Shacknews Best of CES 2025

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After returning from our yearly visit to the Consumer Electronics Show, Shacknews has shared a variety of discoveries – from extraordinary technological advancements, practical tools, to some truly unusual finds. With the event still vivid in our memory, our team collaborated to highlight the products we found most remarkable during the show.

Here we go! Here are Shacknews’ Best of CES 2025 picks:

NVIDIA 50 Series GPUs

It’s worth noting that NVIDIA’s latest GPU series, the Blackwell lineup, is generating a lot of buzz. The spotlight is particularly on models like the RTX 5070, RTX 5070 Ti, RTX 5080, and RTX 5090. These GPUs have significantly enhanced capabilities compared to their predecessors, with more shader units, a boost in VRAM, and faster GDDR6 memory. The performance gains are even more substantial as we move up to the high-end RTX 5090 model.

For tech-savvy individuals, the Blackwell units’ speedy handling of AI tasks will likely be appealing. However, it’s understood that not everyone shares this interest. Some people just want to enjoy gaming. In that case, the mid-range RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5070 will serve admirably, providing a significant upgrade over the 40 series Ada GPUs, including the RTX 4090. Notably, they’ll be affordable options, with the RTX 5070 and RTX 5070 Ti priced at $549 USD and $749 USD respectively.

Dungeons & Dragons: The Tyrant’s Eye

Surprisingly, Stern Pinball has introduced a novel twist to the traditional pinball game, something unexpected. Explore this intriguing development further in our preview.

LG OLED Evo G5 TV

At this year’s CES, LG showcased groundbreaking innovations in their television lineup, making it challenging to single out a standout model. However, the LG OLED Evo G5 stole the show with its revolutionary brightness technology. Many of the new LG OLED Evo G5 models will incorporate Brightness Booster Ultimate technology, enabling the TV to shine exceptionally bright. This is noteworthy given that the latest Evo G5s will be shipped without Micro Lens Array technology.

For our gaming enthusiasts, the upcoming LG OLED Evo G5 boasts a remarkable 165Hz refresh rate, HDMI 2.1 ports, and both AMD FreeSync Premium and NVIDIA G-Sync compatibility. This TV seems exceptional whether you’re into movies or console gaming from the current generation. However, do note that there are no details on its pricing as of now, so it might be premature to add it to your wishlist.

LG UltraGear GX9 monitor

At CES, LG introduced a new, highly-dedicated monitor for your PC – the UltraGear GX9. This model boasts impressive 45-inch or 39-inch displays, both capable of 21:9 resolution in an astounding 5K2K (5120 x 2160) resolution. It delivers the clarity that’s synonymous with LG OLED panels, employing their Anti-Glare & Low Reflection (AGLR) technology. Additionally, it is certified for low blue light emissions, enabling extended gaming sessions without strain.

Regarding gaming displays, do you prefer a standard flat screen or a more curved design? The UltraGear GX9 offers flexibility with its bendable OLED panel, catering to both preferences. It boasts NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro certifications, making it an excellent choice for gaming. Moreover, it runs on webOS, enabling you to use additional entertainment apps as well.

These monitors are likely to carry a premium price tag, however, considering their features, they seem to justify the cost.

XREAL One Pro AR glasses

XREAL has remained dedicated to augmented reality games, and the One Pro AR glasses might be their most outstanding creation yet. These stylish spectacles provide users with a vast viewing experience through their lenses, offering a virtual 171-inch display with a rapid 120Hz refresh rate. It’s all thanks to optical illusions that create the impression of such a large screen. Nonetheless, it’s important to note that glasses can’t match the clarity of high-end televisions or monitors. Nevertheless, the wide 57-degree field of view was impressive, as was the ease of switching between Anchor and Follow modes with just a side tap. Additionally, there’s an Ultrawide setting, although time limitations prevented me from testing it out.

What truly stood out about the XREAL One Pro was its multi-purpose functionality, demonstrated by its USB-C port which enables linking to a variety of devices such as mobile phones, handhelds, and even the Nintendo Switch. Furthermore, with an HDMI adapter, it can also connect to other hardware, a feature I experienced when playing Batman: Arkham Knight on the Xbox One.

Regarding AR glasses, the XREAL One Pro stands out as one of the best in its category. If you’re seeking an alternative way to enjoy gaming, this might be worth considering, despite the $599 USD price tag seeming a bit high. The XREAL One Pro is scheduled for shipping in March.

Lenovo Legion Go S/MSI Claw 8 AI+

In the realm of portable gaming devices, there seemed to be a focus on refined design. One example is the Lenovo Legion Go S, which offers versions running on Windows 11 and SteamOS. This device flaunts an 8-inch WUXGA touch screen with a 16:10 aspect ratio and a swift 120Hz refresh rate. The Legion Go S is powered by either the AMD Ryzen Z2 Go or AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processors, packs 32GB of RAM, and has up to 1TB of storage, with additional space provided by a MicroSD card slot.

This device performs well from a functional standpoint, but what truly sets it apart is its enhanced comfort during use. Weighing under two pounds and boasting an improved design, it fits users’ hands significantly better than its previous version, making it perfect for extended gaming periods.

Similar to the previous version, the latest MSI Claw represents a significant upgrade. This device from MSI features an 8-inch screen, albeit non-touch. Powering it is an Intel Core Ultra 7 Series 2 processor, accompanied by 32GB RAM and an M.2 SSD slot. While these specs might not initially seem impressive, the Claw compensates for this with two Thunderbolt 4 ports and compatibility with Wi-Fi 7 technology.

Similar to the Lenovo Go S, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ has been thoughtfully redesigned to prioritize user comfort. Its shape appears tailor-made to accommodate various hand sizes, making it a comfortable fit in most hands. Additionally, it boasts newly designed analog sticks, bumpers, D-pad, and buttons for an enhanced gaming experience.

Corsair Xeneon Edge

The integration of LCD screens within PC cases isn’t exactly groundbreaking, but Corsair has elevated this concept with the Corsair Xeneon Edge. This is a 14.5-inch touchscreen IPS panel boasting a resolution of 2560 x 720 pixels, offering versatile usage options. The screen can be securely fastened to the side of a user’s PC via its magnetic universal mounting system, which consists of 14 magnets, making it possible to stick it to various surfaces for added convenience. Additionally, there’s an optional desk stand for those who prefer to position it elsewhere on their workstations.

The versatile Xeneon Edge has multiple applications. It serves as a window to monitor ongoing resource utilization, it can link with software such as Spotify, it’s suitable for Discord, and Corsair is considering incorporating compatibility with sister company Elgato’s Stream Deck in the future. The Xeneon Edge supports both HDMI and USB connections, making it an excellent choice whether used externally from your PC or integrated within your gaming setup.

Corsair Frame 4000D Modular Case

PC enthusiasts should definitely watch out for Corsair’s offerings this year. The Corsair Frame 4000D Modular Case offers an impressive level of customization when assembling your newest setup. Almost every part of the case, from the front panel to the motherboard mounting tray and various rails, can be swapped or replaced. This flexibility also opens up the option for users to choose different materials for their system, such as replacing metal components with more stylish designs or alternative materials like acrylic. Managing cables is a breeze thanks to the inclusion of multiple zip ties that can be arranged in various configurations.

For this situation, there’s a vast array of potential solutions. Enhanced ventilation additionally makes it an excellent match for many upcoming graphics cards.

Gunnar Venture glasses

At this year’s CES, I got my hands on some incredible Gunnar glasses – not just any pair, but a collaboration with Call of Duty and a new line specifically designed for women. But what really caught my eye were the Venture glasses. These bad boys are packed with electrochromatic lens technology, letting you adjust the tint on your lenses using a slide on the side of the frames! It was an absolute blast watching it in action, and it definitely sets these glasses apart from anything else out there.

Razer Handheld Dock Chroma

1. At Shacknews, we don’t ask for much when it comes to gaming. If you present something useful that enhances and simplifies our gaming experiences, we appreciate it. The Razer Handheld Dock Chroma might not be a revolutionary product, but it’s one of the best third-party docks I’ve encountered.

2. With 100W power passthrough, three USB-A ports, one USB-C port, an HDMI 2.0 port, and an Ethernet port, the Razer Handheld Dock Chroma offers unparalleled versatility. Regardless of whether you’re using it with a Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch, ROG Ally, or other handheld devices, the dock will perform admirably while adding a bit of flair through its signature RGB Chroma technology provided by Razer.

It seems that Razer’s high pricing strategies may have left an impact over time, but learning that the Razer Handheld Dock Chroma will sell for $79.99 USD was quite surprising. This price is roughly equivalent to official docks from Nintendo and Steam, which makes it a rare affordable option from a brand often associated with higher price tags.

Bartesian Cocktail Maker

It’s true that we’ve arrived a bit behind schedule regarding the Bartesian cocktail maker. However, during previous CES events, this device has been acknowledged multiple times. Interestingly enough, Shacknews is experiencing it for the first time now. The Bartesian functions similarly to Keurig machines, making the process of blending ingredients and mixing them effortless using flavor pods. All you need to do is set it up and let it run its course, whether you’re aiming to unwind a bit or forget about your worries entirely with a more potent drink.

Following some extended periods at CES, it felt great to unwind with a refreshing lemon drop, concluding this article on an unconventional gaming note. Here’s to the visionary, Ryan Close, the founder. You can get The Bartesian right now for $349 USD.

At this year’s Consumer Electronics Show, there were numerous intriguing sights that grabbed our attention while we walked around. To get a better view of all the exciting discoveries we made, don’t forget to explore Shacknews’ different platforms, such as YouTube, X (previously known as Twitter), Instagram, and others.

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2025-01-14 19:28