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Tom's Guide
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
I bought a PS Vita instead of a Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025 — and I have no regrets
The Nintendo Switch 2 is here, and I've decided to buy a PS Vita instead. We here at Tom's Guide check out the latest in tech (and beyond), but here I am with a portable console over a decade old — but I'm loving every minute of it. Out of all the handheld consoles I've played on throughout the years, the PS Vita always stands out. I mean, exclusive PlayStation games in your pocket? Come on, it's hard to beat. And despite its age, Sony's beloved device has amassed quite the die-hard community, so much so that Sony revoked its plans to drop PlayStation Store support for it due to quite a bit of backlash. Perhaps it's the fond memories of whipping out Persona 4 Golden or Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater on the fly, or that it's price was heavily reduced at the second-hand retailer I found it at (it was mainly that), but I bought a PS Vita despite the launch of the long-awaited sequel to one of the best-selling handheld consoles ever: the Switch 2. It wasn't for a lack of availability, as Nintendo Switch 2 restocks have been kind here in the U.K., nor was it because I'm not impressed by it — Donkey Kong Bananza in 4K? Yes, please. But the PS Vita reeled me back in for a few reasons. Now, this is no hot take; you won't find me spouting how the PS Vita is outright better than the Switch 2 (it's not). But gaming on the Vita over the last month has made me realize the perks and features that have been lost in translation over the years when it comes to portable consoles, and for now, I can't get enough of it. Launched in 2011, Sony's PlayStation Vita is no longer in production, so expect to only find pre-owned, refurbished or open-box models available. You can grab one via Amazon Renewed in "excellent" condition, but if you aren't fussed by a few nicks or scratches, then you'll certainly find one for less. I've rambled about how the Switch 2 impressed me but I won't be buying one until 2026, and to sum that up, it's mainly to do with the list of games that are ready to play. I mean, Mario Kart World fully embraces the furious fun the series is known for, and it was a blast to play in the short time I had with it in the office (who needs lunch when there's blue shells to throw?). It's not exactly the sort of system seller like, say, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, though. There are upgrades for that and Tears of the Kingdom, along with other major titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Street Fighter 6 and others, but it's a little thin on those exciting exclusives (for now). I can see why our own Tony Polanco is already bored with the Switch 2 after a week. Well, very unfairly, that hasn't been the case with the PS Vita. There are well over 1,000 games to check out, and they range from knockout exclusives you can't play anywhere else to timeless classics that are always worth revisiting. And luckily, I already have a collection of games for the system. Seeing titles like Uncharted: Golden Abyss, Killzone: Mercenary, Gravity Rush and Tearaway take full advantage of the PS Vita's hardware both graphically and feature-wise is a treat, whether it be swiping the screen, tapping the rear touchpad or taking a snap with the (laughable) 0.3 MP camera. There's something special about playing games like these, specifically designed for the handheld. Then there are the titles that really do work best when on the move. I've been making my way through the Sly Cooper Trilogy (then Thieves in Time) during my journey to and from work, but there's also the Jak and Daxter Trilogy, Ratchet and Clank Collection, Metal Gear Solid HD Collection and more of the classics many adore. And that's just the tip of the game-berg. Lengthy RPGs are perfect for a system like this, and the PS Vita can pull off Persona 4 Golden, Final Fantasy X HD Remaster and Odin Sphere Leifthrasir. Oh, and I have to give a shoutout to TxK, the frantic, bewildering arcade-style shoot 'em up from Llamasoft. It isn't like the Switch 2 (or the original) doesn't have these traits, with its mouse-capable controllers and exclusives of its own. And yes, it will play games at a much higher caliber in performance (if you've played Borderlands 2 on the PS Vita, you know what I mean). But many games really found their footing on the PS Vita, exclusive or not. That's something I've found missing on the best handheld gaming consoles, and I hope the Switch 2 leans into having more titles that are perfect for its system — not just games that you can play, well, anywhere else. I could talk about the PS Vita 1000's still-stunning OLED display or how its battery can last 5 hours or more, depending on the games I played (longer than the 2.5 hours on the Switch 2, at least), but what I really enjoy the most? It's size. Portable gaming has gotten big. The Switch 2 boasts a 7.9-inch LCD display, the Steam Deck OLED measures 7.4 inches and the MSI Claw 8 AI+ comes in at 8 inches. In contrast, the PS Vita offers a mere 5-inch display, and it's been completely suitable. Having a large screen to game on is always nice to see, but bigger isn't always better, especially when it comes to portability. The Vita measures 7.2 x 3.4 x 0.6 inches and weighs 7.7 ounces, and that's just the right lightweight size to make this system pocketable. As in, I literally slip this into my pocket when I'm on the move. The same can't be said about the vast majority of modern handhelds. The Switch 2 comes in at 10.71 x 4.57 x 0.55 inches and 18.8 ounces. Portable? Yes, for a bag or carrying case — not a pocket. You're not exactly whipping this out at every interval of a journey on public transport. A smaller console can go a long way in terms of when and where it can be used, especially when it packs a masterful selection of games, and it's another thing I've been missing about handheld consoles as of late. It feels natural to slip out my PS Vita during trips outside home, which I can't say the same for with other recent handheld consoles. The PS Vita wasn't nearly the hardware seller Sony wanted it to be due to its own lack of support, but you'll still find many whispering that it was ahead of its time — and honestly, I can see why. It's made me realize that handheld gaming really is a different beast these days, but not all for the better. Right now, I'm enjoying the small perks and plentiful games of the PS Vita, probably more so than I would if I opted to pick up a Switch 2 at the moment. Whether you're looking to take a trip down PlayStation lane with a host of classic titles, never got around to experiencing the joys of Sony's handheld or looking to see what all the fuss is about before the next rumored PlayStation handheld arrives, the PS Vita very much still holds up today. Of course, don't expect the graphical or performance highs of Nintendo's latest console. I'll be kicking myself once the Nintendo Switch 2 nails its lineup of exclusives and pushes its portable power to the limit, but in the meantime, I'm keeping the PS Vita at my side (pocket).
Tom's Guide
13 hours ago
- Automotive
- Tom's Guide
I took some of my best photos with the Canon EOS R5 Mark II — and it's currently at its lowest ever price
As part of my job as reviews writer at Tom's Guide, I get to test some of the best mirrorless cameras, whether they're for beginners, enthusiasts or professionals. If it's a high-speed camera with a solid burst rate, I always put it through its paces by photographing animals and birds — and if you're on the lookout for a camera that can withstand anything, the Canon EOS R5 Mark II is the one for you. However, there's no sugarcoating it: the EOS R5 Mark II is an expensive camera. Its body alone costs $4,299 / £3,799, and I haven't seen it get a major price drop... until today. Right now, you can save $500 at Amazon U.S. or £238 at Amazon U.K.. If you're a pro photographer and are looking to upgrade, I'd snap (pun fully intended) this deal up immediately. The Canon EOS R5 Mark II improves on its predecessor by introducing a 45MP Stacked sensor that captures lots of detail for extreme cropping. Its intelligent autofocus system with auto subject-detection quickly locks on to animal and human faces and eyes, as well as vehicles. It's built well and handles sublimely, and its 30fps burst shooting and 8.5-stops of IBIS make capturing action effortless. The EOS R5 Mark II is capable of withstanding anything you throw at it. Fully weather-sealed and protected against dust and rain, you can use it in virtually any environmental setting — indoors and outdoors. It's sublime to handle thanks to the sculpted grip, and it never feels too bulky to carry around your neck. Brits, rejoice! The EOS R5 Mark II is discounted in the U.K. too. Bad news is that it isn't as big a discount as the one being offered to the Americans. At Amazon U.K., you can save £238... which isn't a lot but it's something. But of course, the EOS R5 Mark II's prowess lies in its imaging capabilities. Featuring a 45MP Stacked CMOS sensor which enables speedier readouts to minimize rolling shutter distortions, it takes stunning photos with beautiful color science. 45 megapixels also give you room for extreme cropping. Canon has also perfected the EOS R5 Mark II's autofocus system. With auto subject detection, the camera quickly locks on to animals, birds, humans, vehicles, you name it. In my testing, the camera took mere milliseconds to focus on the subject regardless of how many times I switched between, say, humans and vehicles. It even locked on to a slightly obscured squirrel which even my own eyes could not see! A picture is worth a thousand words, of course, so you can browse through the sample gallery above and see just how gorgeous they are. The EOS R5 Mark II has a stacked feature set and you can read all about it in my full review. Its in-camera upscaling (powered by AI) for images shot as JPEG/HEIF is a highlight. It enhances resolution by 4x, extrapolating the image's EXIF data, creating stills up to 180MP from the original 45MP image. You can upscale either one image or a series of burst shots, and it's one feature that can revolutionize how you photograph subjects. The EOS R5 Mark II is our pick for the best full frame mirrorless camera for a plethora of reasons. It's super straightforward to use with a well-laid out control scheme, its autofocus system gives you little to complain about, and it takes ridiculously good photos. If I were you, I'd save $500 at Amazon U.S. or £238 at Amazon U.K. right now — that's the lowest I've seen the camera drop to!
Tom's Guide
19 hours ago
- Health
- Tom's Guide
Want to sleep better tonight? Eat more of this food type today, says new study
While we come across many effective sleep trends here at Tom's Guide, most of these need to be followed consistently over time to see any kind of impact. However, the latest research suggests there is one way to see results overnight. According to a new study led by researchers at University of Chicago Medicine and Columbia University, eating more fruits and vegetables during the day can lead to more sound sleep the same night. Here, we're looking into the study findings in detail to understand how your diet is linked to sleep and the quantity of fruits and veggies you should aim to consume in a day. As a bonus, we've also listed three of the top fruits and veggies, backed by science, that can maximise your efforts to eat for a better sleep. Scroll down to find out more… The study, recently published in the Journal of the National Sleep Foundation, included 34 healthy young adults (28 men and six women) who met the criteria of being aged 20 and 49, and generally sleeping between 7 to 9 hours on an average. During the study, participants recorded their consumption of food and drinks over multiple 24-hour periods using the Automated Self-Administered 24-Hour Dietary Assessment Tool, an app, while their sleep pattern data was collected via a wrist monitor they wore throughout the duration of the study. Researchers used the sleep fragmentation index (SFI) to measure sleep quality during the study, which indicates the number of times someone wakes up and shifts in sleep stages from deep to light sleep during the night. Lower SFI means less disrupted sleep, while higher SFI indicates a night with more sleep disruption. The results showed that, "greater fruit and vegetable intakes during the day were associated with lower SFI during the subsequent night," while greater carbohydrate intake was also associated with lower SFI. Interestingly, red meat and processed meat led to "a trend toward more fragmented sleep," according to the researchers. Using their results and prediction models, the researchers suggest that eating the CDC-recommended intake of fruit and vegetables could see a lower SFI, and therefore an improvement in sleep quality, compared to someone who ate none. "A 5-cup increase (from no intake) in fruits and vegetables, meeting dietary recommendations, would be associated with 16% better sleep quality," they said in the study. '16 percent is a highly significant difference,' co-author of the study Esra Tasali MD, director of UChicago Sleep Center, said. 'It's remarkable that such a meaningful change could be observed within less than 24 hours," she added. Our sleep cycle is influenced by melatonin (the sleepy hormone) which our body naturally produces. We already know that what we consume can impact sleep, for example, research has previously shown that magnesium and tryptophan can help boost the production of melatonin, which translates to better sleep overall. Tweaking our diet is one way in which we can include sleep-friendly nutrients, which can lead to a more restorative sleep. And this new research has shown that it may be as simple, and affordable, as adding more of your favorite fruits and veggies. "Dietary modifications could be a new, natural and cost-effective approach to achieve better sleep," says Dr Tasali, who added that the study results are an important step in the right direction. 'The temporal associations and objectively-measured outcomes in this study represent crucial steps toward filling a gap in important public health knowledge," she explains. The researchers in the study suggest that eating five cups of fruits and veggies in a day, as recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, could improve sleep quality. So what does that look like? The American Heart Association suggests consuming 2 cups of fruits and 2 1/2 cups of vegetables per day. Each of the below fruit and veggie portions, they say, is the equivalent of one cup: Fruits: 8 large strawberries, 22 grapes or 1 medium apple, pear, orange, peach, grapefruit or nectarine or 2 to 3 kiwis. Vegetables: 1 large bell pepper, 1 medium potato, 2 medium carrots or 12 baby ones, 2 cups raw or 1 cup cooked leafy veggies (lettuce, kale, spinach, greens), 1 large ear corn or a large sweet potato. According to the researchers, the bottom line is that a diet rich in complex carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables can be beneficial for sleep in the long run. 'Small changes can impact sleep. That is empowering — better rest is within your control," says co-senior author Marie-Pierre St-Onge, PhD, director of the Center of Excellence for Sleep & Circadian Research at Columbia. Perhaps the one fruit that should be in your radar for better sleep now is avocado. A recent study supported by the Avocado Nutrition Center, saw that daily consumption of an avocado improved sleep health, diet and blood lipids (including lower cholesterol). The study aimed to look at the effect of consuming one avocado a day on the American Heart Association's cardiovascular health score, Life's Essential 8 (LE8), the eight components of cardiovascular health. Researchers recruited 969 American adults for the study, all of whom had an elevated waist circumference (a cardiovascular risk factor for US adults) and asked them to add one large Hass avocado to their regular diets for 26 weeks. They also had a control group for the study period, who did not consume the additional avocado. The study calculated one of the LE8 sleep health "based on self‐reported average hours of sleep per night and scored according to 4 levels," and the participants saw an improvement of an average 3.20 points in their sleep health compared to the control group after the 26 weeks. Avocados have approximately 13 mg tryptophan, 45 mcg folate (also promotes melatonin production) and 15 mg magnesium per serving (1/3 medium avocado) — which may be why they are involved in better sleep health and sleep quality. Looking for a quick healthy nighttime snack before bed? The kiwi fruit could be a great option. Research has shown they can improve sleep in a variety of ways in adults. Eating two medium-sized kiwis, one hour before bedtime led to a significant improvement in sleep efficiency and sleep time, as well as decreased "waking time after sleep onset, and sleep onset latency" in a study conducted at Taipei Medical University. According to the researchers, kiwi fruit "is rich in antioxidants, vitamins C and E, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and carotenoids, and it contains approximately twice the concentration of serotonin as tomatoes," who note that serotonin plays a role in REM sleep. As well as being full of vitamins, potassium and antioxidants, Kiwis can also, per the Cleveland Clinic, help maintain good gut health, which is yet another reason to add them to your diet. "Eat your greens" is a phrase you've probably heard since childhood, and the good news is, whoever said it to you was looking out for your wellbeing, because dark, leafy greens can also improve your sleep. Dark leafy vegetables like spinach, swiss chard and kale are, say the Cleveland Clinicnatural sources of magnesium. Among other benefits, they are also known to be rich in calcium, which has been shown to aid in production of melatonin.
Tom's Guide
a day ago
- Tom's Guide
I'm a photographer and the Fujifilm Instax mini 41 totally won me over — it also just fell to its lowest ever price
I'm a big fan of instant photography so I'm really lucky that I get to test the best instant cameras at Tom's Guide. These nifty devices come in all shapes and sizes, and the vast amount of choice can sometimes feel overwhelming. Should you buy an analog instant camera? Digital? A combination of both?! Fret not, I'm here to help. If you want a no-frills instant camera that takes great photos and looks just as good, then the Fujifilm Instax mini 41 should be right up your street — and it's currently down to its lowest ever price in the U.S. Right now, the Instax mini 41 is discounted by 23% at Amazon U.S., bringing it down to $99 from its retail price of $129. The Fujifilm Instax mini 41 is a delightful camera. It's extremely easy to use thanks to the straightforward control scheme, and in most conditions, it takes stunning photos on mini film. Its sleek and premium design and long battery life are the cherries on top of the cake. There's a lot to love about the Instax mini 41. Firstly, its compact design makes it travel-friendly. The camera weighs next to nothing at 12.16oz, so it's extremely easy to hold for long periods of time — or even slide into your pocket. It looks stunning too, sporting a mix of black and dark gray accents that give it a premium edge. With a straightforward control scheme, it's extremely easy to use, so anyone can use it — no prior knowledge of instant camera operation necessary! It's fitted with a retractable 60mm lens, which means it's neither too wide nor too telephoto, giving you a standard field of view, and it has two focus ranges: 0.3m-∞ for most shots, and 0.3-0.5m for close-up shots. Now that the technical stuff is out of the way, let's talk about the photos it takes. Fuji's color science is at full display here so color reproduction is faithful and accurate. You can see the sample gallery above. I love how much detail there is in every shot, especially in the second slide where I can clearly read most of the text in the photos. As its name suggests, the Instax mini 41 prints photos on mini format film, so they can be carried around in your wallet (very old school, I dig it) or pinned up on a corkboard. The Instax mini 41 lasts a long time too. It utilizes two AA batteries — and a pair of batteries yields 10 mini packs of 10 exposures each, so a total of 100 shots. This is fantastic as you don't need to worry about running out of charge unexpectedly while out and about. If you don't want to spend too much money but still want an instant camera that rarely disappoints, I'd highly recommend grabbing the 23% discount at Amazon U.S. I love the Instax mini 41 and was, in fact, very sad when I had to return the review unit. Don't forget to read my full Fujifilm Instax mini 41 review for all the details — I'm sure it will help you make the right decision. Happy snapping!
Tom's Guide
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
Pamela Reif calls this her 'pretty abs and arms' workout — my muscles would like a word
Back during the time of Covid lockdown, when kitchens doubled as gyms and 'snatched waists' were the internet's fitness obsession, workout videos promising washboard abs and toned arms were everywhere. Fitness influencers like Pamela Reif and Chloe Ting went viral with quick, equipment-free routines that racked up millions of views. At Tom's Guide, we've tested plenty of them (more on that below), so when I spotted Reif's recent 'pretty abs and arms' workout doing the rounds, I was curious. These days, I tend to stick to workouts from certified trainers over fitness influencers. I care far less about what a routine claims it will make me look like and more about how it supports my strength, mobility and energy in daily life. But maybe it was nostalgia, or the intrigue of a workout with a title bold enough to promise 'pretty' abs and arms. Either way, I wanted to know more. So I pulled on my best gym leggings and gave it a go. I usually prefer not to know the workout structure beforehand because if I do, I tend to talk myself out of it. So I dove into Reif's "pretty arms and abs" routine blind, only knowing it was just 12 minutes long. The little time commitment required from this workout was one of the factors that drew me in. Each exercise lasts 30 seconds, with repeats only when switching sides. Personally, I find workouts with no repeats, especially for abs, feel quicker. But the lack of breaks between moves made this one feel intense, especially during the two extra 30-second pulsing sections she added early in the workout. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. That said, pausing during a core workout can sometimes make it feel harder to restart, so I can't blame Reif for the relentless no-rest structure. I made it to the end with my core still intact, though feeling the burn. Lululemon Align leggings are perfect for workouts like this Pilates-inspired routine, thanks to their stretchy, lightweight fabric that moves with you without restricting any of the slow, controlled movements. Plus, you can save $29! If you're not into traditional ab workouts packed with sit-ups, Russian twists and planks, you'll probably enjoy this core routine from Reif. It leans on Pilates-inspired moves for a slower, more controlled challenge. Pilates keeps your core working the whole time, helping to build strength, improve posture and boost stability. I also think that's why Reif calls this her 'pretty arms and abs' workout. It's a very elegant sequence. Or at least, it looks that way when she does it. I'm not sure my cross-legged pike plank into cobra looked quite as smooth, but I enjoyed getting into the flow. It felt much gentler than a crunch-heavy core session and easier to stay consistent with, thanks to the slow and controlled movement. Have you ever heard of an "elegant push-up"? I hadn't either until five minutes into the routine, when Reif demonstrated one. She started in a kneeling push-up position, lifted one leg behind her, kept the other bent with the foot pointing upward, then performed 30 seconds of push-ups in that pose. Elegant might be the word for it, but only if you stay completely focused. A quick glance in the mirror reminded me that this move only looks graceful if your core is switched on and your legs stay steady in the correct position. Later in the workout, she added "lizard push-ups". I knew the stretch version of this move from a challenge my colleague Sam did, where she held the lizard pose every day for a week. It's a brilliant hip opener, but adding a push-up takes it to another level. This version challenged my mobility, core strength and upper body all at once. It was tricky to nail these moves in 30 seconds, but I really enjoyed learning new moves that I could use to switch up my core workouts. I'll admit I was a little sceptical going in. I don't usually trust workouts that suggest you can change how your body looks after just 12 minutes, especially ones with titles like 'pretty abs and arms.' But I ended up enjoying it far more than I expected. The Pilates-inspired moves flowed together in a way that felt controlled and satisfying when I got the exercises right. While I'm not sure I emerged with visibly different arms or abs, I did feel stronger and enjoyed the challenge. If you want to try Ting and Reif's workouts, this lower ab workout with 18 million views is Pamela Reif's creation, and this Chloe Ting ab workout has over 420 million views.
