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I've been reviewing cameras for almost ten years and I've never seen anything like the the Fujifilm X100VI. The premium compact camera landed just over a year ago and immediately sold out everywhere, resulting in extraordinary six-month waiting lists. It only recently came back into stock at retailers, before again doing a Houdini-style vanishing act.

The X100VI backstory is already well known. It was one of those rare tech moments when the cultural zeitgeist – suddenly obsessed with film and compact cameras – shone its spotlight on something that seemingly had elements of both. The fuse was lit with the X100V's viral TikTok moment in 2022, before the big explosion with its successor last year.

I'm now less interested in whether or not the X100VI deserves its hype (either way, it's a brilliant little camera) and more in the impact it's had on the used prices of premium compact cameras. When I was TechRadar's Cameras Editor a few years ago, the return of that genre seemed about as likely as an Oasis reunion – but here we are in the strange world of 2025.

To see how the Fujifilm X100VI has affected the used prices of the best compact cameras and small mirrorless alternatives since it landed in February 2024, I asked MPB for some data to help. MPB uses a dynamic pricing engine to work out its second-hand valuations – if you're in the market for a premium compact camera in 2025, the results below make for fascinating (and hopefully, helpful) reading.

Later on, I'll reveal what I'm buying instead of an X100VI and what our current Cameras Editor Tim Coleman recommends doing. But first, here's what's happened to the second-hand prices of its main rivals in the US and UK...

US: The X-Pro 2 takes the baton

In the US, it hasn't just been Fujifilm's X100 series that's seen a spike in demand over the past year – the appetite for cameras that are small, powerful and echo classic film cameras has spilled over to the company's X-Pro and X-E series, too.

For example, the Fujifilm X-Pro 2, which has just turned nine years old, has seen its second-hand price rise by around 15% since October 2023. That isn't something you see with smartphones, laptops or smartwatches that are nearly a decade old.

Considering the X-Pro line is like an X100 with interchangeable lenses, this isn't too surprising – but the extent to which the X-Pro 2 has outpaced and closed the gap on the newer X-Pro 3 (from 2021) certainly is. This is likely down to some reported issues with the longevity of the X-Pro 3's screen.

The Fujifilm X-Pro 2 (above) has seen its second-hand prices sky-rocket in the US and UK since the X100V and X100VI achieved their new cult following. (Image credit: Future)

What about outside of Fujifilm cameras? While there's undoubtedly some seasonality to the summer bump in the middle of the chart above, MPB told us this was also down to a perfect storm of market shortages, the renewed popularity of compacts, and a rise in the prices of new cameras. This means most premium compact cameras – retro or not – have enjoyed something of an Indian summer.

Eight out of the ten cameras that MPB gave us the pricing history for are more expensive today than they were in late 2023. The X100 series' closest rivals, Ricoh's GR series, have followed in its slipstream – with the GR III, GR IIIx (which has a 40mm equivalent focal length, rather than 28mm) and GR II all fetching higher second-hand prices now than 18 months ago.

A slightly more surprising case is the Panasonic Lumix LX100 II, which I think is an excellent camera but is now approaching seven years old. It's now 18% pricier than in October 2023, according to MPB's data. No wonder rumors persist that Panasonic could be one day launch a full-frame version.

The final lesson of this data? Maybe don't buy a second-hand compact camera during the summer months – if this year follows the same path as above (which it may not), now is a good time to get ahead of the seasonal price rises.

UK: Ricoh GR II and Sony RX1R Mark II on the rise

In the UK, the biggest second-hand price rises among X100VI rivals have been the Ricoh GR II (now around 13% pricier than in October 2023) and Sony RX1R Mark II, which isn't in the graph above as its high price would break the scale.

You could buy Sony's fixed lens full-frame compact (which launched back in 2015) in 'excellent' condition on MPB for £1,899 in 2023, but high demand means it'll now set you back £2,219 (a 17% rise).

That's not too far off its original £2,600 asking price, which explains how revered its 35mm f/2 lens and 42.4MP sensor are – and also how popular premium compact cameras have become.

The Sony RX1R II (above), which turns ten years old this year, has seen its used prices rise in the US and UK in the past year, but it also stretches the definition of 'compact'

Like in the US, the Fujifilm X-Pro 2 (but not the newer X-Pro 3) has also seen its second-hand price rise since the X100VI landed. It's now around 17% more expensive to buy used than in late 2023, unlike the X-Pro 3 which has had reported screen issues and saw its price drop slightly during the same period.

Interestingly, there wasn't the same summertime rise in used prices during mid-2024 as there was in the US, which suggests that other factors like low stock have been a factor. Also, only five out of the 10 cameras above are pricier now than at the start of the period in the UK, which means the X100VI effect hasn't been quite as pronounced there.

Still, the relatively stable nature of premium compact prices – particularly as the average age of the cameras above is well over six years old – shows that it's a very popular space, even as the best camera phones continue to take impressive strides that were once expected to make compacts obsolete.

What I'd buy instead

Buying a premium compact camera is a more personal decision than buying a bigger camera. Unlike larger workhorses, they're designed to be characterful companions that are all about pure fun – like a two-seater sports car that you tear around country lanes. This also means your mileage may vary.

As much as I love the Fujifilm X100 series – I made the Fujifilm X100V our number one compact camera back in 2022, despite reservations about calling it 'compact' – I find its fixed, 23mm lens too much of a restrictive stumbling block, despite its handy crop modes. That also rules me out of the Fujifilm X70, another premium compact that's now more expensive to buy used than when it launched in 2016.

Because I prefer longer focal lengths, I've considered the Ricoh GR IIIx and its 40mm lens. But the lack of a viewfinder puts me off. Which brings me to small mirrorless cameras with interchangeable lenses, like the Fujifilm X-E and X-T series.

(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)

These are no longer 'compact' cameras, but they're small enough for a large jacket pocket and to become part of my daily carry. With a Fujifilm X-E5 rumored for this year (which makes the X-E4 a bit less appealing), my choice would be the Fujifilm X-T50. You can buy one new for $1,399 / £1,299 or on $1,249 / £1,019 on MPB, although I've recently seen its new prices drop below £1,000 in the UK.

The X-T50 is effectively a mini version of my X-T5 and, for me, would be the ideal travel camera given I already own small primes like the 35mm f/2 and 50mm f/2. It's also roughly the same size and weight as the X100VI, albeit a fair bit deeper with a lens attached. Still, that's a small price I'm willing to pay for interchangeable lenses.

The Ricoh GR IIIx (above) is still a great option for those who want a truly pocketable alternative to the X100VI with a 40mm lens, but rumors of a GR IV model for 2025 persist. (Image credit: Future)

But that's by no means the best option for everyone. TechRadar's Cameras Editor Tim Coleman has a different plan: "Years back I bought a Ricoh GR IIIx instead of the Fujifilm X100VI's predecessor (or the latest iPhone), because it offered the best image quality from a camera that easily slips into a trouser pocket. Size mattered most of all, because I wanted a camera with me all the time to build a habit of taking pictures" he told me.

"Despite also being a premium compact, an X100 camera was simply too big for my purposes – I didn't want a camera that I had to build into my routine. That said, I used the GR IIIx and X100VI side-by-side last year, and I wish my camera had some of the X100VI's skills – its autofocus is poor by comparison, nor does it have a flash, a viewfinder or a tilt touchscreen.

"I'm still happy that I opted for the GR IIIx, I just wish it was more refined like the X100VI. If I was buying again today, I'd have my fingers crossed for an improved Ricoh in the same mould – a potential GR IV that addresses my snag list".

What's next? The premium compact camera rumors for 2025

The other big impact of the Fujifilm X100VI is that it's seemingly awakened other camera giants to the popularity of retro compact cameras – according to the rumor mill, at least.

A camera's development cycle is usually around two years, so it isn't surprising that the X100VI remains unique (outside of the stunning, but painfully expensive, Leica Q3). But there's a chance it could get more competition in 2025.

One of the most likely sources is OM System, which was formerly Olympus. It recently launched the rather lovely OM System OM-3 and has seemingly been dropping hints that a new version of the classic Olympus Pen-F is in the works. That really would be an X100VI rival – but given it's been rumored for years, I'm not holding my breath.

A successor to the Olympus Pen-F (above) would definitely be a strong X100VI rival, but it's been rumored for so long it's reached mythical status.

Another camera to file in the same category is the Ricoh GR IV. While the demand for a successor to the five-year-old Ricoh GR III is certainly there, the rumors have gone worryingly quiet. Those who want a truly pocketable camera with a big sensor, plus modern autofocus, will be hoping the speculation picks up soon.

Recently, we've been hearing whispers from the likes of Canon Rumors that a Canon EOS RE-1 – a retro-styled model based on the Canon AE-1, which has long been regarded as one of the best film cameras – is coming in either late 2025 or early 2026. But it's more likely to be a pricey, full-frame camera like the Nikon Zf rather than a direct Fujifilm X100VI rival.

Even more up in the air is the possibility of a Sony RX1R III. The usually reliable Sony Alpha Rumors said in early 2025 that it still had "no definitive confirmation that a new full frame fixed lens camera will be announced in 2025", merely that the camera isn't impossible because Sony execs have said the RX line isn't yet complete. Right now, there are no concrete reasons to expect it, which is a shame.

• Check out the latest Camera rumors for 2025: the new gear we're expecting soon from DJI, Sony, Canon and more

A successor to the Fujifilm X-E4 (above) looks increasingly likely this year, even if it wouldn't be a direct alternative to the X100VI due to its interchangeable lenses. (Image credit: Fujifilm)

All of which means that the most likely source of an X100VI alternative this year is Fujifilm itself. Sadly, it seems a Fujifilm X-Pro 4 is still a little way off, but a more likely arrival from our list of the most exciting cameras of 2025 is the Fujifilm X-E5.

That camera has been rumored for mid-2025 alongside a mysterious half-frame model. The X-E series have interchangeable lenses and aren't as premium as the X100 series, so are a slightly different beast – but an X-E5 could represent a more affordable alternative for some.

Then there's the rumored Fujifilm GFX100RF, which appears to be a super-powered X100VI with a 100MP medium format sensor and a price tag to match (most likely higher than the $3,999 / £3,499 / AU$6,499 asking price of the GFX50S when it landed in 2022).

In short, there's still nothing quite like the Fujifilm X100VI – and that's likely to remain the case for much of 2025. That means we can expect the used prices of rivals like the cameras above to remain high. But at least some competition, in the form of new premium compacts and small mirrorless cameras, is now on the horizon, and that's good news for this unlikely cameras renaissance.

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This week Apple announced the date for WWDC 2025, Marvel teased its massive Avengers: Doomsday cast, and Nintendo held what's set to be its last Switch direct before the Nintendo Switch 2 releases.

To catch up on all that and all our picks for the week's 7 biggest tech stories scroll through this page so you'll be ready for next week's big announcements.

Once you're done, read our picks for 7 new movies and TV shows to watch this weekend (March 28).

7. Apple set a date for WWDC 2025

(Image credit: Apple/Future)

It's been an interesting few weeks for Apple with several new products and an official delay to the AI-infused Siri, but this week, we got the office dates for the 2025 World Wide Developers Conference.

More commonly referred to as WWDC 25, Apple's weeklong conference at which it normally debuts its next-generation platforms and software will kick off on June 9, 2025. As we've come to expect, Apple will host a 'Special Event' on day one, which will be the week's main keynote.

It's safe to expect Apple's CEO Tim Cook, many other executives, and product leads to showcase all the new features and operating systems. We're expecting iOS 19, iPadOS 19, the next version of macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and the software that powers AirPods and HomePod.

• Read more: Apple just announced WWDC 2025 starts on June 9

6. Avengers assembled for Doomsday

(Image credit: Marvel Studios)

After teasing a big announcement, Marvel has revealed the entire, 27-strong cast for Avengers: Doomsday, and it’s full of heroes including familiar MCU Avengers like Anthony Mackie as Captain America, Letitia Wright as Black Panther, Paul Rudd as Ant-Man, and Simu Liu as Shang-Chi, as well as some soon to be heroes like the Fantastic Four’s Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Thing), Pedro Pascal (Mr. Fantastic), Vanessa Kirby (Invisible Woman) Joseph Quinn (Human Torch). Oh, and Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom.

There were also a few surprises, like Tom Hiddleston returning as Loki, Lewis Pullman as Sentry, and Tenoch Huerta Mejia as Namor – the latter of whom were set up as antagonists the last time we saw them in the Thunderbolts* trailer and Wakanda Forever, respectively.

And then some big shocks like Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, James Marsden, Kelsey Grammer, Channing Tatum, Alan Cumming, and Rebecca Romijn – all of whom will reprise their roles as Mutants from the X-Men universe. Their inclusion and some lighting have led many to speculate the movie might adapt to the Avengers vs X-Men storyline.

There were plenty of absent Avengers – including these 17 we most want to see – but Marvel has said, “There’s always room for more,” in response to a post on RDJ’s Instagram suggesting the film might be even more packed than it already is.

• Read more: Marvel has revealed the full, 27-strong cast for Avengers: Doomsday

5. We tested the Canon PowerShot V1

(Image credit: Tim Coleman)

Canon confirmed the global availability of its PowerShot V1 vlogging compact camera, which was announced last month for Japan only, alongside unveiling the new EOS R50 V, and we had already had our hands on the V1 ahead of the announcement.

We reckon the PowerShot V1 outshines the few rivals it has for video: the Sony ZV-1 II, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3, and Canon's own PowerShot G7X Mark III, chiefly because it packs a larger 1.4-inch sensor, reliable autofocus, decent optical stabilization, together with a suite of video features that include a built-in ND filter and cooling vents for unlimited 4K record times.

However, the V1 isn't perfect, and we've identified a few drawbacks during hands-on time. All being said, our first impressions are very favorable, and this is one of the best vlogging cameras for beginners. You can learn more in our hands-on review.

• Read more: Our Canon PowerShot V1 review

4. Netflix added HDR10+ support

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

This week Netflix announced that it's adding support for the HDR10+ advanced HDR format which is supported by TVs from the likes of Samsung, Panasonic, Hisense and TCL.

You’ll need a Netflix Premium account to access HDR10+. Netflix said that initially, it will be available on 50% of "eligible viewing hours," but it plans to have HDR10+ support on every HDR movie and show by the end of the year.

This is great news for owners of the best Samsung TVs and best Samsung phones, because these don't support Dolby Vision HDR – the only premium TV brand that doesn't.

HDR10+ and Dolby Vision are superior to regular HDR (officially called HDR10) because they can support a wider dynamic range to make the most of today's brighter and bolder TVs, but they can also embed scene-by-scene tone mapping – meaning that instead of your TV having to work how best to get all the detail out of a super-dark or super-bright scene, this information is included in the video stream.

Basically your supported Netflix content should look a heck of a lot better now on Samsung screens.

• Read more: Netflix adds HDR10+ support – great news for Samsung TV owners, but don't expect LG and Sony to do the same any time soon

3. OpenAI unveiled image generation for 4o

(Image credit: Generated by ChatGPT)

This week OpenAI unlocked image generation in ChatGPT, which promises more convenience (because it’s baked into the app rather than being its own thing) and better results than the other AI image generators out there,

In demos, the Open AI team showed off text that is actually legible and not a weird jumble of scribbles, which makes the tool ideal for creating infographics and it can generate an image from a photo you provide as context, not just from a written prompt.

However, it's already getting into trouble as people ask the AI to convert their pictures into the distinct aesthetics of South Park, SpongeBob, and Studio Ghibli movies.

The results are undeniably impressive, but not only does it continue to raise concerns about AI taking artists' livelihoods, but it’s also making many of us ask the question of how ChatGPT knows what the ‘Studio Ghibli’ and these other properties’ styles look like, as that would suggest it has been trained on copyrighted material.

Perhaps in response to these criticisms, we’ve found it’s now much harder to make ChatGPT copy an artist's style directly – it now refuses and creates more generic-looking works instead.

• Read more: I refuse to jump on ChatGPT’s Studio Ghibli image generator bandwagon

2. Nintendo held the Switch’s last direct

(Image credit: Nintendo / Future)

With the Nintendo Switch 2 debuting in just a couple of days at its own dedicated Direct on April 2, Nintendo gave its predecessor one final hurrah with the handheld’s last Direct presentation. It was full of game announcements and updates on titles we already know about.

Pokémon Legends Z-A made an appearance, where we learnt about the new Z-A Royale battle mode, a twist on the classic Gym Challenge. We also got to check out gameplay from the upcoming Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, which saw Samus exploring a jungle planet. Finally, there was the surprise reveal of Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream, which, for many of us, was the star of the show.

There’s also the Nintendo Today mobile app which has already alerted people to the premiere date for The Legend of Zelda live action movie, and the new Virtual Game Cards which will allow you to share your digital games between consoles like a real cartridge.

• Read more: All Nintendo Switch games announced at the March 2025 show and our reactions as it happened

1. Google finally gave is a Pixel 9a release date

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

The Google Pixel 9a was announced in mid-March, but almost immediately, Google delayed the phone’s sale and only gave us a vague “April” release date. No specific official reason for the delay was given except that it was a “component quality issue,” but one leaker blamed heating problems around the camera module – though, take what they had to say with a pinch of salt.

Regardless of the reason, the Pixel 9a now has a release date. It will arrive in the US, UK, and Canada first on April 10th, followed by Europe on April 14th and Australia and Asia on April 16th.

When it does land the new Pixel 9a will cost $499 / £499 / AU$849 for 8GB of RAM with 128GB of storage, and comes in four colors: Obsidian black, Porcelain white, Peony pink, and Iris lavender.

• Read more: Google Pixel 9a delay ends – here's when you'll be able to buy one

A lot of useful information is only as helpful as its organization. The same goes for my own brain, of course. Getting that information in different formats can help with learning it, and Google’s NotebookLM has been fun to experiment with for that purpose, particularly the customized podcasts with AI hosts.

The latest addition is the new Mind Maps feature. A mind map is an old technique for organizing your thinking using visual webs of information that connect ideas together. Imagine a branching tree where each limb is a concept and every twig is a supporting idea. They’re great for people who think visually.

The NotebookLM version is essentially that, but it is put together by an AI model. I decided to test this thing with two real-life situations: planning a garden and trying to become a whiz at DIY home repairs.

Mind Garden

(Image credit: NotebookLM screenshots)

The garden was first. I uploaded a pile of articles I’d been hoarding – stuff about companion planting, raised beds, native perennials, composting, and that one blog post where someone swears by pouring beer on their tomatoes. NotebookLM chewed through all of it and spit out a Mind Map upon request.

There were branches for planning, locations, and even the benefits of gardening, among others. Each branch had a long list of 'twigs' covering all kinds of subtopics, as you can see above. Each was clickable, causing the conversation part of NotebookLm to expound upon that topic. It was extremely helpful in keeping all those elements organized.

DIY

(Image credit: NotebookLM)

The same goes for the DIY project. My house has this charming quality where things just break for no reason. I’d already tried to fix a leaky toilet once, which ended with me flooding the bathroom and watching a YouTube tutorial through a veil of defeat.

This time, I came prepared. I uploaded manuals, how-to articles, and a few trusted repair blogs. Mind Maps whipped up categories like planning, building codes, and the essential DIY projects list within seconds. I chose flooring installation from that set of twigs, and you can see hardwood floors, moisture barriers, and an expansion gap.

There was something strangely calming about seeing the steps laid out so clearly. I clicked on “door hanging” and got an overview of the different types of doors and how to set them up from the AI. I felt like I'd had a conversation with someone who actually knows what they’re doing.

Different Thinking

NotebookLM already did a good job summarizing stuff, but the Mind Maps added a layer of clarity that made it feel almost tactile. I could see how ideas were connected and how it would help me learn faster.

That’s not to say it’s perfect. Sometimes, the Mind Maps get a little too enthusiastic and start branching off into tangents that don’t really help. One map tried to connect “composting” with “composing” music for gardening for some reason. And with very niche topics, the AI can still miss the mark by offering generic advice when what you need is something specific, like how to fix a loose tile without taking apart half your kitchen.

I’d also love more manual control. Right now, you can navigate and explore the maps, but you can’t really tweak them much. Sometimes, I want to drag a node, rename it, or cut a whole branch that’s not useful. Still, these are nitpicks. The core experience is solid, though.

The truth is, I didn’t expect to love Mind Maps. I thought they’d be a neat visual gimmick, something I’d play with once and then forget about. But I think I'll be using them more, especially for any ambitious plans I have for improving my home and garden. In a world full of tabs, a map is nice to have.

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Here are the answers for the New York Times Mini Crossword for March 29.

What’s cooler than earbuds that look like they belong in a galaxy far, far away? Obviously, earbuds that also embody the tones of Star Wars, from a lightsaber igniting to a droid’s iconic wail.

Now, in the lead-up to Star Wars Celebration, which kicks off on April 18, 2025, in Tokyo, Japan, Star Wars has collaborated with Audio-Technica for four custom earbuds, and TechRadar has your exclusive first-look hands-on experience with all four.

This collaboration comes to life as four limited edition, customized pairs of the ATH-CKS50TW2. You can show your allegiance to the dark side or that of the rebels with Darth Vader, R2-D2, Grogu, and The Mandalorian models. And these versions won’t just look the part with the Darth Vader earbuds getting a glossy black finish that looks like the iconic helmet or the R2-D2 one getting a blue and white paint job, but these boast custom sound effects, too.

TechRadar can also reveal that the box contains a custom, glossy sticker matching the earbuds and featuring the iconic character. The box itself is limited and special. You won’t have to worry about calling in a bounty to afford these limited-edition buds – if you can get your hands on a pair, Star Wars editions of the ATH-CKS50TW2 cost $179.99, which is only $30 more than the standard.

These earbuds will launch exclusively in person at Star Wars Celebration, so if you’re lucky enough to be in Tokyo, Japan, you’ll get them first. But they will also be available in limited quantities – no word on the exact number – from Audio-Technica directly, beginning on April 21, 2025. Those will start shipping on none other than Star Wars Day – May 4th.

But we have the earbuds you’re looking for and have unboxed all four – R2-D2, Darth Vader, The Mandalorian, and Grogu included. Keep scrolling for a photo guide, as well as the special details we’ve discovered by going hands- and ears-on. And if you’re already familiar with the ATH-CKS50TW2, these boast the same feature set.

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The custom nature of the four buds is an iconic paint job for each, starting with the case. These still have a mostly plastic build for the hull, but embossed on the top lid is an iconic phrase associated with the character.

• Darth Vader: “It is your destiny.”
• The Mandalorian: “This is the way.”
• R2-D2: “The droid you’re looking for.”
• Grogu: “Wherever I go, he goes.”

It’s also color-matched, so Darth Vader is a deep black, The Mandalorian is a lighter shade of silver, trying its best to look like Beskar, R2-D2 is white with blue accents, and Grogu is two separate shades of green. The design team here really took the time to pay homage to the characters.

The earbuds sit in the case and have the same build as the standard ATH-CKS50TW2, including the fact that they magnetically snap together. This is certainly a feature I’d like to see some other buds adopt.

With Grogu, it pairs green with a light brown for the main hull – the ear tips are green and several are included in the box, but there is also Aurebesh writing included on the outside. Printed on the earbuds, though – facing down from the ear – is another iconic phrase. In Grogu’s case, it’s “The Child” on the left earbud and “Little Bounty” on the right.

(Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)

For the other half of the clan of two, The Mandalorian, the earbuds mostly use various shades of silver, with the largest color choice being a brushed one. It has some gloss to it, and the ear tips are dark grey. The message here is straight to the point – “Mandalorian” on the left and “Bounty Hunter” on the right.

R2-D2 is mostly white with some blue stripes on the side and blue ear tips, the printed message is equally to the point as Mando’ – “R2-D2” on the left and “Astromech Droid” on the right.

It seems the Dark Side is coming out on top for design, though. The Darth Vader buds look pretty impressive with a glossy black finish facing the world, and the Audio-Technica team here uses red accents sparingly. Most importantly, “The power of” lives on the left and “the Dark side” lives on the right – how cool. These just look fantastic.

(Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)

While the companion app for Android or iOS is not yet updated to pair with these earbuds, there will be a skin matching the earbuds in the app. Now, somewhat cooler than the design are the special sounds, which might add Star Wars moments into your day.

One interesting choice, though, given that these are reskinnings of the ATH-CKS50TW2. There is no speaker in the case, so the custom sounds only play within the earbuds themselves and can be a bit hard to hear at first.

Audio-Technica has customized the chime for the earbuds when you take them out of the case or put them back in, along with other features like engaging noise cancellation or a passthrough mode.

With Darth Vader, you’ll hear the lightsaber ignite and that famous, ominous, deep breathing. Hitting the button on the Vader buds gives a pulse of the lightsaber. While I haven’t been able to get it working, a red alert alarm will sound for low battery – certainly upping the stakes.

For Grogu, you’ll hear what sounds like his pod opening or closing, but you’ll also hear some of the iconic coos that Baby Yoda is known for. That pod or door opening or closing sound is the same for The Mandalorian when you first take them out of the case, and hitting the button to engage a mode sounds like a credit being tossed on table – or maybe Beskar being clanked together.

My favorite goes to R2-D2, though. You’ll hear his iconic beeps when you first put these earbuds in and connect, but disconnecting gives us the iconic wail. It’s just delightful. Imagine when the app goes live and these fully launch, there will be some customization.

Ahead, you can see a full photo slideshow of all the up-close details of the Grogu, R2-D2, Darth Vader, and The Mandalorian ATH-CKS50TW2 earbuds. And if you’re lucky enough to be at Star Wars Celebration, you can get them in person, or if you’re in the US and feel like testing your luck, try to score them when they go up for preorder from Audio-Technica here.

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