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Fortnite Nintendo Switch 2 Edition review: by far the best way to play on a handheld, and a pretty solid TV experience too

by admin June 17, 2025

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Launching alongside the Nintendo Switch 2, Fortnite Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is quite simply the same game, but better. Bless developer and publisher Epic Games for trying, but Fortnite on the original Nintendo Switch is hardly the most elegant way to play and feels like you’re at a significant disadvantage thanks to the decreased graphical fidelity, framerate, and draw distance. It’s forgivable on handheld, but with TV mode, it looks rough and feels rougher. But I’m glad to say the Nintendo Switch 2 edition is a great way to play, no matter where you are.

Review info

Platform reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2
Available on: Nintendo Switch 2; Non-Switch 2 version available on Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, PS5, PC, Android, iOS (in some regions)
Release date: June 5, 2025

I mean, what can you even say about Fortnite at this point? Epic Games’ 100-person Battle Royale game has taken over the world over the last eight years, and it’s only grown larger in the time since. In the vein of something like Roblox, Fortnite is both a battle royale and a user-generated game platform where you can find an endless amount of custom maps to play with your friends on.

But let’s get into why the Fortnite Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is such a great way to play.

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Chug jug with you

(Image credit: Epic Games)

To really hammer that “you can play Fortnite without even touching its main mode” point home, I don’t like Battle Royale – the marquee mode – thanks to the game’s building mechanics. However, when it comes to the Zero Build mode, it’s undoubtedly the best Battle Royale game on the market right now. Over the years, Epic has augmented the core mechanics of the game with a host of new movement options like wall kicking and roll landing that keep things fluid in what used to be the jankiest of movement systems.

Of course, the problem with any ‘evolving game’ is that it’s tough to give a review of the main mode because of how it changes. Fortnite Chapter 5 Season 1 was peak, while Chapter 4 and Chapter 5’s third seasons were two of the absolute worst seasons of a live service game I’ve played. This means there could be three-month stretches where you just simply don’t like the game. And considering Epic Games has been experimenting with seasons based around media franchises like Marvel, Star Wars, and a rumored upcoming Simpsons season, if you don’t like those, that’s all you get for months.

Thanks to the use of the Nintendo Switch 2’s feature set and specs, it’s one of the best ways to play the game on console and by far the best handheld version.

Outside of that, there are the Epic Games-created modes. There’s Fortnite OG, which brings back the original Chapter 1 map (which can also be played in Zero Build, thankfully); Reload, which is a faster-paced 40-player battle; and Ballistic, a first-person mode that is a take on Counter-Strike. While none of these stand up to the core mode, they offer different ways to take on the mechanics of Fortnite and are solid games in their own right.

Then there are non-shooting modes like the Minecraft-inspired Lego Fortnite, Rocket Racing, and the best side mode, Fortnite Festival, which is a rhythm game mode and the closest thing we’ll get to a new Rock Band game, considering it was developed by Guitar Hero and Rock Band creator Harmonix. This mode gets constantly updated with songs and artists, with a new singer taking center stage with a skin and big song drop every few months or so (with the likes of Sabrina Carpenter, Metallica, and Hatsune Miku showing up).

And despite having so many options, the player base for each main mode is really healthy, meaning you’ll never wait too long to find a game of anything, with some custom games even having dedicated player bases. A few of these Epic-made modes have their own seasons and battle passes, too, which does add up if you don’t subscribe to the Fortnite Crew. However, Epic recently changed it so XP earned in any mode goes towards every single pass, which is a massive step up.

Mouse trap

(Image credit: Epic Games)

Fortnite Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is the same game as it is everywhere else; there are no exclusive modes or anything of the sort. However, thanks to the use of the Nintendo Switch 2’s feature set and specs, it’s one of the best ways to play the game on console and by far the best handheld version of Fortnite.

Compared to the Nintendo Switch version, which ran at 880p docked and 660p in handheld mode, Fortnite Nintendo Switch 2 Edition runs at 1224p docked and 900p in handheld, so it still isn’t 4K / 1080p, but it is a significant boost. However, the resolution isn’t where the upgrade matters; the improved textures as well as a far greater draw distance, which was one of the original console’s biggest hindrances – especially with how big the Fortnite map is. Most importantly, Fortnite Nintendo Switch 2 Edition runs at a solid 60fps as opposed to the 30fps of the Nintendo Switch – which in an online shooter that has cross-play with more powerful platforms – makes a world of difference.

Gyro aiming returns from the Nintendo Switch edition of Fortnite, but new to the Switch 2 version is support for mouse controls via the Joy-Con 2 controllers. Effectively, this allows you to use a mouse setup for aiming with the movement capabilities of an analogue stick, and is a wonderful combination.

Best bit

(Image credit: Epic Games)

As I was writing this review, Epic released a Hank Hill skin alongside an emote recreating the King of the Hill intro: my best bit can only be that and even how it looked on the Switch 2, which was excellent.

However, the mouse implementation is a touch awkward. Due to the lack of buttons available, you’ll still need to access the face buttons on your Joy-Con to jump and reload, which creates some uncomfortable moments as you crane your hand. Plus, the mouse controls need to be activated from the in-game menu, as opposed to just sticking the Joy-Con in mouse position like in other games. This isn’t the biggest pain in the world, but it doesn’t revert back once you use a controller that doesn’t support mouse controls (such as attaching your Joy-Con 2 to the Switch 2 itself), which means you’ll need to get the controller off and go through the menu with the mouse to deactivate it.

Fortnite is a phenomenon for a reason; if you let yourself get by the “popular game bad” noise that you often see with this and the likes of Call of Duty, you’ll find what is probably the best Battle Royale game in the genre. And even outside of that, it’s a massive game platform that has an endless supply of whatever you like, from racing, rhythm games, and even custom Fall Guys games.

However, the risks of an ongoing game persist because you’ll occasionally be hit with a season that makes the game bad for months, and there’s not much you can do to help it.

Having said that, Fortnite Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is easily the best way to play on the go or on a handheld device, and while it’s outclassed in power by the PS5 and Xbox versions when it comes to TV mode, it’s still solid to look at, and the mouse controls give it an edge that those consoles don’t have.

Should you play Fortnite Nintendo Switch 2 Edition?

Play it if…

Don’t play it if…

Accessibility

Fortnite has a ton of accessibility options, including multiple color blindness filters, the ability to remap controls however you like, alongside multiple control options like gyro aiming and mouse controls.

A standout feature is the visual sound effects toggle, which displays a ring around your character to indicate the source of sound effects and their corresponding representations (footsteps, loot, gunfire, etc.). This is particularly beneficial for those with hearing difficulties or when playing the game with the sound muted.

How I reviewed Fortnite Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

I played around eight hours of Fortnite Nintendo Switch 2 Edition on top of a good 300-400 hours played across PlayStation, PC, and Nintendo Switch. During my time with the Nintendo Switch 2 edition, I tested Zero Build mode, Fortnite Festival and a number of custom games.

I played this in a mixture of handheld mode on the Nintendo Switch 2 itself and on a Samsung Q60D TV and a Samsung HW-T450 soundbar using the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller and the Joy-Con 2 controllers when using mouse mode.

First reviewed June 2025

Fortnite Nintendo Switch 2 Edition: Price Comparison

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June 17, 2025 0 comments

Game Reviews

Metal Gear Solid 3 Remake Reveals Surprise Multiplayer Mode

by admin June 14, 2025

Image: Konami / Kotaku

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater isn’t just a 4K remake of the original PlayStation 2 game, it turns out. The Unreal Engine 5 upgrade of MSG 3 is also getting some entirely new content, including a multiplayer mode called Fox Hunt.

Total Recall: Why Yakuza Is So Much More Than A Japanese GTA

Revealed during a Konami Press Start showcase on Thursday, Fox Hunt takes place online in the same world as the single-player story but with different gameplay. Mode director Yu Sahara, who’s worked on Metal Gear in the past, distinguished it from Metal Gear Online, a multiplayer spin-off of Metal Gear Solid 4 that featured tactical stealth takes on traditional scenarios like team deathmatch and capture the flag.

“The landscape of multiplayer games has changed a lot,” he said during the livestream. Indeed it has, but the most appealing about Metal Gear getting multiplayer again is how old-school it might end up feeling compared to the current glut of extraction shooters, battle royales,and battle passes. Here’s a quick teaser from the showcase:

Instead of bringing that back, Sahara and the team at Konami worked on updating what Metal Gear Online might look like decades later. The focus will still be on camouflage and staying hidden before choosing the right time to go after an objective or surprise an opponent, and footage in a brief teaser showed characters getting into what look like small D-Walker-type mechs on the battlefield. Also lots of operatives crawling around in leaf shrouds.

Konami didn’t have anything else to reveal about the mode other than it will be arriving with the rest of Metal Gear Solid Delta at launch on August 28. In addition to Fox Hunt, the remake also features a Snake vs. Bomberman mode and one where he has to round-up monkeys from Ape Escape. Despite the new content, however, much of the base game appears to be an exceedingly faithful retread of the 2000s-era stealth thriller, just with modern controls and other tweaks to make it more approachable for new audiences. The original is still available to play as part of the Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection released back in 2023.

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June 14, 2025 0 comments

Game Reviews

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater Xbox players can indeed chase down Bomberman

by admin June 13, 2025

As we suspected, but couldn’t say 100 percent for sure until now, Bomberman has been confirmed for the Xbox version of Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater.

Earlier today, Konami released an Xbox-specific trailer for its upcoming remake of the 2004 game. And, while those on PS5 and Steam versions of Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater will be able to partake in a spot of ‘Snake vs Monkey’, where they have to capture the Pipo Monkeys, we now know Xbox users will instead square off with Bomberman.

“Snake vs Bomberman for Xbox Series X/S,” reads the trailer’s blurb. “Take control of Snake and face off with Bomberman in this special side mode. Blast ’em away in each stage!” You can have a watch below.

METAL GEAR SOLID Δ: SNAKE EATER – Xbox Gameplay Trailer.Watch on YouTube

As well as this Bomberman confirmation, earlier today Konami also announced a “completely original” online multiplayer mode coming to Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, known as Fox Hunt.

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater was initially revealed back in 2023. It retains the 2004 original’s story – which follows Naked Snake on an operation deep within the Soviet jungle, some 31 years before the events of Metal Gear.

This remake has been done with future generations in mind, series producer Noriaki Okamura said in an interview last year. “It was basically our mission, our duty, to kind of continue making sure that the series lives on for future generations,” Okamura said. “After all, we leave behind much more than just DNA, as Solid Snake would say – but again, who is Solid Snake?”

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is scheduled for release on 28th August.

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June 13, 2025 0 comments

Game Updates

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater taking “hide-and-go-seek to the next level” with original multiplayer mode

by admin June 12, 2025

Konami has announced Fox Hunt mode for its upcoming release, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater.

Fox Hunt is a “completely original” online multiplayer mode, which while sharing the world with Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater will have “completely different” gameplay. It is not, the developer has said, Metal Gear Online (they knew you would ask that).

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater – UE5 Remake vs Original – How Does the Trailer Stack Up? Watch on YouTube

Fox Hunt is “its own, new type of mode,” the team explained during the reveal. “We very much appreciate all the long time fans of MGO, who have always wanted to see it make a comeback. But, the landscape of multiplayer games has changed a lot since MGO.”

A lot of thought was put into coming up with its new online mode, Konami said, and Fox Hunt will have a focus on stealth and survival. “We’re taking camouflage and hide-and-go-seek to the next level,” the studio said, promising “more than just a shoot out”.

This will all be an experience “unique” to Metal Gear. We can expect more news on this online feature down the road, so stayed tuned. In the meantime, you can check out the trailer for Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater’s Fox Hunt mode below.

Metal Gear Solid Delta Snake Eater Fox Hunt Online Reveal Trailer. Watch on YouTube

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is scheduled for release on 28th August, complete with the Ape Escape-themed minigame from the original game. Last month, Konami released the intro video for Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, which is absolutely worth a watch.

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June 12, 2025 0 comments

Game Updates

Konami Press Start Showcase Will Highlight Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, Silent Hill F, And More This Week

by admin June 10, 2025

Though last week was packed with showcases like the PlayStation State of Play, Geoff Keighley’s Summer Games Fest, the Xbox Games Showcase 2025, Day of the Devs, and plenty more, there’s still some summer fun on the horizon. Konami has revealed it will host a Press Start showcase this week on Thursday, June 12, at 6 a.m. PT/9 a.m. ET, where it will highlight roughly 37 minutes of Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, Silent Hill f, and more.

“Join Konami for a broadcast of the latest information on new, upcoming titles like Silent Hill f and Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, and more,” the show’s description reads.

Though that’s not much to go on, fans excited for Konami’s upcoming Metal Gear Solid 3 remake and the latest Silent Hill, which brings players to Japan, should tune in when Press Start airs on Thursday.

In the meantime, check out the latest Silent Hill f gameplay trailer, where we also learned it is launching this September, and then check out Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater’s remade version of the original game’s iconic opening movie.

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June 10, 2025 0 comments

Game Reviews

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater and Silent Hill f livestream announced by Konami

by admin June 9, 2025

Here’s a new date for your bumper summer line up of video game showcases: Konami has today announced its own livestream, which will give us all a fresh look at both Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater and Silent Hill f.

The showcase – known as Konami Press Start – is scheduled for this coming Thursday, 12th June. It will air at 2pm here in the UK, so that’s 6:00am PT / 9:00am ET / 3:00pm CEST.

The whole thing is expected to last for around 37 minutes, Konami has said. While the studio namechecked both Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater and Silent Hill f, it also promised “and more” during that time.

Everything We Know About Silent Hill f So Far. Watch on YouTube

Those interested in tuning in can do so via YouTube, Twitch, or Facebook.

“This live event offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from the creative minds behind some of Konami’s most iconic franchises,” the developer said, promising us all “insights into the development process”, as well as “exclusive content”.

As for those games mentioned above, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is scheduled for release on 28th August, complete with the Ape Escape-themed minigame from the original game. Last month, Konami released the intro video for Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, which is absolutely worth a watch.

Silent Hill f, meanwhile, is slated for launch later this year, on 25th September. It will be “more action-oriented” than last year’s Silent Hill 2 remake, but still feature puzzles that are “grounded in psychological anguish and suffering”.

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June 9, 2025 0 comments

Product Reviews

Activo Volcano review: Astell & Kern’s offshoot brand delivers its cheapest IEMs to date and they’re solid, but not without fault

by admin June 9, 2025

Why you can trust TechRadar

We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Activo Volcano review

Astell & Kern’s lifestyle-focused sub-brand is back with a new offering, the Activo Volcano. These wired in-ear headphones aim to bring audiophile-quality sound to all, combining supposedly “vibrant, immersive sound” at an easy-to-swallow price.

Specifically, the Activo Volcano IEMs will set you back $80 / £99 (about AU$120), which is considerably – and I mean considerably – cheaper than most of the brand’s oeuvre to date. As well as carrying a modest price tag, the Activo Volcano come with a 3.5mm, 4.4mm, and a USB-C connector, meaning they’re available to a broad audience, across a broad range of devices. But is Activo’s budget offering a hit?

Well, to some degree, I’d answer that with a resounding yes. That ability to cycle through various connectivity options is something many of the best wired earbuds skip out on and to be clear, the Activo Volcano execute this fantastically well. Simply unscrew whichever connector is in use and swivel the desired alternative on – that’s all there is to it.

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There’s a handy carry case included too, so you can store the out-of-use adapters when you’re on the go. On top of that, you get a nice selection of both foam and rubber eartips in a range of sizes. After you’ve found the right fit, you should get a tight seal, ensuring you hear their various drivers at their best and with commendable passive noise isolation. Activo’s decision to pack all of this in at such an uncharacteristically low price-point is certainly something to be applauded.

Where I become – let’s say, a little more picky – is in the audio department. Yes, this is a product from the Astell & Kern ecosystem, but if you’re expecting truly premium high-grade sound, you’re going to have to look elsewhere. Do the Activo Volcano sound poor, then? Absolutely not. But if you want the most intricately detailed sound around, you will need to spend more.

So, let’s really zoom in on how the Activo Volcano sound. Each earpiece boasts a triple driver design: a main 8mm unit partnered with two 6mm drivers. This configuration, says Activo, is intended to enhance the richness of lower-midrange and bass. And perhaps as the name suggests, you can hear rumbling bass erupt from the get-go.

Yep, you’re gonna sense a significant emphasis on low-end output with these in-ears – something that perhaps a lot of IEMs hesitate to go too hard on. When tuning into Breather by Chris Stussy & S. A. M., I was struck by palpable low-end output, with the Volcano easily able to replicate the track’s pounding drum machine.

Activo compares these IEM’s low frequency output to the “eruption of magma” from a Volcano. And although you’re not going to get that ultra-immersive, almost tangible boom that some of the best over-ear headphones can deliver, say, I’d argue there’s enough depth here for fans of bass-heavy bangers to sink their teeth into.

I’ll admit, I certainly do enjoy a slight emphasis towards bass registers, especially given that I predominantly listen to a mixture of funk, dance, and jazz fusion. But many looking for a flashy new pair of IEMs – whether musicians, audiophiles, or just casual listeners – may be hoping for a more neutral sound signature. And that is something you’re not going to get out of the gate here.

When listening to Flying Beagle by Himiko Kikuchi, I felt the low-end could sound a little overstated, not giving quite enough room for the flowing piano to sit forward and work its magic, while letting light percussion roll through the backdrop. And when listening to Splash Mountain by Yung Gravy, an already bassy track, I felt that both the low-end and treble were a touch aggressive, meaning vocals in the mid-range were left behind. That’s not to say that the Volcano are regularly harsh-sounding or typically deliver muddy audio, but just know that there are more well-rounded options out there.

For instance, I switched over to my Sennheiser IE 200, which are among my very favorite IEMs, and cost a very similar amount to the Volcano. As soon as I did this, I could tell a big difference in quality across all genres. The IE 200, put simply, plate up better balance and instrument separation, meaning you get a more nuanced, revealing listen.

Even still, the Volcano aren’t going to smack you with distorted or tinny sound. Generally, I found tracks were clear and there were noticeable details, such as light electronica in Black Eye by Allie X, that didn’t go amiss. And if you customize EQ in your source device or streaming app’s settings, you’ll be able to get a more neutral sound – or not – depending on what you’re into. But, all in all, I’d be lying if I said these blew me away, sonically speaking.

(Image credit: Future)

Unfortunately, I’m not done with my criticism of these IEMs just yet, though. If I’m honest, there’s not a ton that I love about their design. First of all, I want to talk about looks. Now, Activo says that the Volcano have a “crater-inspired” design that symbolizes the “immense power and energy” of their triple drivers.

But really, I’m getting moon crater, rather than volcanic crater from these – especially given the white and silver finish that’s been selected here. I also moaned at Tribit earlier this year after the Tribit Stormbox Lava speaker totally failed at playing to its open-goal volcanic theme. Any audio manufacturers out there fancy making a more fun volcano-inspired product? I’ll be keeping an eye out.

On top of that, I just found the Volcano earpieces a bit too bulky in my ear. Each bud felt substantially heftier than my IE 200 and I found it challenging to keep these on for much more than an hour or so before fatigue kicked in. The cable is pretty chunky too and is without playback options or a mic – something you’d get from a rival like the Shure Aonic 3.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. I have to say, the build of the Activo Volcano appears more luxurious than perhaps its price suggests. The cable, while large, looks and feels high in quality. It’s also detachable if you want to swap in an after-market alternative. For reference, though, the included wire is made up of seven-strand silver-plated copper and five-strand oxygen-free copper cables. The PC material used for the buds themselves also feels smooth and not overly plasticky, oozing a sense of durability and reliability.

So, let’s return to the all-important question. Are the Activo Volcano a hit? Well, perhaps not quite. There’s plenty to like here for sure, whether that be weighty bass output, high build quality or various connectivity options. But equally, there are a few areas that left me a touch disappointed. I personally found that the model is overly large, with a design that while secure and easy to fit, isn’t particularly comfortable or on-theme. And the audio – though still good for the price – could be more revealing and balanced.

Should you buy the Activo Volcano? Well, if you don’t need fantastic evenness across the frequencies and don’t mind it’s slightly larger feel, then perhaps. But for a similar price, I’d say you’ll be better off with the Sennheiser IE 200 – did I mention I like those?

(Image credit: Future)

Activo Volcano review: Price and release date

$80 / £99 (about AU$120)
Launched in March 2025

The Activo Volcano IEMs came to market in March 2025. Activo is still fairly fresh and was created by parent Astell & Kern as a lifestyle brand. And the Volcano are its cheapest offering to date, with a list price of $80 / £99 (about AU$120). That’s a massive chunk less than Activo’s previous effort, the Activo Q1 IEMs, which we rated four-and-a-half stars, lauding their excellent clarity and superb separation.

Activo Volcano review: Specs

Swipe to scroll horizontally

Drivers

1x 8mm, 2x 6mm dynamic triple-driver

Weight

5g (per bud)

Frequency range

20Hz-20kHz

Waterproof rating

Not stated

Connectivity

3.5mm; 4.4mm; USB-C

(Image credit: Future)

Should you buy the Activo Volcano?

Swipe to scroll horizontally

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Features

Detachable cable, interchangeable connectors, no controller.

4/5

Sound quality

Good audio for the price, big bass, but rivals offer more balance and detail.

4/5

Design

Unremarkable looks, bulky, not massively comfortable, but premium feel.

2.5/5

Value

Cheap given overall quality, but similar-priced competitors are stronger.

4/5

Buy them if…

Don’t buy them if…

Activo Volcano review: Also consider

Swipe to scroll horizontallyHeader Cell – Column 0

Activo Volcano

Sennheiser IE 200

Master & Dynamic ME05

Price

$80 / £99 (about AU$120)

$149.95 / £129.99 / AU$239.95

$199 / £169 (about AU$320)

Drivers

1x 8mm, 2x 6mm dynamic triple-driver

7mm dynamic

8mm high-excursion

Weight

5g (per bud)

4g (per bud)

23g

Frequency range

20Hz-20kHz

6Hz-20kHz

20Hz-20kHz

Waterproof rating

Not stated

Connectivity

3.5mm; 4.4mm; USB-C

3.5mm

3.5mm; USB-C

How I tested the Activo Volcano

(Image credit: Future)

Tested for multiple weeks
Used in the office and while on a flight
Predominantly tested using Tidal

I used the Activo Volcano over the course of multiple weeks. I predominantly tested them while working at home, but also used them at the office and while on a flight. When listening to tunes, I mainly turned to Tidal, but I also spent some time blasting songs on Spotify.

When testing, I ran through the entirety of the TechRadar testing playlist, which contains tracks from a variety of genres. I also compared the Volcano against the Sennheiser IE 200 and re-released version of the Master & Dynamic ME05.

Activo Volcano: Price Comparison

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June 9, 2025 0 comments

Product Reviews

Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1 Review: A solid 2-in-1, though not without compromise

by admin June 6, 2025

Why you can trust TechRadar

We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1: One-minute review

The Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1 is the latest hybrid laptop from the venerable Windows laptop maker, marking its first 2-in-1 since the company’s major rebranding earlier this year, which replaced the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 2-in-1.

Fortunately, as with the clamshell Dell 14 Plus, Dell’s latest 2-in-1 offers very solid performance at a fantastic price. But given that this is a 2-in-1, typically a form factor where the display takes center stage, the dim, lackluster panel makes this a less attractive option as a 2-in-1 than its clamshell sibling.

Starting at $649.99 / £849 / AU$1,498.20, the Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1 does earn its place among the best 2-in-1 laptops this year thanks to its affordable starting price, especially in the US and Australia where the AMD Ryzen AI 300 configurations are available. When these configurations make it to the UK, the prices there ought to be much cheaper to start as well.

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Performance-wise, the 14 Plus 2-in-1 isn’t much different than the standard 14 Plus, so what you’re really looking for here is the versatility that comes with a 2-in-1.

Unfortunately, this versatility is undermined by the display quality, which is much more important on a 2-in-1. So while I found the rather dim FHD+ display on the 14 Plus to be an acceptable compromise to keep the price down, it’s a much bigger negative on the 14 Plus 2-in-1.

That’s not to say the Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1 is necessarily bad, or even that its display is an absolute dealbreaker. Given its price and level of performance, the display doesn’t keep it from being one of the best student laptops on the market right now, and it also remains one of the best Dell laptops on offer currently. Just be prepared to look past a couple of flaws if you decide to pick one up.

Dell 14 Plus: Price & availability

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

How much does it cost? Starts at $649.99 / £849 / AU$1,498.20
When is it available? It’s available now
Where can you get it? You can buy it in the US, UK, and Australia through Dell’s website and other retailers.

Easily the best feature of the Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1 is its excellent pricing. Starting at $649.99 / £849 / AU$1,498.20, there aren’t going to be many Windows laptops with solid entry-level specs at this price point. For those who are more price-sensitive (such as students, general users, and enterprise fleet managers), the 14 Plus 2-in-1 really should be at the top of your list if you’re in the market for a 2-in-1.

Even better, of course, is that Dell regularly runs sales on its products, so it should be fairly easy to find this laptop for even cheaper (especially around holidays or other major sales events like Amazon Prime Day).

Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1: Specs

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

Configurations vary considerably between the US, UK, and Australia
Options for both Intel Core Ultra 200V and AMD Ryzen AI 300 processors
No discrete graphics options

The starting specs for the Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1 feature 16GB DDR5 RAM, 512GB PCIe SSD storage, and a 16:10 FHD+ (1200p) IPS touchscreen display with 300-nit max brightness. The only difference between the US, UK, and Australia is that the US and Aussies start off with an AMD Ryzen 5 AI 340 processor with Radeon 840M graphics, and the UK starting configuration comes with an Intel Core Ultra 5 226V chip.

This also means that while the US and Australian starting configuration only has two USB-C Gen 3.2 ports, the UK swaps one of these out for a full Thunderbolt 4 port.

Swipe to scroll horizontallyDell 14 Plus 2-in-1 Base Specs

Region

Australia

Price:

$649.99 at Dell.com

£849 at Dell.com

AU$1,498.20 at Dell.com

CPU:

AMD Ryzen AI 5 340

Intel Core Ultra 5 226V

AMD Ryzen AI 5 340

GPU:

AMD Radeon 840M Graphics

Intel Arc Xe2 (140V)

AMD Radeon 840M Graphics

Memory:

16GB LPDDR5X-7500

16GB LPDDR5X-8533

16GB LPDDR5X-7500

Storage:

512GB SSD

Screen:

14-inch 16:10 FHD+ (1200p), 300-nit, touch IPS

Ports:

2 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 w/ DP and Power Delivery, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1 x HDMI 1.4, 1 x combo jack

1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C w/ DP 1.4 and Power Delivery, 1 x Thunderbolt 4 w/ DP 2.1 and Power Delivery, 1 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x combo jack

2 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 w/ DP and Power Delivery, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1 x HDMI 1.4, 1 x combo jack

Battery (WHr):

64 WHr

Wireless:

WiFi 7, BT 5.4

Camera:

1080p@30fps

Weight:

3.35 lb (1.52 kg)

3.42 lbs (1.55kg)

3.35 lbs (1.52kg)

Dimensions:

12.36 x 8.9 x 0.65 ins | (314 x 226.15 x 16.39mm)

For the max spec, the US and UK can configure the 14 Plus 2-in-1 with an Intel Core Ultra 9 288V processor with Intel Arc Xe2 (140V) graphics, while Australia tops out at an AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 processor with Radeon 840M graphics. The US config also maxes out at 32GB DDR5 RAM and 1TB storage, while the UK and Australia max out at 16GB DDR5 RAM, and 512GB and 1TB storage, respectively.

Swipe to scroll horizontallyDell 14 Plus 2-in-1 Top Specs

Region

Australia

Price:

$1,499.99 at Dell.com

£1,299 at Dell.com

AU$1,498.20 at Dell.com

CPU:

Intel Core Ultra 9 288V

AMD Ryzen AI 7 350

GPU:

Intel Arc Xe2 (140V) Graphics

AMD Radeon 840M Graphics

Memory:

32GB LPDDR5X-8533

16GB LPDDR5X-7500

Storage:

1TB NVMe SSD

512GB NVMe SSD

1TB NVMe SSD

Screen:

14-inch 16:10 FHD+ (1200p), 300-nit, touch IPS

Ports:

1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C w/ DP 1.4 and Power Delivery, 1 x Thunderbolt 4 w/ DP 2.1 and Power Delivery, 1 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x combo jack

2 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 w/ DP and Power Delivery, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1 x HDMI 1.4, 1 x combo jack

Battery (WHr):

64 WHr

Wireless:

WiFi 7, BT 5.4

Camera:

1080p@30fps

Weight:

3.42 lbs (1.55kg)

3.35 lb (1.52 kg)

Dimensions:

12.36 x 8.9 x 0.65 ins | (314 x 226.15 x 16.39mm)

The configuration I reviewed is much more in the middle of the pack, featuring an Intel Core Ultra 7 256V chip, 16GB LPDDR5x RAM, and a 1TB SSD. This specific configuration isn’t available in the UK and Australia, but the UK can get close enough (though with half the storage capacity).

Swipe to scroll horizontallyDell 14 Plus Review Unit Specs

Price:

$1,099.99 / £999 / (about AU$1,650, but Intel systems not yet available in Australia)

CPU:

Intel Core Ultra 7 256V

GPU:

Intel Arc Xe2 (140V) Graphics

Memory:

16GB LPDDR5X-8533

Storage:

1TB NVMe SSD (512GB in the UK)

Screen:

14-inch 16:10 FHD+ (1200p), 300 nit, touch IPS

Ports:

1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C w/ DP 1.4 and Power Delivery, 1 x Thunderbolt 4 w/ DP 2.1 and Power Delivery, 1 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x combo jack

Battery (WHr):

64 WHr

Wireless:

WiFi 7, BT 5.4

Camera:

1080p@30fps

Weight:

3.42 lbs (1.55kg)

Dimensions:

12.36 x 8.9 x 0.67 ins | (314 x 226.15 x 16.95mm)

Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1: Design

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

Thin and light
Trackpad can feel ‘sticky’
Display isn’t great for a 2-in-1

The design of the Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1 is nearly identical to the standard 14 Plus, with the major difference being its 360-degree hinge. Otherwise, it sports a functional design language that, while not premium, doesn’t necessarily look or feel cheap either.

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

The keyboard on the 14 Plus 2-in-1 is functional, if not incredible, but for most people it’ll do the job just fine. The trackpad occassionally felt somewhat ‘sticky’ to me, however, and it’s something that kind of gives away the laptop’s price point, if I’m being honest. I’ve felt similar trackpads on much cheaper Chromebooks in the past.

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

The webcam is a solid 1080p at 30 frames per second, which is pretty much standard nowadays. It does feature a physical privacy shutter though, which is excellent.

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

For ports, you have a good mix, especially for a laptop this thin, and if you’re using an Intel-based configuration, you get a Thunderbolt 4 port, which is very handy. Regardless of the processor brand, though, with USB-C Gen 3.2 ports available, you can display out using DisplayPort 1.4, and all USB-C ports support power delivery.

Where this laptop was more of a letdown than its clamshell cousin is the display. At 300 nits peak brightness and just 67.5% of the sRGB color gamut and only 47.8% DCI-P3 (according to my testing), the color quality and brightness on the display just isn’t very good.

It’s one thing when the display on a cheap clamshell isn’t great, but if you plan on taking notes or maybe even do some sketch work on your 2-in-1, this display is not going to give you the best experience. If you plan on using this laptop for school, try to avoid using it outside on a sunny day, or else you’re really going to struggle to see things clearly.

Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1: Performance

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

Solid performance
Can do some modest gaming
Not the best for creative work

Here’s how the Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1 performed in our suite of benchmark tests:

Geekbench 6.4 (Single): 2,673; (Multi): 10,880
Crossmark (Overall): 1,708; (Productivity): 1,655; (Creativity): 1,934; (Responsiveness): 1,293
3DMark (Night Raid): 31,074; (Fire Strike): 8,462; (Time Spy): 3,896; (Steel Nomad): 601
Civilization VI Gathering Storm (1080p, Max Graphics, Avg): 53 fps
Civilization VII (1080p, Medium, Avg): 59 fps; (High): 34 fps
Web Surfing Battery Test: 15 hours, 14 minutes

The performance of the Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1 is going to vary quite a bit depending on your configuration, but like the clamshell 14 Plus, the 14 Plus 2-in-1 is a very solid performer when it comes to everyday computing and general productivity tasks that are typical of laptops at this price point.

To be clear, this isn’t a professional mobile workstation like the MacBook Pro 14, and definitely isn’t one of the best gaming laptops, but if what you’re looking for is a laptop that does its job, does it reasonably well, and doesn’t try to do too much beyond the everyday, then the 14 Plus 2-in-1 is a very solid pick (especially if you’re on a budget).

Thanks to the integrated Intel Arc Xe2 or Radeon 840M graphics (depending on your configuration), you’ll also be able to get some casual to moderate gaming out of this laptop, though you’ll definitely want to keep things at or below 1080p and reasonable graphics settings.

In my testing, Civilization VII (one of the more graphically demanding sim games out there) managed to get close to 60 FPS on average on medium settings, which is more than enough for a thin and light laptop like this.

This is a 2-in-1, though, and the focus really is on note-taking, drawing, and the like, and for that the responsiveness of the display was good enough for the price, though nothing spectacular.

Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1: Battery Life

How long does it last on a single charge? 15 hours and 14 minutes
How long to fully charge it to 100%? 2 hours and 36 minutes

I haven’t tested one of the AMD Ryzen AI 300 models of this laptop, but the Intel Core Ultra 256V in my review unit is a very energy-efficient chip, so this laptop’s battery life is good enough to rival many of the best laptops of the past few years, though it’s not in the top five or anything like that.

It ran for just over 15 hours in my battery test, which involves using a script and custom server to simulate typical web browsing behavior. This is more than enough for a typical work or school day, and with the included 65W charger, it took about two and a half hours to recharge the 64WHr battery to full from empty (though higher wattage chargers will likely get you there faster).

Should you buy the Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1?

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)Swipe to scroll horizontallyDell 14 Plus 2-in-1 Scorecard

Buy the Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1 if…

Don’t buy it if…

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June 6, 2025 0 comments

A 3D printed custom PC case build fashioned to look like a triumphantly-posed Palico from Capcom's Monster Hunter series. It has a long sword strapped to its backpack. A GPU features prominently in the sword's hilt. This was photographed on the show floor at Computex 2025.

Product Reviews

Computex 2025 made me realise I have no time for extravagant PC parts, just give me a simple, solid design and function

by admin May 27, 2025

I’m a staunch defender of the dull, the drab, the plain, the ‘oh yeah, I didn’t notice that.’ And nothing has reminded me of my proclivity towards all things seemingly mundane than Computex 2025 and all the resultant ooh-ing and aah-ing over extravagant tech.

I know, I know, tech shows are supposed to be gaudy and extravagant, and they are just so every year, but these consumerist fever dream pills never get easier to swallow. In fact, as I get older, it gets more difficult.

What am I talking about? Everything from AIO shelves for displaying figurines, a million-and-one screens attached to things that don’t need them—giant CPU cooler screens, cases with built-in screens, bendy cooler screens that move around for seemingly no reason—and just about as many convoluted PC case designs.

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Now look, I’m not denying there’s something impressive about a Palico PC case with an RTX 5070 Ti built into its sword, but it’s impressive in the same way that lifelike wax sculptures of people are: They’re eye-catching and quite the creative feat, but you won’t catch me slapping one down in the home office.

And that’s just the good PC cases. Don’t get me started on the likes of those coffee cup-shaped monstrosities. Sometimes I feel like a lot of time could be saved by just pulling aside designers early on and asking, Why?

INWIN lâche un boitier de OUF, le CHRONOMANCY !!! – YouTube

Watch On

Listen, I’m not judging. Everyone’s tastes are different, and I’m not saying I’m right—but I am right.

It didn’t take me long to find some things I do like the look of at this year’s Computex, though. Upon discovering Noctua has created its own PC case, I had my boring equivalent of a normal human being’s excitement: ‘Ooh, a Noctua case for an all-Noctua build. I hope it’s very plain and brown.’

I wasn’t disappointed. It would look great under my plain and brown (but very stylish!) desk. Noctua gets it, y’see.

(Image credit: Future)

I also did find something shiny that I could get behind, this being the PNY Iron Core series of RTX 50-series graphics cards. But that’s primarily thanks to the underside of the design being very plain—just a flat, shiny surface, not too much going on other than the RGB arrow, which I suppose I can put up with if I must.

I wasn’t free from having my nostalgia muscles massaged, either. Silverstone’s new retro PC case got me longing for a time long past… but that’s hardly the same as an endorsement of a design on its own terms, is it? And anyway, it’s a beige, ’90s themed PC case—the whole point is it’s kind of plain.

(Image credit: Future)

It’s not all minimalist designs that got me almost-but-not-quite riled up this year, either. No, I was pleasantly surprised to find my favourite design improvements to be on the most boring component of them all: the power supply.

Computex 2025

(Image credit: Jacob Ridley)

Catch up with Computex 2025: We’re on the ground at Taiwan’s biggest tech show to see what Nvidia, AMD, Intel, Asus, Gigabyte, MSI and more have to show.

The first of these was a PSU with thermal sensors that can help shut off overheating GPU power cables, which will be an extra level of security for high-end RTX 50-series graphics card owners. But if that isn’t quite exciting enough for you, we also saw a PSU with a power connector that swivels, allowing you to orient the entire power supply in different directions inside your case for more versatile cable management.

Who needs anything more than that? Not I, that’s who.

Admittedly I am someone who is currently sitting with a Fractal Design Define R4 under their desk—a veritably plain slab of a chassis. So no surprises there. But come on, would you really take a side-panel LCD over a twizzly PSU connector?

Oh, you would… Well, I stand by it anyway.

The only real debate occurs for me when I see something like Hyte’s latest bubbly case. It’s kind of minimalistic, but equally… strange. Good job Hyte, you got me. I can’t fit this one into my neat and tidy dichotomy.

Bubbly cases aside, I think my black-and-white thinking holds pretty firm across the other products we saw this year. Now choose your side—the right one, or the wrong one—and prepare for Computex 2026.

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May 27, 2025 0 comments

Game Updates

Metal Gear Solid Delta’s James Bond opening gets the remake treatment

by admin May 25, 2025

Pull out the tuxedo and order a martini — shaken, not stirred — because Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater’s James Bond-esque opening has finally been revealed, and it’s different. Konami rolled out the 3-minute clip on YouTube, showing off new footage and audio from the forthcoming espionage game that reimagines Metal Gear Solid 3’s cinematic introduction.

Some key visual differences include the skeletal snakes from the original opening being more prominent in the remake. Additional shots of Snake being badass are scattered through the remade sequence, alongside shots from the original, now realized in incredible detail.

While Colonel Volgin is solely shown in the OG version, the new iteration includes even more key characters from the Cobra Unit, like The End (with his enormous eye), The Pain, and The Fear, with subtle redesigns that honor the original game’s vision. For good measure, Konami also throws in a shot of the dramatic showdown between Snake and The Boss.

The clip features new vocals from the great Cynthia Harrell, giving a softer performance compared to her original 2004 “Snake Eater” recording. Harrell’s ballad features noticeably less bass and fewer horn instruments than the 2004 edition, and leans heavier into psychedelic ambiance, emphasizing Harrell singing, “I’m still in a dream.”

Regardless of the changes, the sentiments from the original song — “concepts of why we have to live and why we have to go on,” as the song’s composer Norihiko Hibino told Polygon — remain intact.

At this point, you’re probably wondering whether or not players can still control the on-screen snakes like it’s 2004. Well, the short answer is yes.

According to the YouTube video’s description, players can engage with “interactive elements from the original, included in the in-game version of the opening.” And if Konami is honoring the snake mini-game, there’s a chance players can expect to hear a version of the song when you’re back climbing that unrealistically long ladder towards the end of the game — for James Bond dramatics, of course.

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater will be released on Aug. 28 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC.

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May 25, 2025 0 comments