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LVLONE’s Big Gaming Hardware & Accessories 2025 Holiday Gift Guide

Remy Cuesta
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LVLONE’s Big Gaming Hardware & Accessories 2025 Holiday Gift Guide

The holidays always feel like game time for us. New gaming PC’s, gaming hardware, backlogs finally get some love and there are more deals flying around than anyone realistically has time to sort through. That is where this big gaming holiday gift guide comes in. We pulled together our favorite accessories and hardware of the year so you can skip the noise and jump straight to the stuff that actually feels worth unwrapping.

Every pick on this list is something we have tested, reviewed or personally own, which is why we feel good calling this a curated list of our best of the year. Check it out and let us know if you have a favorite that didn’t make it.

HP OMEN 32x Smart Gaming Monitor

The OMEN 32x Smart Gaming Monitor is definitely on the list of things I did not know I needed until I had it. You are getting a 31.5 inch 4K IPS panel with 144 Hz, low response times and all the gaming perks like VRR support, so it is more than ready for PC and console play. On top of that, HP built Google TV right into the monitor, which means you can jump into Netflix, YouTube, cloud gaming and more without ever turning on a PC or plugging in a streaming box. It really feels like a full entertainment hub, not just a display.

As a holiday gift, that all in one setup is what makes it special. If you are shopping for someone who games, streams and maybe works from the same desk, this covers everything in a clean package. They can play at 4K 144 Hz, swap over to a show with the remote, or plug in a laptop over USB C and get power and display with a single cable. It is the kind of monitor that quietly upgrades their whole setup the moment it lands on their desk. Check out deals for it here.

Razer Blade 16

Razer Blade 16 is that no compromise laptop you grab when someone wants a legit desktop level setup they can still throw in a bag. You get a slim metal chassis with a 16 inch high refresh display, powerful Intel or Ryzen AI chip options but decking it out with an Nvidia RTX 5090 GPU chews through modern games and heavy creative work without breaking a sweat. Between the fast SSD, plenty of RAM and clean RGB keyboard, it looks and feels as premium as the specs suggest.

If you are trying to really spoil a gamer or creator this holiday, this is the kind of machine that can handle pretty much everything and more and also taking advantage of top tools and features like Nvidia’s DLSS 4, video edits and day to day work in one shot. It cleans up a messy desk by replacing the tower and monitor, doubles as a travel rig for events or trips and has enough power to stay relevant for years, not just one upgrade cycle. Check out deals for it here.

SWORL Leverless Controller

SWORL is one of those pieces of gear that completely caught me off guard in the best way. On paper it is a leverless fight pad, but once you spend time with it, it feels more like this mashup of arcade stick, keyboard and gamepad all in one. You have the slanted WASD keys on the left, a full set of action buttons on the right and those hall effect “thumb domes” that basically act like super precise analog sticks under your thumbs. Between the built in profiles and quick remapping, you can dial it in for whatever you are playing without touching extra software. Check out deals for it here.

SCUF Valor Pro Wireless

SCUF Valor Pro Wireless is the kind of controller you pick up when regular gamepads just are not cutting it anymore. It keeps that familiar Xbox layout, but layers in four rear paddles, instant trigger modes and those new TMR thumbsticks that are built to cut down on drift and stay consistent over time. You also get tri mode connectivity, so it can bounce between Xbox and PC with low latency wireless, Bluetooth or wired play, and on board audio controls let you adjust game and chat volume right from the pad.

Where it really clicks as a gift is for the player in your life who lives in ranked matches or puts serious hours into shooters and competitive games. They can remap paddles, swap profiles with the SCUF app and get up to around 17 hours of use on a charge, which makes it ready for marathon sessions or tournament weekends. It feels like a true upgrade over the standard Xbox controller and one of those presents that makes an immediate difference the second they jump into their favorite game. Check out deals for it here.

Legion GO S

Legion Go S Z1 Extreme is basically a full gaming PC that shrinks into a handheld. You are getting an 8 inch 120 Hz touchscreen, Ryzen Z1 Extreme power, plenty of fast storage and RAM, plus SteamOS so your Steam library is right there with quick resume, cloud saves and all the usual Steam features on tap.

This fits really well for someone who wants to take real PC games off the desk and onto the couch, plane or hotel room. If you are shopping for a Steam player that is always on the go, this is the kind of gift that instantly turns travel time and downtime into true gaming sessions instead of just mobile filler. Check out deals for it here.

Razer Blackshark V3 Pro

Razer BlackShark V3 Pro is the kind of headset you pick when you are ready to take audio seriously. You are getting rich, detailed sound with proper spatial audio, strong active noise cancellation to block out the room and a detachable mic that keeps your voice clean in party chat or ranked matches. It hooks up over low latency wireless, Bluetooth or a cable across PC, consoles and mobile, so it follows you from desk to couch to handheld without feeling like a hassle. If you drop this on someone for the holidays, you are basically giving them their new default headset for games, movies and late night sessions. Check out deals for it here.

LOQ 15AHP10

Lenovo’s LOQ 15AHP10 hits that nice middle ground of being a “real” gaming laptop without jumping straight into crazy Legion pricing. You are getting a 15.6 inch 144 Hz full HD display, AMD Ryzen 7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 series graphics, which means it can comfortably handle modern AAA games while still doubling as an everyday machine for school or work. Fast DDR5 memory, SSD storage and solid cooling keep everything feeling snappy, so it is just as good for long sessions as it is for quick matches.

As a holiday gift, it works great for someone who wants to take their setup with them instead of being chained to a desk. The LOQ has enough power for esports, story driven games and even some content creation, but it still looks clean enough to bring to class, the office or a coffee shop. Pair that with Wi Fi 6, plenty of ports and a design that feels more low key than “RGB spaceship,” and you have a gaming laptop that fits into real life while still hitting those performance boxes gamers care about. Check out deals for it here.

ROG XBOX ALLY

ROG Xbox Ally is basically Xbox and PC gaming shrunk down into something you can throw in a bag. You get a 7 inch 1080p screen at 120 Hz, an AMD Ryzen Z2 A chip, 16 GB of RAM and a 512 GB SSD, plus the Xbox full screen interface that boots you right into your library and Game Pass instead of a messy Windows desktop. It still runs Windows under the hood, so your usual PC launchers are there too when you need them.

This just hit a new low price so for a gift, this makes a lot of sense for anyone who splits time between console and PC or just wants real games on the couch, in bed or while traveling. It feels familiar if they already use an Xbox controller, has proper performance for modern titles and comes with Game Pass time bundled in, so they are ready to start downloading and playing the second they unwrap it. Check out deals for it here.

Razer Kraven V4 Pro

Razer Kraken V4 Pro feels like an all in one audio upgrade for anyone who games on more than one system. You get rich surround sound from the TriForce bio-cellulose drivers, next gen HD haptics that let you feel explosions and footsteps, and a retractable wideband mic that keeps comms clean. The OLED Control Hub sits on your desk so you can tweak volume, haptics and even switch between multiple connected devices, while the headset itself can connect over 2.4 GHz wireless, Bluetooth, USB or 3.5 mm, which makes it just as comfortable on PC as it is on PS5, Switch, Steam Deck or a phone. If you are gifting it, you are basically handing someone a single headset that can live at their main setup and follow them onto the couch, on trips and everywhere in between. Check out deals for it here.

ErgoStrike7

ErgoStrike7 is one of the wildest mice you can put on a desk, in a good way. It is a vertical, pistol style gaming mouse built for FPS, with a built in recoil motor that kicks when you fire so every shot feels more like pulling a real trigger. You still get the important stuff like a high precision sensor, programmable buttons and wired or wireless modes, but the shape is surprisingly comfortable for long sessions and gives you a different level of control once you get used to it. If you are gifting this to an FPS player who loves trying new gear, this is the kind of present that instantly becomes the “you have to see this” centerpiece of their setup. Check out deals for it here.

LVLONE’s Big Tech 2025 Holiday Gift Guide

Remy Cuesta
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LVLONE’s Big Tech 2025 Holiday Gift Guide

Tis the season for big tech toys and fun for the holidays. Whether you’re looking for some of the coolest tech for yourself or a loved one we bring you this list of some of the best products we’ve had the chance to check out this year. This list is compiled of tech we either tested, reviewed or own ourselves so we think these are definitely something you should checkout.

Hisense U7K Mini-LED TV — A Cinematic Upgrade Without the Cinematic Price

Every holiday season comes with someone searching for the “big screen gift,” but the U7K makes that choice way easier. Hisense went all-in with Mini-LED brightness, QLED color accuracy, and a 165Hz panel that makes gaming feel buttery smooth. Movies look stunning with Dolby Vision IQ, sports stay crisp, and your PS5 or PC will thank you for giving them a proper display to shine on. What makes it special is the value, it performs like a premium TV but stays in a price range normal humans can afford. Whether it’s for a new apartment, a family room upgrade, or your dedicated gaming corner, the U7K is the gift that keeps giving every single day. Check out the latest deal here.

Samsung Galaxy Fold 7

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is the kind of “go big or go home” phone that actually lives up to the hype. Folded, it feels like a regular premium smartphone with a tall, bright screen. Open it up and you are working with a tablet sized display that is perfect for watching movies, juggling apps side by side, editing photos or even doing some light work on the couch. You are also getting Samsung’s latest Galaxy AI tricks, a serious 200 MP camera setup and all day battery life, so it feels like a full upgrade on every front, not just a cool hinge.

This is that top shelf pick for someone who basically lives on their phone and wants their tech to feel futuristic. Different from previous Samsung Fold phones I feel Samsung finally got this one right. It is great for travelers, content creators, mobile gamers or anyone who bounces between productivity and play, since they can start something on the cover screen and then open it up for a bigger workspace in seconds. Wrapped up in Samsung’s slick hardware and color options, the Fold 7 is less “just another phone” and more the centerpiece of their whole tech setup going into the new year. Check out the latest deal here.

OnePlus 15

The OnePlus 15 is that flagship phone you grab for someone who wants speed, battery and camera performance all dialed up without jumping into four digit price tags. You are getting a big 6.78 inch 165 Hz display, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip and a massive 7,300 mAh battery that is built to comfortably last through long days of streaming, gaming and shooting content. The triple 50 MP camera setup on the back plus the 32 MP front camera give it serious photo and video chops for socials, travel and everyday life, and fast charging means you can top it back up in a short session.

This hits that “true upgrade” vibe for Android users. It feels premium in the hand, has clean and fast software with OxygenOS 16 and packs in modern extras like Wi Fi 7, 5G and strong durability so the person you are gifting it to is set for years, not just one upgrade cycle. This is a great pick for power users, mobile gamers or anyone who has been hanging onto an older phone waiting for something that feels next gen without going all the way to foldable prices. Check out the latest deal here.

Asus ProArt

The Asus ProArt PZ13 feels like it was built for creatives who are always on the move. You are getting a 13.3 inch 3K OLED touchscreen in a thin detachable design, powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Plus chip and packed with Copilot+ PC features for AI assisted workflows. It includes the keyboard cover and pen in the box, has Wi Fi 7, plenty of storage and is rated for tougher conditions than your average tablet, so it is just as comfortable in a studio as it is on set or on location.

This has productivity and designer written all over it, if you sketch, edits photos or works in content creation and wants a single device that can flip between tablet and laptop. The battery life is built for long sessions, the OLED screen makes art and video really pop and the flexible 2 in 1 form factor means they can brainstorm on the couch, rough out concepts on a flight or plug into a full setup at their desk. It is the kind of gift that feels like a real upgrade to their creative toolkit going into the new year. Check out the latest deal here.

Luma Pro

Viture Luma Pro is one of those gifts that quietly turns into the thing someone uses every single day. They look like a clean, lightweight pair of glasses, but once you plug them into a phone, Steam Deck, Switch 2, laptop or pretty much any USB C device, you are suddenly looking at a giant virtual screen floating in front of you. The image is sharp, bright and private, so it works just as well for movies on a plane as it does for cloud gaming or remote play on the couch without hogging the TV.

It is perfect for travelers, apartment dwellers and gamers who want that big screen feel without actually owning a big screen. Between the adjustable fit, built in myopia controls and stylish frame, it is easy to wear for long sessions, and it drops right into their existing setup instead of asking them to learn a whole new platform. It is a fun, future leaning piece of tech that still feels really practical, which is exactly what you want in a big tech gift. Check out the latest deal here.

Ninja Gaiden 4 Review: Team Ninja’s Return

Ken Amoako
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Ninja Gaiden 4 Review: Team Ninja’s Return

Excellent gameplay and style make this a true comeback, even if the story doesn’t keep up.

2025 has officially become the year of the ninja. Between Shinobi Reborn, Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, and now Ninja Gaiden 4, stealth assassins are back on the main stage. But this isn’t the Ninja Gaiden you remember. This time, Ryu Hayabusa steps out of the spotlight, and a new name takes center stage: Yakumo of the Raven Clan.

Within minutes, you’re carving through enemies and realizing how different this game feels. It’s still brutal, fast, and technical, but now it’s smoother, flashier, and more cinematic without losing the heart of what makes Ninja Gaiden special. I played primarily on PC, but we’ll get to that later.

You can feel PlatinumGames’ influence from the first encounter. The pacing, parry timing, and cinematic flair echo what made Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance stand out. Every swing has weight, and every dodge feels rewarding. The style is unmistakable, where flash meets finesse. Platinum doesn’t just add polish; it adds rhythm. That synergy between Team Ninja’s precision and Platinum’s flair for spectacle makes NG4 feel alive in motion.

The combat is everything fans hoped for. Ninja Gaiden 4 plays like the natural evolution of the series, faster, cleaner, and just as punishing. Yakumo controls like a nimbler Ryu, light on his feet and heavy on impact. His moveset balances speed and aggression, and his Bloodbind Gauge pushes you to stay in the fight. It fills as you deal damage and lets you activate Bloodraven Form, which temporarily transforms your weapon into a more powerful version, turning each strike into a devastating display of precision and style.

It’s not just for show. Managing your Bloodbind Gauge adds a layer of risk and reward that fits perfectly with the series’ DNA. Mess around too long and you’ll burn through it. Play smart and it turns you into a one-man boss fight.

The difficulty hits that sweet spot between challenging and fair. You’ll still die a lot, but the deaths feel earned. Enemies force you to learn, not guess. Boss fights are standouts again, demanding mastery instead of luck.

Ryu Hayabusa’s presence looms over the game, and that’s a good thing. He’s the living benchmark for what mastery means in this world. Yakumo, by contrast, feels like the raw talent still figuring it out: broody, determined, and fighting through uncertainty. Where Ryu walks in knowing he’s a legend, Yakumo’s journey is about proving he deserves to be mentioned in the same breath. That contrast adds weight without spoiling anything.

On console, NG4 looks and runs fantastic. The lighting, particle effects, and animation quality make every fight look like controlled chaos. On PC, though, it’s a different story. The game clearly favors console optimization. I struggled to hold full frames at 4K on a 3080 Ti, which shouldn’t happen in 2025. Other players have reported similar drops. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s noticeable and hopefully something Team Ninja patches soon.

The story gets the job done, but don’t expect surprises. It’s the usual mix of mysticism, revenge, and world-ending stakes. The plot beats feel familiar, and the dialogue rarely hits hard. What does keep you going is the enemy variety. The DDO and fiends give you real motivation to keep pressing forward. Even if the writing doesn’t inspire you, the next fight definitely will.

The soundtrack fits the tone: tense, cinematic, and polished, but it never reaches that epic level some past entries hit. It’s good, just not memorable. The real music is the rhythm of combat itself.

Unlike other ninja titles chasing nostalgia this year, NG4 feels like a true step forward. It’s not trying to be retro. It’s hard, beautiful, and modern. The difficulty curve is demanding but not punishing. If you get stuck, Tyran, your support character, will slowly feed you recovery items after repeated losses. It’s a subtle change, but it makes the game more approachable without sacrificing its identity. In NG I–III, if you ran out of healing items, you either had to backtrack or win through pure skill. NG4 respects your time while still testing your limits.

Ninja Gaiden 4 doesn’t reinvent the blade; it sharpens it. The combat is electric, the presentation is gorgeous, and Yakumo’s debut feels right. The story might not leave a mark, but the gameplay absolutely does. This is Team Ninja doing what they do best: giving players a reason to struggle, adapt, and finally overcome.

We don’t get many games like this anymore: hard and while it is available across different platforms it becomes a no brainer and benefit if you have Xbox Gamepass. It’s fast, and unapologetically focuses on gameplay which is what we love. Ninja Gaiden 4 isn’t just Team Ninja’s return; it’s proof the series still has life left. If they keep this energy, maybe we’ll finally see DOA7, another Ninja Gaiden, or even a Revengeance 2 down the line.

LVLONE’s Video Games 2025 Holiday Gift Guide

Frankie D
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LVLONE’s Video Games 2025 Holiday Gift Guide

Holiday 2025 gave us a lineup where games don’t just drop, they hit. Sequels that actually evolved, comebacks that felt earned, and new entries that reminded everybody why gaming still moves culture. Whether you’re gifting for a diehard sweat lord, a casual after-work warrior, or someone who just upgraded to next-gen and needs heat to justify it, the releases this year actually have variety and replay value not just hype trailers. This list is comprised of games that we think are hits and that we’ve played, reviewed and or tested this year!

Hades 2 holiday gift guide 2025

Hades 2

$59.99 — PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, PC

Hades 2 moves like the original but hits with more depth. Combat feels smoother, spellcraft builds stack in new ways, and runs push you to mix things up instead of sticking to one comfort build. The characters and lore lean darker, but it never gets lost in dialogue—it keeps you locked in gameplay before anything else. It’s the type of game you can grind daily or pull out when you have twenty minutes before leaving the house.

I played most of it in short runs and it turned into a ritual launch, sprint a run, close it like nothing happened. The new build paths legit force experimentation instead of meta chasing. I have over 200 hours playing this ams that’s due to its accessibility on the Alley Rog and Nintenso Switch. Check out the latest deal for it here.

battlefield 6 holiday gift guide 2025

Battlefield 6

$69.99 — PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC

Battlefield 6 finally feels like Battlefield again. Classes matter, vehicles aren’t just highlight reels, and destruction actually shifts how you take objectives—walls drop, cover disappears, routes open mid-match. The pacing pushes teamwork without making solo play useless, and weather systems create moments that look like trailer clips in real time. It’s chaos, but the type that feels controlled when your squad is locked in.

When running Engineer feels like you’re actually impacting the match, not just existing. Squad play hits like old-school BF where wins feel earned, not random. I haven’t had this many cinematic moments in a shooter in a while! Check out the latest deal for it here.

Fatal Fury City of Wolves holiday gift guide 2025

Fatal Fury: City of Wolves

$59.99 — PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC

This reboot brings SNK back loud. Neon palettes, anime-styled shading, graffiti UI, and movement tech that rewards aggression but still respects neutral. Cancels, parries, and pressure strings let players cook, but it never turns into nonsense, you can feel the roots of the series beneath the flash. Rollback is clean, and it’s one of the easier fighting games to hand to a newcomer without scaring them off.

The game gives you tools fast, but mastering them takes time. Online sets feel smooth enough to actually practice without needing locals. Another plus is Season One DLC is free giving you 5 extra characters including some from the popular Street Fighter Franchise. Check out the latest deal for it here.

Geforce Now holiday gift guide 2025

Geforce Now Ultimate

PC, Mobile, TV, Steam

GeForce Now is an easy win if you are shopping for a gamer that has a solid PC library but not a powerful PC to match. Instead of needing a big rig, they can stream their games straight from Nvidia’s cloud to whatever they already use, whether it is a basic laptop, tablet, phone or a low power desktop. It is basically like gifting them a high end gaming PC they can log into from almost anywhere, with support for ray tracing, high frame rates and smooth performance on supported games.

Nvidia has a few membership tiers, so you can match things based on how serious they are about gaming. The base performance plan gets them priority access, longer play sessions and up to 1440p streaming. If you want to go all out, the Ultimate tier taps into RTX 4080 level servers with higher resolutions up to 4K and super high FPS for competitive titles. It is a flexible digital upgrade that makes their whole setup feel next gen without them having to build or buy new hardware. Check out the latest deal for it here.

Ninja Gaiden 4 holiday gift guide 2025

Ninja Gaiden 4

$69.99 — PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC

Ninja Gaiden returns with real consequences. Faster movement, harder parries, and bosses that punish panic instead of rewarding spam. The combat leans skill-first, using modern animation without turning into a Souls clone. It respects players who want to actually improve.

The first boss checked me immediately, I thought I knew it all from the previous games. Once the parry timing locked in, fights felt like controlled aggression instead of survival. It’s the type of game you gift when you want someone to sweat. Check out the latest deal for it here.

Death Stranding 2 holiday gift guide 2025

Death Stranding 2

$69.99 — PS5, PC

More emotional, more visual, more intentional. Traversal is still the core, but now gear actually changes strategy instead of just giving convenience. The world feels heavier, characters hit harder emotionally, and the pacing forces you to sit with it, not skip past it.

I play this one late with headphones and no distractions. It’s cinematic, slow, and weird in a way that sticks with you after putting the controller down. Definitely a niche vibe, but if it hits, it hits deep. Kojima is always making some crazy and edging. Check out the latest deal for it here.

Borderlands 4 holiday gift guide 2025

Borderlands 4

$59.99 — PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, PC

Borderlands 4 feels like peak Borderlands in all the right ways. You are dropped onto a new planet called Kairos under the thumb of a ruthless ruler, then turned loose as one of four new Vault Hunters with ridiculous guns, wild abilities and a ton of ways to move around the world like double jumps, slides and grapples. The whole thing is built around that classic “shoot, loot, upgrade, repeat” loop, with a huge open world full of factions, dynamic events and side activities that pull you off the main path in the best possible way.

Co-op is really where this one shines for a gift. Borderlands 4 is designed from the ground up to be played with friends, whether you are running two player split screen on the couch or jumping online with up to four players to tear through missions together. Level scaling and individual difficulty keep everyone on the same page, so even if one person lives in the game and the other just jumps in on weekends, you can still team up, share loot and cause chaos across Kairos without anyone feeling left behind. Check out the latest deal here.

Arc Raiders holiday gift guide 2025

ARC Raiders

Price: $39.99
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S

ARC Raiders delivers unpredictable, high-energy gameplay through its blend of PvE and PvP. Enemy players can become instant threats or unexpected allies, which leads to chaotic firefights or big coordinated boss takedowns before everyone rushes to extract. Every session feels fresh.

Performance is strong on PCs and handles great on handhelds like the ROG Ally and Steam Deck. Check out the latest deal here.

2XKO

2XKO has been one of those early access games we keep coming back to because for a fighting game it actually has enough depth that we’re itching for the full release. The 2v2 tag format makes matches chaotic in the best way, but it still feels readable once you start learning assists, swaps, and how each champion fits into a team. This game while being good wasn’t going to make the list initially but with the console and full game release coming in January that was just announced at the Game Awards, this is definitely a game you want to checkout, especially if you have friends to duo with or you’re just craving a new competitive fighter to sink time into. Definitely add this to the list if you’re on the PC or whish list for Xbox or Playstation!

Final Fantasy Tactics holiday gift guide 2025

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicals

$59.99 — PS5, Switch, PC

A true revival, not a lazy remaster. Sprites look crisp, maps play smarter with verticality, and class balance fixes old-school broken strategies. Story pacing is more cinematic without losing that political, grounded tone the original was known for. It’s deep, methodical, and rewarding not the type of game you sprint through.

This is one of my childhood favorite game of all time. It’s the perfect handheld grind too, low pacing, thoughtful turns, and battles you replay just to try different comp strategies. Check out the latest deal for it here.

Holiday 2025 has something for every lane,

quick-run indies, sweaty multiplayer, tactical brain burners, emotional single-player journeys, and games built to stream or squad up. Whether you’re picking up digital codes or full collector’s editions, this year actually rewards people who care about gameplay, not hype cycles. For deeper breakdowns, hands-on tests, and hardware pairings, keep it locked to LVLONE.com.

Brawlhalla’s World Championship BCX 2025 Full Overview & Thoughts

Remy Cuesta
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Brawlhalla’s World Championship BCX 2025 Full Overview & Thoughts

This year’s Brawlhalla World Championship Expo, BCX 2025, felt a little different the moment I walked into the Gateway Center Arena in Atlanta. The venue change brings a different feel to the overall event but that actually gave the whole weekend a more personal vibe. Instead of getting swallowed up by a massive convention hall, it felt like everyone there really wanted to be there. For a game that has carved out its own lane in the platform fighter space, BCX 2025 felt like proof that Brawlhalla has fully forged its own path and is comfortable in it.

BCX has always been equal parts world finals and community meetup, and that side of it really stood out this year. You are not just watching from a distance. You are running into your favorite casters in the hall, talking to devs at panels, passing top players in the freeplay area, and bumping into creators and community members you only knew from Twitch chat. With a few freeplay stations than, plus party games like Giant Jenga, Brawlhalla themed Guess Who, chill areas, and the cosplay contest running around the show floor, it honestly felt like a giant community event that just happens to be operated by the dev team with a bigger production budget behind it.

On the esports side, BCX 2025 still hit hard. The event wrapped up Brawlhalla’s Year Ten season over three days of 1v1 and 2v2 brackets, with a 200,000 dollar prize pool on the line and the best players in the world fighting for the World Champion titles in Atlanta. Singles came down to a tense run from Marckiemoo, who powered through the top 8 and closed out an incredibly close grand finals set against BalloonBoy to claim the 1v1 crown. Doubles saw Zen and Hideaway take over the 2v2 bracket, cutting through the field and walking away as BCX 2025 Doubles Champions. North American players packed out the top spots in singles, which you could really feel in the crowd energy every time a home region favorite landed a huge read or clutch stock.

If you were not in the building, BCX still made sure you could be part of it from home. The event streamed across the official Brawlhalla Twitch and YouTube channels with in game viewership rewards for tuning in, so even online viewers were earning loot while watching the best play the game at its highest level. Between the stage matches, community setups and side activities, it was one of those events where you constantly had to pick between three cool things happening at once, which is a good problem to have for a game in its tenth year. They also did a great job of even having a stream for the panels and side events happening in the venue to be enjoyed by those watching which is a first.

Where BCX 2025 really flexed its “expo” side was in the reveals and future teases. We got confirmation of the Brawlhalla x Attack on Titan crossover bringing Eren, Mikasa, and Levi into the game, complete with new cosmetics and themed items. There was a tease for Legend 68, a dark kaiju inspired monster wielding Katars and Rocket Lance that is set to join the roster in 2026 which we got to get hands on with and can see below. On top of that, Brawlhalla: The Card Game was playable (virtually) at the event, letting people try a fast paced tabletop version of the game with Legend standees, attack cards, terrain, and more laid out in front of them instead of on a screen. The team also celebrated ten years of Brawlhalla with a new anniversary animated short and talked about what is coming next, including competitive Guilds Phase 2, in game tournaments for all skill levels, a stats rework, and tests for solo queue in Ranked 2v2. The one thing I’ll say is certain areas could use some love to keep people at the venue like more free play stations, more arcades, more chances to win prizes, titles etc.

What ties it all together is how BCX feels more like a love letter to the community than just a finale for an esports circuit. Brawlhalla might be easing some focus away from constant high stakes events and spreading more energy into long term features and casual friendly systems which in my eyes makes sense to hone in on content the community has been asking for, but BCX still feels like the heartbeat of the game. This year, even with a slightly smaller scale, it felt more concentrated and intentional. If nothing else, BCX is the perfect chance for players and fans to stand in the same space as the people who make, cast, and master the game, all while wrapped around reveals and the best Brawlhalla gameplay you can see anywhere. As long as the team keeps that spirit alive, there is a long future ahead for BCX as one of the most unique championship events in the fighting game scene.

Cruising With Peace of Mind: LifeStraw on Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas

Remy Cuesta
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Cruising With Peace of Mind: LifeStraw on Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas

Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas is massive. Like, “you keep turning corners and the ship still feels like it has more ship” massive. It’s basically an all-inclusive resort on overdrive, with that Royal Caribbean polish where the entertainment, food, and constant activity schedule make it feel like you’re always one decision away from doing something fun. The Broadway-style show lineup is a real highlight, and seeing something like Back to the Future on a cruise ship still feels kind of unreal in the best way.

Cruising and traveling abroad is one of those situations where you can be having an amazing time and still catch yourself doing little mental math every day. Is the tap water fine here? What about ice? What about the water they hand you on an excursion, or the cup you refill in a busy port, or the random “I’m thirsty right now” moment where you don’t want to overthink it. That’s exactly why I brought LifeStraw with me, and by the end of the trip, I’m not traveling without it again.

I packed two things: the LifeStraw Sip and the LifeStraw Go Series Tumbler. The Sip became my “always on me” option because it’s basically a stainless steel filter straw that lives in a carry case and does not take up space. It filters out bacteria, parasites, and microplastics, and it’s rated for up to 1,000 liters, so it’s not a one-trip gimmick, it’s something you can keep in rotation for a long time. The best part is how low effort it is. No batteries, no charging, no special routine. If I was in a situation where I wanted extra peace of mind, I just used it. It’s the kind of product that disappears into your day until you realize how many times it saved you from that “should I risk this?” moment.

The Go Series Tumbler was my comfort pick. It’s insulated, it fits into real travel life, and it has a two-stage filtration setup: a membrane microfilter for the stuff you actually worry about when you’re out and about, plus a carbon filter that helps reduce chlorine taste and odors. That made it perfect for long ship days, port days, and the in-between moments where you just want clean water without thinking about it. And it’s not just about safety paranoia either, it’s also about convenience. When you’re bouncing between dining spots, shows, excursions, and walking a ship that feels like a floating city, having a reliable way to hydrate makes the whole trip feel smoother.

The itinerary of Star of the Seas was to Saint Thomas and St Martin’s and as noted by many St Martin is the place to travel and get off and enjoy while Saint Thomas is very much a port where you have to do a bit of work to get to any of the excursions or beach. The cruise overall can seem flawless in the beginning but here is where the experience gets a little more complicated is the “premium on top of premium” part of cruising. The dining included with the ship is strong, honestly better than a lot of all-inclusive stays I’ve done either at the Windjammer, My Dining or the various lunch options by the pools and activity areas on the top floors, but I still found myself wishing there were more standout options that didn’t require paying extra. Spots like the Sushi and Ice Cream at Central Park, Sports Bar at the back of the ship and or some of the specialty quick bites feel like they should be part of the core experience, especially when you’ve already paid for the cruise and potentially stacked a drink package on top. It’s not that the upgrades aren’t good, it’s just that the ship is designed in a way that constantly tempts you to spend a little more to unlock the “full” version of the experience.

The other thing I walked away feeling is that Star of the Seas is absolutely built as a family cruise first. Royal Caribbean knows its market, and the bigger the boat, the more it leans into families, kids, and multi-generational groups. That is not a bad thing, it’s just the vibe. You can definitely meet friendly people if you’re a single or solo traveler, but compared to my time on Symphony of the Seas, this one felt like it had fewer natural spaces and activities that cater to those travelers who are trying to casually meet others, this is also very evident the later it gets, night time swimming and adult areas which have moved to the back of the boat now close early compared to other ships and the “nightclub” doesn’t seem as lively as I’ve seen before. The DJ in particular to this experience seemed dated in terms of music and flair and reminded me of an all inclusive hotel on a Caribbean Island from the 90’s, this part can vary per time of year you’re traveling. If you’re bringing family, or you find a great deal, it’s still an experience I’d recommend, because there’s always something going on and the ship genuinely delivers on spectacle.

Overall, Star of the Seas is the kind of cruise you book for the scale, the shows, and because there’s always something happening especially if you’re traveling with family or a significant other. I still wish a few more of the ship’s best food experiences were included without that extra premium layer, but I can’t deny it delivers an experience that’s hard to replicate anywhere else. And if you’re doing a cruise like this, especially with travel abroad involved, LifeStraw ended up being one of those low-key essentials that made the whole trip feel easier. It’s peace of mind, but in a way that actually fits into real travel.

Artemis Redlight from Renpho Review – Blending Wellness Tech

Frankie D
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Artemis Redlight from Renpho Review – Blending Wellness Tech

The RENPHO Artemis LED Face Mask sits right in that sweet spot where wellness tech blends into everyday life, becoming one of those devices you start using without realizing how naturally it fits your routine. LED masks have been around for a while, but RENPHO has been building a name for reliable, accessible recovery gear, and the Artemis pushes things forward with a design that feels futuristic but practical whether you’re a gamer unwinding after a long session, a content creator constantly on camera, someone who just wants healthier skin without complicated steps, or just the everyday person looking to take care of themselves without spending every dollar they have.

A big part of its appeal comes from the three LED modes it uses. The red light promotes collagen production and boosts skin firmness. The blue light targets acne causing bacteria and calms irritation. The near-infrared mode penetrates deeper to improve circulation and support skin recovery from underneath. With 324 LEDs working across these wavelengths, the Artemis delivers a simplified but effective version of what you’d expect from a professional LED treatment.

The silicone body keeps it flexible and comfortable instead of feeling like a rigid plastic shell, and the removable eye protection makes it easier to use on a consistent basis—something most LED masks struggle with. It fits naturally into downtime whether you’re scrolling, relaxing, or catching up on a show.

Where it really shines is versatility. Gamers and screen-heavy users get a solution for dullness and fatigue from long hours of blue light exposure. Content creators get a low ffort way to keep skin camera-ready without heavy filters. And wellness pros like massage therapists and estheticians can integrate it seamlessly into sessions as a pre-treatment warmup or post-service recovery boost. It reduces redness, calms the skin, and adds value without adding work.

This is also where the Artemis becomes especially appealing: it’s a great add-on for any business owner without breaking the bank. Most LED devices used in spas and clinics cost anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars. The Artemis delivers a surprisingly professional experience at a fraction of that cost, making it an easy upgrade for treatment rooms, facial services, massage enhancements, or simple “add-on glow” packages. It feels premium without requiring a premium investment and generates your business additional revenue.

The timing and intensity controls keep everything simple. Ten, twenty, or thirty-minute sessions and five intensity levels give you options that fit your day, and it stays comfortable even on longer cycles. The compact charging base keeps it clean and out of the way when not in use.

Like any LED therapy, results come with consistency, not overnight. But used regularly, the Artemis delivers smoother texture, calmer breakouts, softer fine lines, and an overall healthier tone. It doesn’t try to replace a full clinical setup, it aims to be a dependable, lifestyle friendly tool that quietly works in the background.

In a world full of gimmicky wellness gadgets, the RENPHO Artemis LED Mask feels grounded and balanced. It’s easy to use, scientifically backed, aesthetically clean, and versatile enough for everyday users, creators, massage therapists, estheticians, and business owners looking to elevate their services without overspending. It’s the type of device that becomes part of your routine, and that’s exactly what good lifestyle tech should do.

Craft x Lucia Kype Pro Brings NYC Flavor to Marathon Weekend

Remy Cuesta
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Craft x Lucia Kype Pro Brings NYC Flavor to Marathon Weekend

When it comes to marathon season in New York, runners are always chasing that edge, and for many, it starts with what’s on their feet. Craft Sportswear clearly knows this, because just in time for the New York City Marathon, they dropped something fast, fresh, and unapologetically New York: the limited-edition Craft x Lucia Kype Pro.

Inspired by the city’s most iconic comfort food, this performance running shoe was designed in collaboration with Lucia Pizza, a NYC staple known for its legendary slices. It’s a mix of high-performance tech and that local street flavor with the kind of energy only New York can serve.

Craft x Lucia Kype Pro team

Built from Craft’s top racing model, the Kype Pro represents the brand’s best work in road-running innovation. It features XX Foam with a nitrogen-infused Pebax midsole for ultra-light cushioning, an Arris carbon fiber plate for extra propulsion, and a breathable open-weave upper that feels just as good on the last mile as it does the first. I had a chance to check the shoe out at a previous pop-up, and calling it “lightweight” doesn’t even do it justice. It’s like running on air with attitude.

To celebrate the launch, Craft hosted an event at their SoHo pop-up shop (21 Spring St.) on October 30th, where the vibe matched the product: pure NYC. Guests were treated to fresh Lucia slices, cold drinks, a live DJ, and even custom flash tattoos courtesy of Uplift Tattoo. The energy was real, a perfect mix of fitness culture and New York flavor.

Craft x Lucia Kype Pro exclusive collab sneakers

The celebration continued with a 5K Shakeout Run later that evening, hosted by Sombra Civilization, one of NYC’s most creative and community-driven run clubs. Runners laced up in the new Kype Pros, hit the streets, and capped it off with a post-run raffle for a chance to win a pair of the shoes. Between the food, music, and the running community, it felt like the perfect kickoff to marathon weekend.

Throughout the weekend, visitors also got the chance to meet Craft athletes Tim Tollefson (who’s running the 2025 NYC Marathon) and David Laney, adding even more inspiration to the mix.

The Craft SoHo pop-up will remain open through marathon weekend, with the limited-edition Kype Pro ($320) and other exclusive pieces from the Craft x Lucia collaboration available for purchase. For those who can’t make it to the city, the collection will drop later this season exclusively in the U.S. at craftsports.us.

Because in New York, even your running shoes should come with a little slice of style.

DreamHack Atlanta 2025 Ultimate Recap

Frankie D
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DreamHack Atlanta 2025 Ultimate Recap

DreamHack Atlanta 2025 came in loud, filling the Georgia World Congress Center with that unmistakable mix of esports, community, and pure weekend-long chaos. Tens of thousands of fans cycled through the halls, and every corner felt alive, from the BYOC pits to the massive esports stages. This year’s event pulled crowds and delivered a full snapshot of where gaming culture is sitting right now. Across shooters, fighters, mobile esports, cosplay, and everything between.

The floor opened with some of the biggest booth builds DreamHack Atlanta has ever hosted. The US Navy’s 1v1 booth, complete with a sailor ready to take on challengers, turned into a surprise crowd magnet. Walmart brought a full Retro Mario Experience, a nostalgia hit loaded with charm and capped off with free Mario and Yoshi plushies that people were sprinting for. Street Fighter 6 and 2XKO’s freeplay area ran nonstop, packed shoulder to shoulder with players grinding games, running impromptu sets, and testing tech. The arcade area stayed timeless, Street Fighter II, Marvel vs Capcom, Metal Slug, and more, all glowing like they were pulled from a different decade.

The standout demo of the weekend was Chun-Li in Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves. For a crossover character who’s held down fighting games for decades, seeing her inside SNK’s newest flagship was surreal. (We have our early hands-on impressions in a separate LVLONE piece.) PC and PS5 setups across the hall kept everything running crisp, giving fans a clean, consistent feel no matter where they jumped in.

Food always sets the tone for a con weekend, and Atlanta had you covered. Nathan’s hot dogs, Papa John’s, burrito bowls, Atlanta Wok, Dippin’ Dots, and more kept people moving through 10-hour floor days and bracket rushes without missing a beat.

Around all that, you had BYOC events, smaller amateur tournaments, and constant giveaways firing off across the floor. Walmart’s plush drops created mini frenzies, live DJs kept the center hall moving, and cosplay filled the rest with energy and color. It felt like every aisle had a different soundtrack and a different vibe.

Competition hit a new peak this year, anchored by some of the biggest prize pools DreamHack has ever hosted:

– The SNK World Championship led the charge with an unbelievable 4.1 million dollars on the line. Lauyagami took The King of Fighters XV, Masaton claimed Samurai Shodown, and sou grabbed Art of Fighting 3. Laggia not only won Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves but walked out as the overall SNK Champion. For a franchise pushing its modern revival, this tournament felt like a historic milestone.

– Mobile esports made its presence known as well. Tribe Gaming took the Clash of Clans World Championship and its 700,000 dollar prize pool, while Mohamed Light captured the Clash Royale League World Finals and its 500,000 dollar payout. 

– On the Marvel side, Virtus.Pro took control of the Marvel Rivals Ignite Grand Finals, securing the championship and its impressive one million dollar prize pool.

DreamHack also held two major FC Pro competitions. The Last Chance Qualifier crowned nine winners, while the FC Pro Open Global Qualifier handed out 152,000 dollars and produced sixteen champions punching their ticket to the next stage of EA FC competition.

Rounding things out:

– Hexied won the CFB26 DreamHack Challenge for 25,000 dollars

– Akron Esports took the Rainbow Six Siege X Atlanta event for 10,000 dollars – In collegiate competition, WVU Esports and Maryville University captured Rocket League and Valorant titles.

The cosplay presence went big again, highlighted by the DreamHack Cosplay Championship. Charmanda took Best in Show with an Azure Starlord Armor build that stunned the crowd. Expert, Artisan, and Novice categories each brought tight contests, featuring characters from Final Fantasy, Guild Wars, Elden Ring, Arcane, Pokémon, League of Legends, and more. The 20,000 dollar Costume Contest added even more flavor, with categories like Scariest, Funniest, and Cutest Couple giving the crowd plenty to cheer for.

What made DreamHack Atlanta 2025 special wasn’t just the games or the stages. It was the way everything blended, retro arcades buzzing next to million-dollar finals, BYOC grinders sharing rows with top pros, casual players testing Chun-Li one aisle over from high-stakes cosplay judging. The music, the food, the booths, the tournaments, the giveaways, it all layered together into something that felt like the truest version of DreamHack: equal parts festival, competition, and community hub.

Atlanta showed why DreamHack remains one of gaming’s most versatile weekends. It gave you esports. It gave you culture. It gave you discovery. And it reminded everyone, from first-time attendees to seasoned fans, why these events matter. If you’re trying to meet players where they live, this is the space. And if you’re so

DreakHack Altanta 2025: Chun-Li Brings Pure Energy to Fatal Fury: COTW Hands-On

Ken Amoako
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DreakHack Altanta 2025: Chun-Li Brings Pure Energy to Fatal Fury: COTW Hands-On

DreamHack Atlanta 2025 had plenty of surprise moments, but one announcement practically stopped the show floor: Chun-Li joining Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves. Getting hands on time with her was an instant reminder of why she’s one of the most iconic characters in fighting game history, except this time, SNK rebuilt her with a twist that feels shockingly natural.

From the moment the match starts, Chun-Li carries all the elegance and control that defines her lineage: sharp buttons, crisp spacing, and that overwhelming sense of presence in neutral. But what I needed to confirm right away was if she still has her stance from Street Fighter 6, and luckily she does not. Truly, I couldn’t be happier. Removing it streamlines her entire flow and makes her far more explosive within SNK’s momentum-heavy system.

Another huge shift: Chun-Li is no longer a charge character. Let that sink in, no more back-charge Kikōken. It’s now a straightforward quarter-circle input, putting her in line with traditional shoto-style designs and letting her play more freely in SNK’s offence-driven engine. My muscle memory definitely betrayed me for the first few rounds, but after it clicked, the gameplay opened up immediately. I personally prefer her as a charge character, she always has solid defense following the basic ABC rule, “Always Be Charging”.

The button scheme feels wildly different coming from SF6.  Since this is a SNK game, she only gets 2 Punches, and Kicks. However, they were able to still sneak in her normals, and they have been remapped and repurposed. Forcing a complete re-learning of her neutral game. But once I adapted, everything started to make sense. SNK did a great job of copying Chun-Li, and translating her through their own lens, and the results feel surprisingly seamless.

Here’s where the love letter kicks in (For me):
This Chun-Li is the version I wished we got in Street Fighter 6. I’ve been a Chun main for over 30 years, and while SF6 was great, her style felt a bit too much. This Chun-Li brought the spark back almost instantly. I genuinely felt excited to return to my main again.

Her combo routes are unreal, easily some of the flashiest in the entire demo. Long strings, elegant extensions, crazy links, and real expressive freedom. There were moments that outright felt Marvel vs. Capcom–inspired, with her mobility and versatility hitting that same high-energy identity.

If you think about it, SNK got disrespectful, in the best possible way. They put Chun-Li in a game that has feints. These feints are nasty and give her a ridiculous level of pressure, mixups, and delay windows. It almost acts like a cleaner, more aggressive version of her stance cancels from SF6, giving her layers upon layers of creativity in neutral and combos. It’s cruel, honestly. Chun players will immediately understand the potential.

SNK also deserves major credit for their rollout strategy this year. Chun-Li was originally announced for a Winter 2025 release, and I assumed this meant late December. But SNK had other plans, they’ve been on a tear since the first character was released.

Andy Bogard – June 24, 2025 (first DLC character)
Ken Masters – August 3rd
Joe Higashi – October 11th
Chun-Li – officially dropping tomorrow, November 5th, 2025, way earlier than expected

It’s a fast-paced, confident DLC cadence that shows SNK is ending 2025 with style and momentum.

Even with these big system changes, Chun-Li still feels like Chun-Li. The grace, the control, the ability to dictate the match, it’s all here, just remixed through SNK’s signature flavor. This character is a carefully rebuilt, fully integrated version designed to shine in City of the Wolves.

SNK absolutely knocked it out of the park. If this is where the DLC quality is sitting, the game’s future looks insane. And with Chun-Li landing tomorrow, the last piece of the DLC roadmap is already set: Mr. Big, arriving Early 2026, closing out the first wave with a classic fan-favorite.

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