Vol. 252026-05-29

Level Up Your Leisure: Discover Gaming, Gadgets, And A Glow-Up | Vol. 25

Five editorially chosen picks: one hero, three supporting acts, and one wildcard. This drop is designed to be browsed as a full collection, not just a pile of affiliate links.

Nintendo Switch 2

Hero Pick

Nintendo Switch 2

The cutting-edge Nintendo Switch 2 brings gaming to a whole new level with its advanced features, reshaping how we play. It's compact, versatile, and designed for everyone, from serious gamers to casual players.

Deep dive

Why each pick earned its place

Hero PickTech
Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo Switch 2 image 2
Nintendo Switch 2 image 3
Nintendo Switch 2 image 4

Nintendo Switch 2

The cutting-edge Nintendo Switch 2 brings gaming to a whole new level with its advanced features, reshaping how we play. It's compact, versatile, and designed for everyone, from serious gamers to casual players.

Price

£385

Editorial rating

5.0 / 5

Ah, the Nintendo Switch 2, the console that's here to remind us that gaming is supposed to be fun, and maybe a bit of a faff. You see, amidst a sea of increasingly complex consoles, it boldly stands out as our Hero pick. Why? Because it truly caters to everyone-whether you're a hardcore gamer battling through late-night campaigns or someone merely trying to entertain the kids on a long train journey.

In our world of claustrophobically small flats and cluttered living rooms, it offers the perfect blend of fun and convenience. The beauty of the Switch 2 is its sheer versatility; it can be a home console or fit into your handbag faster than a travel mug of lukewarm coffee. Plus, it's a splendid excuse to finally ditch those endless screens of bad reality TV.

So if you're pondering whether to make space for this nifty gadget, just ask yourself: do you want to be a vibrant part of the gaming revolution or keep mumbling about old consoles over a flat pint? I thought so!


The Irresistible

  • Incredible versatility: play it at home or on the go without missing a beat.
  • Stunning graphics that make even your grandmother's knitting patterns look riveting.
  • A wide selection of games that can cater to any mood-from family fun to solo intense action.

The Clever Part

  • Easy to set up and use; you'll be playing in no time, even if you're usually a tech dinosaur.
  • The battery life actually holds up, letting you indulge in gaming marathons without frantic charging sessions.
  • Joy-Con controllers are a delight-unless you're trying to play with three friends in your tiny living room.

The Fine Print

  • Limited backward compatibility; your old games might not get to join the party, which is just rude.
  • The online multiplayer experience can get a bit dodgy; it's a shame when you're trying to beat friends and the connection drops.
  • Considering the advanced tech, you'd expect a more premium build-some parts do feel a bit plasticky.

The Reality Check

  • Good luck finding a decent carrying case; the options are a mixed bag of delightful and utterly ridiculous.
  • You might want to invest in a decent screen protector unless you enjoy the sight of a scratched-up display.
Supporting PickGift
Dyson PencilVac
Dyson PencilVac image 2
Dyson PencilVac image 3
Dyson PencilVac image 4

Dyson PencilVac

The Dyson PencilVac is a game changer for those with smaller spaces and a tendency to gather dust faster than you can say 'a tidy home'!

Price

£699

Editorial rating

4.0 / 5

Let's be honest, my flat sometimes resembles the aftermath of a particularly messy sock battle. Between the clutter on my desk and the dust bunnies under the bed, I've had my fair share of chaotic cleaning sessions. Enter the Dyson PencilVac-a cordless, lightweight miracle that's not just a pretty face in the vacuum world.

Think of it as the trusty sidekick to your more robust vacuum cleaner-or in my case, a compact saviour that likes to swoop in when I've *definitely* left it too long between clean-ups. It's like having a miniature superhero at hand, ready to tackle daily debris before it morphs into a hideous dust mountain.

Now, I'm all for an unplanned drop-in from a friend, but the anxiety of having them encounter my dust-laden living space? No thank you! The Dyson PencilVac just might be the gentle nudge we all need towards a cleaner lifestyle without hauling out a heavyweight machine every time.

Here's why it's my Supporting pick alongside my main unit: it's practical, effective, and totally willing to play the back-up role while still feeling like a star.

The Irresistible

  • Ultra lightweight, making it a joy to whip around the flat.
  • Cordless design means I can chase down rogue crumbs without getting tangled in cables.
  • Excellent suction power that tackles pet hair like a champ, making my living space slightly less like a zoo.

The Clever Part

  • Designed for quick clean-ups, it's always ready to pounce on messes-no more procrastinating!
  • Easily manoeuvrable, it can reach those tricky corners where dust loves to hide.
  • Compact enough to store without dedicating half a cupboard for it, perfect for small spaces.

The Fine Print

  • Battery life could be a letdown if you have a larger home, requiring a strategic cleaning approach.
  • The dust bin is quite small-frequent emptying required, particularly if you're a bit of a messy eater like I am.
  • A tad pricey for what is essentially a back-up vacuum; justifying the purchase can be a chore.

The Reality Check

  • As with all cordless vacuums, you'll want to keep it charged to avoid getting caught mid-clean-up.
  • It won't replace your heavy-duty vacuum for deep cleans, but think of it more as a sprinkle of fairy dust than a full-on magical spell.
Supporting PickOutdoor
GORUCK Rucker 4.0
GORUCK Rucker 4.0 image 2
GORUCK Rucker 4.0 image 3
GORUCK Rucker 4.0 image 4

GORUCK Rucker 4.0

The GORUCK Rucker 4.0 is a purpose-built rucking backpack designed for those who want to combine fitness with functional style. Featuring a ruck plate pocket and extra padded straps, it's the ideal companion for your outdoor sessions or sporting adventures.

Price

£258.56

Editorial rating

4.0 / 5

Now, let me set the scene here: it's a Saturday morning, I've recently convinced myself that I'm going to be fit and healthy-ha!-and of course, my usual gym bag is an absolute disaster zone of spaghetti straps and forgotten protein bars. Enter the GORUCK Rucker 4.0, the supporting act that brings a whole new level of organisation and rugged charm to my workout routine.

Why is it a Supporting hero? Well, it's like the trusty sidekick in every action film-except instead of saving the day from evil villains, it's saving me from the chaos of ill-fated bag choices. It's not just another backpack; it's a meticulously crafted, purpose-built rucking backpack that understands my fleeting ambitions.

Whether I've decided to tackle a morning hike or just want to look like I've got my life together while grabbing coffee, this bag fits in seamlessly next to my slightly overzealous choices for gym gear. Let's dive into the nitty-gritty of why this rucking marvel deserves your attention.

The Irresistible

  • Superb build quality - I swear it's tougher than my willpower on a cheat day!
  • Comfortable straps that actually make carrying stuff feel like less of a chore; I actually look forward to rucking!
  • Versatile design-perfect for the gym or just being judged for carrying a backpack on the tube.

The Clever Part

  • Ruck plate pocket keeps my weights secure, so I won't be finding my kettlebell in an awkward place-not that I did that once...
  • Extra room for snacks, because who doesn't need a post-rug munch?
  • The understated look means it won't clash with my sartorially questionable activewear.

The Fine Print

  • It's not exactly lightweight; I mean, who needs muscles when you have a bag that weighs a tonne before even adding weights?
  • The price point might give your wallet an existential crisis; hope you've been saving up!
  • Limited colour options-unless you fancy variants of black; not the most exciting palette.

The Reality Check

  • May make you question your fitness levels as you heft the extra weight-ideal for motivational cringing!
  • It doesn't magically pack itself; still waiting for that technology to hit the shelves.
Supporting PickTech
JBL Flip 7 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
JBL Flip 7 Portable Bluetooth Speaker image 2
JBL Flip 7 Portable Bluetooth Speaker image 3
JBL Flip 7 Portable Bluetooth Speaker image 4

JBL Flip 7 Portable Bluetooth Speaker

The JBL Flip 7 is a portable Bluetooth speaker designed to accompany you wherever you may roam, with impressive sound quality and durability.

Price

£108.05

Editorial rating

4.5 / 5

Ah, the JBL Flip 7-our trusty sidekick for the modern age, stepping in when your main sound system can't quite handle your outdoor soirée, weekend picnic, or that oddly specific mood where you simply must dance in the living room. It's not the hero of audio systems, but let's be honest, it's the reliable, slightly cheeky mate that makes the adventure infinitely more enjoyable.

The beauty of picking the Flip 7 lies in how it complements other home audio systems or fills in the gaps at those awkward moments-like when you're camping and need tunes but don't want to lug around an entire sound system.

So why's it a Supporting pick, you ask? Think of it as your go-to backup plan. While your main speaker might do the heavy lifting indoors, the Flip 7 swoops in like a well-timed punchline-perfect for the great outdoors or spontaneous dance parties in your kitchen.

The Irresistible

  • Impressive sound quality that belies its size-perfect for park hangs.
  • IP68 waterproof and drop-proof-perfect for a clumsy clutz like me on those soggy picnics.
  • Portable design that fits snugly into bags-because who needs more weight on the commute?

The Clever Part

  • Solid battery life with up to 16 hours-because we all know you're staying out longer than expected.
  • Dustproof? Check. This thing can handle a festival like a champ-mudslides included.
  • AI Sound Boost? I'm still not sure how it works, but the music sounds fab, so I'm not complaining.

The Fine Print

  • The bass is decent but not mind-blowing-you won't be the centre of attention at raves, sorry!
  • Charging takes a while-perfect for creating unnecessary delays in your life.
  • No built-in microphone-do you want this for a conference call? Forget it!

The Reality Check

  • It's great as a secondary device, but it won't replace your main hi-fi system anytime soon.
  • For a speaker this portable, be prepared to keep track of it-it's surprisingly easy to lose track amongst the chaos of life!
WildcardTech
Shark CryoGlow LED Face Mask
Shark CryoGlow LED Face Mask image 2
Shark CryoGlow LED Face Mask image 3
Shark CryoGlow LED Face Mask image 4

Shark CryoGlow LED Face Mask

A face mask that combines LED therapy and cooling for anti-ageing and blemish repair.

Price

£299.99

Editorial rating

4.5 / 5

Let's be honest for a moment: we live in a world where our skincare routines often resemble something out of a science fiction film. Enter the Shark CryoGlow LED Face Mask-our quirky wildcard pick. Because why not strap on a high-tech mask that makes you look like you've just stepped out of an 80s sci-fi movie while simultaneously blasting away those pesky under-eye bags?

This isn't just another indulgence; it's a playful twist on self-care that promises to make you feel like a radiant star. I mean, if my face isn't glowing like I've just had an afternoon in the sun (without the UV damage, of course), what's the point?

So, if you're brave enough to wield a mask that doubles as a fashion statement, let's explore what makes this peculiar contraption a delightful curveball in our beauty arsenal.

The Irresistible

  • It combines cooling and LED therapy, offering a two-for-one special for your skin-like a spa treatment without leaving your sofa.
  • The adjustable straps mean it actually fits without doing the uncomfortable crane-your-neck dance that so many masks require.
  • Comes with a remote control! Yes, you can feel glamorous while sitting on your couch binge-watching the latest series without the hassle of fiddling with cords. Perfect for the lazy weekend!

The Clever Part

  • The design is surprisingly comfortable-far less like a torture device than some of its competitors.
  • It's USB-C charged. Because who doesn't love yet another charging cable to put on their cluttered desk?
  • Red and blue LED settings give you the choice of blemish reparative magic-or just looking like a disco ball; the choice is yours!

The Fine Print

  • Not exactly one-size-fits-all, so if you have a particularly large or small head, you may need to play around with those straps.
  • It takes a bit longer to see results than some creams, but let's face it, we've all binged a series that lasts longer than we'd like-so what's a few more nights?
  • You might scare the cat or the postman when they see you in it for the first time. Just a warning!

The Reality Check

  • The faff of charging it and figuring out the remote can be a bit frustrating at first-it's not exactly plug-and-play!
  • Can't deny it: you do look a little silly when it's on. But hey, beauty is pain, right?