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Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Brand-Led Resale and In-Store Logistics to Shape UK Recommerce Evolution
UK's recommerce market set to grow 10.7% annually, reaching $8.12 billion by 2025. Evolving from C2C resale to structured brand-led models, electronics and apparel drive this shift. Key players like Vinted, eBay UK, and Currys facilitate logistics and refurbishment, aligning with sustainability goals and Gen Z preferences. United Kingdom Recommerce Market Dublin, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "United Kingdom Recommerce Market Intelligence Databook - 60+ KPIs, Market Size, Share & Forecast by Channel, Category & Consumer Segment - Q2 2025 Update" report has been added to recommerce market in United Kingdom is expected to grow by 10.7% on annual basis to reach US$8.12 billion in 2025. The recommerce market in the country experienced robust growth during 2020-2024, achieving a CAGR of 13.6%. This upward trajectory is expected to continue, with the market forecast to grow at a CAGR of 9.0% during 2025-2029. By the end of 2029, the recommerce market is projected to expand from its 2024 value of USD 7.33 billion to approximately USD 11.45 billion. This report provides a detailed data-centric analysis of the recommerce market in United Kingdom, covering market opportunities and risks across consumer segments (peer-to-peer and business-led resale); product categories; sales channels; and resale formats. With over 60+ KPIs at the country level, this report provides a comprehensive understanding of recommerce market dynamics. The UK recommerce market is transitioning from generalist resale platforms to a verticalized ecosystem supported by refurbishment infrastructure, logistics partnerships, and regulatory readiness. Players across electronics, fashion, and household categories are consolidating category dominance while collaborating with logistics and resale service enablers. Recent regulatory consultations (e.g., EPR for textiles) and investor interest in circular startups are reshaping strategic positioning. Recommerce in the United Kingdom Is Shifting from Informal Resale to Circular Retail IntegrationThe UK recommerce market is evolving from fragmented consumer-to-consumer (C2C) resale into structured, brand-led and infrastructure-backed models. Electronics and apparel are driving this shift, with major brands adopting recommerce to align with sustainability regulations and Gen Z resale preferences. Platforms like Vinted, eBay UK, and Currys' trade-in program are institutionalizing resale through logistics, refurbishment, and the next 2-4 years, recommerce in the UK will formalize through brand-led resale, in-store logistics integration, and platform specialization. Electronics and apparel will remain the largest segments. Regulatory drivers like EPR and evolving consumer preferences - especially among younger cohorts - will sustain momentum. Infrastructure investment by platforms and retailers will move the market beyond informal resale into structured, circular Recommerce Is Evolving into Hybrid Rental-Resale Models UK electronics recommerce is moving beyond trade-in toward hybrid rent-resell models. Currys' "Cash for Trash" and "Trade-in and Save" programs remain active, while MusicMagpie is expanding its refurbished phone rental service into new categories like gaming consoles. EE and BT have extended device exchange within upgrade plans, but with increased attention to repair and reuse. High inflation and cost-of-living pressures are pushing consumers toward lower upfront costs. Retailers and telcos are adapting with longer lifecycle models. Retailers must also comply with WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) obligations. Rental-to-reuse models are expected to scale alongside traditional trade-in. MusicMagpie's rental program will influence market design, while WEEE compliance will keep resale volumes within domestic channels. Apparel Brands Are Complying with EPR Through Domestic Recommerce Infrastructure UK fashion brands are setting up internal recommerce pathways, driven by compliance needs. In 2024, Joules (owned by Next) launched a resale pilot with Reskinned. COS and Jigsaw now use Thrift+, a UK-origin resale-as-a-service platform. ASOS has integrated resale within its marketplace. The UK government's upcoming Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for textiles, expected by 2026, mandates brand accountability for post-consumer waste. Unlike U.S. brands that use tech partners like Trove, UK brands are collaborating with domestic logistics-powered platforms such as Thrift+ and Reskinned. Recommerce in UK apparel will expand primarily as a legal compliance mechanism. More brands will implement white-label resale operations to meet EPR and maintain brand control over resale pricing. Retailers Are Embedding Recommerce into In-Store Reverse Logistics UK retailers are leveraging their physical store networks to manage recommerce collection and processing. Decathlon UK, IKEA, and John Lewis have all expanded in-store take-back programs, offering customers vouchers in exchange for returned items (sports gear, furniture, clothing). In-store take-back reduces last-mile costs and increases footfall. John Lewis's "Buy Back" furniture program and IKEA's "Green Friday" resale initiative align with UK consumer preferences for local returns and environmental consciousness. The post-Brexit shift toward domestic circular models is also shaping logistics planning. More retailers will design omnichannel recommerce pathways that integrate in-store drop-off with digital resale channels. These programs will be especially important as reverse logistics costs rise and consumer participation in take-back schemes increases. Platform Recommerce Is Consolidating Through Domestic Verticalization Post-Brexit UK-based recommerce platforms are verticalizing in response to reduced cross-border resale. Vinted (with a major UK user base), eBay UK, and MusicMagpie are investing in UK warehousing and focusing on category-specific logistics (fashion, tech, media respectively). Brexit reduced cross-border recommerce flows, pushing UK platforms like MusicMagpie to shift toward domestic sourcing and refurbishment verticals. Vinted has built local fulfillment capabilities to align with UK demand. Inflation has reinforced the value of localized operations. Platform models will grow more infrastructure-heavy. UK fulfillment and repair hubs will become essential. EU regulatory spillovers will still impact design, particularly in digital waste and packaging requirements. Circular Consumption Is Accelerating Through Payment and Discovery Integrations Circular economy adoption is growing among UK consumers, particularly Gen Z. Thrift+ and Loop have expanded resale access, and Klarna UK has integrated secondhand discovery via partner listings. The UK's Net Zero Strategy and EPR consultation for textiles, combined with high inflation and youth demand for affordability, are accelerating behavior change. Gen Z consumers purchased secondhand in the past six months. Unlike in the U.S., where resale financing is emerging through BNPL providers, UK platforms like Klarna focus on secondhand discovery and curation through partner apps. Circular shopping will integrate deeper into digital payment and search journeys. Loyalty programs, resale aggregators, and embedded resale apps will become key consumer touchpoints. Competitive Landscape in the United Kingdom Is Becoming Verticalized and Infrastructure-Led Brand-owned and platform recommerce will intensify in electronics and fashion due to EPR enforcement and shifting consumer preference toward verified resale. Logistics and repair infrastructure players like Reskinned and Twig will gain importance as ecosystem enablers. Investment is likely to increase in technology solutions (e.g., digital product passports, repair diagnostics, recommerce data platforms) that aid compliance and circularity. Larger generalist platforms (like Amazon or Shopify) are currently not major players in UK recommerce, but retail entry remains a potential disruptor in 2-4 years. Competitive Intensity Is Increasing in Category-Specific Ecosystems Fashion recommerce is dominated by peer platforms and brand-collaborations Vinted UK remains the most actively used peer-to-peer resale app for fashion, expanding its warehouse and logistics operations to the UK in 2024. Depop (UK-based, owned by Etsy) targets Gen Z and has integrated resale features that focus on style curation and social selling. Thrift+ powers resale-as-a-service for brands like COS and Jigsaw, enabling branded resale experiences. Electronics recommerce is led by retail-led and circular-native platforms MusicMagpie, a UK-based electronics recommerce company listed on AIM, processes and resells consumer electronics and media. Currys operates one of the largest trade-in programs for used electronics, with logistics partnerships for reverse collection. EE and O2 telecom providers also offer structured device trade-ins integrated into upgrade cycles. Furniture and general goods recommerce is seeing early platform-led structuring IKEA UK has scaled its "Buy Back" and refurbished furniture resale pilot in multiple cities. John Lewis has entered the recommerce space via trial programs in furniture and fashion through in-store take-backs and partnerships. New Entrants and Specialist Enablers Are Strengthening the Value Chain. Recommerce logistics and resale enablers are scaling operations Reskinned, a textile recommerce enabler, has partnered with Joules, Finisterre, and River Island to manage take-back, repair, and resale. Zedify, a sustainable logistics provider, partners with circular retailers for low-emission recommerce deliveries in urban zones. Twig, a fintech-meets-recommerce startup, offers instant cash-out for secondhand fashion and electronics, integrating fintech tools into circular retail. Retailer-led partnerships are intensifying In 2023-24, Sweaty Betty partnered with Reskinned to roll out brand-owned resale. Marks & Spencer integrated a digital wardrobe cleanup and resale flow through Thrift+, promoting brand-owned resale journeys. Decathlon UK scaled trade-in for sports equipment with in-store and online resale integration. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 83 Forecast Period 2025 - 2029 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2025 $8.12 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2029 $11.45 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 9.0% Regions Covered United Kingdom For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment United Kingdom Recommerce Market CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Brand-Led Resale and In-Store Logistics to Shape UK Recommerce Evolution
UK's recommerce market set to grow 10.7% annually, reaching $8.12 billion by 2025. Evolving from C2C resale to structured brand-led models, electronics and apparel drive this shift. Key players like Vinted, eBay UK, and Currys facilitate logistics and refurbishment, aligning with sustainability goals and Gen Z preferences. United Kingdom Recommerce Market Dublin, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "United Kingdom Recommerce Market Intelligence Databook - 60+ KPIs, Market Size, Share & Forecast by Channel, Category & Consumer Segment - Q2 2025 Update" report has been added to recommerce market in United Kingdom is expected to grow by 10.7% on annual basis to reach US$8.12 billion in 2025. The recommerce market in the country experienced robust growth during 2020-2024, achieving a CAGR of 13.6%. This upward trajectory is expected to continue, with the market forecast to grow at a CAGR of 9.0% during 2025-2029. By the end of 2029, the recommerce market is projected to expand from its 2024 value of USD 7.33 billion to approximately USD 11.45 billion. This report provides a detailed data-centric analysis of the recommerce market in United Kingdom, covering market opportunities and risks across consumer segments (peer-to-peer and business-led resale); product categories; sales channels; and resale formats. With over 60+ KPIs at the country level, this report provides a comprehensive understanding of recommerce market dynamics. The UK recommerce market is transitioning from generalist resale platforms to a verticalized ecosystem supported by refurbishment infrastructure, logistics partnerships, and regulatory readiness. Players across electronics, fashion, and household categories are consolidating category dominance while collaborating with logistics and resale service enablers. Recent regulatory consultations (e.g., EPR for textiles) and investor interest in circular startups are reshaping strategic positioning. Recommerce in the United Kingdom Is Shifting from Informal Resale to Circular Retail IntegrationThe UK recommerce market is evolving from fragmented consumer-to-consumer (C2C) resale into structured, brand-led and infrastructure-backed models. Electronics and apparel are driving this shift, with major brands adopting recommerce to align with sustainability regulations and Gen Z resale preferences. Platforms like Vinted, eBay UK, and Currys' trade-in program are institutionalizing resale through logistics, refurbishment, and the next 2-4 years, recommerce in the UK will formalize through brand-led resale, in-store logistics integration, and platform specialization. Electronics and apparel will remain the largest segments. Regulatory drivers like EPR and evolving consumer preferences - especially among younger cohorts - will sustain momentum. Infrastructure investment by platforms and retailers will move the market beyond informal resale into structured, circular Recommerce Is Evolving into Hybrid Rental-Resale Models UK electronics recommerce is moving beyond trade-in toward hybrid rent-resell models. Currys' "Cash for Trash" and "Trade-in and Save" programs remain active, while MusicMagpie is expanding its refurbished phone rental service into new categories like gaming consoles. EE and BT have extended device exchange within upgrade plans, but with increased attention to repair and reuse. High inflation and cost-of-living pressures are pushing consumers toward lower upfront costs. Retailers and telcos are adapting with longer lifecycle models. Retailers must also comply with WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) obligations. Rental-to-reuse models are expected to scale alongside traditional trade-in. MusicMagpie's rental program will influence market design, while WEEE compliance will keep resale volumes within domestic channels. Apparel Brands Are Complying with EPR Through Domestic Recommerce Infrastructure UK fashion brands are setting up internal recommerce pathways, driven by compliance needs. In 2024, Joules (owned by Next) launched a resale pilot with Reskinned. COS and Jigsaw now use Thrift+, a UK-origin resale-as-a-service platform. ASOS has integrated resale within its marketplace. The UK government's upcoming Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for textiles, expected by 2026, mandates brand accountability for post-consumer waste. Unlike U.S. brands that use tech partners like Trove, UK brands are collaborating with domestic logistics-powered platforms such as Thrift+ and Reskinned. Recommerce in UK apparel will expand primarily as a legal compliance mechanism. More brands will implement white-label resale operations to meet EPR and maintain brand control over resale pricing. Retailers Are Embedding Recommerce into In-Store Reverse Logistics UK retailers are leveraging their physical store networks to manage recommerce collection and processing. Decathlon UK, IKEA, and John Lewis have all expanded in-store take-back programs, offering customers vouchers in exchange for returned items (sports gear, furniture, clothing). In-store take-back reduces last-mile costs and increases footfall. John Lewis's "Buy Back" furniture program and IKEA's "Green Friday" resale initiative align with UK consumer preferences for local returns and environmental consciousness. The post-Brexit shift toward domestic circular models is also shaping logistics planning. More retailers will design omnichannel recommerce pathways that integrate in-store drop-off with digital resale channels. These programs will be especially important as reverse logistics costs rise and consumer participation in take-back schemes increases. Platform Recommerce Is Consolidating Through Domestic Verticalization Post-Brexit UK-based recommerce platforms are verticalizing in response to reduced cross-border resale. Vinted (with a major UK user base), eBay UK, and MusicMagpie are investing in UK warehousing and focusing on category-specific logistics (fashion, tech, media respectively). Brexit reduced cross-border recommerce flows, pushing UK platforms like MusicMagpie to shift toward domestic sourcing and refurbishment verticals. Vinted has built local fulfillment capabilities to align with UK demand. Inflation has reinforced the value of localized operations. Platform models will grow more infrastructure-heavy. UK fulfillment and repair hubs will become essential. EU regulatory spillovers will still impact design, particularly in digital waste and packaging requirements. Circular Consumption Is Accelerating Through Payment and Discovery Integrations Circular economy adoption is growing among UK consumers, particularly Gen Z. Thrift+ and Loop have expanded resale access, and Klarna UK has integrated secondhand discovery via partner listings. The UK's Net Zero Strategy and EPR consultation for textiles, combined with high inflation and youth demand for affordability, are accelerating behavior change. Gen Z consumers purchased secondhand in the past six months. Unlike in the U.S., where resale financing is emerging through BNPL providers, UK platforms like Klarna focus on secondhand discovery and curation through partner apps. Circular shopping will integrate deeper into digital payment and search journeys. Loyalty programs, resale aggregators, and embedded resale apps will become key consumer touchpoints. Competitive Landscape in the United Kingdom Is Becoming Verticalized and Infrastructure-Led Brand-owned and platform recommerce will intensify in electronics and fashion due to EPR enforcement and shifting consumer preference toward verified resale. Logistics and repair infrastructure players like Reskinned and Twig will gain importance as ecosystem enablers. Investment is likely to increase in technology solutions (e.g., digital product passports, repair diagnostics, recommerce data platforms) that aid compliance and circularity. Larger generalist platforms (like Amazon or Shopify) are currently not major players in UK recommerce, but retail entry remains a potential disruptor in 2-4 years. Competitive Intensity Is Increasing in Category-Specific Ecosystems Fashion recommerce is dominated by peer platforms and brand-collaborations Vinted UK remains the most actively used peer-to-peer resale app for fashion, expanding its warehouse and logistics operations to the UK in 2024. Depop (UK-based, owned by Etsy) targets Gen Z and has integrated resale features that focus on style curation and social selling. Thrift+ powers resale-as-a-service for brands like COS and Jigsaw, enabling branded resale experiences. Electronics recommerce is led by retail-led and circular-native platforms MusicMagpie, a UK-based electronics recommerce company listed on AIM, processes and resells consumer electronics and media. Currys operates one of the largest trade-in programs for used electronics, with logistics partnerships for reverse collection. EE and O2 telecom providers also offer structured device trade-ins integrated into upgrade cycles. Furniture and general goods recommerce is seeing early platform-led structuring IKEA UK has scaled its "Buy Back" and refurbished furniture resale pilot in multiple cities. John Lewis has entered the recommerce space via trial programs in furniture and fashion through in-store take-backs and partnerships. New Entrants and Specialist Enablers Are Strengthening the Value Chain. Recommerce logistics and resale enablers are scaling operations Reskinned, a textile recommerce enabler, has partnered with Joules, Finisterre, and River Island to manage take-back, repair, and resale. Zedify, a sustainable logistics provider, partners with circular retailers for low-emission recommerce deliveries in urban zones. Twig, a fintech-meets-recommerce startup, offers instant cash-out for secondhand fashion and electronics, integrating fintech tools into circular retail. Retailer-led partnerships are intensifying In 2023-24, Sweaty Betty partnered with Reskinned to roll out brand-owned resale. Marks & Spencer integrated a digital wardrobe cleanup and resale flow through Thrift+, promoting brand-owned resale journeys. Decathlon UK scaled trade-in for sports equipment with in-store and online resale integration. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 83 Forecast Period 2025 - 2029 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2025 $8.12 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2029 $11.45 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 9.0% Regions Covered United Kingdom For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment United Kingdom Recommerce Market CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Gamer stars confirmed for Dublin's Comic Con line-up with brand-new gaming floor partner
GAMER Jolly Holly will be one of the stars at Comic Con which comes to Dublin's Convention Centre next month. Streamer Holly will be cosplaying iconic character Tifa Lockhart from Final Fantasy 7 at the Convention Centre on August 9 and 10. Advertisement 3 Online streamer Jolly Holly will be at Dublin Comic Con next month Credit: Photocall Ireland 3 Over 20,000 are due at the event, which will also feature The Gara Show Credit: Photocall Ireland 3 Currys has been announced as the event's official gaming partner Credit: Photocall Ireland Over 20,000 attendees are expected at the two-day event, sponsored by leading tech retailer Currys. This year's edition will feature attractions including a gaming floor highlighting the latest in games hardware and innovations. And Gaming Ambassador Chris O'Gara, better known as The Gara Show, will take to the main stage to host an interactive panel alongside a line-up of popular content creators. Together, they'll dive into the latest in gaming culture, community dynamics, and fan engagement, all while bringing plenty of energy and laughs to the crowd. Advertisement READ MORE IN TECH Attendees can also look forward to exclusive giveaways and top tech prizes, making this a must-see highlight of the weekend. Jaimie Cantwell, Head of Brand and Marketing at Currys Ireland, said: "We're incredibly excited to be part of Dublin Comic Con this summer. "It's the perfect opportunity to connect with fans and gamers across Ireland, showcase cutting-edge gaming technology, and celebrate the vibrant culture that defines Comic Con." While Karl Walsh, co-founder of Dublin Comic Con added: "We're thrilled to welcome Currys as the official Gaming Floor Partner of DCC. Advertisement MOST READ IN THE IRISH SUN "Gaming has been a core part of DCC since the very beginning, and partnering with Ireland's leading tech and gaming retailer allows us to deliver an even bigger and better experience for our attendees!" Big name guests signing at Comic Con include Frank Miller, Jamie Campbell Bower, John De Lance, Vincent D'Onofrio, Ross Marquand, Tina Carrere and Mark Rolston. For updates, follow Currys on Instagram and TikTok for sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes content during Dublin Comic Con 2025.
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
I ditched £500 consoles for £15 ‘virtual Xbox' that works on ANY telly… It's great cheap alternative for gaming-mad kids
BUYING a console can be pricey – and that's even before you start paying for games on top. But I'm obsessed with a cheaper alternative that costs just 50p a day - a 'virtual' console. Advertisement 11 I'm playing Xbox games on the TV in my living room WITHOUT an Xbox – or any console plugged in at all Credit: Sean Keach 11 I don't need my Nintendo or PS5 to play console games Credit: Sean Keach It works instantly, and you don't need to buy a physical console or any games. You'll be able to keep the family entertained on the cheap – and you can ditch it for free any time if you get bored. It's called Xbox Cloud Gaming . It's a bit like Netflix but for computer games. Advertisement Normally, you'd need to buy a £350 to £500 console ( I'm tired just writing it. Instead, you can sign up for Xbox Cloud Gaming, launch an app, and away you go. It's a literal game-changer, and it's the perfect option for Brits on a budget. What you need to get going is Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. This is a monthly subscription that costs £14.99 a month and gets you several Xbox-related perks. Advertisement But the main one here is access to Xbox Cloud Gaming. This lets you play a vast library of over 350 video games without paying a penny extra. The Sun tries new Nintendo Switch 2 and Mario Kart before it's out HOW DOES A 'CLOUD' CONSOLE WORK? Normally, video games need a console with a powerful graphics card inside to create the visuals you see on your TV screen. Regular TV doesn't require that, because telly isn't interactive, so it can be created in advance and shown to you. But video games don't know what you'll do next – they're interactive – so the visuals need to be rendered as you're playing. Advertisement This is very intensive work, which is why you've been paying money for powerful consoles. It's these powerful bits of hardware in that machine that make it so expensive. 11 Fortnite is just one of the hundreds of games you can enjoy on Xbox Cloud Gaming Credit: Sean Keach 11 The visuals are sent to you over the internet, rather than being rendered by a pricey console in your living room Credit: Sean Keach Now in 2025, Advertisement You're basically streaming them like Netflix. All of this happens in a flash: it's so instantaneous, you feel like you're just playing a regular game on a console in your living room. But you don't need a console at all. And because it's Xbox sorting the visuals out on their powerful machines, the graphics can look incredible. HOW MUCH DO CONSOLES COST THESE DAYS? Here are prices for the latest video game consoles at Currys... Sony PlayStation 5 Pro with Disc Drive – £759 Sony PlayStation 5 Pro – £699 Sony PlayStation 5 Disc Slim – £479 Sony PlayStation 5 Digital Edition Slim – £429 Microsoft Xbox Series X 1TB – £499 Microsoft Xbox Series X 1TB (Digital) – £449 Microsoft Xbox Series S 1TB – £349 Microsoft Xbox Series S 512GB – £299 Nintendo Switch 2 – £395.99 Nintendo Switch OLED – £309 These are the prices gamers are paying for the newest machines. Picture Credit: Xbox HOW TO GET STARTED To play, you'll need a couple of things. Advertisement First, you'll need a compatible TV device. Lots of modern Samsung and LG TVs support Xbox Cloud Gaming. But it's also available on Amazon Fire TV Sticks, which is what I'm using. That way, you can use it on basically on TV with an HDMI port. That's pretty much any telly bought in the last 20 years. 11 I used an Amazon Fire TV Stick – but lots of modern TVs support the Xbox app too Credit: Sean Keach Advertisement 11 The Fire TV Stick just plugs into the back of your telly – it's usually for TV apps, but it's great for gaming too Credit: Sean Keach I tried it with an Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max, but it'll also work with a Fire TV Stick 4K or Fire TV Cube. Then just download the Xbox Cloud Gaming app. You'll also need a joypad. You can use an official Xbox one , but loads of regular wired or Bluetooth controllers will also work. SMART TVS THAT SUPPORT XBOX CLOUD GAMING Here's the official list… Samsung: 2020 and newer Samsung smart TV models with software version 1300 and higher. LG: Most 2022 LG OLED TVs and 2023+ LG Smart TVs will run the Xbox app, allowing you to play cloud-based Xbox games. Supported devices include: Select LG TVs and smart monitors with webOS 24 or newer versions 2024 and newer smart TVs Select 2022 and 2023 TV models which have been updated to software version 23.20.01 or higher 2022 OLED TVs 2023 OLED, QNED, Nanocell, and UHD TVs 2025 U8s and U7s smart monitors Picture Credit: Samsung I used an Xbox joypad as I had one lying around. Advertisement The only real blocker for this working for you is your internet connection. If you've got bad Wi-Fi, it's game over for you. Literally. Xbox recommends an internet download speed of 20Mbps. Millions of British homes can easily manage that. If you're not sure, go to Then just sign into the app, activate your Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership, and away you go. Advertisement IS IT ACTUALLY ANY GOOD? Xbox Cloud Gaming really is very impressive. It's absolutely packed with top games. Right now, some of the titles include: Fortnite Assassin's Creed Odyssey EA Sports FC 25 Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Far Cry 6 Forza Horizon 5 Grand Theft Auto 5 Halo Microsoft Flight Simulator Mortal Kombat 11 Sea of Thieves Spyro Reignited Trilogy Starfield But there are hundreds to choose from. 11 The Xbox Cloud Gaming website reveals the biggest hits you can enjoy Credit: Microsoft / Xbox HAVE KIDS? TRY THESE TITLES Here are The Sun's tech editor Sean Keach's pick of the best Family Friendly options on Xbox Cloud Gaming... Overcooked! 2 This bonkers co-op game sees you running a busy kitchen trying to create dishes to order – in very challenging environments. It's colourful, engaging, and requires fast thinking. But the learning curve is gradual, so it's easy to get started. You won't want to put the controller down. New Super Lucky's Tale This bright and playful platformer sees you controlling adventurous fox Lucky as he explores a selection of strange and unknown worlds. It's classic gaming fun with a whimsical cast of characters. We Love Katamari REROLL+ Royal Reverie You'll love this 2023 remaster of the original 2005 action-puzzle game where you roll around as a tiny ball that collects objects to grow in size. It's mad, but relentlessly fun. Disney Dreamlight Valley This is a half-sim, half-adventure game set in the wonderful world of Disney. It's stuffed with iconic characters and places, so it's a must for any Disney-loving households. Picture Credit: Xbox Once you're set up, you can play pretty much straight away. Advertisement I was into Halo: The Master Chief Collection, playing the iconic game series in seconds. This is one of Xbox's biggest franchises – a console staple. But my Xbox is nowhere to be seen. 11 I was able to play Fortnite online without issue Credit: Sean Keach Then I hopped into Fortnite, straight into an online match. Despite the fact that I was "cloud" gaming, I was able to enjoy multiplayer without any serious lag. And when I loaded up Call of Duty, the graphics were basically indistinguishable from the regular console version. Hardly a surprise, given that the visuals are being rendered on serious computers far away from my living room. I've bought loads of consoles over the years. Advertisement And sometimes, I just won't touch them for months. Life gets in the way. XBOX GAME PASS ULTIMATE BENEFITS What does the £14.99 a month fee get you? Here's the full list… Hundreds of high-quality games on console, PC and cloud New games on day one Online console multiplayer Member deals, discounts, Perks and in-game benefits for free-to-play games EA Play membership Picture Credit: Xbox That means I've chucked a load of cash at a giant plastic brick that sits in the corner gathering dust. The beauty of Xbox Cloud Gaming is that this just doesn't happen. If you're bored with it, just cancel your membership. It's as easy as that. Then you can come back in four months or a year when there's something new that you want to play. And when you think about the quantity of games on offer here, it's hard to argue with the value for money. Advertisement 11 It felt like playing on a regular console – but I didn't have any gaming machine plugged into my telly Credit: Sean Keach 11 I used an Xbox joypad to play, but you can other Bluetooth controllers too – so a cheaper option may work for you Credit: Sean Keach Also, this isn't just for TV. If you want to play these games on your iPhone or your laptop, it'll still work with the same subscription. You just need a joypad. The only real downside to all of this is that you need an internet connection. If your Advertisement But other than that, your gameplay is effectively unlimited. If you don't want to invest in a console, this is your best option for top-tier gaming on a budget. A CHEAPER OPTION If you want to save even more money... There's an even cheaper option called Amazon Luna+. It works a lot like Xbox Cloud Gaming, but it has a smaller selection of games. Amazon says Luna+ offers more than 100 titles, whereas the Xbox Cloud Gaming library features more than 350 games. But Luna+ is significantly cheaper at £8.99 a month – that's only 30p a day. So if you're a hardcore gamer, you might still want Xbox Cloud Gaming for the bigger library (and the bonus perks that come with it). More games means you're less likely to get bored. But the best budget option is Luna+. It's hard to argue with £9 a month. You can get it on Fire TV devices, select Samsung and LG televisions, plus mobile devices via your web browser. Picture Credit: Amazon 11 Microsoft is constantly adding new games to its Xbox Cloud Gaming library Credit: Microsoft / Xbox
North Wales Live
5 days ago
- North Wales Live
Apple AirTags ideal for holiday luggage slashed to less than £100 for four in Amazon Prime Day deal
There's nothing more frustrating than misplacing something. Whether it's your keys, your wallet, or another item you've lost, rummaging through your belongings is hardly a fun task, particularly when you're in a rush to find those items. A solution to these frequent misplacements is the Apple AirTag, a compact device that can relay its location to your phone wherever it may be - unless it's encased in some signal-blocking material. Currently, you can snag a four-pack of Apple AirTags for £84 on Amazon, marked down from £119. In a sale in November of last year, the airtags were priced at £94, which means that shoppers can save on £10 more than in a previous sale. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here. Single units are available for £28, and two-packs have been discounted to £56. With just a single tap, you can link these handy little gadgets to your FindMy app - exclusively available on iOS devices - and promptly locate any misplaced item that it's attached to. A built-in speaker can also be set to buzz, providing you with an audible signal, according to the Express. AirTags can be used in countless ways. For example, if you have a cat that embarks on lengthy adventures, attaching an AirTag to their collar will allow you to track their location and maintain some peace of mind. The AirTag's 'Lost Mode' is a feature that has been lauded by Amazon customers, with the product receiving an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 40,000 ratings. For those on the hunt for alternatives, particularly Android users, the Eufy SmartTrack is available for £39.99 at Currys, while the Tile Pros come highly recommended due to their replaceable batteries, retailing at £55.99 down from £79.99 for a pack of four on Amazon. One glowing five-star review said: "They do their job, are small and compact, and look amazing. The price is definitely worth the peace of mind of having these to track luggage during holidays!" Amazon Prime Sign Up Another user praised: "The AirTags are small, lightweight, and easy to attach to almost anything. They feel solid and durable, which is important since they're often tossed into bags or attached to keychains. While a third wrote: "I have eight of these now. They are just so useful, especially for putting with sets of keys. There are endless uses for these AirTags." However, some users have pointed out limitations when using AirTags in less densely populated areas. "In remote areas it's really hard to get a location," one customer said. Another echoed: "No good if you're trying to track in a rural location as they lose signal."
