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Tom's Guide
01-08-2025
- Tom's Guide
I turned my phone into a gaming powerhouse with the Backbone Pro — I can't believe I went so long without a mobile controller
Mobile gaming has come a long way thanks to advances in technology, and with console/cloud gaming available via Remote Play apps, the possibilities are endless — you can play your favorite games anywhere, anytime. And for that, you need one of the best phone controllers, like the Backbone Pro. I spent a few days testing it and I have to say: I am impressed, and now I don't want to leave my apartment without it. The Backbone Pro improves on its predecessor by introducing fantastic, responsive Hall Effect triggers and customizable back buttons that make games more immersive. The controller is extremely comfortable thanks to chunky grips and an asymmetrical ABXY layout, and its battery life clocks in at a whopping 40 hours. While not without its faults, such as some app features being paywalled and the absence of Hall Effect thumbsticks, it's still a ridiculously good controller. If you're willing to pay the (steep) price, it's worth every penny. For the complete breakdown, read my full Backbone Pro review. Specs Backbone Pro Price $169 / £169 Connectivity Bluetooth LE, USB-C Compatibility iOS, iPadOS, Android, console/cloud gaming (Xbox/PS Remote Play), PC, Steam Link Layout ABXY Triggers Hall Effect Thumbsticks ALPS Back buttons Yes, two Dimensions 8.46 x 6.02 x 2.64 inches Weight 18.4oz Color Black Battery 40 hours, USB-C From its comfortable, ergonomic design and Hall Effect triggers to its customizable back buttons and long battery life, the Backbone Pro is a winner. The Backbone Pro is a fantastic controller for all-day play. It improves on the Backbone One's design by introducing full-size thumbsticks, and they're now the same size as an Xbox controller's. And like an Xbox gamepad, they're offset, and the Backbone Pro sports an asymmetrical ABXY design, which I prefer over, say, the PlayStation DualSense's. Chunkier grips are at play here, too, making the Backbone Pro feel more substantial and full in my hands. When fully outstretched, the Backbone Pro measures 8.46 x 6.02 x 2.64 inches, and it can mount phones up to 7 inches. I've got medium-sized hands and the grips are the perfect size for me. The controller weighs 18.4oz, so it isn't too light or too heavy — the Goldilocks of gamepads, if you will. While lighter controllers are less fatiguing, I prefer a heavier gamepad, which is why I really enjoyed using the Backbone Pro. The Backbone Pro is available in one model only: black USB-C, which makes it OS-agnostic. As long as you have an iPhone 15 or newer, or an Android phone, the controller will work with your device. All you need to do is stretch the phone mount, pop your phone in, and you're good to go. What's even better is that the mount is so spacious that you don't need to remove your phone cover — something we also loved about the Scuf Nomad ($99). This worked like a charm with my Google Pixel 7 Pro, my partner's Google Pixel 9, and my friend's iPhone 15 Pro. The Backbone Pro has also improved on the Backbone One Gen 2 by introducing Bluetooth LE, so you can use the controller as a regular gamepad without having to mount your phone. Yes, that means it can pair with consoles, PCs and tablets. While it can't (yet) pair wirelessly with the PlayStation 5 due to Sony's restriction, it paired smoothly with my MacBook Pro M1 and my iPad (10th Gen). A new addition to the Backbone Pro is something that was missing in the Backbone One: Hall Effect triggers replace analog ones. Hall Effect triggers are more responsive and durable than analog ones, and they offer precise control, enabling you to finetune your movements. To test the Backbone Pro, I played a few games via PS Remote Play on an iPhone 15 Pro, which included Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Need for Speed Heat and Planet Zoo. The controller performed exceptionally well in all three games. The quality of Remote Play depends on how strong your WiFi connection is, and since mine is amazing, I didn't need to worry about any lag or quality issues. With that out of the way, I noticed no input lag on the controller's part either. All of my commands were promptly registered, which is crucial in Expedition 33. Winning battles in the game is heavily reliant on you parrying and dodging, as enemies can easily one-shot you. Lucky for me, I timed my parries perfectly by hitting R1 on the Backbone Pro. The travel distance between you pressing the button and its meeting with the sensor is very short, too, so a simple tap is more than enough for the controller to register the input. Similarly, braking and accelerating in NFS Heat was a breeze. My fingers didn't feel fatigued when I had to brake and use the thumbstick to drift in challenges either. Speaking of, the Backbone Pro's thumbsticks don't utilize Hall Effect sensors, but they're still highly responsive. I also appreciate that they're full-size, which made turning tight corners in NFS Heat a walk in the park. They were also handy in Planet Zoo, where you need a steady hand to create symmetrical enclosures. I didn't have any issues building multiple homes for my animals with the thumbsticks. I like how close the left thumbstick is to the D-pad, as I was able to use the midpoint of my thumb to press the navigation keys when I needed to access my inventory or cycle through menus. I played native games on my Google Pixel 7 Pro as well: Real Racing 3 and Call of Duty Mobile. Again, the Backbone Pro performed reliably in both games. Peeking around corners to gauge enemy positions and retreating to my hiding spot in Call of Duty Mobile was quick and easy. I also love how soft the longer L2 and R2 triggers feel, which made aiming and firing my gun, or accelerating in Real Racing 3, less fatiguing on my fingers. Backbone has added two customizable back buttons to the Backbone Pro, both within easy reach of ring or pinky fingers. I love back buttons as, to me, they make games feel more intuitive and the controller more ergonomic. These can be remapped via the Backbone app (more on that soon). For use in F1 22, I customized them in a way that the left button (M2) worked as gear up and the right button (M1) worked as gear down. This made the game much more immersive, and I felt like I was the driver in the cockpit. 'This is what Oscar Piastri must feel like,' I thought to myself as I zipped through the Circuit of Spa-Francorchamps… and then crashed into the barrier and thought, 'This is what Lance Stroll feels like.' If you don't like back buttons, you can leave them unassigned in the Backbone app. That way, you won't accidentally hit one and, say, shoot your gun in an FPS title and give away your position to the enemy (happens to the best of us). The Backbone Pro is accompanied by the Backbone app, which serves as the central hub for accessing all your games, apps, Xbox and PS Remote Play, as well as Steam Link. It sports a clean interface that resembles a smart TV. Once you've set up the app for the first time, you can choose for it to fire up when you plug your smartphone in, or you can hit the orange Backbone button on the controller's right-hand grip to launch it. You can use the app to customize your controller, too. This includes adjusting each trigger's and thumbstick's respective dead zone, remapping each button and trigger, updating the firmware, managing Bluetooth devices and more. It couldn't be simpler. On top of it all, the Backbone Pro boasts long battery life. The brand says that on a single charge, the controller should comfortably last 40 hours. I used the controller plugged into my phone for a combined total of 10 hours, and the battery dipped to 75%, which is great. There's a USB-C port located on the right-hand grip and it features passthrough charging, so a USB-C cable charged both the controller and my phone at the same time. Nifty! This is something that's missing from the Scuf Nomad, so good to see that Backbone has retained it from its predecessors. Speaking of, the Backbone Pro's battery life upstages the Scuf Nomad's, which is limited to just 16 hours. The Backbone Pro is a great controller, but it's let down by its steep price, paywalled app features and analog thumbsticks that should've been Hall Effect. There's no sugarcoating it: the Backbone Pro is an expensive controller. It's amazing, yes, but you pay a premium for it. The Backbone Pro retails for $169 / £169 — only a smidge cheaper than the PlayStation Portal ($199), for context. It's pricier than most of its competitors, such as the Scuf Nomad ($99), the Gamesir G8 Galileo ($99) and, its stablemate, the Backbone One Gen 2 ($99). On top of the Backbone Pro costing a premium, some of the app's features are behind a paywall and require a $39 yearly subscription. This includes being able to capture, edit and share 1080p video at 60fps with cloud storage, in-app voice and text chat with friends, and the ability to livestream directly to Twitch, to name a few. Granted, these features aren't necessary to use or enjoy the controller, but it would have been nice to have them available from the get-go, especially because a feature like voice chat is readily available (for free) via phone apps like Discord. While I really like the Backbone Pro's ALPS analog thumbsticks, I wish they utilized Hall Effect sensors like the controller's triggers do. It feels like a missed opportunity, and something I expected, given how much the controller costs. Even though the Scuf Nomad is almost half the price of the Backbone Pro, it features Hall Effect thumbsticks. Hall Effect and TMR, thumbsticks are more responsive than analog ones, not to mention customizable. They're also more durable as they negate the possibility of the controller developing stick drift in the long term. I really wish the Backbone Pro utilized Hall Effect sensors in its thumbsticks, especially because it costs an arm and a leg. Aside from that, though, this is a fantastic controller. It's extremely comfortable for all-day use, which is backed by 40-hour battery life and passthrough charging. I love the new Hall Effect triggers and remappable back buttons that make gameplay smoother and immersive. Another feature I love is Bluetooth connectivity, because it turns the Backbone Pro into a standard controller that can be used untethered with your console or PC. The controller's companion app makes customization and accessing all your games in one place very easy, too. If you're willing to pay the premium, this is a mighty phone controller that can turn your smartphone or (mini) tablet into a gaming powerhouse. Me? I'm about to become insufferable because the Backbone Pro is going to fuel my Expedition 33 addiction even further.


Entrepreneur
29-07-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Want to Be a Trusted Thought Leader? Use this Psychology Bias to Your Advantage
The most influential thought leaders aren't just smart — they're memorable. Here's how to harness the psychology of perception to amplify the impact of your content. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. We all do it: assume someone is smart because they're well-spoken, competent because they dress well or trustworthy because they're friendly. That's the Halo Effect in action — a well-known psychological bias where one positive trait influences how we perceive someone's overall character and credibility. For entrepreneurs, marketers and thought leaders, the Halo Effect isn't just a quirk of human behavior — it's a powerful tool. When used with intention, it can amplify your message, increase your credibility and build deeper trust with your audience. Why the Halo Effect should matter to you Most business leaders assume that audiences make decisions based on facts and logic. But in reality, we judge first and justify later. The way someone speaks, writes or carries themselves often becomes a shortcut for evaluating everything they say. This is why some people attract loyal followings while others — even with smarter ideas — struggle to break through. Look at Warren Buffett. His communication style is straightforward, even homespun — and that plainspoken approach reinforces his reputation as wise, relatable and trustworthy. His annual letters feel accessible and honest, even when discussing complex financial strategies. The simplicity isn't just stylistic — it builds a halo of credibility. Now translate that to B2B marketing or personal branding. On platforms like LinkedIn, the content that gets shared isn't always the most insightful — it's often the most relatable, clear or authentically delivered. That's not luck. That's perception shaping the outcome. Related: Own Your Expertise — 13 Ways to Elevate Your Thought Leadership How to use the Halo Effect in your content and presence To turn this insight into a strategy, you need more than good content. You need to shape how people feel about you before they evaluate what you're saying. Here's how: 1. Lead with your most trustworthy traits Do a quick self-audit. What do people naturally trust you for — clarity, empathy, sharp thinking or humor? Start there. The key isn't to fake a persona but to lean into what's already working for you. If you're analytical, use frameworks and logic. If you're a storyteller, share narratives that humanize your point of view. Trust builds faster when your strengths align with how you communicate. 2. Match your presence to the platform and audience Different spaces call for different traits. Charisma works great in a keynote, but precision might matter more in a finance blog. Think critically about what your audience values — and show up accordingly. Being relatable to marketers may look different than building trust with investors or engineers. 3. Make your audience the hero Too many thought leaders focus on their own expertise. Instead, show your audience how your insight helps them. Use your platform to solve real problems, answer common questions or offer frameworks that simplify complexity. The more useful you are, the more credible you become. 4. Deliver with consistency and intention The Halo Effect compounds over time. It's not about one viral post. It's about building a body of content that reinforces who you are and why your voice matters. Whether through tone, clarity or structure, your delivery style should reflect your values. 5. Know what you stand for Thought leadership isn't just about attention — it's about direction. What's your unique POV? What themes do you want to be known for? When you have a clear purpose, your content carries more weight. You're not just another expert — you're a guide. Don't just be smart — be seen as trustworthy The most effective thought leaders aren't just knowledgeable — they're memorable, credible and easy to trust. That doesn't happen by accident. It happens when you align your strengths with your delivery, your message with your audience and your content with your values. You already have the raw materials. The Halo Effect just helps you amplify them. In a noisy market, perception shapes opportunity. So if you want your message to stick, start by becoming the kind of voice people instinctively trust. Ready to break through your revenue ceiling? Join us at Level Up, a conference for ambitious business leaders to unlock new growth opportunities.


RTÉ News
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Monster Hit: How the creepy-cute Labubu became a billion-dollar business
Creepy or cute? It depends who you ask. But what's undisputable is how incredibly popular the Labubu has become in recent months. Usually taking the form of a small, plush-like keyring, a Labubu can also take the shape of a larger teddy or figurine. Although they're not actually called Labubu – that's just the name of one of the characters that people can buy. Officially the range of toys is known as 'The Monsters'. And they've been around for a lot longer than you might think. They were created in 2015 by an artist called Kasing Lung, who was born in Hong Kong but raised in the Netherlands, before moving to Belgium. Initially they were little vinyl figurines – and they proved relatively popular within China. But in 2019 Lung struck a partnership with a Chinese toy company called Pop Mart, which is where things began to really take off. Because they were the company that made the plush versions of the monsters, including ones that you could clip onto your bag. These proved much more popular with Chinese consumers, especially in the aftermath of the pandemic. There is a view that they tapped into a desire among consumers for something that wasn't perfect and polished – they wanted to buy toys and teddies that looked a little offbeat like this. Some think it's also an example of the Lipstick Effect – the (contested) economic theory that when people are under financial pressure, they will opt to treat themselves to smaller luxuries rather than big ones. So they buy a nice lipstick rather than a new outfit or, in this case, a €20 to €30 accessory for their handbag, rather than a new handbag. And the result for Labubu was overlap between toys and fashion – because while they look like something for kids, they have become somewhat of a statement piece for adults too. So what's made them so popular in the rest of the world? Pop Mart has targeted growth outside of China – it wants to emulate the success of Lego in becoming a global brand. But what has helped it to achieve that is the fact that a number of big names – like Rihanna and Dua Lipa – were spotted with Labubu keyrings dangling from their bags. Others showed theirs off on social media – like David Beckham, who was given one by his daughter Harper. That exposure helped to catapult them into the consciousness of consumers in American and Europe – and make them something people here wanted too. But a huge part of their success can also be attributed to the business model Pop Mart has perfected around the marketing and sale of Labubu. There are different ranges available - called things like Have A Seat, Big Into Energy and Exciting Macaron – and each has different dolls available. But those ranges tend to be sold in what are called 'blind boxes', where the products come in a sealed box with no indication as to which one is inside They also do limited edition releases – in some ranges one out of every 100 boxes is a so-called 'chaser', which is a hard to get and sought after variety. And they do collaborations with consumer brands like Coca-Cola, and fashion brands like Uniqlo, which are also sold blind and in limited quantities. And all of that has created a virality to the toy. People post unboxing videos online, or show off a rare find on social media. There's also a feeling of collectability to them – people don't just want any doll, they want a specific one, or they want the whole set. But, because of the blind boxes and limited edition releases you need to buy a lot of them in order to complete a set (or get a rarity). And that's massively boosted sales. And it's led to some remarkable scenes… Yes - there have been cases around the world of people queuing up overnight in order to get their hands on the latest 'drop'. There have also been cases of brawls breaking out as people try to get their hands on one – Pop Mart's shops in London have had to suspend sales twice in recent months because of the chaos that was unleased by the demand for the products. And, needless to say, when you have something that's highly sought after but in short supply, it hasn't taken long for a black market to pop up around them. For example counterfeiters have moved to close the gap – which has led to what are known as 'Lafufus'; the knock off Labubus that have flooded the market. Some of them are extremely convincing copies of the original toys – to the extent that Pop Mart has started adding an invisible stamp to its official version, that can only be seen under UV light, as a way of distinguishing one from the other. Other knock-offs aren't quite as well put together – and there have been warnings about the quality and safety of some of the fakes that are being sold, because they probably haven't passed official safety checks and standards before getting to the consumer. As a result there's a risk of small parts breaking off and creating a choking hazard, for example. Another less concerning black market – or more accurately a sub-industry – that's cropped up have been accessory sellers. Platforms like Etsy and Temu are full of mock Prada outfits, face tattoos, necklaces and even Crocs for Labubu dolls, allowing people to further personalise their finds. And there's a massive secondary market too. In some cases Labubus are selling for three times their face value online, which has made them an attractive proposition for scalpers. And even some ultra-rare versions are making big money in official sales – there was a four foot tall version that sold for $150,000 at auction last month. Meanwhile the whole 'blind box' approach has led to some strange behaviour in Pop Mart's shops – with some of the more devoted collectors tending to go around shaking the boxes to try to figure out which variety is inside before they buy it. Avid collectors claim they have perfected their technique and can dramatically improve their odds of finding a rare 'chaser'. Have some taken issue with 'blind boxes'? Yes, even within China there have been questions about how ethical or otherwise blind boxes are. A report questioning their use that broadcast on Chinese state media last month led to Pop Mart's share price falling sharply. Blind boxes aren't something that started with Labubu – if you go into a toyshop you'll see a huge number of different toy lines and brands selling 'surprise' or 'mystery' products where you don't know what's inside until to buy it, take it home and take off the wrapper. That includes LOL Dolls, some of the Funko Pops, Hatchimals – but also big names like Disney, Barbie and Lego have gotten in on the practice with some product lines. And the criticism is that they're made to be addictive – and while some may be popular with adults, they are ultimately targeted at kids. Some see them almost as a form of gambling – because you're paying your money without knowing what you'll get in return – and without necessarily knowing if it's worth the spend or not. You might get something valuable or rare – or the variety that you want – or you might get something that isn't all that desired, or that you already have. And that's not to mention the cost to consumers who want to get a particular one or collect the range – they probably have to spend multiples of the face value in order to do that. And it likely leads to a lot of unwanted products and packaging, too, that may ultimately end up getting dumped. The counter argument to this is that 'blind boxes' are really just a more developed version of the lucky dip bag – which have been around for generations. Many will remember other 'surprise' products from their childhood – like Premier League stickers, Pogs and Match Attax cards. So we've always had this kind of thing. What's different now, though, is that there are so many different 'blind box' type products that consumers are being urged to collect – and they're much more expensive, too. But this has all been very good news for Pop Mart… Yes they've enjoyed incredible growth since being established in 2010 – selling various ranges of collectable dolls and toys, including Labubus. For a long time they were very much focused on the Chinese market – but in recent years have made a real effort to push their products into other markets. They now have 530 stores worldwide, and around 2,470 'robostores' – which are essentially vending machines that sell some of their products. Most of those are in China, but around 130 physical shops and 200 robostores are in other countries, including England and France. Non-China sales now account for around 40% of their revenue – and last year they doubled their total revenues to 13 billion yuan – or around €1.5 billion, their profits tripled to the equivalent of €390m. That's largely driven by Labubu – but sales of some of their other toy lines have been boosted too, which has led to its share price surging. As a result Pop Mart is now technically valued at more than the combined valuations of both Hasbro and Mattel. And of course they're looking to capitalise on the Labubu trend – with a TV show and a film already underway. That may well boost sales of the toys even further in the coming years. How has this success been received in China? There has been some criticism of Labubu in China – not just the use of blind boxes, but also suggestions that the dolls are too scary looking and shouldn't be sold to children. Overall, though, this is being seen as a massive success for China – because it's perhaps the first example of the country having a significant impact on western culture. We're used to Japanese and South Korean influences in Europe and the US – that's been happening for decades, through the likes of Nintendo, or anime and manga, Hello Kitty… all the way to cars and K-Pop. But for a long time Chinese exports to Europe and America were just the products western companies paid them to make. And if you think of the few "Chinese" cultural exports we have had here – like Chinese food, they bear very little resemblance to the actual Chinese equivalent. Most of the other things we think of when we think 'China' - like the music or imagery or typography - is probably based on some fairly iffy stereotypes that were developed by western media. But Labubus and Pop Mart are essentially a home grown Chinese phenomenon that is causing real ripples in Western culture – arguably it's the first such product to do that. And when you combine it with the success of Chinese retailers like Shein and Temu, and the growth of car brands like BYD and Polestar, it's another example of China's growing soft power and influence – and another sign that it's slowly moving away from being the world's factory to becoming a real player in our culture.
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
IPO Market: Why 2025 is Poised for a Resurgence After Years of Stagnation
After reaching a peak in 2021, the initial public offering (IPO) market has been stagnant. In 2020, the number of IPOs was 480, and in 2021, the number of new offerings exploded to 1035. The reason behind the explosion in new stock offerings was due to an 'animal spirit' market environment spurred on by basement-level interest rates, government stimulus checks, and robust market performance. Meanwhile, many companies went public in the second half of 2020 and early 2021, having delayed their IPOs due to macroeconomic concerns caused by the pandemic. In addition, the stay-at-home trend led to the rapid growth of digital and online businesses like telehealth, cybersecurity, e-commerce, and streaming services, prompting management teams to take them public. The rise of SPACs (Special Purpose Acquisition Companies), also known as 'blank check companies,' helped to increase the IPO count and Wall Street's speculative, risk-on fervor. SPACs utilize the IPO process as a means to raise capital for the acquisition of a private company. During the immediate post-COVID timeframe, the number of SPACs doubled, and their share prices increased rapidly (at first) as well. However, with little fundamentals, sky-high valuations, and speculative retail investments, the IPO SPAC bubble eventually burst. The poor performance after the initial SPAC jolt likely set the IPO market back for years. With higher inflation in 2022 came higher interest rates and a more challenging path to going public. In addition, macro concerns and a tighter regulatory environment meant that more companies remained private. From the peak of 1,035 IPOs in 2021, the number of IPOs in 2021 was 181, 154 in 2023, and 225 last year. Year-to-date, there have been 161 IPOs in the United States. Should the current trend continue, 2025 will mark the most robust IPO market since 2021. What's behind the rebirth of the IPO market? · Innovations Lead to Hyper-Growth Industries: Industries such as artificial intelligence and digital assets have transitioned from pipedream to reality in 2025, amid rampant adoption and investment. · Regulatory Thawing: The Trump administration is seen by Wall Street as more favorable from a regulatory perspective. For example, the administration is backing 'The GENIUS Act,' finally providing a regulatory framework and clarity for the stablecoin business. · The IPO Domino Effect: Often,management teams will wait to see how other companies do before going public. Because companies like Coreweave (CRWV) and Circle Group (CRCL) have experienced so much price appreciation since going public, other companies are more likely to follow suit and pull the trigger. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Though many 2025 IPOs have been successful, not all have been. For instance, Newsmax (NMAX), a right-leaning media company, shot from $15 to $265 before completely roundtripping the gains. IPOs are the lifeblood of the stock market, and when the market is healthy, they can provide investors with investment opportunities in hyper-growth market areas such as fintech, digital assets and artificial intelligence. Two stocks to watch in the digital assets and fintech space are Cantor Equity Partners (CEP) and Chime Financial (CHYM). CEP is a SPAC used to acquire Bitcoin, and Chime provides a mobile-first banking solution. In addition, financial infrastructure platform Stripe is rumored to be considering an IPO in 2025. Here are some other potential IPOs rumored to be going public this year: Klarna: A leader in the 'buy now, pay later' space. Discord: A popular chat and communication platform. StubHub: The leading ticket resale marketplace. Bottom Line After a multi-year drought, the US IPO market is reborn in 2025. More companies are going public and performing well, offering fruitful opportunities for growth-oriented investors. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report CoreWeave Inc. (CRWV) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Error 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


Pink Villa
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Sakamoto Days Chapter 217 To Reveal Shin's Plan—Recap, Release Date, Where To Read And More
The last Sakamoto Days chapter, titled 'Tunnel,' began with Shin surviving Takamura/X's slash thanks to Atari. She explains that she used the final remnants of her luck to cause the 'Tunnel Effect,' shifting the atoms of the blade to avoid contact with Shin. She warns that terrible misfortune will follow. Immediately after, every member of the Order arrives at the aquarium by chance. Kumanomi launches a whale at them, forcing Shin and Atari through a wall. As more attacks rain down on them, Atari urges Shin to kill her, but he refuses, vowing to protect everyone. Shin then thinks up a plan to escape. Expected plot in Sakamoto Days Chapter 217 Sakamoto Days Chapter 217 will likely begin with Shin acting on the strategy he just conceived. He may attempt to manipulate X's unstable Takamura persona by mocking him, or by making the Order members trigger their bloodlust. Shin may also use the chaos among Order members to exploit weaknesses or redirect attacks. Atari could attempt to shield Shin again, possibly resulting in fatal consequences. Reinforcements such as Sakamoto, Nagumo, Kindaka, or Osaragi and Shishiba may arrive during the confrontation to help the pair escape or turn the tide. Sakamoto Days Chapter 217: Release date and where to read Sakamoto Days Chapter 217 will be released in Japan on Monday, June 16, 2025, at 12:00 am JST. This translates to a daytime release on June 15, 2025 for most international readers, though the exact release times will vary. Fans looking to read Sakamoto Days Chapter 217 can access it online through Shueisha's official platforms, including Viz Media's website, the MANGAPlus website and app, and the Shonen Jump+ app. The chapter can also be found in Weekly Shonen Jump Issue 29. For more updates from the Sakamoto Days manga, stay tuned to Pinkvilla.