NETGEAR has launched a new Nighthawk Pro Gaming lineup of networking products, beginning with the XR500 router. With DumaOS powering it as a firmware with gaming-centric features, including geo-filtering, and a strong suite of other features accompanying it (VPN, media server, remote access), the Nighthawk XR500 is a gaming product that does live up to the moniker.

After the review of the Orbi Wi-Fi system went live, I was initially considering covering other company products before getting back to NETGEAR. But it just so happened that products announced at CES were coming to market in various regions, and I was asked if I could cover another NETGEAR product right after. This one happens to be different enough in intended application from the Orbi that I agreed, partly also because I had personally seen it at CES. NETGEAR is a massive brand in the networking field to where they are able to create new divisions to address the needs of the market. As such, 2018 saw their new Nighthawk PRO Gaming division which has a specific, new set of networking products introduced. Perhaps, it is good research from their part, seeing how a "gaming" branded product can be seen as more lucrative if the past few years of PC DIY products have shown us anything, but NETGEAR tells us there is more to the eye than the name suggests, and that the Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR500 router more than merits the moniker. Time to put it through the paces then, and thanks again to NETGEAR for providing a review sample to TechPowerUp.