Alienware is offering competitive prices on RTX 5080 equipped gaming PCs to kick off June. Right now you can pick up an Alienware Aurora R16 RTX 5080 gaming PC from $2,449.99 shipped. This is a good price for a well-engineered gaming rig with powerful current generation components, 240mm AIO water cooling, and sensible airflow design that can handle 4K gaming at high frame rates. In the current market, buying a prebuilt gaming PC is the only way to score an RTX 5080 GPU without paying an exorbitant markup. If you were to try to find a 5080 GPU for your do-it-yourself PC build, you'll probably spend nearly as much for the GPU as you would for an entire system.Alienware Aurora RTX 5080 Gaming PC From $2,450Alienware Aurora R16 Intel Core Ultra 7 265F RTX 5080 Gaming PC (16GB/1TB)$2,449.99 at AlienwareAlienware Aurora R16 Intel Core Ultra 9 285K RTX 5080 Gaming PC (32GB/2TB)Alienware Aurora R16 Intel Core Ultra 9 285K RTX 5080 Gaming PC (64GB/4TB)New for 2025Alienware Area-51 Intel Core Ultra 7 265 RTX 5080 Gaming PC (32GB/1TB)The prices on the Alienware Aurora R16 model starts range from the bottom end of $2,349.99 to the top end of $3,149.99. Each tier up offers either a CPU upgrade or increased RAM and/or storage:$2,349.99 - Intel Core Ultra 7 265F, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD$2,799.99 - Intel Core Ultra 9 285K, 32GB RAM, 2TB SSD$3,249.99 - Intel Core Ultra 9 285K, 64GB RAM, 4TB SSDAlienware Area-51 RTX 5080 Gaming PC for $3,599.99New for 2025Alienware Area-51 Intel Core Ultra 7 265 RTX 5080 Gaming PC (32GB/1TB)Dell unveiled the new Alienware Area-51 gaming PC at CES 2025. The chassis looks similar to the 2024 R16 system with aesthetic and cooling redesigns and updated components. The I/O panel is positioned at the top of the case instead of the front, and the tempered glass window now spans the entire side panel instead of just a smaller cutout. As a result, the side panel vents are gone, and instead air intakes are located at the bottom as well as the front of the case. Alienware is now pushing a positive airflow design (more intake than exhaust airflow), which means a less dusty interior. The internal components have been refreshed with a new motherboard, faster RAM, and more powerful power supply to accommodate the new generation of CPUs and GPUs.The GeForce RTX 5080 GPU will run any game in 4KThe RTX 5080 is the second best Blackwell graphics card, surpassed only by the $2,000 RTX 5090. It's about 5%-10% faster than the previous generation RTX 4080 Super, which is discontinued and no longer available. In games that support the new DLSS 4 with multi-frame generation exclusive to Blackwell cards, the gap widens.Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 FE Review, by Jacqueline Thomas"If you already have a high-end graphics card from the last couple of years, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 doesn’t make a lot of sense – it just doesn’t have much of a performance lead over the RTX 4080, though the extra frames from DLSS 4 Multi-Frame Generation do make things look better in games that support it. However, for gamers with an older graphics card who want a significant performance boost, the RTX 5080 absolutely provides – doubly so if you’re comfortable with Nvidia’s AI goodies."Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn't hunting for deals for other people at work, he's hunting for deals for himself during his free time.

If the (hang on, let me count) 16 different Lego sets in my office alone are any indication, then PC gamers and Lego fans have a big overlap in the middle of their Venn diagram. Alienware knows this, and has released an official, adorable set that lets you recreate an Area 51 gaming desktop in miniature. According to the promotional page, the set is made of authentic Lego bricks. I assume the company is sourcing them wholesale, since the packaging doesn’t have any Lego logos on the box. It’s 5.3 inches (13.2 centimeters) long and contains 318 bricks. But it’s a pretty cool little kit, replicating the exterior features of the case and a nicely detailed rear panel, with a transparent window showing off the motherboard, CPU, GPU, and even some tiny round pieces that stand in for cooling fans. There are even some piping elements that show off liquid cooler lines going to the “radiator.” Dell If you want one, you’ll need to engage in a little band loyalty. The Dell subsidiary isn’t selling the kit on its own, instead exchanging it for 3500 Alienware Reward Points (ARP). You can earn ARP by installing the Alienware Arena app and competing in various challenges and community activities. It doesn’t look fun, frankly, and I’d rather just send Dell $30 for a teeny-tiny gaming desktop kit. Alternately, if you’ve got a shoebox full of spare Lego parts like I do, you could just throw together your own. There are plenty of examples to choose from out there.

With both the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Pro, the visual experience on Sony’s console is incredible, especially when paired with the right TV for gaming. Playing games at 4K resolution and 60fps on that new PS5 Pro is fantastic, but to really get in the game, you need the audio experience to match. You’ll do justice in a home theater setup with the proper 7.1 speakers or a great soundbar, but you probably don’t want to be rattling your walls at all times. That doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice sound quality – one of the most important PS5 accessories is a good gaming headset, and there are plenty out there.Pulse Elite is one of the best picks for PS5 since it’s a Sony first-party product that features some nice platform integration. But if you’re willing to spend more for pure audio quality, the Audeze Maxwell is an easy choice. And if you want to ditch having something clamping over your head, the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds elevate earbuds to the headset levels of performance. TL;DR - These Are the Best PS5 HeadsetsOur Top PickSteelSeries Arctis Nova ProSee it at AmazonBest First-PartyPlayStation Pulse EliteSee it at AmazonBest 3D AudioPlayStation Pulse 3DBest High-EndAudeze MaxwellSee it at AmazonBest BudgetTurtle Beach Stealth 500See it at AmazonBest Open-BackTurtle Beach Atlas AirSee it at AmazonBest WiredHyperX Cloud IIISee it at AmazonBest Noise-cancelingAlienware Pro HeadsetSee it at AmazonBest EarbudsSteelSeries Arctis GameBudsSee it at AmazonIt's worth noting that from now until June 11 is Sony's PS5 Days of Play sale, which features several deals on hardware and games. This includes accessories like headsets and controllers; unfortunately, it does not include the Pulse Elite or Pulse 3D headsets. However, you can get deep discounts on the Pulse Explore gaming earbuds, the Sony InZone H9 headset, and the InZone noise-cancelling earbuds, all of which we have reviewed and gave high marks.When it comes to our picks, you may notice some crossover in our best overall gaming headsets roundup since many of them have PS5-specific models that take advantage of the console’s specific features. There are also a few first-party options that make the most of the PS5 with features like Tempest 3D spatial audio and further customization that’s native to the platform. Regardless of what you choose to pick up, you’ll end up with something great, which I can attest to since I have first-hand experience with every product I recommend. Everything from sound quality and comfort to ease-of-use and feature set are all factors in deciding which headsets get my stamp of approval. Below, you can read my detailed explanations behind each pick to help you decide which one is right for you. As new headsets come out and I test more of them, I’ll update this list to make sure you’re looking at the top picks. If you're looking for discounts on the best PS5 accessories, check out our picks for the best PS5 deals.This guide contains contributions by Danielle Abraham.1. SteelSeries Arctis Nova ProBest Overall PS5 HeadsetOur Top PickSteelSeries Arctis Nova ProMultiple connectivity options, a hot-swappable battery, excellent sound, and hybrid active noise canceling make this a hard-to-top headset.See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsConnectivity2.4 GHz wireless, Bluetooth, wiredDrivers40mm NeodymiumBattery life18-22 hours (per battery)Weight338gPROSFully featured with ANC, base station, etcSwappable battery system is innovativeFantastic sound qualityCONSANC could be betterIt seems like everywhere you look for headset recommendations, you’ll come across someone singing the praises of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro – us included. It’s the current top pick in our overall best gaming headset roundup and it’s also tremendous when using it on the PS5. You still get all the great features with some new technology including active noise cancellation and improved audio all around. Using a hybrid noise-canceling system with four mics, you can drown out harsh noises from outside your room to the ambient hum of loud fans. But it's the full compatiblity with the PS5’s Tempest 3D audio that give it the edge, which is one of console-specific perks you should expect from a top-end headset such as this one.Most importantly, the Nova Pro offers some fantastic sound quality out of the box with bold and balanced audio for those PlayStation-exclusive single-player cinematic experiences. Its positional audio is great as well, so it's easier to hear enemy footsteps around the corner or gauge the distance of action happening in a competitive shooter like Call of Duty Warzone or Apex Legends.The Arctis Nova Pro represents the biggest design shift since the start of the Arctis lineup. Its telescoping arms on its adjustable headband better accommodate larger head sizes and proper fitment. The earcups are also slimmer and sleeker, giving off less of a gaming headset vibe and more of a look akin to wireless headphones without sacrificing the comfort SteelSeries headsets are known for. And one of our favorite features remains intact with a few upgrades: the hot-swappable rechargeable battery system. This means that when the battery runs low during a gaming session, you can quickly change it out without having to plug in, giving you wireless freedom indefinitely.The Arctis Nova Pro is one of the best headsets you can buy right now, regardless of platform but especially for PS5. It’s well-rounded with uniquely robust features, great sound quality for gaming, and comfort to keep you going. Take our word for it – in our Arctis Nova Pro headset review, it earned a rare 10 for all the aforementioned reasons and more.2. PlayStation Pulse EliteBest First-Party PS5 HeadsetBest First-PartyPlayStation Pulse EliteGreat sound, a unique look, and multipoint connectivity all come with this headset made with the PS5 in mind.See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsConnectivityWired, Bluetooth, PlayStation LinkDriversPlanar magneticMax battery life30 hours Weight347gPROSClear, detailed audioWireless multipointCONSUnique design won’t appeal to allThe PlayStation Pulse Elite wireless headset turned out to be an absolute beast when we reviewed it, which didn’t come as much of a surprise considering its more affordable counterpart, the Pulse 3D, was already a fantastic headset. It has some versatility with Bluetooth connectivity, but when connected to the PS5 with the USB dongle, you can access EQ settings and 3D audio natively. Additionally, you’re able to get audio feeds from both the PS5 and a Bluetooth device simultaneously. With a sleek unibody design, its on-device controls are easy to use since it’s easy to distinguish each button.But at the end of the day, it’s all about audio quality, and the Pulse Elite delivers on that front. The planar magnetic audio drivers help minimize distortion and provide tremendous sound quality that’ll get the most out of your games. There’s strong bass that doesn’t overpower other frequencies, and playing games at loud volumes doesn’t sound harsh when it comes to the mids and highs. Especially when you use the right EQ settings, the Pulse Elite sounds tuned just right for each game. Sony's own Tempest 3D audio is the cherry on top, and a single-player game that takes advantage of this feature gives the experience of an immersive soundstage few headsets can pull off right.For $150, you’re getting a lot for your money. It’s priced well below other high-end headsets, yet performs on par with many of them. It’s also packed with several extra features that make the most of the PS5 as a platform. For all that and more, the Pulse Elite is one of the best PS5 headsets you can get today.3. PlayStation Pulse 3DBest PS5 Headset for 3D AudioBest 3D AudioPlayStation Pulse 3DDesigned for the PS5 but compatible with many other devices, this affordable headset offers Tempest 3D positional audio for detailed, immersive sound.Product SpecificationsConnectivityUSB dongle, 3.5mm jackDrivers40mm NeodymiumMax battery life12 hoursWeight292gPROSTailored to the PS5Affordable for official Sony gearBase level sound quality is greatCONSMediocre battery lifeThe official PlayStation headset that launched alongside the PS5, the Sony Pulse 3D was specifically designed to show off the console’s next-gen audio capabilities. Even several years removed from its release, it still does that very well, particularly when it comes to the PS5’s Tempest 3D AudioTech, the virtual surround sound system designed to enhance positional audio feedback – think enemy fire coming from a certain height and direction, or an NPC talking to you from behind.Even without that 3D audio, our review of the Sony Pulse 3D revealed it to performing headset with a wide soundstage alongside solid overall sound quality. The rounded, well-padded leatherette ear cups are wider than they look, although they can get a tad warm after continuous use. It’s lightweight, too, and the slick white-black color scheme perfectly fits the PS5 hardware. However, I do find the headset to clamp a bit tighter than most, so that's one thing to take note of.A pair of noise-canceling microphones are built into the headset’s ear cups. They work fine and audio comes through loud and clear, though they struggle to completely isolate and eliminate background noise. For the most part, that won’t be a problem. Also, remember to charge this headset at the end of the day or have a very long USB-C cable to plug it in mid-session since it's battery life is on the shorter end.The Pulse 3D headset is an incredible value at $100, giving you a great option for PS5 audio with all the Sony-specific bells and whistles you'd want if you're not willing to shell out the extra money for the Pulse Elite.4. Audeze MaxwellBest High-End PS5 HeadsetAudeze MaxwellThe Audeze Maxwell is a high-end wireless gaming headset from one of the best headphone manufacturers on the planet.See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsConnectivityUSB-A / USB-C, Bluetooth 5.3, 3.5mm wiredDrivers90mm planar magneticMax battery life80+ hoursWeight490gPROSTop-notch audio experienceSleek, low-key designCONSLeans on the heavier sideAlthough our overall top pick is the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro with the Pulse Elite not too far behind, I still find the Audeze Maxwell worth its price tag and a surefire recommendation for those who want the absolute best audio quality. It sports a sleek, non-descript design akin to many audiophile-style pairs of headphones and performs just like one as well. Sometimes I need to break away from the misconception that wired is always better for sound quality, especially when the Audeze Maxwell proved me wrong.Its 90mm planar magnetic drivers jump out from the spec sheet – and while bigger drivers doesn’t always mean better, this is one case in which the audio experience matches the boastful driver size. Overall clarity, balance across frequencies, and a rich natural audio profile make this high-end headset stand out from the rest of the pack. While the aforementioned headsets on this list are fantastic in their own right, especially for their robust features, it’s hard to compete with the Audeze Maxwell purely in the audio department.That said, while the Maxwell is comfortable, it does land on the heavier side of gaming headsets. It’s built like a tank, but if you’re okay with that, then it’s more of a non-issue. When you get a great mix of sound quality, battery life, and features such as a mic with pinpoint noise isolation, it’s easy to justify its high price. I praised it for all that and more in my Audeze Maxwell review where it earned a 9 on our scoring scale.5. Turtle Beach Stealth 500Best Budget PS5 HeadsetTurtle Beach Stealth 500The Turtle Beach Stealth 500 is a wireless gaming headset for under $100, and you can't beat that value.See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsConnectivity2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.2Drivers40mm driversBattery life40 hoursWeight235gPROSDurable and flexible buildGreat sound quality for its priceCONSBulky design with messy button layoutYears of solid headsets proves that Turtle Beach knows what it's doing, and its high-end offerings have been competitive options for a while now. But as I go down the pricing hierarchy, there are still impressive headsets like the Stealth 500 that punches above its weight. Although it’s quite bulky in its physical build, I find the Stealth 500 to be smartly designed with a super flexible headband that's durable and lightweight, which also translates to solid comfort that’s easy on the ears.What's most important is sound quality, and what you get from the Stealth 500 is nothing to scoff at. While it may struggle in higher frequencies, which tend to sound a bit crunchy at louder volumes, its strong bass and clear mids make games sound full without coming across as artificial. With the Swarm II software’s Signature Sound profile, you’ll be set without having to fiddle with too many settings. Its positional audio was great as well, which I sussed out while playing ranked matches of Counter-Strike 2, so you don’t really need to shell out the big bucks to get that kind of advantage in competitive games on PS5.Even at this price point, you get Bluetooth capabilities and can swap between devices with the press of a button. While the mic isn’t anything to boast about, it’s serviceable and can be customized in the software as well. It’s no surprise that there are compromises that need to be made in budget-level headsets, but it gets the essentials right, which earned it an 8 in my Stealth 500 review.6. HyperX Cloud IIIBest Wired PS5 HeadsetBest WiredHyperX Cloud IIIWith great comfort, sound quality, microphone clarity, and durability, the Cloud III is one of HyperX's best headsets.See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsConnectivityWired (3.5mm), USB-A / USB-CDrivers53mm Angles DriversBattery lifeN/AWeight318gPROSExtremely durable and flexibleDense earpads for premium-grade comfortGreat sound and mic quality, especially in its price rangeCONSMay clamp a little too tightNo matter which version of the HyperX Cloud headset you go with, you get a quality product. If you’re running on a budget and want to get the most bang for your buck, I always recommend the wired HyperX Cloud III, which can often be found below its $100 base price. It punches above its weight with impressive sound and mic quality and great comfort. Plus, it’s built like a brick house so it’s not going to fall apart through years of use.Out of the box, the Cloud III impressed me with its build and durability – its aluminum frame can be flexed and contorted in any which direction without ever feeling like it’s going to break. Stretching the headset out to fit on your head is super easy and you can toss them on your desk without worrying about damaging them. It's built for comfort as well with dense foam earpads wrapped in a leatherette (just be aware it tends to get a bit sweaty), although its clamp force may be a bit much for some.At the end of the day, it’s all about sound quality and the Cloud III handles various frequencies wonderfully. In my Cloud III headset review, I felt comfortable tracking enemy footsteps while playing a ton of Valorant and enjoyed the balanced audio in Final Fantasy XIV, which this more budget-friendly headset handled gracefully. Assuming you’re on a budget, you probably don’t want to spend extra on a decent microphone – luckily, the mic clarity on the Cloud III was equally as impressive. While there is a wireless version of the Cloud III available, the wired model presents some of the best value and performance. Something like the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro is a current analog favorite, but since you're plugging into the DualSense when you're using a wired headset on PS5, it somewhat limits what you can get out of said headset. Thus, the Cloud III strikes the better value proposition.7. Alienware Pro HeadsetBest Noise-Canceling PS5 HeadsetBest Noise-cancelingAlienware Pro HeadsetDefying its own brand tradition, Alienware went with a super-sleek design for the Pro headset and brings great sound quality as well as great ANC and comfort.See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsConnectivityBluetooth, USB-C dongle, USB wiredDrivers50mm Graphene-CoatedMax battery life70 hours (35 hours with ANC)Weight315gPROSStrong bass responseSleek, non-descript designANC and mic ANC both work excellentlyCONSSoftware support isn't greatOver the years, Alienware's forte has been custom built PCs and has explored gaming peripherals since. It rethought its design philosophy and came out with the Pro headset earlier this year with great success, as I detail in my Alienware Pro headset review. I love its slim and sleek design (somewhat matching the design philosophy of Sony's PS5 products), which also makes it easily double-up as a casual everyday pair of headphones, and that really makes its active noise-canceling features sing.As a gaming headset, it brings booming bass to support all the other frequencies so PS5 games are going to have a powerful low-end to give a proper cinematic experience, but it's also tuned to be fit for competitive games as well. When it comes to comfort, its memory foam earbuds get the job done even though they don't look impressive at first glance. The flexible headband lets the Alienware Pro headset clamp easily on my head to help it stay comfortable for several hours of play.If you're looking for good ANC above all else, I can easily recommend the Alienware Pro headset since it's very good at drowning out ambient noise and retains solid battery life even though ANC tends to drain battery rapidly. That good ANC extends to the microphone as well, so while the overall microphone quality isn't that impressive, it's fantastic at isolating your voice.8. Turtle Beach Atlas AirBest Open-Back PS5 HeadsetBest Open-BackTurtle Beach Atlas AirThe Turtle Beach Atlas Air is a high-end open-back PC gaming headset that is extremely comfortable, and sounds good to boot.See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsConnectivityBluetooth, USB dongle, 3.5mm jackDrivers40mmMax battery life50 hoursWeight301gPROSUnique, ultra comfortable lightweight designExcellent audio performanceCONSSome sound leakageIf the name wasn’t a dead giveaway, our hands-on review of the Turtle Beach Atlas Air confirmed it is a well-cushioned, surprisingly lightweight headset you’ll be happy to have on your noggin for hours. The earcups are stuffed with memory foam and are are almost "floating" for multidirectional movement to limit pressure and improve weight distribution. The headband is made of super flexible mesh with an adjustable velcro strap, aiding in the feathery feel. If that’s not enough to convince you this is one of the comfiest headsets out there, the open-back design provides more airflow and breathability, ideal for gaming marathons.Turtle Beach makes it simple to connect the Atlas Air to the PS5, with an option for a wired or wireless link, including a USB dongle for a low latency connection. Buttons on the earcups also make it easy to switch between different connectivity modes. Beyond being great for the PS5, this versatile option is one of the best gaming headsets for PC, as well. Plus, when using it wirelessly, the 50 hours of battery life is a massive boon, so recharging is less of a hassle. Perhaps most important is how the Turtle Beach Atlas Air sounds, and it doesn’t disappoint. The open-back design makes for a more natural sound and better directional audio, though you’ll have to deal with some leakage. The 40mm drivers support 24-bit audio with booming lows and crisp highs that put other gaming headsets to shame. It’s also chock full of features to tweak your sound like Waves 3D Audio, 10-Band EQs, and even "Superhuman Hearing." However, not all these features will be available on the PS5.Rounding out this absolutely stunning gaming headset is a highly capable unidirectional detachable boom mic that’ll keep you coming across clear to teammates. It’s hard not to fall for this light, flexible, great-sounding headset.9. SteelSeries Arctis GameBudsBest PS5 EarbudsBest EarbudsSteelSeries Arctis GameBudsSteelSeries built the Arctis GameBuds for gaming and deliver booming audio with solid battery life low-latency thanks to its 2.4GHz dongle.See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsConnectivityBluetooth, 2.4GHz USB-C dongleDrivers10mm Neodymium MagneticMax battery life10 hoursWeight5g per earbudPROSImpressive sound qualityBetter battery life than most earbudsControls, software, and ANC add valueCONSA few features are hard to get workingGaming earbuds are a fairly recent trend with the notable peripheral companies like Razer, Asus, and PlayStation making their own that are suited for games. It's tough because of the limited driver size and battery life, earbuds tend to make sacrifices in one way or another. But the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds are so impressive because of how uncompromising these little rounded buds are.On top of having solid foundations of sound quality, battery life, and long-term comfort, SteelSeries has one of the most robust software suites, which is easily controllable through a mobile app. This takes out the inconvenience of having to flip through PS5 menus to customize the earbuds, while also letting you access its 100+ custom-tuned EQ profiles easily. Although there are a few minor inconveniences with how some of its quality-of-life features work (autoplay when taking it on and off, connecting through Bluetooth reliably), the GameBuds do all the important things extremely well. While you should definitely use these as your primary earbuds to listen to music on your phone, they really shine in games with the kind of bold audio experience you expect from a headset. For all that and more, I gave a 9 to the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds in my review, and they'll pair nicely with your PS5.At $160, these have cheaper base price than the Razer Hammerheads I previously recommended. While I still think the Hammerheads have a very slight edge in sound quality, it's the battery life, software support, and overall comfort that make the GameBuds the best all around.PS5 Headsets FAQHow do you determine sound quality on a gaming headset?There are ways to extract audio data from a headset to get a look at how they handle various frequencies, like artificial ear and audio analyzing software, but that alone won’t be able to tell you what the actual audio experience is like. Admittedly, it can be quite abstract to have someone describe what games, music, or movies sound like. Paying attention to descriptors like distortion, drowning, cleanliness, or balance when talking about frequencies are common ways to explain the sound quality of a device, and at some point you need to trust the reviewer’s trained ear.There’s also the factor of driver size, the actual hardware that delivers the audio. Generally, bigger drivers means better potential for cleaner and bolder sound, but again, that alone isn’t going to determine whether or not a headset sounds good. Quality can also come down to spatial or positional audio which gives the impression of sound effects having distance and direction – it’s important for competitive settings but can make for audio more suited for cinematic games.As I talk about further down, the PS5 in particular has embraced 3D audio in a way other platforms have not. It may seem like a gimmick at first glance, but when done right, it can give you a genuinely immersive experience – not just for direction and distance, but also verticality in the sound design. This gives headsets like the Pulse Elite and Pulse 3D an advantage when picking out the best PS5 headset since 3D audio definitely affects how good games can sound.What makes gaming headsets different from headphones?Gaming headsets tend to pack additional features that support the actual gaming experience, some of which may be gimmicky, but many that I would call essential. Not everyone wants to have a standalone microphone, for example, but the key feature that separates a headset from headphones is a built-in microphone. While most headset mics are passable in terms of clarity that can suffice for in-game communication, some go the extra mile to provide better clarity or mitigate ambient noise spilling through.Good gaming headsets are generally tuned to pick up on certain sound effects and have a more intimate sound profile since you’re an active participant in the experience rather than a passive observer (especially in competitive games). When it comes to wireless capabilities, most gaming headsets come with 2.4GHz USB dongles for the lowest latency possible – something that wireless headphones rarely include. As you’ll see in the next section, software suites for USB-based headsets (wireless or otherwise) have gotten sophisticated and sometimes offer a level of customization for specific gaming scenarios.Should I go wired or wireless for a gaming headset?Of course, it depends on your needs. On PC, I still gravitate towards wired headsets and headphones since I tend to prefer the sound profiles of a properly-tuned analog audio device (I also tend to forget about charging devices until it’s too late, but that’s a me-problem). However, battery life and latency of modern gaming headsets have come so far that you rarely, if ever, see them being issues on the latest releases. Good software suites and apps can also help you get more out of your headset by letting you customize EQ settings or swap sound profiles for certain games.Wireless headsets are also sometimes capable of multi-device connectivity and simultaneous Bluetooth, which makes them versatile and opens them up to more use-cases (especially swapping to a mobile connection within seconds). Even though they tend to be more expensive, there’s a lot of upside to going with a wireless gaming headset, just be sure you know what you’ll be getting out of it.On PS5, you're better going off with a wireless headset, though. Since 3.5mm analog wired audio devices have to go through the DualSense controller's, there's an upper limit to how good they can sound. Don't get it twisted, though – headsets and headphones can still sound great when fed through the DualSense, but it'll be diminishing returns when using audiophile-type gear. After all, the console experience is best when free of wires.Is 3D audio worth it?Made specifically for the PS5, Tempest 3D AudioTech to simulate 360-degree audio in supported PS5 games. That means you can tell the direction the audio is coming from, be it a helicopter overhead or enemy fire coming from whichever direction, it's an experiential marvel more so than an advantage. It’s similar to Windows Sonic on the Xbox Series X/S, but Sony has embraced it to greater extent and its implementation on the PS5 is a really neat perk. And to boot, plenty of the best PS5 headsets support Sony’s 3D audio, including the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7P, Sony Pulse 3D, and PlayStation Pulse Elite wireless headset.The Sony Pulse 3D does a good job showing off the PS5’s next-gen 3D audio tech, whereby noises and sounds are emulated to appear in a 360-degree space around your ears, and even expressing a greater level of verticality to positional sound in some instances. It’s straightforward to set up, comfortable, and surprisingly affordable for an official PlayStation headset, and a great choice if you want to see exactly what the PS5’s 3D audio can do.Do you need a Bluetooth adapter for your PS5?If you're hoping to connect wireless headphones and headsets to your PS5, you will need a compatible Bluetooth adapter. The PS5 does not currently support direct pairing with any Bluetooth headphones for audio output. However, when it comes to latency, you're best served using headsets with 2.4GHz dongles, which all our recommended headsets come with.What is PlayStation Link? PlayStation Link is Sony’s latest wireless connectivity standard that provides a lightning-fast connection, lossless audio, and ultra-low latency with easy switching between different devices. The PlayStation Portal is the only gaming device with the technology built-in. So, you’ll need the PS Link USB dongle when using the PS5, PS5 Slim, PS5 Pro, and PC. Still, at the moment, only a couple of Sony’s peripherals have this technology, including the PlayStation Pulse Elite wireless headset in this guide.

If you're seeking the absolute best of the best in PC gaming performance, look no further. As part of its Memorial Day Sale, Dell has dropped the price of its flagship Alienware Area-51 prebuilt gaming PC, equipped with the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 graphics card, for the lowest price I've seen. This particular model normally retails for $5,499.99, but a new $600 instant discount drops it to $4,899.99 with free shipping. The RTX 5090 is undisputedly the most powerful graphics card on the market and is pretty much impossible to find for under $3,000 by itself.Memorial Day Deal: Alienware Area-51 RTX 5090 Gaming PCNew ReleaseAlienware Area-51 Intel Core Ultra 9 285K RTX 5090 Gaming PC (32GB/2TB)This Alienware Area-51 gaming PC configuration drops to $4,899.99 after a $600 off instant discount. Specs include an Intel Core Ultra 9 285K processor, 32GB of DDR5-6400MHz RAM, and 2TB SSD storage. The Core Ultra 9 285K is Intel's latest flagship CPU and offers stellar workstation and gaming performance. It's not quite the performance uplift we wanted from the i9-14900K, but it's still the best all-around CPU that Intel has on offer. The processor is cooled by a massive 360mm all-in-one liquid cooler, and the system is powered by a 1,500W Platinum power supply.New for 2025: The Alienware Area-51 ChassisDell unveiled the new Alienware Area-51 gaming PC at CES 2025. The chassis looks similar to the 2024 R16 system with aesthetic and cooling redesigns and updated components. The I/O panel is positioned at the top of the case instead of the front, and the tempered glass window now spans the entire side panel instead of just a smaller cutout. As a result, the side panel vents are gone, and instead air intakes are located at the bottom as well as the front of the case. Alienware is now pushing a positive airflow design (more intake than exhaust airflow), which means a less dusty interior. The internal components have been refreshed with a new motherboard, faster RAM, and more powerful power supply to accommodate the new generation of CPUs and GPUs.The RTX 5090 Is the Most Powerful Graphics Card EverThe Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 has emerged as the most powerful consumer GPU on the market. Although Nvidia has prioritized software updates, AI features, and DLSS 4 technology to improve gameplay performance, the 5090 still boasts an impressive 25%-30% uplift over the RTX 4090 in terms of pure hardware-based raster performance. The 5090 also has more (32GB vs. 24GB) and faster (GDDR7 vs. GDDR6) VRAM compared to the 4090. This GPU is extremely difficult to find at retail price and is currently selling for $3,500-$4,000 on eBay.Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 FE Review by Jackie Thomas"The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 has officially taken the performance crown from the RTX 4090, but with less force than previous generations. When it comes to traditional non-AI gaming performance, the RTX 5090 provides one of the smallest generational uplifts in recent memory. However, in games that support it, DLSS 4 really does deliver huge performance gains – you just have to make your peace with the fact that 75% of the frames are generated with AI."More Alienware Prebuilt Gaming PC DealsAlienware Aurora R16 Intel Core Ultra 7 265F RTX 5080 Gaming PC (16GB/1TB)$2,349.99 at AlienwareAlienware Aurora R16 Intel Core Ultra 9 285K RTX 5080 Gaming PC (32GB/2TB)New ReleaseAlienware Area-51 Intel Core Ultra 9 285K RTX 5090 Gaming PC (32GB/2TB)Alienware Aurora R16 Intel Core Ultra 7 265F RTX 5070 Gaming PC$1,849.99 at AlienwareAlienware Aurora R16 Intel Core Ultra 9 285KF RTX 5070 Gaming PC (32GB/2TB)New for 2025Alienware Area-51 Intel Core Ultra 7 265 RTX 5080 Gaming PC (32GB/1TB)Alienware Aurora R16 Intel Core Ultra 9 285K RTX 5080 Gaming PC (64GB/2TB)Alienware Aurora R16 Intel Core Ultra 9 285K RTX 5080 Gaming PC (64GB/4TB)Why Should You Trust IGN's Deals Team?IGN's deals team has a combined 30+ years of experience finding the best discounts in gaming, tech, and just about every other category. We don't try to trick our readers into buying things they don't need at prices that aren't worth buying something at. Our ultimate goal is to surface the best possible deals from brands we trust and our editorial team has personal experience with. You can check out our deals standards here for more information on our process, or keep up with the latest deals we find on IGN's Deals account on Twitter.Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn't hunting for deals for other people at work, he's hunting for deals for himself during his free time.

This Area-51 desktop comes fully loaded with top-of-the-line components.

With summer just around the corner, the deals are hot this Memorial Day weekend. Just about every online retailer has dropped deep discounts on a range of products for the holiday. While the sales may not be as great as Black Friday and Prime Day, it’s still a great time to save on everything to prepare for the warm months ahead. Summer essentials aren’t the only discounted items either, with everything from TVs and mattresses to PCs and gaming essentials getting in on the action. TL;DR: Deals for TodayLowest Price EverApple iPad (A16) 128GBLG 65-Inch OLED evo C4Lowest Price EverSonos Move 2Blink Outdoor 4Tufons 4-Burner Propane Gas BBQAlienware Aurora R16 Intel Core Ultra 7 265F RTX 5080 Gaming PC (16GB/1TB)$2,349.99 at DellPersona 5 Royal Standard Edition for SwitchTraeger Grills Pro Series 34 Pellet Grill and SmokerThis might not be a deal, but if you missed out on the first Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy pre-orders, you’re in luck, as you can still grab the bundle and starter kit. Individual cards are also up for pre-order, ensuring you can lock down your favorites before the drop in June. 2025 Apple iPad (A16)Lowest Price EverApple iPad (A16) 128GBThe new iPad is back down to its lowest price ever. Apple released the latest 11-inch iPad in March, and $50 has already been knocked off the price tag for the holiday weekend. The newest model got a few upgrades over its predecessor. Most notably, the tablet now runs on an A16 processor for a snappy experience performing everyday tasks, and base storage has been doubled to 128 GB. But even with these improvements, Apple didn’t increase the starting price from the 10th-generation iPad, making it just $349 to start. Apple iPad Air 13" (M3) 128GBApple iPad Mini (A17 Pro) 128GBApple iPad Air 11" (M3) 128GBSilverApple iPad (A16) 128GBPinkApple iPad (A16) 128GBYellowApple iPad (A16) 128GBWhile the classic iPad is the best iPad for most people, many of Apple’s other latest tablets have similar discounts for the holiday weekend. Our favorite iPad for students, the iPad Air (M3), which also came out in March, has up to $100 off, while the latest iPad mini has a similar deal, making it 20% off. Sonos Move 2Lowest Price EverSonos Move 2Sonos is synonymous with creating high-quality, great-sounding speakers, and one of its portable Bluetooth offerings, the Move 2, is at its lowest price ever. Enjoy over 25% savings on a speaker ready to pump out crystal clear vocals and deep booming bass. Trueplay tuning even allows the speaker to optimize sound to the environment for the best listening experience every time. With a 24-hour battery life and built-in handle, it’s also the perfect option to enjoy your favorite music just about anywhere. Lowest Price EverBeats PillSee it at WalmartJBL Go 4JBL Clip 5Sony ULT Field 5Sonos isn’t the only audio giant getting in on the Memorial Day sales. Plenty of other portable speakers are discounted, ensuring you can take your favorite songs on camping trips, picnics, and more. Grill DealsTufons 4-Burner Propane Gas BBQSummer means it’s grilling season, so if your old BBQ is rusted out or broken, now’s the time to buy a new one. Tufons has a high-quality 4-burner grill that is 27% off on Amazon. It will cost just $299.99 for a 457 sq. in cooking area with a total of 46,500 BTU cooking power on the 4 main burners and one side burner. The stainless steel body and cast iron grate are built to last, so this grill should be with you for the long haul. Traeger Grills Pro Series 34 Pellet Grill and SmokerSophia & William Propane Gas Grill and Griddle ComboChar-Broil Portable Convective 1-Burner Stainless Steel Propane Gas GrillFlash DealShinpt 44" Charcoal Smoker Grill Tufons isn’t the only grill discounted, as plenty of other BBQs are seeing deep discounts for Memorial Day. Everything from charcoal grills and pellet smokers to massive cooktops and portable BBQs are all on sale. Blink Outdoor 4Blink Outdoor 4Adding a few security cameras to your home is never a bad idea. Whether you want to keep porch pirates at bay or check on your pup at work, these gadgets can be super useful. Right now, Blink has a great deal on the Blink Outdoor 4 with a 3-pack of wireless cameras costing just 129.99 – the lowest price we’ve seen this year. These cameras are capable of capturing 1080p HD live view and have infrared night vision for 24/7 monitoring. Motion sensing can deliver alerts right to your smartphone, while the 2-year battery life means you’ll rarely need to worry about swapping the AA batteries.Alienware Aurora R16 Intel Core Ultra 7 265F RTX 5080Alienware Aurora R16 Intel Core Ultra 7 265F RTX 5080 Gaming PC (16GB/1TB)$2,349.99 at DellIf you're looking to grab a gaming rig with the latest RTX 5080 GPU, Dell has dropped a great deal on some PCs for Memorial Day. You get this ultra-powerful pre-built PC capable of epic 4K gaming at high frame rates for only $2,349.99. It’s an absolute steal, especially considering the going rate for an RTX 5080 when DIYing a PC is marked up exponentially right now. That’s not the only PC on sale. Below are some other great PCs and gaming laptops on sale for the holiday weekend: Alienware Aurora R16 Intel Core Ultra 9 285K RTX 5080 Gaming PC (32GB/2TB)New ReleaseAlienware Area-51 Intel Core Ultra 9 285K RTX 5090 Gaming PC (32GB/2TB)Alienware Aurora R16 Intel Core Ultra 7 265F RTX 5070 Gaming PC$1,849.99 at AlienwareAlienware Aurora R16 Intel Core Ultra 9 285KF RTX 5070 Gaming PC (32GB/2TB)New for 2025Alienware Area-51 Intel Core Ultra 7 265 RTX 5080 Gaming PC (32GB/1TB)Alienware Aurora R16 Intel Core Ultra 9 285K RTX 5080 Gaming PC (64GB/2TB)Dell XPS Intel Core i7-14700 RTX 4060 Ti Gaming PCAlienware Aurora R16 Intel Core Ultra 9 285K RTX 5080 Gaming PC (64GB/4TB)New Dell Tower Plus Intel Core Ultra 7 265 RTX 4070 Ti Super Gaming PC$1,649.99 at DellAlienware Aurora R16 i7-14700F RTX 4070 Super Gaming PC$1,899.99 at AlienwareNew ReleaseAlienware 18 Area-51 Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX RTX 5080 Gaming Laptop (32GB/2TB)Alienware 18 Area-51 Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX RTX 5090 Gaming Laptop (64GB/2TB)Alienware x16 R2 16" Intel Core Ultra 7 155H RTX 4060 Gaming Laptop (16GB/1TB)Alienware x16 R2 16" Intel Core Ultra 9 185H RTX 4070 Gaming Laptop (32GB/1TB)LG 65-Inch OLED evo C4LG 65-Inch OLED evo C4The LG 65-Inch OLED evo C4 is at one of its best prices ever today. If you’re looking for an absolutely great gaming TV, this OLED display is impeccable. It offers a stunning 4K picture and up to a 144Hz refresh rate with VRR baked in for butter-smooth action. Right now, you can grab that stunning picture for $1,246.99. That’s over 50% off the list price of the TV when it came out in 2024. 50" Vizio V4K50M 4K Smart TV55" Insignia F30 4K Fire TV75" TCL Q7 4K QLED Google TV58" Hisense R6 4K Roku TVPlenty of other TVs are discounted for Memorial Day. Whether you’re after something a little more budget-friendly or want the latest and greatest option, there’s a TV deal to suit your needs. Persona 5 Royal Standard Edition for SwitchPersona 5 Royal Standard Edition for SwitchThe Persona 5 Royal Standard Edition has gotten a serious price cut. It’s down to $25 from $60. Talk about a steal for this epic RPG full of sick locations, captivating stories, and great gameplay mechanics. With the Royal edition comes a new semester at Shujin Academy for more story arcs and even some alternate endings. Be sure to grab this deal while it lasts. Other great Memorial Day game deals are happening right now, including dozens of games on sale for $15 at GameStop. $15 and $30 Game Sale at GameStopSee it at GameStopSuper Mario RPG (Switch)Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade (PS5)Kingdom Come: Deliverance II (PS5, XSX)Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 (PS5, XSX)Dragon Age: The Veilguard- Deluxe Edition (PS5, XSX)Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake (PS5, XSX, Switch)Silent Hill 2 (PS5)Sid Meier's Civilization VII (PS5, XSX, Switch)Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition (Switch)Final Fantasy XVI (PS5)Star Wars Jedi Survivor (PS5, XSX)Diablo IV (Xbox)Star Wars Outlaws - Limited Edition (XSX)Suikoden I & II HD Remastered (PS5, XSX, Switch)Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol.1 (PS5, Switch)Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (PS5)Mattress SalesUp to 35% off mattressesCasper Mattress SaleSee it at CasperSerta 10-in Medium King Hybrid Memory Foam/Coil Blend MattressUp to 50% of mattressesSleep Number Memorial Day SaleSee it at Sleep NumberSave 20% on mattressesTuft & Needle Memorial Day SaleSee it at Tuft & Needle$1,500 off and additional $100 off with a discount codePlushBeds Memorial Day SaleSee it at PlushBedsCasper The OneSleep Number i8Serta Perfect Sleeper Nurture Night 12-in Firm Queen Innerspring Mattress

Alienware has very competitive prices on RTX 5080 equipped gaming PCs during the Dell Memorial Day Sale. Right now you can pick up an Alienware Aurora R16 RTX 5080 gaming PC from $2,349.99 shipped. This is a good price for a well-engineered (and warrantied) rig that can handle 4K gaming at high frame rates. In the current market, buying a prebuilt gaming PC is the only way to score an RTX 5080 GPU without paying an exorbitant markup. If you were to try to find a 5080 GPU for your diy PC build, you'll probably spend nearly as much for the GPU as you would for an entire system.Alienware Aurora R16 RTX 5080 Gaming PC From $2,350Alienware Aurora R16 Intel Core Ultra 7 265F RTX 5080 Gaming PC (16GB/1TB)$2,349.99 at AlienwareAlienware Aurora R16 Intel Core Ultra 9 285K RTX 5080 Gaming PC (32GB/2TB)Alienware Aurora R16 Intel Core Ultra 9 285K RTX 5080 Gaming PC (64GB/2TB)Alienware Aurora R16 Intel Core Ultra 9 285K RTX 5080 Gaming PC (64GB/4TB)The prices on the Alienware Aurora R16 model starts range from the bottom end of $2,349.99 to the top end of $3,149.99. Each tier up offers either a CPU upgrade or increased RAM and/or storage:$2,349.99 - Intel Core Ultra 7 265F, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD$2,699.99 - Intel Core Ultra 9 285K, 32GB RAM, 2TB SSD$2,849.99 - Intel Core Ultra 9 285K, 64GB RAM, 2TB SSD$3,149.99 - Intel Core Ultra 9 285K, 64GB RAM, 4TB SSDAlienware Area-51 RTX 5080 Gaming PC for $3,449.99New for 2025Alienware Area-51 Intel Core Ultra 7 265 RTX 5080 Gaming PC (32GB/1TB)Dell unveiled the new Alienware Area-51 gaming PC at CES 2025. The chassis looks similar to the 2024 R16 system with aesthetic and cooling redesigns and updated components. The I/O panel is positioned at the top of the case instead of the front, and the tempered glass window now spans the entire side panel instead of just a smaller cutout. As a result, the side panel vents are gone, and instead air intakes are located at the bottom as well as the front of the case. Alienware is now pushing a positive airflow design (more intake than exhaust airflow), which means a less dusty interior. The internal components have been refreshed with a new motherboard, faster RAM, and more powerful power supply to accommodate the new generation of CPUs and GPUs.The GeForce RTX 5080 GPU will run any game in 4KThe RTX 5080 is the second best Blackwell graphics card, surpassed only by the $2,000 RTX 5090. It's about 5%-10% faster than the previous generation RTX 4080 Super, which is discontinued and no longer available. In games that support the new DLSS 4 with multi-frame generation exclusive to Blackwell cards, the gap widens.Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 FE Review, by Jacqueline Thomas"If you already have a high-end graphics card from the last couple of years, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 doesn’t make a lot of sense – it just doesn’t have much of a performance lead over the RTX 4080, though the extra frames from DLSS 4 Multi-Frame Generation do make things look better in games that support it. However, for gamers with an older graphics card who want a significant performance boost, the RTX 5080 absolutely provides – doubly so if you’re comfortable with Nvidia’s AI goodies."More Alienware Prebuilt Gaming PC DealsAlienware Aurora R16 Intel Core Ultra 7 265F RTX 5080 Gaming PC (16GB/1TB)$2,349.99 at AlienwareAlienware Aurora R16 Intel Core Ultra 9 285K RTX 5080 Gaming PC (32GB/2TB)New ReleaseAlienware Area-51 Intel Core Ultra 9 285K RTX 5090 Gaming PC (32GB/2TB)Alienware Aurora R16 Intel Core Ultra 7 265F RTX 5070 Gaming PC$1,849.99 at AlienwareAlienware Aurora R16 Intel Core Ultra 9 285KF RTX 5070 Gaming PC (32GB/2TB)New for 2025Alienware Area-51 Intel Core Ultra 7 265 RTX 5080 Gaming PC (32GB/1TB)Alienware Aurora R16 Intel Core Ultra 9 285K RTX 5080 Gaming PC (64GB/2TB)Alienware Aurora R16 Intel Core Ultra 9 285K RTX 5080 Gaming PC (64GB/4TB)Why Should You Trust IGN's Deals Team?IGN's deals team has a combined 30+ years of experience finding the best discounts in gaming, tech, and just about every other category. We don't try to trick our readers into buying things they don't need at prices that aren't worth buying something at. Our ultimate goal is to surface the best possible deals from brands we trust and our editorial team has personal experience with. You can check out our deals standards here for more information on our process, or keep up with the latest deals we find on IGN's Deals account on Twitter.Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn't hunting for deals for other people at work, he's hunting for deals for himself during his free time.

Alienware's new flagship gaming laptop - the Alienware Area-51 - was released earlier this year. It replaces the m-series laptop and bring to the table a host of upgrades including a sleeker redesign, current generation components, and better cooling potential. As part of the Dell Memorial Day Sale, several variants of both the Alienware 16 Area-51 and Alienware 18 Area-51 gaming laptops are on sale for the first time. They're all equipped with the latest Nvidia Blackwell GPUs, including the RTX 5070 Ti, RTX 5080, and RTX 5090. Orders are expected to ship out in mid June.Featured in this articleNew ReleaseAlienware 18 Area-51 Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX RTX 5080 Gaming Laptop (32GB/2TB)Alienware 18 Area-51 Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX RTX 5090 Gaming Laptop (64GB/2TB)Alienware 16 Area-51 Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX RTX 5070 Ti Gaming Laptop (32GB/2TB)New ReleaseAlienware 16 Area-51 Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX RTX 5080 Gaming Laptop (32GB/1TB)New ReleaseAlienware 16 Area-51 Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX RTX 5080 Gaming Laptop (64GB/2TB)Alienware 16 Area-51 Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX RTX 5090 Gaming Laptop (64GB/2TB)Memorial Day Alienware 18 Area-51 DealsThe Alienware 18 Area-51 is a large laptop that serves more as a mobile desktop replacement than commuter's laptop that you tote around to work or class on a daily basis. It weighs nearly 10 pounds and measures 0.95 inches at its thinnest point. It also consumes a lot of power (a 360W power brick is included), which means you should keep it plugged into an outlet when you're using it. The larger form factor carries several advantages, like an expansive 18" display, a full-sized keyboard with discrete numpad and a bigger, more aggressive cooling system and can keep noise levels to a minimum, and space to accomodate an RJ45 ethernet port.Two models are currently on sale for Memorial Day. The $3,150 model is equipped with RTX 5080 mobile graphics and 32GB of memory. The $3,750 model is upgraded with RTX 5090 mobile graphics and 64GB of memory.New ReleaseAlienware 18 Area-51 Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX RTX 5080 Gaming Laptop (32GB/2TB)Alienware 18 Area-51 Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX RTX 5090 Gaming Laptop (64GB/2TB)Memorial Day Alienware 16 Area-51 DealsThe Alienware 16 might not be as imposing as the Alienware 18, but this is still a premium gaming laptop through and through with an emphasis on maximum power and cooling. It weighs in at 7.5 pounds and measures 0.85" thick at its thinnest point. Like the Alienware 18, it comes with a 360W power brick, and you're recommended to keep it plugged into an outlet when you're using it. Because of the smaller footprint, the Alienware 16 houses a 16" display, standard sized laptop keyboard (meaning no discrete numpad), and no ethernet jack. However, it can still be equipped with the same internal specs, like an Intel Core Ultra 9 HX processor and up to an Nvida RTX 5090 GPU, since it also boasts a rugged cooling system that can handle the hottest of components.Four models are currently on sale for Memorial Day. The $2,850 model is equipped with RTX 5070 Ti mobile graphics. The $2999.99 model and $3,150 model are equipped with an RTX 5080. The $3,650 model goes all out with an RTX 5090.Alienware 16 Area-51 Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX RTX 5070 Ti Gaming Laptop (32GB/2TB)New ReleaseAlienware 16 Area-51 Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX RTX 5080 Gaming Laptop (32GB/1TB)New ReleaseAlienware 16 Area-51 Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX RTX 5080 Gaming Laptop (64GB/2TB)Alienware 16 Area-51 Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX RTX 5090 Gaming Laptop (64GB/2TB)This CPU / GPU Combo Excels in Any GameThe Area-51 laptop is also equipped with a very powerful CPU as well. The Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX boasts a max turbo frequency of 5.4GHz with a whopping 24 cores and 40MB total L2 cache. According to Passmark, this is one of the fastest mobile processors on the market, going head to head with the AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX3D.According to Notebookcheck, the RTX 5070 Ti mobile GPU is "the true successor to the RTX 4070", with performance on par with the RTX 4080. The RTX 5070, unfortunately, lags far behind, with performance on par with the RTX 4070. It should run any game comfortable on the display's native 1920x1200 resolution.According to Tom's Hardware, the RTX 5080 mobile GPU is roughly 15%-20% more powerful than the RTX 4080 mobile GPU that it replaces. It also happens to be about 5% more powerful than the RTX 4090, which was the previous generation's flagship card. The RTX 5080 appears to be a better value than the much pricier RTX 5090 as well. It only lags by about 15% despite being nearly $1,000 cheaper. Since the Alienware Area-51 uses a QHD+ (2560x1600) instead of 4K display, this GPU should be able to run new and upcoming games at high framerates, quadruply so if DLSS 4 is supported.The Area-51: New Style, More Power, Better CoolingNew for 2025, the Alienware Area-51 gaming laptop features a magnesium alloy chassis with upgraded cooling to tackle the latest and greatest heat generating components. This includes more fans and bigger cutouts enabling greater airflow, more generous use of copper, and a new thermal interface material to better transfer heat away from the core components. Dell claims that the laptop can handle a higher power ceiling of up to 240W TDP without raising acoustics.Design-wise, the Area 51 accentuates its smooth contours, with rounded edges and soft corners replacing the squared off design you'd see in most other laptops. The hinges are also mostly internally positioned so that they're near invisible. As befits an Alienware laptop, there are ample customization options for RGB LED lighting. Connectivity-wise, you get three USB Type-A 3.2 15Gbps ports (one with PowerShare), two Thunderbolt / USB Type-C ports, an HDMI 2.1 port, and a card reader. The 16" model weighs in at 7.5 pounds and the 18" model weighs 9.6 pounds.More Alienware Memorial Day Gaming Laptop DealsNew for 2025Alienware Aurora 16 Intel Core Ultra 9 270H RTX 5070 (85W) Gaming Laptop (16GB/1TB)$1,949.99 at AlienwareNew for 2025Alienware Aurora 16X Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX RTX 5070 (115W) Gaming Laptop (32GB/2TB)$2,299.99 at AlienwareAlienware x16 R2 16" Intel Core Ultra 7 155H RTX 4060 Gaming Laptop (16GB/1TB)Alienware x16 R2 16" Intel Core Ultra 9 185H RTX 4070 Gaming Laptop (32GB/1TB)Alienware x16 R2 16" Intel Core Ultra 9 185H RTX 4090 Gaming Laptop (32GB/2TB)Why Should You Trust IGN's Deals Team?IGN's deals team has a combined 30+ years of experience finding the best discounts in gaming, tech, and just about every other category. We don't try to trick our readers into buying things they don't need at prices that aren't worth buying something at. Our ultimate goal is to surface the best possible deals from brands we trust and our editorial team has personal experience with. You can check out our deals standards here for more information on our process, or keep up with the latest deals we find on IGN's Deals account on Twitter.Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn't hunting for deals for other people at work, he's hunting for deals for himself during his free time.

Since 1984, Dell has been dominating the prebuilt PC and accessory market by making hardware that keeps up with modern needs at reasonable prices. Its desktops and laptops are consistently good value and review well when we put them through our benchmarking process in the PC Labs. If you're in the market for a new machine, Dell has launched its Memorial Day sale. Here are six of the top offers we've found, with more to come.Dell Laptop DealsInsiprons are Dell's reliable midrange performers, and the 16 on sale right now is well worth your attention if you want a bigger screen in a nice-looking chassis. With a FHD+ touch-enabled display, it works great for streaming media, lightweight creative tasks, business and more. If you do a lot of videoconferencing, the 1080p 30 fps webcam is better than you'd expect from a budget machine, and there are plenty of ports.The Dell Inspiron 16 Laptop is also available at Amazon for $789Another midrange productivity laptop from Dell, the XPS 14 does enough well to be worth your attention at a $400 price drop. We reviewed this model, noting that it had one of the better touchpads we'd seen on Dell portables, coupled with a LED-illuminated function row that made it a solid choice for spreadsheeters and other heavy keyboard users. The component loadout is good for the price, with 16GB of RAM making multi-tasking smooth and stable. The battery is also massive, adding to its weight but making it a worthwhile option for long trips and other scenarios where you won't have access to a power plug.Dell Gaming Laptop DealsIt's a spendy one but, for all-around performance, the Alienware x16 R2 is a tough gaming portable to beat. That's especially true when it's kitted out with an RTX 4090 graphics card. In our review, we praised the incredible amount of tech in this slim machine, including the gorgeous QHD+ 240Hz display, which is capable of keeping up with the blistering framerate that GPU can pump out. The rest of the silicon is no slouch, with a speedy Core Ultra 9 processor coupled with 32GB of system memory. Customizable RGB keys, touchpad, and chassis lighting adds an extra touch of style, and slicing $900 off makes it tempting.Recommended by Our EditorsFor a more affordable gaming on the go option, Dell's G15 is a solid choice, especially at $300 off retail during their Memorial Day sale. We reviewed this laptop, and although its component loadout didn't dazzle, praised its 120Hz display and fun color options. It feels solid in the hands, weighing in at a little over six pounds, and the keyboard and trackpad both have good responsiveness, along with orange LED backlights for the keys. As you'd expect from a gaming machine, it has plenty of ports for your peripherals as well.Dell Desktop DealsDell's enterprise-oriented towers aren't visually striking, but there's a reason you can find them in homes and offices around the world. They combine solid performance with well-built components at a nice price, and are flexible enough to fill a bunch of different roles. The Slim desktop is designed for minimal footprint while not compromising power, and this configuration ships with a capable Intel Core Ultra 5 processor along with 16GB of RAM. It multitasks well, has plenty of ports, and ships with a keyboard and mouse.If you need a new gaming machine to get you through the lean years ahead, we're quite fond of the Alienware Aurora R16. In our review, we gave it an Editors' Choice award, with tester Charles Jefferies saying that the redesigned tower "marks a new chapter for the Alienware brand" thanks to its whisper-quiet operation, capacious and easily modified case and multiple connectivity options. Dell has a bunch of different configurations on sale during the Memorial Day event, but this is a nice midrange choice with a generous 32GB of RAM paired with a RTX 4060 graphics card.We’re finding Memorial Day Deals everywhere, from retailers like Amazon and Walmart to top brands like Apple and HP. And don’t forget to check out all of the Memorial Day Deals Under $100 and Under $50. But, if you’re looking for something more specific, we’ve rounded up the following holiday deals for you: