Budget buys
Sega Mega Drive Mini £70 / stuff.tv/megadrivemini
There’ll always be rows and online feuds over whether Nintendo’s or Sega’s games are better, but the Mega Drive Mini wins the miniature retro console war in terms of the faithful recreation of both hardware and software – especially as there are 42 games included. It’s taken a long time to get here, but as the saying goes, to be this good takes ages – and the Sega is the must-buy console of the moment.
Stuff says ★★★★★
Sega’s back – and this really is the ultimate mini gaming machine
Amazon Echo Dot with Clock £35 / stuff.tv/echodotclock
A radical redesign (it’s now more of a sphere than a puck) means the new Echo Dot with Clock on p15 looks dramatically different to this one, but that doesn’t stop the 3rd Gen model being one of the finest bargains in tech… until we’ve tested its replacement, that is.
Stuff says ★★★★★
This brainy little puck sets a mighty high bar for the new Echo Dot
Moto G8 Plus £240 / stuff.tv/g8plus
It would have taken something monumental to screw up the affordable formula crafted over eight generations of G phones… so it’s really no surprise the G8 Plus is such a gem. Budget phones are a competitive field, but this is the best you’ll find for the money.
Stuff says ★★★★★
Classic Moto: a smart, well-equipped phone for under £250
● NOW ADD THIS
Retro-bit Official 6-Button Controller
A must for fans of fighting games, this six-button USB pad is also compatible with PCS, Macs and even the Switch. £18 / amazon.co.uk Soundmagic TWS50 ★★★★★ £79 / stuff.tv/tws50
Expertly judged wireless in-ear performance at an eye-catching price. Mi Smart Band 5 ★★★★★ £40 / stuff.tv/miband5
Fantastic value and decent features make this an easy fitness tracker to recommend. Ring Indoor Cam ★★★★★ £49 / stuff.tv/ringindoor
This cute little spy-cam is a bona fide bargain for anyone with security worries. Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 ★★★★★ £90 / stuff.tv/wonderboom2
A rugged little wonder that’ll bring a sonic boost to any occasion. Amazon Fire HD 10 ★★★★I from £150 / stuff.tv/firehd10
Amazon obliterates the competition at the lower end of the tab market. Ikea Frekvens ★★★★I from £65 / stuff.tv/frekvens
These modular speakers and lights reaffirm our love of the boffins in the big blue building. Mixcder E10 ★★★★I £76 / stuff.tv/mixcdere10
Not the most subtle headphones, but stacked with features and phenomenally well priced.