To provide the highest-level information possible from our reviews and showcases and to help guide the value for money offering quickly, 1-Up Games uses the following 10-point scale when taking a look at any tech.
10 – Masterpiece
A category‑defining piece of hardware that sets a new benchmark for performance, engineering, and reliability. Any shortcomings are negligible compared to its overwhelming strengths. A product that will hopefully influence future designs and will remain relevant for years.
9 – Outstanding
A top tier hardware product that excels in its category and is easy to recommend to almost anyone. Some minor issues may exist, but they never meaningfully impact the tech.
8 – Amazing
A high‑quality, thoroughly impressive piece of tech with smart design choices and standout features. Not without flaws, but its strengths significantly outweigh any shortcomings.
7 – Great
A reliable and enjoyable hardware product that delivers consistent performance and value. It may lack innovation or premium extras, but it succeeds at what it aims to do. Most users will have a positive experience.
6 – Good
A solid and competent piece of hardware with clear strengths but also noticeable limitations. It doesn’t stand out, yet remains functional, dependable for most users. Hardcore enthusiasts may desire more.
5 – Average
A functional but unremarkable product that performs adequately without excelling. Expect mixed execution, some good design choices paired with frustrations or compromises.
4 – Mediocre
A below average hardware product that shows glimpses of potential but is overshadowed by shortcomings most users will notice.
3 – Okay
A flawed piece of hardware that struggles to deliver a consistently usable experience. Repetitive issues, frustrating design choices, or performance instability dominate the experience.
2 – Painful
A seriously compromised product that is difficult to use due to broken features, severe technical issues, or poor engineering.
1 – Unusable
A fundamentally non‑functional or unacceptable piece of hardware that should not be used in its current state. Not worth the user’s time or money.
1-Up Games may make updates to the review descriptions and scale as technology evolves.
