PC Gamer’s Wildcard Hardware Awards Explained
Every year the PC Gamer Hardware Awards shine a spotlight on the best graphics cards, CPUs and gaming PCs. But some of the most interesting gear does not fit neatly into those usual categories. That is where the wildcard award comes in.
The wildcard category is reserved for unusual, niche or just plain surprising hardware that still matters to PC gamers. These are the products that make you say: they really make that now? For 2025, three very different pieces of tech made the shortlist. Together they cover home networking, hardcore PC testing and ultra high end controller gaming.
If you are building, upgrading or just daydreaming about your next PC setup, these wildcards are worth a look.
TP Link Deco BE68 BE14000: Wi Fi 7 mesh for serious coverage
First up is the TP Link Deco BE68 BE14000, a powerful mesh Wi Fi system. If you are not familiar with mesh, it is basically a set of multiple router like units that talk to each other and spread your network across a much larger area than a single router can handle.
Each unit combines several key functions:
- A router to handle network traffic
- A wireless access point for Wi Fi connections
- A small network switch to plug in wired devices
The big advantage is coverage. Instead of one router struggling to push signal through walls and floors, you place multiple nodes around your home. They pass data between each other, extending your Wi Fi into dead zones that used to kill your download speeds.
The Deco BE68 BE14000 stands out because it covers up to roughly 8,100 square feet, which is massive for most homes. It also supports Wi Fi 7, the latest standard that offers higher potential speeds, better handling of multiple devices and lower latency, all of which are great for gaming and streaming.
For gamers in older or awkwardly shaped houses with thick walls, this kind of mesh system can be the difference between unstable laggy matches and consistent low ping performance in every room. The catch is the price. This level of coverage and cutting edge spec does not come cheap. It is ideal for power users or families that really need whole home performance and are willing to pay for it.
Thermal Grizzly Der8enchtable: A test bench for hardcore tinkerers
The most unusual wildcard nominee is the Thermal Grizzly Der8enchtable. Instead of a normal PC case, this is essentially an open test bench. Imagine a sturdy circuit board platform where you mount your motherboard out in the open rather than hiding it inside a chassis.
From there you can plug in:
- Your motherboard and CPU
- Fans and pumps for custom cooling
- RGB lighting
- Storage devices without filling the motherboard slots
The idea is flexibility. You can easily swap components, test different setups and monitor everything without taking apart a closed case every time. That is why it is so appealing for people who review motherboards, benchmark CPUs or constantly tweak their overclocks.
For a typical gamer who builds a PC every few years and then mostly just plays, this is definitely overkill. At around 270 dollars it is a specialist tool. But it is also the kind of product that shows how deep the PC hardware rabbit hole goes. If you love experimenting with multiple platforms, changing cooling loops or chasing benchmark scores, an open bench like the Der8enchtable can make that hobby far easier and more enjoyable.
It is niche but it represents the extreme end of PC customization, where the build process itself becomes a hobby as important as gaming.
Razer Wolverine V3 Pro 8K PC: A controller for competitive play
The final wildcard is more familiar but still very high end. The Razer Wolverine V3 Pro 8K PC is a premium gamepad built for serious competitive players on PC. Instead of focusing on flashy looks, it doubles down on responsiveness and control.
Two standout features define this pad:
- An 8000 Hz polling rate, which means the controller reports its position to the PC up to 8000 times per second. In theory this reduces input latency to a minimum, helping your actions register as fast as possible.
- TMR thumbsticks and Hall effect triggers, which use more advanced sensing technology for smoother and more reliable movement detection. Hall effect parts in particular are known for reducing stick drift over time.
For fast shooters or competitive games where every millisecond counts, this controller is designed so that your gear is never the weak link. The trade off is again price. At about 200 dollars it costs more than many budget graphics cards and even some consoles.
That means it really makes the most sense for players who are deeply into ranked modes, esports or just demand the absolute best feel from their controller. The build quality and premium components help justify the cost if you are that kind of gamer, but it is far from a casual purchase.
Why these wildcards matter for PC gamers
Although they serve very different roles, all three wildcard nominees share a common theme. They push beyond the basics of a normal PC build and focus on specific pain points or passions:
- Better Wi Fi coverage and speed for stable gaming anywhere in your home
- Easier access and flexibility for hardcore builders and overclockers
- Ultra responsive controls for players chasing every competitive edge
Most gamers do not need all of this gear, and some of it is clearly niche. But these products highlight how broad and creative the PC hardware world has become. Whether you are fighting dead zones in an old house, swapping motherboards every month or grinding ranked matches every night, there is probably a piece of specialized hardware built just for you.
The PC Gamer Hardware Awards 2025 wildcard category exists to recognize that kind of innovation. Each nominee might only be perfect for a slice of the audience, yet together they show how far PC gaming gear has evolved and how many different ways there are to upgrade your setup beyond just buying a new graphics card.
Original article and image: https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/processors/pc-gamer-hardware-awards-2025s-wildcards-the-best-of-the-rest-is-full-of-surprises/
