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The best games and gear for back to school

School is right around the corner, so here are finest games and gear we can recommend to keep that student in your life working hard, but playing even harder.

Jeff Bakalar
Jeff is CNET Editor at Large and a host for CNET video. He's regularly featured on CBS and CBSN. He founded the site's longest-running podcast, The 404 Show, which ran for 10 years. He's currently featured on Giant Bomb's Giant Beastcast podcast and has an unhealthy obsession with ice hockey and pinball.
Jeff Bakalar
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1 of 7 Hello Games

No Man's Sky

I can't promise anyone who picks up No Man's Sky will regularly attend their classes, but the hype and anticipation for this PS4/PC release feels just as important.

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2 of 7

PlayStation 4

We still love the overall value PS4 provides, not to mention its stellar set of games. Sure, a new version of the console is around the corner, but we think that might drive the price of the original down.

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3 of 7 CNET

Xbox One S

Microsoft has let the cat out of the bag. A new Xbox One is coming and it's 40 percent smaller, features an integrated power supply and packs in support for HDR and 4K video. It will start off with a 2TB model for $400 in August, but will drop in price for the 1TB and 500GB versions that won't be released until December.

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4 of 7 Kevin Marple

Turtle Beach Elite Pro

We really love this new gaming headset from Turtle Beach for its killer surround sound and tournament-grade build quality. It's the perfect headset for intense Twitch gaming while trying not to disturb anyone nearby.

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5 of 7

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided

The next Deus Ex game is almost upon us and we're looking forward to experiencing the world within, where humans and augmented humans are at odds.

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6 of 7 2K Games

Mafia III

Inspired by the gritty world of New Orleans in the '60s, Mafia III puts you in the shoes of a vet hellbent on revenge.

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7 of 7 Steelseries

Steelseries Apex M500 mechanical gaming keyboard

This backlit mechanical keyboard is affordably priced and on par with some of the more expensive keyboards on the market. Best of all, it's fitted with Cherry MX Red switches, which make for ultra-comfortable gaming as well as typing away those long term papers.

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