Gaming has traditionally been known as a bit of a stationary hobby. Hunched over on a chair, connected to the online world via one wire - this is the image that pops up for most when thinking of gaming. This being said, it doesn't always need to be this way. Here's a round-up of the best hardware to game without wires - be it on the go, from the comfort of your bed or just in pursuit of a cleaner desk.
Razer Kishi
The Razer Kishi is by far one of the best peripherals to enjoy cloud gaming on. With your phone, a subscription to Xbox Game Pass and the Kishi, you can have instant access to a world of console-level games. It feels great in the hands, is incredibly sturdy and has plenty of nice little design features that leave it feeling truly high quality. It is a little expensive, generally clocking in at a similar price to an Xbox controller but it is absolutely worth it.
Razer Kishi - Who is this for?
This is for someone who wants to play their Xbox Game Pass games on the go. You can also connect to PlayStation and some other services on the go but this is clearly the best way to enjoy it. If you have a little bit of a budget to use, this is a must-try.
RiotPWR ESL
If you like the idea of the Kishi but don't like its width or price range, this is a pretty good alternative. Instead of pushing across into the shape of a Switch, it layers up, placing the phone above the controller. You can just hook it up and plug it in from the back. It doesn't feel quite as high quality as the Kishi but it comes in at a smaller price and definitely offers a different, more traditional feel.
RiotPWR ESL - Who is this for?
The RiotPWR ESL is a cheaper entry into wireless streaming and a great way of testing out Xbox Game Pass. If you like the feel of an Xbox Controller but don't necessarily like the setup of the Razer Kishi, this is a decent choice for you.
Razer Viper Ultimate
The Razer Viper Ultimate is by far one of the best mouses I've used. It's a versatile mouse with a great stand, good connectivity and a really decent battery life. It doesn't have a central gimmick like a lot of mice do but it makes up for this with a great form factor and even better feel.
Razer Viper Ultimate - Who is this for?
If you've tried out a Razer mouse before and enjoyed it, this is possibly one of the very best pieces of hardware they offer. No matter what type of wireless mouse you like, this is worth giving a go. If you like something a little heavy or with tonnes of buttons, it offers enough to justify that downside.
Vissles LP85
The Vissles LP85 is a much lighter addition to the keyboard market but one that is needed. If you don't like how heavy and over the top a lot of gaming style keyboards are, this is worth looking at. Its keys are light, feeling like a Macbook keyboard but its Bluetooth capabilities and great looking RGB leave it standing out among the competition.
Vissles LP85 - Who is this for?
The Vissles LP85 is for someone looking for a much lighter keyboard. If you want a very minimalistic desk with a great look, this is the choice for you. If you want a keyboard that will hold still throughout the most hectic gaming session, this is still a good choice. An added bonus to this is the optional mac layout, something not often done with modern keyboards.
Vissles V84
I didn't think I would include too many from the same brand here but Vissles are worth making an exception for. The Vissles V84 is a more sturdy piece of hardware than the LP85 and makes up for this extra room with excellent keys and great RGB. You can also customise it on the site with unique keycaps and switches, further justifying its price point.
Vissles V84 - Who is this for?
If you're looking for a wireless keyboard with a little extra room than the previous model and some customizability, this is a great choice. It even comes with a few extra keys and instructions on how to replace them. Fundamentally, this feels tested and intelligent, whilst also looking pretty good in the dark.
Cooler Master SK622
Whilst still being very light, the Cooler Master SK622 is a sturdy compact keyboard that looks great and feels better. What surprised me with this is, despite being portable and wireless, I felt like I could drop it without harming it. It looks nice enough to want to look after though. What makes it work really well is how it manages to fit so many keys into such a small frame. Many of its buttons have multiple purposes and there are tonnes of little shortcuts to get the most out of it. This is a keyboard you learn to love.
Cooler Master SK622 - Who is this for?
If you want something wireless and compact but you aren't looking for something like the previous two Vissles models, this is the perfect choice for you. It may be a little too small for some but, if you can get used to it, it works incredibly well.
PowerA Fusion Pro Wireless Controller
Being one of my very favourite controllers out there, the PowerA Fusion Pro Nintendo Switch controller feels impeccable in the hands, with well-placed buttons, textured grips and excellent battery life. It comes in at a similar price to an official controller which may put some off but it makes up for this cost in function and use.
Fusion Pro Wireless Controller - Who is this for?
Given this can work on Nintendo Switch and PC, this offers enough versatility to more than make up for its price point. This is a great choice for someone who plays both and wants something versatile and sturdy.
Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2
The Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 is something I've been using for over a year and I still regularly go back to it due to how comfortable it is, how high quality it feels and how well it works. Though I initially had some issues connecting to other phones, these problems have since mostly cleared up, This is one of the most versatile headsets out there, fluidly swapping from console to phone in an instant.
Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 - Who is this for?
Unfortunately, one of the biggest downsides to the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 is its price point. If you can stomach the upfront cost, this will provide you with one of the best experiences you can get out of a modern gaming headset. Though there are some that sound a little better or last a little longer, this balances everything well whilst providing an accessible experience.
LucidSound LS35X
If you're looking for something a little different, the LS35X is a really solid choice. Comfortable and long-lasting - this is a headset that more than justifies its price. Available in both black and a much more flashy rose gold, this is the perfect companion for your console. Its intuitive controls, decent mic and great battery life leave it outpacing a lot of its competition.
LucidSound LS35X - Who is this for?
If you're looking for a wireless headset that is a little cheaper than our previous choice, this is what we recommend. It's comfortable, sturdy and sounds great.
Razer Hammerhead True Wireless Pro
Perhaps a little bit of a wildcard here, the Razer Hammerhead True Wireless Pro are a great pair of wireless earphones, with a great sound and they're incredibly even to bring with you. If you're looking to play your Kishi on the go, built-in active noise cancellation and a great sound profile leave this as one of the very best choices out there.
Razer Hammerhead True Wireless Pro - Who is this for?
If you're looking to listen to something on the go but don't necessarily want to use a big pair of headphones, these are a fantastic choice. They are quite expensive, coming in at a similar price to the Stealth 700 Gen 2 but they make up for this price in a multitude of factors.
Steam Deck
The Steam Deck is a wonderful little machine. Its software has a ways to come but its hardware is incredible for the price and the form factor of the machine is surprisingly good given its power. This is a machine I dreamed of as a kid and it makes up for that wait in many ways.
Steam Deck - Who is this for?
It's hard not to think of who could benefit from a machine like this. Being able to play the majority of Steam's game library on the go is something most gamers could use - especially when it comes to Steam's infamous sales. If you can afford the money and can wait out the long purchase queues, this is an excellent choice for anyone looking to game on the go.
Everything was provided by the respective companies for review purposes
