The best gaming tech we've reviewed in October 2026

Shop the collection

• 1

  Amazon

  Evercade Nexus and Banjo-Kazooie Double Pack

  $199.99
• 2

  Valve

  Steam Frame

  $1059
• 3

  Corsair

  Corsair Skiff 100 Plus

  $59.99$69.99
• 4

  Amazon

  Steelseries Aeon Pro

  $259.99

The Fall months are now rolling in, but thankfully we've got more than a few ideas for how you could spend your time hunkering down. This month we've had headsets, controllers, handhelds, keyboards, and mini PCs on the test bench, but only the cream of the crop deserve their stars.

From the Evercade Nexus taking on the best retro handhelds with its own 4.5-star review score, to the cheaper Corsair Skiff 100 Plus showing the best gaming keyboards what a budget membrane deck can do these days, there's plenty to celebrate from this month's release roster. Of course, the Steam Frame took most of our time this month, looking to challenge the best VR headsets with its convenience and comfort.

Those gearing up for GTA 6 will be interested in the noise-cancellation of the new Razer Barracuda V2 Pro, while Zelda fans might be more excited by the CRKD Nitro Deck 2 joining some of the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers on the market.

This month's heavy hitters are all below, but you can look back on the year's top tech with the full GamesRadar+ Hardware digest as well.

4.5-Star gaming gadgets

Razer Barracuda V2 Pro

Read the full review

Pros

• Extends foam padding from previous Barracuda pair
• Earcup can store 2.4GHz wireless dongle
• Equipped with ANC
• Provides simultaneous Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless
• Improved 70 hour battery life
• Dual mic system makes it ideal for gaming & lifestyle
• Easy to store due to flodable design

Cons

• Double the price of Barracuda X
• Missing Chroma-powered tech of previous pair

Evercade Nexus

Read the full review

Pros

• Larger, more vibrant 5.98 IPS screen than the EXP
• Dual thumbsticks for 3D games
• Still compatible with every Evercade cartridge
• Wireless EverSync local multiplayer support
• Bluetooth headphone connectivity
• Includes excellent native ports of Banjo-Kazooie and Banjo-Tooie

Cons

• Lacks sleep mode (suspend and resume)
• Thumbsticks aren't Hall Effect
• Bottom stick placement isn't ideal
• No HDMI output
• Access to global settings depends on the game

Corsair Skiff 100 Plus

Read the full review

Pros

• Comfortable, silent keypresses
• Six extra macro buttons
• 10 zone RGB lighting
• Dedicated media controls
• Already seeing discounts

Cons

• Non-swappable ABS keycaps
• Hardwired USB-A cable
• 12-key rollover only

4-Star gaming gadgets

Steam Frame

Read the full review

Pros

• Offers excellent, lightweight convenience and a comfortable fit
• Essentially a Steam Deck you wear on your face
• Controllers are fantastic
• Foveated streaming does a good job of minimising image compression
• Lots of room for improvement with accessories and firmware

Cons

• Battery life is really poor
• Power bank and accessories aren't included
• No wired mode at all
• Price
• Gaming performance feels like a work in progress

Razer Huntsman V3 HE

Read the full review

Pros

• Competitive price point against other mainstream HE decks
• Much improved sound profile
• Smooth, comfortable typing feel
• Recalibration tools in Synapse

Cons

• Some tested models displayed chatter
• Wired only
• No additional controls

CRKD Nitro Deck 2

Read the full review

Pros

• Easy to set up
• Compatible with Switch, Switch OLED & Switch 2
• Ergonomic shape is comfortable for long gaming sessions
• Can tighten or loosen thumbsticks on a whim
• Doubles as a Pro controller

Cons

• Pricier than original Nitro Deck
• Rumble is overly strong and loud
• Tightening mechanism feels cheap and flimsy
• Awkward to store as it's too big for Switch 2 cases

Hyperx Cloud 3

Read the full review

Pros

• Comfortable for long gaming sessions
• Great sound
• High-quality mic
• Includes 3.5 mm, USB-A & USB-C connection types
• Available in a range of colorways
• Prone to discounts

Cons

• Wired only
• Full price is higher than alternatives
• Cord is long and can be a hindrance

3.5-Star gaming gadgets

Steelseries Aeon Pro

Read the full review

Pros

• Excellent infinite battery life system
• Good comfort
• Excellent back button design
• Helpful screen
• Magnetic, swappable thumbstick tops

Cons

• Back buttons still take a fair bit of pressure to actuate
• Pause/Menu buttons are in the wrong place (objectively)
• More expensive than the competition, and I'm not sure it warrants it
• Only Hall sensor sticks, not TMR
• Only four extra buttons, not six

GMKTec K8 Plus

Read the full review

Pros

• Sturdy indie performance
• Can push into moderate Triple-As with help
• Easily upgradeable
• Oculink port

Cons

• Poor WiFi performance out the box
• Could use one or two more connections

What didn't make the cut?

Razer Kiyo V2 Pro webcam

2/5 Stars

Corsair Nightsword V2 Wireless

3/5 Stars

Corsair Vanguard Air 99 Wireless

2/5 Stars

For a look back on last month's picks, check out the best gaming tech we reviewed in September 2026.