booster packs and a playmat. It’s definitely a big spend, but if you’ve been waiting for a premium bundle that actually justifies the price, this checks out. I picked it up more for the experience than the individual cards, and that’s the right way to approach it.

Pokémon TCG: Shining Fates Collection Pikachu V Box

I grabbed Shining Fates Pikachu V mostly because I never actually opened it when it first dropped, and now seemed like a good excuse. Four booster packs, a Pikachu promo, and the oversized card that ends up somewhere near your desk — standard stuff, but still a nice throwback if you missed it the first time around.

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.

Pokemon Squishmallows Get a Massive Discount at Amazon, But It’ll Expire Soon

Filed Under: ENTERTAINMENT, IGN

The Pokémon range of Squishmallows makes for some of the best franchise plushies around, and Amazon has made them better by letting you buy certain 14-inch ultra-soft Pocket Monsters for as low as $6.06, in a price cut on certain ones.

That lowest price tag in particular is for Marill, arguably the best bargain among the bunch due to the Gen-2 Water-type’s popularity. Originally, $17.49, that is a huge 65% saving before taking taxes plus shipping & handling, into account.

The next best is for Bellibolt, the EleFrog Pokemon, who is now available to buy and squeeze for only $8.47, after having 66% taken off its original $24.99 price tag. Then, there’s the Pokemon Scarlet & Violet players’ favourite Fire-type starter, Fuecoco—also on sale for $9.23 after having 63% taken away. For the Kanto purists, the 14-inch Clefairy can now be bought for only $10.13 after a 59% reduction.

An important thing to keep in mind is that Amazon has seemed to have made it very hard to find these deals when you’re browsing directly, with some plushies’ lower product pages only appearing with very particular searches. With that, we’d recommend clicking through our dedicated catalogue above so you can go to each page directly, buy quickly, and save without none of the fuss.

If you’re still after the generally best Squishmallows in the entire Pokemon range—like Gengar and Snorlax—most seem to be available to still buy on Amazon as well. Some have even had a price cut as well, but only $4 at the most, compared to the other four above.

Still, they’re worth the investment if you want some squeezable and comfortable cushions added to your living space with some Pokemon flair.

Around 50% of the Marill, Fuecoco, and Clefairy Squishmallows have already been claimed at the time of writing. As more become aware of these massive offers, grab yours quickly before you lose out on this very limited-time deal.

Ben Williams – IGN freelance contributor with over 10 years of experience covering gaming, tech, film, TV, and anime. Follow him on Twitter/X @BenLevelTen.

AU Deals: Lowest Evers on Elden Ring Erdtree Edition, Until Dawn, Sonic x Shadow, and More!

Filed Under: ENTERTAINMENT, IGN

The Easter season of savings is in full swing, and I’ve found a banger line-up of game bargains across every major platform. Whether you’re building out your backlog or chasing a couple of cult favourites you missed at launch, there’s never been a better time to snag some digital delights. Get scrolling to get saving!

This Day in Gaming 🎂

In retro news, I’m celebrating the 17th bday of Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Vegas 2, the first game I ever reviewed for IGN AU! I’m all about its co-op PvE mode, called Terrorist Hunt, that my mates and I sank about a hundred hours into. Whether you do it via two-player split or 4P over Xbox Live, the concept is simple: survive a butt-clenching, one-shot-one-kill onslaught against thirty AI scumbags. I still play this on my XSX and it remains an absolute (flash)banger.

Aussie bdays for notable games

– Golden Sun: The Lost Age (GBA) 2003. Get

– Wild Arms 5 (PS2) 2008. eBay

– Rainbow Six Vegas 2 (PC) 2008. Get

– Injustice: Gods Among Us (PS3, WiiU, X360) 2013. Get

– Yakuza 6 (PS4) 2018. Get

Contents

Nice Savings for Nintendo Switch

Nintendo leads with a nostalgic one-two punch. Super Mario RPG (A$64) is a lovingly remade classic that sees Mario teaming up with Bowser (a plot twist that blew minds back in the SNES days). And for only A$6, Portal: Companion Collection serves up both Portal games in one neat bundle. The whole package is worth it for that iconic “Still Alive” song alone.

Expiring Recent Deals

Or gift a Nintendo eShop Card.

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Exciting Bargains for Xbox

Xbox Series X users can grab TopSpin 2K25 (A$19) at a jaw-dropping 81% off. Meanwhile, Wild Hearts (A$19) brings monster-hunting with a feudal twist, developed with EA Originals and Omega Force of Dynasty Warriors fame.

Expiring Recent Deals

Xbox One

Or just invest in an Xbox Card.

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Pure Scores for PlayStation

On PS5, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Edition (A$79) preps you for FromSoftware’s upcoming lore-drop. Until Dawn (A$59), meanwhile, features an early Hayden Panettiere role and was originally conceived as a PS3 Move title.

PS4

Expiring Recent Deals

PS+ Monthly Freebies
Yours to keep from Apr 1 with this subscription

  • RoboCop: Rogue City | PS5
  • The Texas Chain Saw Massacre | PS4/5
  • Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth HM | PS4

Or purchase a PS Store Card.

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Purchase Cheap for PC

For PC, Persona 5 Royal (A$33) lets you live your best double life, complete with talking cat. And Tales of Arise (A$13) includes secret cooking recipes as post-battle bonuses. Bon appétit, indeed.

Expiring Recent Deals

Or just get a Steam Wallet Card

Laptop Deals

Desktop Deals

Monitor Deals

Component Deals

Storage Deals

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Legit LEGO Deals

Expiring Recent Deals

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Hot Headphones Deals

Audiophilia for less

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Terrific TV Deals

Do right by your console, upgrade your telly

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Adam Mathew is our Aussie deals wrangler. He plays practically everything, often on YouTube.

Pulsar’s PCMK 2 HE TKL Does Magnetic Gaming Keyboards Right

Filed Under: ENTERTAINMENT, IGN

Pulsar made a great impression with the Xboard QS, which featured expansive physical customization and a build quality strong enough to be classified as a weapon. Along with some of my favorite mechanical switches, Pulsar proved to be a real player in the boutique (and expensive) keyboard space. The PCMK 2 HE, however, takes on a different design philosophy with a lighter, slimmer build and makes the move to magnetic switches to stand among some of the best gaming keyboards recently released. It costs a pretty penny at a base price of $160, especially considering its wired-only connectivity limits versatility, but everything else around it is fantastic and shows that Pulsar isn’t just a one-hit wonder.

Pulsar PCMK 2 HE – Design and Features

The PCMK 2 HE rocks a simple design, and it’s a clean and attractive aesthetic with the black and white color scheme that contrasts really well. The QWER, ASDF, Escape, and Enter keys come in the opposite color of the rest of the keycaps (depending on which primary color you choose to buy), and the backlit Pulsar logo above the arrow keys shines brightly. That logo is also a magnetic tab that you can remove, and even get customized for a little extra. The legend on it indicates whether or not Caps Lock, Scroll Lock, or Game Mode is active via the backlighting as well.

The exposed keycaps on the aluminum top plate lets them pop and the RGB backlighting flow nicely across the board. These double-shot PBT keycaps don’t have transparent lettering so the lighting doesn’t help with visibility, but there’s a decent brightness that helps the customizable colors still jump out. The dampeners and foam layer make up the rest of the keyboard, however, the keystrokes aren’t exactly soft or quiet. I’m fine with it since the keys have a light and bouncy feel that works well for gaming and long-term typing, although it does sound more “clacky” than most other magnetic keyboards. The bottom is encased in a transparent plastic so it’s not a fully aluminum chassis and doesn’t feel quite as sturdy as it could have been, but the see-through look is pretty sweet.

Like most of Pulsar’s catalogue, it’s quite pricey, but there’s no doubt that you get a quality product in return.

Pulsar collaborated with Gateron for its magnetic switches, which have a really smooth linear feel – at just 30g +/- 7 on the initial actuation force, it’s one of the lightest switches I’ve used. In moving to magnetic Hall Effect switches, it affords the keyboard another layer customization that you just can’t get from mechanical keyboards. Popular manufacturers like Logitech and Razer are jumping onto it now, and Pulsar is up there with the big names not just with how well the switches themselves perform, but because of how easy it is to get the most out of them.

Pulsar PCMK 2 HE – Software and Customization

As with other boutique-style keyboard makers, Pulsar uses a web-based configurator instead of a downloadable software suite to customize the keyboard’s settings. It’s called Bibimbap and makes tweaking things a breeze, similar to what Keychron offers as I saw with the K4 HE that I also reviewed. You just go to the Pulsar software URL (it’ll say “download” but it doesn’t actually download a client) and select the keyboard from the Connect menu. From there, you can mess with things like the customizable actuation point, RGB lighting profile, key assignments, macros, and much more.

Almost every feature included is configurable on a per-key basis, and while RGB isn’t going to necessarily shine through the keycaps, the degree to which you tweak the color spectrum, effects, and indicator lights on the magnetic tab is extensive. Having adjustable actuation points, thanks to the magnetic switches, comes in clutch as well, and that’s simply done in the Performance tab in the software – it can be as short as 0.1mm or as deep as 4.0mm and anywhere in between in 0.1mm increments.

Because this is a magnetic keyboard with features like Rapid Trigger and Quick Tap, I do need to address the ever-present elephant in the room. Quick Tap, being the name for SOCD (simultaneous opposite cardinal direction) input in this case, is a contentious feature that allows immediate input recognition even with the opposing direction still being held. In a shooter, holding A to strafe left while tapping D to strafe right without letting go of A creates a jiggle-strafing movement that is physically impossible otherwise. And this technique makes you an extremely tough target to hit. While every magnetic keyboard has some form of SOCD now, it doesn’t mean you’re safe to use it – you will get kicked from Counter-Strike 2 matches, for example, so be mindful of that. Rapid Trigger isn’t as problematic, it just recognizes any upward movement as a reset point, making repeated tapping faster.

Looking to upgrade your mouse, too?

Check out our roundup of the best gaming mice out now!

Despite not being as physically sophisticated as the Xboard QS, there is still some onboard customization you can do with the PCMK 2 HE, like swapping out the switches. If you want to change things up and ditch the Gateron x Pulsar magnetic switches, you can do that easily so long as you’re putting in N-Pole or S-Pole switches.

Pulsar PCMK 2 HE – Performance

To cut to the chase, gaming performance on the PCMK 2 HE is stellar. That’s largely due to the super-light touch to the Gateron x Pulsar magnetic switches and the adjustable actuation points. Even without using Quick Tap, my skill ceiling in Counter-Strike 2 is a bit higher on account of being able to do quicker keystrokes and have those inputs recognized switfly. While I love the K4 HE that I mentioned earlier, I give the slight edge for gaming to something like the PCMK 2 HE since its switches make these kinds of techniques easier to execute for competitive scenarios. Whether I’m quick-strafing to peak corners, switching weapons on a dime, or crouch-jumping through a window, the PCMK 2 HE let me pull these moves off effortlessly.

While I like having a super short actuation point for a competitive shooter, setting my keys to a deeper point works wonders for making sure I don’t accidently set off the wrong action in my attack rotation for Final Fantasy XIV. As someone who spent hours-on-end raiding, I definitely felt my fingers wearing out the longer the raid went on, too, and the switches on the PCMK 2 HE helps mitigate that kind of exhaustion by virtue of the light actuation force. It’s those sorts of capabilities that may seem minor on paper, but make noticeable differences in practice.

While much of these perks are due to the magnetic switches, the keyboard is a pleasure to use even if it’s louder than most of its contemporaries. That bounciness I mentioned earlier feels great when I’m typing all throughout the work day, making for a comfortable experience outside of gaming.

It’s worth noting that the PCMK 2 HE features a 8000Hz polling rate, which I’ve talked about extensively as it pertains to high-end gaming mice. With regards to keyboards, the benefits are much more limited, and I would go as far to say negligible. Where the continuous and miniscule movements of a mouse swipe come out smoother with a high polling rate, the binary nature of keyboard inputs just don’t really need that. If anything, it’s to give you piece of mind that you’re getting the best performance that’s technically possible (but let’s be real, putting 8,000Hz polling rate on a box is also a marketing move).

The Best Gaming PC of 2025: Top Prebuilt Desktops

Filed Under: ENTERTAINMENT, IGN

In case building your own rig is too much work right now or simply not a priority for you, you can always opt for one of the best prebuilt gaming PCs. You’ll miss out on the satisfaction of building your PC from the ground up, but all that time you saved skipping research, having to wait for components to arrive, building your machine, and inevitably problem-solving when something goes awry can be spent actually playing PC games.

The half-baked prebuilt systems of yesteryear are no more, cutting far fewer corners for a long-lasting gaming PC that can take on all the action you throw its way. With the latest and greatest graphics cards and processors becoming pricier than ever, you may even save money by opting for something from Alienware, MSI, or HP. Plus, most options are easy enough to open up to upgrade components down the road, including our favorite gaming PC, the Legion Tower 7i.

TL;DR – These Are the Best Gaming PCs:

Buying a gaming PC is a bit more involved than a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S. You’ll need to determine the types of games you want to play and how you want to play them – even the best budget gaming PCs won’t be running Cyberpunk 2077 at the highest settings. Finding the proper processors, storage, memory, cooling, and other hardware and ensuring all the components work well together can make or break the rig. Luckily, many manufacturers take care of a good chunk of that guesswork so you don’t bottleneck the system.

Whether you’re looking for something more affordable for indie games, want a compact option to save space in your studio apartment, or are after a top-tier rig to tackle the action in 4K, we’ve got you covered. One of the five pre-built gaming PCs we’ve selected will align perfectly with your needs.

Contributions by Danielle Abraham and Georgie Peru

Looking for additional savings? Check out the best gaming PC deals happening right now.

The State of Gaming PCs in 2025

Right now, we’re in the middle of the next generation of PC hardware launching. Nvidia and AMD have released their respective new graphics cards, and we’re still hot on the heels of the AMD Ryzen 9950X3D and 9800X3D. While we haven’t had the chance to review any prebuilt gaming PCs with the new hardware – yet, at least – there are a couple things to keep in mind.

Most gaming PCs on this list have since been updated to support the new graphics cards, and even if they weren’t, that doesn’t mean they’re not worth buying anymore. Because while the RTX 5080 is an extremely powerful graphics card, it’s really just a few percentage points ahead of the RTX 4080 Super. So, if you can catch a deal on an RTX 4080 Super gaming PC, you should jump on it – all you’re missing out on is multi-frame generation and an extra 10fps in some games.

Gaming PCs also remain one of the best ways to get your hands on one of the new graphics cards, too. PC manufacturers usually pay bulk prices for graphics cards, so you can usually get a full system for just a bit more than the standalone graphics card costs right now. While this sucks for anyone who just wants to upgrade their PC with a new GPU, its actually great for people who don’t already have a PC to slot a graphics card into.

1. Lenovo Legion Tower 7i

Best Gaming PC

Prebuilt gaming PCs have always had a problem with proprietary hardware, and the Lenovo Legion Tower 7i really does show we’re through those dark ages. It used to be that if you bought a gaming PC from Lenovo or Dell, you’d get a tower that was plenty powerful for the time, but because it was using some bespoke motherboard or power supply, you were limited when it came to upgrading your system.

When I reviewed the Lenovo Legion Tower 7i though, I was blown away by how much it’s just a normal gaming PC. You get a straightforward mid-tower case housing industry-standard hardware, making it incredibly easy to fix it if something breaks or upgrade once new hardware comes out. Don’t get me wrong: The Tower 7i does fall into some of the same pitfalls of any prebuilt system these days – Lenovo cheaped out a bit on the memory and the motherboard – but because all the components are the standard size, you can just swap both of those components out for better stuff when you can afford it.

This results in a gaming PC that’s not just great because it plays games well, but because it serves as an entry point to customizing your own system. Building an entire system from the ground up can be an intimidating and time-consuming thing; upgrading one or two parts of your PC is way more approachable.

There are dozens of prebuilt gaming PCs out there that now serve as great entry points to building your own rig. What sets the Lenovo Legion Tower 7i apart is its price. This high-end tower is significantly cheaper than similarly specced systems from HP or Alienware, even if it’s not quite as flashy. But if all you want is a solid gaming experience, the Lenovo Legion Tower 7i is the prebuilt to get right now.

2. HP Omen 45L

Best Current-Gen PC

For the longest time, the best gaming PCs were cursed with weird proprietary cases that required bespoke motherboards and power supplies that were nearly impossible to replace. HP used to be one of the biggest offenders here, but recently, its Omen gaming PCs have drastically changed how it makes its gaming towers. The HP Omen 45L isn’t just one of my favorite gaming PCs; I’ve even built a complete custom PC in its case, and that’s not something I’d dream to attempt in most prebuilt gaming PC chassis. It’s a spacious gaming rig with a ton of room for upgrades, able to support custom water cooling loops and giant graphics cards like the RTX 4090 without even beginning to worry about it bumping into anything important.

This makes the HP Omen 45L a gaming PC that I’d recommend buying the entry-level model of, even if it comes with a paltry 512GB SSD and an RTX 4060 Ti. This is one of the easiest prebuilts to tinker with, and upgrading to a bigger SSD and a more beefy graphics card later down the line when you can afford it is going to be a breeze.

That being said, this is a premium gaming PC with a premium price, starting at $2,060 before discounts. (Trust me, there are always discounts.) That price nets you an Intel Core i7-14700K, 16GB of RAM, 512GB of SSD storage, and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti. That config isn’t bad, easily able to power through pretty much any AAA PC game without breaking a sweat, but you can get a comparable HP Victus build for $1,369, albeit with a much worse chassis and limited to the non-Ti RTX 4060.

It’s a high sticker price, but it’s absolutely worth it if you want a PC case that isn’t complete trash. You’ll be using the same case for years, building up war stories from upgrading your rig like any PC gamer that’s built their own PC. My own PC case is a Cooler Master HAF 500P Mesh, and I’ve been maintaining and upgrading that PC for more than five years now. The HP Omen 45L chassis is one of the only times I’ve thought about swapping PC cases, and that should tell you something.

3. iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop

Best Budget Gaming PC

Not all gaming PCs are either prohibitively expensive or lack power with dated hardware, and the iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop is proof. With it comes the latest 14th-generation Intel Core i7 processor for speedy performance in everyday tasks and games. When paired with the best budget GPU, Nvidia’s RTX 4060, this rig has enough processing headroom to sail through games in 1080p at high frame rates. Looking to play in 1440p? It shouldn’t have a problem cruising through non-ray-traced games like Total War: Warhammer 3.

The iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop is even a viable option for those ready to dip their toes in game streaming, as its current-gen processors partner perfectly with the 32GB of high-bandwidth DDR5 RAM. So, running Twitch along with a game shouldn’t slow things down too much. Storage wasn’t overlooked: A 1TB SSD is baked in for speedy app launches and saves.

Even if this gaming PC isn’t as powerful as some premium options, it still gets hot. Luckily, the case is roomy with mesh at the front and top panels for proper airflow and ventilation. Three ARGB fans at the front and one at the back aid in keeping things frosty. However, better cooling options couldn’t hurt. Luckily, iBuyPower has made things relatively easy to upgrade. With Nvidia’s RTX 5000 series and 15th-gen Intel Arrow Lake processors dropping sometime in the not-too-distant future, it’s nice to have the option to update hardware rather than starting from scratch. Just be sure the B760 D5 motherboard and 600W PSU can handle those newer components.

Given all that’s on offer for less than $1,500, the iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop is a great value. What helps elevate this budget gaming PC even further is the inclusion of a gaming keyboard and mouse with some flashy RGB lighting. These aren’t the best peripherals out there, but perfect for those just beginning their gaming journey.

4. Asus ROG NUC

Best Mini Gaming PC

Shopping for a mini gaming PC is an exercise in compromise. You can get an extremely small gaming PC like the Asus ROG NUC, but in order for the chassis to get down to that size, there are major losses in performance. Asus handles this by equipping the ROG NUC with a mobile-class RTX 4070 and an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor, the latter of which is typically found in Ultrabooks. This is more than enough horsepower to power most games at 1080p, but you will run into issues at higher resolutions, especially in demanding games like Black Myth: Wukong.

I went into reviewing the Asus ROG NUC with this in mind, and I was pleasantly surprised at how well it handled games at 1080p. At that resolution, I was able to run pretty much any game under the sun at maxed-out settings while maintaining 60fps. That’s impressive, given that the PC is basically the size of a cable box and can fit pretty much anywhere.

This makes it an excellent home theater PC that can also play PC games. And if you’re comfortable tweaking game graphics settings, this mini gaming PC would make a perfect companion for a 4K TV. You can store your media library there and have instant access to your movies and TV shows, while also being able to boot up Steam and play your games when you want to. Just keep in mind that you can likely get similar performance from a gaming laptop most of the time.

How to Choose a Gaming PC

Prebuilts are the most surefire way of getting into gaming and arguably the most cost-effective hardware you can buy. With a system, you’re not only getting the hardware inside, but time savings of having to track down the best processor to best RAM for your system and putting it all together yourself and praying it actually boots up correctly.

That said, just like building your own PC you want to make sure you’re spending your money where it’s needed most. Firstly, you should prioritize getting the graphics card you need for the gaming monitor or the gaming TV you’re gaming on. There’s no need for anything better than an Nvidia RTX 5060 Ti if you’re just playing games on a 1080p display.

Likewise, you should only need an Intel Core i5 or Ryzen 5 processor with at least four cores to play most modern games comfortably at any resolution.

System memory and solid-state drives can be the biggest money sink for any system. Those comfortable with upgrading their system after it arrives should choose a configuration with the smallest storage and RAM capacities possible, as buying these components yourself can often be more cost-effective.

If that last suggestion resonates, perhaps a barebones system is what you seek. Those can be much cheaper since they come with all the major hardware – such as the CPU, GPU, and power supply – installed, but they usually lack storage, memory, and an operating system as a trade-off.

Lastly, if you want more control over what exactly is going into your build, go with a boutique PC builder. Origin, Maingear, DigitalStorm, Falcon Northwest, PC Specialist, and many more companies offer excellent PC building services that let you pick exactly which components go into your gaming PC. From there, they build your system with the sort of cable management some can only dream of while ensuring it all works properly out of the box.

In case this all sounds a little overwhelming to you, NZXT has its own PC building service called BLD. Instead of picking every part that will go into your PC, you chose the games you’ll actually play and the service gives you several configuration options that will be able to run the games for a smooth experience.

Similarly, iBuyPower offers an Easy Builder service that operates in very much the same fashion. Users can select games that they play from a small pool that includes Fortnite, GTA V, Apex Legends, WoW, League of Legends, Overwatch, and Battlefield V. From there, users can select whether they play at a 1080p or 1440p resolution, as well as their budget, and the system will spit back a few configurations to choose from.

Prebuilt PCs also come with several features and pieces of software you might find convenient. Many gaming PCs in this category come with some sort of overclocking support and even a one-click button to boost your system’s performance. Of course, it’s easy enough to download a piece of overclocking software like MSI Afterburner or EVGA Precision X. Additionally, your machine may come with system monitoring software that makes downloading and updating drivers a breeze.

Gaming PC FAQ

Should you buy a gaming PC or a gaming laptop?

Unless you’re looking for an all-in-one portable package, a gaming PC is usually better than even the best gaming laptops. With a desktop, it’s much easier and less expensive to upgrade parts, and they tend to last longer before going obsolete. For more on gaming PCs vs. gaming laptops, check out our guide.

Is it easy to upgrade your prebuilt gaming PC?

It depends. Most PC manufacturers have figured out users absolutely hate proprietary parts. While you might still find no-name motherboards installed into the heart of your PC, they should all at least fall in line with the standard size and layout of Mini ITX or Micro ATX motherboards. The best gaming PCs should allow you to easily swap out the CPU, GPU, RAM, and storage on your system with just a few simple tools or just a screwdriver.

Better yet, systems that tout tool-less upgradability don’t require you to undo screws or anything to replace any of the major components. One of the things you’ll likely find on most modern chassis are thumbscrews, which can be removed after a few quick twists with your fingers rather than a screwdriver. Additionally, tool-less SSD and hard drive caddies make expanding and replacing your storage just a little bit easier.

Should you buy a gaming PC or a console?

When comparing a gaming PC vs. console, there appear to be more similarities than differences these days, but one still comes out on top: the gaming PC.

Not every aspect of a gaming PC beats consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. Consoles are much easier to use. You’ll also find that even the most expensive consoles are cheap compared to a quality gaming PC with a good graphics card, although there are good budget GPUs. There are some great handheld gaming PCs and mini PCs that are more affordable, but they’re better for indie games or older cross-platform console titles.

Where a gaming PC pulls ahead is in its gaming library, peripherals, upgradeability, and overall performance. There’s no denying that there are a massive amount of PC games, and of course, a gaming PC has cross-platform compatibility with popular console titles. Beyond gaming keyboards and gaming mice, you’ll find a wealth of other peripherals, from racing wheels to controllers, that all work seamlessly with a PC. You can also enjoy better visuals and a higher performance ceiling, and it’s easy to upgrade components. That makes a well-equipped PC the clear winner.

Can you find a good gaming PC for under $1,000?

Yes, it’s absolutely possible to find a great gaming PC for under $1,000. You just need to manage your expectations. Less powerful hardware will usually come in these ultra budget-friendly desktops, meaning gaming performance is more limited. Even still, you should have no problem running many of your favorite games in 1080p or sometimes even 1440p at respectable frame rates. Your PC may struggle during more graphically intensive games running at their top settings, but the savings you enjoy might be worth the trade-off.

Should you build your own gaming PC?

Building your own gaming PC has many benefits. First and foremost, you get to customize your PC to your own specifications, including only the components you want and need. Rather than purchasing a prebuilt desktop that may not be tailored to your requirements, you can select all of the individual parts that make up a gaming PC.

However, you will need some knowledge of how to build PCs, or at least be able to closely follow an in-depth YouTube video. This is where things get a little tricky. If you’ve never built a custom gaming PC before, you will need to do some research. From understanding how each component interacts with each other, to how to hold a stick of RAM or a CPU so you don’t damage it, there’s quite a large learning curve.

If you do decide to build your own gaming PC, you will likely find that you can save some money over the long run compared to buying a prebuilt machine. Choosing your own parts means you can keep an eye on sales and offers to get the best deal possible.

But building a gaming PC isn’t for everyone. If you aren’t rigid on the specifics and don’t have a particular build in mind, it can be less troublesome to let someone else do it for you. You also get the added reassurance that the PC will be professionally built, and there’s no chance your warranty can be void.

After you’ve scored an awesome gaming PC, be sure to grab the best gaming accessories for the ultimate PC battle station.

Jacqueline Thomas is the Hardware and Buying Guides Editor at IGN. When she’s not helping her friends and family buy computers, you can usually find her tinkering with her own PC.

Image Credit: Annalee Tsujino is a multi-disciplinary designer and illustrator. Check them out on Instagram @antsu_illustrations.

Black Mirror Just Released Two Versions of the Same Episode (and Didn’t Tell Anyone)

Filed Under: ENTERTAINMENT, IGN

Season 7 of Netflix’s Black Mirror arrived last week, bringing with it the usual dose of dark sci-fi cautionary tales… with some hopeful fantasy mixed in as well. But it’s one episode in particular, “Bête Noire,” which has had some Black Mirror fans questioning, well, reality.

Some spoilers follow for Black Mirror’s “Bête Noire”!

In the episode, a character named Maria (Siena Kelly) works in R&D for a food company, designing new recipes in what seems like a pretty great gig. But when a troubled classmate (Rosy McEwen) from her past shows up out of the blue and takes a job at the company, Maria finds herself in an increasingly desperate situation. It seems that the classmate, Verity, has the ability to simply alter reality by the force of her will. And nobody seems to realize this strange fact expect for Maria.

That takes us to the fun/scary moment in the episode where a workplace conversation turns to what the name of an old fast food restaurant chain was. Some say it was Barnies while others say it was Bernies. Maria is certain she knows the answer because her husband used to work there and still has the hat! But when she googles it to prove that she’s correct… the search results say otherwise. Is it The Mandela Effect or… The Verity Effect?

With this scene, Black Mirror seems to be switching reality on its viewers a bit as well because there are reportedly two different versions of the episode available on Netflix, and which one you get when streaming the show appears to be random.

As reported by Games Radar, fans have realized that in one version of the scene, Bernies was the original name of the restaurant, while in the other version the OG name is Barnies.

We’ve reached out to Netflix to ask about this matter, but haven’t heard back. That said, the Netflix and Black Mirror X accounts seem to be having some fun with the whole thing:

And by the way, the main character in the Season 3 episode “Shut Up and Dance” worked at… Barnies. But we’re not sure which reality he lived in, so that doesn’t really solve anything here anyway.

Which version of the episode did you catch? And is it Barnies or Bernies? Vote in our poll and discuss in the comments!

This Massive Mass Effect Comics & Art Book Bundle Is Only $8.99 at Fanatical Right Now

Filed Under: ENTERTAINMENT, IGN

Mass Effect is one of the most beloved RPG series of all time, with many fascinated by the characters, locations, and secrets hidden throughout its universe. If you’re a huge fan of the games looking for more, Fanatical just relased a new bundle featuring 11 different Mass Effect graphic novels and art books. You can score almost $140 worth of items for just $8.99 with this bundle.

Mass Effect Comics & Art Book Bundle Available Now at Fanatical

There are two tiers available in this bundle. The first will give you access to three products for $1.99, while the second offers a total of 11 different books for $8.99. Eight different graphic novels, including the Mass Effect: Evolution series, are included in this bundle, each written by key members of the Mass Effect writing team. Many of the franchise’s most beloved characters are featured in these comics, which makes these a must-read for any Mass Effect fan looking to peer beyond the games.

In addition to the comics, you’ll also score three amazing Mass Effect art books. This includes The Art of The Mass Effect Universe, The Art of The Mass Effect Trilogy, and The Art of Mass Effect: Andromeda. If you’re interested in learning how the Mass Effect games were conceptualized or simply wish to look at gorgeous concept art, these art books contain over 600 pages of material to scroll through.

All books will be DRM-free and downloadable in PDF format, so you can ensure you will have access to this collection wherever you go. This bundle won’t last forever, so be sure to secure yours now at Fanatical if you’re interested. At only $8.99, it’s a pretty cheap investment.

Noah Hunter is a freelance writer and reviewer with a passion for games and technology. He co-founded Final Weapon, an outlet focused on nonsense-free Japanese gaming (in 2019) and has contributed to various publishers writing about the medium.

Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree Review in Progress

Filed Under: ENTERTAINMENT, IGN

After about six hours of side scrolling through the dark fantasy dystopia of Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree, I find myself equal parts captivated by a detailed world I’ve only just begun to understand, and worried the combat that takes place within it could wear thin throughout the supposed 40-hour runtime. The story has been really compelling so far, full of body horror monsters, an extremely dark society controlled by the creepiest people imaginable, and decisions that are designed to make you squirm. But in between visits to the nearest town and chatting with my growing party back at camp, I’ve been blowing my way through fights that aren’t very novel or challenging – and while it’s too early to say for sure, that already seems like kind of a big problem for an action-RPG with soulslike sensibilities.

Ah, yes. The ol’ “is this a soulslike?” question. Is every game in 2025 technically a soulslike? I dunno – at this point, probably. Do genre labels matter even a little bit? Absolutely not. Well, regardless, Mandragora definitely borrows certain ideas you’ll recognize, like save points that respawn enemies, highly deadly bosses, and a leveling currency that can be permanently lost upon death if you fail to retrieve it. But it’s also got a bit of 2D platforming and exploration, dense skill trees for each of its six character classes, and some pretty in-depth equipment and crafting systems that place it pretty squarely in the action-RPG space. (No, not an ARPG, because those are… you know what, nevermind.) It’s a good mix that stands out as its own kind of thing, but the important part is that you’re going to be swinging melee weapons, dodge rolling away from attacks, slinging spells, and swinging across gaps with a grapple hook.

As you do so, you’ll get to know Faelduum, Mandragora’s pessimistic and creepy world that’s been overrun by evil creatures who have left humanity cowering behind city walls. You play as an inquisitor who gets involved in a witch hunt and is sent out into the world in search of evils to kill, all while the creepy voice of a monster you sympathy murdered whispers things in your head (long story). I don’t know where this is all going just yet, but I’m intrigued by its setup, and that’s despite the fact that I’m pretty over edgy fantasy settings in general.

This has got to be my 30th soulslike in the past couple of years, many of which really love the whole creepy fantasy vibe, so I was worried Mandragora would be more of the same – but that fear has been unwarranted. I’ve been impressed with the depth of Faelduum, the cast of characters who occupy it, and the troubling choices I’ve been asked to make within it. I’m very curious why witches in this universe traded in their pointy hats and broomsticks to appear as overly large flesh monsters, or why the entire world has been consumed by evil creatures while humans hide in ruined, deeply unjust cities, or why the heck my character has been absorbing dark energy called Entropy into his body, which really seems like something that’s probably not going to work out for him later on.

I’ve been impressed with this world and the characters who occupy it.

The environments can admittedly look a bit generic on the surface when running from place to place, but Mandragora uses a really neat painterly art style during cutscenes or when talking to other characters, with animated portraits you’d expect to find hanging in the halls of Hogwarts. I’m also genuinely interested in the characters I’ve met, like the reckless treasure hunter and incorrigible lady’s man who’s been making my maps or the kind-hearted blacksmith who builds weapons he’d never have the heart to use himself. Their dialogue has been pretty decent, and I’m excited to see where the larger story goes as a result.

However, when it comes to the action itself, so far I’ve mostly been fighting a whole lot of sluggish soldiers and pushover rats, which have me dodge rolling back and forth each time they take a swing, then getting a few hits in before doing so again. Not only does there not seem to be much to the combat, I’ve already seen repeated boss fights after just a handful of hours – usually not a great sign for overall enemy variety. That said, I’ve also only played as one of the six classes as of now (a dual-bladed agility-focused warrior) and perhaps I simply chose one of the more milquetoast characters or haven’t hit the point where they start to become interesting. With dense skill trees filled with powers to unlock and lots of equipment left to loot and craft, there’s plenty of time for me to potentially fall in love with these 2D bouts.

As a side scroller, there’s also a fair bit of platforming and secret hunting to be done, but those sections have mostly worked as the most minor of breaks in between combat sequences. There’s been little in the way of puzzles to solve or any memorable sections where dodging traps and perilous pitfalls was front and center in these early hours. Of course, there are clear metroidvania-style tells that I still need to obtain some special tools or abilities to unlock more options, like the grapple hook it feels very obvious I am eventually going to get, so here’s hoping that whatever lies ‘round the bend will add a little more depth to this aspect of Mandragora.

As we didn’t get review code until close to launch, the PlayStation dashboard estimates I’m only 20% through the campaign, and the description on its Steam store page claims the story is 40+ hours long, so only time will tell if the platforming and combat can rise to the same level as the story and art. As of now, I’m certainly enjoying myself enough to keep pushing through and see how things develop at least, and if Mandragora’s RPG menus filled with an insane number of possibilities are any indication, there’s quite a bit left to see before my final review next week.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Members Can Now Stream Certain Games on Their Xbox Consoles

Filed Under: ENTERTAINMENT, IGN

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members just got a new perk: the ability to stream some games directly to their consoles, no download necessary.

This news came in an Xbox Wire news post today, in which Xbox announced that Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Member are now able to stream games from the Game Pass catalog, as well as “select games they own” on their Xbox Series X and S and Xbox One consoles via cloud streaming.

In the past, this was already possible to do on smart TVs, PCs, smart phones, and Meta Quest headsets, but this is the first time the feature has been available on consoles. Effectively, it lets users avoid spending time download games and using up precious hard drive storage space for games.

Xbox’s instructions for accessing this feature are as follows:

To start streaming from an Xbox console, go to My games & apps > Full library > Owned Games.

  • Cloud playable games will display a cloud badge on the game page.
  • Use filters to find games more quickly. Choose Filter > Ready to play > Cloud gaming.
  • To start playing, select the game and then choose Play with Cloud Gaming.
  • Start streaming directly from the Store app after buying select cloud playable games.

Conversely, users can play any game that’s installed on their Xbox consoles via streaming on devices with supported web browsers, via this link. Per Xbox’s post, this feature no longer works on the Xbox mobile app, but is still available on phones via the browser link. Xbox is also in the process of bringing this feature to Samsung and Amazon Fire smart TVs, and Meta Quest headsets.

Finally, Xbox announced that beginning this month, Xbox and Xbox 360 backward compatible games will support remote play as well.

All of this, Xbox says, is part of an effort to free up storage space on Xbox consoles. The Xbox Wire post touts a new feature in the console’s settings that will offer recommendations for cleaning up hard drive real estate. It can be found in the My Games & Apps > Manage menu.

Xbox has admittedly been making efforts to to expand storage space in recent years in the wake of bigger and bigger install sizes across games like Call of Duty and Baldur’s Gate 3. We broke down some of the best storage options for the Xbox Series X and S if you still need more even with these changes, especially if you’re not interested in shelling out for one of the fancier new Xbox models that comes with more built-in storage than the originals.

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.

How to Watch Arsenal v Real Madrid Champions League Quarter Finals 2nd Leg Online

Filed Under: ENTERTAINMENT, IGN

The UEFA Champions League Quarter Finals are almost here, and there are several ways you can check out Real Madrid vs. Arsenal in the US. On Tuesday, the 16th of April, 2025, the second leg of the Real Madrid vs. Arsenal UEFA Champions League Quarter Finals is starting at 8:00 PM BST / 3:00 PM ET. Arsenal itself has helpfully laid out a comprehensive list of viewing options for each country, including local TV channels and various apps.

Out of the six options available for the United States, the best way to see the Real Madrid vs. Arsenal match in the 2nd leg of the UEFA Champions League Quarter Finals is by watching it on Paramount+, which has its own free trial for seven days.

How to Watch the Champions League Quarter-Finals Online

Normally priced at $7.99 a month, Paramount+ is one of the best streaming services for sports available right now, since you can also watch NFL on CBS along with UEFA Champions League matches, a plethora of sports films, documentaries, and TV shows.

Nevertheless, if you don’t want to use it any further after checking out this one mighty clash of a match, be sure to turn off the auto-renew on your trial so you’re not charged after the week ends.

In the meantime, you’ll be able to follow along with both pre- and post-match coverage for additional expert analysis of every UCL game. You can even watch match replays like the recent Atlético Madrid vs. Real Madrid or Aston Villa vs. Club Brugge.

Unfortunately for those who might have already used a free trial for Amazon Prime in the UK or Paramount+ in the US, respectively, doing so means you won’t be able to have another on that same account. Luckily, a way to get around this is by using a VPN to change your location so you can access the free trial to the service in another country.

For example, if you use SurfShark or NordVPN to change your location from the UK to US, you’ll then be able to bypass the geo-blockers and access the United States’ version of Paramount+, sign up for its 7-day free trial, and be able to still watch Arsenal vs Real Madrid without any issue.

Most of the options we’ve listed above offer a free trial themselves. Still, even if you end up paying a bit extra for your ideal service, the investment in a good VPN is well worth it thanks to their various benefits—like accessing alternative international catalogues for other streaming services, improved online privacy, and better security against hackers when using public Wi-Fi.

However, if you’re a major football fan trying to watch from elsewhere, there’s at least one option available for anyone trying to see these two massive clubs face off.

How to Watch the Match in the UK

If you’re in the UK, you can only watch Arsenal vs Real Madrid on Amazon Prime Video, for which you can sign up for a 30-day free trial right now, so you can enjoy the match without any charge. During the rest of the trial, you’ll even have access to all the other Premier League content available on the service.

The All or Nothing: Arsenal documentary series is a particularly good one if you haven’t checked it out already. Keep in mind that once you set the free trial, your account will be set to automatically renew into an £8.99 a month membership. Be sure to cancel your membership within the 30 days if you don’t wish to pay.

On the other hand, if you end up enjoying Prime Video, there’s also a £95 a year subscription model where you get more value for your money.

Also, remember that even if you’re watching the match through a streaming service, watching live content like the Arsenal vs Real Madrid match means you’ll need to have an active TV license.

Ben Williams – IGN freelance contributor with over 10 years of experience covering gaming, tech, film, TV, and anime. Follow him on Twitter/X @BenLevelTen.

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