Another month of 2026 down, and this summer’s tech has hit everything from retro light guns to mid-range CPUs that perform more like flagships. We’ve been thoroughly ignoring the sun this month, swapping hot weather for controllers, headsets, Switch 2 docks, microphones, SSDs and more.
Our top tech this month includes the likes of the Intec Time Breaker Lightgun, a PS1 / PS2 compatible blaster vying for a spot among the best retro controllers on modern TV displays. If you’re kitting out a more contemporary console, though, the JSAUX 6-in-1 Switch 2 dock has also taken one of our top slots for the month. The third-party hub has all your HDMI connections handled, but also includes a handy Joy-Con charging panel. Its appearance has kept it from the full five marks, but there’s plenty going on under the hood here.
Meanwhile, the best gaming headsets have a new lower mid-range option to watch out for. The Corsair HS35 V3 has hit the shelves, and we awarded the $79.99 cups a sturdy 4.5/5 in our review. It’s a super lightweight device but still manages to pack wireless 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connections and an impressive audio quality to boot.
You’ll find all the top gaming tech we tested in August 2026 just below, with many filtering through to our best gaming gadgets bumper pack as well. Be sure to hit the ‘view details’ button for more information from our reviews.
4.5-Star gaming gadgets
Pros
- Excellent build quality
- Great light gun detailing
- High accuracy once calibrated correctly
- Great wireless battery life
- Minimal latency
- Dongles for PS1 and PS2 included
Cons
- Calibration steps are confusing
- Only compatible with Guncon games
- Pretty pricey
Pros
- Exemplary QD-OLED performance
- Sleek contemporary design
- Respectable 4K 240Hz abilities
- Solid HDR
- Visual Ambilight LED eyecandy
Cons
- Can struggle in especially bright environments
- Newer model now available
Pros
- One of the lightest, comfiest headsets I’ve tested
- Equipped with Tri-mode Wired, Bluetooth, & 2.4GHz connectivity
- Wireless dongle is compact and practical
- Great out-of-the-box sound
- Fantastic detachable microphone
Cons
- No iCue support
- Relies on the Windows Dolby Atmos app for customized sound
Pros
- Can charge 4 Joy-Con at once
- Can charge Pro-style gamepads
- Utilizes similar space as the official dock
- Can be folded away for easy travel
- Provides game and microSD Express storage
- Cheaper than buying an official replacement
Cons
- Indicator screen prone to cosmetic damage
- Dock can fall back against Switch 2 display
- LED display annoying in dark-lit environments
Pros
- Excellent size and grip shape for a mobile controller
- Microswitch buttons
- Pivoting USB-C connector
- Upgradable thumbsticks
- Works for PS5 remote play and Xbox Game Pass
- Comfortable for long sessions
Cons
- Springy sounding triggers doesn’t inspire the most confidence in build quality
- Back buttons could be placed a little lower on the grips
4-Star gaming gadgets
Pros
- Provides 2230 & 2280 SSD options in one package
- A 2280 adapter is included in the box
- Includes x2 decals for labeling
- Simple to install
Cons
- Not yet available in US markets
- Read speeds don’t quite match box specs
Pros
- Hybrid connectivity
- Excellent audio quality in both connection modes
- Decent price compared to other premium mics
- Classy, Shure-like design
- Great mounting system design which complements the pickup pattern
Cons
- Pricey if you’re buying as an entry-level USB option
- Picks up a lot of room noise in XLR, and the noise gate is very aggressive in USB mode
- Pop filter/wind guard isn’t as good as the competition
- RGB, onboard controls, and some features only work in USB mode
- Synapse reliance
Pros
- Excellent gaming and content creation performance
- Temperatures stay under control
- Great value for money
- Shows a reformed Intel
Cons
- Thermals and power aren’t under the same control as the 250K Plus (to be expected)
- Binary Optimization tool still needs some work
- X3D competition can still give you bigger boosts
3.5-Star gaming gadgets
Pros
- Excellent build quality
- Versatile connectivity
- Open source firmware
- Smooth switch action
Cons
- Heavy typing experience with Bananas
- Can be finnicky about ports
- No shine-through legends
3-star gaming gadgets
Pros
- Very comfortable grips
- Great microswitch buttons
- Well-designed back button positioning
- Plenty of good-looking colorways
- Symmetrical design
- Really great triggers
Cons
- Side buttons are too easily mispressed
- Back buttons take too much pressure to actuate
- Touchpad area feels like wasted space
- Weak vibration
- Controlled through iCUE software, for some reason
Hungry for more reviews? Check out last month’s winners.