Gaming Hardware Round-Up September 2023
Over the past few weeks, there have been some announcements about exciting gaming hardware that I wanted to share. Below, you’ll find information about playing your original Xbox like never before, new peripherals from Logitech G, a new controller to use with your phone for mobile gaming, and some fun RGB items. Let me know in the comments what kind of hardware you’re excited about.
PowerA
Last week, PowerA launched the new Advantage Wired Controller for Xbox Series X|S with Lumectra, an evolution of the popular Spectra Infinity controller. This officially licensed controller includes upgraded multi-zone RGB lighting (4 zones, 24 colors, 3 dynamic lighting modes), impulse triggers, and a 10’ USB-C cable. The new controller also has dual rumble motors, 3-way trigger locks, and two programmable advanced gaming buttons. It is available in both black and white and the black looks so slick in my opinion. The controller is available now for $44.99 from PowerA.com (affiliate link), Amazon, GameStop (affiliate link) and other retailers.
That’s not the only thing PowerA has released though. They also released the Lumectra RGB 18’ LED light strip to help give your gaming space some extra flair. It features 24 colors with 10 brightness levels and four lighting modes. The strip is backed with an adhesive to make mounting simple and flexible, but you’ll also get 2 adhesive clips and an extra adhesive strip if you need it. You can purchase the light strip for $19.99 from PowerA.com (affiliate link), Amazon, and GameStop.
If you want the controller and a 4’ RGB LED strip, you can grab that for $54.99 from PowerA.com and Amazon.
EON Gaming
Back in May, EON Gaming announced the XBHD. This is a plug-and-play adapter designed to connect an original Xbox console to a modern TV and get a good picture. With dual-HDMI outputs, you can simplify your stream setup or simply play on multiple displays simultaneously. In addition, the three RJ45 ethernet ports will make old-school style LAN parties a breeze! Now, it has been announced that the XBHD will launch on October 10! You can pre-order now from Amazon, Games Connection, Rondo Products, and Stone Age Gamer for $189.99.
Logitech G
Logitech G also recently announced three new gaming peripherals: Pro X TKL Lightspeed Gaming Keyboard, Pro X Superlight 2 Gaming Mouse, and Pro X 2 Lightspeed Gaming Headset. Okay, technically the headset has been out for a little bit, but it’s now available in pink! All three of these items were worked on with professional esports athletes providing feedback and will be available in black, pink, and white. The keyboard is wireless and features programmable keys, RGB lighting with Lightsync, media controls, a volume roller, game mode control, and dual-shot PBT keycaps. Like other keyboards from Logitech G, you’ll be able to choose between Tactile (GX Brown), Linear (GX Red), and Clicky (GX Blue) switches to meet your personal preferences. The keyboard can be connected via Lightspeed, Bluetooth, and USB as needed.
The new gaming mouse still weighs 60 grams as many pros have said this is the perfect weight for the design of the mouse. This is also the first Pro mouse to feature Lightforce hybrid switches. These switches maintain the feel of a mechanical switch while delivering the speed and durability of optical switches. Lightforce has also received an updated algorithm to use the mechanical part of the mouse to wake the optical part when not in use to improve battery life and maintain speed and performance. The new Superlight 2 mouse features 5 programmable buttons and no RGB technology. If you like those fancy numbers, Logitech claims that with the new HERO 2 sensor, the Superlight 2 can track movement at 500+ inches per second, deliver tracking precision up to 32,000 DPI, and will run at a frame rate of up to 25kHz.
ELO Gaming
The ELO Vagabond is an upcoming “professional mobile gaming controller” that aims to make your phone your new gaming console. Available over on Kickstarter now with prices starting at approximately $149, the ELO Vagabond is a controller that lets you insert your phone to create a Switch-like handheld experience. I’ve tried some mobile controllers in the past, but it’s always been annoying since I would need the controller, a mobile gaming clamp to put my phone in, and then I have to make sure I connect via Bluetooth. It feels very cumbersome for me and I never use them for very long. The ELO Vagabond connects via your phone’s charging port (you do have to choose between an Apple version with a lightning connection or Android for USB-C. It sounds a lot simpler and maybe I would actually do things like use Xbox Cloud/Remote gaming on my phone with it.
The ELO Vagabond features a telescopic design to make traveling with it easier and to meet the various sizes (up to 180mm) that phones come in these days. It also comes equipped with hall effect sensor joysticks so you don’t have to worry about stick drift, tactile microswitch bumpers, and analog hall effect triggers.
You will need to use ELO’s companion app, Unleashed, to manage remote play and cloud gaming. You’ll be able to use your favorite services though including Xbox Game Pass, NVIDIA GeForce Now, Steam Link, and more. Unleashed is there to help with mapping controls across platforms.