September 2023 Gaming Hardware Roundup

There have been some exciting gaming hardware announcements over the past few weeks that I wanted to share. Below you’ll find information on how to play your original Xbox like never before, new Logitech G peripherals, a new controller to use with your phone for mobile gaming, and some fun RGB goodies. Let me know in the comments what kind of hardware excites you.

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), pulse trigger, and a 10′ USB-C cable. The new controller also features dual vibration motors, 3-way trigger locks, and two programmable advanced gaming buttons. It comes in both black and white and the black looks so shiny in my opinion. The controller is available now for $44.99 from PowerA.com (affiliate link), Amazon, GameStop (affiliate link), and other retailers.

This isn’t the only thing PowerA has released. They’ve also released the 18′ Lumectra RGB LED Light Strip to give your gaming space some extra pop. It has 24 colors with 10 brightness levels and four lighting modes. The strip comes with an adhesive on the back to make mounting simple and flexible, but you will also receive 2 adhesive clips and an extra adhesive strip if you need them. 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-inch RGB LED strip, you can purchase it for $54.99 from PowerA.com and Amazon.

EON game

In May, EON Gaming announced 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 streaming setup or simply play to multiple displays at the same time. Plus, the three RJ45 Ethernet ports will make old-school style LAN parties a breeze! Now it has been announced that XBHD will launch on October 10th! 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 Ok, technically the headset has been out for a while, but now it’s available in pink! All three of these items were developed with professional eSports athletes who provided feedback and will be available in black, pink and white. The keyboard is wireless and features programmable keys, RGB lighting with Lightsync, media controls, volume wheel, gaming mode control, and dual-shot PBT keycaps. Like other Logitech G keyboards, you’ll be able to choose between Tactile (GX Brown), Linear (GX Red), and Clicky (GX Blue) switches to suit 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 professionals have said that this is the perfect weight for the mouse design. This is also the first Pro mouse to feature Lightforce hybrid switches. These switches maintain the feel of a mechanical switch while offering the speed and durability of optical switches. Lightforce has also received an updated algorithm to use the mechanical part of the mouse to wake up 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 says that with the new HERO 2 sensor, the Superlight 2 can track motion at over 500 inches per second, provide tracking accuracy of up to 32,000 DPI, and run at a frame rate of up to 25kHz.

ELO game

ELO Vagabond is an upcoming “professional mobile game controller” that aims to make your phone your new gaming console. Available now on Kickstarter with prices starting at around $149, the ELO Vagabond is a controller that lets you pop in your phone to create a portable Switch-like experience. I’ve tried a few 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 into, and then I have to make sure to connect via Bluetooth. It seems very bulky to me and I never use them for a long time. The ELO Vagabond connects via your phone’s charging port (you have to choose between an Apple version with Lightning connection or Android for USB-C. It seems much simpler and maybe I would actually do things like use Xbox Cloud/remote gaming on my phone with it .

The ELO Vagabond features a telescoping design for ease of travel and to accommodate the various sizes (up to 180mm) of phones available today. It also features a Hall Effect sensor joystick so you don’t have to worry about stick drift, tactile microswitch bumpers, and Hall Effect analog triggers.

You’ll need to use ELO’s companion app, Unleashed, to manage remote play and cloud gaming. You’ll be able to use your favorite services, including Xbox Game Pass, NVIDIA GeForce Now, Steam Link and more. Unleashed is there to help with control mapping across all platforms.