Peripherals News - Page 2

Mecpow is about to launch two new laser engravers that are designed to make creation easier, safer, and last longer.

The company behind the two products has announced the Mecpow X3 and the Mecpow X3 Pro laser engraver, a laser cutter designed for engraving wood and metal. The X3 Pro features a 10W output laser cutter and the X3 features 5W output laser cutter with an emergency stop feature, along with flame and gyro detection. Additionally, the working area for both the laser engravers is the same, measuring 16.0" x 15.7", with the main difference between the two new products being the wattage, as well as the inclusion of air assist with the Pro version.

Both of the laser engravers have four connection options; USB, TF card, Wi-Fi, or the App. According to Mecpow, each of these ways of connectivity enable users to seamlessly connect to the laser engravers and immediately begin their creations. In terms of safety, both of the engravers are equipped with a flame detector and position movement protection, which is triggered when the machine is either tilted or fire/smoke has been detected.

Inspired by the look of the classic Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) from the 1980s, the new 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard comes in two visual flavors modeled after the US NES (N Edition) and Japanese Famicom (Fami Edition) colors. As a wireless mechanical keyboard with support for Bluetooth, wireless 2.4 GHz, and wired modes, the TKL form-factor keyboard features Kailh Box V2 White switches under the hood.

8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard inspired by the NES, image credit: 8BitDo.

At this point, you're probably wondering why the 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard comes attached with two big buttons - well, it's a nod to the classic NES controller and its A and B buttons with the option to customize and program them without the need for software. And there's an option to connect up to four sets, with the keyboard shipping with one.

Although the software isn't required, you can fully customize the keyboard using 8BitDo's Ultimate Software V2. The switches are hot-swappable, too, and you've also got PBT keycaps and n-key rollover support, so this is more than just a looker.

The Sony Project Q handheld is an interesting product currently in development, where at a glance, you've got a PlayStation 5 DualSense controller split in two with an LCD screen attached in the middle. For those dreaming about the Sony PSP days, back when the company released a dedicated PlayStation Portable gaming handheld, this device is very different.

Leaked video of Sony Project Q emerges, image credit: @Zuby_Tech/Twitter.

Sony Project Q is being positioned as a pure streaming device to stream content directly from your PlayStation 5 console so you can play PS5 titles in handheld mode. So there's no native gaming action at all. A new leaked video over on Twitter (or X) posted by @Zuby_Tech shows the handheld in action, at least running a version of Android as its OS.

We see the user navigating the UI, which looks smooth albeit a little basic, though we see apps relating to testing, firmware, battery life, Wi-Fi, and even a video player. If this is real (and we'd wager that it wouldn't be that hard to create a fake Sony Project Q handheld), we should undoubtedly expect major revisions before the product is finalized and ready to ship.

It's not often that gaming hardware is scented; that's the sort of thing relegated to the candle industry. But, as part of a new partnership with Paramount to celebrate the release of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, Xbox has gone and created pizza-scented Xbox Wireless Controllers that it's giving away on Twitter. Or on X or whatever it's being called today.

New pizza-scented Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Xbox Wireless Controllers, image credit: Xbox.

Simply follow the Xbox Game Pass account, retweet the sweepstakes tweet (or X), and you're in the running to win a pizza-scented Xbox Wireless Controller that can be used to play Xbox or PC games. Per the images supplied by Xbox, it does look like you apply the scent to the pizza slice attached to the controller, so it's not the actual shell (yep) that gives off that pizza time smell.

If you're in New York, you can head to the Microsoft Experience Center on Fifth Avenue from 4-7 pm ET on August 2, 2023, to eat pizza while playing games with the pizza-scented controllers. Though, with all the pizza in the room, we're not sure how you'll be able to tell whether the fragrance is coming from a classic New York slice.

You might be wondering what Hall Effect Sticks are, and if you've ever heard about or experienced the phenomenon known as 'stick drift,' then all you need to know is that Hall Effect sticks are anti-drift. 'Stick drift' is when an analog stick on a controller moves in a direction without any input, with the issue making headlines in recent years due to Nintendo Switch JoyCon controllers being prone to stick drift and even the official PS5 DualSense.

The new GameSir G7 SE Controller, image credit: GameSir.

GameSir G7 SE Controller includes Hall Effect Sticks for its analog controls, which feature non-contact magnetic sensors to improve accuracy and fine movement. This is paired with Hall Effect Magnetic Sensors for the analog triggers to ensure the same level of performance when aiming and firing in an FPS.

The licensed Xbox controller sports a physical design and make-up similar to the official pad from Microsoft and is available in black or white - with the option to change the look with magnetic faceplates. The good news is that it's currently on sale (via Amazon) for USD 44.99 - link below - so it won't break the bank, and it's compatible with Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Windows PC.

Corsair has announced its acquired Drop in an effort to expand that company's horizons with what it can offer gamers when it comes to personalized peripherals.

The enthusiast gaming community can be broken into two different sectors. One of those sectors is the visual appearance of the PC, and the other is the hardware that runs inside it. Drop, which was formerly Massdrop, has cultivated a community of more than a million members that are visual enthusiasts, with most thoroughly enjoying the company's customizable mechanical keyboards and switches.

Corsair has announced in a press release that "Personalized Keyboards that can be modified by the consumer is one of the fastest growing trends in the gaming peripheral space," said Andy Paul, Founder and CEO of CORSAIR. Corsair added that Drop has proved itself time and time again with the success of its product launches that are voted upon by its community.

Corsair has launched a pair of new high-performance peripherals for PC games in the form of the new NIGHTSABRE WIRELESS RGB Gaming Mouse (USD 169.99) and K65 PRO MINI RGB 65% Optical-Mechanical Gaming Keyboard (USD 129.99). Designed for responsiveness and performance, both are available now through Corsair's online store.

The new Corsair NIGHTSABRE WIRELESS RGB Gaming Mouse, image credit: Corsair.

Kicking things off with Corsair's latest wireless gaming mouse, the new NIGHTSABRE WIRELESS RGB, supports the company's sub-1ms Slipstream Wireless technology and Bluetooth. It also features 11 fully programmable buttons and six RGB lighting zones-enough buttons to suit any FPS, MOBA, or Battle Royale player.

Battery life is up there, too, with 100 hours available on a single charge - or 20 hours after a quick 15-minute charge. Sensor-wise, you've got the CORSAIR MARKSMAN 26,000 DPI optical sensor backed up by optical switches on the buttons to eliminate debounce delay. Plus, the ability to save up to five onboard profiles for easy access to different setups for gaming and general typing.

Razer has announced a brand-new gaming mouse line to join the likes of its Viper, DeathAdder, Basilisk, and other products, called Razer Cobra. With two models available, a budget-conscious wired Razer Cobra and the premium wireless Razer Cobra Pro, both feature a right-hand symmetrical design and ultra-lightweight builds with hardware designed for gamers.

The new Razer Cobra Pro delivers quite the light show, image credit: Razer.

Specs-wise, you're looking at Razer's high-end Focus Pro 30K Optical Sensor on the Pro, an 8500 DPI Optical Sensor on the non-Pro, and Optical Mouse Switches Gen-3 rated at 90 million clicks for both. The 77-gram Razer Cobra Pro supports Razer HyperSpeed Wireless and also features 11 individually addressable Chroma RGB zones on the underside for a "kaleidoscopic gaming experience." As per the images supplied, we're inclined to agree.

The wired Razer Cobra price point sits at USD 39.99, while the Razer Cobra Pro price point of USD 129.99 is more affordable than the Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro (USD 149.99) and Razer Basilisk V3 Pro (USD 159.99).

AVerMedia's new Live Streamer MIC 350 (AM350) is "the world's first USB condenser microphone custom-tuned by DIRAC," providing a professional recording experience in a simple package. If you've spent time dealing with recording and audio, you might know that DIRAC and its patented audio tuning solutions have been hailed for their quality. If not, then you do.

A closer look at AVerMedia's new Live Streamer MIC 350, image credit: AVerMedia.

The new Live Streamer MIC 350 features DIRAC Audio Tuning Technology for quick access to various templates and audio setups, which is matched with inbuilt noise reduction and pop filter and dual microphone pickup patterns so you can switch between cardioid or omnidirectional modes. Plus, pristine recording with 24-bit 96 kHz audio. And you've got onboard controls to switch between the patterns, mute, adjust mic gain, and more.

An excellent choice for streaming, podcasting, and recording vocals for music without the need for additional equipment - the Live Streamer MIC 350 is now available with an MSRP of USD 199.99. The introductory price includes a shock mount, pop filter, and Live Streamer MIC 350. A package valued at USD 267.97.

A few months ago, we reported on Syntech's new 6-in-1 USB-C Docking Station for Steam Deck, which is packed with features and sports a compact and great look. As a 6-in-1 USB-C Docking Station, it features 4K 60Hz output over HDMI 2.0, a Gigabit Ethernet input for fast transfer, three USB-A 3.0 outputs, and USB-C 3.0 for full-speed charging.

Syntech 6 in-1 Docking Station for Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally, image credit: Syntech.

And now we can add ASUS ROG Ally support, alongside Valve's Steam Deck, with this docking station now being a great choice for ASUS's Windows-based portable gaming handheld. The high-end ROG Ally is powered by the impressive Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor capable of playing modern PC games on its 1080p display.

And with devices like the Steam Deck and ROG Ally being designed for portable PC gaming, something like the Syntech 6-in-1 USB-C Docking Station is great for those looking for an easy way to connect either handheld to a TV or gaming display for some big-screen action. Plus, you can benefit from not worrying about battery life and pushing the ROG Ally to its performance limit.