Gaming accessories are not lacking these days. From gaming chairs to gaming desks, there are a number of peripherals to make your gaming sessions more comfortable. But these can be pricey and/or you might just be used to the familiar feel of your existing furniture. So how about converting them with an add-on of sorts? The Couchmaster Cycon² from nerdytec is one such accessory that aims to enhance your couch or even bed gaming sessions.

The model under review today is the limited Cypunk edition which retails for €194 and comes with the following items:

• Support Board (with integrated USB 3.0 hub)

• Two side cushions

• Two mouse bags

• 0.8 m hub connection cable, USB 3.0 extension (5m)

• Power Adapter

• Self-adhesive Velcro tape to fix the peripherals (keyboard/joystick) to the support

• Installation manual + 3 safety screws

  

As with Couchmaster’s other couch desks, the Cyclon² comes in three parts: a main support board where you place your tech and two side cushions that hold the board and feature pockets for accessories.

The board itself is rather generous on space, measuring 82x33x3 cm. This offers ample space for a laptop, mouse, a phone and headphones to be placed on top. However, the Cycon² is mostly geared towards keyboard + mouse gaming and features USB 3.0 ports (4 housed inside and 2 on the outside, including a quick charging port) for pairing your peripherals. There is an integrated cable that then connects the Couchmaster to your PC via USB (or a power outlet) to power the peripherals hooked on the board.

  

It’s handy and the extension cable is lengthy enough (5m) to reach your PC. This enables all of your peripherals to be hooked on the board itself, without being limited by their own cable lengths.

However, reaching the inner USB ports can be a hassle as they are hidden via a protective lid on either side of the board. Each lid is locked in place with a screw which needs to be removed whenever you need to access the inner ports. nerdytec says that there is a magnetic mechanism but the model I have has its lids held by a screw.

In addition, the board can be quite thick and hefty, especially compared to the previously reviewed Cyworx’s board. In addition, having the cable extension housed within adds to the overall weight and it would be more convenient to have a slimmer and lighter board by having the USB ports face the external sides of the board. 

That said, using the Cycon² is comfortable and handy. It’s easy to move around and you can adjust the position of the board along the side cushions for a personalised fit. The cushions also add to the comfort as you can rest your arms/elbows on them while reaching for your keyboard and mouse on the board. They are made of quality memory foam that provides ample padding for your elbow/arms to not cause any discomfort and the suede look cover adds a tint of class to it.

Using your mouse is seamless thanks to the included mouse pad which can be affixed to the board with the double sided tape packaged within. There are also some padding for the wrists/arms but they are limited. I’d rather have the whole board top be padded to add to the comfort and expand the positioning of the mouse.

 

In addition to using the Cycon² for PC gaming from a couch, I found it also adequate to use as a bed desk. For those cosy or lazy evenings in the warmth of your bed, the  Cycon² adds a handy stable surface to use your laptop or even console hooked to a portable monitor. However, as it was not originally designed for such purposes, there are no vents on the board which would be handy for laptop gaming.

Of course, the most distinctive feature of the Cypunk edition is the cyberpunk themed art. Designed by artist Matthew Midir, the art is original and evocative of the genre. It’s a nice touch that adds some originality to this peripheral.

  

The Cycon² is a niche product and not everyone will have a use for one. But if you’ve been looking for a lapdesk or a bed desk, the Cycon² will work as one and comes with some handy ports that enables you to use it right off your couch as well!