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To take part in the 2027 Pocket Gamer Awards, nominate a game through Pocket Gamer’s official awards hub during the nomination period, then vote on the shortlist when voting opens. As of October 13, 2026, nominations are not open yet. Check the hub when each phase begins for the live form and its rules.
2027 Pocket Gamer Awards dates
| Stage | Dates | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Nominations | October 15–November 15, 2026 | Readers nominate games in award categories. |
| Voting | After nominations through December 20, 2026 | Fans and players vote for games on the shortlist. |
| Winners | Early 2027 | Pocket Gamer expects to announce the winners. |
Pocket Gamer announced the 13th edition on October 9, 2026. Its Editor-in-Chief, Dann Sullivan, said nominations would run from October 15 through November 15, followed by voting through December 20 and an early-2027 winners announcement. The announcement does not specify the exact day voting starts.
How to nominate a game
- Wait until nominations open. The nomination period begins October 15, 2026. The 2027 announcement had not yet opened nominations as of October 13.
- Go to Pocket Gamer’s official 2027 awards hub. Use the current hub to find the nomination form once the phase is live. The announcement does not yet provide a live form or specify its fields, so check the page itself rather than relying on an old form or guide.
- Choose the category that best fits the game or nominee. Review the current category descriptions and eligibility notes before submitting. The 2027 awards have 22 categories, and several differ from the previous edition.
- Check the eligibility rule for that category. Most new-release game categories use a specific launch-date window; several categories are exceptions. The current rules are outlined below.
- Submit your nomination before the period closes. Follow the live form’s instructions and any terms it displays. The announcement does not say whether a person may submit more than once, so do not assume repeat nominations are allowed.
Which games and nominees are eligible?
For most 2027 awards for new-release games, the game must have launched between October 1, 2025, and September 30, 2026. That window is specific to this edition. It is not the same as the preceding 12th awards’ October 1, 2024–September 30, 2025 window.
Pocket Gamer says the standard launch-date rule does not apply to these six categories:
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
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- Best Character
- Best Game We’re Still Playing
- Best Community
- Best Webshop
- Best Game Update
- Best In-Game Collab
For update-related categories, Pocket Gamer advises that relevant updates should fall within the eligibility period where possible. For Best Indie Developer, Publisher, and Developer, nominators should consider the nominee’s catalogue while keeping recent releases in mind. These are category-specific instructions, not a blanket extension of the release window to every award.
What changed in the 2027 categories?
The 2027 edition has 22 categories. Pocket Gamer removed Mobile Innovation and added Best Mobile Indie Developer, Best Mobile Game Character, Best In-Game Collab, and Best Webshop. It also renamed or reworked update-related categories. Because categories and rules can change between editions, use the 2027 list shown on the official awards hub rather than an older category list.
Rank #2
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- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
How to vote in the Pocket Gamer Awards
- Wait for the nomination stage to finish. Pocket Gamer first totals nominations and publishes a shortlist; voting is on that shortlist, not a separate free-form nomination of any game.
- Open the official 2027 awards hub when voting is live. Use the current voting link and read the live form’s instructions. The October 9 announcement gives the voting end date but does not yet provide a voting link or full form terms.
- Review the shortlisted nominees and their categories. Consider which entry fits the category and what you know about it. Category fit, the applicable launch window or exception, and your own experience are useful ways to make an informed choice; Pocket Gamer has not described these as a formal scoring rubric.
- Cast your vote before December 20, 2026. Follow the voting form’s instructions. The announcement does not state whether each person can vote more than once or describe geographic participation limits, so check the live terms rather than guessing.
What is not confirmed yet
The current announcement establishes the schedule, category count, and key eligibility rules, but it does not specify the nomination or voting form’s exact interface, required fields, personal-data collection, repeat-submission limits, or geographic restrictions. Those details should be taken from the official form when it is available. If the hub does not show an open phase or a live form, that phase may not have started yet.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
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- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
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