Just in case you were living under a rock, Nintendo dropped the big news yesterday: the Switch 2 is officially on its way (yes we got Switch 2 before we got GTA 6). While the console itself is grabbing headlines for its revamped design and rumored features, the real buzz in some corners is all about a foldable steering wheel. Yes, you read that right—a foldable steering wheel from accessory maker Nacon. And it’s aimed squarely at Mario Kart fans who want to take their races beyond thumbstick twiddling.

The wheel itself is a clever piece of kit. It’s small enough to sit on a desk, thanks to suction cups that hold it in place during the most intense karting battles. Pop in the Switch 2’s Joy-Cons, and you’ve got yourself a racing setup that looks like a miniature version of the high-end wheels PC gamers use for their intricate simulator rigs. It doesn’t come with fancy extras like force feedback (what do you expect for thirty bucks?), but the design makes it feel a lot less like a toy and more like a playful nod to serious hardware. Oh, and it folds up neatly, so no worries about it hogging your workspace.

Designer: Nacon

Mario Kart is clearly the muse for this little gadget, and it makes sense. The next chapter in the franchise was teased during the Switch 2 announcement, although Nintendo kept the details frustratingly vague. But if you’ve spent countless hours lobbing green shells at your friends in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, this steering wheel is practically calling your name. It’s not trying to reinvent the racing wheel; it’s more about making the experience of drifting around corners feel a bit more natural—and fun.

Of course, Nacon hasn’t stopped at the wheel. The company’s been readying an entire suite of accessories for the Switch 2, from the usual suspects like cases and chargers to smaller steering wheels designed to slip over individual Joy-Cons. But this foldable wheel has clearly stolen the spotlight. At $30, it feels like the kind of peripheral you don’t need but definitely want, especially if you’re planning to sink hours into Mario Kart’s famously chaotic multiplayer.

The timing of Nacon’s announcement is also worth noting. The Switch 2 accessories scene has been heating up for months, even before Nintendo officially unveiled the console. Companies like Dbrand and Genki have been rolling out screen protectors, silicone wraps, and other essentials for a while now, and smaller accessory makers have jumped in, too. But Nacon’s gear stands out because it feels more intentional. This isn’t just about slapping the Switch 2 logo on existing products; it’s about leaning into what makes the console—and its games—special.

There’s still no word on when the steering wheel or any of Nacon’s other accessories will actually ship. Preorders haven’t gone live, and Nintendo hasn’t locked down a specific release date for the Switch 2 itself. But with the hype building, it’s safe to say the wait won’t be too long. Whether this wheel ends up as a staple for Mario Kart fans or just a quirky addition to the Switch 2 ecosystem, it’s the kind of product that gets people talking—and maybe a little nostalgic for the days of clunky plastic peripherals that made gaming just a bit more physical.

If nothing else, this steering wheel gives you a reason to rethink your desk setup. A compact, foldable, Mario Kart-ready wheel isn’t the most essential thing to own, but it might be the most fun you’ll have with thirty dollars. And hey, at least it folds up when you’re done throwing bananas at your rivals. Who needs force feedback when you’ve got a blue shell in your corner?

The post Is This $30 Foldable Racing Wheel the Best Way to Play Mario Kart on Switch 2? first appeared on Yanko Design.

The German trade show unveils two collaborations focusing on research and design 

Heimtextil 2025 continues the German trade fair’s commitment to be a laboratory for innovation and creative dialogue in the textile industry. With Patricia Urquiola and Alcova at the helm of its key presentations, this year’s event helps visitors understand textiles as vessels of culture and design solutions.

At the heart of this year’s fair lies an understanding that research is not just support for design—it’s a fundamental driver of progress. Patricia Urquiola’s “among-us” installation embodies this philosophy, merging hands-on exploration with a commitment to sustainability. Collaborating with brands like Aquafil, Cimento, Kettal, Kvadrat, Moroso, Parà Tempotest and cc-tapis, Urquiola has crafted an environment where textiles become a tridimensional experience, focusing on application for the retail and hospitality industries. 

The installation in Hall 12.0 serves as a retreat, a place to reflect and imagine; it’s almost like a sanctuary to observe and touch materials. Visitors can expect an interactive journey into how research informs material choices, production methods and even emotional connections to design. “The name ‘among us’ conveys a sense of conviviality and shared experiences,” Urquiola explains.

Meanwhile, Alcova transforms Hall 3.0 into the Trend Arena, which originates from their “Future Continuous”  trend book. Alcova’s vision offers predictions and provocations, inviting the industry to rethink its relationship with textiles as cultural artifacts and tools for addressing global challenges.

Alcova bridges historical patterns with contemporary innovations in aesthetic and production processes through a curated color palette and thematic explorations. Their work highlights how textiles can address urgent issues such as climate change, resource scarcity and cultural preservation. By placing these challenges at the forefront, Alcova demonstrates that the textile industry is responsible for shaping a sustainable and inclusive future.

Both presentations emphasize that textiles are more than commodities—they are canvases for ideas, experimentation and storytelling. As visitors wander through Heimtextil 2025, they will witness the convergence of science, art and craftsmanship, reminding us that the future of textiles lies in the constant interplay of these forces.

In an ever-evolving smartphone market, Realme has carved out a niche for itself by offering cutting-edge technology at accessible price points, primarily targeting young users who crave high-performance devices without the premium cost. Known for its bold design philosophy and focus on youth-centric innovation, Realme continues to push boundaries with the launch of the Realme 14 series.

Positioned as the brand’s mid-range camera phone, realme’s number series has enjoyed collaborations with renowned designers like Matteo Menotto (realme 11 Pro series) and Olliver Saveo (realme 12 Pro series), to name a few. As the first release in the reimagined realme Number Series, realme teamed up with acclaimed Nordic industrial design studio Valeur Designers to showcase a sleek, modern aesthetic, embodying Realme’s dedication to seamlessly blending style with performance.

The Realme 14 Pro+ packs a punch with its high-refresh-rate AMOLED display, powerful chipset, and advanced camera capabilities, making it a strong contender in the mid-range smartphone segment. In this review, we’ll dive deeper into how the Realme 14 Pro+ balances performance, design, and value to meet the needs of its tech-driven audience.

Designer: realme

Aesthetics

Realme has emphasized design as a key element of its brand identity, and the realme 14 Pro+ exemplifies this focus. The device stands out in the smartphone market, largely due to its collaboration with the Nordic industrial design studio, Valeur Designers. This partnership led to the development of the “Pearl Design,” which draws inspiration from marine life.
One of the standout features of the device is its back panel, which introduces a world-first cold-sensitive color-changing technology. Using thermochromic pigments, the panel responds to temperature fluctuations, shifting from a soft pearl white to a vibrant blue when the temperature drops below 16°C (60.8°F).

As the temperature rises above this threshold, the color gradually returns to its original pearl white. Over time, the color-changing effect will naturally fade with regular use — realme estimates this process to take around 12 months. While some may view this as a limitation, it adds a layer of organic, even human-like quality to the device.

In a conversation with Torsten, the lead designer at Valeur Design, during an interview in Copenhagen, he shared an intriguing perspective. He pointed out how odd it is that we spend so much of our day interacting with our phones — often more than with actual people — yet the devices themselves remain largely static and unchanging, and almost lifeless.

In contrast, the realme 14 Pro+ offers a dynamic, evolving aspect that feels warmer and more connected to us. Instead of being a static object, the phone evolves with its user, responding to environmental changes in a way that mirrors the dynamic, ever-changing nature of human experience. This shift in design philosophy provides a more intimate, almost living quality to the device, making it feel less like a tool and more like a companion that grows alongside us.

The 14 Pro+ is available in two color variants: Pearl White and Suede Grey. While both options offer a clean, modern aesthetic, the Pearl White version stands out with its unique color-changing back panel. Additionally, the Pearl White variant is finished with a shell-like texture, enhanced with organic seashell powder for a distinctive tactile feel. For those who prefer a more understated design, the Suede Grey variant provides a minimalist look with a soft, vegan suede leather finish that offers both a refined appearance and a smooth, luxurious touch.

Ergonomics

The realme 14 Pro+ stands out for its thoughtful ergonomic design, with Valeur Designers and realme paying close attention to comfort, making it easy to use for extended periods. One of the key features contributing to this is its quad-curved back cover, which is carefully shaped to fit naturally in the palm. This design not only enhances the phone’s aesthetics but also improves overall comfort, especially during prolonged use.

At just 7.99 mm thick, the 14 Pro+ is noticeably slimmer than its predecessor, the realme 13 Pro+, which measures 8.41 mm. This reduction in thickness, combined with a well-distributed weight, ensures the phone feels light yet substantial, striking a balanced mix of portability and premium quality.

The Pearl White variant of the 14 Pro+ measures 163.51 x 77.34 x 7.99 mm and weighs 194 grams, providing a lightweight feel that still feels durable. The Suede Grey variant, slightly thicker at 8.29 mm and weighing 196 grams, adds a tactile layer of luxury with its vegan suede leather finish, enhancing its overall premium appearance and texture.

The realme 14 Pro+ combines comfort, usability, and style. Its slim build and carefully designed ergonomic features make it a pleasure to handle, whether you’re browsing, gaming, or using it for day-to-day tasks, all while providing a premium feel in hand.

Performance

The realme 14 Pro+ is not just a visual marvel; it also excels in delivering class-leading performance that caters to both everyday users and tech enthusiasts. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset, it offers smooth multitasking and responsive performance across apps, work tasks, and entertainment. It runs realme UI 6.0 based on Android 15 out of the box. To keep things cool during extended use, the handset features a 6,000mm² 3D Vapor Chamber Cooling System, the largest in its class, which helps manage heat during intensive activities like gaming.

The 14 Pro+ is equipped with a 6,000mAh battery, enhanced by realme’s Flex Pack technology, offering 15% more capacity and up to 20% longer battery life than its predecessor, according to Realme. Combined with 80W wired fast charging, it ensures reliable all-day use and quick power recovery.

The device has a 6.83-inch AMOLED display with a 1.5K resolution (2800 x 1272) and a 120Hz refresh rate, providing clear and smooth visuals. With a peak brightness of 1500 nits, it performs well even in bright environments. The 14 Pro+ features a symmetrical quad-curved design, adding to its sleek look. Additionally, it incorporates 3840 PWM ultra-high-frequency dimming technology to reduce flicker and minimize eye strain during extended use.

Main, 1x

Main, 1x

Main, 1x, Night Mode

For imaging, the realme 14 Pro+ brings incremental improvements in hardware. The primary camera is a 50MP Sony IMX 896 sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), featuring a 1/1.56-inch sensor and an f/1.8 aperture. Alongside it is a 50MP Sony IMX 882 OIS periscope camera, with a 1/1.95-inch sensor and f/2.65 aperture, offering 3X optical zoom, 6X in-sensor zoom, and up to 120X digital zoom. The ultra-wide camera is an 8MP sensor with a 112-degree field of view and f/2.2 aperture. For selfies, the front camera boasts a 32MP Sony sensor with an f/2.0 aperture.

Ultrawide, 0.6x

Main, 1x

Main, 2x

In good lighting, both the main and telephoto cameras capture sharp, vibrant photos with a good dynamic range. Exposure is generally well-balanced, though they can struggle with motion, particularly in low-light conditions.

Telephoto, 3x

Telephoto, 6x

Telephoto, 10x

The MagicGlow Triple Flash is designed for night portraits, allowing you to adjust the light’s color temperature to capture more natural skin tones in challenging lighting conditions. Video capabilities include 4K 30FPS recording on both front and rear cameras, with slo-mo options at 1080p 120FPS or 720p 240FPS for the rear camera.

With Fill Light (Left), Without Fill Light (Right)

Sustainability

The realme 14 Pro+ integrates sustainability into its design, using fusion fiber for the back cover, made from 95% eco-friendly materials. This biodegradable material reduces environmental impact while being energy-efficient.

With IP68, IP69, and IP65 ratings for dust and water resistance, along with TÜV Rheinland Rugged Smartphone Certification, the device is built for durability. This robust construction extends its lifespan, reducing the need for replacements and helping minimize electronic waste.

Value

The realme 14 Pro+ starts from approximately $325 USD for the 8GB/128GB variant. The 14 Pro+ positions itself as a strong contender in the mid-range smartphone market, offering a compelling mix of performance, design, and sustainability at a competitive price point.

The device offers a combination of high-end features, a symmetrical quad-curved display, a 120Hz AMOLED display, a periscope telephoto camera, a large VC cooling system, a 6,000mAh battery, all packed into a sleek, ergonomic design.

Verdict

The realme 14 Pro+ is a standout in the mid-range smartphone segment, delivering a blend of innovative design, robust performance, and sustainability. Its collaboration with Valeur Designers has resulted in a device that not only looks and feels premium but also offers a unique, dynamic aesthetic with its color-changing back panel. This feature, alongside the ergonomic quad-curved design, makes it a joy to handle and a conversation starter.

Priced competitively at around $325 USD, the device offers exceptional value, blending high-end features typically reserved for more expensive models. It is an excellent choice for those seeking a stylish, high-performance device that aligns with modern sustainability values without breaking the bank.

The realme 14 Pro+ is a compelling option for young, tech-driven users who desire a device that combines cutting-edge technology, innovative design, and environmental responsibility. It successfully balances style, functionality, and value, making it a worthy contender in the crowded smartphone market.

The post Realme 14 Pro+ Review: A Mid-Range Wonder with Style and An Affordable Price first appeared on Yanko Design.

A California-based company called MarsCharge is dedicated to developing EV infrastructure. To design their flagship product, a freestanding commercial charger that can top off two EVs at once, they turned to industrial design consultancy DesignStein Studios.

After extensive industry feedback, MarsCharge realized that there was a huge demand for large, standalone EV charging station chargers that actually work. The client built a highly-engineered prototype freestanding DC fast charger that can fully charge most EVs in approximately 20 minutes, which is nearly twice as fast as most standalone DC fast chargers, and arguably one of the fastest on the market today. However, they found it lacking a beautiful design and easy-to-use interface.

Styling was paramount. Our client did not want a clunky, boxy-looking charger like most of what exists on the market today. After collaboration with them, we selected three design themes that would embody the charger’s design: Monolithic, Annular and Premium. Monolithic designs aren’t simply large, their presence stops you in your tracks. Annularity promotes a natural, swooping flow, eliminating the slightest hint of “boxiness” in our design. Premium structures stand alone. You know them when you see them. Together, these Mood Board elements became the inspiration for our sketches.

MONOLITH, ANNULAR, PREMIUM

With our mood board completed, we explored multiple design directions (below). The first drawings below, with the pencil sketches behind them, are the initial configurations:

Our client loved them, and through the collaborative process we encourage with all our clients, they evolved into these detailed concepts:

The video below has the full story on how we employed our process with MarsCharge, and helped them use this design to increase their profitability.

You can see more of DesignStein Studio’s work here.

A startup called HEYii claims they’ve developed infinitely reusable tracing paper. Called HEYtrace+, it’s not actually paper at all, but a 0.5mm-thick silicone sheet with some type of proprietary coating; the company says it’s nontoxic and allows you to erase the sheet using water (though they say 75% alcohol does a better job).

You are somewhat limited to what you can draw with: The surface doesn’t react well with pencils or oil-based markers. You can use alcohol-based markers like Copics, dry-erase markers, ballpoint pens, and water-based ink pens.

The sheets come in A4 (8.3 x 11.7 inches) and A3 (11.7 x 16.5 inches). Oddly, both are priced the same: $35 each, with discounts available if you buy multiples ($99 gets you a 4-pack, for instance). The sheets come with a cleaning cloth and a piece of test material, if you want to try out a writing utensil to see if it will erase, without ruining the actual sheet.

HEYtrace+ has been successfully Kickstarted, and there are nine days left in the campaign. They expect to start shipping them this April.