This might be the most over-the-top gaming handheld unboxing I've ever done

What does $2,499 worth of ROG Xbox Ally look like?

Well, apparently it looks like an enormous, heavy-duty Pelican case that feels like it should contain either extremely expensive gaming hardware or something you've been tasked with delivering to a secret government facility.

Inside is the new ROG Xbox Ally X20 (now available at Best Buy), ASUS' limited-edition handheld celebrating 20 years of its Republic of Gamers brand, along with the new ROG XREAL R1 Edition 20 AR glasses, a custom dbrand Killswitch and skin, and all the accompanying accessories.

There's even an empty cutout where you can add your own Xbox controller, which is objectively kind of fun (as it implies I'm going to show up randomly to public places carrying this kit, which is certainly a baller move).

And yes, I unboxed the whole ridiculous thing (see video below):

Let's talk about this Pelican case

The first thing you'll notice is that ASUS didn't exactly go for subtlety.

The X20 bundle arrives inside a custom Pelican Protector Case, with everything nestled into its own section. And having now handled the thing, I can confirm two things: it's incredibly substantial, and it has some of the most satisfying, snappy latches I've ever used on a case (with holes for padlocks, natch!).

Opening it feels like an event.

That's appropriate because the hardware inside isn't exactly normal either. The X20 uses a translucent black chassis with gold accents underneath, giving it a distinct throwback look that fits the 20th-anniversary theme without making the handheld look like a toy.

Even the Xbox logo/button now glows green (and you can set it to static, pulsing, or fading), which is really sharp-looking and reminds you this is XBOX FIRST.

More importantly, I've now spent some actual time using the X20, and I'm warming up to this thing considerably.

That OLED display really does make a difference

The centerpiece is ASUS' new 7.4-inch ROG Nebula HDR OLED display, a 1080p panel capable of 120Hz with FreeSync Premium Pro and VRR support from 30Hz to 120Hz. It can also reach a claimed 1,400-nit peak brightness.

And yeah, it's good.

The OLED panel is one of those upgrades that becomes immediately obvious when you put the X20 in front of you. It's a significant improvement over the display on the existing ROG Xbox Ally X and gives ASUS' latest handheld some real visual punch.

I spent most of the evening trying various games, including one of my recent favorites, Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor (Xbox Play Anywhere; also on sale right now for under $8!). That game has, in my opinion, some outstanding HDR graphics that really shine on this device.

Perhaps even more surprising are the speakers.

They're absurdly loud. In fact, they're the loudest speakers I've heard on a gaming handheld so far, and between the audio and that OLED screen, the X20 makes a surprisingly strong first impression before you even start digging into performance.

Underneath all of that is AMD's Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme, paired with 24GB of LPDDR5X memory, a 1TB M.2 2280 SSD and an 80Wh battery. ASUS has also redesigned the cooling system, while TMR joysticks, a transforming D-pad, and rubberized grips round out some of the hardware changes.

Then ASUS throws a 171-inch virtual display into the box

Because apparently a $2,499 bundle needs more toys.

The ROG XREAL R1 Edition 20 Gaming AR Glasses (MSRP: $849) can create a virtual display of up to 171 inches viewed from roughly 13 feet away. They use Micro-OLED panels and support up to a 240Hz refresh rate, along with native 3DoF tracking and an Anchor Mode that can keep the virtual screen fixed in position while you move your head.

You also get a custom dbrand Killswitch (see our review) designed for the X20, complete with an exclusive skin and stick caps. I'm torn about using it. On one side, it's an excellent case with a cover, making it perfect for tossing in the bag. On the other, you're now covering 80% of the translucent case, which seems kinda sacrilegious.

There's a 68W charger in the package too, along with the various accessories for the glasses.

It's basically the "give me everything" configuration.

$2,499 is bonkers, but thankfully you don't need to spend that much

Let's be realistic: $2,499 for a gaming handheld bundle is an enormous amount of money.

This isn't the mainstream X20 package. It's a collector's bundle for the hardcore ROG enthusiast who wants the limited-edition machine, AR glasses, custom accessories, and a Pelican case capable of making the whole setup feel like precious cargo.

The good news is that ASUS isn't forcing you to buy all of that.

The ROG Xbox Ally X20 is also available by itself for $1,299, compared with $999 for the existing ROG Xbox Ally X. Both the standalone X20 and bundle are available in the U.S. through ASUS and Best Buy.

And after spending more time with it, that's the version I'm increasingly interested in.

At $1,299, the X20 certainly isn't cheap either. But the combination of its excellent OLED display, booming speakers, unique translucent design and other hardware improvements is making it feel like a much more substantial upgrade over the current Ally X than I initially expected.

I'll have a lot more to say about that very soon.

Stay tuned to Windows Central for my full ROG Xbox Ally X20 review in the coming week, where I'll answer the question that really matters: is ASUS' new $1,299 handheld actually worth it?

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Pokémon turns 30 this year, which means those of you who remember playing Pokémon Red and Blue on a Game Boy are now old enough to have disposable income. Razer apparently understands the assignment.

Razer has announced three new Pokémon-themed gaming headsets featuring Charizard, Lucario, and Sylveon, expanding a collection that already proves Pokémon merchandise does not have to be confined to plushies, trading cards, and whatever extraordinarily expensive piece of cardboard you just lost an eBay auction for.

Technically, none of these headsets is new. Razer is giving existing models Pokémon makeovers rather than launching new hardware. Charizard and Lucario get versions of the Razer BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed, while Sylveon adorns the wired Razer Kraken V4 X. They're being released as part of Pokémon's ongoing 30th anniversary celebrations.

That's fine by me. Sometimes I don't need a revolutionary new driver architecture. Sometimes I just want Charizard on my head.

Charizard wins the headset battle, obviously

I've got the BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed Charizard Edition here for photography, and Razer wisely resisted the temptation to simply make the entire thing bright orange.

Instead, there's a black exterior with fiery red Charizard artwork across the earcups and headband, contrasting against orange ear cushions and headband padding. The result looks unmistakably Pokémon without resembling something stolen from a ten-year-old's bedroom.

It also helps that Charizard remains one of the most immediately recognizable Pokémon ever created. The original Generation I Pokémon is officially Fire/Flying type, despite decades of childhood logic insisting that the giant fire-breathing dragon surely had to be Dragon type.

Underneath that paint job is the regular Razer BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed, which starts at $99.99 without the Pokémon treatment. It uses Razer's second-generation TriForce 50mm drivers and 2.4GHz HyperSpeed wireless, with Bluetooth and USB connectivity also available. Razer lists the standard model at just 270g.

The Charizard tax, therefore, works out to $20, with this edition carrying a $119.99 MSRP in the United States. (And for some reason, it's at Target for $139.99, but you can pick it up today, at least!)

If you're still reading this, I'm sure you've paid more for considerably less sensible Pokémon-related things.

It's worth emphasizing that the V3 X isn't the flagship BlackShark. That distinction belongs to the BlackShark V3 Pro, which Windows Central's Zachary Boddy reviewed last year. He called the V3 Pro "the closest to perfection I've ever seen a gaming headset reach," praising Razer for addressing seemingly every complaint about the previous generation.

Basically, the "X" versions of Razer products are more budget-friendly, as the V3 Pro is $249.99.

If Pokémon isn't enough to dictate your purchasing decision, we've also extensively tested the competition in our best Xbox headsets guide.

Team Lucario has entered the chat

If Charizard is a little too "look at me, I'm on fire" for your tastes, Lucario gets exactly the same BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed treatment for $119.99.

Razer describes the design as inspired by Lucario's "calm intensity," and the blue finish certainly makes it the more restrained of the pair. The actual Pokémon is Fighting/Steel type, which makes attaching it to a competitive gaming headset feel appropriately on-brand.

Same headset, same 50mm Gen-2 drivers, same HyperSpeed wireless. Your decision essentially comes down to which monster you'd rather have watching over your K/D ratio.

Lucario gets a slight head start in the US, too. It's available exclusively from Target from October 7, while Charizard launches October 13 through Razer.com and Target. Both are also headed to broader retail in Latin America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.

And then there's Sylveon

Sylveon goes in an entirely different direction, and not just aesthetically.

The Razer Kraken V4 X Sylveon Edition is a wired headset with 40mm TriForce drivers, a retractable HyperClear cardioid microphone, and Chroma RGB lighting (sweet). It comes decked out in Sylveon's characteristic pink-and-blue color scheme.

It's wonderfully unapologetic.

Sylveon is a Fairy-type Pokémon and one of Eevee's evolutions, officially categorized as the "Intertwining Pokémon." Its ribbon-like feelers can apparently send out a soothing aura that erases hostility, which frankly sounds like technology every Call of Duty voice-chat lobby desperately needs.

The Sylveon Kraken V4 X costs $109.99 and launches October 13 exclusively through Target in the United States, with wider retail availability across Latin America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.

I choose you, Charizard

There's obviously no technical reason to replace a perfectly good headset purely because Razer printed a Pokémon on it. This is merchandising. Razer knows it, Pokémon knows it, I know it, and your wallet is about to find out.

But that's also rather missing the point.

The BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed is already a lightweight wireless headset offering 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity. For an extra $20, Pokémon fans can get essentially the same hardware dressed as Charizard or Lucario. Sylveon fans have a slightly cheaper, wired alternative with RGB.

And having actually seen the Charizard edition outside Razer's immaculate press renders, I'll say this: it's pretty damn cool.

Sometimes that's enough justification.

Besides, it's Pokémon's 30th anniversary. Treat yourself.

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Mobile gaming controllers have come a long way over the last few years, but they all suffer from one common flaw: they're rarely as portable as the phones they're designed to enhance.

That's always seemed ironic to me. Smartphones fit in our pockets, but many mobile controllers require a dedicated carrying case or space in a backpack. At that point, I often find myself wondering why I didn't just bring a handheld gaming PC instead.

That's exactly the problem the new $99 Razer Prio aims to solve.

Rather than chasing the biggest grips or most console-like ergonomics, Razer built something fundamentally different. The Prio folds into a compact package measuring just 107mm by 67mm when closed, making it roughly credit card-sized in length and width, while weighing only 101 grams.

It's the first mobile controller I've used that genuinely disappears into a pocket.

And that's what makes it special.

Razer had no input, nor did it see the contents of this review, prior to publication.

A clever design that solves a real problem

The Prio's standout feature is its unique folding mechanism.

Using an interlocking design, each half rotates and folds inward, transforming from a compact rectangle into a full mobile controller. Razer's engineers deserve credit here because this doesn't feel like a gimmick. It's solving a legitimate problem that nearly every competing product ignores.

The trade-off, however, is that setup isn't immediately intuitive.

The first few times I unfolded the Prio, I found myself fumbling with the locking mechanism and trying to remember exactly which piece rotated where. Razer could absolutely improve the onboarding experience with clearer instructions.

Fortunately, the learning curve doesn't last long. After a handful of uses, unfolding the controller becomes second nature, and you begin to appreciate just how clever the entire design is.

More importantly, because it's so small, I actually carried it around.

That's a bigger compliment than it may sound. Many mobile controllers are technically portable but not especially convenient. The Prio is different because you can toss it in a pocket and completely forget it's there until you need it.

Small controls, surprisingly good results

Once unfolded, the Prio reveals a complete controller layout that includes dual thumbsticks, a D-pad, bumpers, triggers, face buttons, and dedicated function buttons.

Naturally, any controller this compact requires compromises.

The thumbsticks are noticeably smaller than what you'd find on a traditional controller, and the face buttons reflect the Prio's portable-first design philosophy. If you're expecting Xbox controller levels of comfort, you'll need to temper expectations.

That said, I liked using them more than I expected.

The D-pad feels tactile and responsive, the face buttons provide good feedback, and the thumbsticks are particularly interesting. Razer uses capacitive thumbsticks with contactless sensors that can detect movement without relying on traditional mechanical contacts. In theory, that means improved durability and resistance to stick drift compared with conventional designs.

During testing with games like Brotato and Xbox Cloud Gaming titles, controls felt accurate and responsive. Because the Prio connects directly through USB-C rather than Bluetooth, I also never noticed any input lag, pairing issues, or connectivity problems.

No Bluetooth and USB-C also means the Prio itself never needs charging, which again adds to the convenience factor, as it's one less thing to think about if you want a quick gaming sesh at the doctor's office.

The triggers deserve a special mention. They're perfectly usable, but they're also one of the areas where the compact size makes itself known. The L2 and R2 triggers feel a little unusual compared to traditional controllers and are somewhat clickier than expected. They get the job done, but nobody is going to mistake them for premium full-sized controller triggers.

Better than touch controls, and that's what matters

One mistake readers might make is comparing the Prio directly against controllers like the Razer Kishi V3 Pro, which got high praise from us.

That's not really the point.

The Prio isn't designed to be the most ergonomic controller available. It's designed to be the controller you're willing to carry every day.

During longer gaming sessions of around an hour, the smaller controls do start to make their presence known. My hands were definitely more aware of the compact design than they would be with something like a Kishi V3 Pro.

But here's the thing: I'd still choose the Prio over touchscreen controls every single time.

In fact, that's the comparison that matters most.

Playing action games with virtual buttons often causes hand fatigue and cramping much faster than using the Prio. The tactile controls provide actual feedback, keep your thumbs off the display, and make games considerably more comfortable to play.

If you're already gaming primarily with on-screen controls, the Prio feels like a massive quality-of-life upgrade.

Wide compatibility and a surprisingly good software experience

Razer says the Prio supports USB-C smartphones up to 188mm in length and cases up to 15mm thick. It also works with both Android phones and modern USB-C iPhones.

My foldable phones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 worked too, albeit with a caveat. Ironically, I found the best experience with my Fold devices was actually in their unfolded tablet mode. While that may seem counterintuitive for such a compact controller, gaming on a larger foldable display paired with the Prio was surprisingly enjoyable.

The included spacers and bumpers also make fitting phones straightforward, even when using cases. For instance, I had no issues using the Prio with my Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra with a Pitaka case (you just have to swap out or remove the internal bumper/pads).

Then there's Razer Cortex.

The dedicated Cortex button launches Razer's gaming software, which automatically gathers installed games into a centralized library. The experience feels somewhat similar to using a Steam Deck or handheld gaming PC launcher, making it easier to jump into games without digging through app drawers.

The controller supports not only mobile games but also cloud and remote streaming services, including Xbox Cloud Gaming, Steam Link, PlayStation Remote Play, and Razer PC Remote Play.

One limitation worth mentioning is that not every mobile game benefits from the Prio. Some popular titles remain locked to portrait orientation. Games like 1945 Air Force and Raiden Fighter simply aren't designed around horizontal controller gameplay, so the Prio doesn't add much value there.

For more console-style mobile games, however, it's an excellent fit.

Competition

The Prio's biggest competition may come from within Razer's own lineup.

The Razer Kishi V3 and Kishi V3 Pro offer larger controls, better ergonomics, and a more traditional controller experience. They're excellent options for couch gaming or tossing in a backpack.

The Prio takes a different approach.

Those controllers are portable. The Prio is pocketable. That distinction ends up making all the difference.

Sure, there are some other great options like the Backbone One Xbox Edition ($109), Abxylute S9 ($99), and even Razer's Razer Kishi Ultra, which all got excellent reviews from us and are great mobile controllers, but none of them are .... well, pocketable.

Should you buy it?

✅You should buy this if...

• You want a pocketable mobile controller
• You want a step up from on-screen controls
• You cloud game or play horizontally-formatted games

❌You shouldn't buy this if...

• You have a foldable phone (maybe)
• You prefer more comfort over portability

The Razer Prio succeeds because it understands the assignment.

Rather than trying to become another bulky mobile controller, it prioritizes portability without sacrificing too much functionality. The result is a controller that's more comfortable than touchscreen gaming, more practical than many competitors, and genuinely easy to keep with you every day.

At $99.99, it sits right on the edge of what feels reasonable. Personally, I think $79.99 would be the sweet spot. But Razer also made the smart decision not to push pricing too close to the far more premium Kishi V3 Pro ($149.99), and there are certainly more expensive mobile controllers on the market.

The controls are small. The setup is initially quirky. The all-black design could use a splash of classic Razer green.

None of those complaints change the fundamental reality: the Prio solves a real problem.

And if you've ever left a mobile controller at home because it was simply too big to carry around, the Razer Prio might be exactly what you've been waiting for.

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

Razer is on a tear this year for gaming keyboards ranging from a new Huntsman low-profile to the $499 Huntsman Signature Edition and a few in between like the new-fangled $139 Razer Huntsman V3 HE Magnetic.

But Razer is known for its top-tier and expensive gaming accessories, which makes this new Razer Reclusa X Mini 65% such an intriguing addition, as it's only $49.99.

Even my jaw dropped a bit when I was getting briefed on it, as very few Razer products hit below $50, especially when not on sale.

Of course, the $49.99 question is it any good? To be fair, I'm a bit biased against 65% keyboards (I miss my media keys), but I've spent the last 10 days using it, and let's just say the price wasn't the only surprise.

Let's get into the pros, cons, and who this is for.

Razer had no input, nor did it see the contents of this review, prior to publication.

Razer Reclusa X Mini 65%: Price and specifications

The Reclusa X Mini 65% launches at just $49.99 (Razer.com, Amazon; I expect Best Buy to get it eventually), making it one of the most affordable mechanical keyboards Razer has released in recent memory. That's especially notable when you consider it isn't cutting corners on enthusiast-friendly features such as hot-swappable switches, south-facing LEDs, pre-lubed stabilizers, per-key RGB lighting, and support for Razer's competitive gaming technologies.

Among its highlights are Razer's Gen-3 Orange tactile switches, compatibility with both 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches, dual-layer silicone dampening, and a new tri-tone visual design that immediately separates it from the rest of Razer's keyboard portfolio.

Specs

• Layout: 65%
• Switches: Razer Gen-3 Orange Tactile
• Hot Swap: 3-pin and 5-pin compatible
• RGB: Per-key Razer Chroma RGB
• Polling Rate: Up to 1,000Hz
• Sound Dampening: Dual-layer silicone
• Keycaps: Doubleshot ABS, tri-tone design
• Features: Snap Tap, Snap Flex, Dual-Keypress Priority
• Price: $49.99 USD

What I like

The biggest surprise with the Reclusa X Mini 65% is just how good it feels to type on.

I'm generally not a huge fan of 65% keyboards. I miss dedicated media controls, and shrinking a layout inevitably introduces compromises. Yet after a few days with the Reclusa, I found myself reaching for it more often than expected.

The Gen-3 Orange tactile switches deserve a lot of the credit.

Razer describes them as delivering a tactile bump with quieter operation and improved consistency, while maintaining a 100-million keystroke lifespan. In practice, they're some of my favorite tactile switches Razer has produced, even compared to the more expensive Huntsman line.

The keys feel snappy, springy, and responsive, with excellent travel and a satisfying bottom-out characteristic that's surprisingly difficult to describe. The closest comparison is that each keystroke feels deliberate, controlled, and rewarding.

The keyboard's dual-layer silicone dampening helps elevate the experience further. Razer specifically tuned the board to reduce resonance and hollow acoustics, and it shows.

The overall sound profile sits somewhere between mid-volume and clacky. Meanwhile, the space bar and backspace produce a deeper, more pronounced thock that adds personality without becoming distracting.

For a $50 keyboard, the construction is also impressive.

My review unit measured roughly 710 grams, giving it enough heft to stay planted on the desk. The chassis doesn't feel flimsy, cheap, or hollow. The matte finish does a great job resisting fingerprints, and the included braided USB-C cable is the same type of quality cable Razer ships with more expensive products.

The hot-swappable design is another major selling point.

Users can install both 3-pin and 5-pin switches without soldering, making the board approachable for newcomers while still appealing to enthusiasts. Razer even notes that the keyboard can be opened through screws in the top plate for additional modifications, although doing so may affect warranty coverage according to the FAQ

I experimented with swapping switches and found the process straightforward. More importantly, I never felt a pressing need to do so. The stock experience is already strong enough that many users will be perfectly happy leaving it untouched.

The new tri-tone keycap design is another win.

Razer says the design is intended to give the keyboard a distinctive visual identity, and it succeeds. Combined with south-facing RGB LEDs, the Reclusa feels like one of Razer's clearest nods yet toward the custom keyboard crowd.

Gaming features that actually matter

The Reclusa X Mini 65% also includes Snap Tap, Snap Flex, and Dual-Keypress Priority, technologies aimed primarily at competitive players.

Snap Tap helps prioritize directional inputs for cleaner counter-strafing behavior, while Snap Flex can bind two actions to a single keystroke for more consistent multi-input actions. Dual-Keypress Priority is designed to maintain movement consistency when overlapping directional inputs occur.

During a few gaming sessions in Call of Duty and DOOM: The Dark Ages, the keyboard behaved exactly as I'd expect from a modern Razer gaming board. The features worked as advertised, though none fundamentally changed my experience during limited testing.

The more important takeaway is that entry-level pricing doesn't mean sacrificing gaming-focused functionality.

What I don't like

The 65% form factor itself remains my biggest complaint.

That's more personal preference than a flaw, but users accustomed to dedicated media keys, function rows, or larger layouts may feel constrained. That said, I like typing so much on this; I haven't switched back yet, so that's saying something.

Another drawback is the lack of adjustable feet.

The keyboard sits completely flat, and there are no built-in risers to alter the typing angle. Some users will appreciate the low profile, but I would have liked additional adjustment options.

RGB lighting is also merely good rather than exceptional. It gets the job done, but don't expect the depth, diffusion, and visual impact of premium Razer boards like the Huntsman V3 Pro series.

Finally, Synapse remains a potential sticking point. While Razer has been increasingly expanding web-based support options across its ecosystem, some users still prefer products that avoid software requirements entirely.

Should you buy it?

✅You should buy this if...

• You want a quality mechanical keyboard under $50
• You want hot-swappable switches without entering the custom keyboard rabbit hole
• You enjoy tactile switches and satisfying typing acoustics
• You want enthusiast-friendly features from a major gaming brand

❌You shouldn't buy this if...

• You need a full-size or TKL layout
• Dedicated media controls are a must-have
• Adjustable typing angles are important to you
• You want flagship-tier RGB lighting

Final thoughts

The Reclusa X Mini 65% feels like the beginning of something larger for Razer.

The company explicitly describes the model as the debut of a new enthusiast-focused Reclusa family and "the first step in the Reclusa journey." While Razer hasn't announced additional models, the messaging strongly suggests the line will expand into other sizes and configurations over time.

If that's the plan, this is an excellent start.

At just $49.99, the Reclusa X Mini 65% delivers a surprisingly refined typing experience, useful gaming features, broad customization potential, and a build quality that belies its budget-friendly price. I still prefer larger layouts, but that's the highest compliment I can give this keyboard: despite my reservations about 65% boards, I genuinely enjoyed using it.

Who should buy it?

The Razer Reclusa X Mini 65% is ideal for gamers and keyboard enthusiasts looking for a genuinely good mechanical keyboard without spending triple digits. If you've been curious about hot-swappable keyboards, custom keycaps, and enthusiast-focused features but don't want to dive headfirst into the custom keyboard rabbit hole, this is one of the easiest and most affordable entry points Razer has offered.

It'll also be a great gift for young aspiring gamers this holiday season.

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Microsoft dropped a surprisingly substantial batch of Xbox Insider features today, ranging from nostalgia-fueled startup animations to higher-quality Remote Play streaming.

While none of these additions are major enough to warrant their own showcase, they're all pulling Xbox in the same direction: making the platform feel more personal.

This latest update suggests Xbox sees that shift coming and wants to be the platform that adapts to the player rather than asking the player to adapt to it, and I like where that is going.

Looking through the feature list, it becomes clear that Microsoft's biggest focus is reducing friction, not just adding new features for the sake of it.

That philosophy appears in the new cloud gaming improvements. Xbox Insiders can now continue downloading games in the background while streaming, reducing one of the small but persistent friction points that come with digital gaming.

These updates may not be groundbreaking, but they represent the kind of quality-of-life improvements that users want, which contribute to making a platform feel more refined and complete.

The new personalization features tell a similar story.

Being able to select startup animations from different eras of Xbox history may sound like a cosmetic addition, but it reflects a growing recognition that players often have a deeper connection to gaming platforms than companies traditionally acknowledge.

Users can now pick from Xbox One, Xbox One X, Xbox Series X|S, or We Are Xbox, which is kinda cool.

Remote Play is also getting some new improvements.

The company is now testing support for up to 1440p streaming and higher video bitrates through Xbox Remote Play for Xbox Series X|S users in select Insider rings. The technical upgrade matters, but the broader implication matters more.

A few years ago, Remote Play felt like an extra feature. Today, it feels increasingly central to Microsoft's vision (though we're not thrilled with those new Cloud gaming caps).

Microsoft has spent years talking about making Xbox available wherever players want to play. At first, that messaging was often interpreted as a cloud gaming pitch. What we're seeing now is something more nuanced.

Microsoft now seems more interested in letting players decide which parts of Xbox's history they want to keep with them.

That trend extends to profile customization, where users can choose which achievements and badges are visible and which remain private. If Nintendo's strength is iconic franchises and PlayStation's strength is prestige gaming, Xbox's emerging niche may be flexibility.

Play your games where you want.

Show off your profile how you want.

Start your console how you want.

Access your library how you want.

That seems to be a definable pattern, at least for this update.

Finally, Microsoft is also testing a new Voice Clarity feature for Xbox Series X|S, designed to reduce background noise and improve voice communication in party chat and supported games. Clear communication remains one of the foundations of online gaming, particularly in co-op and competitive titles, so this is a nice nod.

The update also arrives alongside broader backend improvements aimed at making Xbox parties more reliable and secure.

You can get more details from Xbox Wire about today's update.

Windows Central's Take

Again, there's no single standout feature here (although you may disagree), but the bigger picture is that Microsoft is apparently focusing on letting users make Xbox reflect more of their personality and preferences. That's something PC fans are used to, but it's a bit new for console users, where you're more boxed in (pardon the pun).

Maybe this really is all laying the groundwork for the next-gen Xbox (Helix), which is supposed to be more PC-like.

Of course, you could always say this is what Xbox should have been like for years now, but I'm happy to see these changes and like this direction of giving users more choice.

At a time when hardware is becoming unaffordable, the Xbox user experience is becoming the real battleground to keep fans interested, and Microsoft seems to have gotten the message.

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

Nobody can accuse Lenovo of lacking imagination.

Over the last several years, the company has become the PC industry's unofficial concept lab, routinely showing off hardware that seems pulled from science fiction. We've seen rollable displays that grow taller, gaming laptops that transform into ultrawide displays, foldable PCs, attachable screens, rotating displays, and enough unusual form factors to make even the most adventurous laptop enthusiast pause for a moment.

Some of those ideas have remained concepts. Others have eventually become real products. The ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable (yes, they actually ship some of these!) is perhaps the best example, evolving from an eye-catching prototype into an actual shipping device. But even as Lenovo's concepts have become increasingly impressive from an engineering perspective, I've often found myself wondering how many of them actually solve a problem that regular laptop buyers have. Making a display expand is certainly cool. Convincing people they need it is the harder challenge.

That's why Project Swan immediately stood out to me.

Officially, it's another Lenovo proof-of-concept device, but after spending time with it in person, I came away thinking this may be the company's most practical display concept yet. Not because it's the most ambitious, but because it's arguably the least ambitious.

And that's exactly why it works.

Lenovo finally found a sensible use for a rollable display?

The Lenovo ThinkBook Project Swan begins life as a fairly normal-looking 14-inch laptop.

At 17.9mm thick and weighing 1.6kg (3.5lbs), it isn't trying to break weight records or compete with ultra-premium featherweight notebooks (like Lenovo's new AeroBlade concept). Instead, the focus is on creating a laptop that's comfortable to carry throughout the day while offering something extra when users return to their desk, settle into a hotel room, or need more space for serious work.

That "something extra" is a rollable display that expands horizontally into a 17-inch 16:9 workspace.

Unlike Lenovo's previous rollable designs, which generally expanded vertically, Project Swan widens itself by extending the display out to the sides. It's all done with a touch of a button (see my video below), and it only takes a few seconds.

The result feels much more like using a traditional external monitor than using an experimental form factor. You suddenly have enough room for side-by-side documents, large spreadsheets, dashboards, presentations, browser windows, Teams chats, and everything else that tends to compete for space on a 14-inch screen.

The transformation is dramatic enough to get attention, but conservative enough to feel practical. During my hands-on session, that was the first thing that struck me about the device.

Many of Lenovo's earlier concepts felt designed to answer the question, "Can we do this?"

Project Swan feels far more interested in answering the question, "Would people actually want this?"

That's a subtle distinction, but it's an important one.

This feels like the next step in Lenovo's display experiments

Project Swan didn't emerge in a vacuum. In many ways, it feels like the natural evolution of everything Lenovo has been experimenting with over the last few years.

The ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable demonstrated that expandable OLED displays could successfully transition from concept to commercial product. Lenovo's Legion rollable gaming laptop concept showed how flexible displays could create an ultrawide experience without requiring users to carry an enormous machine. Other projects explored foldable displays, secondary screens, and entirely new ways of interacting with PCs.

As impressive as many of those concepts were, some occasionally felt like technology showcases first and products second.

Project Swan reverses that equation.

Rather than dramatically changing how people interact with a laptop, it simply gives them more screen real estate when they need it and gets out of the way when they don't. That's a much easier benefit for consumers to understand and, perhaps more importantly, a much easier benefit to justify paying for.

After all, most people already know the dilemma.

A 14-inch laptop is ideal for travel. A larger display is ideal for work.

Project Swan attempts to deliver both.

The idea makes sense. The challenges are obvious.

That isn't to say there aren't trade-offs.

The first thing I noticed when using the expanded display was that the system becomes somewhat top-heavy. That's hardly surprising given the additional display hardware housed in the lid, but it was noticeable enough that I'd expect Lenovo's engineers to still be looking at ways to refine the balance.

Pricing is another obvious concern.

Rollable OLED displays aren't cheap (it's $3,499 for the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable), and if Project Swan ever becomes a commercial product, it's almost certainly going to carry a premium compared to a traditional clamshell laptop. The value proposition may be easier to understand than some other concept devices, but consumers still need to be convinced that expandable screen space is worth the additional cost.

Then there's the question everyone asks whenever a company unveils a rollable or foldable display.

How durable is it?

Flexible OLED technology has improved dramatically over the last few years, but long-term reliability remains an important consideration. How will the mechanism hold up after years of daily use? What happens after thousands of expansion cycles? Will buyers trust a laptop that contains moving display components?

The technology may be ready, but consumer confidence isn't something that can be engineered overnight.

The bigger question is whether people want these new form factors

That's really the challenge facing every laptop manufacturer right now.

The industry has spent years experimenting with alternatives to the traditional clamshell design. Foldable PCs promised tablet-sized displays that fit inside a laptop footprint. Dual-screen systems like the Lenovo Yoga 9i attempted to replace physical keyboards with additional displays. Rollable devices have explored several different directions entirely.

Some enthusiasts love these ideas, but many consumers remain perfectly happy with the laptops they already own.

That's what makes Project Swan so interesting to me. It isn't asking users to learn a new workflow or completely rethink how they use a PC. Instead, it's enhancing something people already understand: bigger screens are often better, but bigger laptops are harder to carry.

Whether that argument ultimately resonates with buyers remains an open question, but it's certainly the clearest pitch Lenovo has made for a rollable display so far.

Lenovo deserves credit for keeping the experimentation alive

Even if Project Swan never reaches store shelves, I appreciate what Lenovo is doing here.

The PC industry can sometimes become obsessed with processor upgrades, AI features, and specification sheets while overlooking more fundamental questions about how people actually use their devices. Lenovo's concepts consistently ask those questions, even when the answers occasionally seem, well, strange.

What's refreshing about Project Swan is that it feels grounded in reality. The company isn't trying to reinvent personal computing or create an entirely new category. Instead, it's exploring a straightforward idea that almost everyone who has worked on a laptop can relate to.

Sometimes you want a compact machine for travel.

Sometimes you wish that same machine had a much larger screen.

Project Swan is the most convincing attempt I've seen yet to bridge that gap.

I still have concerns about durability, balance, pricing, and whether consumers are truly interested in another alternative laptop design. But after trying it for myself, I'm more optimistic about this concept than many of Lenovo's previous experiments.

Ironically, that's because it feels less ambitious. Rather than trying to change how we work, Project Swan simply gives us a little more room to do it.

And that may be exactly what makes it one of Lenovo's most promising concepts yet.

Let me know in the comments what you think about Project Swan. Should Lenovo continue to push this concept of an expanding display, or focus more on other ideas (and if so, which ones)?

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Competition for Apple's MacBook Neo is heating up.

Just days after Dell unveiled a new 14-inch laptop designed to take on Apple's latest mainstream notebook, Lenovo is entering the fight with something considerably more interesting: a laptop that lets you express your personality instead of forcing you to settle for silver, gray, or slightly darker gray.

I recently got to see Lenovo's new IdeaPad Vibe lineup in person in New York City, and while the company talked plenty about AI, processors, and battery life, the thing that immediately stood out to me was how different these laptops look compared to almost everything else on the market.

Most PC makers treat color options as an afterthought. Lenovo is making them the product.

The new IdeaPad Vibe will be available in seven Pantone-developed colors, including Chill Blue, Zen Green, Spicy Gold, Radiant Coral, Dreamy Violet, Lowkey Grey, and Moody Blue. Lenovo says the colors were developed alongside the Pantone Color Institute and are designed to reflect different moods, personalities, and lifestyles.

And that's just the beginning.

As shown in Lenovo's custom configurator (below), users will be able to mix and match chassis colors and keyboard colors to create something uniquely theirs. The company is also offering swappable custom keycaps, adding another layer of personalization that is virtually unheard of in the mainstream laptop space.

The configurator demo I saw almost felt like building a custom character in a video game rather than buying a laptop, and reminded me of the XBOX Design Lab for custom controllers.

In fact, my biggest complaint about the IdeaPad Vibe is that there might be too much choice.

That's obviously a good problem to have, but after looking through the various color combinations, shell finishes, and processor options, I could already imagine spending far too much time trying to decide which configuration to order (I know because I tried).

That's not a sentence I ever expected to write about a Windows laptop.

Of course, a laptop can't survive on colors alone, and thankfully Lenovo seems to have put together a genuinely compelling package underneath all that personality.

The IdeaPad Vibe comes in both 14-inch and 15-inch sizes and starts at just 1.3kg (2.87 pounds) for the smaller model. OLED display options are available with up to 100% DCI-P3 color coverage, while IPS models can offer refresh rates up to 120Hz.

Lenovo is also packing in practical features including dual SSD slots, Wi-Fi 7, USB-A and USB-C ports, HDMI, a MicroSD card reader, and a 5MP IR webcam with a privacy shutter.

AMD, Qualcomm or Intel (eventually)

Then there's the processor selection.

For launch, buyers can choose between AMD Ryzen AI 400 series configurations and Qualcomm Snapdragon X models (we're not clear on exactly which Snapdragon X chip, or even if it's X2), while Intel-based versions will arrive later. AMD models support up to 32GB of upgradeable memory and up to 1TB of SSD storage, while Snapdragon versions offer up to 24GB of memory and the same dual-slot storage flexibility.

Personally, I'd go Qualcomm.

We've reached a point where Snapdragon X PCs consistently deliver excellent everyday performance while also offering some of the best battery life available in the Windows ecosystem. The combination of a lightweight chassis, Copilot+ PC capabilities on supported configurations, and Qualcomm's efficiency makes the Snapdragon version particularly appealing to me.

That isn't to say AMD isn't tempting. AMD's advantage here is flexibility. The Ryzen AI configurations support memory upgrades up to 32GB and offer optional 50Wh or 65Wh battery configurations, making them attractive for enthusiasts who want more control over their hardware.

What impressed me most during my hands-on time wasn't any single specification. It was how cohesive the overall package felt.

The laptops looked premium, felt solid in the hand, and didn't come across as budget systems despite their surprisingly aggressive pricing. That's important because Lenovo isn't positioning the IdeaPad Vibe as a niche fashion accessory. This is meant to be a mainstream Windows laptop that happens to have far more personality than its competitors.

And right now, that may be enough to help it stand out.

Final thoughts

Apple's MacBook Neo has clearly encouraged PC makers to rethink the mainstream laptop category. Dell has already responded with its own fresh take on the formula with its just-announced Dell 14S, and now Lenovo is bringing something completely different to the table: customization.

Instead of asking buyers which shade of gray they prefer, Lenovo is asking what their "vibe" is.

That's a much more interesting question, even if a bit on the nose and a tad cringey.

The Lenovo IdeaPad Vibe with AMD processors launches in October 2026 starting at $699.99, while Qualcomm Snapdragon X models will follow in November 2026 with the same $699.99 starting price. Intel is only listed as coming later.

And after seeing them in person, I think Lenovo may have stumbled onto something other PC makers have forgotten: technology can be personal, but it can also be fun.

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I've seen a lot of concept PCs over the years.

Most are fascinating engineering exercises that are never destined for store shelves. They're designed to spark conversation, generate headlines, and give us a glimpse into what might be possible someday. Some do come to market, like rollable display PCs.

Lenovo's new Project AeroBlade concept feels different.

Officially, it's one of the company's latest proof-of-concept devices, unveiled as part of its annual wave of experimental hardware at IFA 2026. Unofficially? I think there's a very good chance we're looking at Lenovo's next big premium laptop platform.

After getting hands-on with AeroBlade, I walked away convinced this isn't some far-future moonshot. If you told me a shipping version appears within the next year, I wouldn't be surprised in the slightest.

And it can't happen soon enough.

Project AeroBlade is a 14-inch laptop that measures under 10 mm thin and weighs less than 830 grams (1.8lbs). That's lighter than many tablets with keyboard covers attached, yet Lenovo claims performance remains comparable to today's ThinkPad X1 Carbon class of Intel-powered laptops. According to Lenovo, the system achieves this through a completely reimagined thermal design built around its Active Flow cooling architecture developed alongside Frore Systems.

Those numbers don't really hit you until you pick it up.

The first thing that struck me wasn't the thickness. It was the weight. Or rather, the lack of it.

The AeroBlade almost feels unfinished when you lift it because your brain expects more mass. Premium laptops have gotten thinner over the last decade, but reducing weight has become increasingly difficult without introducing compromises. AeroBlade somehow manages to feel substantial and premium while remaining almost shockingly light.

Lenovo says the chassis uses a magnesium-aluminum construction paired with a high screen-to-body OLED display, Thunderbolt 4 connectivity, and Wi-Fi 7. On paper, it sounds like a modern flagship ultrabook. In person, it feels like somebody accidentally removed half the laptop. That's a compliment.

What makes AeroBlade truly interesting, however, isn't how thin it is; it's how Lenovo got there.

The fan is dead. Long live AirJet.

For decades, laptop cooling has largely followed the same formula.

A processor generates heat. Heat pipes move that heat toward a heatsink. One or more fans blow air through the system and out of vents.

The design has evolved, but the fundamentals haven't changed much.

Frore Systems wants to change that.

AirJet is a solid-state active cooling solution that replaces traditional laptop fans with tiny cooling chips that use vibrating membranes to generate airflow. Instead of spinning fan blades, AirJet creates high-velocity pulsating air jets that remove heat while operating at extremely low noise levels. Frore describes it as the world's first solid-state active cooling chip.

One AirJet Mini Slim module is only 2.65mm thick, consumes up to 1 watt of power, removes up to 5.25 watts of heat, and generates significantly higher back pressure than traditional fans. The technology was specifically designed for ultra-thin devices where conventional cooling becomes difficult or impossible.

The clever part is that these modules don't need the large internal spaces required by traditional fans.

Instead of designing a laptop around cooling hardware, manufacturers can distribute AirJet modules throughout the chassis in different locations.

That flexibility is both the technology's greatest strength and its biggest challenge.

During conversations at the event, it became clear why we've seen AirJet demonstrations for a few years but haven't yet seen a flood of mainstream laptops using it.

This isn't a simple parts swap.

OEMs have spent decades designing motherboards, thermal layouts, and internal structures around conventional fans. AirJet requires engineers to rethink much of that architecture. The cooling solution may be smaller, but integrating it properly involves substantial redesign work throughout the entire system.

That's a lot of engineering investment.

But judging by AeroBlade, the payoff might be worth it.

A laptop with almost no compromises

The most impressive thing about AeroBlade is that Lenovo doesn't appear to be treating fanless computing as a compromise.

Traditionally, when manufacturers build ultra-thin fanless systems, performance becomes the sacrifice. The device is quiet and portable, but sustained workloads eventually cause thermal throttling.

Lenovo's pitch is essentially the opposite.

The company believes Active Flow can deliver sustained AI and productivity performance without the compromises typically associated with fanless PCs. The only noise I noticed during my brief hands-on came under heavier workloads, where there was a faint whooshing sound from moving air. It was subtle enough that I had to actively listen for it.

What I didn't notice were intake vents covering the bottom of the chassis. Hooray!

That's because the cooling system works differently than traditional laptop designs. Air management has largely been pushed toward the rear of the system, creating a cleaner and more minimalist design.

The result is a device that feels almost impossibly refined, and that's why I think AeroBlade is a big deal.

Most laptop innovation over the last few years has focused on AI accelerators, NPUs, display tech, and silicon improvements. Those things are important, but they're largely invisible to users (well, maybe not displays, but still).

Cooling isn't.

Cooling defines thickness, weight, acoustics, sustained performance, battery behavior, and overall design flexibility.

In many ways, cooling technology determines what kind of laptop manufacturers can build.

Lenovo could make impossibly thin and light (compared to what we are used to), or use that extra space for a larger battery for absurd laptop longevity. It opens a bunch of engineering doors and options.

The concept that doesn't feel like a concept

Lenovo loves showing proof-of-concept devices, and many never become products.

But the company's track record also shows that some of its most interesting concepts eventually make the jump to production after enough refinement (I'm hoping Lenovo's Legion handheld foldable concept is one of those).

AeroBlade feels like one of those projects. Indeed, this was my first question to Lenovo, as proof-of-concept is often wacky designs, rolling displays, dual displays ... things that look weird but could be useful.

Super thin and light laptop with no vents? Who wouldn't want this? I don't think we really need a focus group to see if it's a good idea!

The hardware already looks polished. The underlying technology exists. The user benefits are immediately obvious. And perhaps most importantly, the industry is constantly searching for ways to make laptops thinner, lighter, quieter, and more efficient.

AirJet checks every one of those boxes.

Will this technology replace fans in gaming laptops with RTX-class graphics anytime soon? Probably not.

But for premium ultraportables, enterprise notebooks, all-in-one desktops, handheld gaming PCs, and productivity-focused systems, I think we're looking at one of the most significant advances in PC design we've seen in years. (We've already openly wondered about Aerojet in a Steam Deck 2).

So, yeah, ironically, the biggest innovation at Lenovo's event wasn't AI.

It was airflow.

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I’ll be honest: I’ve never liked Apple’s notch design. I find it intrusive, and the whole “Dynamic Island” thing always felt like a marketing trick to justify a hardware compromise.

So when I saw Notchify pop up on Reddit, my first thought was, why would anyone want that on Windows?

But curiosity won. I downloaded it from the Microsoft Store, tried the free trial, and within minutes I realized something—this indie app actually makes the concept work in a way that feels right on a PC.

That said, if you're a bit horrified at the idea, I mean, I totally get it. But hear me out.

What Notchify does

At its core, Notchify is pretty simple. The app creates a “fake” notch or “island” at the top of your screen. And yes, its functionality is what actually saves it. You can use it to display notifications, media playback controls, weather, battery, timers, microphone indicators, and more.

There's even a built-in clipboard for copied content and quick access.

You can see some of it in action in the above embedded video.

The settings are straightforward. You can toggle between Island (disconnected) and Notch (connected) modes, pick which monitor it appears on, and decide if it should launch at startup.

The Appearance tab lets you adjust the theme, blur, and popup behavior for volume or brightness changes. The Widgets section is where the fun begins, as you can mix and match small widgets like battery display, time, and microphone indicators, or go big with calendar, weather, and media playback.

The notch lives on your PC as "always on top," and when you mouse over it, it expands with whatever info you chose it to display. The animations are a bit janky, but it works.

It’s clean, modern, and surprisingly polished for an indie project. The dark theme looks great.

Why I ended up liking it (mostly)

I use a massive 52-inch Dell Ultrasharp monitor, and one of the downsides of that much screen real estate is that my eyes are constantly darting around for notifications, time, or playback controls.

Notchify fixes that by putting everything in one place.

I still don’t love the idea of a notch (it’s not my aesthetic), but I can’t deny how practical it is. Having a small, centralized hub for quick info saves me from scanning the corners of my display. It’s one of those things that quietly improves workflow without demanding attention.

And if you've listened to me on our podcast, you know my big beef with Windows 11 is how I can't adjust where notifications appear from, which seems dumb in 2026.

For anyone switching from macOS to Windows 11, Notchify might even make the transition easier. It brings a familiar visual cue while adding more flexibility than Apple’s version ever offered, and that's kinda cool.

Probably the most obvious issue is that Windows 11 doesn't "wrap" around the app, so when running apps full screen (like your web browser), you may end up blocking access to some features. And no, you can't move it around, which was a bit surprising.

The best part of this story isn’t just the app; it’s the community that helped shape it. On Reddit, user GuppyFarmer posted a detailed breakdown of Notchify’s CPU usage, pointing out that it was higher than expected. Instead of brushing it off, the developer responded, thanked them, and used the data to fix the issue.

That kind of interaction is what makes indie development fun. Constructive feedback, not just complaints, helps these projects grow. GuppyFarmer’s analysis gave the dev exactly what they needed to optimize performance, and the result is a smoother, more efficient app for everyone.

Too often, feedback online turns into negativity. Here, it turned into progress.

My takeaway

The app costs $1.99 after the free trial, which feels completely fair for what it offers. It’s not bloated, it’s not subscription-based, and it’s updated based on real user input. That’s the kind of indie pricing model I’ll always support.

I still don’t want a notch on my laptop or desktop, but Notchify convinced me that the idea can be useful when done right. It’s a small, clever utility that adds genuine functionality to Windows, and maybe it'll inspire some other creations to solve some problems.

And hey, it proves what many of us already know: good ideas don’t have to come from big companies. Sometimes, a single developer with a Reddit post can create something that feels fresh and helpful.

If you’re curious, give the free trial a spin. You might find yourself liking it more than you expect.

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