Tag Archives: gaming controller

Portable controller with advanced flight control buttons is a worthy replacement for dedicated flight gear

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Playing Microsoft Flight simulator with a gaming controller has its limitation, but then, not everyone can own a filthy expensive flight simulator to enjoy the game to the fullest. Modern controllers are good for most genres like racing, fighting or arcade; but land flat on their faces when it comes to flight simulator games.

No more as Yawman Arrow combines the features of a joystick, desktop throttle quadrant and rudder controls to give players precise control of the plane’s movement. The compact controller is a god-sent accessory for sim enthusiasts who don’t want to clutter their desks with pricey pedals, throttle controllers or yokes. Basically, ones who value space and portability more than anything else.

Designer: Yawn Flight

The controller comes with dedicated controls for all the complex actions in-game. Things like six programmable buttons, five action D-Pad, a five-way hat switch, dual sliders and vernier-styled controls. This gives gamers very accurate input while flying planes like the Cessna 172 that have push/pull-styled throttle and mixture controls. There’s a pair of mechanically linked rudders (patent pending) that’ll give players a tactical advantage while flying in adverse weather conditions or operating a sim helicopter with advanced controls.

This custom-designed flight sim gamepad is ideal for air combat games with all the levers, wheels and sliders within fingers reach. Not only these features, but the controller has also six action buttons (compared to four on a normal controller) giving the player option to map more controls. There are mindfully designed grips on each side for ergonomic comfort during extended gameplay.

The only downside here I can point out is that it should have been wireless for more added value propositions. According to Yawman, the controller will be released this spring. The probable price tag of the accessory is also unknown at this time.

At the time of launch Yawman Arrow will be compatible with most of the PC flight simulation titles including the Microsoft Flight simulator, Laminar Research’s X-Plane (macOS as well), Lockheed and Martin’s Prepar3D. Infinite Flight for Android is also on the list of officially compatible games, and we can expect more titles to gain compatibility once the controller is popular with gamers.

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Wireless charging dock for your game controller uses LED lights to tell you when you spend too much time gaming

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Sort of like your “Screen Time” on the iPhone or “Digital Wellbeing” on Android, but for your gaming console.

Meet Oasis, a controller and charging cradle that collectively make sure you don’t end up spending your entire day playing Minecraft. The way they work is simple, decide how many hours you want to play and add that to the Oasis cradle. Lights on the cradle gradually change time as you play, turning red as soon as you’ve crossed your gaming limit. Once the lights turn red, you know you’ve spent enough time gaming and it acts as a neat visual reminder to do something else like go outside or eat a meal because you probably forgot to! Let’s be honest, we’ve all done that.

Designer: Xiao Wu

The OASIS was designed as a response to the Chinese government’s crackdown on gaming. While the government has strict mandates about how long children and teenagers can play computer/mobile games for, the OASIS uses visual cues to help curb addictive gaming tendencies. Games can be rather immersive, especially MMORPGs, causing you to lose track of how long you’ve been playing it for, which is why the OASIS controller proactively lets you set deadlines and helps you enforce them through visual cues.

The cradle isn’t just a wireless dock for the OASIS controller, it’s also a console in its own regard. Working entirely off the cloud, the OASIS fits the console in a much smaller form factor, making it roughly 80-85% smaller than even the Xbox Series X and about a third the size of the Series S. The console/cradle also comes with a concave upper surface that intuitively guides you to rest the controller on it, while a built-in wireless charger helps charge the controller between gaming sessions. It’s a nifty idea (and I wonder why Microsoft or Sony haven’t built wireless-charging into any of their controllers), although the only plausible caveat here is that you can only wirelessly charge one controller at a time. A USB-C port on the controller means you can plug a second unit directly into the cradle to charge it via cable.

While I’m not really a fan of governments deciding how long youngsters can game, the OASIS is a clever way to visually indicate your gaming duration. It works entirely based off of your own sense of autonomy, given that you pre-determine how many hours you want to play for, and have the console let you know when you’ve approached your own self-enforced limits. In practice, it’s really no different from the screen time features on smartphones and tablets, that help you curb screen addiction.

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Finally a Nintendo Switch gaming controller with no stick drift

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If you are someone who experiences a lot of stick drift with the gaming controller for Nintendo Switch, then this third-party accessory for $69 comes as a sigh of relief.

NYXI popular among the purist Switch gamers, has unveiled Wizard Wireless Controller that they claim is more or less like the WaveBird (the most popular Switch controller out there) but with the added advantage of not ever getting that irritating Joy-Con drift. Countless Switch users have been bugged by this problem that in a way hampers their in-game performance, and hopefully, this will be the lasting solution they’re longing for.

Designer: NYXI

The claim of not succumbing to the eventual Joy-Con drift is cemented by the use of Hall Effect joystick (the same technology used in flight sticks) that comes with a clever magnetic mechanism. This ensures, the joystick never physically touches the sensor, thus, benefiting from no dead zones which are vital for some particular gaming genres where millimeter precision is everything. Forums are filled with Nintendo users complaining of going through countless Jo-Con controllers with some degree of drift, even though they are nimble with the touches and most caring geeks out there.

NYXI has joined the likes of 8BitDo and Gulikit who already have a good hold on the market. With this advantageous feature, these Switch controller makers will brace up for dropping sales since the Wizard Wireless Joy-Pad solves an irking issue. As a gamer, I know how important it is to have a smooth setup and overall experience while using gaming accessories. The battery life of 6.5 hours on a single charge is another selling feature here that’s hard to ignore.

Coming on to the overall look and feel of Wizard, it resembles the WaveBird in more ways than not. The two dockable sides of the controller give it that classic Gamecube ACII keyboard controller vibe. For customization, the wireless controller has two remappable back buttons and interchangeable joystick rings. The round joystick rings are tailored for racing titles while the octagonal joystick circle comes in handy for fighting games. The ABXY buttons of the controller get light effects for an enhanced gaming experience and add to its USP.

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Hold this gaming controller like assault rifle to shoot down enemies for maximum immersion

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Mobile gaming controllers come in plenty but their operating mechanism is more or less the same. They clasp onto your device from both sides, a good example being the Razer Kishi. Or be placed on top of a gamepad like the Turtle Beach Atom.

This refreshing concept ideation has caught my eye for its sheer functional merit courtesy of the ergonomic design for maximum immersion. The next-generation accessory brings into the equation a layered immersive experience to respond to the interactions in the most engaging manner.

Designer:  Rahul Chhapia

There are three different modes to cover virtually all the playable genres, an avid gamer would want to have a strategic advantage with a controller. There is the Target Mode to hold the gaming controller like an assault rifle firing the bullets in the most suited position for maximum immersion. The second is the Pilot Mode to hold the controller like a steering wheel and gives real-time steering inputs for titles such as Grid Autosport sim. The third one is Classic Mode for role-playing games or arcade classics in a contemporary holding position.

Just imagine playing Call of Duty Mobile holding the controller like a shotgun, pointing in the enemy’s direction – how enhanced the whole experience would be. Rather than swiping position and hitting the shoot button on the screen, simply move in the intended direction and hit the trigger for a near real-life feel. It’s going to be somewhere between conventional mobile gaming and a truly immersive VR experience.

The button placement and the holding position looks optimum for all kind of gamers, with a fair bit of thought being put into the concept design. Bringing the gaming controller to life is highly probable with a few tweaks, and I hope it happens sooner rather than later. I already want to own it without a doubt, since VR gaming is not my cup of cake.

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This gamepad concept looks like a vacuum cleaner chopped and reassembled

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Gamepads or game controllers have evolved over the decades to accommodate more controls as well as apply new lessons in ergonomics. That said, their core design hasn’t exactly changed that much. It’s still a horizontal piece of plastic held in both hands with buttons and whatnot on each side. That leaves the design a bit open for experimentation, with some more successful than others when it comes to hitting the sweet spot of power and comfort. There are also a few unusual designs that deviate from the norm, like this game controller concept that tries to apply Dyson’s distinct design language, whether it actually works or not.

Designer: Shivendu Verma

Dyson is a brand best known for appliances revolving around spinning fans, whether it’s for sucking up dirt or blowing your hair dry. More than just the kind of appliances it makes, however, it is known for the design style that its modern products embrace. These products are marked by their elegant industrial design and a penchant for using plenty of cylinders in their forms.

That’s exactly what this gamepad design concept looks like, even if it adheres to that design language in a rather odd way. The overall shape of the controller is formed from the intersection of three cylinders, almost as if you chopped a Dyson vacuum’s tube into three pieces and glued them together. It admittedly looks like it would be at home in Dyson’s catalogue, especially with its shiny glass surface and accents that lie on the blue to purple range of hues. It might, however, not be the most usable gamepad design if it were to be sold in the market.

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Instead of “wings,” the two cylinders on each side act as grips, but they might not be the most comfortable nor the most stable, especially considering the slippery glass material of this design. The extruded parts of the horizontal cylinder that join the parts together could also get in the way of reaching the controls that might it be far too high. There are also no visible shoulder or trigger buttons that have become standard by now.

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Still, it’s an admittedly interesting design, at least visually speaking. It does, however, drive home the fact that products like these aren’t supposed to just look good. In fact, older game controllers might look hideous by today’s standards and are unsurprisingly less comfortable to use as well. Even today’s gamepads, though, still have a lot of room for improvement, and hopefully, designers won’t quit challenging the status quo to come up with something that is both usable and attractive even to a non-gamer.

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Razer Wolverine V2 Pro controller brings offset keys + expansive customization for e-sports gamers

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Razer has just hopped onto the PlayStation 5 hype with an advanced gamepad for high-end gaming targeted towards casual as well as competitive gamers. Dubbed Wolverine V2 Pro, the gaming controller is a worthy addition to the Wolverine console lineup. The premium components and customization options make the controller worth owning but at a demanding value.

It looks similar to the V2 Chroma controller, albeit in a slightly larger size. The gaming accessory is going to work for the Xbox too, but being an official PS5 and PC accessory, the lack of Adaptive Triggers, internal speaker and haptic feedback is going to bite dedicated gamers.

Designer: Razer

Click Here to Buy Now!

Everything aside, let me tell you, this controller has a steep price tag of $250, and I hope it delivers up to the expectations. There are perks that’ll keep buyers interested, for instance, the Xbox-styled analog stick orientation, wherein, the sticks are positioned diagonally rather than sitting adjacent to each other. Like some of the cool concept gaming controllers we’ve seen so far, this one has a couple of swappable stick caps. One of them is short and convex while the other is tall and concave.

Add to this the six remappable buttons – (on each side near shoulder buttons and four back paddles) and we are basking at strategic gaming advantage. For this function, Bluetooth connection is required via iOS or Android devices, to get all the customization done via the Razer Controller Setup app. Additionally, the macro buttons can be mapped to be a sensitivity clutch by increasing or lowering the analog stick sensitivity.

Razer Wolverine V2 Pro has HyperTriggers that bring customized FPS shooting prowess to a controller just like a mouse or keyboard controls. What I like are Razer’s Mecha-Tactile buttons that emulate the touch and responsiveness of high-end mouse clicks. Also, the eight-way D-pad brings microswitches for each input to get precision accuracy in supported gaming titles.

Coming from Razer’s camp, this controller was destined to get the Chroma RGB lighting effects that can be toggled via the app. The cool lights run along the handles and add X-factor to the controller design. Overall a cool gamepad to own for gamers who want to try out different setups to gain a lasting advantage in e-sports gaming.

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The UDU CONSOLE opens a whole new world of mobile gaming

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Video games have always been a lucrative business, but the past two years or so have seen that industry explode thanks to being cooped up indoors due to the pandemic. Now that most of the restrictions have been lifted, the boon and the bane of video games have been placed under a microscope once more. No matter the platform it’s played on, these games require players to stay put in one place, whether sitting or standing, for safety purposes. Of course, there are a few “active” titles that require people to move and sweat it out, but these are rare exceptions. That kind of lifestyle can be detrimental to the physical and social development of younger gamers, which is something that this novel console is trying to correct by making gaming a little bit more physical and a lot more engaging.

Designer: Asbjørn Høj Christensen

Click Here to Buy Now: $126 $199 (35% off). Hurry, only 100 left!

At first glance, the UDU CONSOLE looks like a Wiimote or a VR controller. In some ways, it does share some of the characteristics, especially when it comes to motion detection and input controls, but that doesn’t really do it justice. The handheld console can indeed do that and so much more by creating a new kind of mobile gaming experience where you really feel as if you’re living in the game’s virtual world rather than just tapping and sliding away at the screen.

This upgraded gaming experience starts by simply connecting the UDU CONSOLE with a phone or tablet via Bluetooth and selecting one of the dozens of new games created just for the console. Swing the console like a sword to slash at enemies, swing it to the beat in a fruit-based rhythm game, or flex and wave at an invisible canvas to create your digital art masterpiece. Your body becomes part of the game, engaging your whole being rather than just your eyes, brain, and fingers. And thanks to UDU’s HD Haptics, you can also feel the force of a sword’s impact on an enemy or the bristling of the brush in the hands of an artist.

Part of UDU’s magic is thanks to UDU GAMES app, a growing library of gaming experiences that will take you to new worlds together with the handheld console and your mobile device. Most of the games use geolocation like the popular Pokémon GO, so you’ll have new experiences to discover as you explore the real world as well. More importantly, these games are designed to be active, engaging, and fun like no other game before. Whether you’re playing alone or with a friend, the UDU CONSOLE will have you moving about, thoroughly immersed in the virtual world of your choosing.

The UDU CONSOLE has plenty of other things that set it apart from plain gaming controllers. A crisp, circular display acts as a second screen for your phone or tablet, while a multi-touch trackpad, trigger, and squeeze button all work together to provide an intuitive interface for interacting with games. The handheld’s ergonomic design makes the UDU CONSOLE comfortable to hold, while its durable casing and included wristband remove worries about using it outdoors.

Once it launches, this innovative gaming system will cost $199 and require a $10 monthly subscription for unlimited access to those games, just like Apple Arcade. For a limited introductory promo, however, you can get the UDU CONSOLE for only $126, which includes 12 months of free access to that gaming library. It’s definitely a sweet deal, especially for a promising new gaming platform that will have young gamers on their feet and enjoying the great outdoors, all while also playing their new favorite mobile games with a phone and motion-controlled console in hand.

Click Here to Buy Now: $126 $199 (35% off). Hurry, only 100 left!

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This Xbox controller accessory adds extra buttons to the back, upgrading it to an Elite Controller

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Casually sitting on the rear of your Xbox controller, the ARMORX Pro gives you a secret set of keys and controls that allow you to execute more efficient gaming maneuvers that put you ahead of the pack. Equipped with 5 functions, 4 remappable buttons, 3 memory profiles, and an internal gyroscope for motion-control, it’s safe to say that the ARMORX Pro gives the Xbox controller a hefty set of upgrades. Yes, it has programmable lights too.

Designer: BIGBIG WON

Click Here to Buy Now

Sitting rather covertly on the underside of your controller, the ARMORX Pro really upgrades your regular Xbox Controller into an Elite Wireless Controller. The four extra buttons allow you to access a variety of features and functions and are mappable based on the game you’re playing. The ARMORX Pro also has a built-in gyroscope that gives your gaming quite literally another dimension. To that end, the ARMORX Pro works not just with Xbox consoles (the Xbox Series X/S and One), but with the Switch and Windows platforms too.

The four mappable buttons provide a variety of options, from turbo to macro-level mapping, and the 3 onboard profiles mean you can set the buttons to perform different functions in different games. There’s even an app that lets you control/configure the ARMORX Pro, and program its lighting effects and even motion sensitivity.

The ARMORX Pro comes with its own 1,300 mAh battery that gives you a solid couple of hours of gaming. The controller connects wirelessly thanks to a companion wireless adapter (which lets you use it with the Switch and PC), and a ribbon cable that plugs right into your Xbox controller’s USB-C port.

Click Here to Buy Now

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Sony game controller lets you switch from real to unreal gaming on the fly, promises fully immersive experience

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I have just kept the PlayStation controller aside after a fierce game of FIFA with my bud. My thumb’s aching and I’m wondering, what if I could disjoin the controller to use the joystick on either side so the pressure could be distributed between both the thumbs? Well, if there was a controller to suffice this demand, it ought to do a little more than just disjoining for user comfort.

A designer believes the average DualShock should be able to rip apart and double up as a Virtual Reality game controller, and we’re intrigued! The Wireless VR controller that gamers would be using with Sony’s fully immersive PS VR headset, potentially in the future, has been modeled after the PS gaming controller’s design language. The artistically pleasing controller is called the “Unreal Control” and it by virtue is an innovative iteration of the Sony gamepad lineup.

Designer: Evgenia Burmistrova

VR game controller, Unreal Control, is not just about the looks and its uncompromising inclination to Sony’s design aesthetics. The controller in fact is built in with VR sensors. The ground intention thus is to combine a regular gamepad with a VR controller. Simply so the gamers don’t have to let go of their session and shift flawlessly from a regular game to a playful real-life adventure in VR. In addition to allowing the gamer to immerse in the world of VR gaming without distraction, the controller also allows one to play games with elements of augmented reality. It is therefore fathomed for an unforgettable emotion across the platform or technology you’d like to interact in.

The wonderful bit about the Unreal is its two-fold design – figuratively! Two controllers are created to play in augmented reality which can be connected together in a frame as a single unit to give you a modern gamepad. The independent controllers with built-in VR sensors can be used individually or connected to function in tune as one controller so you can switch on the fly from unreal game mode to real or vice versa.

No matter the functionality the controller can pull off, its design: look and feel are of equal consideration to a gamer. Combining elements of Sony’s design philosophy, the controller exhibits soft shades and has smooth curves. This makes it really ergonomic to hold and comfortable to play with. This is essentially made possible with the construction material. The controller is made from matte eco-friendly plastic, which makes the accessory slip resistant in the hands and completely recyclable at the end of life. Designed in colors to appeal to both women and men gamers, the VR game controller is progressive and stylish, bound to attract gamers with its brevity, minimalism and simplicity.

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This FPS gaming VR controller has realistic force feedback to feel actual gun recoil

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Virtual reality experiences are gradually going to take over our digital adventures – Metaverse is the prime example – and gaming is the first stepping stone for this transition. The market dotted with VR gaming accessories such as Oculus Touch, HTC Vive, PlayStation Move or Samsung Gear VR already bring superior interaction with the in-game action.

But there’s always room for dedicated VR controller products for FPS games to come alive. The ViR controller designed for VR platforms is inspired by the PlayStation 5 controller, and it brings a refreshing take on what ergonomic gaming accessories of the future ought to be like. Not on PS5, but the controller will be compatible across a range of gaming and VR applications.

Designer: Tom Man Design

Typically crafted for first-person shooting action, the ergonomic controller concept brings forth a realistic sensory experience for the gamers in virtual reality. Just imagine feeling the gun recoil, as would in real life, while toppling enemies like dominos in a gory blood bath. The motivation of the concept is to break the traditional look of guns and pistols for existing controllers, and bring a more settled and elegant design. This is important because in the coming years how we experience virtual reality in games is going to be on an altogether different scale.

The ViR controller feels like an actual weapon in hands, but visually it is a toned-down version of a gun, to keep things practical for frequent use. It has very realistic feedback – combining dynamic trigger, front-facing stereo cameras, full thumb and finger tracking, and actuators. All these in combination simulate the real feel of the gamer’s on-screen action. According to the designer, the dynamic trigger
brings a very refined level of force and tension feedback, as you interact with the in-game equipment and environment, to get a more realistic experience.

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