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The Pokémon Company has announced thatthe next Pokémon Presents will air next week on February 27, coinciding with Pokémon Day 2026 and the series's 30th anniversary.

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It's at times like this when I wish I could review TV via TechRadar's YouTube channel, as I'm struggling to form words after binging Paradise season 2. What would actually convey my thoughts is a series of stunned noises and facial expressions, perfectly communicating how my mind has happily turned into post-apocalyptic soup.

Last year, season 1 became one of Hulu and Disney+'s most-watched TV shows during its first few weeks, stunning everybody by transforming from a unsuspecting zero into a globally successful hero. The social media furore is going to pick straight back up where it left off, and I'm already confident that season 2 will be one of the best TV shows of 2026.

So why all the hype? Paradise has a tight craft and a strong understanding of the story it wants to tell... and frankly, it's all a nightmare that could easily become a reality. Couple that with a stellar cast who never put a foot wrong, and you've got a bold and striking end product.

Season 2 only makes all of the above more apparent. As Xavier (Sterling K. Brown) leaves the bunker behind to try and find estranged wife Teri (Enuka Okuma), we meet medical school dropout turned Graceland tour guide Annie (Shailene Woodley), who has to hide out in the King's mansion for the three years after the Doomsday event.

For me, it's our new cast who really make this season sing. Yes, we have to trudge over existing character history like we're trying to pass the time by sharing war stories in an underground bunker. But not only is this gripping in small doses, but the biggest intrigue comes from understanding the backstory behind the new kids on the block.

While some of these help put the pieces together for Xavier and Teri, others will flat-out make you sob. Sinatra (Julianne Nicholson) can't be forgotten either, and I wouldn't trust her as far as I could throw her.

We've got to thank Shailene Woodley and Elvis Presley's estate for how impeccably Paradise season 2 begins

There's no world where I imagined Riley Keough (who is now the sole trustee of her grandfather's estate) letting Hulu and Disney+ near-destroy Graceland to recreate it as a set for the main location in Paradise season 2, but clearly, pigs have flown.

The move is probably the most jarring change across the new episodes, and I'm surprised that the mansion hadn't been looted earlier. If you've ever wanted to fly to Memphis to do the tour (would recommend), you now don't have to leave your living room.

Put the absurd and surreal background of hiding there during Doomsday with Annie's personal plight and resilience, and opening episodes of season 2 are catnip. I won't lie — I'd forgotten how brilliant of an actor Woodley is, wearing her heart on her sleeve and her snotty tears all over her beautiful face. There's no way her eyebrows would have remained that pristine, but we'll move past that.

Without spoilers, the new characters are the ones who really pack the emotional punch. They're now the biggest variable in a world reconstructed to benefit the few, so any sudden tragedy or buried trauma is the ultimate sideswipe. It's incredible how quickly you become invested in people you know very little about, and Paradise season 2 makes sure they will all break your heart.

Everything else is like a duck to post-apocalyptic water

You'll see a lot of flashbacks like this. (Image credit: Hulu)

For most of both seasons, I haven't had a single clue what was going on — but to quote K.C and the Sunshine Band, that's the way I like it. There's an unexplainable rush to being swept up in something that's so much bigger than you are, but you seldom understand. It also helps that we're not the ones having to live through a climate apocalypse, even when its relatability pushes it too close to home.

Xavier and Sinatra are spearheading the tension from opposite sides, and both Brown and Nicholson slip seamlessly back into their season 2 roles. There's a greater sense of danger for them both, but also each teeter on the brink of total exposure. With one snap decision, either could shift from good to evil and back again, and the unpredictability is a thrill in itself.

Paradise season 2 is an all-rounder, as a teacher might say on parent's evening. High-value production, a tight story, well-developed narrative arc that's clearly going to end after season 3 (though this is currently unconfirmed), cast fully sending their performances to the depths of insanity, and Graceland's own horses successfully surviving at surface level. There's truly nothing else you can ask for.

It's very rare that a TV show gives me a sense of giddy excitement, like a child whizzing around on a teacup at Disneyworld, holding candy floss while trying not to puke. But Paradise season 2 effortlessly manages, and it's ridiculous how excited I am about something that resembles a 2020s retelling of Threads.

Frankly, you'd be a fool not to stream it — but get ready to gasp, scream and cry your way through it, with the tiniest ray of hope peeking through the volcanic clouds.

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Paradise season 2 on Hulu and Disney+ has bigger twists, turns and emotions than season 1 — and it’s the most invested you’ll be in a TV show in years.

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Drop + Epos PC38X review: One-minute review

Not necessarily a new model, but still a great one, the Drop + Epos PC38X is an excellent wired gaming headset and comes through with the promise of delivering top-shelf audio for the discerning gaming sound enthusiasts among us.

Featuring immensely enjoyable audio, no matter the game, a simple wired connection, a reliable mic, solid build quality, and a level of comfort that makes it a joy to wear for hours on end, it really is a do-it-all wired gaming headset that can be a one-stop solution across platforms.

The standout feature is easily the audio. I’ve tested some of the best and most expensive gaming headsets of the last decade, and only a few really blow me away; the Drop + Epos PC38X does that, too, for a sub-$200 price tag. It’s even played beautifully with an external sound card as well.

It’s by no means a flashy or outlandish gaming headset when it comes to design and build, but it does sport the level of quality you’d expect from Sennheiser and Epos. A symphony of piano black, the headset is slick, and its over-ear, open-back earcups are robust but supremely comfortable. The only blemishes on the scorecard here are a slightly plasticky-feeling build and that the microphone is a bit of a chunky one, despite it being a handy flip-to-mute model.

In brief, if you’re happy to be (or prefer being) a wired gamer, then the Drop + Epos PC38X is a superb option. It’s now my go-to wired headset - though it’s in constant battle with my Sennheiser HD 550s - and I’ve had a blast listening to all my music and entertainment, and playing games across PC and PlayStation 5 with it.

(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)Drop + Epos PC38X review: Price and availability

• Current approximate prices as of early 2026: $199 / £180 / around AU$305
• Availability is spotty, but it represents excellent value for money
• Pricing puts it in the mid-to-high range for gaming headsets, but good value for audiophile sets

The main point of discussion around the Drop + Epos PC38X gaming headset’s price and availability in 2026 is that it is not as readily available as its competitors. I’ve seen listings come and go at retailers, both US and UK, and prices go up and down like yo-yos, too.

There’s also some variation in the headset’s name when it comes to retailer listings. However, if you can find one of any Drop + Epos PC38X, DROP PC38X, or Drop + Sennheiser PC38X (or similar), know that it’s the same headset regardless of name, and you’re still getting a quality product.

Despite stock wobbliness, Drop’s own website has been a reliable seller of the headset, and currently has it in stock for $199, but has had it as low as $169 at times, too. It does very much look like you’ll be limited to the all-black variant if you do find it in stock, though - the version that had yellow-colored cups appears to not be available for purchase anymore.

Given that ‘roughly $200 / £200’ price point, that does put it in pretty lofty territory and in the company of some absolute belters - in both gaming headset and headphone territory. I’ve been comparing the PC38X most closely to my Sennheiser HD 550 headphones ($299.99 / $249.99 / AU$479) and the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro headset ($279.99 / £249.99 / AU$565); both are wired, both have great audio, and both are a little bit more costly, but are viable alternatives for gamers wanting seriously strong audio.

Drop + Epos PC38X review: Specs

Drop + Epos PC38X

Price

$199 / £180 / around AU$305

Weight

8.9oz / 253g

Drivers

Size officially unspecified

Compatibility

PS5, PS4, PC, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, Mac, mobile

Connection type

3.5mm audio jack (2.5m 2 x 3.5mm cable, 1.5m 1 x 3.5mm cable)

Battery life

N/A

Features

Openback design, Bi-directional, flip-to-mute electret condenser mic, dynamic neodymium drivers

Software

N/A

(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)Drop + Epos PC38X review: Design and features

• Open-back earcup design
• Flip-to-mute boom-arm mic
• Sleek and understated black finish

When it comes to design, the Drop + Epos PC38X doesn’t really stand out. It’s a slick black-on-black unit, with only black metal covers for the open earcups and mic punctuating the cloak of darkness. There used to be a slightly more exciting green/yellow colorway, but I haven’t been able to spot a listing for that in all my time testing this black model.

Away from aesthetics, it does feel like any other gaming headset to wear, too, in all honesty. The frame is a little plasticky, and there’s nothing too special here - but there are upsides to that. It’s just an easy-to-wear, very comfortable headset with padding in the right places, and a deliberate and appropriate use of materials.

The cables provided make for easy connection too: you get both a mic-and-headphone split cable perfect for those who prefer the split (or to use their headphones with other devices), as well as a straight-up 3.5mm audio jack connection too - perfect for use with a gaming console controller.

My only small criticism is the boom mic, which is a chunky monster. Located on the left cup, every part of it feels large in the hand, and when inspecting or holding the headset.

The caveat to that is - when it’s flipped up, especially - it’s totally out of sight anyway, and is in no way an immersion or multiplayer-ruiner. It feels like something from one of the older Sennheiser gaming headsets, too, so it doesn’t feel out of place either. Completing the onboard set, the volume dial on the right cup is the only onboard control and is intuitive and easy to interact with.

(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)Drop + Epos PC38X review: Performance

• Brilliant, immersive audio
• While massive in design, the mic is crisp and clear
• Comfortable to wear for long periods of time

The audio on offer from the Drop + Epos PC38X is excellent, across the board. It certainly punches above its weight and can certainly hold its own against even the most recent of premium headsets.

Bass notes are rich and thumpy without being muddy and unpleasant, mids are rich and full, and highs are always crisp and punchy, but not piercing. It really does channel some excellent Sennheiser and Epos pedigree that makes its out-of-the-box audio some of the best I’ve tested.

On PC, the echoes and spookiness of The Oldest House in Control were beamed to my brain superbly, while hearing every detail of my cities in Frostpunk 2, and every crunch and thwack in encounters in Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 3 were joyous. On my PS5 Pro, I experienced some wonderfully atmospheric and rich audio in Death Stranding: Director’s Cut, which really upped my immersion to brilliant heights.

Elsewhere, every punch of a Nazi’s face in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle was fulsome and full of oomf, and gunfire in Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Breakpoint, as well as Battlefield 6, were excellent, giving me the right balance of rich chaos, but punchy action and crisp gunfire audio. No matter what I played on either platform, the Drop + Epos PC38X really did excel, and I can’t sing its audio praises high enough.

(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)

As an everyday work headset, it also performed admirably, transporting my voice beautifully down the internet as well as giving me clear audio on calls and meetings, and also becoming a stalwart companion for a range of music and entertainment.

While that mic is chunky, it’s easy to use and doesn’t impact the comfort of the headset during use. I wore the headset for hours and hours at a time without ever feeling uncomfortable, and the mic being flip-to-mute at least makes for a convenient design.

As I’ve mentioned elsewhere in this review, I’ve also been able to test the Drop + Epos PC38X with external sound cards. This enabled me to get even more out of the headset - so if you have the luxury of having one of these devices in your setup already, or fancy adding one, then know that it’s an ideal combination. Be it on PS5 or PC, adding an extra layer of excellence to augment the experience the Drop + Epos PC38X gave me was great - but I still defaulted to the out-of-the-box audio on more than one occasion away from the sound cards.

All in, however, you won’t need an external sound card at all with the Drop + Epos PC38X. If you can find it in 2026 and are after a top wired gaming headset with pedigree and sublime audio, then it won’t let you down.

(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)Should I buy the Drop + Epos PC38X?Buy it if...

You’re after a top wired gaming headset - and can find it in stock
Honestly, if you are committed to finding a top wired gaming headset that’ll cover you across platforms, offer you excellent audio across the board, superb comfort, and a solid mic, then the PC38X is a no-brainer for me to recommend.

You want an audiophile-quality sound in your wired headset
The PC38X’s audio quality is genuinely some of the best I’ve heard and is right up there with some of my other favorites like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro, the Audeze Maxwell, and headphones like my Sennheiser HD 550s.

You want a simple solution that you can still tailor externally
The PC38X is at its heart a plug-and-play gaming headset; there’s no software, and even its onboard controls are minimal. However, I’ve really enjoyed using its baseline audio excellence and tinkering it somewhat with external soundcards to get even more out of the PC38X’s sound, and it has really played exceptionally well with such devices.

Don't buy it if...

You’re looking for a compact mic
Overall, the design of the PC38X is agreeable, but in 2026 its large flip-to-mute mic does stand out as a bit of a chonker - if you want something more subtle and tidier, then a product from the likes of SteelSeries would be a better fit.

You’re looking for flawless build quality
The PC38X is solid enough, don’t get me wrong, but I’ve definitely tested more robust and stronger-feeling sets, so if you think you’ll need something that can offer more durability, you may have to look elsewhere.

You like to use software to tinker with audio settings and EQs
The PC38X doesn’t have any software, so there’s no app or program in which to alter your EQs or manipulate your sound. If that’s a must-have for you, then this plug-and-play option may not be the right fit.

Drop + Epos PC38X review: Also consider...

Still not sold on the Drop + Epos PC38X? Here are two competitors that might hit the mark instead.

Drop + Epos PC38X

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro

Sennheiser HD 550

Price

$199 / £180 / around AU$305

$279.99 / £249.99 / AU$565

$299.99 / $249.99 / AU$479

Weight

8.9oz / 253g

16.08oz / 456g

8.35oz / 237g

Drivers

Size officially unspecified

40mm

38mm

Compatibility

PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, Mac, mobile (where audio jack is present)

PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, Mac, mobile (where audio jack is present)

PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, Mac, mobile (where audio jack is present)

Connection type

3.5mm audio jack (2.5m 2 x 3.5mm cable, 1.5m 1 x 3.5mm cable)

USB, 3.5mm audio jack

3.5mm audio jack; 6ft / 1.8m cable (3.5 to 6.5mm adapter provided)

Battery life

N/A

N/A

N/A

Features

Openback design, Bi-directional, flip-to-mute electret condenser mic, dynamic neodymium drivers

40 mm Neodymium drivers, Bidirectional microphone polar pattern, ClearCast Gen 2 microphone, GameDac Gen 2 control panel

38mm transducer, 150 Ω nominal impedance, 6Hz – 39.5kHz frequency response, synthetic velour ear pads

Software

N/A

SteelSeries GG

N/A

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro
One of my absolute favorite wired gaming headsets, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro is truly brilliant. If you’re looking to spend a bit more to go even more premium, have a retractable mic, a wonderful USB DAC unit, and some of that sweet, sweet SteelSeries audio and build quality, then this is the wired competitor for the PC38X to go for from the brand.

For more information, check out our full SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro review

Sennheiser HD 550
Keeping it even more simple than the PC38X and really focusing on providing top- level audio for your games and nothing more, the Sennheiser HD 550 is one of my favorite sets of headphones that target gaming performance. That known Sennheiser quality shines through here, and a simple audio jack connection is all you need. An easy alternative to recommend.

For more information, check out our full Sennheiser HD 550 review

How I tested the Drop + Epos PC38X

• Tested for around six months
• Used across multiple platforms and with multiple devices, including USB sound cards
• Compared performance across game types and against other headsets and headphones

I used the Drop + Epos PC38X on and off over a period of around six months, on PC and PS5, and for games, music, entertainment, and work. I was able to compare it to a bunch of other headphones and headsets to gauge its place in the market in 2026.

On my PS5 Pro, I used the PC38X set across games like Dying Light 2, Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice and Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 Enhanced, Death Stranding Director’s Cut, Ghost of Yotei, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint, Battlefield 6, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and more. I plugged it into both a DualSense Wireless Controller and a Creative Sound BlasterX G6 sound card during sessions as well.

When testing the headset on my old RTX 3090 gaming PC and my newer RTX 5070 gaming PC (provided by Acer), I dove into a host of games such as Frostpunk 2, Control, and Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 3, while also using the headset daily for music, entertainment, and daily work commitments and calls.

First reviewed July 2025-February 2026

Read more about how we test

The Drop + Epos PC38X could almost be considered old now, but it’s still great. If you can find it in stock, then it’s an easy recommendation for those looking for a wired gaming headset that can make your games’ audio sing.

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