Gaming

How to Install Kodi on PS4 – The Complete Guide

Last updated on November 26, 2019

Want to learn how to install Kodi on PS4 and get the best of entertainment online with gaming on the same platform? Here’s everything you need to know about why installing Kodi for PlayStation 4 isn’t officially available, and why the way around is worth the effort.

The gaming revolution set forth in the 1980s in the Japanese market led to the creation of some of the business names in the industry today. From Nintendo and its classic N64 gaming console to the remarkable SEGA Genesis that stole the show in the year 1988 – gaming has been a point of focus in the Japanese world for decades. However, it wasn’t until the technology giant Sony stepped out of the photography and video entertainment scene to introduce the very first gaming console, the PlayStation in 1994.

One of the first “high-graphics” console released in its time, the Sony PlayStation became a standard of measurement for the entire gaming industry. Over the years, the only real competition that the PlayStation series has encountered has been from the American computer company Microsoft, through the release of its very own Xbox gaming consoles. However, this hasn’t been able to slow down the momentum of the latest generation console from Sony, the PlayStation 4 one bit.

Kodi on PlayStation 4 – Gaming meets entertainment

As the gaming industry has flourished over the years, so has the sphere of online entertainment, and the two worlds coincide online. Multiplayer gaming is now done through the means of remote servers, which is the same technology that has reshaped the way we enjoy movies, TV shows, and live TV too. While the list of premium streaming services is endless, there has been one open-source media streaming platform named Kodi, that has stood the test of time. Built initially as a means to run media files on the rival Xbox console, Kodi has since turned into a universal media streaming platform that allows you to cut the cord for good.

Over the years, Kodi media player has extended official support across desktop platforms, mobile devices, and even streaming boxes. Surprisingly enough, the Xbox One gaming console has received official support for Kodi media player through the Microsoft Store. This certainly gives the rival PlayStation 4 an upper edge when it comes to entertainment capabilities, so its time to level the playing field. But the first look at the official Kodi website will give you a clear picture of the fact that Kodi media player is not directly supported by PlayStation 4.

Note: In all fairness, you should know that there is no direct way of installing the Kodi media player on the PlayStation 4. Sony Corporation has highlighted that since Kodi media player, to some extent, facilitates the streaming of pirated content, it will not be supported on the PlayStation platform. However, this hasn’t stopped tinkerers from finding a way around the problem. However, any website or tutorial that promises an official solution to run Kodi on PS4 is either misled or straight-up lying, so be cautious.

How to Install Kodi on PS4

Just because there isn’t an official way to get Kodi working on your PlayStation 4 console, doesn’t mean you can’t get it up and running. Browsing through the user forums, we have uncovered two reliable methods to get the open-source media streaming platform installed on your Sony gaming console. While we are partial over one method to get Kodi working on the PS4 console, for information purposes, we have highlighted both the methods down below.

Method #1: How to install Kodi on PS4 using Plex

Since the Xbox console is running a variant of Windows, you can simply fetch the official app from the Microsoft Store and begin. Since the PlayStation 4 is based on its very own operating system, there is not an official Kodi app available on the PlayStation Store that allows you to install the app. However, there is another app on the PlayStation Store that brings you a way to mirror the Kodi media player on the big screen with the console hooked up.

Step 1: Download the Plex app

Turn on your PlayStation 4 console and head to the home screen.
Head over to the PlayStation Store app and open it.
Using the Search box at the top of the screen, look for the Plex
Once you’re on the app screen, press the Start button to begin the download.

The way you can use Plex to run Kodi on PS4 is by accessing the content on your Kodi-supported device remotely. Hence, you need to make sure that Plex is installed and set up on your other device as well. Based on the device that you choose to utilize as the directory to view content from Kodi on your PlayStation, install the respective version of the app.

Download Plex Media Player

Step 2: Set up Plex on both the devices

Now that you have the Plex media player installed on both, your PlayStation 4 as well as your secondary Kodi-enabled device, it is time to create your account. We recommend that you create your Plex account on the secondary device since typing in the details to create an account with your PS4 controller might be a hassle.

Open the Plex app and set up your account to “Create a Managed User”.
Enter the required details to create your Plex account on the Kodi-enabled device.
Once your account has been created and you’ve verified your email address, head over to the Plex app on your PS4.
Press the button that reads “Add an Existing Plex User” and enter the login credentials that you have used to create your Plex account in the previous step.

After verifying the connection using the alphanumeric code, you will now be able to manage the content on the PS4 and the secondary device using the Plex media player.

Step 3: Link the two devices

Now it is time to create a link between the PlayStation 4 and the secondary Kodi-enabled device so that you can seamlessly share the content between the two.

Open the Plex app on your Kodi-enabled device and navigate to the System tab.
Under the System menu, head over to the Settings tab.
Here you will need to enable the following options – Show Camera Roll, Advertise as Server, and Network Discovery options.

With the options enabled, you will now be able to stream the media on your secondary device, directly on the big screen to which your PlayStation 4 console is connected. Meaning that you can choose to stream content from the Kodi app on your device directly to the PS4 using the Plex media player app.

Method #2: How to install Kodi on PS4 using Ubuntu

For the uninformed, Ubuntu is an operating system based on Linux that has been popularized as a no-holds-barred version of desktop OS over the years. What does Ubuntu have to do with a tutorial related to PlayStation 4 and Kodi you ask? Well, some wild tweakers on the internet have figured out a way to sideload the entire Ubuntu operating system on to the PlayStation 4. Since Ubuntu is among the officially supported platforms by Kodi, this enables you to directly run Kodi media player on your PS4 gaming console.

Prerequisites:

16GB USB drive to create a bootable drive for Ubuntu.
Ubuntu OS that is available on the official website (Download Link).
Linux Boot Loader for PlayStation 4 (Download Link).
VirtualBox installed on your computer (Download Link).

Step 1: Create a bootable Ubuntu USB drive

With the VirtualBox installed on your computer, open it and select the New button from the top bar.
Tap on the Create a Virtual Machine button and name it “PlayStation 4” for the current purpose.
Select Linux in the Type section and Ubuntu 64-bit under the Version section before you press the Next button.
Grant the amount of RAM to the virtual machine (Recommended minimum 2GB and maximum 8GB).
The next screen will ask you to create a virtual hard disk, where you can choose the option “Do not add a virtual hard disk” and press the Create button.
You will now be able to see the virtual window on the right side of the screen display “PlayStation 4”, click on it and then select the Settings button.
Under the Settings menu, select the Storage – Attributes – Optical Drive and then click on the CD icon next to the menu to pick “Choose Virtual Optical Disk File”.
Using the file browser, look for the Ubuntu OS file that you had previously downloaded and press the Open
Now head back to Storage – USB menu and click on the USB icon with the “+” sign at the right side of the USB Device Filters Here, a drop-down menu should allow you to select the USB drive that you wish to use to create a bootable Ubuntu OS.
Select the USB drive you have connected to the computer and then press the OK button to confirm.
To start the virtual machine, click on the PS4 tab on the left side of the screen and then press the Start
A window will pop up, allowing you to install Ubuntu on the USB device. Select your preferred language and on the left side of the screen, select the option to Install Ubuntu.
Follow the steps on the screen up until the virtual machine allows you to grant the computer a name and asks you to create a username and password.
At this point, the installation process should begin, after which, you can feel free to turn off the VirtualBox and exit.

Copy the Ubuntu files directly to the USB drive that you have connected to the computer, which should complete the process of creating a bootable USB Ubuntu drive.

Step 2: Installing Ubuntu on PS4

Hook up a mouse and a keyboard to your PS4 to begin the process of sideloading Ubuntu OS on it.
Connect the bootable Ubuntu drive that you have created to the PS4 console.
Turn on the PlayStation 4 and navigate to Settings – User’s Guide option.
Click on the PS4 WebKit Playground button that you see on the screen.
Under the Linux loader tab, select Load and wait as the Linux console boots up.
With the keyboard connected, type in “fdisk -l” and press the Enter
Type in “mount/dev/sdb2 newroot/” and press Enter to load the Ubuntu partition.
Now go ahead and type in “exec switch_root/newroot/ /newroot/sbin/init” and press Enter once again.
Press the S button to skip the error message and wait as Ubuntu is loaded on to your PlayStation 4 console.

Step 3: Install Kodi on PlayStation 4

Select the Ubuntu icon on the top-left corner of the screen to look up the terminal and double-click on it.
Type in “sudo apt install kodi” followed by “sudo apt-get install software-properties-common” and grant Yes when asked for permission.
Type in “sudo add-apt-repository ppa:team-xbmc/ppa” and press the Enter key, followed by “sudo apt-get update” and press Enter once again.
Finally, enter “apt-get install kodi” and press Enter, and type in Yes to confirm your action.

The process will commence, at the end of which, you will finally have Kodi media player up and running on the sideloaded version of Ubuntu on your PlayStation 4.

Final Words

When it comes to console gaming, there is no doubt that some people simply prefer the PlayStation 4 far more than Xbox One. However, the software restrictions put forward by Sony to deter piracy and essentially promote its PlayStation Vue streaming platform bars the access to Kodi, the most popular open-source media player out there. From the guide above, it should be apparent that while it is possible to install Kodi on your PS4 console, it certainly isn’t an easy process by any means.

Installing a makeshift version of Kodi on your PS4 by sideloading Ubuntu OS is going to be a complicated ordeal, to begin with. When a cheap and efficient Amazon Fire TV Stick can be sideloaded with Kodi media player to get the job done, we suggest you take the easy route and save yourself the risk of bricking your beloved gaming console. Be sure to let us know in the comments section if you’re still going to give Kodi on PS4 a try, or play it safe and get Kodi media player working on the big screen through an Android streamer.

Logitech G203 Review (After a Year of Daily Use)

Last updated on November 21, 2019

We recently decided to do a review of the Logitech G203, not only because it’s an insanely popular mouse, but also because we’ve been using it as our daily driver for both gaming and working.

So, if you’re interested in buying one for yourself, consider hearing us out since we’ve used it long enough to form a solid opinion about it. Not to mention that as tech geeks, we’ve had plenty of chances to try out a ton of other mice as well.

And with all that being said, let us dive into the review!

Logitech G203 Review: The Short Answer

Long story short, the G203 is a superb mouse – and not only for its money. We can confidently say that we’ve tried several other, much more expensive mice that didn’t feel or react as well.

And if you take pricing into account? Well, there’s practically no competition! At about 20 bucks, this mouse stands on a league of its own. Mind you, we’ve tried all the other budget options, including Corsair’s and SteelSeries’ offerings. But, in the end, all of them showcased some major flaws after a few months.

The RGB is a nice addition that some may enjoy while the weight is just about right as well. After a year of everyday use for more than 12 hours a day, it still holds up well. So, that’s a huge bonus as well.

However, nobody is perfect – and the G203 is no exception to that rule. First of all, it’s made of plastic. Yes, it’s not a huge deal. But, it does feel a bit cheap. Still, for $20, this is absolutely fine.

The other downside that can truly be a deal-breaker for some people is definitely its size. This is a small mouse and while it fits most types of techniques without an issue, it’s mostly suitable for those with small hands or also those who prefer using a claw grip.

I personally have big, slim hands and that didn’t stop me from using it without an issue. But, in the end, that’s all a matter of personal preference. If there’s any way to get your hands on it before buying it, do it – just to make sure that it fits your hand and style.

Logitech G203 Review: The Long Answer

To wrap up our Logitech G203 review into a few words: if you want a small, cheap, and lightweight gaming mouse that doesn’t sacrifice any performance, sure, go for it. The G203 is a solid choice and quite possibly the best at that price point.

But, if you want to learn more details about our overall experience with it, then keep on reading.

Performance

Let’s start with the most important thing: performance. If your mouse spins out when you move it too fast, then it doesn’t deserve to be called a gaming mouse.

Thankfully, that never happened to me with the G203. I’ve clocked close to a thousand hours on CS: GO (Yes, we know… Rookie numbers) while playing with the in-game sensitivity set to 1 and a DPI of 800.

So, that’s a reasonably low sensitivity with a surface area of half a desk (The mousepad covers most of it) and I never experienced a spin-out or any kind of abnormal behavior. Overall, that’s a 10/10 in our book.

Our only slight complaint is that the bottom feet don’t feel as smooth as those of the G305. But, it’s definitely not something that will ruin your game. It definitely didn’t for us.

Other than that, the scroll wheel is a bit too rough for our liking. But, that’s clearly a matter of personal preference and we suppose that a rough wheel is better for games anyway.

If you’re into specifications, the G203 offers the mercury sensor which can get up to a refresh rate of 1000Hz without an issue. Regarding the DPI, you can go as low as 200 and as high as 8000 – which should be more than enough for most people.

By the way, don’t get fooled into thinking that the lack of a PMW sensor makes this a bad gaming mouse. We’ve tried quite a few PMW variants, including the 3360 and the 3310, but the G203 felt just as responsive. So, no complaints there.

Build Quality and Endurance

Now, the G203 may be superb in terms of performance, but it definitely is not the best in terms of build quality. It’s fully made of plastic and it feels a bit cheap.

But, hey, it actually is a cheap mouse and its competitors aren’t that much better in that category either. What’s really important is that build quality doesn’t take away from competitive gaming performance.

Other than that, the buttons feel solid and the mouse itself can take quite a bit of punishment without breaking (Don’t blame me. Blame the hackers).

Now, we did come across a situation when the mouse was double-clicking on its own once. But we managed to fix that just by breathing hot air into it – and that’s about it.

Software

Logitech’s software is honestly as straight forward as it gets. For the most part, it only includes the absolute basics without a flashy UI or anything like that.

As you can see in the image above, the left side allows you to freely adjust what the buttons do, while the right side is responsible for DPI levels, setup, and polling rate.

The bottom panel is there for switching between lighting settings and mouse settings. Speaking of which, if you’re into it, the G203 also comes with fully customizable RGB lighting on the front.

Not only you can freely adjust the colors through the software, but also the breathing effects. It’s certainly not a big deal, but a welcome addition – especially on a budget choice like this one.

One feature that we truly love and wish to see more often is the option of saving the settings either on the mouse itself or the computer. This allows us to either plug the mouse on another computer without having to set it up again or use it without having to always run Logitech’s software on the background (Looking at you, Corsair).

Overall, we’re pretty pleased in terms of what Logitech offers in terms of software. The program is very easy to use and offers only the essentials without too much complicated stuff that make the setup process harder.

Conclusion

To wrap up our G203 review, we’ve got to say that it’s a superb mouse at a superb price. Not only it offers top-notch performance levels that you’ll only find in much more expensive mice, but it also withstood a year of abuse and heavy usage without any issues.

The only thing to keep in mind is its small size which can definitely be a deal-breaker for some people with very large hands. That’s all for now. Till next time!

Check out the Logitech G203 on Amazon

Are Sites Like G2A Legit? Best Steam Alternatives

Last updated on November 13, 2019

Wondering if online game store sites like G2A are a legitimate source for grabbing the latest game titles for a great price? Here’s everything you need to know about G2A and a quick look at some other great Steam alternatives online that are nothing short of a gamer’s safe haven.

Ever since the scientifically developed technology of artificial intelligence was domesticated into the personal computer, gaming has been in focus. We’ve certainly come a long way from the pixelated age of gaming that was brought upon by Asteroids and Tennis for Two in the 80’s, and as we progressed into the late 90’s the trend of offline multiplayer was in full swing. However, it wasn’t until the inception of Valve Corporation, and its now-popular Steam client that the course of PC gaming was changed forever.

In the year 2003, the Steam client started off as this bothersome application that users needed to have installed in order to play the revered Half-Life 2. The Steam client allowed players to connect with other online players for a multi-player gaming experience in real-time. Soon enough as the internet made its way to homes all across the United States, and then around the world, so did the reach of Steam increase by ten folds. Today, Steam stands as the most expansive digital game distribution marketplace.

Steam isn’t the only one – Sites like G2A exist too

More than a decade ago when the gaming industry was heavily invested in big-box retailers and gaming stores such as GameStop to get their products across to the customers, Steam reshaped the business model by taking the concept of buying games online and being able to play them instantaneously. Valve Corporation may have been the pioneer in the industry of online gaming, but it certainly isn’t perfect, which is apparent from the thousands of dissatisfied customers ranting about it on the community website.

Whether it is the fact that you don’t have much control over the games you buy from Steam that puts you off, or it’s the mediocre customer support you receive, there’s are plenty of reasons you’d want to check out sites like G2A and dozens of others that have gained recognition over the years. However, there’s a reason Steam is used by millions of gamers every day and has the support of the top developers in the business, so is it advisable to go forward with any other online game marketplace?

Why Steam alternative sites like G2A are worth a try

Depending on how many hours of your week you dedicate to gaming, you’ll seldom find the need to look for games elsewhere. However, the growing popularity of online game marketplaces apart from Steam stems from the following benefits they have to offer:

Games for cheap

The first and foremost reason why you would want to deviate from the mainstream channel of purchasing games online is to save some of that cold hard cash. Albeit Steam puts away a fair amount of games at a decent price during those yearly sales, they’re still priced at a premium most of the year. In comparison, alternative marketplaces offer game titles for a lower cost, since they are able to trim off some of the 30% revenue cut that Steam keeps for itself.

Indie game titles

Some of the most action-packed and invigorating game titles known to man have come from independent game studios. Although Steam has bolstered its support for independent developers in recent years, you can find some of the up and coming game studios on Steam. In fact, there are alternatives sites like Steam that focus specifically on independent games, making them stand apart from the rest.

Best game marketplace sites like Steam

Whether you’re an old-timer who has stuck with Steam right from the start or a rebel who is done with how Valve Corporation treats its customers – there’s more out there for you to discover. Here’s our personally curated list of the top game marketplace websites that are waiting to be uncovered, offering tons of benefits and steep discounts on the most popular titles available.

1. GOG Galaxy

You’d be a pariah in the gaming community if you don’t already know about CD Projekt, the talented game studio that is behind the Witcher series of adventure-packed open-world games. To start things off on the right foot, you should rest assured knowing that GOG (Good Old Games) comes as an initiative by CD Projekt that was rolled out as a game platform to showcase some of the old and forgotten gems that are hard to find online.

The online gaming marketplace has come a long way from its origins and stands today as a leading distributor of some of the most well-known mainstream titles and indie games. What makes GOG prominently different from Steam is that each and every game title offered here is 100% DRM-free. While this does limit the catalog of game titles offered by GOG, it keeps gaming simple and direct – the way it was always intended to be.

2. Green Man Gaming

Consider this online game marketplace as a free-trade zone for customers to look for games and actively compare the prices for which they are sold across different platforms. Green Man Gaming offers every major title that you can think of, and then the ones that you cannot find on Steam either. Similar to Steam, you can purchase titles from the same game studios or games that belong in the same genre as a bundle for greater discounts, along with a dedicated Indie games section for exclusive offerings.

What sets Green Man Gaming apart from the rest of the competitors out there is that it holds its very own special sales under the Hot Deals section where you can get popular titles for a fraction of the price. The platform comes with a direct refund policy where your money is safeguarded in case the key that you’re provided is faulty. Additionally, there are features such as the VIP section for early access to new titles and a student discount that you can avail online.

3. G2A

Consider this online marketplace as a free-for-all platform where sellers can openly offer games, subscription services, online gift cards, and so much more. G2A can be compared to an online buyer’s service such as eBay, where you can grab the best deals at astonishing prices, but it isn’t perfect by any means. Over the years, G2A has been home to some genuine sellers who get you the latest and greatest in gaming for a discounted price, but it has also been infested by some shady dealers who have given out fake or stolen game codes.

To curb these disingenuous activities on the platform, G2A has set up a protection plan where your money is always secure when you make a verified purchase. In our experience, you’ll usually end up getting a great deal on a popular game title with little to no problem as long as you stick to a trusted seller who has a track record on the platform.

4. Origin (EA Games)

When you’re a multi-million-dollar game studio with more than a dozen legacy game titles like The Need for Speed and FIFA to your name, you don’t need Steam to keep you afloat in the business. Managing its very own multiplayer client across PC, consoles, and even mobile platforms, Electronic Arts offers the Origin marketplace as a safe haven for those who want nothing more than what the game-studio has to offer.

You can expect the library of content to be fairly concise, with hundreds of game titles available for you to purchase and start playing right away. The main reason you would want to browse through Origin is for the large variety of demo games that you can try out before purchasing them, and the access to all of the EA Games exclusive content that is available only to Origin members.

5. Humble Bundle

For most of us gamers, Steam sales twice each year seem nothing less than Christmas coming early, with hundreds of games offered at a reasonably lower cost. But what if you ended up missing the Steam sale but don’t want to shell out the full amount for a game title? Humble Bundle brings you a service where you can either choose to get a single game at a steep discount or get a bunch of them together for a fraction of the price.

The DRM-free games sold over at the online distribution platform puts a special spotlight on the independent game developers, while still features big names in the game business such as Square-Enix and 2K every now and then. You can even subscribe to the monthly service that starts you off with 3 games and get a mystery game sent you each month just to keep things exciting.

6. Epic Games Store

Rising to popularity among the gaming community after the release of Fortnite Battle Royale, Epic Games has turned its game client into a full-blown marketplace. While the Epic Games Store is a premature baby in comparison to the Steam client with its thousands of game titles, but the fact that the platform is picking up exclusive titles right from the game studios is helping its popularity surge.

Albeit the game distribution platform is still pretty much a work in progress, but there is plenty of potential for growth now that its flagship game has helped popularize the brand. You certainly don’t get the vast library of content that you’ve come to expect from the top marketplace sites like G2A and others. However, the hand-picked list of games that are available on the Epic Games Store is easy to browse, and the platform is built for social interaction with built-in features and a dedicated chatbox.

Final Words

From being a growing pastime for the youth and adults of the developed nations to becoming a billion-dollar industry that has made its way even into the developing world – gaming has changed the way we entertain ourselves. For the pro-gamers out there, getting your hands on the latest game titles is similar to binge-watching the latest TV series online on Netflix, and they can’t seem to get enough of it. At the forefront of this growing business, has been the distribution platform of Steam, but the crowned champion is being contended for its top spot.

Whether it is the corporate greed that is forcing game studios such as Epic Games, EA Games, Bethesda, and Ubisoft to develop their very own game store services or the growth of sites like G2A that are giving out game titles for cheap, us gamers have plenty of ways to tickle our fancies. Which of these alternatives to Steam is you hooked on? Be sure to share your favorite down below in the comments section right now.

Dirt Rally Tips: How to Become Faster

Last updated on November 4, 2019

Looking for some Dirt Rally tips? Well, first of all, don’t cut. No. Seriously. Don’t – cut.

Now, I’m not exactly a pro. WTLS is more or less a team of pro-tech-writers – not racers. But, still, as someone who always finishes somewhere at the top of the top tier, I think I’m at least a bit qualified to give you a few basic tips that will help you become faster.

Do keep in mind that all of these tips can be applied to both Dirt Rally and Dirt Rally 2.0.

1: Listen to My Calls Samir

First things first, I know that this goes without saying. But, listen to your co-driver. Seriously. It’s very important.

There are some pro racers that somehow manage to finish without listening to their co-driver. But, these are real-life pros. Not gamers.

In case you’re just starting out and you’re not too familiar with rally calls, we basically use numbers from 1 to 6 in order to define how sharp or flat the upcoming corner is. The lower the number, the tighter that the corner is going to be.

So, basically, left 1 means that the upcoming turn is going to be a slow left. Speaking of which, a common misconception is that these numbers always represent what gear we should be in while taking a corner. That’s completely false.

Trying to take a 5 or even a 6 at 5th gear on maximum rev with some of the most powerful Group B cars is suicidal. Of course, that highly depends on the stage and the specific car. But, you get the point.

So, the system is pretty straight forward. But, there are some other, high-alert calls to keep in mind as well.

Don’t cut: This means that there is something dangerous on the side of the corner and that you should stay on the road. It could be because of a rock or something like that
Gate: Gate ahead. Stay in the middle of the road to avoid crashing
Square: 90-degree corner
Hairpin/Acute: Usually a 180-degree turn
Crest/Bump/Jump: Describes small details on the road. Be particularly wary of jumps since there is not a whole lot of control in the air
Deceptive: You’ll usually find this in corners with low visibility where you won’t be able to see how tight the turn really is

2: Know Your Limits

A big part of rally racing is knowing your limits and staying well below them at all times. That’s because driving close to the limits means that we’re more likely to make a mistake.

And, sure. Rally racing is ultimately that. Racing. So, it makes sense for us to wanna go as fast as possible.

The question is, what’s faster? Driving as fast as possible and crashing every once or twice per stage? Or going just a little bit slower and finishing without an issue?

This is even more useful at online challenges where there is no restart button. Not to mention the weekly and monthly challenges that require you to be very careful just for making it to the finish line.

Overall, take a step back, get to know yourself and your limits, then stay under them for as long as possible.

3: Learn How to Drive

This goes without saying, but knowing how to drive is very important. And rally driving can be a bit more complicated than you may think.

It’s not all about the simple things like braking, throttle control, and turning (Though, they do obviously play a massive role). There are also a few things that are not visible at first, such as oversteer control, weight balance, racing lines, various techniques like the “Heel and Toe” or the “Scandinavian Flick”, and more.

If all that sounds like Greek to you, then you should probably consider looking into that kind of stuff. There are a ton of helpful guides online.

Do keep in mind that some techniques are impossible to use on a gamepad or keyboard. Especially a keyboard. For example, if memory serves right, the game automatically pushes the throttle a little when we downshift on a gamepad. So, without a wheel, it basically performs the “Heel and Toe” automatically for you – even with all the assists being disabled.

Other than that, do also consider learning how to tune a car to your personal preference. In most cases, it seriously didn’t help me a lot. But, some cars on certain surfaces felt very tough to control without at least adjusting the suspension a bit.

With all of that being said, each car feels different. Especially when you switch from a front-wheel-drive to a rear-wheel-drive. So, take some time to get used to the different cars of your preference as well.

4: Consider Getting a Wheel

If you can afford it, a budget sim-racing setup helps a lot in getting faster and having more fun as well.

Now, we’re not saying that getting a wheel with pedals will automatically make you faster. But, what we’re saying is that it helps a lot with precision movements. And with practice, this is what’s going to make you both faster and more consistent.

As for which wheel to get, we personally wouldn’t recommend anything less than the Logitech G29. This is as cheap as one can go without completely butchering quality and the driving experience.

One of the most important reasons that the G29 is the bare minimum is because it offers a somewhat decent force feedback motor. That’s essential for feeling the movements of your car – not to mention for extra immersion.

Speaking of immersion, consider getting a shifter as well. After all, most of the older cars in Dirt Rally use a classic shifter.

5: Consider Getting Rid of Any Assists

There is a bit of a stigma with assists and racing sims. But, that’s not what this is about. Using any assists is ok and that’s completely up to you to decide.

However, do keep in mind that car assists reduce the level of control and precision. At least that’s how it felt for me. It’s as if you can no longer feel the weight of the car all that much anymore and that makes driving feel a bit dull and maybe even slower.

So, if you can get used to driving without any assists and taking full control over the car, then that’s probably going to benefit you in the long run.

Just do keep in mind that budget gamepads need a few assists. Especially those that don’t provide a lot of throttle and breaking control.

I once tried playing with a 10$ gamepad and breaking without the front wheels locking up or using the throttle without a rear-wheel-drive car going out of control was kind of impossible.

So, again, in some cases, there is no option but to rely on assists. If you’ve got the equipment to get rid of them, we’d recommend doing so.

Dirt Rally Tips: Summary

That’s all for now. If all these Dirt Rally tips are a bit too much information for you to take in at once, here’s everything that we talked about in nutshell:

Listen to the calls of your co-driver
Always drive under your limits (unless you’re practicing on a private session)
Invest a bit of time into learning at least the basics of how to drive a rally car (Weight shifting, oversteering, etc)
Consider buying a budget sim-racing setup (Wheel, pedals, and shifter)
Get rid of driving assists if you can afford to do so. In the end, this will give you more control over the car

Best Wireless Mice to Get in 2019

Last updated on October 31, 2019

Talking about the best wireless mice is a hard thing to do as this is a highly controversial topic. After all, there are a ton of things to consider. Things like features, weight, style, performance, battery life, etc.

For that reason, we decided to list a few different options with each one of them being focused on a specific kind of use. For example, professionals, gamers, and casual users all need to look for a different mouse. There’s no point in getting something expensive if you can’t utilize it.

Let’s check out some options!

1:Logitech G305: Best Budget Gaming Mouse

The G305 came out about a year ago. But, it’s still one of the best wireless mice that one can get!

Coming in at just a bit more than 100 grams, it’s one of the lightest wireless mice that one can get and that makes it the perfect choice for FPS gaming on a budget.

Do keep in mind that when we say budget, we only mean that it’s a budget option as a good wireless mouse. Because at about $50, there is no doubt that this is not exactly a budget option. But, again, for a wireless gaming mouse that performs so well, it’s extremely cheap.

Speaking of performance, the G305 can actually compete with some of the top mice. After all, with a polling rate of 1000Hz and a response rate of 1ms, there is no doubt that it performs just as well as its wired variants.

Mind you, this is coming from a somewhat experienced FPS player who has close to 1K hours on CS: GO alone. In fact, after going from the G203 to this one, my aim somehow improved. Maybe it’s because the wire was getting annoying at times.

The overall weight is just a tiny bit above 100 grams, which is a bit more than most FPS players are after. But, as you can see in the image above, you can mod it with a 3d printer and a battery adapter which brings it down to about 68 grams!

Speaking of batteries, it takes a single AA battery that can last up to 250 hours on high-performance mode. Adding a Lithium-Ion battery and switching the mouse over to endurance-mode will make it last for months before you need a replacement. Not to mention that it also makes the mouse lighter.

Pros:

Wakes up from sleep mode immediately (The only way to know that it was on sleep mode is by looking at the LED light. Otherwise, it’s impossible to tell the difference)
Relatively cheap for what it offers
Superb performance
Great battery life
Removable batteries (May be a con for some people)
Relatively lightweight
The DPI switch button and its great sensor also make it a good option for professional/office use

Cons:

Needs an AA battery instead of coming with a built-in, rechargeable one (May be a pro for some people)
Not the lightest gaming mouse around (Not a heavy one by any means, though)

2: Logitech M185: Best Wireless Mouse for Casual Users

Having a mouse that can respond as fast and smooth as possible is great. But, the truth that not everybody needs that. Most office users don’t and casual ones are highly unlikely to notice the difference as well.

So, why spend the extra money on something that you can’t take advantage of anyway? Casual users will be much better with something like the much cheaper M185 instead.

And it’s not like you can’t game with it either. Just don’t even think about using it for competitive games. Not only it’s operating at 125 Hz, but it also can’t handle extremely low sensitivities.

Nowadays, it’s generally priced at about 10 bucks. And for a wireless mouse of this caliber, that is practically free. The extremely small size and low weight of 75 grams may end up being deal-breakers for some people. But, that’s a matter of personal preference anyway.

In exchange for sacrificing performance and response time, you get crazy battery-life instead. According to Logitech, you can generally expect to get a year of battery life out of a standard AA battery.

We suppose that a Lithium-Ion battery will extend that even more – not to mention that it’ll make the mouse lighter as well. But, who needs a single, cheap battery to last for more than a year anyway? Even a few months of battery life is going to be more than anyone will ever need.

Pros:

Very lightweight
Outstanding battery life
Small (Could be a con for those of you who have big hands)
Extremely cheap

Cons:

Can’t handle competitive gaming
Not suitable for pros who need great accuracy and DPI adjustments on the fly

3: Logitech MX Master 2S: Great Option for Productivity

Last, but not least, the MX Master 2S is a superb option for professionals. Yes, we know that every single mouse in this list is from Logitech. But, it just so much happens that Logitech makes some of the best wireless mice around and this has been the case for a long time now.

One of the things that make this mouse a great option for professionals is its ability to freely scroll vertically while also being able to scroll horizontally.

This is possible only thanks to the secondary scroll wheel on the side of the mouse. So, it’s definitely not something that you can replicate by using something else.

Other than that, there is also an additional button for gestures at the bottom left part. You can use that to quickly bring up your recent apps or perform various tasks – such as immediately adjusting one window at one part of the screen.

Last, but not least, the Flow functionality allows us to quickly switch between multiple computers and wirelessly transfer files with a single mouse. For some people, this feature alone can be a life-saver.

Now, while this mouse can be used for gaming, it’s a tad bit too heavy for most gamers (145 grams). Not to mention that its sensor is inferior compared to most gaming mice.

The gesture button can also get annoying while gaming. But, thankfully, there is always the option of turning it off.

The built-in battery life is rather decent. Generally, you can expect to get about 2 months of usage. And since its rechargeable, this is more than anyone will ever need.

Pros:

Great for professionals
The “Flow” technology is a welcome addition
Allows us to scroll both horizontally and vertically (Also in free-flow mode vs click to click)
Great build quality
Not too expensive (Considering that it’s a high-end option)
Decent battery life
Can be used on almost any surface

Cons:

Not the best option for gaming
Can be a bit too heavy and/or large for some people

Best Wireless Mice: Conclusion

That’s all we got for now. Hopefully, this article helped you in finding out the best wireless mice for your needs. If not, let us know what we could do better next time in the comments section down below.

Arguably, we could’ve picked a more premium gaming mouse. But, the truth is that you’re unlikely to tell the difference between the high-end sensors and the Hero sensor anyway.

If you still don’t know which mouse to pick, here’s what each one of them do best in a nutshell:

Logitech G203: Suitable for more or less everything, but it comes with a $50 price-tag and while mostly being focused on gaming
Logitech M185: Great for casual and home-office use. But, not suitable for gaming or demanding pro-use
Logitech MX Master 2S: Great for professional use – mediocre for gaming

Best VPN for Xbox One – Complete Review

Last updated on October 24, 2019

Hook up to VPN for Xbox One and unleash the multiplayer gaming potential your console comes packed with. Here’s a complete guide on how to set up a VPN on your Xbox One console and a step-by-step tutorial on how to do it.

Back in the late 1990s when a tech wiz over at Microsoft invented the technology behind virtual private networks, who would’ve thought that two decades later, there would be hundreds of top VPN services catering to billions of users all over the world? Over the years, the growing threat of cybercrime and the tightening fist of government agencies all over the world has forced the hand of consumers to find meaningful and effective ways to safeguard their access to the World Wide Web at large.

The VPN service providers have been able to capitalize not only on desktop-based users, but the popularity of anonymity online has led to the creation of VPN mobile apps too. However, the real-time benefits of using a VPN service are now being recognized by the gaming community as well. This has led to a surge in VPN services made available for gaming consoles such as the Microsoft Xbox One and the Sony PlayStation 4.

Why Use a VPN for Gaming?

As a mainstream internet user, you’re sure to have come across a VPN service at least once in your lifetime, and for some of us, it is a part of our daily online activity. The way a VPN service works is that it reroutes your internet connection through a private server situated at a remote location. Unless you’re using a premium VPN service, you can expect slower internet speeds when connected to a VPN server. So why would anyone want to risk the horror of suffering through a drop in frame rates and server lag during action-packed gaming by using a VPN?

Get the latest game titles

For those of us who are dead serious about gaming and never miss out on the latest released, getting your hands on the newly released game title means the world. Since launch dates for most games are region-specific, the game that you wish to fire up on your PC or gaming console may not be available right away.

When you have a premium VPN for Xbox installed, you can skip past the waiting line and connect to a regional server where the game has already been launched. Rather than waiting for weeks to get started on highly anticipated game titles, you could begin smashing the living heck out of your controller.

Bypass ISP throttling

There’s no doubt over the fact that the quality and speed of your internet connection decides the quality of gaming experience you are going to enjoy online. You might be shelling out a premium each month to get a high-speed internet connection from your ISP, but the age-old problem of internet speed throttling could be ruining your online multiplayer game on the Xbox.

Whether it’s the increased server load because everyone on your local server is hogging on the connection, or the ISP is throttling your connection to reduce the load and offer a uniform browsing experience to all of the users, rerouting your network connection while gaming encrypts the data that is being transferred, thus skipping the inspection cue set up by the ISP.

Gaming on the go

Imagine you’re traveling halfway across the world for business or leisure, so are you going to manage to play your favorite games on your usual regional servers? Since only a handful of multiplayer games allow you to manually choose your game server location, you will need to use a VPN for Xbox One to mask your IP address and connect remotely to a home server.

Using a high-end VPN server should give you hundreds, if not thousands of server locations to connect to, allowing you the ability to access your preferred game servers back home. As long as you have a stable internet connection abroad, your gaming experience should be unaffected by your regional location.

Securing your device

Whether you take into account the hundreds of dollars you’ve spent on game titles in your library or the special collectibles in your inventory – there’s a bunch of valuable content in your gaming account. Since your gaming account also holds social media and personal information, along with payment details, there’s a lot to lose if some hackers decide to hijack your connection.

The first and foremost feature of almost every premium quality VPN service provider has bolstered security all around. When you’re rerouting your game connection through encrypted servers, it becomes virtually impossible for attackers to find their way into your personal game account.

3 Best VPN for Xbox One

Now that you understand the core importance of using a VPN service while gaming on your Xbox, its time to make a difficult choice. Ever since the popularity of VPNs has exploded, so has the long list of names increased in the business, with each and every one of them offering high-speed and secure browsing experience online. We’ve put these claims to the test and shortlisted some of the most popular and reliable VPN services for Xbox One out there.

1. ExpressVPN (Recommended)

A pioneer in the world of VPN services, ExpressVPN is regarded as a preferred choice among gamers on the Xbox One and Xbox 360. Getting the basics right, the VPN service comes with TrustedServer technology, which puts forward essential privacy measures that keep your gaming experience secure, along with speed optimizations and anonymity that allows you to access restricted content the easy way.

When it comes to gaming-specific features, you get hundreds of high-speed remote servers situated all across the world to connect to. The ability to mask your geographical location makes it simpler for you to connect to any local game server effortlessly, and the 30-day money-back guarantee in place ensures that your investment is always protected.

2. NordVPN

Another formidable name in the business of VPN service providers for gaming, the reason we recommend you to use it as a VPN for Xbox One isn’t limited to just the high-speed performance. While protecting your connection from DDoS attacks and security breaches, NordVPN does so without dampening the internet speed.

Regardless of where you’re situated, NordVPN allows you to connect to international remote servers and get gaming right away. More than 5,000 spread across the global map allows you as a user to stream content without a hiccup, get access to region-locked games, and even cut out the ping times that can ruin a multiplayer gaming experience.

3. PureVPN

Even if you aren’t on the move and gaming right from the comfort of your home, PureVPN highlights the reasons why you absolutely must get yourself a VPN for Xbox One or PS4. Apart from the common claims of high-speed internet access and complete identity protection while being connected to the World Wide Web, PureVPN comes with dedicated Port Forwarding.

This feature allows you to conveniently connect to games with the most crowded servers such as PUBG and Fortnite without much of a wait time. Whether you’re trying to evade the ISP throttling issues on your desktop or gaming console or want matchmaking to be from a specific region, PureVPN has got you covered.

How to set up VPN on Xbox One with ExpressVPN

Unlike your desktop computer or your mobile phone, most gaming consoles do not come with native support for a VPN service. The Xbox One is no exception, but the versatility of certain supported VPNs such as ExpressVPN allows you to install it and have it running on your console in minutes.

Method 1: Get a VPN Router

Since the demand for security and privacy is on the rise, the market has adapted to the need for VPN services at every step of the way. The best way to keep each and every network connection in your home or office secure is by equipping the source of the network connection with a reliable VPN service provider.

With a VPN router installed and your ExpressVPN login credentials set up with it, you don’t have to worry about individually enabling the VPN connection on each and every device. Since your Xbox One console would be hooked up to your wireless router as well, all of your online gaming with being funneled through secure servers.

Choosing the Best VPN Router – Buying Guide

Method 2: Connect via PC

While gaming consoles may not have a dedicated app for ExpressVPN, desktop PCs do, which is just what you need to make this method work. All you need to do is connect your computer to a remote, secure server and share the internet connection with the Xbox One. The only downside to this method is that you need to have the computer turned on when gaming on the console.

Plug in one end of the ethernet cable into the Xbox One console and the other end into the computer with ExpressVPN enabled on it.
Right-click on the Start button and then press on the Settings
Head over to the Network & Internet menu and select the VPN
Click on Change adapter settings on the right corner of the screen.
On the new screen, right-click on the Ethernet icon and select the Properties
Select the Sharing tab and then check the box that reads “Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s internet connection”.
Select the Xbox One ethernet connection using the drop-down menu below it and press OK to confirm your action.

You can now navigate on the Xbox One console screen to Settings – Network – Network settings – Test network connection to see if the VPN connection through the computer has been established.

Final Words

From being a pastime for the youth of the developed world to a global phenomenon that has become an industrial complex worth billions of dollars today – gaming has come a long way. We’ve managed to take back the freedom on which the internet was invented with the help of the best VPN service providers available today, and the same flexibility of usage needs to be afforded to gamers as well.

Taking into account the deciding factors on which online multiplayer gaming stands today, we have boiled down the list of the best VPN for Xbox One to the major 3 names. Whether you’re interested in unlocking regional content that is not available in your country, wish to bypass ISP throttling and get ahead in the game, or wish to play on location-specific servers, connecting your gaming console to a VPN is all you need to do.

Which one of the aforementioned VPN service providers are you going to side within this great battle of breaking free your Xbox One console for online gaming? We’re looking forward to hearing from you, so be sure to mention in the comments section below, what you think about it.

How to Setup External GPU for Laptop (EC)

Last updated on October 16, 2019

Using an external GPU for Laptop is a great way to boost your gaming performance without having to buy a brand new PC. The only issue with external setups is that they are either too expensive or too complicated to use.

In this article, we’ll be guiding you on the second kind: the cheap but complicated method. Our aim is to make it as simple as possible for you to understand. So, without any further ado, let’s get right into it!

Inventory

First things first, let’s see what we’re going to need:

A Laptop with an Express Card slot
A GPU
An ATX power supply
Code 43 fix (If you use an Nvidia 10xx or 20xx series card)
An EXP GDC adapter
And an external monitor

Laptop

Anything that has an Express Card slot should work. It’s an old connector that has gone extinct at this point. But, this article is made to support those who are stuck with an old laptop and don’t wish to pay for a new computer anyway.

If you don’t have an Express Card slot, then you could try using the mini PCI-E slot that is normally occupied by your Wi-Fi adapter. The problem with this is that not only you’ll lose Wi-Fi capabilities, but you’ll also have to get access to the innards of the laptop with no guarantee that this will work in the first place.

Laptops with Express Card connectors, on the other hand, simply require you to take off the dummy, plug in the EXP GDC, and you’re good to give it a try after powering it on. Much easier to work with and more likely to work in the first place.

There’s no guarantee that anything will work. But, you can find a list of laptops that are known for working with the adapter over here.

Those of you who own a newer laptop with a thunderbolt connector should be able to use an external dock without any issues. Though, do keep in mind that this is massively more expensive than the EXP GDC beast.

GPU and Error 43 Patch

Anything will do. But, do keep in mind that older laptops have relatively weak CPUs that can’t compete with their Desktop counterparts.

Powerful GPUs are most likely going to get bottlenecked. So, it would be for the best if you get a budget to mid-range GPU like the 750 Ti up to the RX 570 or something similar.

In our experience, we managed to use a 750 ti on a 3rd gen, dual-core i5, with no bottlenecks. And a GTX 1060 6GB on the same laptop with severe bottlenecks in certain titles like Witcher 3, Dirt Rally, For Honor, and F1 2017.

Speaking of which, if you go with a 10xx or 20xx Nvidia GPU, then do keep in mind that you’ll need the Error 43 fixer or you won’t be able to install the latest drivers.

ATX PSU and EXP GDC Adapter

The last thing that we need to complete our inventory is the EXP GDC adapter to plug in our GPU and an ATX PSU to feed both the card and the adapter.

Regarding the power supply, since you are only going to be powering a GPU and the adapter, we aren’t going to need anything too powerful. Something like a CX 550 should be plenty for most setups.

External Monitor

An external GPU with EXP GDC can only work with external monitors and not with your laptop’s display. Some people have managed to get it working without using a monitor, but they ended up reporting massive performance losses anyway.

Now, since a low to mid-range GPU that’s already bottlenecked by the Express Card interface isn’t going to work well with high-resolution or high refresh rate displays, a standard 1080P 60Hz/70Hz monitorshould be more than enough for you. Size is entirely up to personal preference.

1: External GPU for Laptop: Power Setup

First things first, let’s get power out of the way. Make sure that everything is turned off and unplugged in order to avoid any potential damages.

EXP GDC should come with a 24-pin adapter which will allow you to use the PSU. All you have to do is plug the 8-pin end to the adapter, then connect it to the PSU with the 24-pin motherboard connector and the 4-pin CPU connector (Yellow and black cables) like so.

After that, you’ll also need to feed the graphics card. So, plug it into the EXP GDC and connect it with any 6 or 8-pin cables that it asks for (Directly to the GPU – not the 6-pin of EXP GDC).

Some low-end GPUs like the GTX 750 Ti and 1050 can work without asking for any extra power. So, no need to worry if your GPU doesn’t ask for 6 or 8-pin connectivity.

2: Data Connectivity

All that’s left now is to:

Connect the laptop with the adapter
Connect the GPU to the monitor

And you should be good to go. To connect the laptop with the adapter, you’ll need to use the HDMI to Express Card cable that came inside the box.

The HDMI goes to EXP GDC and the Express Card cable to your laptop. In order to disconnect the dummy or any EC device that’s connected to the laptop, just push a little bit to the inside until you hear a click.

external gpu for laptop — Setup with dedicated power brick (Not ATX)

If you don’t have an Express Card slot, then your only option is to open the bottom of the laptop and get access to a Mini-PCI-E port which will most likely require you to remove the Wi-Fi/Bluetooth adapter. Do keep in mind that you must pick the appropriate EXP GDC version from the very beginning.

After the connection is done, all that remains is to connect the GPU to a monitor with HDMI, Display Port, VGA, or whatever you’ve got, plug in everything, turn on the laptop (Make sure that the PSU is turned on as well), and hopefully, everything will start working.

Some GPUs and PSUs don’t turn on their fans until they reach a certain temperature. So, do keep that in mind as well.

3: Last Touches to Complete the External GPU for Laptop Setup

If everything works as intended, then the only thing that remains is to install the GPU drivers, launch some games, and see how well they run. So, first things first, head over to either Nvidia or AMD, depending on which card you’ve got, find the appropriate drivers, install them, and then come back.

Again, if you own an Nvidia 10xx or 20xx series, then you’ll need to run the core 43 error fix or you won’t be able to get the latest drivers. And that’s about it. Your whole system should be set up and good to go now.

External GPU for Laptop Setup: Wrapping Up

Do understand that this is not a foolproof method. There is no guaranteed that it’s going to work with all laptops – even if they do come with an Express Card slot.

That being said, let us know how things went on your end in the comments section down below. And if you’ve come across any problems, we may be able to help you out!

Force Feedback Wheel Comparison (2019)

Last updated on October 9, 2019

A force feedback wheel is an absolute must-have tool for any sim-racer. Especially when it comes to sims like Assetto Corsa and iRacing that generally don’t play too well with gamepads and cheap wheels.

But, which one should you pick? There are a ton of options out there starting from less than $100 all the way up to the thousands. That’s why we’re here to help you out with the process.

Here are some of the best wheels that you can get in 2019!

1: Logitech G29: Best Budget Force Feedback Wheel

Those of you who have been into sim-racing for a while probably saw this coming from a mile away – and rightfully so. After all, Logitech’s wheels have been an extremely popular option for a long time now.

It definitely struggles to compete with some more expensive wheels. But, for just about 200 bucks, it’s really hard to go with this one.

Covered in leather with a metal frame, the G29 does its best to look like a real driving wheel. And for the most part, it does a rather ok job at it.

That being said, the flashy buttons definitely take away from all that. So, it may be a deal-breaker for some people. While we’re at it, the Playstation buttons are also off-putting for PC gamers who are used to the Xbox layout – but that’s just a minor detail.

What really matters is the feel of the wheel and the force feedback. Thankfully, the force feedback is extremely strong. Probably more than you’ll ever need it to be.

However, the overall feel is a bit weird. It just doesn’t feel as smooth as its competitors like the T300 RS. Then again, both wheels have their own pros and cons which makes it hard to recommend one over the other.

For us, the clutch pedal is enough to go with the G29 over the T300 RS. But, that’s just a matter of personal preference. Speaking of additional features, do keep in mind that the shifter isn’t included with the wheel and actually costs 50 extra bucks or so.

Still, all things considered, finding a wheel that’s as reliable and sturdy at that price point is kind of impossible right now. So, if all you have to spend on a wheel is about $200 or so, definitely consider this one!

Pros:

Great value
Feels sturdy
Has proven to be more reliable compared to its competitors
Compatible with PS3, PS4, and PC
Strong force feedback

Cons:

Force feedback doesn’t feel as smooth compared to other options (Still much better than entry-level options)
The shifter is not included
No support for Xbox One (There is the G920 for that. But, it’s a slightly inferior version)

2: Thrustmaster T300RS GT: Best Mid-Range Force Feedback Wheel

Yet another very popular option. The T300 RS GT is all around a better choice compared to the G29. It looks like a real wheel, feels like a real wheel, doesn’t come with those flashy buttons, and the pedals are also superb.

But, with all of that being said, do keep in mind that it’s also much more expensive. On certain occasions, it asks for twice as much compared to the G29. Does that mean that it’s twice as good? Probably not.

Still, if you want something that’s objectively better than the Logitech G29 without having to spend a fortune, then this is more or less your only choice. It has one of the best force feedback responses that we’ve ever seen and it looks gorgeous as well.

If there’s one downside, then that has to be Thrustmaster’s quality control. It’s not uncommon for some people to report that their wheel stopped working after a couple of years.

On some occasions, it didn’t even last for more than a few months – and that seems to be a recurring theme with Thrustmaster wheels. That’s obviously unfortunate. But, at the same time, there are no better alternatives at this price point.

Pros:

Great force feedback
Feels great
Looks objectively good
Compatibility for both PS4 and PS3 while also being supported for PC

Cons:

Not compatible with Xbox (There is the TMX for that – but it’s a significant downgrade compared to this one)
Generally more expensive than the G29
Also doesn’t include a shifter

3: Accuforce Pro V2: Best High-End/Enthusiast Force Feedback Wheel

Let’s make one thing clear, this is not targeted towards your average consumer. The Accuforce Pro V2 is a direct drive wheel which is mainly made for pros and/or enthusiast sim racers.

To give you a point of reference, just the base with the wheel will cost you a thousand bucks. No shifter, no pedals – just the wheel and the base unit.

If that sounds expensive to you, then do keep in mind that this is one of the cheapest direct drive wheels on the market. By comparison, other direct drive wheels can easily ask for $1400 or more just for the base unit without even a wheel.

In case you’re not familiar with direct drive wheels, then you should know that the reason that they are superior to consumer alternatives is that they are directly connected to the force feedback motors.

See, cheaper wheels like the G29 use a sort of gear system to connect the wheel with the motor. The problem with that is that since there is a medium that needs to transfer the motion over to the wheel, a bit of detail and power always gets lost on the way.

Direct drive wheels, on the other hand, don’t lose any power or detail. After all, they are directly connected to the motor and that’s what makes them so much superior.

Does that mean that you should spend the extra money? Well, if you’re the average sim-racer like us, no. But, if you’re an enthusiast or someone who wants to take every bit of advantage, then do absolutely consider getting one.

Pros:

Amazing feel
Great attention to detail
Easy to use (For a direct drive wheel)
Extremely sturdy
Literally more powerful than you can handle (May even end up breaking your wrists at full power)

Cons:

Way too expensive for your average player
Complicated to use (Compared to consumer wheels)
Add-ons are relatively expensive

Conclusion

At the end of the day, there is no clear winner. Each wheel has its own pros and cons. Overall:

Logitech: Offers better reliability but the force feedback isn’t that smooth
Thrustmaster: Better force feedback but it’s more likely to break down
Accuforce: Surpasses both wheels in every single way but also costs a lot of money and is tougher to setup

What’s The Best Budget 144Hz Monitor?

Last updated on October 4, 2019

Getting the best budget 144Hz monitor is a must for budget gamers. After all, as far as gaming is concerned, there is no doubt that a higher refresh rate makes a world of difference in smoothness – at least as long as your GPU can keep pushing out these extra frames.

But, it goes without saying that when you look for cheaper alternatives, at least some functionality needs to be taken away. All you can do is balance the pros and cons out and pick whatever fits you best. That being said, here are our top picks!

1: ViewSonic XG2401: No Compromises

When we previously talked about our top overall budget monitors, this one got our approval as the best gaming monitor for the price. And it actually still holds that title.

Priced at just about 200 bucks, this is as good as it gets. 1080P, 144Hz, 1ms response time, great stand, FreeSync support, great build quality, and more. Overall, it’s hard to go wrong with it.

At 24-inches, it’s definitely not a large monitor, but it’s not small either. Arguably, this is the sweet spot for competitive gaming.

Since the size is all a matter of personal preference, though, you always have the option of selecting the 27-inch variant as well. Apart from the thinner bezels, slightly different stand, and the extra 30 bucks that it asks for, it seems to be more or less the same deal with our 24-inch recommendation – except it’s obviously bigger.

Do keep in mind that the larger your display is, the higher that the resolution will have to be in order for it to keep on looking nice and crisp. A 1080P display at 27 inches may appear to be somewhat blurry for some people.

With that out of the way, the included DP cable and FreeSync support are amazing at this price point. It’s not uncommon to see many other monitors asking for an extra $100 or more while offering the same specs and no FreeSync.

Our only small complaint are the somewhat thick bezels. Sure, it’s not a massive deal-breaker. But, we’re nearing at 2020 where most modern monitors offer very thin bezels. So, that’s a small shame for Viewsonic. Otherwise, it’s almost perfect.

Pros:

Great value
Offers FreeSync
Adjustable stand (Basic)
Cheap

Cons:

Big bezels

Check out the ViewSonic XG2401 on Amazon

2: Samsung C27JG56: QHD Goodness

As we mentioned above, some people may find 1080P displays a bit blurry. Especially the ones that start from 27 inches and only get bigger without offering a better resolution.

That’s why we thought that it’d be a good idea to mention the Samsung C27JG56 as well. It offers a QHD resolution while still maintaining our much desired 144Hz refresh rate.

The first version of this monitor didn’t come with FreeSync. But, thankfully, Samsung listened to our complaints and released this newer variant that comes with FreeSync enabled with a price tag of around $300.

Sure, it’s not exactly the cheapest monitor. But, as far as high-quality QHD 144Hz panels are concerned, this is as good as it can get without us reaching deep into our pocket. At this moment, this is the best budget 144hz monitor with a 2K display.

Our only complaint isn’t with the monitor, but with Samsung. Their quality control has proven to be mediocre at best. So, there have been quite a few people complaining about dead pixels or even DOA arrivals.

That leaves us playing with our luck and obviously, nobody likes that.

Pros:

QHD
Offers FreeSync
Great value
27-inch panel

Cons:

Samsung’s bad quality control

Check out the Samsung C27JG56 on Amazon

3: Sceptre E255B-1658A: 165Hz on The Cheap

We created this article while aiming to mention 144Hz monitors, but it just so much happens that this one can actually get up to 165Hz. That arguably doesn’t make much of a difference. But, hey, if you can take that advantage without paying more, why not?

Speaking of paying, this is actually the cheapest option so far. These days, it retails for under $180. But, do keep in mind that pricing may fluctuate wildly over time.

At times, many have seen it with a price tag of over $300 which is almost two times the amount that it asks for now. So, don’t blame us if you happen to read this article at a point in time when this will not be such a budget option.

As for features, we’re looking at a 24.5-inch panel, a 165Hz refresh rate, FreeSync support, 1ms response rate, thin bezels, and anti-flicker technology.

Our only complaints are the rather frail-looking stand and the mediocre build-quality control from Spectre. Just like with Samsung’s monitor, there have been quite a few complaints about dead pixels and damages on arrival.

So far, Viewsonic’s offering has been the most reliable out of the bunch. But, it also has thicker bezels and a slightly higher price tag than this one. So, it’s all a matter of weighing the pros and cons and choosing whatever fits you best.

Pros:

Cheapest option
165Hz refresh rate
FreeSync compatible
Thin bezels

Cons:

Spectre’s bad quality control

Check out the Spectre Sceptre E255B-1658A on Amazon

What Does 144Hz Mean?

144Hz stands to represent the refresh rate of a monitor. 60Hz means that it refreshes 60 times per second, 75 means that it refreshes 75 times per second, and 144Hz means that it refreshes 144 times per second.

60Hz is the “casual” refresh rate which is usually more than enough to satisfy non-gamers. But, those of you who own a beefy build that is able to push more than 100FPS can definitely take advantage of a high refresh rate monitor.

If your computer can’t render at least 90-100 frames per second, then buying a 144Hz display is probably not worth it since you’re not taking advantage of that extra refresh rate anyway.

If you bought a 144Hz monitor and just discovered that your PC can’t take advantage of it, then you can either start lowering the resolution of your game and it’s settings, or get a stronger GPU that can render more FPS.

The RX 580 and 1660Ti are good options for those who are targetting 100+ FPS on 1080P while the 5700 XT is more suitable for 1440P.

What’s The Best Budget 144Hz Monitor?

Overall, there is no single monitor that can beat them all. Each one of them have their own pros and cons. Long story short:

Viewsonic: Great option at a great price, but it also comes with thick bezels
Samsung: Higher resolution and thin bezels, but bad quality control
Sceptre: Highest refresh rate and the cheapest option, but the mediocre quality control is something to keep in mind

What’s your best budget 144Hz monitor? Let us know about it in the comments down below!

How to Pair Xbox One, PS4, and Gamesir Controllers With iOS

Last updated on October 2, 2019

Now that Apple Arcade is out, we have one more reason to grab our console or mobile controllers and pair them with our iPhone. It’s an easy way to enhance your overall gaming experience.

That being said, the process of pairing a controller to iOS devices can differ from gamepad to gamepad. It’s no surprise that so many people don’t know how.

So, here’s how to pair an Xbox, PS4, or Gamesir controller with your iPhone!

1: Inventory

First things first, let’s see what we need to have.

An Xbox One, PS4, or GameSir controller
An iPhone
And if possible, the latest version of iOS

But, one thing that may not be so obvious is that your controller needs to support Bluetooth and iOS compatibility. Some older wireless controllers like the Dualshock 3 may or may not work while there is no hope for wired ones.

For example, the older Xbox 360 controller won’t work with our guide. The same thing goes for the Gamesir G3W, Xbox 360, etc.

With that out of the way, let us move on with the guide.

2: How to Pair Xbox One and PS4 Controllers With iOS

To pair an Xbox One controller, all you need to do is:

Turn it on
Press the “Sync” button
Go to the Bluetooth settings of your iPhone
Once there, the controller should appear on the list of available devices
Tap on your Xbox One controller’s name
And that should be it

As for a PS4 controller:

Hold down the PS icon along with the “Share” button until the lights start blinking
Go to your Bluetooth settings
And connect with the PS4 controller that should appear on the list

3: How to Pair A GameSir Controller With iOS

GameSir controllers are designed to work with numerous operating systems. For that reason, you need to know the various combinations that your model uses to connect with each different OS.

For example, if you own the GameSir G3S, you need to:

Hold down the power + Y button
Wait until the Apple icon starts flashing
Head over to your Bluetooth settings
Then connect with the controller

If you see nothing but a serious of numbers with letters, then wait for a few seconds and the name should eventually change to “GameSir G3S”. That being said, the controller doesn’t officially support Apple devices. But, if you own one, you can always give it a try.

Wrapping Up

That’s all for now. If you’ve got any questions, let us and everyone else know about them in the comments section down below! Do keep in mind that not all games support controllers and that not all controllers play well with iOS.

Even some options that are kinda optimized for iOS, like the GameSir G3S, may still not work at all in the end. Still, give it a try and let us know how that worked out for you.