Welcome to the Fall, and to celebrate the 'bers we're rounding up all the top gaming tech we tested in September 2026.
From five-star Nintendo Switch 2 cases (the Orzly Carry Case earned full marks in our review this month) to gaming chairs with more recline settings than we know what to do with, we've had our hands on accessories all across the shelves as well as a number of PCs to boot.
That's because this month has brought us two gaming laptops to contend with. The Alienware 16X Aurora is now one of the best Alienware laptops on the shelves thanks to that updated OLED display, while the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 (2026) holds onto the 'best 18-inch' category for another year.
Four new controllers also passed our desks last month, from the retro 8BitDo FlipPad providing a much-needed doomscroll break to the GameSir Super Nova falling just short of full marks due to its tricky wake functionality.
You'll find all the top-rated tech we've tested this month just below, and the full GamesRadar+ Hardware digest for our top picks of 2026 so far.
5-Star gaming gadgets

Pros
- Same excellent dynamic backrest
- Integrated fans are actually useful for cooling
- Upholstery now feels worth the price
- Even more recline settings
- Easier assembly
- Improved build quality
Cons
- Very, very high price to pay
- Still fairly limited colorway choices

Pros
- Available in a huge range of colors
- Affordable price point and prone to discounts
- Sports a simple, sleek look
- Includes a zipped fabric mesh accessory pocket
- Can store up to 21 physical games
- Deepset design takes pressure off the handheld during travel
Cons
- Its spacious storage adds bulk
- All the colors share the same boring, black interior
4.5-Star gaming gadgets

Pros
- Clever hinge mechanism
- Excellent build quality
- Clicky dome buttons
- Super sleek
- Direct USB-C connectivity
Cons
- No back shoulder buttons
- No wirelessly connectivity for other systems
- Requires a specific 2mm phone case for a flush fit

Pros
- Extremely powerful
- Highly customizable, impactful Mini LED display
- Sturdy port selection
Cons
- Extremely expensive
- Side-mounted ports won't be for everyone

Pros
- Sophisticated design matches flagship releases
- Fast, vivid display
- Powerful audio setup
- Higher quality cameras than dedicated gaming phones
- Excellent battery life
Cons
- Can feel unwieldy in smaller hands

Pros
- Excellent QD-OLED vibrancy for under $400
- Anti-glare helps reduce glossy reflections
- 360-degree rotating base
- Responsive 240Hz abilities
Cons
- Dialled back brightness
- Zero cable management

Pros
- Unmatched value with a well-balanced sound and dedicated subwoofer for for $30
- Simple to use, featuring a simple physical volume dial and plug-and-play setup
- Smart acoustic design thanks to 45-degree angled drivers
Cons
- Severe cable clutter with wires for power, audio, and satellites creates an unsightly desktop mess
- No Bluetooth or USB audio
- Single color option of black and gold

Pros
- Speedy dual 540Hz and 720Hz abilities
- Anti-VRR flicker and
- Top tier OLED colors and vibrancy
- Enhanced brightness compared to the original
- Slick 360 pedestal
Cons
- Pricey for a 27-inch panel
- 720Hz benefits are limited
- Could feel more like a sequel monitor

Pros
- Excellent glare-free OLED display packs a punch
- Solid RTX 5070 mid-range performance
- Smooth, soft aesthetic
- RTX 5070 Ti configuration option will push further into QHD
- Enough battery life for a work day
- Easily upgradeable RAM and SSD bays
Cons
- Softer feeling keyboard
- Heavier than other 16-inch models
4-Star gaming gadgets

Pros
- Same great shape and comfort as the Tarantula Pro
- Microswitch buttons are a welcome addition
- New top paddles are excellent
- 8K polling, TMR thumbsticks
- Symmetrical layout
Cons
- The lack of rumble motors means it lacks feel
- PC and Xbox versions are wired-only

Pros
- Truly impressive build quality for the price
- Just the right level of stick and trigger tension
- Easy wireless pairing and sturdy connection
- Endlessly customizable
- Trigger locks difficult to find on Switch
Cons
- Questionable wake functionality
- Rigid d-pad

Pros
- Ridiculously thin design
- Sharp 1:1 IPS display
- Full RetroPi emulation capabilities
- Gamercard storefront with specific ports
- Adapted built-in games
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and HDMI output
Cons
- Rubber disc controls are hard to wield
- Zero ergonomics

Pros
- Super comfortable dynamic backrest
- Impressive, tuneable lumbar support
- Five recline positions up to 160 degrees
- Soft upholstery and cushioning
Cons
- Armrests and headrest don’t hold their position
- Noticeable noise from frame and cylinder base
- Backrest can get warm and may not suit larger frames

Pros
- The most versatile gaming mouse on the market
- Feels excellent in a palm grip
- Surprisingly effective precision tactile scroll wheel
- Updated with new sensor and polling options
Cons
- Still too heavy for competitive FPS
- Priced higher than more focused models
- Tricky to control in a fingertip grip

Pros
- Full-size dual analogue sticks
- Bluetooth and wired connectivity
- Works with Evercade, Switch, and PC
- Turbo and auto-fire for arcade games
- Fitting Evercade aesthetic
Cons
- Sticks aren't hall-effect
- No 2.4 GHz connectivity
- Blocky design isn't super comfortable

Pros
- Slick Mac Mini-esque design
- Upgradeable RAM and storage
- Workable 1080p gaming performance
- Easy-reach ports
Cons
- More expensive than last year's

Pros
- Deep grips add unique comfort
- Responsive membrane buttons
- TMR sticks
- Great lower back buttons
- Traditional Xbox shape feels authentic
- Great build quality
- Lots of eye-catching designs
Cons
- Slippy thumbstick texture out of the box
- Top back buttons could be angled better
- Similarly priced competition offers more
- 1000Hz polling only with a wire
3.5-Star gaming gadgets

Pros
- Fantastic sound
- Comfortable to wear for long periods
- Includes a carrying case
- Includes different bud sizes
- Easy to fit in Switch 2 cases
- Cable is detachable for easy replacements
Cons
- Pricier than standard wired buds
- Incompatible with most modern smartphones

Pros
- Some of the best visual fidelity you'll find in VR
- Lightweight design adds a lot of comfort
- One of the few wired, lossless PCVR gaming headsets today
- Powerful audio
Cons
- Volatile companion software
- Controllers and their tracking could be better for the money you pay
- Noticeable FOV border
- Heavy performance draw
- Extremely expensive
Of course, you can always take a look back at our top picks from August for more inspiration.





