{"id":864918,"date":"2025-08-14T21:05:01","date_gmt":"2025-08-15T02:05:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/2025\/08\/14\/today-im-toying-with\/"},"modified":"2025-08-14T21:05:01","modified_gmt":"2025-08-15T02:05:01","slug":"today-im-toying-with","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/2025\/08\/14\/today-im-toying-with\/","title":{"rendered":"Today I\u2019m toying with"},"content":{"rendered":"<section id=\"updates-section\">\n<ul>\n<li role=\"article\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<p><img alt=\"Sean Hollister\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"34\" height=\"34\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\"   src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/chorus\/author_profile_images\/196092\/sean-nerf-profile-pic..0.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&#038;w=2400\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>Mechanism (mostly!) fixed its kickstand for Steam Deck, Switch 2 and friends.<\/p>\n<p>I adore Mechanism\u2019s mounting solutions, but always felt its $15 kickstand was a skip; I <a href=\"http:\/\/www.theverge.com\/2024\/5\/23\/24163651\/steam-deck-magsafe-gopro-fingers-brilliance\">bought this amazing $25 mount<\/a> instead. But <a rel=\"sponsored\" href=\"https:\/\/mechanism.sjv.io\/c\/482924\/1717169\/19962?u=https%3A%2F%2Fgetmechanism.com%2Fproducts%2Fkickstand-2\">the brand-new Kickstand 2<\/a> is better! Slimmer, stronger, anti-skid, no more detach when you lean back. Still can pop off when pulling forward at some angles, though! Tradeoffs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li role=\"article\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<p><img alt=\"Sean Hollister\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"34\" height=\"34\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\"   src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/chorus\/author_profile_images\/196092\/sean-nerf-profile-pic..0.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&#038;w=2400\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>It\u2019s now easy to 3D-print your own glowing, humming lightsaber.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li role=\"article\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<p><img alt=\"Sean Hollister\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"34\" height=\"34\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\"   src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/chorus\/author_profile_images\/196092\/sean-nerf-profile-pic..0.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&#038;w=2400\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>Today I\u2019m toying with tiny Game Boys.<\/p>\n<p>From the makers of <a href=\"http:\/\/www.theverge.com\/gadgets\/693735\/tinytv-2-today-im-toying-with-video\">TinyTV<\/a>: the $50 Thumby Color and $30 Thumby. Raspberry Pi Pico chips run at just in the low hundred MHz, displays are 0.85 or 0.4 inches respectively! But that\u2019s enough for MicroPython games you can code in a web browser, or even real <em>Doom<\/em> on the OG Thumby (<a href=\"https:\/\/github.com\/AncientJames\/rp2040-doom\/releases\/\">find installers here<\/a>). More in <a href=\"http:\/\/www.theverge.com\/hands-on\/716423\/thumby-color-micro-review-gba-rp-2350\">my full story<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"dmcyOnBvc3Q6NzE2NDIz\" role=\"article\">\n<div>\n<p><img alt=\"Sean Hollister\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"34\" height=\"34\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\"   src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/chorus\/author_profile_images\/196092\/sean-nerf-profile-pic..0.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&#038;w=2400\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2><a href=\"http:\/\/www.theverge.com\/hands-on\/716423\/thumby-color-micro-review-gba-rp-2350\">Thumby Color micro-review: a delightfully tiny GBA clone that doesn\u2019t play Nintendo<\/a><\/h2>\n<div>\n<p><img alt=\"thumby-color-sean-hollister-verge-331A1247\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"fill\"   src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/07\/thumby-color-sean-hollister-verge-331A1247.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0.0024999999999977%2C0.0046875732433319%2C99.995%2C99.995312426757&#038;w=2400\"><\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"thumby-color-sean-hollister-verge-331A1247\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"fill\"   src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/07\/thumby-color-sean-hollister-verge-331A1247.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0.0024999999999977%2C0.0046875732433319%2C99.995%2C99.995312426757&#038;w=2400\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>It\u2019s always a risk betting on new video game hardware from a little-known company: what if game developers never show up? But <a href=\"https:\/\/tinycircuits.com\/products\/thumby-color\">the $50 Thumby Color<\/a>, on sale this week, is an easier sell \u2014 the two-inch handheld is cute as a button, fits on your keychain, and lets aspiring programmers build and publish games right on the web, and I\u2019m finding it so much easier to play than <a rel=\"sponsored\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0B4Z915Q9?th=1&#038;tag=theverge02-20\">the tinier $30 original<\/a>!<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s my video comparing the two and showing off playable takes on<em> Tetris<\/em>, <em>Connect 4<\/em>, <em>Minesweeper<\/em>, <em>Doom<\/em>, <em>Bust-A-Move<\/em>, <em>2048<\/em>, and more, as well as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thingiverse.com\/thing:7094661#google_vignette\">a cool 3D-printed watch holder<\/a> for the Thumby Color <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/PDbV_w3dyKE?si=v35Cwy3IE8nRtZog\">by 3DSage<\/a>!<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.theverge.com\/hands-on\/716423\/thumby-color-micro-review-gba-rp-2350\">Read Article ><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li role=\"article\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<p><img alt=\"Sean Hollister\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"34\" height=\"34\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\"   src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/chorus\/author_profile_images\/196092\/sean-nerf-profile-pic..0.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&#038;w=2400\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>I tested the Star Wars droid that carries things for you.<\/p>\n<p>Oh, I had <em>such<\/em> high hopes for <a href=\"http:\/\/www.theverge.com\/news\/659576\/piaggio-fast-forward-gitamini-cargo-robot-star-wars-disney-lucasfilm-g1t4-m1n1\">the Piaggio G1T4-M1N1<\/a> (\u201cGita Mini\u201d). An officially licensed Star Wars bot that follows you around, dodging pedestrians while carrying 20 pounds of cargo and playing <em>The Imperial March<\/em> on its <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/shorts\/gR_UShZ-WDY\">party speaker<\/a>? Heck yes. But a single walk to the park showed me that this $2,875 bot doesn\u2019t have enough smarts. (I couldn\u2019t fit all its fails into one video!)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li role=\"article\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<p><img alt=\"Sean Hollister\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"34\" height=\"34\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\"   src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/chorus\/author_profile_images\/196092\/sean-nerf-profile-pic..0.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&#038;w=2400\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>Toying with the OneXSugar Sugar 1 transforming gaming handheld.<\/p>\n<p>Remember <a href=\"http:\/\/www.theverge.com\/news\/631005\/qualcomm-snapdragon-g3-gen-3-onexsugar-handheld-ayaneo-pocket\">when I told you<\/a> about the Android handheld that\u2019s kinda like a <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/38Bmhf2\" target=\"_blank\">Nintendo Switch<\/a> that transforms into a Nintendo DS? I got an exclusive early look at a Sugar 1 prototype, running some of my own dual-screen and single-screen Nintendo games on it!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li role=\"article\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<p><img alt=\"Sean Hollister\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"34\" height=\"34\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\"   src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/chorus\/author_profile_images\/196092\/sean-nerf-profile-pic..0.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&#038;w=2400\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>The first working portable dock for <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/38Bmhf2\" target=\"_blank\">Nintendo Switch<\/a> 2 doubles as a 100W laptop charger and triples as a video capture card.<\/p>\n<p>The <a rel=\"sponsored\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/AVerMedia-Streaming-Portable-Nintendo-Compatible\/dp\/B0DP4WJ3M1?tag=theverge02-20\">AverMedia GC313Pro<\/a> ain\u2019t cheap at $120-$130, but how many USB-C charging bricks have this many functions? (There\u2019s also <a rel=\"sponsored\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/AVerMedia-Portable-Nintendo-Charging-Compatible-Accessories\/dp\/B0DP4WGFQY?tag=theverge02-20\">a $80-$90 model<\/a> if you don\u2019t need video capture.) Here\u2019s hoping Nintendo doesn\u2019t <a href=\"http:\/\/www.theverge.com\/report\/695915\/switch-2-usb-c-third-party-docks-dont-work-authentication-encryption\">lock it out<\/a> with future Switch 2 updates. <em>Note: If you buy something from our links, we might get affiliate revenue.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li role=\"article\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<p><img alt=\"Sean Hollister\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"34\" height=\"34\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\"   src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/chorus\/author_profile_images\/196092\/sean-nerf-profile-pic..0.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&#038;w=2400\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>Can confirm: the Genki Moonbase is a stylish power strip.<\/p>\n<p>Not saying I\u2019d buy, as <a href=\"http:\/\/www.theverge.com\/2024\/12\/10\/24317792\/genki-moonbase-moonlink-usb-c-power-charger-cables#:~:text=Genki%20originally%20promised\">my fav feature went MIA<\/a>, but I\u2019d love it as a gift! The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.indiegogo.com\/projects\/moonbase-240w-gan-power-7-in-1-supercharger#\/\">$129 Genki Moonbase<\/a> has three mesmerizing AC outlets (US, EU, UK or AU) and four USB-C charge ports. Those top out at 140W, 100W, 30W and 30W, but you don\u2019t lose too many watts with four gadgets plugged. My only disappointment is the light-up Moonlink cables no longer help you find ports in the dark. Genki says it removed that promise early on.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li role=\"article\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<p><img alt=\"Sean Hollister\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"34\" height=\"34\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\"   src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/chorus\/author_profile_images\/196092\/sean-nerf-profile-pic..0.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&#038;w=2400\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>Would you watch your shows on a TinyTV?<\/p>\n<p>I backed <a href=\"https:\/\/tinycircuits.com\/products\/tinytv-2\">the TinyTV 2<\/a> on Kickstarter <a href=\"http:\/\/www.theverge.com\/2022\/11\/10\/23452213\/tiny-circuits-tiny-tv-2-mini-television-raspberry-pi-2040\">back in 2022<\/a>, and it\u2019s a delight! When you change the \u201cchannel\u201d with its tiny remote or working dials, it\u2019ll realistically flick to the middle of your next video just as if you were watching it live. (It syncs timestamps!) <a rel=\"sponsored\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/TinyTV-Portable-Television-Working-minature\/dp\/B0CMSGKMBC?th=1&#038;tag=theverge02-20\">Yeah, it\u2019s $60<\/a>&#8230; but a gift or treat, perhaps? They also sell <a rel=\"sponsored\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/TinyTV-Portable-Television-Working-minature\/dp\/B0CMS7JXF8?th=1&#038;tag=theverge02-20\">the transparent one<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><em>Note: If you buy something from <a rel=\"sponsored\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/TinyTV-Portable-Television-Working-minature\/dp\/B0CMSGKMBC?th=1&#038;tag=theverge02-20\">these<\/a> <a rel=\"sponsored\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/TinyTV-Portable-Television-Working-minature\/dp\/B0CMS7JXF8?th=1&#038;tag=theverge02-20\">links<\/a>, we might get affiliate revenue.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li role=\"article\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<p><img alt=\"Sean Hollister\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"34\" height=\"34\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\"   src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/chorus\/author_profile_images\/196092\/sean-nerf-profile-pic..0.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&#038;w=2400\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>\u201cGame Boy worm lights have changed a lot since I was a kid.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>I didn\u2019t even know USB-C endoscopes were <em>a thing<\/em>, but now I\u2019ve got one plugged into my <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/38Bmhf2\" target=\"_blank\">Nintendo Switch<\/a> 2 and phone! And yes, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.theverge.com\/video\/685229\/nintendo-switch-2-gamechat-c-button-mario-kart\">it also works as a GameChat webcam<\/a> when you\u2019re not inspecting pipes and walls. Unfortunately, <a rel=\"sponsored\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0DNZ4T4SR?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&#038;tag=theverge02-20\">my $10 model<\/a> is out of stock. Maybe you\u2019ll find a less flimsy one?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li role=\"article\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<p><img alt=\"Sean Hollister\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"34\" height=\"34\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\"   src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/chorus\/author_profile_images\/196092\/sean-nerf-profile-pic..0.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&#038;w=2400\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>Today I\u2019m tasting with the <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/38Bmhf2\" target=\"_blank\">Nintendo Switch<\/a> 2.<\/p>\n<p>Nintendo made the original Switch\u2019s game cards taste <em>terrible<\/em>, <a rel=\"sponsored\" href=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com\/?id=1025X1701640&#038;xs=1&#038;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nintendo.com%2Fen-gb%2FSupport%2FNintendo-Switch%2FFAQ%2FAfter-touching-a-Nintendo-Switch-game-card-my-hand-has-a-strange-bitter-taste-Could-this-be-harmful-%2FAfter-touching-a-Nintendo-Switch-game-card-my-hand-has-a-strange-bitter-taste-Could-this-be-harmful-1204008.html%3Fsrsltid%3DAfmBOoqHVs3MOPqaOpg71Li_V_qTFyVQZ0LE4bZ7BGTRHf7l4uouqdMV\">coating them in a bitter chemical called denatonium benzoate<\/a>. So we had to know&#8230; do <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/38Bmhf2\" target=\"_blank\">Nintendo Switch<\/a> 2 cartridges taste better? Time for a taste test! And while we\u2019re at it, why not add a button battery coated in the same stuff, a Nintendo DS cartridge, and a 3DS cartridge too? Don\u2019t try this at home, kids.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li role=\"article\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<p><img alt=\"Sean Hollister\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"34\" height=\"34\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\"   src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/chorus\/author_profile_images\/196092\/sean-nerf-profile-pic..0.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&#038;w=2400\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>Today I\u2019m touring Micro Center, Silicon Valley\u2019s first big computer store in years.<\/p>\n<p>BTW, you\u2019ll see a special gold GPU in this video, signed by Nvidia\u2019s CEO. <a rel=\"sponsored\" href=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com\/?id=1025X1701640&#038;xs=1&#038;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.asus.com%2Fus%2Fsite%2Frogastralcharity%2F\">It\u2019s now up for charity<\/a>, with bidding at $8,600.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li role=\"article\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<p><img alt=\"Sean Hollister\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"34\" height=\"34\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\"   src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/chorus\/author_profile_images\/196092\/sean-nerf-profile-pic..0.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&#038;w=2400\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>Working hoverboard, floating light bulb:<\/p>\n<p>I tried the Bambu Lab <a rel=\"sponsored\" href=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com\/?id=1025X1701640&#038;xs=1&#038;url=https%3A%2F%2Fus.store.bambulab.com%2Fproducts%2Fmagnetic-levitation-diy-kit\">$63 kit<\/a> that lets you 3D print your own magnetic levitating toys complete with wireless power for their lights! It\u2019s part of <a rel=\"sponsored\" href=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com\/?id=1025X1701640&#038;xs=1&#038;url=https%3A%2F%2Fus.store.bambulab.com%2Fcollections%2Fmakers-supply%3Ffrom%3Dbambustudio\">its Maker\u2019s Supply initiative <\/a>where it stocks electronic and mechanical components to design around.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li role=\"article\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<p><img alt=\"Sean Hollister\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"34\" height=\"34\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\"   src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/chorus\/author_profile_images\/196092\/sean-nerf-profile-pic..0.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&#038;w=2400\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>Today I\u2019m toying with the magnet mouse.<\/p>\n<p>The other day, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.theverge.com\/tech\/656981\/esr-magmouse-magnetic-mouse-usb-c-preview\">I told you about the ESR MagMouse<\/a> with its built-in magnets and charge cable, but my video wasn\u2019t ready yet. Now it is! And because people have asked: <a rel=\"sponsored\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/CMS-MAGNETICS-Magnetochromic-Monochromic-Revealing\/dp\/B0B5YKB28G?tag=theverge02-20\">this wallet-sized viewing card<\/a> is what I\u2019m using to see the magnetic fields. (<em>Note: If you buy via that link, we might get affiliate revenue.<\/em>) Should I do a video about it, too?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"dmcyOnBvc3Q6NjU3NjE4\" role=\"article\">\n<div>\n<p><img alt=\"Sean Hollister\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"34\" height=\"34\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\"   src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/chorus\/author_profile_images\/196092\/sean-nerf-profile-pic..0.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&#038;w=2400\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2><a href=\"http:\/\/www.theverge.com\/laptop-review\/657618\/gpd-win-max-2-review-2024-2025-tiny-laptop-handheld-gaming\">This surprisingly competent laptop doubles as a gaming handheld<\/a><\/h2>\n<div>\n<div>\n<p><img alt=\"gpd-win-max-2-sean-hollister-331A1151\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"fill\"   src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/gpd-win-max-2-sean-hollister-331A1151.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&#038;w=2400\"><\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"gpd-win-max-2-sean-hollister-331A1151\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"fill\"   src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/gpd-win-max-2-sean-hollister-331A1151.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&#038;w=2400\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><cite>Photo by Sean Hollister \/ The Verge<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>Since <em>Neuromancer<\/em> took the sci-fi world by storm in 1984, computing nerds have pined for a \u201ccyberdeck\u201d \u2014 the ultimate in personal, portable PCs for surfing and hacking the world. Usually, they\u2019re DIY affairs. But the 10-inch GPD Win Max 2 is the closest I\u2019ve seen to an off-the-shelf cyberdeck worth buying.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s far from the best laptop or gaming handheld. It\u2019s an ergonomic compromise in <em>five ways<\/em>, and the webcam is trash! It\u2019s also a portable computing dream. It doubles as a gaming handheld, with joysticks and buttons smuggled away in hidden compartments. It optionally triples as a desktop gaming PC, with a rare Oculink port that <a href=\"http:\/\/www.theverge.com\/pc-gaming\/606006\/nvidia-rtx-5090-egpu-gaming-handheld-oculink-test-pcie-minisforum-deg1\">lets you plug in a beefy eGPU<\/a>. It has more full-size ports than most small laptops can dream of, twin SSD slots, and a minimum 32GB of RAM.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.theverge.com\/laptop-review\/657618\/gpd-win-max-2-review-2024-2025-tiny-laptop-handheld-gaming\">Read Article ><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li role=\"article\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<p><img alt=\"Sean Hollister\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"34\" height=\"34\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\"   src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/chorus\/author_profile_images\/196092\/sean-nerf-profile-pic..0.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&#038;w=2400\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>Ever seen a battery-free smart lock that siphons power from your phone?<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.theverge.com\/2022\/7\/22\/23273845\/infineon-smart-lock-nfc-energy-harvesting-nac-1080\">I wrote about this idea in 2022<\/a>, it actually exists, and it\u2019s super cool! Your credit card doesn\u2019t need a battery for tap-to-pay, your ID badge doesn\u2019t need a battery when you tap the door reader, and the same goes for these NFC locks \u2014 they all collect tiny amounts of wireless power.<\/p>\n<p>Just let me know if you ever see one a little more&#8230; practical?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li role=\"article\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<p><img alt=\"Sean Hollister\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"34\" height=\"34\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\"   src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/chorus\/author_profile_images\/196092\/sean-nerf-profile-pic..0.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&#038;w=2400\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>Here are my five favorite USB-C cables, all with tricks up their sleeves.<\/p>\n<p>Literally! Some have magnetic sleeves, some have <a href=\"http:\/\/www.theverge.com\/2022\/1\/28\/22907150\/usb-c-pd-cable-power-meter-100-watt-power-delivery\">power meters<\/a> up the sleeves, and some have excellent charging and data speeds. But five different cables&#8230; can someone please make the one to rule them all?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"dmcyOnBvc3Q6NjM0Mjk0\" role=\"article\">\n<div>\n<p><img alt=\"Sean Hollister\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"34\" height=\"34\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\"   src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/chorus\/author_profile_images\/196092\/sean-nerf-profile-pic..0.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&#038;w=2400\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2><a href=\"http:\/\/www.theverge.com\/news\/634294\/bambu-lab-h2d-3d-printer-laser-pen-blade-price-release-date\">The Bambu H2D isn\u2019t just a bigger 3D printer \u2014 it\u2019s a laser cutter, pen plotter, and Cricut competitor too<\/a><\/h2>\n<div>\n<div>\n<p><img alt=\"bambu-lab-h2d--331A1148\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"fill\"   src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/03\/bambu-lab-h2d-331A1148.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&#038;w=2400\"><\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"bambu-lab-h2d--331A1148\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"fill\"   src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/03\/bambu-lab-h2d-331A1148.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&#038;w=2400\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><cite>Photo by Sean Hollister \/ The Verge<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>Last May, I told you how 3D printers still aren\u2019t easy enough for the mass market, but Bambu Lab <a href=\"http:\/\/www.theverge.com\/23924708\/creality-k1c-bambu-p1p-review\">had built the easiest yet<\/a>. Now, instead of making it easier, Bambu is building its biggest and most sophisticated model to date \u2014 a Swiss Army knife of 3D printers that can also cut, draw, and etch.<\/p>\n<p>The new Bambu H2D, which starts at $1,899, has <em>two<\/em> 3D printing nozzles and a much bigger bed, but it also comes with a modular attachment system. Plug in a blade, and it dices through paper and vinyl. Plug in a pen, and it\u2019ll draw logos or schematics in a flash. You can even engrave and burn laser images into all sorts of materials. <\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.theverge.com\/news\/634294\/bambu-lab-h2d-3d-printer-laser-pen-blade-price-release-date\">Read Article ><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li role=\"article\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<p><img alt=\"Sean Hollister\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"34\" height=\"34\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\"   src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/chorus\/author_profile_images\/196092\/sean-nerf-profile-pic..0.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&#038;w=2400\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>My new favorite external battery is the one with *two* hideaway cables.<\/p>\n<p>I bought my wife <a rel=\"sponsored\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Anker-Portable-Multi-Device-Charging-Retractable\/dp\/B0DCBB2YTR?th=1&#038;tag=theverge02-20\">the $110 Anker A1695 \u201cInstaCord\u201d<\/a> and experienced instant jealousy; and not just because of its retractable cord. It\u2019s the <em>second<\/em> cable that blew my mind, hidden inside its strong carry handle, plus the fact both are bidirectional. Either can charge the battery, either can charge my laptop; I get passthrough power if I use both! <a href=\"http:\/\/www.theverge.com\/authors\/richard-lawler\">My colleague Richard<\/a> wasn\u2019t as lucky, saying his battery seems to throttle prematurely, but my wife\u2019s stays cool so far.<\/p>\n<p><em>Note: If you buy something from <a rel=\"sponsored\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Anker-Portable-Multi-Device-Charging-Retractable\/dp\/B0DCBB2YTR?th=1&#038;tag=theverge02-20\">the product link<\/a>, we might get affiliate revenue.<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/chorus\/uploads\/chorus_asset\/file\/24797217\/lola_kenobi_animatronic_star_wars.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0,0,100,100\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li role=\"article\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<p><img alt=\"Sean Hollister\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"34\" height=\"34\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\"   src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/chorus\/author_profile_images\/196092\/sean-nerf-profile-pic..0.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&#038;w=2400\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>A Game Boy for pirates?<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.theverge.com\/2024\/12\/6\/24314884\/anbernic-rg34xx-handheld-emulator-retro-nintendo-game-boy-advance\">The $70 Anbernic RG 34XX<\/a> is my favorite new way to play Game Boy \u2014 but the new RixelHK app lets people use the handheld\u2019s built-in Wi-Fi to browse a huge catalog of games for free. It encourages you to download Nintendo, Sony, and Sega titles, and they appear to be the real deal but unauthorized.<\/p>\n<p>Typically, would-be pirates would need to buy an SD card filled with pirated games or fill a card on a PC, but these Anbernics make downloading games as easy as downloading songs used to be.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li role=\"article\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<p><img alt=\"Sean Hollister\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"34\" height=\"34\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\"   src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/chorus\/author_profile_images\/196092\/sean-nerf-profile-pic..0.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&#038;w=2400\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>This exoskeleton was my secret weapon at CES this year.<\/p>\n<p>Did they rebuild me better, stronger, faster? Not exactly! <a href=\"http:\/\/www.theverge.com\/report\/624358\/exoskeletons-hypershell-ces-test-pro-x-skip-robotics-arcteryx-mogo\">As I explain in my full story<\/a>, the Hypershell Pro X made me feel like I had an extra energy tank, like the ones exosuit-wearing bounty hunter Samus Aran obtains in the <em>Metroid <\/em>games. Oh, and it works when you\u2019re riding a bicycle, too!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"dmcyOnBvc3Q6NjI0MzU4\" role=\"article\">\n<div>\n<p><img alt=\"Sean Hollister\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"34\" height=\"34\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\"   src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/chorus\/author_profile_images\/196092\/sean-nerf-profile-pic..0.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&#038;w=2400\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2><a href=\"http:\/\/www.theverge.com\/report\/624358\/exoskeletons-hypershell-ces-test-pro-x-skip-robotics-arcteryx-mogo\">I wore a one-horsepower exoskeleton to the world\u2019s biggest tech show<\/a><\/h2>\n<div>\n<div>\n<p><img alt=\"1vpavic_20250225__0720\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"fill\"   src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/03\/1vpavic_20250225__0720.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&#038;w=2400\"><\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"1vpavic_20250225__0720\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"fill\"   src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/03\/1vpavic_20250225__0720.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&#038;w=2400\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><cite>Photo by Vjeran Pavic \/ The Verge<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>It was a cold Thursday afternoon in Las Vegas, and I was running late for my last appointment of the show. There was no telling how long an Uber might take, now that thousands upon thousands of <a href=\"http:\/\/www.theverge.com\/2025\/1\/4\/24307731\/ces-2025-tvs-gaming-smart-home-wearables-news\">CES 2025<\/a> attendees were leaving town and competing for space on the roads.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo problem,\u201d I told myself. \u201cI\u2019m wearing my exoskeleton.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.theverge.com\/report\/624358\/exoskeletons-hypershell-ces-test-pro-x-skip-robotics-arcteryx-mogo\">Read Article ><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li role=\"article\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<p><img alt=\"Sean Hollister\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"34\" height=\"34\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\"   src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/chorus\/author_profile_images\/196092\/sean-nerf-profile-pic..0.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&#038;w=2400\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>Here\u2019s Framework\u2019s first touchscreen laptop.<\/p>\n<p>Can Framework <a href=\"http:\/\/www.theverge.com\/news\/618784\/framework-laptop-12-touchscreen-convertible-announcement-release-date\">fix budget laptops next<\/a>? That\u2019s the goal, and Framework CEO Nirav Patel says he\u2019ll be dogfooding it himself, making this 12-inch laptop his daily driver for the foreseeable future. He wouldn\u2019t tell me just <em>how<\/em> budget it\u2019ll go yet.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"dmcyOnBvc3Q6NjE5NjA1\" role=\"article\">\n<div>\n<p><img alt=\"Sean Hollister\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"34\" height=\"34\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\"   src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/chorus\/author_profile_images\/196092\/sean-nerf-profile-pic..0.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&#038;w=2400\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2><a href=\"http:\/\/www.theverge.com\/pc-gaming\/619605\/framework-desktop-preview-hands-on\">Framework Desktop hands-on: a possible new direction for gaming desktops<\/a><\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>Framework\u2019s mission is to \u201cfix consumer electronics, one category at a time\u201d by making them modular, repairable, and upgradable. It\u2019s the only laptop maker to ever <a href=\"http:\/\/www.theverge.com\/23125965\/framework-laptop-upgrade-intel-12th-gen\">truly succeed<\/a> at that \u201cupgradable\u201d part. But <em>desktop<\/em> PCs are already modular, so <a href=\"http:\/\/www.theverge.com\/news\/618785\/framework-desktop-annoucement-price-release-date\">why is Framework making one<\/a>?<\/p>\n<p>At first, I thought it saw a unique opportunity to make <a href=\"http:\/\/www.theverge.com\/news\/618785\/framework-desktop-annoucement-price-release-date\">a cute yet badass tiny gaming PC<\/a> with AMD\u2019s unusual Strix Halo processor and decided to shoot its shot. As you\u2019ll read below, I\u2019m excited by the result. But I also have another idea I\u2019ll share with you afterward.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.theverge.com\/pc-gaming\/619605\/framework-desktop-preview-hands-on\">Read Article ><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li role=\"article\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<p><img alt=\"Sean Hollister\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"34\" height=\"34\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\"   src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/chorus\/author_profile_images\/196092\/sean-nerf-profile-pic..0.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&#038;w=2400\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>Pretty sure this is the most advanced selfie stick ever.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.theverge.com\/news\/614181\/dji-osmo-mobile-7-pro-smartphone-gimbal-announcement-price-release-date\">DJI Osmo Mobile 7 Pro<\/a>. Personally, I prefer<a href=\"http:\/\/www.theverge.com\/24152949\/dji-osmo-pocket-3-opinion\"> the Osmo Pocket 3<\/a>\u2019s dedicated camera instead of slapping my smartphone on a stick, but these hidden legs, arm, and snap-on eye are all pretty cool!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.theverge.com\/gadgets\/712844\/today-im-toying-with\/archives\/2\"><span>More Stories<\/span><\/a><\/section>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/gadgets\/712844\/today-im-toying-with\" class=\"button purchase\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read More<\/a><br \/>\n Sean Hollister<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Mechanism (mostly!) fixed its kickstand for Steam Deck, Switch 2 and friends. I adore Mechanism\u2019s mounting solutions, but always felt its $15 kickstand was a skip; I bought this amazing $25 mount instead. But the brand-new Kickstand 2 is better! Slimmer, stronger, anti-skid, no more detach when you lean back. Still can pop off when<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":864919,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[37025,46,695],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-864918","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-im","category-technology","category-today"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/864918","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=864918"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/864918\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/864919"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=864918"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=864918"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=864918"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}