Here’s the latest gaming hardware news featuring Gamecube controllers, a LORD OF THE RINGS keyboard, and more

There has been some new developments in the world of gaming hardware that I think are worth sharing. First, we’ll go to Razer, where they launched the Razer Leviathan V2 Pro soundbar. This soundbar received a dozen Best of awards at CES 2023 and can be purchased now via Razer’s website and RazerStores with an MSRP of $399. 99. The Leviathan V2 Pro features AI head-tracking technology and a built-in IR camera in an effort to stream audio directly to your ears for a surround sound experience. There’s also a built-in subwoofer, two surround sound modes (THX Spatial Audio Virtual Headphones mode designed for 2.1 audio and THX Spatial Audio Virtual Speakers mode for a 7.1 experience) and Razer Chroma for full RGB customization and integration with over 200 games.

Also from Razer comes news of the Razer Blade 16 and Razer Blade 18 laptops announced at CES 2023. Both laptops are now available to buy with 13th Generation i9 HX CPUs and NVIDIA RTX 40-series GPUs for powerful machines. The Razer Blade 16 starts at $2,699.99 and the Razer Blade 18 starts at $2,899.99.

Next, we have some new products for racing simulation enthusiasts. You can go to Monoprice and check out their new racing bits, the Dark Matter GT Racing Wheel Mount ($169.99) and the Dark Matter GT Triple Monitor Mount ($249.99). The former offers a foldable stand to which pedals, shifters and steering wheels can be attached, while the latter can support up to three 32-inch monitors that each weigh up to 22 pounds to support the immersive experience. If I had room in my apartment for this, I’d be sorely tempted to get them to play Force Horizon 4 and the imminent Go Motorsport game.

For Nintendo Gamecube fans, Retro-Bit recently launched the LegacyGC controller. This wired controller removes the analog stick and C-stick and repositions the D-pad for more comfort. They also updated the shoulder buttons to use digital and analog inputs. You can also program macros into the controller to allow the D-Pad to act as an analog stick or C-stack as needed, and there’s a Turbo function as well. Honestly, I can’t figure out what the purpose of this controller is other than perhaps with an attached GameBoy Player. Were there games that didn’t use the analog stick that this design would have made sense to use?

Finally, Drop is releasing a new The Lord of the Rings keyboard in collaboration with Middle-earth Enterprises. You can now type on a mechanical keyboard in Black Speech, “the unifying language of all minions of Mordor.” You know real power comes in black, red and gray. On the keyboard and keys, you’ll notice the Eye of Sauron, the Shards of Narsil, a lone Nazgul, and the infamous One Ring inscription. To be more technical, the keyboard features 87 keys with Holy Panda X switches, Drop Phantom stabilizers, USB-C connectivity and an anodized aluminum case. Pre-orders are up now for $199, and shipments should start arriving by mid-April.