From the AYANEO 2S, TCL NXTWEAR S, Magic: The Gathering cards and way more, here’s are the gaming gadgets, tech and gear worth spending your 2023 tax return on.
Expecting a killer tax return but don’t know what to treat yourself to after another hard year? We may have a few suggestions that even your tax accountant might have on their wish-list.
Let’s dive in, staritng with the latest release from Nanoleaf…
Nanoleaf 4D & Nanoleaf Matter A60 | E27 Smart Bulbs
Price: From $189.99 AUD (Nanoleaf 4D), From $39.99 (Smart Bulbs)
Nanoleaf has gone from strength to strength in the smart light field, and its two latest offerings will only improve your gaming space even more.
The company’s new bubs, for example now make the most of the Matter standard, which is designed to allow you to use whichever smart home platform or assist you like (and not locked into a specific platform). And while we love this new evolution, the core 16M+ colour capability and 1100 lumens remains, helping it to be our go-to selection for smart lighting.
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Then there’s the brand spanking new Nanoleaf 4D – a screen mirroring kit that uses an actual camera to read, and then sync, the colours from your screen onto the LED light strip that also comes in the box. There’s a bit of mucking around to get everything hooked up how you want it, but once you’ve got the strip attached to the back of your television it creates a truly mesmerising viewing experience that is incredibly immersive.
We threw on Dune, for example, and were blown away by the barrage of oranges that yellows illuminated the room. It’s even great for amping up your console gaming as well.
The only thing you should be aware of is that Nanoleaf only supports compatability with the 2.4Ghz wireless networks, meaning if you’re using router that automatically selects your band, or only offers 5Ghz, then you might not be able to connect your lights in the first place.
But if you can, then Nanoleaf 4D is well worth putting a bit of your 2023 tax return to, and is a hell of a lot more affordable than Phillip’s Hue HDMI Sync Box.
AYANEO 2S
With a local Steam Deck release still nowhere in sight, AYANEO has been taking full advantage.
And while we already were quite impressed by the AYANEO Air, the AYANEO 2S looks even better. That’s because this nifty unit, while being larger, now includes a AMD 7840U processor to help make it one of the most powerful handhelds in the market.
It also has an incredibly sleek design with a killer 1080p screen that’ll make all your games shine.
The price might be a bit much for your 2023 tax return, but if that’s the case, we should point out that AYANEO is currently offering a 30% discount on the older AIR and AIR Pro models, and a 20% discount on AYANEO 2 until July 20.
Magic: The Gathering – The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth
Price: From $9 (Booster pack). Starter Kit – $31.95
Magic: The Gathering has been on an absolute tear of the last 12 months, filled with quality releases, but none will likely be as big as this The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth set.
The good news is that a whole lot of love, care and attention has been put into this and that’s evident from the moment you crack open a box, set or booster pack. That’s because the art here is once again truly spectacular.
While we often comment on the series’ intricate designs, the team has taken things to another level here with beautiful art that feels right at place with the characters and lands of Lord of the Rings. Hell, we wouldn’t be surprised if Tolkien fans start collecting with no intention of actually playing the game.
For those who do, however, Tales of Middle-earth also smartly introduces new gameplay elements that feel right at home with the series, like being able to ‘tempt’ players with the One Ring in order to gain additional power over the course of the game, or working to build an army of orcs that can cause chaos in later turns.
Sure, this journey into Middle-earth doesn’t dramatically reinvent the wheel, but Wizards of the Coast has done an admirable job at ushering in a whole new legion of fans to the game, especially with the new starter kit.
Audio-Technica Sound Burger + AT2020USB-XP
Price: $429 (Sound Burger) or $349 (AT2020USB-XP)
Audio-Technica has always been known for some of the best audio in the business, and its two latest products showcase that in new and exciting ways. First off, we have the AT2020USB-XP microphone. Much like the company’s other microphone offerings, this thing feels like it’s built like a tank, so it’s incredibly sturdy no matter where you place it. We also enjoyed that the device comes with a stand and clip-on pop filter to help round out the package so that you can focus on the actual recording.
Speaking of which, audio output is as strong as one would expect, helped along by automatic gain control and noise reduction.
Then there’s the Sound Burger, which itself is a throwback to Audio-Technica’s past. This battery-powered turntable is shockingly compact and is perfect if you’re low on space, are dipping your toes into video game vinyl or just really want to listen to your collection on the go.
The core ‘80s tech has thankfully been amped up though, meaning you can beam your audio or Bluetooth speakers and headphones, or just a 3.5mm line out to connect to beefier speakers or an amp.
It’s on the pricey side but we adored its aesthetic, its portability and just how bloody cool and unique the unit is when it’s up, running and pumping out quality sound. Not a bad way to spend your 2023 tax return if you ask us.
TCL RAYNEO NXTWEAR S XR Glasses
For serious tech lovers, perhaps there’s no better way to spend your 2023 tax return than on the TCL RAYNEO NXTWEAR S XR glasses.
There’s a lot to like about the device, but we’ve been especially impressed by the surprisingly compact form factor that didn’t feel bulky or uncomfortable considering it’s packing dual 1080p OLED displays inside.
Hardcore tech lovers may be disappointed at the lack of 4K but it’s perfectly adequate for feeling like you’ve got a big screen experience from the comfort of your bed. And thanks to a smart use of cords and lack of heavy battery (the unit powered by the device you plug it into), bedtime viewing is easily possible, as is any on-the-go adventure. A magnetic power cable should also prevent any accidental mishaps.
Speaking of magnets, TCL RAYNEO were also smart enough to include a magnetic sunglass attachment that clips to the front of the NXTWEAR S to help darken your surrounds and make the whole experience more immersive. Take them off and the screen becomes kind of transparent, which made us feel a whole lot safer being on the move with the device on our face.
We should point out though that if you have an iPhone, you will require an additional MiraScreen adapter that will allow you to broadcast your screen to the glasses. It worked incredibly easily during our testing, but it does bump up the final cost.
Still, the NXTWEAR S is interesting and futuristic tech well worth looking into.
PlayStation VR2
Looking to expand your existing gaming setup with your 2023 tax return? Well if you already have a PS5 then look no further than a PSVR2.
A huge evolution from the original PlayStation VR, this new headset is smartly designed, infinitely more comfortable and mercifully doesn’t demand a tangled mess of cables. What’s more, the internals have been beefed up as well with two 2000 x 2040 OLED displays that look positively stunning and eye-tracking to make the whole experience feel more authentic.
We spent some time with Horizon: Call of the Mountain and it’s a get showcase for the platform and shows what’s possible. The new Sense controllers are also a vast improvement, with much better tracking, and a more ergonomic design. It’s also helpful that they’re included in the box, unlike the old Move controllers.
It’s worth noting that the rest of the release calendar is a little light, but if you’re a lover of gaming and new experiences, PSVR2 is a no-brainer well worth your 2023 tax return cash.
Mobile Pixels Duex Portable Monitor
While popular Twitch streamers and YouTubers are able to easily showcase their meticulously crafted gigantic gaming/work areas, for many of us space is limited, and trying to squeeze in multiple monitors just isn’t possible. That’s why you could look at putting some of that 2023 tax return into the Mobile Pixels Duex Portable Monitor range.
We’ve loved our time with the Duex Max’s 14.1″ 1080p display and making the most of the sheer portability and flexibility it allows. Installation onto our laptop was a painless affair thanks to some stick-on magnets (there’s even a cardboard guide to help as well) and a USB-C cable included in the box. Plus, when it’s not in use, the screen neatly slides and tucks back away, keeping the core formfactor of your machine intact.
It’s not just for laptops either, and can be connected to some Android phones and we even got it running with our Nintendo Switch, which was incredibly impressive.
The only issue we did encounter was that the Max model seemed to be a little too heavy for the magnets provided, meaning as the days went on the screen slowly started to tilt downward. That said, it’s hardly a deal breaker which can be solved by having it resting on another supported surface and providing some extra reinforcement. Alternatively, you can always pick up a smaller model, starting with the Duex Lite 12.5″ for $499.
Logitech MX Anywhere 3S Mouse
We’re always a sucker for a miniature mouse that’s perfect to throw in a backpack and Logitech’s MX Anywhere 3S mouse is one of the best we’ve tried in 2023.
This ambidextrous wonder touts a brand new 8,000 DPI sensor that allowed us to use it on every surface we needed and now features quiet clicks that the rest of your household or office will be sure to approve of.
Most importantly though, Logitech has retained its ergonomic design, meaning the Anywhere 3S is super comfortable in the hand, even when trying to make use of the additional function buttons located on the side. For the style conscious you can even choose which colour you prefer between pink grey and black (we trialled the pink variant and quite enjoyed its pop of colour to our setup).
The one negative – it doesn’t come with a wireless dongle in the box, so if you’re not content with Bluetooth connectivity you’ll have to shell out extra for that one.
Maono PD200X USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone
If you’re looking to dip your toe into Twitch streaming or just want to improve your discord calls, but need to be budget conscious, then look no further than Maono PD200X.
Not only can you pick one up for just a bit over $100, but it’s not skimping on features either. There’s RGB lighting, USB-C and XLR compatibility and typical functionality like gain control, and mute. During our tests we were plesently surprised by the PD200X’s performance, with an output that was both natural and clear. And if you do want to tinker, the The Maono Link software should have you covered.
The cheaper price means you’re not getting a XLR cable or mount in the box, but does come with a stand adapted attached, meaning PD200X is still a perfect jumping off point for most gamers. It’s relatively lightweight, powerful for its price and well designed to help it blend into almost any workspace.
Twelve South HiRise 3 + DeskPad
Price: $179.99 (HiRise 3), $79.99 (DeskPad)
Accessorising your workstation is important business, and Twelve South certainly know how to smartly blend fashion and function. That’s why we’re big fans of both Twelve South’s HiRise 3 and DeskPad.
The DeskPad, for example is made out of luxury vegan leather which smartly serves two purposes. It protects your desk from day-to-day wear and tear, but also provides you ample space to use your mouse no matter which side you prefer. It’s also designed to be comfy as hell for your wrists.
Then there’s the HiRise 3, an essential bit of kit for any Apple lover. That’s because this nifty 3-in-1 unit is capable of charging your iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods at the same time, meaning you’ll always have enough battery for a cheeky game of Marvel Snap or What the Car? It’s even available in both black and white to help better suit your room’s aesthetic.
Plus, if you have a non-Apple owner in your family, the wireless base charger can provide power to those devices as well. Everybody wins!
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