Technology

Trump’s trade war is giving renewed importance to advertising Upfronts – NBC New York

Published

8 months ago

May 12, 2025

Media giants’ annual pitch to advertisers kicks off in the Upfronts this week, and discussions are clouded by economic uncertainty.
Media ad chiefs say chief marketing officers across industries are making contingency plans in light of the trade war.
The trade war, inflation and other macroeconomic trends have cast a cloud on the ad market after it was showing signs of stabilization following the disruptions of the Covid pandemic and Hollywood strikes.

Media companies are staring down widespread economic uncertainty as their annual pitch to advertisers and marketers kicks off.

This week legacy entertainment giants including Comcast’s NBCUniversal, Fox Corp. and Warner Bros. Discovery will stage presentations to ad buyers about why they should commit money to their upcoming slates of sports, entertainment and news programming. Netflix and Amazon’s Prime Video are crowding the field holding their second annual Upfronts. Paramount Global held its presentations with advertisers and agencies last week.

This year the stakes are high as chief marketing officers across brands formulate contingency plans for a variety of outcomes regarding tariffs, inflation, consumer sentiment and other macroeconomic shifts that could affect their spending.

The evolving cost landscape adds to the existing headwinds facing the media industry: Pay-TV subscribers are fleeing for streaming options. And while streaming has begun to reach profitability for some companies, the services have yet to prove as lucrative as the traditional bundle. Meanwhile competition is stiff as digital and social media players capture the lion’s share of ad dollars.

It’ll prove another year of Upfronts clouded by concerns following the Covid pandemic and Hollywood strikes. Last year showed stabilization in an ad market, and executives had earlier told CNBC 2025 was expected to be another year of normalization.

Instead, the industry is bracing itself — and executives are fine-tuning their pitch for the moment.

“Media becomes more complicated in the landscape that’s defined by inflation, regulatory uncertainty, shifting go-to-market timelines, and that serves as this backdrop for the season,” said John Halley, ad sales chief at Paramount. “In moments of uncertainty like this there are very few places that offer the reach, the brand safety and the impact of the Paramount portfolio. That’s an important point to make in a market like this.”

In interviews with the top ad chiefs among the legacy media companies, executives touted sure-fire content and reliable viewership metrics in an effort to demonstrate the importance of advertising during uncertain times. Many executives said they have yet to see a “material” pullback on ad spending, as had been feared.

Chief among the top categories during Upfronts is live sports, they said. Live events, like awards shows, and so-called “must-see TV” will also be a big factor in conversations.

“Sports is having a halo on live [TV] in general,” said Gina Reduto, executive vice president of ad strategy at NBCUniversal.

Although general entertainment has fallen behind sports in ratings, shows like Warner Bros. Discovery’s “The White Lotus,” which generated steady viewership and controlled the cultural conversation on a weekly basis, stand out.

“I think everyone knows that regardless of what happens, they still have to sell, they still have to move [product],” said Rita Ferro, Disney’s president of global advertising. “They say, ‘We still have to deliver products and services to our customers, and we have to do that in the best ways possible.’ That’s understanding the parameters we’re dealing with and what those implications are in terms of pricing.”

Making plans

Big brands that have in some cases sat out for years the TV advertising frenzy around the biggest US sporting event -- the Super Bowl -- are returning Sunday and spending big amid record ad prices. It's been a bumpy couple years marked by pandemic-era restraint and political polarization, but the American football championship offers an increasingly unequalled viewership too big to pass up. — Olivier Douliery | AFP | Getty Images

Big brands that have in some cases sat out for years the TV advertising frenzy around the biggest US sporting event — the Super Bowl — are returning Sunday and spending big amid record ad prices. It’s been a bumpy couple years marked by pandemic-era restraint and political polarization, but the American football championship offers an increasingly unequalled viewership too big to pass up.

Concerns that President Donald Trump‘s trade war could jack up prices have yet to translate into a pullback in advertising spending, media executives told CNBC. Quarterly reports for media companies have yet to reflect any decrease in spend due to tariffs, although the decline of the linear TV bundle has weighed down financials.

WBD has yet to see “any material cuts” to its advertising volume, said Ryan Gould and Bobby Voltaggio, the company’s presidents of U.S. advertising sales.

“The sentiment in the market isn’t really indicative of what we’re seeing currently. But you know, obviously, the future state of impact is yet to be known,” said Voltaggio.

Jeff Collins, Fox’s president of ad sales, echoed his peers: “Every client that we’re talking with obviously has their scenario planning down for different things that could happen. But I think one of the important lessons that they learned during Covid was not to overreact to uncertainty.

“Obviously you need to have a plan, and they all have plans,” Collins said. “But until there’s some sort of tangible impact to their business, we haven’t seen anyone really looking to pullback.”

Disney’s Ferro said her team has spent additional time with advertising partners in recent months, discussing various scenarios in which tariffs could affect different categories and products. She added chief marketing officers she’s spoken with are operating in what she called “war rooms.”

Ferro recounted specific conversations with a mobile phone company (which she declined to identify) that highlight the trade policy volatility: The phone company on a Friday in mid-April decided to pull an order for roughly $1.5 million in advertising for the month in light of tariff exposure. That weekend, the Trump administration exempted smartphones and other devices from the tariff scheme.

“So on Monday, that deal that went away on Friday went to order,” said Ferro.

“It’s literally in real time what’s happening. I think there’s a lot of scenarios they’re going through and it’s very in real time,” Ferro said.

Data firm eMarketer estimated traditional TV advertising spending during Upfronts will decline by between $2.78 billion and $4.12 billion, depending on the severity of the tariff impact. Spending on streaming in these annual discussions will be more stable, however, with eMarketer expecting $1 billion in growth in that category. Media companies sell advertising for both platforms together.

This gives advertisers the upper hand when negotiating pricing, with the exception of sports content. It’s likely the companies that are more affected by the loss of pay-TV subscribers will be willing to lower their pricing, said Jonathan Gudai, CEO of Adomni, a digital advertising platform.

Ad data firm EDO said there has already been a pullback on estimated ad spending in the automotive and various retail and consumer sectors since Trump’s announcement on tariffs.

At the same time, concerns from consumers on soon-to-be higher prices has translated to higher ad effectiveness. For example, home appliances brands cut estimated spending by 30%, but consumers’ responsiveness to ads rose 77%.

Media executives — who largely declined to discuss pricing — all said data from firms like EDO is key in discussions with advertisers, which are increasingly looked for tailored, targeted buys rather than sheer audience size.

“Advertisers are saying, ‘I want to buy very specific audiences.’ That’s why outcomes are so important,” said Kevin Krim, CEO of EDO. “You’ve got to have a very granular view of what you’re willing to pay for.”

The Upfronts are dead! Long live the Upfronts!

Getty Images for Paramount

Paramount ad sales chief, John Halley speaks during an upfront event.

All of these factors play into a recurring question for the advertising market: Do the annual Upfronts still matter?

“I’ve been in the business for about 30 years and the question of do we still need the Upfront [presentations] comes up every single year,” said Fox’s Collins.

The answer this year for the traditional media giants may be: more than ever.

“That’s the last moment that you want to quit advertising because, you know, you got to try harder, not sort of capitulate,” said EDO’s Krim.

Krim added the need for flexibility makes real-time data more important: “You cannot be using last year’s model.”

He also said it may further shift ad dollars to programmatic buying, putting media companies on a more “level playing field” with digital companies like Meta, Amazon and Google. Despite being behemoths in the ad space, these tech companies have started to reveal the beginnings of cracks in their ad businesses.

The annual presentations could also lock in buying for some of the consistent favorite categories.

NBCUniversal’s Reduto told CNBC that locking in ads during the Upfronts gives “an opportunity for advertisers to guarantee they have access to the things they know truly drives sales.”

Earlier this year, Mark Marshall, NBCUniversal’s chairman of global advertising and partnerships said in a letter that mapped out the company’s upcoming slate of big sports events, including the Super Bowl, Olympics and World Cup, as proof of Upfronts’ utility.

“I think from an advertiser perspective they still value the ability to lock in the franchise positions that they want to own, lock them in at desirable pricing, and be afforded flexibility,” said Collins.

Disclosure: Comcast’s NBCUniversal is the parent company of CNBC.

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Technology

Gaming Controller Market Size | Gamers

Published

2 hours ago

January 7, 2026

Your Sports Nation

The gaming controller market is a vital component of the global interactive entertainment ecosystem, supporting console, PC, and mobile gaming platforms. The market was valued at USD 4.23 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach approximately USD 8.66 billion by 2036, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.75% during the forecast period from 2026 to 2036. Market expansion is supported by the steady growth of the global gaming population, rising esports engagement, and continuous innovation in controller design and connectivity.

Gaming Controller Industry Demand

The gaming controller market comprises handheld input devices designed to interact with gaming platforms, allowing players to control in-game actions with precision and responsiveness. These controllers are compatible with consoles, PCs, smartphones, and cloud gaming platforms, and are available in various configurations tailored to different gaming genres and user preferences.

Industry demand is driven by the cost-effectiveness of gaming controllers compared to high-end gaming peripherals, their ease of use and quick setup across multiple platforms, and their long operational life, supported by durable materials and modular component designs. The growing popularity of competitive gaming, casual mobile gaming, and immersive gameplay experiences continues to fuel demand across both consumer and professional segments.

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Gaming Controller Market: Growth Drivers & Key Restraint

Growth Drivers

• Expansion of the Global Gaming and Esports Ecosystem

The rapid growth of console, PC, and mobile gaming—along with the rise of esports and streaming platforms—has significantly increased demand for high-performance and specialized gaming controllers.

• Technological Advancements in Controller Design

Innovations such as adaptive triggers, haptic feedback, motion sensing, ergonomic layouts, and cross-platform compatibility enhance user experience and drive replacement and upgrade cycles.

• Cost-Effective Manufacturing and Outsourcing Trends

Manufacturers increasingly rely on outsourced production and component sourcing to reduce costs while maintaining quality, enabling competitive pricing and wider market penetration.

Restraint

• Compatibility and Standardization Challenges

Differences in platform ecosystems, operating systems, and device specifications can limit universal compatibility, creating barriers for consumers seeking multi-platform solutions.

Gaming Controller Market: Segment Analysis

Segment Analysis by Type

• GamePad: The most widely adopted controller type, favored for versatility across console, PC, and mobile gaming.

• Joystick: Preferred in simulation and flight-based games, offering precise directional control.

• Trackball: Used in niche gaming and accessibility applications.

• Steering Wheel: Strongly associated with racing and driving simulation games, emphasizing realism.

• Throttle Quadrant: Common in advanced flight simulators and professional setups.

• Others: Include specialized and customizable controllers designed for accessibility and professional esports use.

Each product type contributes to market demand based on gaming genre popularity and user preferences.

Segment Analysis by Connectivity

• Wired Controllers: Valued for low latency, reliability, and competitive gaming performance.

• Wireless Controllers: Experiencing growing adoption due to convenience, mobility, and advancements in wireless technology.

Connectivity options significantly influence consumer choice and product differentiation.

Segment Analysis by Material Component

• Plastic / Polymer-Based Housing: Dominates due to lightweight design, durability, and cost efficiency.

• Metal Components: Enhance structural strength and premium feel in high-end controllers.

• Rubber / Silicon Parts: Improve grip, comfort, and extended usage performance.

• Advanced Materials: Include carbon fiber and specialized coatings used to enhance durability, aesthetics, and heat resistance.

Material selection plays a critical role in product quality, pricing, and user comfort.

Segment Analysis by Distribution Channel

• Offline: Includes specialty electronics retailers and gaming stores that allow hands-on product experience.

• Online: Rapidly expanding channel driven by convenience, broader product availability, and direct-to-consumer sales models.

Distribution strategies significantly influence brand visibility and market reach.

Segment Analysis by End User

• Individual Gamers: Represent the largest consumer base, spanning casual to professional players.

• Console Gamers: Drive demand for platform-specific and officially licensed controllers.

• Mobile Gamers: Increasingly adopt compact and wireless controllers to enhance gameplay experience.

Gaming Controller Market: Regional Insights

North America

North America represents a mature and innovation-driven market, supported by a large gaming population, strong esports culture, and high adoption of premium gaming accessories. Continuous hardware upgrades and content creation further stimulate demand.

Europe

Europe benefits from a diverse gaming community, growing esports events, and strong demand for ergonomic and high-quality peripherals. The region also shows rising interest in sustainable and durable gaming accessories.

Asia-Pacific (APAC)

APAC is the fastest-growing region, driven by massive mobile gaming adoption, expanding esports ecosystems, and a strong manufacturing base. Increasing disposable income and technological innovation further accelerate regional demand.

Top Players in the Gaming Controller Market

The gaming controller market is highly competitive, featuring a mix of global electronics brands and specialized gaming accessory manufacturers. Key players include ACCO Brands Corporation (U.S.), AndGAMER Co., Ltd. (China), Backbone (U.S.), ByoWave Proteus Controller (Ireland), EasySMX Co., Limited (China), Extremerate Limited (China), GameSir (China), Guillemot Corporation S.A. (France), GULI TECH CO., LTD (China), Logitech International S.A. (Switzerland), Mad Catz Global Limited (China), Microsoft Corporation (U.S.), NACON (France), Nintendo Co., Ltd. (Japan), Razer Inc. (U.S.), Sabrent (U.S.), Shenzhen Ipega Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. (China), and Sony Group Corporation (Japan), all of which drive market growth through innovation, brand strength, and global distribution networks.

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U.S. Phone: +1 646 586 9123

U.K. Phone: +44 203 608 5919

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Technology

Gaming Laptop Market Outlook Remains Strong Through 2033, Says

Published

4 hours ago

January 7, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Gaming Laptop Market Outlook Remains Strong Through 2033, Says

Introduction

The global gaming laptop market has emerged as a dynamic and fast-evolving segment within the broader consumer electronics and computing industry. Gaming laptops are purpose-built devices engineered to deliver high performance, advanced graphics, superior thermal management, and immersive gaming experiences. Unlike conventional laptops, these systems integrate high-end GPUs, powerful processors, high refresh-rate displays, and advanced cooling technologies to support modern, graphics-intensive games and esports applications.

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The growing popularity of online gaming, competitive esports, game streaming platforms, and immersive technologies such as virtual reality (VR) has significantly expanded the demand for portable yet powerful gaming devices. Consumers increasingly seek gaming laptops that offer desktop-level performance combined with mobility, making them suitable for gaming, content creation, and professional workloads.

As gaming culture becomes more mainstream across age groups and geographies, manufacturers continue to invest in innovation, design, and performance optimization. This report presents a comprehensive analysis of the global gaming laptop market, highlighting market projections, growth drivers, challenges, emerging trends, segmentation, competitive landscape, and long-term outlook.

➤ Market Projections and Forecast

According to market estimates, the global gaming laptop market size is likely to be valued at US$19.3 billion in 2026 and is projected to reach US$29.4 billion by 2033, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2% between 2026 and 2033.

This steady growth trajectory reflects rising consumer spending on premium electronics, continuous advancements in gaming hardware, and the increasing adoption of high-performance laptops for both entertainment and productivity. The market is expected to gain momentum as manufacturers introduce more powerful GPUs, AI-enabled processors, improved battery efficiency, and slimmer form factors that appeal to a wider consumer base.

The expansion of esports tournaments, cloud gaming services, and game streaming platforms is also expected to play a crucial role in sustaining long-term market growth, especially among younger demographics and professional gamers.

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➤ Market Dynamics

Drivers of Market Growth

Rising Popularity of Online Gaming and Esports:

The rapid growth of competitive gaming and esports ecosystems has significantly increased demand for high-performance gaming laptops. Professional gamers, streamers, and casual users alike prefer portable gaming systems capable of handling high frame rates and demanding titles.

Advancements in Graphics and Processing Technologies:

Continuous innovation in GPUs, CPUs, and display technologies has enabled gaming laptops to deliver near-desktop performance. Features such as ray tracing, AI-based upscaling, and high refresh-rate displays enhance gameplay quality and drive replacement cycles.

Growing Demand for Portable High-Performance Devices:

Consumers increasingly favor portable devices that offer both gaming and productivity capabilities. Gaming laptops are now widely used for video editing, 3D rendering, programming, and content creation, expanding their appeal beyond gaming enthusiasts.

Expansion of Game Streaming and Content Creation:

The rise of platforms such as live game streaming and video-based content sharing has fueled demand for laptops with superior processing power, graphics performance, and multitasking capabilities.

➤ Challenges in the Market

High Product Costs:

Gaming laptops are typically priced higher than standard laptops due to premium components such as advanced GPUs, high-speed memory, and specialized cooling systems. This can limit adoption in price-sensitive markets.

Thermal Management and Battery Life Constraints:

Despite technological advancements, managing heat dissipation and maintaining long battery life in high-performance gaming laptops remains a challenge for manufacturers.

Rapid Technological Obsolescence:

Frequent hardware upgrades and new product launches can shorten product lifecycles, creating pressure on manufacturers to innovate continuously while managing inventory efficiently.

Supply Chain and Component Availability:

Fluctuations in the supply of semiconductors and graphics components can impact production timelines and pricing strategies.

➤ Market Trends and Technological Innovations

Integration of AI and Smart Performance Optimization:

Manufacturers are incorporating AI-based software to optimize performance, manage power consumption, and improve thermal efficiency during gaming sessions.

Slimmer and Lightweight Designs:

Modern gaming laptops are becoming thinner and more aesthetically refined without compromising performance, making them attractive to both gamers and professionals.

High Refresh-Rate and OLED Displays:

The adoption of high refresh-rate screens, OLED panels, and improved color accuracy is enhancing visual experiences and supporting competitive gaming requirements.

Enhanced Cooling Solutions:

Innovations such as vapor chambers, liquid metal thermal compounds, and multi-fan cooling systems are improving heat dissipation and overall system stability.

Customization and RGB Integration:

Personalization features, including customizable RGB lighting, programmable keys, and performance profiles, are becoming standard offerings across premium models.

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➤ Gaming Laptop Market Segmentation

Market Segmentation

By Display Resolution

• Full HD (1080p)

• QHD (1440p)

• 4K (2160p)

• Other

By Display Size

• 13 inch

• 15 inch

• 17 inch

• Other

By Processor

• i5

• i7

• i11

• Other

By RAM

• 8 GB

• 16 GB

• 32 GB

• Other

By Region

• North America

• Europe

• East Asia

• South Asia and Oceania

• Latin America

• Middle East and Africa

Companies Covered in Gaming Laptop Market

• ASUSTeK Computer Inc.

• Dell Technologies Inc.

• Acer Inc.

• Lenovo Group Ltd.

• Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd

• ORIGIN PC Corp.

• AORUS Pte. Ltd.

• Clevo Corporation

• EVGA Corporation

• The Hewlett-Packard Company

• Giga-byte Technology Co., Ltd.

• MSI Inc.

• Razer Inc.

➤ Future Outlook

The global gaming laptop market is expected to maintain steady growth through 2033, supported by rising digital entertainment consumption, expanding esports ecosystems, and continuous hardware innovation. The convergence of gaming, content creation, and professional computing will further strengthen demand for versatile, high-performance laptops.

Manufacturers focusing on energy efficiency, thermal optimization, AI integration, and user customization are likely to gain a competitive edge. Additionally, the growing influence of cloud gaming and subscription-based gaming platforms may reshape future product designs and performance requirements.

While challenges such as pricing pressures and rapid technological change persist, the overall market outlook remains positive. The gaming laptop industry is set to evolve into a more mature, technology-driven ecosystem, offering enhanced user experiences and long-term growth opportunities for stakeholders worldwide.

About Persistence Market Research:

At Persistence Market Research, we specialize in creating research studies that serve as strategic tools for driving business growth. Established as a proprietary firm in 2012, we have evolved into a registered company in England and Wales in 2023 under the name Persistence Research & Consultancy Services Ltd. With a solid foundation, we have completed over 3600 custom and syndicate market research projects, and delivered more than 2700 projects for other leading market research companies’ clients.

Our approach combines traditional market research methods with modern tools to offer comprehensive research solutions. With a decade of experience, we pride ourselves on deriving actionable insights from data to help businesses stay ahead of the competition. Our client base spans multinational corporations, leading consulting firms, investment funds, and government departments. A significant portion of our sales comes from repeat clients, a testament to the value and trust we’ve built over the years.

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Technology

SIS expands reach of 24/7 live racing and Competitive Gaming content through Midnite launch – Esports

Published

9 hours ago

January 7, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Supplier brings round-the-clock racing coverage and H2H Global Gaming League to next-gen sportsbook brand in the UK.

SIS (Sports Information Services), the leading multi-content provider of 24/7 live betting services, has launched its premium racing and Competitive Gaming offering with Midnite, delivering round-the-clock live events to the ambitious UK operator’s growing customer base.

The double launch follows the successful integration of 24/7 live racing and events-based esports content within Midnite’s modern, tech-driven sportsbook platform, which delivers a next-generation betting experience across sports, esports and slots.

Built with a technology-first approach, the Midnite platform now benefits from over 60,000 additional annual horse and greyhound racing events, from more than 170 racecourses and tracks across six continents.

Midnite’s platform also has access to Competitive Gaming’s complete suite of over 225,000 H2H Global Gaming League eSoccer and eBasketball matches, which are proven to add as much as 10% in value to basketball and soccer verticals on sportsbook platforms.

Competitive Gaming stands at the forefront of high-integrity esports content, having become the first esports betting product to receive the Esports Integrity Commission’s (ESIC) Gold Standard.

The launch further cements SIS as a premium provider of value-adding, high-quality content for operators in regulated markets worldwide.

Matt Smith, customer growth manager at SIS, said: “We are proud to bring our 24/7 live racing and Competitive Gaming content to Midnite, a brand that aligns with our commitment to innovation and quality. This integration is a great example of how our high-margin, always-on portfolio can support the growth of ambitious operators and enhance the overall user experience.”

Zach Amin, vice president of sportsbook at Midnite, said: “SIS live racing and H2H Global Gaming League offer an ideal fit for our platform and our players. We are focused on building a top-tier sportsbook, and the ability to deliver engaging, round-the-clock betting opportunities plays a key role in that.”

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Technology

performance-driven gaming monitors : gaming monitor

Published

15 hours ago

January 7, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Acer has announced a new lineup of displays and a projector, headlined by the Predator XB273U F6 gaming monitor. This innovation is distinguished by its capability to achieve an exceptionally high refresh rate.

The Predator XB273U F6 is, thus, primarily targeted at professional and aspiring esports athletes for whom the minuscule reduction in motion blur and input lag provided by a 1000 Hz refresh rate could confer a tangible competitive edge in fast-paced titles.

The Predator XB273U F6 gaming monitor, along with the other introduced models — the Predator X34 F3 with QD-OLED technology, the Nitro XV270X P with 5K resolution, the ProDesigner PE320QX 6K monitor for creators, and the Vero HL1820 4K laser projector — represent a broad expansion of the company’s visual technology portfolio. With it, Acer targets both competitive gaming and professional content creation.

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Technology

REDMAGIC Astra Gaming Tablet Arrives in Korea with Snapdragon 8 Elite and 165Hz OLED

Published

16 hours ago

January 7, 2026

Your Sports Nation

SHENZHEN, China, Jan. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — REDMAGIC, a global leader in gaming technology, today announces the arrival of the REDMAGIC Astra Gaming Tablet in South Korea as part of its global rollout. Built for competitive mobile gamers and creators who want flagship performance in a compact form factor, Astra combines a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset with a 9.06-inch 2.4K (2400×1504) 165Hz OLED display, ICE-X cooling, and an 8,200mAh battery.

REDMAGIC Astra Gaming Tablet

Compact by Design, Premium in Hand

Powered by Snapdragon 8 Elite with LPDDR5T RAM and UFS 4.1 Pro storage, Astra is tuned for high frame rates, fast app launches, and stable multitasking. The dedicated RedCore R3 Pro gaming co-processor helps optimize rendering, thermal control, battery behavior, and system tuning—supporting consistent performance during extended gameplay. Astra is available in multiple configurations, offering up to 24GB RAM and up to 1TB storage (varies by model).

OLED Clarity, Ultra-Responsive Touch

The 9.06-inch OLED display delivers vivid color, deep blacks, and smooth motion with a 165Hz refresh rate and peak brightness up to 1,600 nits. Co-developed with Synaptics, Astra features next-generation touch technology with up to a 2,000Hz instant touch sampling rate for fast, accurate input—even with sweaty hands. SGS Low Blue Light and Flicker-Free certifications help support eye comfort.

ICE-X Cooling for Sustained Gameplay

Astra integrates a 13-layer ICE-X thermal system featuring Liquid Metal 2.0, dual vapor chambers, and REDMAGIC’s high-speed turbofan (up to 20,000 RPM) to improve heat dissipation and reduce throttling under heavy loads.

All-Day Battery and Fast Charging

The 8,200mAh battery is built for long gaming and entertainment sessions. Astra supports fast charging and charge separation technology to reduce heat while plugged in and help protect long-term battery health.

Productivity and Connectivity

With USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 2) for up to 10Gbps data transfer, OTG support, and DisplayPort video output, Astra connects easily to external displays, controllers, keyboards, and SSDs. Running REDMAGIC OS 10.5 based on Android 15, it also integrates Google Gemini features for everyday productivity.

Pricing and Availability (Korea)

Astra will be available on the official REDMAGIC online store and Coupang.

Open Sales: January 6, 2026 (21:00 KST)

Official Store MSRP (Korea)

12GB+256GB: ₩799,000
16GB+512GB: ₩999,000
Golden Saga model: ₩1,399,000

Launch Promotion (Jan 6–13, 2026, official store)

₩50,000 off all models: ₩749,000 / ₩949,000 / ₩1,349,000
Free 80W charger (approx. ₩50,000 value)

Online Stores

About REDMAGIC
We established REDMAGIC in 2018 with the dream of making it the world’s brand of choice for mobile gaming. Our motto, Win More Games, is brought to life by our collection of gaming gear that includes gaming phones and accessories, as well as PC equipment and devices to keep you connected to the internet. REDMAGIC has built a solid reputation with gamers worldwide for its performance, and we’ve amassed a global reach of 30 countries and regions to make us one of the best gaming smartphone manufacturers in the market. In Korea, REDMAGIC aims to offer an alternative for gamers who want a device built purely for performance, beyond the mainstream smartphone and tablet brands.

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