Tag: pcs

The holidays are close. That means it’s time to settle in for some serious winter gaming. These Black Friday gaming deals can help. Seriously, this is one of the best times of the year to make those hardware upgrades you’ve been mulling over, whether that’s a nicer keyboard, a new monitor, some upgrades to your gaming desktop, or heck, even a new PS5. We’ve even got a couple of video game deals in here if you’ve been patiently waiting for a sale. Be sure to check out our live Black Friday deals tracker for more.

WIRED Featured Deals

Console Deals

PS5 consoles

Photograph: Eric Ravenscraft

We’ve spotted a few deals on the PlayStation 5 Slim with a variety of different games and bundles. I think the most widely appealing will probably be the Amazon bundle, which includes the Fortnite Cobalt Star Bundle, a kit of in-game accessories for the various Fortnite-adjacent games, plus 1000 V-Bucks. If that doesn’t appeal, and you don’t have a friend who plays that might want the goodies, Best Buy is offering NBA 2K25 along with the console for the same price. What’s the difference between the PS5 Slim and the normal PS5? We have a guide that explains it all.

The PlayStation 5 Slim is a slimmed-down version of the PlayStation 5 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) that’s around 30 percent slimmer. It runs the same list of great PS5 games but takes up less space beneath the TV. We have a breakdown of the different PlayStation 5 models if you want to dive deeper, but the difference between this deal and the one above is that this console has an optical drive for physical games. If you like owning your games in their physical form, this is the one to buy. —Simon Hill

The PlayStation VR2 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is one of the best VR headsets, featuring a comfortable, adjustable headband, excellent eye-tracking that allows you to select menu items or track objects by looking at them, and it comes with two controllers. There hasn’t been much development for it but if you crave immersion, you’ll find it here. The headset requires a PS5 and this is a tasty discount, but we recommend going for the PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of The Mountain Bundle ($349) since it is the same price and includes one of the best PS VR2 games in Horizon Call of the Mountain. —Simon Hill

Photograph: Amazon

It’s rare to see a Nintendo console, let alone a bundle, drop this much in price. The only caveat is this deal is only on the original Nintendo Switch. There is a discount on the OLED variant, which has a much nicer and larger screen, for $275 ($75 off). Mario Kart 8 also happens to be one of the best games for the Switch, and the one I still play the most. Want more game recommendations? Read our Best Switch Games guide.

Photograph: Eric Ravenscraft

It isn’t as deep as the discounts on the other consoles, but you can still save $50 on the Xbox Series S or Xbox Series X. These are both the disc-less versions of the console, but with 512 GB in the Series S and 1 terabyte in the Series X, you should have plenty of storage for your digital games. You can also add more storage later on. Check out our Best Xbox Games guide for more.

This easy-to-build home arcade cabinet features a 17-inch color LCD screen, a light-up marquee, authentic arcade controls, and runs 14 Namco games, including every version of Pac-Man and a few extras like Galaga and Dig Dug. Whether you grew up in the arcades or not, these games still have a powerful addictive hook, and this Pac-Man arcade machine brought me closer to my teen kids. This is a decent discount that drops it to the lowest price we’ve seen. —Simon Hill

Monitor and Chair Deals

This 34-inch OLED monitor from Alienware (9/10, WIRED Recommends) leverages Quantum Dot technology for perfect black levels and sharp colors across two different HDR levels, 400 and 1000. With a 3,440 X 1,440 resolution, you’ll be glad to have FreeSync keeping your frames smooth, even if your PC can reach the 165-Hz max refresh rate. The Alienware is still an impressive monitor for everyday computing, and in particular, watching movies and TV shows. If this is mainly for work and productivity, you might have a little issue with text clarity, as well as visibility in brightly lit rooms like offices, but I don’t expect that will be a deal-breaker. The only difference between this and the model we reviewed is FreeSync support instead of G-Sync.

The Alienware AW3225QF is in the center.

Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

This is the latest version from Alienware, the AW3225QF. It’s a smidge smaller at 32 inches but that excellent QD-OLED display now sports a 4K resolution, with crisp colors and deep blacks. I was stunned when I first booted up Helldivers 2 and landed on some of the more colorful and moody maps. It looked even more cinematic. I’ve been working off of this monitor for a few weeks now and I wish switched to OLED even sooner. It’s simply stunning. Did I mention the 240-Hz refresh rate? —Julian Chokkattu

LG Ultragear 34GS95QE

Photograph: Eric Ravenscraft

Speaking of awesome ultrawide monitors, the LG Ultragear 34GS95QE (8/10, WIRED Recommends) has a deep, enticing curve that’s excellent for immersive gaming. Like the Alienware above, it has a 240-Hz panel, so it’s quick enough for even the snappiest shooters, and the OLED panel means every moment is even more cinematic.

The Razer Iskur (7/10, WIRED Recommends) is our favorite gaming chair. It’s comfortable and it looks slick without being too gaudy. There are lots of different adjustment points plus excellent lumbar support. It still has its quirks—it doesn’t dissipate heat well and the included headrest can get annoying. But we still like its locking arms and its wide backrest. You can read more in our guide to all the chairs. —Louryn Strampe

This chair earned an honorable mention in our buying guide. It’s breathable and easy to adjust the armrests and seat angle, and the locking wheel casters will keep you firmly in place even when you’re getting tilted in League of Legends. It’s a little clunky to put together, and if you’re short, you might have issues (though you can contact customer service for a shorter cylinder, which helps). We see it go on sale during most major shopping holidays, but this is still a good deal on a popular brand. —Louryn Strampe

Gaming Headset Deals

Photograph: Eric Ravenscraft

The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless (10/10, WIRED Recommends) has to be one of the most impressive pairs of gaming headsets we’ve ever reviewed. The battery life makes these noteworthy, with a claimed 300+ hours on a single charge. No, that’s not a typo, and our testing backed it up, with these headphones running for 325 hours while playing music before they finally gave up.

If you don’t need such insane battery life, the Logitech G Pro X Lightspeed (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is our current favorite gaming headset. It sports Logitech’s Lightspeed Wireless connectivity via a 2.4-GHz dongle, which promises much lower latency while gaming than standard Bluetooth headphones. Even when you aren’t at your gaming PC, you can take advantage of Bluetooth and 3.5-mm connectivity for all your devices.

Photograph: Eric Ravenscraft

The Logitech G Pro X 2 Lightspeed is the successor to the model above and it’s an excellent pair of headphones for any gamer. Whether you need to hear the squeal of tires or the footsteps of your enemies, these have 7.1 surround sound for truly immersive gameplay. They sport a dedicated wireless connection that reduces latency when playing on your computer, plus Bluetooth and 3.5 mm for connecting to everything else you own. With a premium build quality, comfortable fit, and impressive mic, these very well could be your new favorite headphones.

Photograph: Eric Ravenscraft

SteelSeries has a few headsets discounted, including my daily driver, the Arctis Nova Pro (8/10, WIRED Recommends). I’m a big fan of the included DAC, which makes adjusting volume or settings super convenient, and the hot-swappable battery feature has saved me mid-dungeon more than once. Luxury doesn’t come cheap, but it does occasionally go on sale, and only once for lower than this price, so grab these while you can. WIRED editor Julian Chokkattu has also used these as his daily headphones (for more than two years) and said one of his ear cushions ripped after the two-year mark, but he easily replaced it via Wicked Cushions.

Our favorite gaming headset for multi-platform gamers, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X supports almost every modern system under the sun, including the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, and anything else with a USB-C port or Bluetooth. It’s also super comfortable for long gaming sessions, with plush ear cups and the classic SteelSeries support band.

Keyboard and Controller Deals

Photograph: Henri Robbins

The Q1 HE (9/10, WIRED Recommends) was a keyboard I loved at its original price when it was released in mid-2024. With an all-aluminum case, gasket mounting, Bluetooth connectivity, and Keychron’s highly customizable Nebula Double-Rail Hall effect switch, it’s a great keyboard for work and gaming that feels fantastic. Every aspect of this keyboard can be customized and fine-tuned to your preferences. While it could sound a bit better, it’s such a great all-around package that these complaints are negligible—especially since all of these nitpicks are down to personal taste, and won’t be issues for quite a few buyers. It’s usually sold at a markup on Amazon and Best Buy, but those are now discounted, though the best deal is directly from Keychron. —Henri Robbins

I have no clue how this keyboard is so cheap, but it is. Lemokey is Keychron’s newly-founded gaming brand, meant to be a companion to its more office-oriented line of keyboards. However, the great thing about the Lemokey is that, underneath the gamer styling, it runs on the same firmware and has the same great specs as Keychron boards. For the X4, this is no different—this keyboard features QMK programmability, gasket-mounting, Gateron-made switches, and a 75% layout for under $30 from a reputable brand. However, features like wireless connectivity and hot-swappable switches are not unavailable. The X4 is the most versatile of the lineup with its 75% layout, which finds the sweet spot between functionality and desk space. —Henri Robbins

The Keychron V1 Max is the middle-of-the-road pick from Keychron’s middle-of-the-road lineup. It has a 75% layout, a knob, gasket mounting, and wireless connectivity while being far less expensive than the Q Max lineup (which is the same keyboard with a metal case). These keyboards feel great to type on, are light and portable, and have all the bells and whistles you’ll need for daily use. I would realistically recommend any model in the V Max lineup since the only difference is the layout, but I’ve found 75% to be the most space-efficient option for regular use. —Henri Robbins

Photograph: Razer

While I’m firmly a big board fan, it’s not hard to see the appeal in a compact option like the Razer Huntsman Mini. By sacrificing a few keys you may not use that much, you get more desk space and a more ergonomic position for games where you have one hand on the mouse. Apart from the size, the Huntsman Mini is just as well equipped as its larger sibling with full RGB support, access to Razer’s software for customization, and keycap compatibility with the other Razer sets.

With a million mechanical keyboards on the market, it can be tough to stand out, but the Corsair K100 does just that with its built-in control wheel. This programmable knob can adjust keyboard lighting or other built-in keyboard functions, but more fun is the option to set it to control media playback on your system. You’ll also get RGB backlighting, a volume control wheel, and a set of macro keys along the left side, all features we’d expect from a mechanical keyboard at this price.

Not many mechanical keyboards also have a built-in screen, which helps the SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL stand out. A tiny OLED smart display in the upper right corner can show alerts, pass information from apps like Discord and Spotify, and even offer status effects in some video games. It’s also a solid gaming keyboard, with per-key RGB illumination, access to SteelSeries software for advanced functionality, and a heavy, low-profile aluminum base for that premium experience.

Photograph: Logitech

Need a mouse too? Logitech’s G203 is a great, no-frills at a very appealing price. It has six programmable buttons, a quick DPI switch, and RGB lighting, and the only real downside is a relatively low max DPI. That shouldn’t be an issue for most users, and for under $40, it makes a nice upgrade from a non-gaming mouse or a backup option for LAN parties. Read our Best Gaming Mouse guide for more recommendations.

The Backbone One (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is one of the few products I’ve tried for work that I still reach for frequently, despite first reviewing it in 2020. I like this little mobile gaming controller so much that when I misplaced the tester unit, I purchased my own. It’s compatible with iPhone and Android phones—just make sure to pick the right adapter when checking out. Plug it into your phone, stretch the controller over the back of your device, and prepare to be immersed. The buttons are tactile and have a superfast response time, and there’s a companion app that makes it easy to find new controller-supported mobile games, record your highlights, stream, and more. It also has pass-through charging and a headphone jack. My only gripe is that it’s a little awkward to tote around. —Louryn Strampe

Photograph: SCUF

Controller players can also take enjoy the savings with the Scuf Instinct Pro Controller, which supports Xbox Series S/X and PC, as well as macOS, iOS, and Android. This controller has a high-quality build and finish, but the best part is on the back, where four customizable paddles help you reach those tricky buttons without moving your thumbs off the sticks. That alone is worth the price of admission and is a feature you’ll find on very few other controllers. Check out our Best Game Controllers guide for more.

This is one of the best game controllers for PC gamers, with five central buttons on the front, a pair of rear paddles, and plenty of customization options. 8BitDo’s software lets you remap buttons, tweak the stick and trigger sensitivity, assign macros, and tune the vibration intensity. It’s compact with a grippy texture on the handles, satisfyingly clicky triggers, and a decent D-pad. There’s a 2.4-GHz dongle in the handy charging dock for PC gaming, and battery life is around 20 hours. It also has Bluetooth support for Nintendo Switch players, making this a solid alternative to the Switch Pro controller. —Simon Hill

With phones increasing in power and game streaming services on the rise, it’s easier than ever to play all sorts of games on your phone where a touchscreen just won’t cut it. The GameSir G8 can fill that role for Android gamers, as well as iPhone 15/16 series users with USB-C. With extra wide grips, hall effect joysticks, and support for phones up to 7.28 inches in length, this controller turns your phone into a mobile battle station ready to take on the world, or at least your next long flight.

Flight Controller Deals

Photograph: Logitech

It may not be the fanciest joystick on the market, but you’re likely to spend two or three times as much to get this feature set anywhere else. That makes the Logitech G Extreme Pro 3D and its Totally Radical name a great pick for the occasional jet flyer or space trucker.

Photograph: Turtle Beach

But what if you want the ultimate flight sim experience? The Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flight puts a complete cockpit on your desktop, with multiple throttles and trim adjustment knobs, and a true-to-life yoke with a real-time flight info screen. There’s even a light panel that shows the current status of your favorite PC games without looking up.

Deals on PC Components

Photograph: Amazon

I firmly believe in only using high-quality power supplies from trusted manufacturers, and the Corsair RM1000x fits that bill. With enough juice to power all but the most demanding GPUs, 80 PLUS Gold efficiency, and fully modular ports, this one is easy for me to recommend, and the price on Amazon comes within $10 of the previous best.

Living right near the top of AMD’s offerings, the Ryzen 9 7950X is one of the fastest and most powerful CPUs before you have to move to the larger Threadripper platform. It’s well-equipped for modeling and production work, and is probably even more than most gamers need, although maybe not more than they want.

If you’re building a new computer, you could do a lot worse than the Asus ROG Strix B550-F for your motherboard. This Ryzen-supporting motherboard is well-priced for its feature set, which is basic but sufficient. It only has PCIe 4.0 and DDR4 RAM, which means parts will be a bit cheaper and easier to come by, and 2.5 Gbps ethernet and USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C ports mean you still have modern connectivity. It’s not the biggest discount in the world, but every dollar counts when you’re building a new PC.

Other Gaming Accessories

Photograph: Simon Hill

Do you have a house full of phones, streaming devices, and computers? The Asus RT-AX860U Pro is our upgraded router pick for anyone who needs consistent, fast, wireless internet and is willing to pay for it. The RT-AX86U Pro has a wide range of features for both convenience and security, and you can even expand your network footprint with other Asus AiMesh routers. A slew of USB and Ethernet ports on the back means this powerful router can be the center of your wireless empire.

The Asus ROG Rapture is a Wi-Fi 6 router that serves up ultra-fast Internet across your home, but the best part is the software. Asus has packed this router with features gamers will love, like easy port forwarding, device prioritization, and a 2.5 Gbps LAN port. Plus, with Asus Instant Guard, you can use your home router as a VPN while out and about on your mobile phone, a nice touch for the security-minded. It’s not hard to see why it’s our favorite gaming router, but it also has everything you need for daily use, including parental controls, guest networks, and band splitting.

With a whopping 1 TB of storage, this nifty SSD drive from SK Hynix is a super-handy drive that’s not much bigger than most of the other best USB flash drives. It is a bit chunkier since it has an M.2 drive inside, but it can hit impressive speeds (around 1,000 MB/s read, 900 MB/s write) with the right gear (USB 3.2 Gen 2 port). I use it to watch 4K movies on my LG TV and it can slot into an Xbox Series X/S or PlayStation 4 or 5 for extra game storage. Finished in smooth black plastic, with a cover that pops off to reveal a USB-A jack, SK Hynix offers a three-year warranty. —Simon Hill

Video Game Deals

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.Courtesy of Nintendo

Nintendo Switch Games

Sony Playstation 5 Games

Xbox Series S/X Games

PC Games

The holidays are close. That means it’s time to settle in for some serious winter gaming. These Black Friday gaming deals can help. Seriously, this is one of the best times of the year to make those hardware upgrades you’ve been mulling over, whether that’s a nicer keyboard, a new monitor, some upgrades to your gaming desktop, or heck, even a new PS5. We’ve even got a couple of video game deals in here if you’ve been patiently waiting for a sale. Be sure to check out our live Black Friday deals tracker for more.

Updated November 29: It’s Black Friday! We’ve added more deals and corrected prices.

WIRED Featured Deals

Console Deals

PS5 consoles

Photograph: Eric Ravenscraft

We’ve spotted a few deals on the PlayStation 5 Slim with a variety of different games and bundles. I think the most widely appealing will probably be the Amazon bundle, which includes the Fortnite Cobalt Star Bundle, a kit of in-game accessories for the various Fortnite-adjacent games, plus 1000 V-Bucks. If that doesn’t appeal, and you don’t have a friend who plays that might want the goodies, Best Buy is offering NBA 2K25 along with the console for the same price. What’s the difference between the PS5 Slim and the normal PS5? We have a guide that explains it all.

The PlayStation 5 Slim is a slimmed-down version of the PlayStation 5 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) that’s around 30 percent slimmer. It runs the same list of great PS5 games but takes up less space beneath the TV. We have a breakdown of the different PlayStation 5 models if you want to dive deeper, but the difference between this deal and the one above is that this console has an optical drive for physical games. If you like owning your games in their physical form, this is the one to buy. —Simon Hill

The PlayStation VR2 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is one of the best VR headsets, featuring a comfortable, adjustable headband, excellent eye-tracking that allows you to select menu items or track objects by looking at them, and it comes with two controllers. There hasn’t been much development for it but if you crave immersion, you’ll find it here. The headset requires a PS5 and this is a tasty discount, but we recommend going for the PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of The Mountain Bundle ($349) since it is the same price and includes one of the best PS VR2 games in Horizon Call of the Mountain. —Simon Hill

Photograph: Amazon

It’s rare to see a Nintendo console, let alone a bundle, drop this much in price. The only caveat is this deal is only on the original Nintendo Switch. There is a discount on the OLED variant, which has a much nicer and larger screen, for $275 ($75 off). Mario Kart 8 also happens to be one of the best games for the Switch, and the one I still play the most. Want more game recommendations? Read our Best Switch Games guide.

Photograph: Eric Ravenscraft

It isn’t as deep as the discounts on the other consoles, but you can still save $50 on the Xbox Series S or Xbox Series X. These are both the disc-less versions of the console, but with 512 GB in the Series S and 1 terabyte in the Series X, you should have plenty of storage for your digital games. You can also add more storage later on. Check out our Best Xbox Games guide for more.

This easy-to-build home arcade cabinet features a 17-inch color LCD screen, a light-up marquee, authentic arcade controls, and runs 14 Namco games, including every version of Pac-Man and a few extras like Galaga and Dig Dug. Whether you grew up in the arcades or not, these games still have a powerful addictive hook, and this Pac-Man arcade machine brought me closer to my teen kids. This is a decent discount that drops it to the lowest price we’ve seen. —Simon Hill

Monitor Deals

This 34-inch OLED monitor from Alienware (9/10, WIRED Recommends) leverages Quantum Dot technology for perfect black levels and sharp colors across two different HDR levels, 400 and 1000. With a 3,440 X 1,440 resolution, you’ll be glad to have FreeSync keeping your frames smooth, even if your PC can reach the 165-Hz max refresh rate. The Alienware is still an impressive monitor for everyday computing, and in particular, watching movies and TV shows. If this is mainly for work and productivity, you might have a little issue with text clarity, as well as visibility in brightly lit rooms like offices, but I don’t expect that will be a deal-breaker. The only difference between this and the model we reviewed is FreeSync support instead of G-Sync.

The Alienware AW3225QF is in the center.

Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

This is the latest version from Alienware, the AW3225QF. It’s a smidge smaller at 32 inches but that excellent QD-OLED display now sports a 4K resolution, with crisp colors and deep blacks. I was stunned when I first booted up Helldivers 2 and landed on some of the more colorful and moody maps. It looked even more cinematic. I’ve been working off of this monitor for a few weeks now and I wish switched to OLED even sooner. It’s simply stunning. Did I mention the 240-Hz refresh rate? —Julian Chokkattu

LG Ultragear 34GS95QE

Photograph: Eric Ravenscraft

Speaking of awesome ultrawide monitors, the LG Ultragear 34GS95QE (8/10, WIRED Recommends) has a deep, enticing curve that’s excellent for immersive gaming. Like the Alienware above, it has a 240-Hz panel, so it’s quick enough for even the snappiest shooters, and the OLED panel means every moment is even more cinematic.

Gaming Headset Deals

Photograph: Eric Ravenscraft

The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless (10/10, WIRED Recommends) has to be one of the most impressive pairs of gaming headsets we’ve ever reviewed. The battery life makes these noteworthy, with a claimed 300+ hours on a single charge. No, that’s not a typo, and our testing backed it up, with these headphones running for 325 hours while playing music before they finally gave up.

If you don’t need such insane battery life, the Logitech G Pro X Lightspeed (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is our current favorite gaming headset. It sports Logitech’s Lightspeed Wireless connectivity via a 2.4-GHz dongle, which promises much lower latency while gaming than standard Bluetooth headphones. Even when you aren’t at your gaming PC, you can take advantage of Bluetooth and 3.5-mm connectivity for all your devices.

Photograph: Eric Ravenscraft

The Logitech G Pro X 2 Lightspeed is the successor to the model above and it’s an excellent pair of headphones for any gamer. Whether you need to hear the squeal of tires or the footsteps of your enemies, these have 7.1 surround sound for truly immersive gameplay. They sport a dedicated wireless connection that reduces latency when playing on your computer, plus Bluetooth and 3.5 mm for connecting to everything else you own. With a premium build quality, comfortable fit, and impressive mic, these very well could be your new favorite headphones.

Photograph: Eric Ravenscraft

SteelSeries has a few headsets discounted, including my daily driver, the Arctis Nova Pro (8/10, WIRED Recommends). I’m a big fan of the included DAC, which makes adjusting volume or settings super convenient, and the hot-swappable battery feature has saved me mid-dungeon more than once. Luxury doesn’t come cheap, but it does occasionally go on sale, and only once for lower than this price, so grab these while you can. WIRED editor Julian Chokkattu has also used these as his daily headphones (for more than two years) and said one of his ear cushions ripped after the two-year mark, but he easily replaced it via Wicked Cushions.

Our favorite gaming headset for multi-platform gamers, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X supports almost every modern system under the sun, including the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, and anything else with a USB-C port or Bluetooth. It’s also super comfortable for long gaming sessions, with plush ear cups and the classic SteelSeries support band.

Keyboard and Controller Deals

Photograph: Henri Robbins

The Q1 HE (9/10, WIRED Recommends) was a keyboard I loved at its original price when it was released in mid-2024. With an all-aluminum case, gasket mounting, Bluetooth connectivity, and Keychron’s highly customizable Nebula Double-Rail Hall effect switch, it’s a great keyboard for work and gaming that feels fantastic. Every aspect of this keyboard can be customized and fine-tuned to your preferences. While it could sound a bit better, it’s such a great all-around package that these complaints are negligible—especially since all of these nitpicks are down to personal taste, and won’t be issues for quite a few buyers. It’s usually sold at a markup on Amazon and Best Buy, but those are now discounted, though the best deal is directly from Keychron. —Henri Robbins

I have no clue how this keyboard is so cheap, but it is. Lemokey is Keychron’s newly-founded gaming brand, meant to be a companion to its more office-oriented line of keyboards. However, the great thing about the Lemokey is that, underneath the gamer styling, it runs on the same firmware and has the same great specs as Keychron boards. For the X4, this is no different—this keyboard features QMK programmability, gasket-mounting, Gateron-made switches, and a 75% layout for under $30 from a reputable brand. However, features like wireless connectivity and hot-swappable switches are not unavailable. The X4 is the most versatile of the lineup with its 75% layout, which finds the sweet spot between functionality and desk space. —Henri Robbins

The Keychron V1 Max is the middle-of-the-road pick from Keychron’s middle-of-the-road lineup. It has a 75% layout, a knob, gasket mounting, and wireless connectivity while being far less expensive than the Q Max lineup (which is the same keyboard with a metal case). These keyboards feel great to type on, are light and portable, and have all the bells and whistles you’ll need for daily use. I would realistically recommend any model in the V Max lineup since the only difference is the layout, but I’ve found 75% to be the most space-efficient option for regular use. —Henri Robbins

Photograph: Razer

While I’m firmly a big board fan, it’s not hard to see the appeal in a compact option like the Razer Huntsman Mini. By sacrificing a few keys you may not use that much, you get more desk space and a more ergonomic position for games where you have one hand on the mouse. Apart from the size, the Huntsman Mini is just as well equipped as its larger sibling with full RGB support, access to Razer’s software for customization, and keycap compatibility with the other Razer sets.

With a million mechanical keyboards on the market, it can be tough to stand out, but the Corsair K100 does just that with its built-in control wheel. This programmable knob can adjust keyboard lighting or other built-in keyboard functions, but more fun is the option to set it to control media playback on your system. You’ll also get RGB backlighting, a volume control wheel, and a set of macro keys along the left side, all features we’d expect from a mechanical keyboard at this price.

Not many mechanical keyboards also have a built-in screen, which helps the SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL stand out. A tiny OLED smart display in the upper right corner can show alerts, pass information from apps like Discord and Spotify, and even offer status effects in some video games. It’s also a solid gaming keyboard, with per-key RGB illumination, access to SteelSeries software for advanced functionality, and a heavy, low-profile aluminum base for that premium experience.

Photograph: Logitech

Need a mouse too? Logitech’s G203 is a great, no-frills at a very appealing price. It has six programmable buttons, a quick DPI switch, and RGB lighting, and the only real downside is a relatively low max DPI. That shouldn’t be an issue for most users, and for under $40, it makes a nice upgrade from a non-gaming mouse or a backup option for LAN parties. Read our Best Gaming Mouse guide for more recommendations.

The Backbone One (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is one of the few products I’ve tried for work that I still reach for frequently, despite first reviewing it in 2020. I like this little mobile gaming controller so much that when I misplaced the tester unit, I purchased my own. It’s compatible with iPhone and Android phones—just make sure to pick the right adapter when checking out. Plug it into your phone, stretch the controller over the back of your device, and prepare to be immersed. The buttons are tactile and have a superfast response time, and there’s a companion app that makes it easy to find new controller-supported mobile games, record your highlights, stream, and more. It also has pass-through charging and a headphone jack. My only gripe is that it’s a little awkward to tote around. —Louryn Strampe

Photograph: SCUF

Controller players can also take enjoy the savings with the Scuf Instinct Pro Controller, which supports Xbox Series S/X and PC, as well as macOS, iOS, and Android. This controller has a high-quality build and finish, but the best part is on the back, where four customizable paddles help you reach those tricky buttons without moving your thumbs off the sticks. That alone is worth the price of admission and is a feature you’ll find on very few other controllers. Check out our Best Game Controllers guide for more.

This is one of the best game controllers for PC gamers, with five central buttons on the front, a pair of rear paddles, and plenty of customization options. 8BitDo’s software lets you remap buttons, tweak the stick and trigger sensitivity, assign macros, and tune the vibration intensity. It’s compact with a grippy texture on the handles, satisfyingly clicky triggers, and a decent D-pad. There’s a 2.4-GHz dongle in the handy charging dock for PC gaming, and battery life is around 20 hours. It also has Bluetooth support for Nintendo Switch players, making this a solid alternative to the Switch Pro controller. —Simon Hill

With phones increasing in power and game streaming services on the rise, it’s easier than ever to play all sorts of games on your phone where a touchscreen just won’t cut it. The GameSir G8 can fill that role for Android gamers, as well as iPhone 15/16 series users with USB-C. With extra wide grips, hall effect joysticks, and support for phones up to 7.28 inches in length, this controller turns your phone into a mobile battle station ready to take on the world, or at least your next long flight.

Flight Controller Deals

Photograph: Logitech

It may not be the fanciest joystick on the market, but you’re likely to spend two or three times as much to get this feature set anywhere else. That makes the Logitech G Extreme Pro 3D and its Totally Radical name a great pick for the occasional jet flyer or space trucker.

Photograph: Turtle Beach

But what if you want the ultimate flight sim experience? The Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flight puts a complete cockpit on your desktop, with multiple throttles and trim adjustment knobs, and a true-to-life yoke with a real-time flight info screen. There’s even a light panel that shows the current status of your favorite PC games without looking up.

Deals on PC Components

Photograph: Amazon

I firmly believe in only using high-quality power supplies from trusted manufacturers, and the Corsair RM1000x fits that bill. With enough juice to power all but the most demanding GPUs, 80 PLUS Gold efficiency, and fully modular ports, this one is easy for me to recommend, and the price on Amazon comes within $10 of the previous best.

Living right near the top of AMD’s offerings, the Ryzen 9 7950X is one of the fastest and most powerful CPUs before you have to move to the larger Threadripper platform. It’s well-equipped for modeling and production work, and is probably even more than most gamers need, although maybe not more than they want.

If you’re building a new computer, you could do a lot worse than the Asus ROG Strix B550-F for your motherboard. This Ryzen-supporting motherboard is well-priced for its feature set, which is basic but sufficient. It only has PCIe 4.0 and DDR4 RAM, which means parts will be a bit cheaper and easier to come by, and 2.5 Gbps ethernet and USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C ports mean you still have modern connectivity. It’s not the biggest discount in the world, but every dollar counts when you’re building a new PC.

Other Gaming Accessories

Photograph: Simon Hill

Do you have a house full of phones, streaming devices, and computers? The Asus RT-AX860U Pro is our upgraded router pick for anyone who needs consistent, fast, wireless internet and is willing to pay for it. The RT-AX86U Pro has a wide range of features for both convenience and security, and you can even expand your network footprint with other Asus AiMesh routers. A slew of USB and Ethernet ports on the back means this powerful router can be the center of your wireless empire.

The Asus ROG Rapture is a Wi-Fi 6 router that serves up ultra-fast Internet across your home, but the best part is the software. Asus has packed this router with features gamers will love, like easy port forwarding, device prioritization, and a 2.5 Gbps LAN port. Plus, with Asus Instant Guard, you can use your home router as a VPN while out and about on your mobile phone, a nice touch for the security-minded. It’s not hard to see why it’s our favorite gaming router, but it also has everything you need for daily use, including parental controls, guest networks, and band splitting.

With a whopping 1 TB of storage, this nifty SSD drive from SK Hynix is a super-handy drive that’s not much bigger than most of the other best USB flash drives. It is a bit chunkier since it has an M.2 drive inside, but it can hit impressive speeds (around 1,000 MB/s read, 900 MB/s write) with the right gear (USB 3.2 Gen 2 port). I use it to watch 4K movies on my LG TV and it can slot into an Xbox Series X/S or PlayStation 4 or 5 for extra game storage. Finished in smooth black plastic, with a cover that pops off to reveal a USB-A jack, SK Hynix offers a three-year warranty. —Simon Hill

The Steam Deck might be all about portable handheld gaming, but sometimes you just wanna plug it into a bigger screen, just like a Nintendo Switch, especially if you want to play a game with a keyboard and mouse. This aluminum Jsaux 7-in-1 Steam Deck Dock will do the job, with three USB-A ports, a DisplayPort, an HDMI, a USB-C, and even an Ethernet port. —Julian Chokkattu

Video Game Deals

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.Courtesy of Nintendo

Nintendo Switch Games

Sony Playstation 5 Games

Xbox Series S/X Games

PC Games

The holidays are close. That means it’s time to settle in for some serious winter gaming. These Black Friday gaming deals can help. Seriously, this is one of the best times of the year to make those hardware upgrades you’ve been mulling over, whether that’s a nicer keyboard, a new monitor, some upgrades to your gaming desktop, or heck, even a new PS5. We’ve even got a couple of video game deals in here if you’ve been patiently waiting for a sale.

WIRED Featured Deals

Console Deals

PS5 consoles

Photograph: Eric Ravenscraft

We’ve spotted a few deals on the PlayStation 5 Slim with a variety of different games and bundles. I think the most widely appealing will probably be the Amazon bundle, which includes the Fortnite Cobalt Star Bundle, a kit of in-game accessories for the various Fortnite-adjacent games, plus 1000 V-Bucks. If that doesn’t appeal, and you don’t have a friend who plays that might want the goodies, Best Buy is offering NBA 2K25 along with the console for the same price. What’s the difference between the PS5 Slim and the normal PS5? We have a guide that explains it all.

Photograph: Amazon

It’s rare to see a Nintendo console, let alone a bundle, drop this much in price. The only caveat is this deal is only on the original Nintendo Switch. There is a discount on the OLED variant, which has a much nicer and larger screen, for $275 ($75 off). Mario Kart 8 also happens to be one of the best games for the Switch, and the one I still play the most. Want more game recommendations? Read our Best Switch Games guide.

Photograph: Eric Ravenscraft

It isn’t as deep as the discounts on the other consoles, but you can still save $50 on the Xbox Series S or Xbox Series X. These are both the disc-less versions of the console, but with 512 GB in the Series S and 1 terabyte in the Series X, you should have plenty of storage for your digital games. You can also add more storage later on. Check out our Best Xbox Games guide for more.

Monitor Deals

This 34-inch OLED monitor from Alienware (9/10, WIRED Recommends) leverages Quantum Dot technology for perfect black levels and sharp colors across two different HDR levels, 400 and 1000. With a 3,440 X 1,440 resolution, you’ll be glad to have FreeSync keeping your frames smooth, even if your PC can reach the 165-Hz max refresh rate. The Alienware is still an impressive monitor for everyday computing, and in particular, watching movies and TV shows. If this is mainly for work and productivity, you might have a little issue with text clarity, as well as visibility in brightly lit rooms like offices, but I don’t expect that will be a deal-breaker. The only difference between this and the model we reviewed is FreeSync support instead of G-Sync.

The Alienware AW3225QF is in the center.

Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

This is the latest version from Alienware, the AW3225QF. It’s a smidge smaller at 32 inches but that excellent QD-OLED display now sports a 4K resolution, with crisp colors and deep blacks. I was stunned when I first booted up Helldivers 2 and landed on some of the more colorful and moody maps. It looked even more cinematic. I’ve been working off of this monitor for a few weeks now and I wish switched to OLED even sooner. It’s simply stunning. Did I mention the 240-Hz refresh rate? —Julian Chokkattu

LG Ultragear 34GS95QE

Photograph: Eric Ravenscraft

Speaking of awesome ultrawide monitors, the LG Ultragear 34GS95QE (8/10, WIRED Recommends) has a deep, enticing curve that’s excellent for immersive gaming. Like the Alienware above, it has a 240-Hz panel, so it’s quick enough for even the snappiest shooters, and the OLED panel means every moment is even more cinematic.

Gaming Headset Deals

Photograph: Eric Ravenscraft

The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless (10/10, WIRED Recommends) has to be one of the most impressive pairs of gaming headsets we’ve ever reviewed. The battery life makes these noteworthy, with a claimed 300+ hours on a single charge. No, that’s not a typo, and our testing backed it up, with these headphones running for 325 hours while playing music before they finally gave up.

Photograph: Eric Ravenscraft

If you don’t need such insane battery life, the Logitech G Pro X Lightspeed (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is our current favorite gaming headset. It sports Logitech’s Lightspeed Wireless connectivity via a 2.4-GHz dongle, which promises much lower latency while gaming than standard Bluetooth headphones. Even when you aren’t at your gaming PC, you can take advantage of Bluetooth and 3.5-mm connectivity for all your devices.

Photograph: Eric Ravenscraft

SteelSeries has a few headsets discounted, including my daily driver, the Arctis Nova Pro (8/10, WIRED Recommends). I’m a big fan of the included DAC, which makes adjusting volume or settings super convenient, and the hot-swappable battery feature has saved me mid-dungeon more than once. Luxury doesn’t come cheap, but it does occasionally go on sale, and only once for lower than this price, so grab these while you can. WIRED editor Julian Chokkattu has also used these as his daily headphones (for more than two years) and said one of his ear cushions ripped after the two-year mark, but he easily replaced it via Wicked Cushions.

Keyboard and Controller Deals

Photograph: Henri Robbins

The Q1 HE (9/10, WIRED Recommends) was a keyboard I loved at its original price when it was released in mid-2024. With an all-aluminum case, gasket mounting, Bluetooth connectivity, and Keychron’s highly customizable Nebula Double-Rail Hall effect switch, it’s a great keyboard for work and gaming that feels fantastic. Every aspect of this keyboard can be customized and fine-tuned to your preferences. While it could sound a bit better, it’s such a great all-around package that these complaints are negligible—especially since all of these nitpicks are down to personal taste, and won’t be issues for quite a few buyers. It’s usually sold at a markup on Amazon and Best Buy, but those are now discounted, though the best deal is directly from Keychron. —Henri Robbins

I have no clue how this keyboard is so cheap, but it is. Lemokey is Keychron’s newly-founded gaming brand, meant to be a companion to its more office-oriented line of keyboards. However, the great thing about the Lemokey is that, underneath the gamer styling, it runs on the same firmware and has the same great specs as Keychron boards. For the X4, this is no different—this keyboard features QMK programmability, gasket-mounting, Gateron-made switches, and a 75% layout for under $30 from a reputable brand. However, features like wireless connectivity and hot-swappable switches are not unavailable. The X4 is the most versatile of the lineup with its 75% layout, which finds the sweet spot between functionality and desk space. —Henri Robbins

The Keychron V1 Max is the middle-of-the-road pick from Keychron’s middle-of-the-road lineup. It has a 75% layout, a knob, gasket mounting, and wireless connectivity while being far less expensive than the Q Max lineup (which is the same keyboard with a metal case). These keyboards feel great to type on, are light and portable, and have all the bells and whistles you’ll need for daily use. I would realistically recommend any model in the V Max lineup since the only difference is the layout, but I’ve found 75% to be the most space-efficient option for regular use. —Henri Robbins

Photograph: Razer

While I’m firmly a big board fan, it’s not hard to see the appeal in a compact option like the Razer Huntsman Mini. By sacrificing a few keys you may not use that much, you get more desk space and a more ergonomic position for games where you have one hand on the mouse. Apart from the size, the Huntsman Mini is just as well equipped as its larger sibling with full RGB support, access to Razer’s software for customization, and keycap compatibility with the other Razer sets.

Photograph: Logitech

Need a mouse too? Logitech’s G203 is a great, no-frills at a very appealing price. It has six programmable buttons, a quick DPI switch, and RGB lighting, and the only real downside is a relatively low max DPI. That shouldn’t be an issue for most users, and for under $40, it makes a nice upgrade from a non-gaming mouse or a backup option for LAN parties. Read our Best Gaming Mouse guide for more recommendations.

Photograph: SCUF

Controller players can also take enjoy the savings with the Scuf Instinct Pro Controller, which supports Xbox Series S/X and PC, as well as macOS, iOS, and Android. This controller has a high-quality build and finish, but the best part is on the back, where four customizable paddles help you reach those tricky buttons without moving your thumbs off the sticks. That alone is worth the price of admission and is a feature you’ll find on very few other controllers. Check out our Best Game Controllers guide for more.

Flight Controller Deals

Photograph: Logitech

It may not be the fanciest joystick on the market, but you’re likely to spend two or three times as much to get this feature set anywhere else. That makes the Logitech G Extreme Pro 3D and its Totally Radical name a great pick for the occasional jet flyer or space trucker.

Photograph: Turtle Beach

But what if you want the ultimate flight sim experience? The Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flight puts a complete cockpit on your desktop, with multiple throttles and trim adjustment knobs, and a true-to-life yoke with a real-time flight info screen. There’s even a light panel that shows the current status of your favorite PC games without looking up.

Deals on PC Components

Photograph: Amazon

I firmly believe in only using high-quality power supplies from trusted manufacturers, and the Corsair RM1000x fits that bill. With enough juice to power all but the most demanding GPUs, 80 PLUS Gold efficiency, and fully modular ports, this one is easy for me to recommend, and the price on Amazon comes within $10 of the previous best.

Living right near the top of AMD’s offerings, the Ryzen 9 7950X is one of the fastest and most powerful CPUs before you have to move to the larger Threadripper platform. It’s well-equipped for modeling and production work, and is probably even more than most gamers need, although maybe not more than they want.

Video Game Deals

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.Courtesy of Nintendo

Nintendo Switch Games

Sony Playstation 5 Games

Xbox Series S/X Games

PC Games