Lenovo reveals a SteamOS variant of the Legion Go 2 at CES

If you saw Lenovo's Legion Go 2 launch last year and thought, "I'll wait for the SteamOS version," well, you'll have to wait a little longer. But at least now it's official. At CES 2026, the company revealed the Legion Go 2, Powered by SteamOS. The Valve-friendly variant of the gaming handheld arrives in June, starting at a pricey $1,199.

There aren't any surprises here. It's the same Lenovo Legion Go 2 hardware, with SteamOS replacing the sometimes-awkward Windows. In many ways, you could view the SteamOS Legion Go 2 as a more powerful and versatile (and expensive!) Steam Deck. One notable exception is the optimizations game developers often make for Valve's handheld. (Ditto for "Steam Deck Verified" badges on store listings to learn quickly how playable games are.)

So, all the specs from the Windows version carry over. That includes a spacious 8.8-inch OLED display at 1,920 x 1,200 and with a 144Hz VRR. You still have two tiers to choose from: Ryzen Z2 / 16GB / 1TB or Ryzen Z2 Extreme / 32GB / 2TB. The device has a microSD slot, kickstand, detachable controllers and a 74Wh battery. At 2.2 lbs, it's a bulky affair, so you'll want to look elsewhere if a light, compact handheld is your priority.

Lenovo says the Legion Go 2, Powered by SteamOS is expected in June. It will start at $1,199 for the entry-level variant. (Lenovo hasn't yet announced pricing for the Z2 Extreme tier.) You can revisit Sam Rutherford's review of the Windows version for much more on the hardware.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/lenovo-reveals-a-steamos-variant-of-the-legion-go-2-at-ces-010000852.html?src=rss

CES 2026: The Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 7 Auto Twist won’t let you out of it sight

A couple years ago Lenovo showed off a concept laptop stand that used cameras and AI to follow you around. But now at CES 2026, the company has taken that idea and turned it into a full-fledged system that it’s actually going to sell. 

Dubbed the ThinkBook Plus Gen 7 Auto Twist, instead of a laptop stand, Lenovo created a standalone notebook with the same functionality, plus a little more. The impressive thing is that despite having a built-in motor that lets its display follow you around, the laptop’s design doesn't look all that outlandish. And after playing around with it a bit, I discovered a handful of other tricks it can do. 

Instead of using your fingers to open the lid like a luddite, all you have to do is knock a couple times and then the laptop’s display will pop up by itself. From there, you’re greeted with a surprisingly good-looking 14-inch 2.8K OLED display and a traditional keyboard that won’t upset longtime ThinkBook or ThinkPad aficionados. You also get solid specs including support for Intel’s new Core Ultra Series 3 processors, up to 32GB of RAM, 2TB of storage and a decently large 75Whr battery. The laptop also sports a strong selection of ports including two USB-C with Thunderbolt 4, two USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, a full-size HDMI jack and Wi-Fi 7. And all of this comes in a chassis that weighs 3.1 pounds, which is very reasonable for a 14-inch machine. 

As for its auto-twisting abilities, the main use case is during presentation and video calls, where the laptop can use its motor, 10-MP webcam and AI to track your face as you move around so you stay neatly in frame. Compared to the concept I saw before, the laptop pivots and rotates its display more smoothly (though it’s still a bit jerky) and if you want, you can even make it dance to music. Alternatively, the laptop can analyze your posture to position its screen in the optimal position to prevent slouching or automatically transform between laptop, tablet and presentation modes. While this is a really minor inclusion, my favorite thing about the Auto Twist is that when you turn the system off, the laptop will automatically close its own lid, as if it was tucking itself into bed. 

The other goal of this laptop is that Lenovo is touting it as a vertical AI solution for small businesses. Naturally this means that the system supports Microsoft’s Copilot+ features, though we also saw a demo of Lenovo’s own AI companion. Not only can you talk to it, ask it questions or use it to translate other languages like a regular digital assistant, the company created a friendly face that reacts to your queries and comments. 

The one odd inclusion, which probably won’t make it to retail units, was an AI feature designed to help you understand hidden meanings or subtext in other languages. However, in my experience (as seen in the video above), this turned into a weird excuse to get negged by AI or at the very least make yourself more paranoid about what your friends or coworkers are saying about you. 

My favorite thing about the Auto Twist is that if you shut it down, it will automatically close its own lid.
My favorite thing about the Auto Twist is that if you shut it down, it will automatically close its own lid.
Sam Rutherford for Engadget

In the end, I’m still not sure I need a laptop with a display and a camera that can follow me around during video calls. But if you have happy feet during work meetings or like to express yourself through movement, the ThinkBook Plus Gen 7 Auto Twist might be the business notebook you need. Plus, considering it features relatively novel tech, its starting price of $1,649 is surprisingly approachable. You’ll just have to wait until it goes on sale sometime in June.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/ces-2026-the-lenovo-thinkbook-plus-gen-7-auto-twist-wont-let-you-out-of-it-sight-010000913.html?src=rss

Lenovo goes sci-fi with its wild XD Rollable Concept at CES 2026

Lenovo has experimented more with laptops featuring rollable displays than pretty much any other PC maker and at CES 2026 it’s keeping that trend going with the XD Rollable Concept.

Equipped with a 180-degree Gorilla Glass Victus 2 cover, the XD Rollable concept features a very futuristic design. However, underneath, it has the same basic engineering as last year’s ThinkBook Plus Gen 6. That means with the touch of a button, its 13.3-inch flexible OLED display can expand to 16 inches, which gives you around 50 percent extra screen space in just a few seconds. The main difference with Lenovo’s latest concept is that instead of hiding the unused section of its rollable display underneath its keyboard, the XD’s panel wraps up and over its lid to create a “world-facing” display around back. This allows people sitting on the other side of the laptop to see content, with the laptop capable of mirroring elements from its main display or using that space as a small secondary monitor. 

Now I will admit that after seeing the XD Rollable in person, its design does feel a bit gimmicky. Even though Lenovo’s space-themed animation that appears when the laptop’s display extends is pretty slick, I’m not sure how helpful that world-facing display really is. In normal use, you can’t even see it because it’s on the other side of the lid and while I suppose you could utilize that area for meetings or presentations, I think most people would be much better off simply connecting the notebook to a dedicated secondary monitor or projector. 

That said, I do like that contrary to the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6, by exposing the unused part of the XD Rollable’s display when it’s not extended, you get a little bit of extra value out of it. At the very least, it beats stashing the rest of the panel underneath the keyboard where it won’t be seen at all. On top of that, I like the look of having no bezel along the top of the display and you can even use touch controls on the edge of the display to control widgets or expand its flexible screen. Interestingly, the coolest part about the XD Rollable might not even be its screen, but the motors and rails that Lenovo uses to extend its display, which are easily seen beneath its glass design.

Meanwhile, the rest of the XD Rollable is very down to earth with it featuring a comfy keyboard and a decent-sized touchpad. The main downsides are that its glass lid makes the concept a bit heavier than a more traditional 13-inch notebook and you only get two USB-C ports. But considering that Lenovo isn’t planning to put this thing into production, that lack of connectivity or info regarding its specs shouldn’t come as a big surprise.


This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/lenovo-goes-sci-fi-with-its-wild-xd-rollable-concept-at-ces-2026-010000817.html?src=rss

Motorola expands its Moto Things lineup with a new Bluetooth tracker, stylus and smartwatch

After kicking off its Moto Things accessory line with wireless earbuds, a Bluetooth tracker and a cheap smartwatch in 2024, Motorola is doubling down. At CES 2026, the company is announcing a sequel to its tracker, the Moto Tag 2, a stylus for its new folding phone, the Moto Pen Ultra and a more premium smartwatch called the Moto Watch.

The Moto Watch has a 47mm round face with a stainless steel crown and an aluminum frame. The smartwatch comes with a PANTONE "Volcanic Ash" silicone band, but is designed to support third-party 22mm bands, too, which greatly expands its customization options. Motorola says the watch can get up to 13 days of battery life normally or seven days with its always-on display enabled, and also features a built-in speaker and microphone for hands-free controls and audio notifications. The Moto Watch is meant to be fairly durable, as well, with Gorilla Glass 3 front glass and IP68 water and dust resistance.

The actual fitness features of the watch are powered by Motorola's new partner Polar, a company with its own line of fitness trackers and smartwatches. The Moto Watch lets users log their calorie consumption throughout the day, track their workouts and activity levels (with a daily Activity Goal and Activity Score) and monitor their sleep. The watch also has built-in dual-frequency GPS for tracking runs, bike rides and hikes.

A hand holding a Moto Pen Ultra writing on a Razr Fold.
A hand holding a Moto Pen Ultra writing on a Razr Fold.
Motorola

While Samsung dropped S Pen stylus support on its latest version of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 (one of many ways the company got the foldable so thin), Motorola is embracing styluses on its new Razr Fold. The Moto Pen Ultra comes with a charging case and supports things like palm rejection and tilt sensitivity for more accurate strokes. The Moto Pen Ultra can also be used with Google's Circle to Search and new AI-powered software features like "Sketch to Image," which converts hand-drawn sketches into detailed images.

A bike seat with a Moto Tag 2 attached to it.
A bike seat with a Moto Tag 2 attached to it.
Motorola

The Moto Tag 2 builds on the original Moto Tag with a longer battery life and better durability. The Moto Tag 2 is IP68-rated and now gets over 500 days of battery life in comparison to the original Tag's year-long battery. As before, the Bluetooth tracker connects to Google's Find Hub network and Motorola says the tracker's ultra-wideband (UWB) antenna and support for Bluetooth Channel Sounding can help users determine the exact distance they are from their tracked object. You can also press the button on the Moto Tag 2 to ring your phone if it's missing, or customize the Tag to act as a camera shutter button.

Motorola hasn't shared pricing details for any of its new Moto Things accessories, though it has provided a release date for at least one. The Moto Watch will be available on January 22 from the company's website. The Moto Tag 2 and Moto Pen Ultra, meanwhile, will both be available in North America "in the coming months."

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/motorola-expands-its-moto-things-lineup-with-a-new-bluetooth-tracker-stylus-and-smartwatch-010000669.html?src=rss

Lenovo and Motorola are releasing their own on-device AI assistant

If the world didn't already have one too many digital assistants, Lenovo is adding another one to the pile. On Tuesday evening, the company announced Qira, a cross-device AI for both its own computers and Motorola smartphones. Set to arrive later this quarter, it will live at the system level of Lenovo devices. Users won't need to open or switch to the assistant. Instead, "it's always present," says Lenovo.   

Of course, you can ignore Qira, and it will stay quiet if you don't need the software to do anything for you. Occasionally, Lenovo says Qira will surface proactive suggestions, and for frequent users, the company promises a machine learning system that will develop a "living model" of your world, "understanding context, continuity and personal patterns of over time." In practice, that means Qira can write emails for you, transcribe and translate meetings and provide summaries of things you might have missed. You know, all the usual stuff every company is offering with their on-device assistants.  

From a privacy standpoint, Lenovo says Qira employs a hybrid architecture that "prioritizes" on-device processing, and won't collect customer data without the user's permission. "Every aspect of the Lenovo Qira experience is designed to be secure, ethical, and accountable." I asked Lenovo how Qira would interact with Copilot and Gemini on the company's PCs and Motorola smartphones, and if the new assistant would add to the processing load on those devices, but the company has yet to respond to my email. I'll update this article when I hear back. 

On paper, creating a dedicated AI assistant for the company's devices is something I'm sure Lenovo executives agreed was a good idea, but when many people aren't even using Copilot, it feels like a misread of what Lenovo users want. In April, reporting from Newcomer suggested Copilot had flatlined at around 20 million weekly users in 2024. By contrast, over that same period, ChatGPT had grown to 400 million weekly users, and as of late 2025, there are 800 million people using OpenAI's chatbot every week. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/lenovo-and-motorola-are-releasing-their-own-on-device-ai-assistant-010000696.html?src=rss

CES 2026: The Lenovo Legion Pro Rollable concept goes big wide at the touch of a button

Lenovo might have the most concept devices of any company at CES 2026, but the wildest and most interesting one is almost certainly the Legion Pro Rollable which features a 16-inch flexible display that can expand to not one but two different sizes. 

To make the Legion Pro Rollable, Lenovo started out with a standard Legion Pro 7i and kept the bottom half including all of its ports and support for an RTX 5090 GPU. But then the company went a bit crazy: Instead of replacing the notebook’s original 16-inch OLED screen with a rollable variant that extends upwards like the Thinkbook Plus Gen 6 from 2025, Lenovo opted for one that expands outwards to either 21.5 inches or 23.8 inches This means instead of being restricted to a standard 16:10 aspect ratio, you also have the choice of 21:9 or an ultra-wide 24:9 with just the touch of a button. Or more like two buttons because to widen or shrink its display, you need to press FN plus one of its arrow keys.

Admittedly that feels a bit clunky considering some of Lenovo’s other laptops with expandable displays have a dedicated button. But this is a concept device after all, which was immediately obvious when I got a chance to see this up close. The bottom of the laptop feels solid, as you’d probably expect because not much has changed there. However, the top of the laptop didn’t feel super sturdy, probably due to the display’s hinge not being able to fully support a heavier lid and the notebook’s bulkier rollable display. 

I also noticed that there were some faint lines left by the internal motors that allow the rollable display to do its thing and a bit of waviness from the panel due to it not being super taut. That said, from the side, I was impressed that even for a prototype, Lenovo did a halfway decent job of eliminating any huge panel gaps or empty spaces where the lid expands. The biggest bummer is that even though Lenovo had a handful of demo units on on site, there weren’t any games installed so I wasn’t able see the Legion Pro Rollable’s tech function in full glory. 

But if we’re being honest, none of that really matters on a gadget that’s meant to be a showcase and testbed for next-gen tech. The idea of a gaming laptop with a screen that can go from normal to ultra-wide at the touch of a button (or buttons) is super cool, especially if you play titles like flight sims, racing games or big open-world adventures that can take advantage of an extra wide screen. And out of all of the concepts I’ve seen at CES 2026, this one is at the top of the list of stuff that I hope eventually gets turned into a proper retail product. 


This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/ces-2026-the-lenovo-legion-pro-rollable-concept-goes-big-wide-at-the-touch-of-a-button-010000333.html?src=rss

iPolish brings color-changing press-on smart nails to CES

In the original, and best Total Recall, you may remember a scene in which Rekall’s receptionist changes her nail polish by using a digital pen. Now, after only 35 years, a company came to CES 2026 with a vision for such a gadget that actually works outside of that pricey sci-fi movie. The company is iPolish, and it makes press-on acrylic nails that, when you apply an electric charge, change color almost like magic.

In order to enjoy kaleidoscopic nails, you’ll need to charge the wand, which then connects to your phone. Once you’ve selected your color of choice, you just put the tip of the nail into the wand, and it’ll pass a short charge into the nail to change it. Sadly, the company wouldn’t shed too much light on the process it uses to run the nails but, from my guess, it’s some sort of electrochemical shenanigans going on behind the scenes. All in all, it took around five seconds to change the color of a single nail, so it’s not a big deal in the grand scheme of things.

iPolish
iPolish
Daniel Cooper for Engadget

iPolish says that each nail can display 400 colors, and can be changed as many times as the user would like. So, if you’re coordinating your nails with your outfits, you’re not bound to a single color palette in the weeks between salon visits. They’re also surprisingly affordable, with the starter set costing $95 which contains two sets of nails, one in Ballerina cut, one in Squoval. The Ballerinas are relatively short, while the Sqovals are longer.  It’s worth noting that you can’t shape the nails as you’ll break the hardware, so if you don’t like those shapes, you can’t use ‘em.

When it comes time to replace your nails when one breaks or you lose it in some nailbed mishap, you’ll be able to pick up spares for $6.50. Given the theoretical cost of getting your nails re-done on a weekly basis, being able to change color on a whim seems like a bargain. Of course, we won’t be able to speak to iPolish’s quality and reliability until they start shipping, which is presently expected to begin in June 2026.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/wearables/ipolish-brings-color-changing-press-on-smart-nails-to-ces-001345407.html?src=rss

5 Best Transparent Audio Devices That Show What’s Inside

Transparent design has moved beyond gimmick territory into something genuinely compelling. When Nothing started showing off circuit boards through clear plastic, the tech world noticed. Now that aesthetic has matured into a legitimate design movement where form and function create something worth displaying. Audio equipment benefits particularly well from this treatment because the internals actually matter to the listening experience, turning technical components into visual storytelling.

The devices here represent transparency done right. These aren’t cheap tricks or hollow shells with nothing interesting inside. Each one exposes genuine engineering, invites you to understand how sound gets made, and transforms listening into something more tactile and present. From cassette players to turntables, these designs prove that showing your work can be just as important as the work itself.

1. Sony Walkman Transparent Cassette Recorder

This concept recorder hits differently than most transparent tech because it understands that nostalgia needs a dose of futurism to stay relevant. The design merges Blade Runner aesthetics with classic Sony Walkman DNA, creating something that feels simultaneously vintage and impossible. That crystal-clear housing reveals every mechanical element, from the tape mechanism to those satisfying gear systems that physically move when playing. The transparency here serves a purpose beyond aesthetics, letting you witness analog technology doing its thing in real time.

What makes this particularly successful is the deliberate visual hierarchy. The top-mounted mechanical components receive showcase treatment, positioned like the exposed movement in a luxury timepiece. That digital display embedded among analog parts creates fascinating tension, suggesting computational intelligence coexisting with physical media. The miniaturized control buttons along the top edge reference 80s Sony recorders without feeling derivative, achieving that difficult balance between tactile satisfaction and modern refinement.

What We Like

  • The exposed gear mechanisms turn playback into a visual performance worth watching.
  • The fusion of digital display with analog components creates compelling technological contrast.

What We Dislike

  • Being a concept means you cannot actually buy or use this device yet.
  • The cassette format limits practical utility in modern digital workflows.

2. StillFrame Wireless Headphones

StillFrame approaches headphone design like someone who actually cares about the listening ritual rather than just the specs sheet. The transparent housing exposes the internal circuit board deliberately, treating technology as part of the experience instead of something requiring concealment. That exposed engineering dialogue with the geometric form creates visual interest without resorting to aggressive gaming aesthetics or needless embellishment. The design philosophy echoes those geometric CD cases from the 80s and 90s when physical media demanded intentional shelf presence.

The 40mm drivers deliver a wide, open soundstage that prioritizes melodic texture and spatial awareness. At 103 grams, these feel nearly weightless during extended wear, managing to maintain presence without physical pressure. The magnetic fabric ear cushions swap easily, with each white model including light gray and turquoise options for subtle personalization. That stainless steel headband achieves the ideal strength-to-weight ratio, while the housing fuses circular and square geometry in understated harmony.

Click Here to Buy Now: $245.00

What We Like

  • The magnetic ear cushion system makes swapping colors satisfying and effortless.
  • The 24-hour battery life eliminates constant charging from your routine.

What We Dislike

  • The exposed circuitry might collect dust more readily than sealed designs.
  • The geometric aesthetic will not appeal to those preferring minimalist simplicity.

3. ClearFrame CD Player

ClearFrame treats compact discs like the miniature art exhibits they always deserved to be. That square polycarbonate body frames each album cover while exposing the black circuit board inside, turning engineering into intentional visual design. The transparent construction creates what feels like a crystal sculpture housing an analog soul, where every component receives showcase treatment. This approach transforms music playback from background activity into something more ceremonial and present.

The design accommodates multiple mounting options, functioning equally well on shelves, desks, or walls. That versatility means the player adapts to your space rather than demanding specific placement. The exposed circuitry invites small moments of discovery with each glance, revealing how digital information gets extracted from physical media. Bluetooth 5.1 support extends playback beyond the device itself, while the seven-hour rechargeable battery enables portability when needed.

Click Here to Buy Now: $199.00

What We Like

  • The wall-mounting capability transforms music into room decor.
  • The exposed circuit board turns technical components into deliberate visual interest.

What We Dislike

  • The seven-hour battery life feels limited for extended portable use.
  • CD format restricts compatibility with modern streaming workflows.

4. Side A Cassette Speaker

This pocket-sized speaker commits fully to the cassette aesthetic without feeling like cheap nostalgia bait. The transparent shell and Side A label treatment reference actual mixtapes, but the Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity and microSD support reveal modern functionality hiding inside. That clear case doubles as a stand, transforming this from pocket carry into deliberate desk presence. The compact form factor makes this surprisingly versatile, functioning equally well for personal listening or small gatherings.

The sound signature aims for warmth rather than clinical precision, evoking analog tape playback characteristics within obvious physical constraints. MicroSD support enables offline playback without requiring constant wireless connectivity, useful for locations with spotty coverage or when preserving phone battery matters. The cassette styling walks the line between homage and parody, landing somewhere that feels genuine rather than ironic.

Click Here to Buy Now: $45.00

What We Like

  • The sub-fifty-dollar price point makes this an accessible impulse purchase territory.
  • MicroSD support enables completely offline music playback without phone dependency.

What We Dislike

  • The compact size limits bass response and overall volume capabilities.
  • The cassette format may seem gimmicky to those uninterested in retro aesthetics.

5. Audio-Technica AT-LPA2 Transparent Turntable

Audio-Technica’s transparent turntable represents serious engineering disguised as a design experiment. That 30mm-thick high-density acrylic body and 20mm acrylic platter serve technical purposes beyond aesthetics, with material density providing vibration damping that reduces unwanted resonance. This production version evolved from the limited-edition AT-LP2022 anniversary model, incorporating structural refinements aimed at reliable high-fidelity analog playback. The transparent construction challenges conventional turntable aesthetics without compromising performance expectations.

The visual impact hits immediately. Where most turntables hide mechanisms beneath wood veneer or matte finishes, this model exposes everything. That transparency transforms the tonearm, platter, and motor into focal points rather than concealed components. The minimalist appearance suits modern interiors while maintaining the gravitas expected from serious audio equipment. The acrylic construction communicates both fragility and precision, suggesting careful engineering rather than mass production.

What We Like

  • The thick acrylic construction provides functional vibration damping alongside visual impact.
  • The exposed mechanisms transform turntable operation into observable performance.

What We Dislike

  • The transparent acrylic shows dust and fingerprints more readily than traditional finishes.
  • The premium materials and construction likely command higher prices than conventional turntables.

The Return of Visible Technology

Transparent audio design represents more than an aesthetic trend. These devices signal shifting attitudes toward technology, where understanding how things work matters as much as what they do. The movement away from black boxes toward exposed engineering suggests audiences want relationships with their devices beyond mere utility. When you can see gears turning or circuit boards processing, technology becomes less abstract and more tangible.

The best transparent designs balance revelation with restraint. These five devices expose internal workings without overwhelming the core function of delivering quality sound. They remind us that audio equipment serves both sonic and spatial roles, existing as functional tools and visual objects simultaneously. That dual purpose elevates listening from background activity into something more intentional and present, worth both hearing and seeing.

The post 5 Best Transparent Audio Devices That Show What’s Inside first appeared on Yanko Design.

Quake is now Steam Deck Verified

Bethesda announced on X today that Quake is now a Steam Deck Verified title. The 1996 game from the legendary id Software has also been designated Handheld Optimized for the Xbox ROG Ally devices. As one of the OG boomer shooters, Quake still commands a sizable and passionate fan base, and it's now available on just about every gaming platform imaginable. 

Since rolling out its verification program, several thousands of games have been designated as supported for the Steam Deck. Valve has more recently been preparing to have additional gaming devices run its SteamOS platform. Even though Xbox ROG Ally is the only one now, there's already a special extension of verification to note if a title is more broadly compatible with Steam's operating system. And don't forget that Valve's anticipated Steam Machine is due out some time early this year, so it wouldn't be surprising to have those verification checkmarks start to carry more weight in 2026.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/quake-is-now-steam-deck-verified-223009852.html?src=rss

CES 2026: Hyperkin and Gamesir made a modular game controller for your smartphone, tablet and even your Switch

I’ve been using the same smartphone controller on my iPhone for years. That’s partly because most options are so similar. Announced at CES 2026, the X5 Alteron couldn’t be more different. It’s a collaboration between GameSir (which loves unusual peripheral dalliances) and Hyperkin (retro-leaning controller maker).

The X5 Alteron is apparently the world's first fully modular mobile games controller. While the headline feature might be the stick/d-pad/button modules, the X5 Alteron has a very accommodating vice grip that works with devices from iPhone and Android phones through to the Switch series and even iPads. There’s even Bluetooth if you want to use it with a PC. 

Hyperkin x Gamesir X5 Alteron hands-on at CES 2026
Mat Smith for Engadget

On the showfloor, Gamesir had a non-working prototype model with swappable modules, able to replicate most of your favorite layouts, including asymmetric analogue sticks, a yellow stick that’s aspiring to be a Gamecube controller and even a six-button array for those wanting to scratch that Sega Saturn itch. And if you want symmetrical sticks, you maniac, you can have that too. Rumble motors will also be built into the controller.

The modules lie flush when magnetically attached to the controller, although on the early prototype, they were difficult to remove. It’s pretty much fully customizable: there will be adjustable stick heights and hot-swappable buttons. Hyperkin and Gamesir are promising GameCube and N64 modules, and even a trackpad module for FPS games.

There’s contemporary technology too. The X5 Alteron will have capacitive sticks, not Hall-Effect ones. This should offer much more precision: the technology remains pretty rare in controllers. There are Hall-Effect analog triggers on the rear of the controller. It’s early days, with no release date or pricing set yet, but I'm intrigued — and I suspect many mobile gamers are too.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/hyperkin-and-gamesir-x5-alteron-modular-game-controller-ces-2026-221853624.html?src=rss