If you’re the kind of person who prefers to game with a keyboard-and-mouse from the comfort of a couch, the Nerdytec Couchmaster CYCON³ might be exactly what you’ve been looking for. Built with premium materials, a thoughtful design, and gamer-focused features, it turns your couch (or your bed) into a legitimate keyboard-and-mouse gaming station. It’s not flawless – and it’s certainly not cheap – but for those serious about comfort and cable control, it’s an impressive piece of kit that’ll help make your gaming experience more streamlined and accessible.
Check out images of the Nerdytec Couchmaster CYCON³ down below:
The CYCON³ comes with two supportive cushions, the main lapboard, a detachable mouse pocket, a large mousepad, Velcro tape for peripherals, and all necessary cabling – including a power adapter, a USB hub cable (0.8 meters), and a 5-meter USB extension – to set yourself up comfortably from a distance. Everything is easy to setup and get going, so even if you’re a complete newbie to tech, you won’t have any problems with the CYCON³.
The CYCON³’s design sticks to a tried-and-true formula: two plush side cushions and a central board that rests atop them. If you’re familiar with the brand, it doesn’t look radically different from earlier models, but small refinements make a noticeable difference.
The materials themselves are solid, with the cushions offering a suede-look finish and filled with memory foam, ensuring they’re high quality, soft, and supportive for longer gaming sessions. The main board is rigid plastic, but also feels robust, whilst the RGB light strip adds customisable stylish flair without feeling excessive. It can be turned off completely if you prefer a minimal look, but honestly? I loved it.
One of the standout features is the built-in USB hub – four internal USB 3.2 ports, plus two external (one of them USB-C capable of 18W fast charging). Cable routing is tidy thanks to multiple pathways and the included Velcro strips, so even if you’re using up every port, everything will feel neat and like it has its own place.
However, there’s a downside: every time you want to store or unplug wired devices, you’ll need to unscrew the underside panel. It’s not hard, but it does become tedious and fiddly if you’re frequently switching setups or putting it away. A tool-free or hinged solution would’ve improved usability significantly.
While primarily marketed for PC couch gamers, the CYCON³ works well with consoles such as the PlayStation 5 – especially for games that support mouse and keyboard input like Civilization VI, Age of Mythology Retold, and Fortnite (each of which I’ve spent a LOT of time with using the CYCON³). Setup is simple: plug your wired devices into the internal USB hub, connect the hub to the PS5 via the extension cable, and you’re ready to go… it’s literally plug and play. The lapboard is spacious enough for full-size keyboards and provides ample mouse movement space, whilst there’s even room for a few extras like a mobile phone or a notepad.
“Its spacious surface, intuitive cable management, and USB functionality make it ideal for keyboard-and-mouse gaming on PC, consoles, or for casual laptop use.”
And honestly? It’s also an excellent lap desk for general laptop use. Whether browsing, working, or simply playing a game on your laptop, the wide surface keeps everything stable and elevated.
Once you’re in place, the CYCON³ is incredibly comfortable. The side cushions take the weight off your shoulders and wrists, and the layout promotes a relaxed posture that ensures you’ll never feel strained when using it. The side pockets, now available on both cushions, are a practical addition too, with each perfect for storing cables, remotes, and accessories. However, while some suggest using them for snacks, that’s not a great idea unless you’re okay with risking crumbs in your gear, and given the price (more on that in a bit), that feels like a no-no.
One of its most practical features is the modular layout. Because the board simply rests across the two cushions, you can easily adjust the width to suit your body type or seating position. This makes it flexible for players of all sizes, and great for switching between different uses (I’ve even used it in bed and found it VERY effective). It even came in handy for younger members of the household — for example, my daughter used it with her iPad setup for drawing and colouring. It provided a stable, raised surface that was perfect for her creative time (and she could charge her iPad through the USB-C port at the same time), whilst she absolutely loved the RGB light strip, which she described as ‘princess pretty.’ Can’t get better praise than that, right?
There are two main issues that I had with the CYCON³. First, as mentioned, accessing the interior hub requires unscrewing the base each time – not a dealbreaker but an annoyance for those who pack it away between uses. Second, the price point is pretty steep: at around £160, this is a luxury item, and whilst the quality is evident and the features are useful, the cost may be hard to justify for casual users.
Nerdytec Couchmaster CYCON³ Review
The Nerdytec Couchmaster CYCON³ is a refined, comfortable, and impressively thought-out solution for couch-bound gamers. Its spacious surface, intuitive cable management, and USB functionality make it ideal for keyboard-and-mouse gaming on PC, consoles, or for casual laptop use. The price might be a stretch for some, but for those who really want a clean, ergonomic setup in their living room, it’s a compelling option that certainly delivers everything you could hope for.
