The post Best Dungeons and Dragons books 2022 appeared first on Game News.
]]>That’s why we’ve put together some recommendations of what you should priotize here – this is a list of the best Dungeons and Dragons books for fans, by fans. You’ll get the most out of these suggestions regardless of whether you’re a newcomer inspired by the likes of Stranger Things or a longtime adventurer hoping to expand their collection, and they’ll allow you to dive into one of the best tabletop RPGs without getting lost.
Because the best Dungeons and Dragons books can be expensive, we’ve been sure to include the lowest prices as well. Our bargain-hunting software is always rooting out discounts, so keep your eyes peeled for price cuts as you browse the best D&D books. You’ll be able to see any current discounts by clicking on the button under each entry.
As for how we chose these recommendations, our team only includes products we’ve used extensively ourselves. We run and play D&D games in our spare time, and in our experience, these have been the most useful Dungeons and Dragons books to have on the shelf.
Best Dungeons and Dragons books
1. Player’s Handbook
The best Dungeons and Dragons book overall
Specifications
For: EveryoneFeatures: Core rules and character creation
Reasons to buy
+Everything beginners need+Extensive character creation options+A one-stop shop for all things D&D
Reasons to avoid
-Traits can be limiting
Of all the D&D books out there right now, this is arguably the most important. As a detailed guide on gameplay, rules, how to create a character, and more, it’s a one-stop-shop for everything you need in order to begin your tabletop adventure. That’s true no matter how experienced a player you are, too; along with entry-level advice, the Player’s Handbook is crammed with advanced mechanics for combat and spellcasting. In essence, this is the Dungeons and Dragons bible. It’s beyond useful for players of every stripe, and it’s always handy to have a copy close by.
Even though it doesn’t include every playable species or class in the game, the Player’s Handbook also has more than enough to give you countless hours of gameplay. With nine races to choose from (including the classic elves, dwarves, and halflings), numerous backgrounds you can use, and rules for almost every class, it’s the place to start when making an adventurer for your next campaign.
This is one the best Dungeons and Dragons books for Dungeon Masters as well. Besides featuring info on everything from gods of the multiverse to equipment stats, it provides a few ideas for what the party can do on the side. Do they have a job? Hobbies? The Player’s Handbook gives you plenty to chew on, and we can’t recommend it enough.
2. Dungeon Master’s Guide
The best Dungeons and Dragons book for DMs
Specifications
For: Creating adventuresFeatures: Campaign and world-building tools
Reasons to buy
+Inspiring tips+Extensive creation tools+Pages of advice on world-building
Reasons to avoid
-Left wanting more
If you’ve ever thought about creating adventures for your group, the Dungeon Master’s Guide is essential reading. Besides arming you with all the tools you need for overseeing a game, it covers everything from making an awesome quest to forging a world of your own.
It’s not overwhelming, either. Regardless of what you want to do (be it crafting loot-filled ruins or getting tips on how to use miniatures in-game), the book’s advice is straightforward and easy to understand. Because there are so many helpful prompts, it’s practical as well.
The section on creating non-playable characters is particularly handy. It provides a wealth of traits, mannerisms, and quirks to choose from that can result in memorable individuals that are easier to roleplay. In addition, the fact that you can end up with countless permutations based on its suggestions is useful for time-strapped DMs.
3. Monsters of the Multiverse
The best Dungeons and Dragons book for new characters
Specifications
For: Players and DMsFeatures: 33 new playable races, 250+ monsters
Reasons to buy
+New races to play+Intriguing lore+Loads of unique monsters
Reasons to avoid
-We’ve seen a lot of it before
Tired of the same old character types? Monsters of the Multiverse should go straight onto your wishlist. It allows you to play something beyond traditional fantasy staples and offers 33 new races (ranging from fairies to owl-people) that can be used for your next hero. This makes it one of the best Dungeons and Dragons books by default; it lets your imagination run wild.
Crucially, all of the above will fit into any world. Although most started life elsewhere, they’ve been updated for this book with setting-neutral info. When combined with all-new lore and hand-written, pithy notes from existing characters, it’s a fascinating dive into D&D’s wilder side.
In addition, it features a sprawling 282-page bestiary filled with unusual and powerful monsters. Whole chapters are dedicated to beasts we often see as cannon-fodder, and you’re given a broader, less black-and-white view that makes them more well-rounded than they have been in the past. This isn’t about pigeon-holing cultures into categories of ‘good’ or ‘evil’; it takes a more measured, thoughtful approach.
4. Monster Manual
The best Dungeons and Dragons book for DIY adventures
Specifications
For: Creating encountersFeatures: Rules for almost every monster
Reasons to buy
+Hundreds of entries+Fantastic artwork+Lots of backstory and lore
Reasons to avoid
-Almost TOO much choice
The Monster Manual is a must-have if you’re running your own game; it helps Dungeon Masters call upon a host of nasty creatures to use in battle. Featuring classic foes like goblins and more unusual entries such as the many-eyed beholder, it’s full of surprises with which to challenge your players. Basically? This is the ultimate collection of baddies.
It’s one of the biggest Dungeons and Dragons books, too. There are over 350 pages to enjoy with lavish illustrations throughout, making it one of the most comprehensive fantasy bestiaries out there. Even if you don’t play D&D, it’s an inspiring read from start to finish thanks to the extensive worldbuilding inside.
However, it’s more than a curiosity for DMs. For them, it’s borderline-essential. With stats, abilities, and flavor text for hundreds of creatures, there’s something within the Monster Manual to suit every campaign you can think of. You’ll find useful context on where these enemies can be encountered too, not to mention why. That helps DMs weave monsters into the story naturally, making for a more immersive experience overall.
5. Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything
The best Dungeons and Dragons book for advanced players
Specifications
For: Advanced players and DMsFeatures: New subclasses, DM tools, and inclusive traits
Reasons to buy
+Inventive new subclasses+Playful, whimsical tone+Very accommodating
Reasons to avoid
-Origins section is too short
Few D&D books make bigger promises than Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything. In fact, it sets out to fundamentally change the game. And you know what? It works. Although there are the usual spells and magical items you’d expect, this one adds the Artificer class (tech whizzes that let you play as a medieval Iron Man) to shake things up. New subclasses have been thrown in for good measure, too. These are almost universally excellent, ranging from psionic warriors that battle with the power of their mind to fungi-based Druid circles that feel as if they’ve been pulled from The Last of Us.
What’s more, tweaked character traits are a revelation (even if they could do with more depth). Allowing players to escape rules that potentially force them toward one playstyle or another, it upends the table and lets you live your best fictional life. Want to be an academic orc who’d rather hit the books than smack someone with their axe? Now’s your chance.
In much the same vein, DMs are given more ideas, tools, and quest hooks than they’ll know what to do with. Tasha’s Cauldron winds up being the best D&D update in years as a result.
- Read more: Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything review
6. Xanathar’s Guide to Everything
The best Dungeons and Dragons book for advanced DMs
Specifications
For: Advanced DMs and playersFeatures: New backgrounds, subclasses, and DM tools
Reasons to buy
+Excellent subclasses+Fun character backstories+Numerous DM tools
Reasons to avoid
-Some overpowered options
The title isn’t an exaggeration; this supplement provides players and Dungeon Masters alike with new rules for almost every part of the game. No matter whether you’re looking for fresh spells, unusual subclasses, or traps in which to catch unsuspecting adventurers, Xanathar’s Guide has you covered.
However, we’d argue that DMs will get the most out of this Dungeons and Dragons book. There are dozens of encounter tables here to make exploration more exciting (and easier, for that matter) along with extensive rules on traps. Even downtime rivalries and pastimes are included, so the advice here should give your games additional spice.
Tying this esoteric knowledge together are asides from Xanathar (a beholder crime lord whose most prized possession is a goldfish), and these add flavor to proceedings. Wry notes are scattered throughout, leaving us with a memorable read.
7. Candlekeep Mysteries
The best Dungeons and Dragons book for oneshot games
Specifications
For: Short, one-off sessionsFeatures: 17 oneshot adventures
Reasons to buy
+One-off adventures+Fresh perspectives+Memorable storylines
Reasons to avoid
-Some adventures are better than others
Although prewritten adventures make up some of the best Dungeons and Dragons books, they’re a massive time commitment. Candlekeep Mysteries bucks that trend. Offering a series of one-off stories that can be plugged into any campaign, world, or setting, these quests can be completed in a single sitting. That makes them a great fit for groups that can’t meet regularly enough for weekly or monthly sessions.
More importantly, those adventures are great. Despite being united by some sort of mystery driving the plot (hence the name), there’s a tremendous amount of variety on offer. Traditional tales of derring-do, horror, satirical comedy, and more can be found within the pages of this D&D book, so there’s bound to be something to suit your party.
There’s a refreshing variety of perspectives on offer throughout, too. Candlekeep Mysteries isn’t limited to classic European fantasy, either; adventurers will visit places inspired by mythologies and cultures from around the world. Because so many of the stories told there are sure to stay with you for a long time, it’s well worth a look.
8. Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft
The best Dungeons and Dragons book for horror fans
Specifications
For: Horror fansFeatures: New horror settings and worldbuilding tools
Reasons to buy
+Over 30 horror settings to play in+Inspiring tips on worldbuilding+Intriguing quest ideas
Reasons to avoid
-Lacks fun in-character notes
This D&D book is unsettling, but that’s the point. A whistle-stop tour of horror tropes both old and new, it’s crammed with tips on how to inject the genre into your games. Based around the horror-tinged realms of Ravenloft (prison-worlds created to contain evil Dark Lords in their own personal hell), it provides a baked-in excuse to explore any kind of fear-inducing cliche you can think of.
Like Candlekeep Mysteries, it’s got creativity to spare as well. In spite of a brisk pace that rattles through over 30 realms in total, the worldbuilding of Van Richten’s Guide is second to none. You get a real sense of each domain even though they’re only given three to four pages each, and all of them contain numerous quest hooks to fuel your campaigns. Some of these are compelling enough to maintain full-length adventures in their own right, so there’s plenty of value for your money here.
The same can be said about the book’s suggestions for creating your own horror worlds and characters. Namely, it’s insightful while also being laser-focused on what makes the genre tick (if you enjoy creating your own homebrew settings, it’s hard not to come away inspired). Sure, the genre isn’t for everyone. But the tips in Van Richten’s Guide are. This is comfortably one of the best Dungeons and Dragons books as a result.
For some models to go with your Dungeons and Dragons books, check out the best WizKids miniatures. You can also get some advice on how to create your first character in D&D or the best D&D class for beginners via our guides.
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]]>The post The cheapest RTX 3050 laptop deals in July 2022 appeared first on Game News.
]]>That’s where we come in. We’ve been tracking gaming laptop deals for years now, so we know a good price when we see one. You’ll find all our top picks for the best RTX 3050 laptop deals just below, and we keep this page well stocked with new models every week. It’s important to note that picking up an RTX 3050 laptop means you won’t exactly be getting the best gaming laptop configuration on the market. This is Nvidia’s entry level card, so you won’t be getting the best possible visuals out of your games.
However, RTX 3080 laptops and RTX 3070 laptops can run up quite a bill, so if you’re happy with dropping your fps a little, you can find some excellent value a little further down the price bracket. Plus, you’re still picking up the latest generation here, so you’re future proofed for updates to come.
- Best in the US: Gigabyte G5 |
$999$699 at Best Buy (opens in new tab) - Best in the UK: Asus TUF |
£799.99£649.99 at Amazon (opens in new tab)
RTX 3050 laptop deals in the US
(opens in new tab)Gigabyte G5 RTX 15.6-inch gaming laptop | $999 $699 at Best Buy (opens in new tab)
Save $300 – You can save $300 on this Gigabyte G5 machine at Best Buy right now, a massive discount over the original $999 sales price. $699 is the cheapest price we’ve seen for an RTX 3050 laptop recently, and you’re getting a solid spec here indeed. These machines almost never offer up the 16GB RAM on offer here, or the 512GB SSD. You’ll also find a solid i5-11400H processor under the hood as well.
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MSI Katana GF66 15.6-inch gaming laptop | $799 $749 at Amazon (opens in new tab)
Save $50 – The MSI Katana has taken a $50 discount at Amazon this week, which might not sound like much by itself but is in fact a record low price. You’re still picking up a 144Hz display, i5-11400H processor and 512GB SSD with this RTX 3050 laptop, but sticking to the entry level 8GB RAM.
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Asus TUF 17.3-inch gaming laptop | $999.99 $799.99 at Best Buy (opens in new tab)
Save $200 – There’s a $200 discount up for grabs on this massive 17.3-inch Asus TUF RTX 3050 Ti laptop at Best Buy this week. That’s excellent news if you’re looking for a little more grunt in your machine without breaking the bank. You’ll also find an i5-11400H processor, 8GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD inside as well.
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Dell G15 15.6-inch gaming laptop | $1,168.99 $799.99 at Dell (opens in new tab)
Save $369 – This is one of the best RTX 3050 laptop deals we’ve seen at Dell recently, with the G15 offering a boosted Ti version of the card with a solid i5-11260H processor and 512GB SSD for just $799.99. That’s a total saving of $369 – perfect if you’re looking for a little more power in your starter rig.
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HP Victus 16.1-inch gaming laptop | $929.99 $839 at Amazon (opens in new tab)
Save $90 – Amazon has a $90 discount on this slightly larger 16.1-inch HP Victus RTX 3050 laptop right now, bringing it down to $839. That’s slightly more than its $769 record low price but we haven’t seen that offer for a few months now. You’re getting an AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 8GB RAM, and 512GB SSD here.
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Dell G15 15.6-inch gaming laptop | $1,368.99 $849.99 at Dell (opens in new tab)
Save $519 – If you’re looking for a more sophisticated version of the Dell G15, you’ll find a $519 discount on this RTX 3050 Ti model. That brings the price down to $849.99 on this 16GB RAM / 512GB SSD model, sporting a speedy Ryzen 7 5800H processor.
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MSI GF63 Thin 15.6-inch gaming laptop | $1,056.99 $849.99 (with $100 rebate) at Newegg (opens in new tab)
Save $207 – Packing 16GB RAM and an RTX 3050 Ti GPU, this MSI GF63 offers a spec list that’s comfortable in the lower mid-range, but at an entry level price. If you’re after that MSI flair, with a 144Hz refresh rate and i5-11400H CPU no less, this is worth a look.
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HP Omen 16.1-inch gaming laptop | $1,329.99 $899.99 at Best Buy (opens in new tab)
Save $430 – Best Buy has a massive $430 discount on this 16.1-inch HP Omen this week – stunning value considering there’s a boosted RTX 3050 Ti graphics card and 16GB RAM under the hood. Not only that, but you’re also picking up an Ryzen 7 processor and 512GB SSD to boot.
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Lenovo Legion 5 15.6-inch gaming laptop | $1,199.99 $899.99 at Best Buy (opens in new tab)
Save $300 – Packing an RTX 3050 Ti graphics card, Ryzen 7 5800H processor, and a 512GB SSD, this Lenovo Legion 5 is looking particularly good value at just $899.99. You’re saving $300 at Best Buy here, from an original $1,199.99 MSRP.
RTX 3050 laptop deals in the UK
Asus TUF 15.6-inch gaming laptop | £799.99 £649.99 at Amazon (opens in new tab)
Save £150 – There’s an excellent £649.99 price tag on this Asus TUF gaming laptop at Amazon right now, all thanks to a £150 saving. You’re certainly not skimping on the specs here either, with a 144Hz display, 512GB SSD, and i5-11400H processor. Of course, at this price, that 8GB RAM is to be expected but will still see you through plenty of games.
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Gigabyte G5 15.6-inch gaming laptop | £849 £749 at Currys (opens in new tab)
Save £100 – We rarely see 16GB RAM in RTX 3050 laptops under £800, but this Gigabyte G5 model is doing just that this week at Currys. You can pick up this i5-11400H configuration, with 512GB SSD to boot, for just £749 right now – £100 down from the £849 RRP.
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MSI Katana GF66 15.6-inch gaming laptop | £1,199 £899 at Currys (opens in new tab)
Save £300 – This is one of the first RTX 3050 Ti laptop deals we’ve seen sporting the latest i7-12700H processor. That means you’re getting some serious value for money here, with a lightning fast CPU and turbo charged version of the 3050 card. All that grunt is supported by 16GB RAM and a 512GB SSD, and wrapped up with a 144Hz refresh rate display.
- US RTX 3050 laptop retailers: Best Buy (opens in new tab) | Amazon (opens in new tab) | Dell (opens in new tab) | Newegg (opens in new tab)
- UK RTX 3050 laptop retailers: Amazon (opens in new tab) | Currys (opens in new tab) | Ebuyer (opens in new tab) | Laptops Direct (opens in new tab)
While not as fierce around the RTX 3050, many are wondering where to buy RTX 3060 graphics cards these days, as well as where to buy RTX 3070 GPUs as well. RTX 3080 stock is particularly difficult to get your hands on.
That makes building your own machine a little tricky, which is why we’re also rounding up all the latest RTX 3060 PC, RTX 3070 PC, and RTX 3080 PC deals on the shelves right now. If you’re really looking to push the boat out, you’ll also find a selection of RTX 3090 PC deals up for grabs.
The post The cheapest RTX 3050 laptop deals in July 2022 appeared first on Game News.
]]>The post All Genshin Impact Conch locations in the 2.8 Archipelago appeared first on Game News.
]]>This may sound a little confusing, but the Phantasmal Conches (including both Imaging and Echoing Conches) are part of the Resonating Visions event, which takes place in the time-limited Golden Apple Archipelago region. There are 20 Conches in total, but only 14 of them are currently available. We’ll update this guide as soon as the remaining Conch locations are unlocked.
Collect Conches for a free Fischl outfit
Let’s talk rewards first, shall we? If you find at least 14 Conch locations, you’ll be rewarded with a new outfit for Fischl. This reward can be collected in the Resonating Visions event menu. Don’t forget to claim the other goodies as well: Talent Level-Up Materials, Character Level-Up Materials, Weapon Enhancement Materials, a lot of Mora, and a total of 320 Primogems.
It takes 20 Phantasmal Conches to collect the full reward, but only 16 to claim both the Fischl outfit and Primogems.
How to find Phantasmal Conch locations in Genshin Impact
Genshin Impact Conches look like… well, normal conches. However, they do give off a faint glow. It’s either blue (Echoing Conches) or purple/orange (Imaging Conches). Most importantly, a white Conch icon will pop up on the mini map as soon as you get close enough.
Every Conch has a unique name. If you want to check which Conches you’re missing, open the “Sojourner’s Song” and “The Photographer’s Words” tabs in the Resonating Visions event menu. Whether the Conch is an Echoing or an Imaging One, doesn’t really matter.
Genshin Impact Conch locations: Broken Isle
We’ll start with the Conch locations on Broken Isle, the upper left part of the Golden Apple Archipelago map. This map also includes the central island (location 5). All of these locations are at sea level, so no need for climbing.
- Conch 1: Secret Mission Log III. On a rock next to the beach.
- Conch 2: Secret Mission Log IV. At the mountain’s base, on a grassy slope.
- Conch 3: Secret Mission Log V. On a small rock right next to the water.
- Conch 4: Ongoing Mission Image II. Close to the beach, beneath the large wooden staircase.
- Conch 5: Central Camp Image III. At the center of the camp, on top of a wooden box. Naturally, you need a Waverider to reach it.
Genshin Impact Conch locations: Twinning Isle
Twinning Isle is situated in the upper right corner of the map. Here are the Conch locations:
- Conch 1: Secret Mission Log I. Close to the beach, on a grassy slope.
- Conch 2: Secret Mission Log II. Climb the lower rock on the west side (the previous Conch location is a good starting point). The Conch is on the “bridge” between the twin peaks. If you walk from the top of the smaller peak towards the higher one, the Conch is lying in the grass on your left hand side.
- Conch 3: Ongoing Mission Image I. On a slightly smaller island, close to the beach. Use the Waverider to get there.
Genshin Impact Conch locations: Minacious Isle
To find Minacious Isle, go to the lower left corner of the map.
- Conch 1: Secret Mission Log VIII. Below the large rock, near the beach. On top of a small rock.
- Conch 2: Ongoing Mission Image IV. It’s near the top of the circular opening in the middle of the mountain. To reach it, climb the rocks and then walk over the massive roots. If you follow this path, you will see the Conch lying in front of you, on a small ridge just below the island’s peak.
- Conch 3: Central Camp Image I. At the top of Minacious Isle.
Genshin Impact Conch locations: Pudding Isle
Pudding Isle is in the lower right corner of the Golden Apple Archipelago map.
- Conch 1: Secret Mission Log VI. Lying on the beach, can’t miss this one.
- Conch 2: Secret Mission Log VII. Also lying on the beach, southside of the island.
- Conch 3: Ongoing Mission Image III. Eastern peak of Pudding Isle, next to the Teleport Waypoint. The best way to climb up is by starting in the middle, and then using the roots to reach the more difficult ledges.
That’s every Genshin Impact Imaging and Echoing Conch location for now. Stay tuned for the map update!
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]]>The post The best cheap Nintendo Switch bundle deals – all the latest sales in July 2022 appeared first on Game News.
]]>We generally see Nintendo Switch deals come and go in waves in both the US and UK, with bounties of stock available one week and shelves left barren the next. If you don’t quite make it to the stock below, then, we can safely say more will be along shortly. While Nintendo Switch OLED stock took a slight hit at the start of the month, we’re back to full capacity now, with plenty of consoles on the shelves. If the recent wobble has taught us anything, though, it’s that these devices aren’t set in stone, and could still trickle out of grasp.
You’ll find all the latest Nintendo Switch deals on the console by itself just below, and our pick of the best bundles available right now further down the page.
Today’s best Nintendo Switch deals
If you’re looking for Nintendo Switch deals on the console by itself, we’re rounding up all the latest prices from retailers across the web just below. You’ll find the best offers on the shelves right now in these comparison charts, but if you’re after a bundle deal, you’ll find all the latest discounts further down the page.
If you’re just looking for a handheld-only console, it’s worth checking out the Nintendo Switch Lite deals below. They are considerably cheaper than the main console (and much cheaper than the OLED model), but you are getting limited functionality without a docked mode. The standard price on these devices is $199 / £199.
Best Nintendo Switch bundles – US
Nintendo Switch OLED | $349.99 $339.99 at Walmart (opens in new tab)
Save $10 – We’ve seen the Nintendo Switch OLED stuck at $342 for a few weeks now, which makes this extra drop down to $339.99 so exciting. While that’s still $9 away from the record low $330 price, this is a particularly rare discount.
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Nintendo Switch | 128GB memory card | $320 at Amazon (opens in new tab)
You’re saving around $15 on this Nintendo Switch bundle at Amazon, with the 128GB official memory card coming in at $20 rather than its usual $34.99 MSRP. These bundles come and go with Amazon’s Switch stock, so we wouldn’t wait too long on this new arrival.
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Nintendo Switch | Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | $349.98 at Amazon (opens in new tab)
While not as strong as the $299 Mario Kart 8 Nintendo Switch bundle we see over Black Friday, you’re still saving $10 on the full $59.99 MSRP of this must-have title with this offer. Considering we very rarely see too many bundle discounts in the US, those on the hunt for a standard edition console should take note here.
Best Nintendo Switch bundles – UK
Nintendo Switch | £259.99 £229.99 at The Game Collection (opens in new tab)
Save £30 – The Game Collection has been offering a £239 sales price on the Nintendo Switch by itself for some time now, but we’ve just spotted an additional £10 off that sales price. Considering this is the cheapest price we’ve ever seen on the standard edition, this is a must-see Nintendo Switch deal.
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Nintendo Switch | Nintendo Switch Sports | £289 £279 at Currys (opens in new tab)
Save £`10 – Currys was offering this Nintendo Switch bundle for £269 last week, but has bumped that back up to £279 today. Still, you’re getting a great price and still saving some cash on this new release and standard console.
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Nintendo Switch | Pokemon Legends Arceus | £299 £279 at Currys (opens in new tab)
Save £20 – Currys’ latest Nintendo Switch deals have the latest Pokemon title and a standard edition console for just £279 right now. That’s just £20 more than the cost of the device by itself.
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Nintendo Switch | Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga | £299 £279 at Currys (opens in new tab)
Save £20 – This is a great price on a recent release included in a Nintendo Switch bundle. You’re saving £20 on this Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga package, cutting the game’s price in half when bought with the £259.99 console.
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Nintendo Switch OLED | Minecraft | £329 £309 at Currys (opens in new tab)
Save £20 – You can pick up a free copy of Minecraft with this latest Nintendo Switch deal at Currys, and save £20 in the process. This is a game we often see included in bundles, but it’s a little rarer to find it at the console’s regular price.
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Nintendo Switch OLED | Stealth carry case | £309.99 at Argos (opens in new tab)
You can pick up a free Stealth carry case with your Nintendo Switch OLED at Argos right now. That’s excellent value if you’re keen on keeping your device protected straight from the off. However, this stock is regionally based, so it’s worth checking in with your local store for availability.
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Nintendo Switch OLED | PowerA Slim Case | £319.98 £309.99 at Amazon (opens in new tab)
Save £10 – You’re essentially picking up a free PowerA Slim case with your Nintendo Switch OLED thanks to this offer from Amazon. That’s perfect for those looking to keep their shiny new console protected from the off.
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Nintendo Switch OLED | Nintendo Switch Sports | £339 £319 at Currys (opens in new tab)
Save £20 – Nintendo Switch Sports usually comes in at £39.99, so grabbing it with a £309 Nintendo Switch OLED for just £319 is a particularly strong offer. This is one of the best bundles going right now.
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Nintendo Switch OLED | Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | £349 £329 at Currys (opens in new tab)
Save £20 – If you’re looking to pick up a classic right from day one, this is the Nintendo Switch bundle for you. Currys has £20 off this Switch OLED and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe package right now, bringing the price down to £329. That means you’re getting the classic kart racer for just £20.
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Nintendo Switch OLED | The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | £349 £329 at Currys (opens in new tab)
Save £20 – The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild usually retails for between £50 and £60, so picking it up for just £20 on top of the £309 RRP of the OLED console itself is an excellent deal. You’ll find this offer available on both the white model (opens in new tab) and red and blue version at Currys.
Nintendo Switch Accessories
Eager to get some extras for your Nintendo Switch? We’ve gathered up a few essentials right here. For example, you’ll find some of the best Nintendo Switch accessories out there right now, be it Nintendo Switch SD cards to the best Nintendo Switch chargers.
If you’d like to play some local multiplayer with family or friends, on the other hand, we’ve also rounded up best Nintendo Switch controllers. Need some more Joy-cons or a Pro controller? This is the place to start.
Now that Bluetooth audio is finally available, it’s time to invest in some Nintendo Switch gaming headsets. These cups are generally cheaper than their PC counterparts, but you can still save plenty of cash. You’ll find all the latest prices on our top picks just below.
Which Nintendo Switch should you buy?
There are now (or soon to be) three models of Nintendo Switch to choose from. Each one does offer a different experience, though, so it’s important to choose the right version for you.
- Nintendo Switch (standard): This is the standard console experience as introduced back in 2017 (though most consoles on the shelves these days are the 2019 versions with a boosted battery life). Offering detachable controllers that can be shared between two people and a portable screen that allows you to play on TV or in handheld mode, it’s perfect for multiplayer and single-player games.
- Nintendo Switch Lite: The Nintendo Switch Lite is a handheld-only alternative, pitched as an entry-level console for kids or anyone playing on the go. While it’s a lot cheaper, it can’t be used on TV, doesn’t have detachable controllers, and lacks some features like joypad rumble. However, it will still play all the same games.
- Nintendo Switch OLED model: The latest version of the Switch features a 7-inch OLED screen, improved kickstand, and a slightly more streamlined build but aside from a few external updates, it offers all the same functionality as the standard Switch, complete with the same performance as well.
Where to find more Nintendo Switch deals
Whether you’re looking to find your own Nintendo Switch bundles or you’re after some cheap accessories and games, there are plenty of retailers offering solid savings on Ninty’s gadgets throughout the year. You’ll find all the stores we head to for Nintendo Switch deals just below.
US
- Amazon: sometimes offers memory card bundles (opens in new tab)
- Best Buy: regular savings on cheaper games (opens in new tab)
- CDKeys: big discounts on digital titles (opens in new tab)
- GameStop: best for merchandise and bundle offers (opens in new tab)
- Target: budget accessories and regular discounts on big titles (opens in new tab)
- Walmart: regularly offers savings on official accessories (opens in new tab)
UK
- Amazon: regularly offers cheaper bundles with budget accessories (opens in new tab)
- Argos: frequent special offers with cheap games and cases (opens in new tab)
- CDKeys: big savings on digital games (opens in new tab)
- Currys: often includes additional free gifts with bundles (opens in new tab)
- Game: regular bundle offers and cheap pre-owned games (opens in new tab)
- The Game Collection: heavy discounts on physical games (opens in new tab)
- Very: save on accessories and games (opens in new tab)
You’ll need something to keep that console safe – we’re rounding up all the best Nintendo Switch cases available right now. We’re also showing you how to find the right Nintendo Switch Online price for you, and rounding up all the latest Ring Fit Adventure deals as well.
The post The best cheap Nintendo Switch bundle deals – all the latest sales in July 2022 appeared first on Game News.
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]]>The best gaming laptops pack serious power while also going easy on your backpack, holding their temperatures well, and beaming everything up onto a gorgeous display. There are so many models vying for this title, however, that it can be difficult to work out not only which configurations are worth your time, but which gaming laptops are right for you. That’s where we come in.
We’ve put a wide range of gaming laptops through their paces to find the best rigs in the business, testing performance relative to the specs on offer, efficiency in design and temperature, and overall value for money. We run each machine through a series of performance benchmarks, and live, play, and work with the models we review for an extended period of time – you can check out exactly how we test gaming laptops in our dedicated guide. You’ll find all our recommendations for the best gaming laptop on the market just below, and more information on choosing the right configuration for you and your budget as well.
The world of gaming laptops (and gaming PCs in general) is changing rapidly, with Intel’s Alder Lake processors hitting some of the biggest models, and eyes on new GPU options as well. We’re keeping this page stocked with all the latest models to make sure you’re up to date with all the latest updates.
The best gaming laptops available now
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1. Razer Blade 15 (2022)
The best gaming laptop overall
Specifications
CPU: i7-12800H | i9-12900HGPU: RTX 3060 | RTX 3070 Ti | RTX 3080 TiRAM: 16GB | 32GB Storage: 1TB SSDDisplay: FHD at 360Hz | QHD at 240Hz | UHD at 144HzPorts: 3x USB-A Gen 2 | 1x USB-C / Thunderbolt 4 | 1x USB-C | 3.5mm audio jack | SD card slot | HDMI
Reasons to buy
+Cutting edge components+Excellent color and contrast+Luxury design with solid build quality
Reasons to avoid
-Proprietary charging connection
Our favorite configuration:
Razer Blade 15 | RTX 3080 Ti | Intel i9-12900H at Razer (opens in new tab)
This is the best gaming laptop on the market right now, but you’re going to be spending a lot to get it. If you’ve got the budget to play with we’d really recommend going to the top of this spec and packing an RTX 3080 Ti GPU with an i9-12900H processor and helping it all shine with a 144Hz 4K display. Of course, there are cheaper models out there, but if we’re really talking about the best of the best, this is where you should start your benchmarks.
View Deal (opens in new tab)Scores
Fire Strike: 20,171
Time Spy: 9,690
PC Mark 10: 7,340
We got our hands on a beast of a Razer Blade 15, but it showed us just how powerful gaming laptops can be these days. The RTX 3080 Ti / i9-12900H configuration I had on my desk was a true monster in its performance. However, this rig’s ability to offer such performance while keeping the slimline chassis we’ve all come to know and love really cemented its top spot among the best gaming laptops on the market.
Of course, this is no cheap machine. The 2022 Razer Blade 15 starts at $2,499.99 for an RTX 3060 configuration. You’re certainly paying for this luxury name here, but if you’re on the hunt for one of the most technically capable machines in one of the most portable form factors, the cash is well invested.
That does mean this isn’t necessarily the best gaming laptop for everyone – those playing lighter games won’t need the horsepower on offer here, and if you’re just after a machine you can sign into every now and then you won’t get solid value by going all out. However, if you’re interested in a top of the range rig (and have the budget to throw at it), our testing speaks for itself.
“In 2022, the Razer Blade 15 is still doing exactly what its ancestors did – leading in high-end components and luxury performance.”
Razer Blade 15 review
I managed to run Shadow of the Tomb Raider at 74fps in 4K with everything turned up to 11 here. While more demanding titles still struggled in that UHD resolution, though, I was still impressed with the 60+ fps in 1440p on Red Dead Redemption 2 as well as the 78fps in the same resolution on The Division 2. I only needed to drop some more taxing visual effects to hit higher framerates in 4K, and everything looked incredible while doing so.
You can’t beat the Razer Blade 15 for performance, component horsepower, and portability. After all, the only other machines offering RTX 3080 Ti graphics cards at the time of writing still can’t compete with that 4K 144Hz display for the price.
Read more: Razer Blade 15 review
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2. Dell G15
The best gaming laptop under $1,000
Specifications
CPU: Intel i5-12500H / i7-12700HGPU: up to Nvidia RTX 3070 TiRAM: up to 32GBStorage: up to 1TB SSDScreen: 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080), up to 240HzPorts: 1x RJ45 Ethernet | 3x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 | 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 / Thunderbolt 4 | HDMI | 3.5mm
Reasons to buy
+Solid performance+Sensibly priced+More powerful configurations now available
Reasons to avoid
-Gets hot under duress-Chassis is a bit lacking
Our favorite configuration:
Dell G15 | RTX 3050 | Intel i5-11260H at Dell (opens in new tab)
The Dell G15 works best when it’s super cheap, which is why this entry level RTX 3050 configuration is our favorite. Those on the hunt for a rig designed for lighter gaming and the odd Apex Legends session will find great value here, without needing to break the bank on gaming laptops over $800.
The Dell G15 isn’t going to light the world of the best gaming laptops on fire, but it is at least a dependable choice of gaming companion. Performance in both gaming and general tasks is good considering the price point, and all the features we’ve come to expect from gaming laptops are present and accounted for – apart from that bank-busting price tag. You’ll often find these models on sale with RTX 3050 / RTX 3050 Ti graphics cards for well under $1,000 – sometimes as low as $699.99.
The appearance of this laptop could be a point of contention, though, as we found the chassis to feel a bit old-fashioned for 2022. A dark iridescent finish and thick central hinge feel like throwbacks to a forgotten age of tech design that should perhaps have stayed in the past.
The G15 also runs fairly hot when playing more graphically demanding titles, although not to a worrying extent; we’ve certainly reviewed laptops with noisier fans than this. As it stands, the G15 is a great all-rounder, ideal as a gift for a kid looking to break into PC gaming or the office employee consigned to remote working – and playing.
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3. Alienware M15 R7
The best gaming laptop for most
Specifications
CPU: i7-12700H | i9-12900HGPU: RTX 3050 Ti | RTX 3060 | RTX 3070 Ti | RTX 3080 Ti RAM: up to 64GBStorage: up to 4TB SSDDisplay: FHD at 165Hz / 360Hz | QHD at 240HzPorts: 3x USB Type-A 3.2 Gen 1 | 1x Type-C port with Thunderbolt 4, USB 3.2 Gen 2, DisplayPort 1.4, and Power Delivery, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x RJ-45 Killer E3100 2.5Gbps Ethernet port, 1x 3.5mm headset jack
Reasons to buy
+Incredible performance+Satisfying keyboard+Fast display+Some premium design features
Reasons to avoid
-Cheaper plastic body-Difficult to transport-Particularly loud fans
Our favorite configuration:
Alienware M15 R7 | RTX 3060 | Intel i7-12700H at Dell (opens in new tab)
We tested the Alienware M15 R7 with an RTX 3070 Ti GPU at the helm, but considering that configuration comes in at over $2,000 right now, you’re getting solid value for money with this RTX 3060 build. You’re still getting that uber powerful 12th generation processor, and 16GB DDR5 RAM in here. We’ve opted to keep the 360Hz panel we tested in this build – it’s only $100 more for the luxury and it really was an impressive display, well worth the cash.
View Deal (opens in new tab)Scores
Fire Strike: 24,894
Time Spy: 10,722
PC Mark 10: 7,623
The Alienware M15 R7 is here to bring the now mid-range line of luxury laptops into 2022’s standards. With Intel’s new 12th generation processors and Nvidia’s Ti GPUs at the helm, there’s some serious power up for grabs here. While prices are looking a little higher than those of the predecessor (especially now that discounts abound on the outdated model), you’re getting enough new tech under the hood to warrant the splurge.
We were blown away by the performance of this machine. Our test unit featured an i7-12700H processor and an RTX 3070 Ti graphics card, and was easily sailing through our benchmarks and stress tests. This beast didn’t even flinch at heavier titles like Red Dead Redemption 2 and Metro Exodus – offering up 76fps in RDR2’s Ultra settings, and 72fps with all RTX set to max in Metro Exodus. Those are settings that would make the uber expensive RTX 3080 Ti Razer Blade 15 sweat.
Faster action titles ran without a hitch, with that 360Hz refresh rate display acting as the cherry on the stunningly powerful cake.
Alienware M15 R7 review
However, it’s worth noting that this machine is built purely for power. It’s a stocky design, and a particularly heavy one at that – the charging brick alone nearly runs the full length of the keyboard. So no, this isn’t going to be a gaming laptop you’ll easily throw into a backpack – and those fans can certainly scream – but if you’re looking for an all-rounder that can level with machines far pricier than itself, these are easy sacrifices to make.
Alienware is, after all, a luxury brand. With its M-series now falling to the middle of its range (thanks to the advent of the X-series last year), the Alienware M15 R7 is affordable by the brand’s standards. That means you’ll find far cheaper machines out there, but without that Alienware pedigree to speak of. Still, with performance to rival some of the best gaming laptops in the business, and only a few sacrifices to get there for a great price, this is an excellent option for most players. You could consider the X15 technically the best Alienware gaming laptop on paper alone, but when it comes down to price and the wider market, this is the winner.
Read more: Alienware M15 R7 review
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4. Asus TUF Dash F15
The best gaming laptop for value hunters
Specifications
CPU: i5-11300H | i7-11370H | i7-11375HGPU: RTX 3050 | RTX 3050 Ti | RTX 3060 | RTX 3070RAM: 16GB | 32GBStorage: 512GB | 1TBDisplay: FHD at 60Hz | 144Hz | 240HzPorts: 1x 3.5mm | 1x HDMI 2.0 | 3x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 | 1x RJ45 LAN port | 1x USB-C / 1x Thunderbolt 4
Reasons to buy
+Great pricing+Slimline design +Solid performance
Reasons to avoid
-Soft membrane keys
Our favorite configuration
Asus TUF Dash F15 | RTX 3070 | Intel i7-11370H at Amazon (opens in new tab)
The Asus TUF Dash F15 manages to pack some incredible graphics into a much smaller MSRP than you’d usually find because it sacrifices a little processing power. That i7-11370H processor will remain whichever configuration you choose, but it chugs along nicely and we never experienced any slowdown during everyday play on medium settings. Not only that, but this spec also sends you home with a 1TB SSD, 16GB RAM, and a 240Hz display to boot.
View Deal (opens in new tab)Scores
Fire Strike: 17,365
Fire Strike Extreme: 9,870
PCMark 10: 6,022
If you’re looking to grab an RTX 30-Series card but don’t want to break too far past $1,000 / £1,000, the Asus TUF Dash F15 is going to be your best bet. In our testing, we found this budget-friendly machine to charge through even some of the more demanding titles as if it sat in a much higher price bracket – despite the weaker 4-core i7-11370H processor at the helm. Plus, you’re still getting the super slimline form factor that has proven so popular over the last couple of years.
You’ll be hitting 60fps+ in most games as long as you’re happy not playing everything maxed out.
Asus TUF Dash F15 review
The key here is that you can outfit it with the full 11th generation i7 / 1TB / 32GB RAM suite of turbo power – or you can pick up a more conservative spec for a little less cash. That means you won’t need to spend on high-end gear that you might not even get to use if you’re running less demanding titles.
We were particularly impressed by how well those more power-hungry components played together in a cheaper chassis. We didn’t notice any over-heating issues here, and while we did have to make some sacrifices to more demanding titles, we still managed to hit 60fps+ on an RTX 3070 with consistency. We also tested an RTX 3060 unit and found similar performance levels when dropping a few sliders down a fraction as well, which means you’re sorted at all ends of the budget here.
As of CES 2022, there is a new Asus TUF Dash F15 on the way, featuring a larger touchpad, 12th generation Alder Lake processor, and a new cooling system. However, pricing and release date information is still unknown.
Read more: Asus TUF Dash F15 review
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5. ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14
The best 14-inch gaming laptop
Specifications
CPU: Ryzen 6900HSGraphics: Radeon RX 6700S / 6800SRAM: Up to 32GB DDR5Storage: 1TB NVMe SSDResolution: QHD+ 16:10 (2560 x 1600)Refresh rate: 120HzPorts: 2x USB-A 3.2 | 2x USB-C Gen 2 | 1x HDMI 2.0 | UHS-II micro SD
Reasons to buy
+Clean, compact design+Gorgeous 16:10 display+High quality speakers+Speedy processor
Reasons to avoid
-Poor thermals-Ray tracing heavily impacts performance
Our favorite configuration:
Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 | Radeon RX 6700S | AMD Ryzen 9 6900HS at Best Buy (opens in new tab)
There is a more expensive RX 6800S configuration on offer, but it’s not going to fix the performance under ray tracing conditions and we were still getting some excellent performance out of our 6700S. That means the cheaper option is our go-to for the G14, especially considering you’re still getting the same Ryzen 9 6900HS CPU whirring away under the hood as well.
View Deal (opens in new tab)Scores
Fire Strike: 21,728
Time Spy: 8,644
PC Mark 10: 6,706
The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 long reigned over the slimline gaming laptop world. It was one of the first easily portable machines, built with a form factor that respected your backpack and your desk top. 2022 heralds in a new AMD future for this fan favorite, and despite some thermal concerns and ray tracing throttling, the G14 is all the more impressive for it.
That’s a serious amount of power to pack into this super small form factor after all, and we managed to squeeze some impressive numbers out of this compact design as well. While it does feel built for 1080p (framerates do cliff-dive at the native QHD+ resolution), we were getting some excellent scores in Fire Strike and in-game benchmarking considering the stress this machine is under. Metro Exodus was flying at High settings, hitting 82fps consistently, and The Division 2 managed to hold onto 78fps in Ultra settings as well.
Whether trundling through Red Dead Redemption 2’s snowy landscapes or skimming webpages, everything feels sharp and snappy
Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 review
Not only that, but the new 16:10 display was a sight to behold. Crisp and clean, the extra height offered in the display was easily welcomed over the cramped feeling Alienware and Razer offerings. You’ll also find an improved LED display running along the back, with sharper customizable animations for an extra personal edge.
We did notice those temperatures creeping under intense workloads, though, so this will be one to keep on a desk rather than a lap. That said, not many 14-inch rigs can keep up with these specs, and even fewer can do so with the extra screen space afforded to you here. The G14 is the best 14-inch gaming laptop we’ve had our hands on so far.
Read more: Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 review
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6. Alienware X17
The best 17.3-inch gaming laptop
Specifications
CPU: i7-11800H | i9-11980HKGPU: RTX 3060 | RTX 3070 | RTX 3080RAM: up to 64GBStorage: up to 4TB SSD (2x2TB)Display: FHD at 165Hz / 360Hz | UHD at 120HzPorts: 1x HDMI | 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 | 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 | 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 / Thunderbolt 4 | Micro SD | Mini Display Port | 1x RJ45 Ethernet | 3.5mm
Reasons to buy
+Fantastic gaming performance+Good keyboard and trackpad+Mechanical Cherry MX keyboard
Reasons to avoid
-More expensive than most-Gets hot
Our favorite configuration:
Alienware X17 R2 | RTX 3070 Ti | Intel i7-12700H at Dell (opens in new tab)
The X17 is a beast, so you might as well push your investment. This RTX 3070 Ti configuration nestles itself neatly between the extraordinarily expensive RTX 3080 Ti model and the only slightly cheaper RTX 3060. With 16GB of DDR5 4800 MHz RAM as a baseline, there’s plenty of room to customize here, but that i7-12700H processor will see you through heavy releases all the same.
View Deal (opens in new tab)Scores
Firestrike: 18,061
Timespy: 8,040
If you’re after a larger display panel, the merits of the 17.3-inch Alienware X17 are obvious, but under the surface there’s plenty more going on here. Although it might start at an already-whopping price and comes in models that go above the $3,000 / £3,000 mark, the Alienware x17 R1 works hard to earn its price tag and is one of the best gaming laptops to come out of 2021. The X-Series is Alienware’s latest and greatest selection of laptops, designed to appeal to the brand’s more premium customers looking for the very best gaming laptop money can buy.
Despite its noisy fans, the Alienware x17 R1 is a beast of a gaming laptop that will serve as an ideal desktop replacement for any serious gamer.
Alienware X17 review
A choice of 1080p or 4K display, a variety of RAM and storage specs, and either a membrane or compact mechanical keyboard makes it easy to tailor this laptop to your personal needs. One of the best things about larger 17.3-inch devices is that they can pack considerably more power under the hood, without overheating. While we did experience some considerable warmth (and noise in performance mode) in our testing, but we never neared dangerous temperatures.
With the ability to move up to an Intel i9 processor, 64GB RAM, 4TB of SSD storage and a 120Hz 4K display, it’s possible to create a real beast out of this machine. We tested an i7-11800H configuration packed with an RTX 3080 GPU and 16GB RAM, and even this more conservative spec managed to push 99fps on Shadow of the Tomb Raider’s Ultra settings, and 112fps with the same settings on The Division 2. Even more entry level configurations will still set you back a bit of cash, but that’s because of the premium additional features that make this one of the best rigs on the market.
A slimline design works nicely in this size, especially considering the additional bulk that a larger display usually brings with it. However, you’re also picking up a mechanical keyboard, plenty of ports, and a gorgeous display panel up top. If you’re looking to splash the cash on something that’s truly going to make a statement, the Alienware X17 is an excellent option.
Read more: Alienware X17 review
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9. Alienware x14
The best slimline gaming laptop
Specifications
CPU: i5-12500H / i7-12700HGraphics: RTX 3050 / RTX 3050 Ti / RTX 3060RAM: 16GB – 32GB DDR5Storage: : 512GB – 2TB SSDScreen:: 14-inch, 1080p, 144HzPorts: 1x USB Type-A | 1x USB Type-C | 2x USB Type-C / Thunderbolt | 1x 3.5mm | microSD
Reasons to buy
+Super slimline form factor+Impressive performance+More affordable than other Alienware rigs+Sleek aesthetic
Reasons to avoid
-Limited configurations available-Increased depth leaves larger footprint-Matte display can dull colors
Our favorite configuration:
Alienware x14 | RTX 3050 | Intel i5-12500H at Dell (opens in new tab)
The Alienware x14 holds most of its value in its super slimline form factor and flexible (though still incredibly luxurious) design. While cheap by Alienware’s standards, though, it’s still a costly affair. If you’re looking for that super thin profile above all else, we’d recommend taking a look at the base RTX 3050 configuration. You’re getting that luxury chassis with Intel’s latest processing chip and DDR5 RAM for $1,499.99 here, the best value out of all the options.
View Deal (opens in new tab)Scores
Fire Strike: 17,408
Time Spy: 7,807
PC Mark 10: 7,123
The Alienware x14 is the thinnest laptop we’ve had on our desks, and it delights in its performance relative to the lower mid-range components under the hood. Of course, Intel’s latest 12th generation processors are helping those RTX 3050 / RTX 3060 graphics cards (as is that DDR5 RAM), but all together these specs are working particularly hard to offer silky smooth framerates in even more demanding titles.
We found that the overall build quality was particularly impressive here, with the x14 shrinking exactly what makes the Alienware x17 feel so solid and premium down into a super flexible form factor. This thing is only 14.4mm thick, and if it weren’t for the glowing RGB alien head on the top panel you’d be forgiven for thinking it was a slick business ultrabook.
The Alienware X14 earns its place on the mid-range shelf but will appeal more to those after a premium feel than those chasing framerates.
Alienware x14 review
In fact, there’s some serious gaming chops under the hood. Of course, we didn’t get numbers to threaten RTX 3070 or RTX 3080-toting machines in our testing, but with the Nvidia optimised Shadow of the Tomb Raider hitting an average of 108fps on Highest settings, there’s plenty we shouldn’t take for granted here. The Alienware x14 did struggle under heavier titles like Red Dead Redemption 2, but we could still draw 55fps in High settings. With a little tweaking, these more humble configurations can easily soar thanks to the engineering under the hood.
During our testing, though, it quickly became obvious that the RTX 3050 / RTX 3050 Ti configurations would offer the best value for money here. We were a little disappointed by the 1080p 144Hz display considering the fact that our test unit was just knocking on the $2,000 price point. By contrast, this is a more than passable screen when placed on a $1,499 RTX 3050 rig. It feels like there’s diminishing returns heading up the price scale here.
Still, if you’re looking for a super slimline, easily portable machine, the Alienware x14 is an excellent premium option. Not only are you getting that backpack-friendly form factor, but the USB-C charging makes it particularly easy to juice up on the go as well.
Read more: Alienware x14 review
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8. Razer Blade 14
The best looking gaming laptop
Specifications
CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5900HXGPU: RTX 3060 | RTX 3070 | RTX 3080RAM: 16GBStorage: 1TB SSDDisplay: FHD at 144Hz | QHD at 165Hz Ports: 2x USB-A 3.2 | 2x USB-C 3.2 | 1x HDMI 2.1 | 1x 3.5mm
Reasons to buy
+Great components+Tangible benefits of a Ryzen CPU +Excellent compact build quality
Reasons to avoid
-A little small-Temperature can climb
Our favorite configuration:
Razer Blade 14 | RTX 3080 | Ryzen 9 5900HX at Razer (opens in new tab)
The Razer Blade 14 really needs a GPU that can put that screen to work. This RTX 3080 configuration comes in around $700 cheaper than the RTX 3080 Ti model, and strikes that perfect balance between power and value for money. In our testing, that RTX 3080 / Ryzen 9 5900HX offered an incredible performance in itself, but if you are interested in pushing this thing to the max, it’s worth noting that the Ti configuration does also come with a 6900HX processor and DDR5 RAM these days.
View Deal (opens in new tab)Scores
Firestrike: 21130
Timespy: 9432
PCMark 10: 6792
The Razer Blade 14 sold the idea of smaller, 14-inch gaming powerhouses to us in our testing last year. With some of the most powerful components on the market and an almost impossibly slim form factor, this is a rig to be reckoned with, and the best 14-inch gaming laptop on the market right now. That’s because you’re blending the best of both worlds here, with an AMD CPU and Nvidia GPU playing nicely together to create an incredible final experience.
It’s incredible to think that there’s so much oomph and beastly power in this tiny thing.
Razer Blade 14 review
The 1440p display and RTX 3080 GPU sung in our testing, blowing us away with impressive handling of High and Ultra settings across a range of games. We were especially impressed by just how much power was up for grabs considering the lightweight, slimline chassis.
The 14-inch form factor makes the power on offer all the more impressive, but we did notice ourselves wanting a slightly larger screen during certain moments, and having all that gear packed in did get a little warm at times. Still, we loved the 1440p / 165Hz pairing on the display – this machine doesn’t feel like it would benefit from a costly 300Hz panel and, considering the size, it’s easy to be blown away by the quality overall.
We managed to push Red Dead Redemption 2 to near-consistent 60fps on maximum settings in 1440p resolution – astounding considering the form factor here. While Metro Exodus did present more of a challenge (generally hitting 48fps with RTX Ultra settings), a few tweaks still saw us through to 66fps on High.
All of that means you’ll easily get a better response from the Razer Blade 14 than you would the similarly designed Asus ROG Zephyrus G14. However, this is certainly a model reserved for those willing to pay for that premium quality. If you don’t want to break $2,000 we’d recommend you head a little further down the page.
Read more: Razer Blade 14 review
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7. Acer Nitro 5 (2021)
The best gaming laptop for component value over aesthetics
Specifications
CPU: Up to AMD Ryzen 7 5800H / Intel i7-11800HGPU: RTX 3060 | RTX 3070 Ti | RTX 3080 TiRAM: 16GB | 32GB Storage: up to 1TB SSDDisplay: FHD at 360Hz | QHD at 240Hz | UHD at 144HzPorts: 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack, 1x HDMI, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, 1x RJ45
Reasons to buy
+Good gaming performance at 1080p+Solid chassis and keyboard
Reasons to avoid
-Battery life is quite poor-Display is unexciting
Our favorite configuration:
Acer Nitro 5 | AMD Ryzen 7 5800H | RTX 3060 at Amazon (opens in new tab)
The Acer Nitro 5 provides plenty of balance in this configuration, and the best part is we often see this model on sale at Amazon as well. Balancing some solid components under the hood, and a 144Hz display up top, there’s some nice horsepower for your cash here. We often see it at between $1,049 and $1,329.
View Deal (opens in new tab)Scores
Firestrike: 17,524
Timespy: 7,456
It’s not about to blow anyone away with flashy features or top-tier performance, but the Acer Nitro 5 is a very respectable choice of gaming laptop for the busy gamer who doesn’t want to break the bank. A good full-scale keyboard with numpad makes this laptop appropriate for both work and play. That means it’s a great replacement for a full-tower desktop PC at home that also offers portability thanks to its relatively low weight as gaming laptops go.
All but the most demanding games should run comfortably above 60fps at maximum graphical settings
Acer Nitro 5 review
The RTX 3060 GPU paired with a Ryzen 5800H processor offered up strong performance in our testing, hitting 86fps in High settings on The Division 2, and only dropping to 77fps in Ultra. While the SSD could be a bit speedier, it’s not going to cause any major headaches. Most games will run above 60fps at maximum settings, and ray-tracing is also an option, though it does come with an associated performance hit.
We found the screen to be somewhat dull compared to other laptops in the same price range, and the battery life is decidedly unimpressive, but given the budget cost, these do feel like fair tradeoffs. Especially since the display does retain an excellent 144Hz refresh rate. At $1,129 (with other models varying from $700 to $2,100), the RTX 3060 Nitro 5 manages to pack some impressive components into a budget price tag by dropping nice-to-have features. That makes it perfect for anyone after raw power without all the fancy extras that can sometimes bloat gaming laptop costs.
Read more: Acer Nitro 5 review
How we test gaming laptops
Every gaming laptop that we review is stress-tested against a series of benchmarking processes and everyday use. We run a standardised series of performance tests on each rig, benchmarking on both High and Ultra / Highest across:
- Shadow of the Tomb Raider
- Total War: Three Kingdoms (Battle)
- Metro Exodus
- The Division 2
- Red Dead Redemption 2
We carry out these benchmarks at both 1080p and other native resolutions offered by each individual system.
We then test gaming laptops against 3DMark Firestrike and Firestrike Extreme (for 1440p rigs), using Firestrike Ultra for our 4K machines. We also use PC Mark 10 tests (including battery performance), as well as Sky Diver, Cinebench, and Crystal Disk Mark.
Of course, we also live with these machines. We find the best gaming laptops by playing, binge-watching, and working with them for as long as we can, using them as we would our own machines (while pushing them a little further for the sake of science).
Read more about how we find the best tech with our full Hardware Policy and find out exactly how we test gaming laptops.
How to find the best gaming laptop for you
Not sure what screen size you’d ideally want and what minimum spec you’d ultimately like to get in your search for the best gaming laptop? If you need help working that out, we’re here to help.
In our opinion, the key is to opt for something with a balance between performance, budget, and components – you want something that will play your favorite games now, but still have enough bandwidth to help you find a new favorite in the future.
So what’s your first step when you start browsing for the best gaming laptop? You can start by having a budget or total price ceiling in mind, but generally (and somewhat predictably), you’ll want to prioritize the hardware in the machine. As you’ve made it to this page, you’re looking for a gaming-focused portable powerhouse and, as a result, want to aim high in the graphics card department, like a GPU from the RTX family of cards from Nvidia.
This can be an excellent starting point to refine your search – but don’t forget to look at laptops with a 16-series card in too as they offer incredible value when complemented by other, well-balanced components. A quick note on components: availability, as everyone knows, has been incredibly unreliable and volatile in recent months. As a result, it might be that when you visit retailers or makers of these machines, only some configurations are available at the time.
If you’re unsure of which components you need, it’s wise to consider the CPUs and GPUs on offer in tiers. If you only play lighter games that aren’t too demanding, you might fall into the entry level tier, if you’re looking to hit High settings with a few tweaks and still hit 60fps, it’s worth looking in the mid-range. However, if you’re going all-in on Ultra settings for the most demanding titles, the best gaming laptop for you might be a more premium option.
If you’ve managed to find the right rig for you, it’s worth investing some thought into the best laptop backpacks to get you out and about. Or, check out our guide to the latest cheap gaming laptop deals if you’re looking for more savings. Or, check out all the cheap Alienware laptop deals and Razer laptop deals currently on sale for some serious discounts.
The post The best gaming laptop 2022 – all the latest models compared appeared first on Game News.
]]>The post Best RTX 3080 PC deals in July 2022 appeared first on Game News.
]]>The cheapest RTX 3080 PC deal we’ve been able to find is the Alienware Aurora R10 for only $1,672.98 (was $1,790) (opens in new tab). This is one of the cheapest RTX 3080 PCs that we’ve seen in some time, featuring a Ryzen 9 CPU, whereas Ryzen 7s are far more common in this price range. In the UK, we’ve found the Vibox VII-47 for £1,774.95 (was £1,900) (opens in new tab) that comes with a 12th gen i7 CPU and 32GB RAM.
For those interested in portable power, we’re also rounding up the best RTX 3080 laptop deals as well. We’re seeing some of the more competitive rates on some of the best gaming laptops that money can buy, so don’t delay if you’ve had your eye on a portable powerhouse. Alternatively, hunt for GPUs for less with the best cheap graphics card deals, too.
Save on Alienware RTX 3080 PCs at Dell (opens in new tab)
Fortunately, you can save some cash on our favorite gaming PC featuring the RTX 3080 (both Intel and Ryzen configurations). It’s a great way to get into high-end PC gaming with the reliable build quality and a small enough form factor for desks and home entertainment system setups.
Best RTX 3080 PC deals in July 2022
RTX 3080 PC deals – US
Alienware Aurora R10 | $1,672.98 at Amazon (opens in new tab)
This is one of the cheapest RTX 3080 PCs that we’ve ever seen, as this Ryzen 7-powered PC comes in at well under the $1,700 mark. Simply put, we don’t see many machines selling at this price. Features: AMD Ryzen 7 5800, RTX 3080, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD.
View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
CLX SET | $2,330 $1,899.99 at Best Buy (opens in new tab)
Save $430 – The CLX SET machine is outstanding value for money at just over the $2,000 mark. It’s worth remembering that CLX is one of the higher-end boutique brands with a price tag to match, so this discount is certainly appreciated. Features: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X, RTX 3080, 16GB RAM, 240GB SSD + 2TB HDD.
View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
Acer Predator Orion 5000 | $2,300 $2,099.99 at Best Buy (opens in new tab)
Save $200 – This is a stellar rate on the latest Acer Predator Orion 5000 machine at a very competitive price. You’re getting amazing build quality of this machine, as well as the latest 12th Gen i7 processor, DDR5 memory, and a superfast Gen 4.0 drive. Features: Intel Core i7-12700, RTX 3080, 16GB RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD.
View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
CUK Continuum Micro Gamer | $2,200 $2,099.99 at Amazon (opens in new tab)
Save $100 – This is the cheapest price that we’re able to verify on the CUK Continuum Micro Gamer, and an overall stellar offer for the high-end machine of this spec. You’re getting double the RAM than what is seen at this rate. Features: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X, RTX 3080, 32GB RAM, 512GB NVMe SSD + 2TB HDD.
View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
CyberPowerPC Gamer Supreme | $2,299.99 at Best Buy
(opens in new tab)Though not a deal, the biggest strength of this CyberPowerPC Gamer Supreme build is the addition of the super powerful Ryzen 9 5900X processor. We rarely see this processor in rigs of this price range. Features: AMD Ryzen 9 5900X, RTX 3080, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD.
View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
ABS Legend (RTX 3080 Ti) | $3,900 $3,229.99 at Amazon (opens in new tab)
Save $670 – As far as RTX 3080 Ti builds go, this is one of the better ones we’ve found online from a reputable brand. Considering how powerful this PC is, this is a great rate with the discount factored in. Features: Intel Core i9-11900KF, RTX 3080 Ti, 16GB RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD.
UK RTX 3080 PC deals
Vibox VII-47 | £1,900 £1,774.95 at Amazon (opens in new tab)
This is an exceptional rate for the Vibox VII-47 and a great machine all round for the money. We think this RTX 3080 is certainly worthy of your time and attention. Features: Intel Core i7-12700F, RTX 3080, 32GB RAM, 480GB SSD + 2TB HDD.
View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
HP Omen 30L | £1,944 at Amazon (opens in new tab)
Although this isn’t strictly an RTX 3080 PC deal, the sub-£1,950 price point makes this HP Omen 30L configuration a very tempting value-for-money offer in 2022. You’re getting powerful components inside, too, including the 5000 series AMD Ryzen CPU. Features: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X, RTX 3080, 16GB RAM, 512GB NVMe SSD + 2TB HDD.
View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
OcUK Gaming Gallium | £2,500 £1,999.99 at Overclockers UK (opens in new tab)
Save £500 – This is the starting price for the OcUK Gaming Gallium build which comes shipped with respectable hardware as standard. You have the option to spec the build to order at an additional cost should you desire a faster CPU, more RAM, etc. Features: AMD Ryzen 5 5600x, RTX 3080, 16GB RAM, 500GB NVMe SSD.
And if you’re looking to try your luck with individual components, these are the best prices available on the RTX 30 series in all its various forms.
Graphics card stock
RTX 3050 prices | RTX 3060 prices | RTX 3060 Ti prices | RTX 3070 prices | RTX 3070 Ti prices| RTX 3080 prices | RTX 3080 Ti prices | RTX 3090 prices | RTX 3090 Ti prices
Laptop deals and stock
RTX 3050 laptop | RTX 3060 laptop | RTX 3070 laptop | RTX 3080 laptop
PC deals and stock
RTX 3060 PC | RTX 3070 PC | RTX 3090 PC
Upgrade the rest of your setup with the best gaming chairs, best gaming desks, and best gaming monitors.
The post Best RTX 3080 PC deals in July 2022 appeared first on Game News.
]]>The post The cheapest RTX 3050 laptop deals in July 2022 appeared first on Game News.
]]>That’s where we come in. We’ve been tracking gaming laptop deals for years now, so we know a good price when we see one. You’ll find all our top picks for the best RTX 3050 laptop deals just below, and we keep this page well stocked with new models every week. It’s important to note that picking up an RTX 3050 laptop means you won’t exactly be getting the best gaming laptop configuration on the market. This is Nvidia’s entry level card, so you won’t be getting the best possible visuals out of your games.
However, RTX 3080 laptops and RTX 3070 laptops can run up quite a bill, so if you’re happy with dropping your fps a little, you can find some excellent value a little further down the price bracket. Plus, you’re still picking up the latest generation here, so you’re future proofed for updates to come.
- Best in the US: Gigabyte G5 |
$999$699 at Best Buy (opens in new tab) - Best in the UK: Asus TUF |
£799.99£649.99 at Amazon (opens in new tab)
RTX 3050 laptop deals in the US
Gigabyte G5 RTX 15.6-inch gaming laptop | $999 $699 at Best Buy (opens in new tab)
Save $300 – You can save $300 on this Gigabyte G5 machine at Best Buy right now, a massive discount over the original $999 sales price. $699 is the cheapest price we’ve seen for an RTX 3050 laptop recently, and you’re getting a solid spec here indeed. These machines almost never offer up the 16GB RAM on offer here, or the 512GB SSD. You’ll also find a solid i5-11400H processor under the hood as well.
View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
MSI Katana GF66 15.6-inch gaming laptop | $799 $749 at Amazon (opens in new tab)
Save $50 – The MSI Katana has taken a $50 discount at Amazon this week, which might not sound like much by itself but is in fact a record low price. You’re still picking up a 144Hz display, i5-11400H processor and 512GB SSD with this RTX 3050 laptop, but sticking to the entry level 8GB RAM.
View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
Asus TUF 17.3-inch gaming laptop | $999.99 $799.99 at Best Buy (opens in new tab)
Save $200 – There’s a $200 discount up for grabs on this massive 17.3-inch Asus TUF RTX 3050 Ti laptop at Best Buy this week. That’s excellent news if you’re looking for a little more grunt in your machine without breaking the bank. You’ll also find an i5-11400H processor, 8GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD inside as well.
View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
Dell G15 15.6-inch gaming laptop | $1,168.99 $799.99 at Dell (opens in new tab)
Save $369 – This is one of the best RTX 3050 laptop deals we’ve seen at Dell recently, with the G15 offering a boosted Ti version of the card with a solid i5-11260H processor and 512GB SSD for just $799.99. That’s a total saving of $369 – perfect if you’re looking for a little more power in your starter rig.
View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
HP Victus 16.1-inch gaming laptop | $929.99 $839 at Amazon (opens in new tab)
Save $90 – Amazon has a $90 discount on this slightly larger 16.1-inch HP Victus RTX 3050 laptop right now, bringing it down to $839. That’s slightly more than its $769 record low price but we haven’t seen that offer for a few months now. You’re getting an AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 8GB RAM, and 512GB SSD here.
View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
Dell G15 15.6-inch gaming laptop | $1,368.99 $849.99 at Dell (opens in new tab)
Save $519 – If you’re looking for a more sophisticated version of the Dell G15, you’ll find a $519 discount on this RTX 3050 Ti model. That brings the price down to $849.99 on this 16GB RAM / 512GB SSD model, sporting a speedy Ryzen 7 5800H processor.
View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
MSI GF63 Thin 15.6-inch gaming laptop | $1,056.99 $849.99 (with $100 rebate) at Newegg (opens in new tab)
Save $207 – Packing 16GB RAM and an RTX 3050 Ti GPU, this MSI GF63 offers a spec list that’s comfortable in the lower mid-range, but at an entry level price. If you’re after that MSI flair, with a 144Hz refresh rate and i5-11400H CPU no less, this is worth a look.
View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
HP Omen 16.1-inch gaming laptop | $1,329.99 $899.99 at Best Buy (opens in new tab)
Save $430 – Best Buy has a massive $430 discount on this 16.1-inch HP Omen this week – stunning value considering there’s a boosted RTX 3050 Ti graphics card and 16GB RAM under the hood. Not only that, but you’re also picking up an Ryzen 7 processor and 512GB SSD to boot.
View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
Lenovo Legion 5 15.6-inch gaming laptop | $1,199.99 $899.99 at Best Buy (opens in new tab)
Save $300 – Packing an RTX 3050 Ti graphics card, Ryzen 7 5800H processor, and a 512GB SSD, this Lenovo Legion 5 is looking particularly good value at just $899.99. You’re saving $300 at Best Buy here, from an original $1,199.99 MSRP.
RTX 3050 laptop deals in the UK
Asus TUF 15.6-inch gaming laptop | £799.99 £649.99 at Amazon (opens in new tab)
Save £150 – There’s an excellent £649.99 price tag on this Asus TUF gaming laptop at Amazon right now, all thanks to a £150 saving. You’re certainly not skimping on the specs here either, with a 144Hz display, 512GB SSD, and i5-11400H processor. Of course, at this price, that 8GB RAM is to be expected but will still see you through plenty of games.
View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
Gigabyte G5 15.6-inch gaming laptop | £849 £749 at Currys (opens in new tab)
Save £100 – We rarely see 16GB RAM in RTX 3050 laptops under £800, but this Gigabyte G5 model is doing just that this week at Currys. You can pick up this i5-11400H configuration, with 512GB SSD to boot, for just £749 right now – £100 down from the £849 RRP.
View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
MSI Katana GF66 15.6-inch gaming laptop | £1,199 £899 at Currys (opens in new tab)
Save £300 – This is one of the first RTX 3050 Ti laptop deals we’ve seen sporting the latest i7-12700H processor. That means you’re getting some serious value for money here, with a lightning fast CPU and turbo charged version of the 3050 card. All that grunt is supported by 16GB RAM and a 512GB SSD, and wrapped up with a 144Hz refresh rate display.
- US RTX 3050 laptop retailers: Best Buy (opens in new tab) | Amazon (opens in new tab) | Dell (opens in new tab) | Newegg (opens in new tab)
- UK RTX 3050 laptop retailers: Amazon (opens in new tab) | Currys (opens in new tab) | Ebuyer (opens in new tab) | Laptops Direct (opens in new tab)
While not as fierce around the RTX 3050, many are wondering where to buy RTX 3060 graphics cards these days, as well as where to buy RTX 3070 GPUs as well. RTX 3080 stock is particularly difficult to get your hands on.
That makes building your own machine a little tricky, which is why we’re also rounding up all the latest RTX 3060 PC, RTX 3070 PC, and RTX 3080 PC deals on the shelves right now. If you’re really looking to push the boat out, you’ll also find a selection of RTX 3090 PC deals up for grabs.
The post The cheapest RTX 3050 laptop deals in July 2022 appeared first on Game News.
]]>The post PS5 restock updates – Your guide to buying a PlayStation 5 appeared first on Game News.
]]>But, that’s where we come in. We’ve been tracking PS5 stock relentlessly and come bearing a few tips and tricks to help guide you towards the coveted console. And with so many awesome upcoming PS5 games on the near horizon, not to mention the release of PSVR 2, now’s a great time to buy a PS5.
That’s why we make sure to stick with the trusted retailers – think Walmart (opens in new tab), Best Buy (opens in new tab), Target (opens in new tab), and Sony (opens in new tab) in the US and PlayStation direct (opens in new tab), Amazon UK (opens in new tab), and GAME (opens in new tab) in the UK – so you don’t have to worry about being shipped a brick in a PS5 box or having to deal with scalper prices.
When you finally do get your hands on a PS5 we’ll still be here to help, so be sure to head on over to our best PS5 accessories and best PS5 headsets guides to complete your setup.
Where to buy a PS5: check these stores for stock
- USA PS5 ($499.99): Amazon (opens in new tab) | Best Buy (opens in new tab) | Walmart (opens in new tab) | Target (opens in new tab) | GameStop (opens in new tab) | B&H Photo (opens in new tab) | Newegg (opens in new tab) | Adorama (opens in new tab) | Sony | Sam’s Club (opens in new tab)
- USA PS5 Digital Edition ($399.99): Amazon (opens in new tab) | Best Buy (opens in new tab) | Walmart (opens in new tab) | Target (opens in new tab) | GameStop (opens in new tab) | B&H Photo (opens in new tab) | Newegg (opens in new tab) | Adorama (opens in new tab) | Sony | Sam’s Club (opens in new tab)
- UK PS5 (£449.99): Amazon (opens in new tab) | Very (opens in new tab) | John Lewis (opens in new tab) | Argos (opens in new tab) | Currys (opens in new tab) | Box (opens in new tab) | eBuyer (opens in new tab) | AO (opens in new tab) | Game (opens in new tab)
- UK PS5 Digital Edition (£359.99): Amazon (opens in new tab) | Very (opens in new tab) | Argos (opens in new tab) | Currys (opens in new tab) | Box (opens in new tab) | eBuyer (opens in new tab)
Let’s have a closer look at some retailers below. We’ll let you know what they’ve been up to lately and how likely they are to get PS5 restock updates any time soon.
Where to buy PS5 – USA
Amazon (opens in new tab) – last PS5 restock on June 2
Amazon has said it’s giving priority PS5 access to Prime members through March 31, so expect a restock to happen before the end of the month. Just remember, PS5s should be $499 for the standard version and $399 for the digital edition, so resist buying one from a reseller charging a premium!
View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
Walmart (opens in new tab) – last PS5 restock on June 2
The traditional Thursday PS5 restocks might well be back folks. Sometimes you’ll see a time on the listing page when PS5 stock is set to go live on the day. If you just miss out, stick around as it usually updates with another time shortly after for a second or third resupply the same day.
If you fancy giving Walmart Plus a go for free right now by the way, for free speedy delivery, discounted fuel, and other benefits, there’s currently a 15-day free trial (opens in new tab).
View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
GameStop (opens in new tab) – last PS5 restock on June 24
Things are picking up at GameStop with PS5 stock seemingly coming in at least once a week on a regular basis recently. Wednesdays or Thursdays seem to be your best bet. Bundles are often available, so if you spot any you like, dive in as they sell out (slightly) slower than solo consoles.
View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
Target (opens in new tab) – last PS5 restock on April 15
After a long period of sticking with PS5 restocks on a Wednesday or Thursday, Target has really started messing with the formula of late. Friday was a thing, then all of a sudden we now have a Monday drop. The early starts of 6-10am ET seems to be holding though and stock is dependent on where about in the US you are. So throw in your zip code and try your luck!
View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
Best Buy (opens in new tab) – last PS5 restock on June 7
This store hasn’t been as prolific of late, but given the huge reach we’d never count it out. We’ve given up trying to predict Best Buy PS5 days as the Thursday/Friday pattern it once favored has been all over the place lately with weekend and Monday drops popping up at random. Great, more randomness.
Where to buy PS5 – UK
Amazon (opens in new tab)
Various Amazon websites in mainland Europe have had stock recently, so we’re thinking a PS5 restock drop could be UK-bound at any moment. Keep trying your luck as Amazon hasn’t had anything for a while, so the next shipment could be a big one.
View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
Very (opens in new tab)
Very has been quiet for a PS5 restock since March. When it does get it, there’s often an online rolling queue which perhaps gets around the scalper bots problem, giving more genuine buyers a shot at finding the PS5 in stock. Note: Very often deletes the PS5 product listing page when out of stock, so you might have to search manually for the PS5 on the site.
View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
Currys (opens in new tab)
The Currys website has been one of the best in the UK as far as bricks and mortar stores adapting to online go and it’s been a regular on our PS5 restock updates alerts over the last few months. It often gives people a heads-up on when the next chance to buy a PS5 online will be, although we’re not massive fans of having to join a digital queue on the busier days (get yourself signed in and everything in advance folks next time stock is coming), we’ll keep you updated here next time that’s announced too. Currys has also just launched an online PS5 ballot system (opens in new tab) for a chance to buy one in person, so that’s a hat more than worth throwing your name into if you’re tired of the search.
View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
Argos (opens in new tab)
Calling all you night owls, Argos might be your best store to buy a PS5 from while stock is this bad nationwide. That’s because the store tends to put stock online in the middle of the night, often around 3 or 4am. There’s very little, if any, warning ahead of time too. We often check out the PS5 stock rumor mill first thing on Twitter in the morning and have seen plenty of threads from frustrated day walkers, although nothing so far this week.
Where to buy PS5 – Canada
- Canada PS5 ($629.99): Amazon (opens in new tab) | Walmart (opens in new tab) | Best Buy (opens in new tab)
- Canada PS5 Digital Edition ($499.99): Amazon (opens in new tab) | Best Buy (opens in new tab) | Walmart (opens in new tab)
Another item you might want to pick up once you’ve been able to buy a PS5 is one of the options on our best PS5 external hard drives page to increase your storage capacity. Or if you’ve got the need for speed, the best PS5 SSD might be worth a look.
The post PS5 restock updates – Your guide to buying a PlayStation 5 appeared first on Game News.
]]>The post Best PS5 games to play right now appeared first on Game News.
]]>The quality of the PS5 launch games that arrived with the console back in November 2020 definitely helped kick off the best PS5 games list with aplomb, and has been brilliantly aided by the quality of the PS5 exclusives released so far.
While finding any PS5 stock is still quite the challenge, this collection will do nothing apart from make you more focused to get your hands on one. Whether you want a shot of pure, extra-strength joy from Sackboy: A Big Adventure, a demon challenge from Demon’s Souls, or to feel like a hero in Spider-Man: Miles Morales you’ll find all that and more on this list of the very best PS5 games that are out now, including a good selection of the PS5 launch games.
15. Demon’s Souls
Dying horribly at the hands of a soulless monster has never looked so good. The 2009 cult classic, Demon’s Souls, has been completely remade for the 4K age, and is one of the best looking games on the new PS5. The motion capture, textures, and audio might all be new, but the hardcore action is utterly faithful to the original, offering the same brutal learning curve and sense of monumental achievement with every victory. FromSoftware’s original formula has been respected, but there are some new tweaks too, new items, armor and weapons to covet, a change to the amount of healing grass you can carry, and new consumable Grains that offer buffs as you adventure. Whether you’re a veteran warrior or visiting the land of Boletaria for the first time, there’s something special to discover in this iconic adventure.
14. Kena: Bridge of Spirits
Kena: Bridge of Spirits is a magical little adventure that’s sure to be a hit with anyone who loves a good platformer with layered combat elements and has a penchant for anything even vaguely adorable. You play as the titular Kena, a spirit guide who has arrived at a village to help those trapped there. You’ll be aided by some of the spirits themselves, but also by the soot sprite-esque Rot, who are not only some of the cutest game companions ever but also incredibly useful for solving puzzles and pulling off some killer moves in battle.
13. Astro’s Playroom
Diving into this little toy box of technical wizardry is a no brainer, it comes installed on your PS5 for free. Don’t discount it just because it’s free though, as well as being a great way to get to know the DualSense’s new adaptive triggers and haptic feedback, it’s a charming game in its own right. Pilot a glider, climb like a monkey, shoot ball guns in space, fight monsters and find collectibles, and enjoy some cheeky nods to PlayStation history along the way. Explore and you’ll find artefacts like UMDs and the original PlayStation, puzzle pieces, and collect coins to have fun with a gachapon machine. It’s a great showcase for the machine’s new technical highlights, and gives you something to do while the next game on your play list downloads.
12. Death’s Door
Death’s Door is a wonderful blend of elements from games like The Legend of Zelda, Kingdom Hearts, and the entire Metroidvania genre. You play as a soul-reaping crow, who is tasked with gathering some of the hardest to reap souls to date. Thus, you’ll have to navigate an isometric world filled with beautiful, bizarre creatures and landscapes. With boss encounters that will hex you and stay with you, this is not one to be missed. The graphics are incredible too, with a lovely touch of Studio Ghibli to its design and characters.
11. Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy
We didn’t think it was possible for Eidos Montreal to do its own take on the infamous Marvel space pirates, but with Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy it has done just that. You play as Star-Lord, who is leading an early version of the Guardians, just a few years into the crew’s life together. In this version, they’ve all just survived an intergalactic war, with Groot, Rocket, Gamora, and Draxx all coming with their own tales of loss and woe, with almost alt-history backstories. At its heart, this single-player adventure is about learning to operate as a team, both in exploration and combat, and realising that friends can be just as close as family.
10. Hitman 3
The final entry in this arc of the Hitman story, Agent 47 is the most inventive in the series to date, where anything and everything can be used in your assassination mission. It’s hugely entertaining, with excellent level design, and locales that’ll take you from Dubai to the UK’s Dartmoor in one massive, murderous adventure.
9. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
The historical murder series is back with a bang with Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, putting your in the fur-lined shoes of Viking clan leader Eivor. Build a new settlement in ye olde England, bring down kings to forge alliances, and travel with your longship crew to plunder the towns and monasteries of Mercia. This will stand as one of the great entries in the Assassin’s Creed series, thanks to complicated hero Eivor, the brutal combat, and the wealth of customisation options that cover everything from your fighting style to your face tattoo. There’s rarely been a better match for the universe’s lore than the Viking legends either, so you can expect some very interesting tangents as you explore the mysteries of Anglo Saxon England, try to appease the pagan gods, and go on special dream quests. There’s a reason the world has been obsessed with Vikings since they first went pillaging, and Valhalla only makes us love them more.
8. Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut
The PS5 release of the Ghost of Tsushima is well worth diving into, even if you’ve played it through on PS4. The PS5 version upgrades the game to offer 4K graphics running at 60fps, wonderful DualSense features, and 3D Audio support. The Director’s Cut itself, adds the new Ghost of Tsushima: Iki Island expansion, which is a fantastic new side-story set in an entirely fresh location. You’ll learn more about hero Jin, meet new friends (and foes), and be able to engage with some new side content – including adorable critters. It’s quickly solidified itself as one of the best PS5 games.
7. Sackboy: A Big Adventure
A perfect platformer packed with delights and surprises, and absolutely stuffed with charm. In Sackboy: A Big Adventure our titular hero visits different planets – think themes like jungle or the sea floor – to foil the plans of the evil Vex (voiced by Richard E Grant) and has lots of fun along the way. As well as looking like a party in a craft store the game is packed with ingenious level design, giving you sticky feet so you can walk up walls, levels that move in time to music, and fun tools like boomerangs and grappling hooks. As a bonus you can collect bells in the game to buy new outfits for your Sackboy, from cute tigers to mix and match punk witch mountaineers. There’s no part of this game that hasn’t been built with buckets of love and a cheery smile, and it shows in every secret corner, ingenious enemy and piece of fluff. Whether you’re getting it for your child, or your inner child, it’ll make your day.
6. Returnal
Returnal certainly won’t be a game for everyone, but there’s no denying how well it demonstrates the technological and graphical capabilities of the PS5. This challenging roguelike looks – and feels – absolutely fantastic. Between the haptic feedback bringing the rain of Atropos to your very fingertips through the controller, or the visual splendor of neon against a monotone world, it’s all utterly gorgeous – if a little bleak at times. Like other roguelikes, the moment you die in Returnal, the loop begins again, with our heroine Selene trying to figure out exactly what’s going down on this alien planet. Gain new upgrades, discover new weapons and alien tech, and work your way through the various biomes to reveal some of the truths behind the loops.
5. Elden Ring
Elden Ring is one of those games where if you’re in, you’re in. This is the best game coming out of FromSoftware since the original Dark Souls, taking its particular brand of gameplay to an open world for the first time. It refines, it evolves, and it tweaks the formula to make sure that suffering in its very specific masochistic style has never been much fun.
4. Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart
Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart is right near the top of our best PS5 games for two reasons. Not only is it the best Ratchet and Clank adventure yet, with our heroic duo taking us on an utterly memorable journey with some new friends, but it is also a powerful demonstration of what the PS5 can do. Doctor Nefarious has been at it again, stealing the Dimensionator and ripping holes between dimensions. Ratchet and Clank are split up, flung across the universe through time and space, and enlist the help of fellow Lombax, Rivet, to help stitch the universe back together. Flying through time rifts is utterly seamless, with not a loading screen in sight, and the haptic feedback on the DualSense, along with those adaptive triggers, are used brilliantly. Ratchet and Clank has never looked, played, or been better.
3. Deathloop
Arkane’s latest is another triumph, with Deathloop offering up a murderous puzzle box for players to break open and figure out. Launching as a timed PS5 exclusive, Deathloop is one of those rare games that surprises you, playing out nothing like any of us expected. Lose yourself trying to figure out the mystery of how to kill eight targets in a single day, where all move around the world of Black Reef living their lives – and rudely not just staying put so you can kill them. The more you play and experience the loop, the more you learn, and the more you understand about this strange little time-looping world.
2. Spider-Man: Miles Morales
The next generation of Spider-Man, both technically and narratively, is packed with comic book adventure, heart and soul, and plenty of that oh so satisfying swinging through New York. As the attention switches from Peter Parker to Miles Morales, so does the action, with focus moving to his home turf of Harlem, and a whole new set of teen turned superhero problems. Miles has some new powers this time around, like the bioelectric venom, and the haptic feedback of the DualSense makes them even more satisfying to dish out to criminals and ne’er-do-wells. Spider-Man: Miles Morales manages the tricky task of delivering a story that Venom punches you right in the heart, but is also a place that you want to escape to after a long day in the real world. Thanks mainly to Miles’ charm, and that sweet swinging, Spider-Man: Miles Morales pulls it off so well you’ll wish Peter Parker a happy retirement without even a tear in your eye.
1. Horizon Forbidden West
Horizon Forbidden West is such a confident sequel. It’s not reinventing the wheel – it’s another game about saving a world filled with giant robot dinosaurs – but it doesn’t have to. Aloy’s story is just as compelling as the first game, but with more human elements, interesting new character additions, and tonnes more personality than before. It’s got some of the best side quests in the gaming space right now too, and yes, even more robo-saurs. Plus, it’s an absolutely stunning showcase of the power of PS5.
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]]>These Fortnite geysers also feature in several of the weekly assignments, with the initial one being to launch into the air using three of them. More recently, a task was added that involved using a Fortnite Baller, a Fortnite zipline, and a geyser in a single match, so if you’re already in the area to ride an eruption then it makes sense to continue on to Rave Cave afterwards to take in the other items as well. We’ve got all of the Fortnite geyser locations around Reality Falls for you here, so you can easily tick off any quests that require them.
Fortnite geysers locations
Fortnite Reality Seeds
Pick weeds near Fortnite Reality Seeds for another challenge.
Fortnite geysers are only found in the western section of the Fortnite map that’s full of giant, glowing mushrooms. It’s also where you can find Reality Falls and Greasy Grove. There are 12 geysers in this area, but you’ll find seven of them clustered together in Peril Pass, making that your best spot for completing this easy challenge, and the nearby Reality Tree has lots of loot for you to grab later. Use the above map and the information below to help you get to any of the Fortnite geyser locations:
- Peril Pass: You’ll find seven geysers all very close together in this landmark area, which is just west of Reality Falls
- Reality Falls north: There’s a geyser out on a small rocky island in the lake area fed by several waterfalls that’s just north of the Reality Tree.
- Reality Falls south: South of Reality Falls and across the road, you’ll find a geyser towards the top of a cliff.
- Shelly Shoals: There’s a geyser west-southwest of Greasy Grove around a large cliff formation on the west coast by a landmark called Shelly Shoals.
- Displaced Depot: You can find a geyser east-northeast of the Displaced Depot landmark building. It’s on top of the rock formation that looks like a giant shark head.
- Scratch Pad: Go southwest from the Scratch Pad landmark to find a geyser on top of a hill surrounded by trees.
From Reality Falls, you can head north to Rave Cave where you can find the Fortnite wind tunnel at The Screwballer. You’ll need to hop into a Baller vehicle and get inside the tunnel to cross off one of the Week 2 Fortnite quests. While you’re in the area, look out for some Fortnite Runaway Boulders, which can be dislodged using your Baller for another challenge.
The post Where to find Fortnite geysers to launch into the air appeared first on Game News.
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