How the AirPods Pro 3 could be Apple’s best effort yet, plus Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2, Ghost of Yotei and more.

Let’s do a little test. Walk through any major city or hope onto any nearby bus or train and take a peep into the ears of your fellow traveller. What’s the common thread? Chances are it’s going to be the sheer prevalence of Apple’s beloved little white bud – such is the sheer power the tech giant holds in this space. Now we have the Apple AirPods Pro 3, and it’s hard to imagine that narrative changing anytime soon.

Straight out of the box the AirPods Pro 3 aren’t going to look all that different than what you’re used to. The case itself packs a slightly larger footprint, while the physical pairing button at the rear of the unit has been swapped out for a touch sensor at the front. To be honest it’s not too dramatic a change and pairing to an iPhone is still a breeze. If you’re trying to pair an Android device the process is naturally more involved but I still managed to get it set up quickly and without issue. Just remember you won’t have access to all the finer tinkering options you do via a compatible Apple device.

The biggest change to the AirPods Pro 3 though is also going to be its more divisive: their ear tip design. Yes, Apple has revised the placement of the AirPods Pro 3 bulb (the ear tip that actually sits inside your ear) to protrude out a little more rather than follow the shape of the bud itself like the AirPods Pro 2. From the tests I’ve conducted with various users over the last few weeks, the design tweak has led to a more comfortable and secure fit that, combined with the inclusion of foam in the tips themselves now, allows for a better seal. Unfortunately, I seem to fall in the other camp, meaning that despite trialling a number of different sized tips (of which Apple now provides a new XXS size) just never slid into my ear canal as seamlessly as the AirPods Pro 2.

That’s a shame because everything else inside the AirPods Pro 3 is truly excellent. Apple, for example claims its active noise cancellation is two times better and it’s instantly noticeable, especially once you have content playing. It can often feel as though you’ve entered a cone of silence, which is a truly impressive feat that typically only Over-Ear devices can achieve. It’s not at the expense of the transparency mode either which remains best in class and sounds incredibly natural, meaning you can keep the AirPods 3 in your ears without causing any kind of issue.

As for the actual sound performance? It’s taken this long to mention because unsurprisingly the AirPods 3 continue to deliver exceptional punch. The soundstage is full-bodied with zero distortion at the higher ends, although there is a slightly more bass at play here, which may affect those seeking a purely natural output. Throw on some spatial audio tracks though and you’ll be even more impressed, likewise with any title I booted up on Apple Arcade. Needles to say these are some of the best-sounding in-ear buds you’ll find on the market and a strong all-around performer.

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A built-in heart rate monitor rounds out the AirPods Pro 3 feature list, and it’s a great add-on for anybody resisting the Apple Watch ecosystem, while Live Translate does feel like a game-changing experience for travellers. It doesn’t always work properly, and the occasional delay does mean it won’t be as seamless as advertised, but when it did work I was impressed at how well it captured my Italian grandmother’s conversations.

Stacked atop every other feature, it leaves the AirPods Pro 3 in an exceptional position. Whether you’re due for an upgrade or not, these buds are bound to tempt. Just make sure you check the fit first.

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are out now for $429 via the Apple Store.

Also out now…

Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Switch, Switch 2)

Fresh off the back of a new Super Mario Galaxy movie announcement, Nintendo is getting ahead of the excitement with this impressive double-feature. The biggest boon for the Nintendo faithful is the inclusion of Super Mario Galaxy 2, which was notably absent from the blink-and-you-miss-it Mario All Stars package from back in xxx.

But whether you’ve played the classic before or not you’ll be treated to a respectable upgrade. Both games can hit up to a 4K resolution (provided you have a Switch 2) while the menus and UI have also been given a spruce. Even better is that the original Super Mario Galaxy will also nab the upgrade treatment, and it helps make the package feel complete.

That said, it’s going to be a tough pill to swallow for anybody who already owns the all-star package because that version of Super Mario Galaxy won’t nab the new bells and whistles. If you do want to indulge, it’ll mean paying for the same game all over again, but the silver lining is that both Galaxy and Galaxy 2 can be purchased separately via the Nintendo eShop.

If you have yet to jump into either title, however, you’re in for one hell of a treat as you experience a Mario adventure that is out of this world. Super Mario Galaxy 1 + 2 is easily the best, most complete way to experience it, making this an easy recommendation.

Ghost of Yōtei (PS5)

Sony might have had a relatively subdued 2025 all things considered, but spend a little time with Ghost of Yotei and you’ll realise the gaming giant is firing on all cylinders. A spiritual sequel to 2020’s Ghost of Tsushima, Ghost of Yotei is set centuries past the events of its predecessor. That allows it to focus on the plights of new protagonist Atsu, although it’s hardly all sunshine and rainbows for her either – Atsu’s family murdered by a group of outlaws known as Yōtei Six. And so beings a bloody quest for vengeance as you track down each nefarious member and bring them to justice amongst Sucker Punch’s new open world.

It’s hardly an original narrative, but it’s exceptionally performed and packs more emotional weight this time around, even though I do miss Ghost of Tsushima’s central moral conundrums. Atsu is also just a more relatable character than Jin Sakai, allowing you be drawn more into her tale as the game’s relatively linear plot plays out.

It’s clear the team has learnt from its past efforts. Side activities have been bolstered, while combat feels even more fluid this time around as stances are swapped out for weapon-types, meaning fights are often strategic dances as you work to outplay your opponent. Stealth meanwhile, still hasn’t gotten the TLC it needs and remains basic, meaning it’s much more likely you’ll draw first blood for a more exciting path.

But it’s a minor issue compared to the spectacle Ghost of Yotei offers. If you have a PS5 this is an easy game to toss on the top of your Christmas wish list.

EA Sports FC 26 (Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, XBO, PC)

Football fans have been itching for the latest entry EA’s juggernaut series and the good news is that EA Sports FC 26 manages to score an unquestionable goal. Coming off the back of a few slower releases, the series seems to have found its footing this time around with FC 26.

What’s most intereeting though is the introduction of a Switch 2 port – the first on Nintendo’s brand spanking new console. But where the original Switch was plagued with some truly lazy porting behaviour focusing on roster updates, Nintendo fans are actually scoring this year. Yes, EA Sports FC 26 enjoys full parity with its PlayStation and Xbox counterparts, meaning every mode and feature has made its way across – including the all-important Ultimate Team (albeit with a less vibrant online community).

For FC 26 though, the focus is on the game’s two gameplay presets: Authentic and Competitve – in an attempt to simultaneously cater for those looking for a SIM and arcade-like experience. Flicking between the two is rather enjoyable and showcases how drastically different the same game can play out, and it’s a great way to show how EA Sports FC 26 looks the part for Switch 2 owners.

While the visuals obviously aren’t able to match the fidelity of the the game’s modern console counterparts, they are still incredibly strong ports that run exceptionally well, albeit capped at 30 fps. That might be a deal-breaker for some but I honestly never minded too much and saw it as a worth sacrifice in order to sneak in quick games on the go at any time.

It’s hard to imagine football fanatics won’t also feel the same way.