Nintendo has taken its first foray into dedicated sleep tech with the Alarmo. Nintendo's Alarmo works like most other alarm clocks, letting users set a wake-up schedule an??d displaying the time throughout the d??ay. The device also comes packed with a slew of additional useful and fun features, most notably theming the alarm and display to a favorite Nintendo franchise.

W??hile Alarmo will walk users through creating their first alarm upon successful set-up, many features aren't readily explained during the quick tutorial. Users can connect the device to a Nin??tendo Switch Online account to access additional content and view some basic sleep habit info. Here's how to make the most out of your Nintendo Alarmo.

Navigating the Alarmo

The Nintendo Alarmo has two buttons and a large Dial. The Dial itself can be interacted with, rotating clockwise or counter-clockwise to navigate menus and pushed to make a selection. In addition to the Dial, the Alarmo also features a Back button and a Notification button. The Back b?utton lets users go to a previous menu page or revert to the clock face, while the Notification button offers essential info and tips about using the alarm clock.

The device also has a motion and light sensor built into the front face of the display. This is used to track motion, form some basic info about sleep habits, and allow Alarmo to ac?tively respond to a user's movement while an alarm goes off in the morning. Though users can control how ??it works, the default is for Alarmo to increase in volume and intensity if you don't react to the alarm, turning off entirely once you move enough and get out of bed.

Setting a new alarm on Alarmo

If, for any reason, you need to alter or set a new alarm on Alarmo, it's pretty quick to achieve. Push the Dial to open the menu, and the first option will show "Set Alarm." Another push of the Dial will take you ??into the alarm menu, first allowing a selection of Nintendo franchise themes and then specific alarm types.

The Dial can be rotated to cycle through the options, and? once selections are made, users will be asked to set a time for the alarm to sound off. A short fanfare and a success screen depicting a green checkmark will appear after completing all the steps. It's worth noting that you can only have one alarm set at any given time.

Connecting Alarmo to the internet

You can connect Alarmo to the internet so the device can receive so??ftware updates and connect to an optional Nintendo Switch Online account. An internet connection also lets the alarm clock set its time based on something more accurate than your best estimation.

T??o connect to Wi-Fi, Alarmo users must first push the Dial to open the menu, then rotate the Dial until "Settings" is reached. Another push of the Dial will take you in, and then the Dial must be rotated again until "Internet" is selected. A push of the Dial will open the Internet menu, and a few screens will offer users some basic instructions. The Al??armo can search for networks, and once the correct one is selected, you can rotate the Dial and push it in to choose the individual characters that make up the password.

After a successful connection, you can automatically set the time from the internet from the Settings me??nu. Once there, head to "Date/Time" an?d select it using the Dial. Alarmo will ask if you want to set the time via the internet, and after a quick network test, it will ask you to select your time zone and desired date and time format.

Connecting Alarmo to a Nintendo Switch Online account

Once connected to the web, Nintendo Switch Online subscribers can log into th??eir account by returning to t?he Settings menu and selecting "Nintendo Account." After a few screens of instructions, a QR code will appear on Alarmo. Once scanned, subscribers can connect to Nintendo services and log into Alarmo.

With an active Nintendo Switch Onlne subscription, you can navigate to "Download New Alarms" in the main menu to grab new franchise themes and alarms as they become availa?ble. This option will also prompt the device to search?? for a software update, taking care of two birds with one stone.

How do Sleepy Sounds work?

One of the options in Alarmo's main menu is "Sleepy Sounds." The idea behind the feature is that it will play soothing music and sounds from the selected franchise theme to help users fall asleep. However, there's more wo??rth knowing about how this feature works to get the most out of it.

Sleepy Sounds isn't something you can toggle on and off with a whim; it's meant to be automatic. Navigating to Sleepy Sounds in the main menu will first ask users to set a desired bedtime. A??fterward, it'll confirm that you want to enable the feature. Sleepy Sounds will only activate if you head to bed after the entered bedtime.

As Sleepy Sounds determines whether to turn on based on the time y??ou physically get to bed, two ?people sharing the same bed with different bedtimes can complicate matters. There's no way to set multiple bedtimes, so the feature may not work if your partner makes it into bed before your set bedtime.

What does Records record?

Alarmo has a feature called Records that lets users gain insight into their sleep health and patterns. That said, as the alarm clock can only measure ti?me and movement, it can't provide the same kind of detailed analysis that other sleep health products can.

Alarmo can show users an average of how long they've spent in bed each ??day, with the data deleting itself after a month has pas??sed. It can also tell you how long it takes you to wake up once the set alarm begins doing its thing. Wake-up Records are stored for up to a year before they are deleted automatically.

Finally, Records can also offer some understanding of how much you're moving in your sleep. Of course, this only counts movement within the sensor's limited range and may account for the mo??tion of partners or pets. Movement Records are available for a month before they are automatically deleted from Alarmo.

The post Nintendo Alarmo: A Complete Guide appeared first on Destructoid.

Now you're playing with power

During today's Gamescom Op?ening Night Live presentation, Sony revealed that it was working on a customizable version of its DualSense controller for the PS5 pl??atform, the DualSense Edge.

Much like previous "Pro" controllers, the DualSense Edge will feature interchangeable components such as thumbsticks and Haptic Feedback trigger?s, as well as other internal components in order to offer PS5 players their own desired levels of comfort and precision when playing their chosen games.

Rumors of an "Elite" or "Pro" edition of the DualSense controller have been floating around the internet in recent weeks, so it's good to finally receive the offi??cial reveal. A date and price were not announced.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzAS_g9OuWs

On the PlayStation Blog, Sony shed more light on the DualSense Edge, including adjustable trigger travel distance and dead zones, swappable stick caps and back buttons, replaceable stick modules (sold separately), and a new Fn button for changing between pre-set control profiles. The DualSense Edge comes with a?? USB Type-C braided cable, and the controller can be charged while it's being stored in its carrying case.

Art director Daisuke Kurihara thanked the "many gamers, professional espor?ts players, and developers who helped provide feedback on the controller's design."

Sony s??aid more information will be? shared "in the months ahead."

The post T??he PlayStation 5 DualSense Edge contr??oller is on the way appeared first on Destructoid.

Padding it out

Microsoft has confirmed that it is currently experiencing a shortage in supply and demand for its range of Xbox controllers. The kings of the black-and-green brand spoke about its hardware troubles in a recent statement to gaming outlet VGC, who had noticed a lack of st??ock online and?? in the high street.

"We know it m??ay be hard finding Xbox Wireless Controllers right now due to supply disruptions," a Microsoft spokesperson told VGC. "We’re working as fast as possible with our manufacturing and retail partners to improve this. Please check ??with your local retailer for availability."

The shortages appear to be most apparent in the UK and Europe, though North American territories are likely to follow suit if Microsoft is unable to ramp u??p production. According to ResetEra users, stores in Australia and The Netherla??nds are also struggling to keep their stock cupboards plentiful. Both standard controllers and Xbox's cool custom "Design Lab" models are affected.

Hardware and accessory shortages have continued to trouble the industry since the COVID-19 pandemic affected production and distribution cycles worldwide. From consoles to graphics cards to controllers, publishers are struggling to produce their wares with the speed and regularity of previous generations. It is a problem expected to continue into 2023 at the very least.

Microsoft has confir??med a shortage of Xbox c?ontrollers [VGC]

The post ‘Supply disruptions’ result in shortage of Xbox controllers appeared first on Destructoid.

I would too, if I had a PS5

When the PS5 was first announced, some fans were shocked to find that the console was going to be white, which was Sony's first time deviating from a black color scheme for the PlayStation since the gray original console released back in 1994. Thankfully, if you're not a fan of a brighter look, Sony has also released different console covers and controllers in a variety of colors. First they released Midnight Black and Cosmic Red colors for the console covers back in January of this year (you know, those being the classic gamer colors?), but now there are some new variations on the horizon.

Introducing the Starlight Blue, Galactic Purple, and Nova Pink console covers. Ooh, aah. The covers are available for both the disc-based and digital-only versions of the PS5, and are available now for pre-order for $54.99 each. While the official release date for the covers is June 17, the matching controllers are also now up for sale, going for a stagger?ing $74.99. I guess it costs to look that good.

//twitt?er.com/PlayStation/status/1526578609753833475

Personally, I love the fun-colored consoles �if this thing is going to sit in plain view, something Sony seemed to want us to do based on the "artistic" design of the PS5, I at least like the option of being able to customize what it looks like. I had the limited edition Uncharted 4 PS4 for a while and loved it, so I'm waiting for the day I can get my hands on another console with a fun design, given they make PS5s like that... or that I can get a PS5 at all. At this point, I've waited so long to buy one legitimately, I have no idea when I'll have an opportunity to purchas??e a PS??5.

Oh well, in the mean time it's fun to look at ??the pretty ??colors, right?

The post Deck out your PS5 with new con??sole cove??rs coming in June appeared first on Destructoid.

More adaptive options for those who could use them

Microsoft announced a new line of adaptive accessories today, as part of its ongoing efforts for accessibility. The accessories include three different adap??tive options, intended to help those who might have difficulty with a traditional mouse and keyboard.

As part of Microsoft's? 2022 Ability Summit, the adaptive accessories come in three parts. A mouse, buttons, and hub make up the lineup, with the first two supporting 3D-printed accessories so they can be customized.

The mouse has options like ??thumb rests that can f??lip around, for right- or left-hand use. It also has additional "tails," for different configurations of the palm-side of the mouse.

Buttons ge??t pretty moddable too. They let you add eight programmable inputs, but the form can vary. Different toppers allow for D-pad, joystick, or dual button inputs, or even a 3D-printed custom topper. The hub ties it all together, wirelessly pairing with up to four adaptive buttons. It also allows for standard 3.5mm assistive tech switches, and can have a few different profiles for use with multiple devices.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yx0CISTMFE

??The Microsoft Adap??tive Accessories are expected to launch this fall.

Making gaming easier for all

This is part of Microsoft's larger push for accessibility in hardware. The Xbox Adaptive Controller provided a really neat and effective way of adding more accessibility options. The Surface Adaptive kit added extra options for its line of tablet compu??ters, too.

Games like Gears 5 have also pushed accessi?bility options, including features like imp??roved speaker subtitles and single stick movement.

More options and tools for games to be made more playable are always a good thing, so this is a rad initiative to see. Making tech in g?eneral easier to use is a good initiative. It's nice to see Microsoft not just undertake this, but stick to it over ?a few different iterations and pieces of tech.

The post Microsoft reveal??s new ada?ptive accessories with mouse, buttons, and hub appeared first on Destructoid.

Xbox is thinking pink

We live in a time when gamers are free to express their femininity however they please, and I couldn't be prouder of that. As something a self-proclaimed gamer girl myself, I'm always on the hunt for the perfect pink peripherals, and thankfully, they're something we're seeing more and more of these days. We've had some pretty good mouse and keyboard options over the years, especially from Razer with their Quartz and Hello Kitty collections, but finding a cute controller from PlayStation or Xbox has proved to be a bit more d??ifficult.

There are hits like the Rose Gold DualShock 4 (which is currently out of stock �gee, I wonder why), or these gorgeous pastel Xbox Wireless Controllers that Microsoft released as part of a Halo x OPI collaboration, which were tragically only attainable through a giveaway, but sadly, anything remotely pink, purple, or other "feminine" controllers have been hard to come by, unless you want to drop hundreds of dollars on a custom one. Of course, there's also the Xbox Design Lab, ??but those controllers can get pretty pricy too depending on how you choose to customize your contro??ller.

It finally looks like the tides might be turning for official peripherals, however, with this new "Deep Pink" Xbox Wireless Controller, which is compatible with Xbox Series X/S, PC, Android, and iOS. Not only is the controller itself pink �it has matching joysticks and buttons as well. For some reason, this controller is going for $6?4.99, which is more?? expensive than its counterparts that come in White, Black, Red, Blue, and Volt at $59.99 each. Weird, I didn't realize the pink tax also applied to gaming controllers.

The Deep Pink may not be my own pa??rticular favorite shade of pink, but I'm still happy to see that we have some new options when it comes to more personalized controllers. At th??is point, I'll take what I can get. Knowing the gamers who like this sort of thing, it's likely to be sold out soon as well, so make sure to snag it while you can.

The post Xbox unveils a new controller color: ‘Deep Pink’ appeared first on Destructoid.

Nothing better than the clickity-clack of a mechanical keyboard

As someone who spends a good portion of their day typing, I love a good mechanical keyboard. For a while there in the mid-2000s, it seemed like the hottest trend was to have the most minimal keyboards ever (looking at you, App??le), and for a minute I was afraid tech companies would lean full-tilt into touchscreen keyboards. Of course I went through one of those p?hases where I wanted a typewriter for no reason at all. Naturally, as I got into gaming, I was introduced to the world of mechanical keyboards, and the whole community that surrounds them.

For years now, companies that make gaming peripherals have really leaned into the whole "gaming aesthetic" (which usually consists of black plastic and red LEDs) since they discovered they could make a lot of money from marketing it. Of course, more feminine designs have also made their way into the mainstream, and showing off your elaborate, custom gaming setup h??as become?? a way for players to express their identity and interest in games as a hobby or lifestyle.

[caption id="attachment_308312" align="alignnone" width="794"] _{[Image Source: Etsy seller PersonalLoot]}[/caption]The first mechanical keyboard was actually patented in the early 1??700s �but the first mechanical keyboard that was built specifically for gaming is attributed to Razer in 2010. Now that keyboards have become a necessary part of the way a vast majority of the population works, why wouldn't we want to custom??ize them to make them as fun to use as possible?

Baby's first mechanical keyboard

When one of my friends wanted?? to buy me a mechanical keyboard as a gift, he asked me what my favorite kind of switch was. I'll be honest with you, I had no idea there were different kinds of switches in the first place. ?This moment is what really started me down a rabbit hole.

In case you don't know, switches are the little mechanical parts that go under the key cap, and they determine what kind of "click" your keyboard makes. There are some that make your key presses softer and quieter,? some that make them loud and sharp. I f??ound that the brown switches were my favorite, because they had this really nice feedback when I pressed down on them.

My favorite switches I've ever come across by far, though, are called the Banana Split switches. I've never used them personally, but just hearing audio of them was enough for me to?? lose my mind. I even? hesitate to tell anyone about them now, because they're always sold out, but they make one of the most satisfying sounds I can imagine. They're kind of crunchy, and sound almost like someone is popping bubble wrap, and I need to write an entire novel on them immediately.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZwmdU-cgY4&t=7s

I think there's a special kind of irony in the fact that as the techno??logy for keyboards got better? and better, we started streamlining them �but after a while, we started emulating that weight and tactile nature of the first keyboards back in the day.

We've come so full circle that not only do we have keyboards that are sturdy and hardly ever break, but we can also customize them to feel any way we damn well please! I'm sure Christopher Latham Sholes,?? t?he inventor of the QWERTY keyboard layout, would be thrilled by how far we've come.

The name of the game is customization

There's also the whole world of LEDs!

I can't believe that there used to be a time when I was around people who didn't have keyboards ?that can light up to be any color they want. There's just something about making my keyboard light up in rainbow colors that delights my inner child, and now I can never go back to having a boring, normal set of keys ever again.

Yet another layer of customization comes from key caps, which can look like pretty much whatever you want. You want caps themed after your favorite video game? You got it. How about resin ones with little dried flowers in them? Yup. A whole keyboard made of Kirby caps that are also magnetic and can "eat" things? That is also something you can d?o.

Some people even make deliberately "hostile" keyboards just for the fu??n of ??it. I seriously cannot stress how endless the possibilities are.

[caption id="attachment_308313" align="alignnone" width="794"] _{[Image Source: Etsy seller ThatArtistMeleigha]}[/caption]If I went down that rabbit hole, there would be no coming out, and my wallet would suffer greatly. I knew I was in deep when I started following Twitter accounts of insanely talented creators who build their entire keyboards from sc??ratch themselves, but al?l I can do is look at their pictures longingly and hope that someday I can justify a purchase.

I can understand the utility of mechanical keyboards when it comes to games, but it's interesting that they really became popular because of their aesthetics and customization options. It's just a fun piece of gaming subculture t??hat I can really appreciate from afar, and maybe someday I can set aside enough cash to make the custom keyboar?d of my dreams.

What has your mechanical keyboard journey been like? Have you tricked out your set up? Let's discuss in the comments!
_{[Featured Image Source: Reddit user u/Gerardy_Im_Design]}

The post I am entr??ance??d by the world of custom mechanical keyboards appeared first on Destructoid.

So cute it hurts

As a gamer with more feminine taste, I'm always looking for pink gaming peripherals to break up the sea of black plastic and red LEDs. Initially released back in 2019, Razer's Quartz collection gave fans what they had been waiting for with a line of baby pink gaming accessories, including a mouse, microphones, a keyboard, and mos?t famous??ly, a headset with cat ears on it. The line of peripherals flooded our social media feeds, with e-girls, e-boys, and e-nbies alike finally being able to complete their soft gaming aesthetic.

After collaborating with Street Fighter and Super Monkey Ball, Hello Kitty is back on the scene with her own Razer capsule collection. If you thought the Quartz collection was cute, just wait until you see the new headset, mouse, ??mousepad, and gaming chair that are dropping as part of the Razer x Saniro collab, each ite??m branded with Hello Kitty and her friends.

Razer's Kraken BT headset is one of their staples, and this time it's decked out with white cat ears, complete with Kitty White's signature bow for $119.99. The mousepad and keyboard are self-explanatory, but equally as adorable, and will run you $64.99 for the set. The $499 Iskur X chair is the real star of the show here, and also has the option to come with a lumbar support pillow f?or an extra $59.99.

I am currently sitting on a cheap IKEA desk chair that has been scratched to all hell by my own cats, and I can tell y??ou that it's taking everything in my power not to buy this chair.

I don't even need a new gaming headset, but the si??ren song of the Hello Kitty ears is calling to me. The fact that I'm this tempted to drop the cash shows what a great move this was on Razer's part, because I get the feeling they're going? to have trouble keeping this stuff in stock.

The post I’m obsessed with the new Razer x Hello Kitty collection appeared first on Destructoid.

Project Sophia looks like something Tony Stark would cook up

Razer has made a name for themselves as one of the most reliable sources of gaming accessories out there. On top of their consistency, however, they have also been known to make some pretty experimental products over the years, from triple-screened laptops to LED air-purifying masks. For a brand that has such a hold on the peripherals market, I have to respect that they are always looking to innovate, even though some of their ventures can miss the mark. Now they've introduced us to yet another ambitious idea??: a smart desk.

The Consumer Electronics Show is where Razer shows off their prototypes, and lucky for us, CES 2022 is taking place this week from January 5-7. This time around, the brand presented their newest endeavor, a prototype dubbed Project Sophia. So?? far all we have is a 3D render of it, as well as a short video clip, but it's certainly enough to pique my interest. Razer is calling it a "gaming desk concept," whatever that means, and it honestly looks like something s??traight out of a sci-fi movie.

[caption id="attachment_303178" align="alignnone" width="900"] _{[Image Source: lowyat.net]}[/caption]It basically looks like a sleek desk with a huge screen attached to it, but wh??ere it really gets interesting is on the desktop itself �it's modular, meaning pieces can be changed out. Razer says that there are thirteen different pieces that can be swapped in and out, and include everything from secondary screens to audio mixing ?units to pen tablets.

The prototype is sai?d to need an Intel Processor and Nvidia GPU to operate, which are magnetically attached to the bottom of the desk. There are even more add-ons, too, like cameras and microphones, wireless charging pads, and e??ven a cup warmer. By the sound of it, you'd never have to leave your desk. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing.

Razer's smart d??esk seems like it would be an expensive toy of which I personally wouldn't be able to justify the price, but I imagine it would be a multi-tasker's dream, and could cut down on the number of different devices one would need to buy, given they're all built-in.

The post Razer’s smart desk prototype is straight out of science fiction appeared first on Destructoid.

The PS4 one is PURPLE

In today's contest you can win a Gioteck Premium Wireless Controller for Switch or PS4!

I'm not wasting any time today -- we're ?giving away a freakin' purple controller!? Also a camo one. Sorry, I don't mean to diminish camo, but up against purple there's no contest. It's just how it is.

Even if you do?n't like purple or camo, it's a free controller! Stop complaining, and let's ??give away some free stuff!

First ??up we have the Gioteck WX4 Premium Wireless Switch controller. This wireless Bluetooth controller boasts an ergonomic design with non-slip thumbpads. Also, programmable back buttons! You can program your controller to make your life a little easier. Add in motion support, vibration, and a 3.5mm headphone jack and you've got all you need to impress the ladies! ?And your mom.

You can copy and paste everything I said above for the Gioteck VX4 Premium Wireless PS4 Controller, but there's one thing you can't duplicate -- the color! Camo is cool and all, but this bad boy is p?urple, which I think is really all you need to know. Beyond, you know, the actual features of the controller. But those are pretty much secondary to me.

Enter to win by dropping your name and email add??ress in the widget below. Be sure to specify which controller you want! Click around for bonus entries, and be su??re to comment below telling us why purple is the best.

We have one PS4 and one Switch controller to give away; we?'ll draw winners next Friday. This contest is open to residents of the United St?ates and the United Kingdom.

Check out more on the PS4 and Switch controllers.

Co??ntest: Win a Gioteck Premium Wire??less Controller for Switch or PS4

The post Contest: Win a Gioteck Premium ??Wireless Controller for Switch or PS4 appeared first on Destructoid.

Who doesn't love physical prizes?

In today's contest you can win a MapleStory M physical prize pack!

It's physical prize time! I love giving away actual, tangible objects for people to get their hands on. And today, we've got a priz?e pack full of useful objects!

MapleStory M just dropped a content update, which means I'm here to promote it by giving ??away free stuff!?? It's my thing. Don't @ me.

Here's what's going on in the world of MapleStory M!

Starting today, Maplers can explore Mapleworld as Xenon, a cybernetically enhanced, highly versatile new class in Nexon’s free-to-play mobile MMORPG, MapleStory M! A uniquely versatile class, Xenon can equip both Thief and Pirate gear. Xenon uses both Mana and a class-specific energy supply for his skills, all while wielding a lethal energy whip that can cut t??hrough nearly anything.

The Xenon update will bring various additional elements, including the ability to craft Android companions, which can show off equipped gear and outfits. Commander Hilla, a new boss with Normal, Hard, and Chaos difficulties is also added. Additional system updates include an all-new Premium Donation System, which consumes crystals instead of GP, additional Pocket Slots, a Hyper Stats Discount Function and new Ancient Equipment options. A selectio??n of limited-time events celebrating the new Xenon character are available, including:

• Xenon Growth Support Event: Until March 9, 2021, players will receive weapons, armor, potions, and enhancement materials as they reach certain levels.
• Xenon Burning Project: Until March 23, 2021, there will be a 1+2 Level Up event for Xenon characters.
• Valentine Event: From February 11 to 25, 2021, defeated monsters will drop items which can be used to summon chocolate-themed monsters. Players will want to summon and vanquish these chocolate enemies to collect ingredients which can be combined with each other to receive a variety of buff items. Participants in the event will receive rewards proportional to the number of chocolates crafted.
• Maple Museum 2: Running from February 18 to March 12, 2021 the Maple Museum 2 event allows players to earn celebration boxes from both the Relic and Biological Hall as the event is completed. Maple Museum 2 will include a Daily Quest, Spiegalmann’s Request, which gives players a choice of four types of parts or equipment to donate.
• Memorial Picture Frame Event: From March 4 to 18, 2021, Maplers will be able to make illustration picture frames commemorating events held in 2020, earning light rewards.

I know, I know, it's a little? after Valentine's Day, but who d?oesn't love, well, love?

Our prize pack includes e??verything you see above, including:

• 5000 mAh power bank with charging cable
• Dual port wall charger
• Essential travel pouch
• Notebook and pen
• Tumbler

Use the widget below to enter for your chan?ce to win. You can enter daily. Be sure you click around for bonus entries, and tell me in the comments below how you're doing. It's important to talk about how everything is going. This is a comm?unity -- let's be friends.

We have one bundle to give away; winners will be drawn next Wednesd?ay. As this is a physical prize, you must have a United States shipping address in order to win. I'm so sorry, Latvia.

MapleStory M is free to play, and a available now for Android and iOS.

Dtoid Co?ntest: Win a MapleStory M prize pack, ??featuring a charger, power bank, and tumbler

The post Contest: Win a MapleStory M prize pack, featuring a ??charger, p?ower bank, and tumbler appeared first on Destructoid.

Sticky Situation

Following last week's investigations, U.S. law firm Chimicles Schwartz Kriner & Do?naldson-Smith (CSK&D) has proceeded with a class action lawsuit against Sony, following customer complaints that DualSense controllers packaged with their PlayStation 5 consoles were severely affected by the "drift" manufacturing fault.

According to a copy of the lawsuit - acquired by Des??tructoid from CSK&D - the firm filed against Sony Corporation of America and Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC in a New Yo??rk court on February 12. The suit claims that the DualSense controller is "defective" and claims Sony offers "slim" options for those owners affected by the fault. "Drifting" refers to a physical defect whereby analogue stick register movement while remaining in a stationary position.

"Sony is - and at all relevant times has been - aware of the Drift Defect through online consumer complaints, complaints made by consumers directly to it, and through its own pre-release testing," accuses CSK&D's suit, later concluding "As a result of Sony's unfai??r, deceptive, and/or fraudulent business practices, owners of DualSense controllers have suffered an ascertainable loss, injury in fact, and otherwise have been harmed by Sony's conduct."

As previously noted, this isn't CSK&D's first time dealing in drift-related lawsuits, as it was one of a number of firms that previously filed suit against Nintendo in 2019, after a torrent of instances where the Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controller were being similarly affected. The suit in question was compelled to arbitrati??on after a judge refused to dismiss the case.

The post First PS5 DualSense ‘drift’ lawsuit filed against Sony Interactive Entertainment appeared first on Destructoid.

Rule of the Thumbstick

There have been recent reports of a manufacturing fault in regards to Sony's new PlayStation 5 hardware, specifically its sleek DualSense controller. Multiple players have been reporting cases of the notorious "drift" issue - whereby the controller's thumbsticks register movement whilst remaining sat in a neutral position - with some PS5 owners telling Kotaku that the problem arose mere days after purchasing the new con??sole.

U.S. law firm Chimicles Schwartz Kriner & Donaldson-Smith (CSK&D)? has stepped into the situation, announcing that it is beginning an investigation of the complaints, with an eye to filing a class action ?lawsuit against Sony Interactive Entertainment.

"CSK&D is investigating a potential class action based upon reports that Sony PS5 DualSense controllers for the PlayStation 5 console can experience drift issues and/or fail prematurely," said the law firm in a statement. "Spec??ifically, it is reported that the joystick on certain PS5 DualSense controllers will automatically register movement when the joystick is not being controlled and interfere with gamepl?ay."

This is not CSK&D's first rodeo, as it is one of a number of firms that has previously launched a class action suit against Nintendo when the troublesome controller fault affect??ed myriad Switch owners. CSK&D's 2019 suit was ultimately compelled to arbitration, (essentially asking the plaintiff and the defendant to come to private resolution), after the presiding judge refused to dismiss the case.

While "drift" and its related lawsuits were not as prominent an outcome in the earlier years of analog controls, the courtroom route has become increasingly popular in recent generations, with Nintendo, Xbox, and now Sony all feeling the sting of legal action of wandering thumbsticks. CSK&D has asked PS5 owners with experience of DualSense drift to contact the firm via an online form.

The post PS5 DualSense drift issue co??uld be leading to class action lawsuit appeared first on Destructoid.

We just saved you $200. You're welcome.

In today's contest you can win a pair of EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid In-ear Earbuds!

If you're sick of using the same crappy, wired pair of earbuds that came with ??the phone you bought nearly four years ago (I can't be the only one, right?) then today's contest is just for you! Our friends at EPOS are giving us a pair of their fancy new GTW 270 Hybrid Earbuds, comp??atible with pretty much every mobile device - phone or gaming - still on the market. I think you're gonna like these.

That devilish set you see above is the all-new EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid, the perfect comp??anion to all your audio needs. I can't do anything without an adult so read all about them below:

Let the compact GTW 270 Hybrid wireless earbuds ac??company you wherever you go and escape the hum-drum wor?ld with no-compromise audio. Lag-free audio playback with aptX low latency codec from your portable gaming device is ensured with the included USB-C dongle. Acoustic clarity is delivered through dual microphones, and five hours of listening time in the earbuds are extended to 20 with the included charge case.

The unique ergonomic shape is soft and flexible where it needs to be and naturally adjusts?? to your ear, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit. The closed acoustic design provides noise attenuation that lets you tune out background noise and lose y?ourself in the immersive audio of your game. Break free and escape into your game with the Power of Audio.

• Closed acoustic earbuds: Closed-back and in-ear for maximum noise reduction and maximum game focus
• Multi-platform compatibility: Multi-compatibility through the USB-C aptX low-latency dongle and Bluetooth
• IPX 5 water resistance: IPX 5 water resistance protects the earbuds from sweat and light rain
• Compact design and organic shape: Unique light-weight organic shape for secure and comfortable in-ear fit
• Portable charge case: Up to 20 hours of listening time: five on the earbuds plus 15 more with the case

Also, they look cool and smell like strawberry ice cream. Tha??t last part m??ay or may not be true.

To enter to win, use the widget below to leave your name and email address. You can enter daily. Click around for bonus entrie??s, and be sure to comment below telling us your favorite organic smell. We'll save the inorganic stuff for next time.

We have one pair of earbuds to give away, with winners drawn next Tuesday. You must be a resident of the United States or Europe to win. The winner is responsible for any tax, VAT, or public shaming as a result of receiving this prize, and by entering you give consent to abide by this clause.?? Santa Clauses are exempt.

Check out the EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid Earbuds over at the EPOS website.

Contest: Win a pair of EPOS GTW 270 H?ybrid Earbuds

The post Contest: Win a pair of EPOS?? GTW 270 Hybrid Earbuds appeared first on Destructoid.

Music to your rears. I mean, ears

In today's contest you can win a Gioteck TX-50 Headset and cable bundle for your PS5 of Xbox Series X!

Were you lucky enough to get your hands on a next-gen console? I wasn'?t! I d?idn't try or anything -- I'll probably wait a few years before picking one up. I'm in no rush at the moment.

If you're enjoying the next generation of gaming, however, we've got a treat for ya! Gioteck is givi??ng us a TX-50 Gaming Headset to go with your PS5 or Xbox Series X/S, and a Viper VP-1 cable bundle featuring both a fast-charging USB C cable AND a 2.1 8k HDMI cable. Whew!

Gioteck is known for their high quality products, and their TX-50 Gaming Headset is no different. Featuring 50mm high-impact drivers to put you directly in the game, you won't miss a beat when being pinned down behind cover in Rainbow ?Six Siege, or doing whatever the hell it is you do in Fortnite.

• Arctic white with blue accents for PlayStation 5
• Matte black and green for Xbox SX consoles
• 50mm high impact drivers
• Minimum feedback lucid chat
• Tactile rubber finish
• Alcantra cushioning
• Robust build quality
• Discreet inline control

We wouldn't let you walk away with just a headset -- Gioteck also produces bangin' cables to go along with their sets. The Viper VP-1 cable bundle features not o??nly a fast charging USB C cable, but a sick gold-plated HDMI cable to make your image as crisp as it can be.

• Compatible for both PS5 and Xbox SX
• 3m length (charging cable), 2m length (HDMI cable)
• 24k Gold plated connectors
• 3A fast charging
• 8k & 4k compatible
• Premium Braided cable
• Viper shape design plugs

To enter to win, use the widget below to leave your name and email address. You can enter daily. Be sure to click around to earn bonus entries, and comment below telling? me your favorite snack.

We have one bun?dle to give away; winner gets to choose their platform (PS5 of XSX). We'll draw our winner next Monday. Shipping is open to residents of Europe and the United States -- please note that the winner is responsible for any VAT or import tax as imposed by your ??country/jurisdiction. Sorry about that. Stupid Brexit.

Hit up Gioteck for all your gaming accessory needs.

Conte?st: Win a Gioteck PS5 or Xbox Series X TX-50 Headset and cab??le bundle

The post Contest: Win a Giote??ck PS5 or Xbox Series X?? TX-50 Headset and cable bundle appeared first on Destructoid.

Just make the whole damned thing purple

In today's contest you can win a customizable Xbox Series X controller from Mega Modz!

The last time we heard from Mega Modz, I was fresh off of losing a fight over the remote with my step dad, Terry. Oh, also we also gave away a PS4 controller. But PS4 is just so...last gen. L?et's try to moder??nize this a little.

This time, the MM crew are putting you in control! Of the controller! Win our contest and you can customize your own Xbox Series X gamepad with all the bells and whistles you see fit.

Do like Mr. Destructoid does and thro?w your old controller in the trash! Mega Modz is here to take boring old monochrome controllers and turn them on their stupid heads. Customize everything ab??out your controllers, from the color of the shell, buttons, sticks, bumpers, d-pad, and even the grips! Make an awesome Dtoid-themed one like seen above, something flashy and weird because you're a flashy weirdo, or just do what everyone should do and make it purple. All of the purple stuff you can throw on there. Make Grimace blush.

Whatever you choose, yo??u can get rid of that boring old factory controller and replace it with something you'd be proud to hold for hundreds of hours a month. (Don't think too much about how much you act?ually play video games.)

To ent??er to win, use the widget below to leave your name and email address. You can enter daily. Be sure to click around for bonus entrie?s, and tell me what you think of things I like. Muting is for suckers.

We have one controller to give away; we'll draw a winner next M??onday. As this is a physical prize, you must have a United States shipping address in order to win. Better luck next time, Bulgaria.

Check out custom controllers, sweet mods, and a whole bunch of other goodness over at Mega Modz.

Contest: Win a custom Xbox Series X contro??ller from Mega Modz

The post Contest: ??Win a custom Xbox S??eries X controller from Mega Modz appeared first on Destructoid.

Learn how to esports, nerd!

In today's contest you can win a ticket to the EPOS Masterclass Esports Event!

So often we give away video games with the assumption that you lot know what you're doing with them. We just figure if you're here, you're at least well-versed in the ways of gaming. But man, I don't recall a time we ever give away not what to video game, but how to video game.

EPOS, the world's leading gaming audio brand, is introducing their Masterclas?s series focusing on showing players -- rookies and veterans -- the ropes of professional esports competitive play. Tickets were free last year with select EPOS pu?rchases, but now your only ticket is via our contest!

Read all about the event below~!

Premium gaming audio brand EPOS has revealed a first-of-its-kind masterclass live stream series to benefit videogame enthusiasts who wants to get an exclusive peek into the world of professional gaming from some of the best players in the world. Participants will also receive exclusive tips and tricks to take their game to the next level for popular titles such as Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) and League of Legends.

As a leader in pioneering audio within the gaming?? category, EPOS has teamed with esports experts to deliver unique content and opportunities for its community. Masterclass participants will learn performance-boosting tips and tricks from renowned organizations including Cloud9, OPL/LCS, BLAST, North and SK Gaming, including pro players Zven, Jenax, Gade and professional caster Spawn. Each class will be hosted ??by popular esports host and personality Freya Spiers.

The list of events includes:

• CS:GO (9 p.m. CET on Saturday, Jan. 9 and 7 a.m. AEDT on Sunday, Jan. 10) - Overviews the fundamentals on setup, aiming, movement and other general tips from seasoned professional players and veterans
• League of Legends (11 p.m. PST on Saturday, Jan. 9 and 6 p.m. AEDT on Sunday, Jan 10) - Teaches tricks and strategies to instantly improve team-based MOBA gameplay
• The secret to success (9 p.m. CET on Saturday, Jan. 16 and 7 a.m. AEDT on Sunday, Jan. 17) - Unveils the regiment applied by the pros to succeed through balancing training, staffing and staying healthy
• Deep dive into the world of esports (9 a.m. CET on Tuesday, Jan. 19) - Get the latest insights and knowledge on the esports scene from professional caster Spawn

This is a great opportunity fo??r anyone interested in esports to either dip their toes in the water, or build on their?? existing skill base!

To enter to win, use the widget below to leave your? name and email address. You can enter daily. Click ?within for ways to earn bonus entries, and be sure to share our post with your friends to increase your odds!

We have two tickets to the event, split across the EG network. We'll draw winners January 8th to prepare for the Januar?y? 9th launch date.

Be sure to check out more info on the EPOS brand and the Masterclass event over at the EPOS website.

Co?ntest: Win an EPO?S Masterclass Esports Event ticket

The post Contest: Win an?? EPOS Masterclass Esports Event ticket appeared first on Destructoid.

Anarchy in the UK

In today’s contest, UK residents can win a Twin Mirror custom Xbox controller, along with a free copy of the game!

Are all you chaps in the UK sad that you can never win physical prizes because most of the contests are US-bas????ed? Well, let’s change that up a little bit!

We’ve got this real?ly awesome custom-??made Twin Mirror Xbox contro?ller to give away to one lucky UK resident. In addition to the gamepad, you’ll also get a digit?al copy of the game to test out that new bad boy!

Check out our review of the game for more detailed impressions, but good news — it’s pretty ?good! Dontnod’s formula is pushed to beyond its normal scope as this time they employ straight-up psychological thriller motif. Expect lots of drama, interpersonal relationships in turmoil, and out-there concepts in their ne??west narrative drama.

Sure, we could just give away the game, but let’s make things more interesting. Get you?r hands on this awesome custom controller and play it in style!

This custom controller of course works on your family of Xbox consoles, but also your PC. And from what I hear, the Xbox controller is the best way to play on PC with a gamepad! Also, just look at it! Since you can’t buy it, you’re gonna have to win it here 🙂

To enter to win, use the widget below to leave your name and email addr?ess. You can enter daily. Be sure to follow through and earn your bonus entries!

We have one controller and one digital copy of the game to give out; we’ll draw our winner January 5. Our contest is split between Dtoid and our sister site, PC Invasio??n. This is a UK contest, and as such, you must live on the UK mainland in order to qualify. Better luck next time, USA.

Twin Mirror is available now for consoles and PC.

UK Contest: Win ?a custom Twin Mirror Xbox controller and a copy of the game

The post UK Contest: Win?? a custom Twin Mirror Xbox ??controller and a copy of the game appeared first on Destructoid.

Only one Thief can touch my keys

In today's contest you can win a set of keychains to celebrate the crossover event between Persona 5 Royal and Another Eden!

Keen-eyed readers might have noticed that fan-favorite JRPG Persona 5 Royal has crossed over with mobile phenomenon Another Eden: The Cat Beyond Time and Space once before. They might have also noti??ces my crow's feet at the corners of my eyes, but hopefully they'll keep that to t?hemselves.

This time around, Violet and Skull are joining the mobile game alongside series standouts Joker and Morgana. To celebrate, the Another Eden team has give?n us these cool keychain sets to ??show off the new digs!

Read all about it below:

The second crossover with Persona 5 Royal has been released today in Another Eden: The Cat Beyond Time and Space, the mobile adventure game across time and space. By playing through the crossover scenario, players can get Persona 5 Royal characters, Violet and Skull for free. Players?? can also get 1,000 Chronos Stones just by starting the crossover quest "Bound Wills and t??he Hollow Puppeteers: Promises, Vows, and Rings."

In update version 2.5.200 which adds the second cro?ssover, a new character Victor, with the newly added Thunder element, is also added. Ally Encounter Holy Blessings Series, an Encounter featuring characters with healing abilities, will also be available.

• New content, Symphony "Bound Wills and the Hollow Puppeteers: Promises, Vows, and Rings" added
• The content is not time limited and can be played anytime
• Violet can be acquired by playing through the designated story
• Skull can be acquired by clearing a mission in Another Dungeon: Mementos
• New battle content available, in which players can take on the twin wardens, Justine and Caroline.

Easy enough!

We're giving away three sets of the keychains shown above. To enter to win, use the widget below to leav??e your name and email addre??ss. You can enter daily. Be sure to click around for ways to earn bonus entries to increase your odds!

We'll draw winners next Tuesday. As this is a phys?ical prize, you must have a United States shi??pping address in order to win.

You can check out all the cool Persona 5 Royal content in Another Eden, available now and free to play.

Dtoid Contest: Celebrate Persona 5 R??oyal crossing over with Another E??den by winning this keychain set

The post Contest: Celebrate Persona 5 Royal crossin?g over with Another Eden by winni?ng this keychain set appeared first on Destructoid.

It's-a-meee, Blast Corps in hi-def!

In today's contest you can bring your Nintendo 64 into the modern age with an EON Super 64 HDMI adapter!

I rece??ntly tried to hook my PS2 up to my HDTV to play some good old-fashioned PS classics. As you ca?n imagine, it was a pain! TVs don't have composite cable ports anymore, so I was stuck playing my PS4 like a dummy.

If you've got a Nintendo?? 64 and you want to avoid my sad fate, you're in luck -- we've got this super nifty EON Super 64 HDMI adapter to give away?! It'll bring your N64 to glorious life on your brand new TV, because everything should be this easy.

The EON Super 64 adapter is the best way to experience classic Nintendo 64 games on modern HDTVs. This HDMI converter is plug and ?play -- no mods required, and nothing separating you from playing straight out of the box. Tuned and designed specifically for the original N64 hardware, this little shy guy displays in crisp 480p resolution (double the base console) totally laglessly without the need for external power. And if you're feeling saucy, the included Slick Mode edges out all the rough edges to let the classic graphics truly shine on your display.

This is pret?ty much a must-have for anyone who owns a Nintendo ?64!

To enter to win, use the widget below to leave your name and email address. You can enter da??ily. Click around for bonus entries to increase your odds.

Is the GameCube more your jam? You're in luck! We're giving away the EON GCHD MK-II over at our sister site, Nintendo Enthusiast!

We have one unit to give away; we'll dr?aw our winner next Monday. Since this is a physical prize, you must have a United States shipping address in order to win.

Check out the EON Super 64 HDMI converter, and EON's other great converters, at their site.

Dtoid Contest: Win an EON Super 64 HDMI ??adapter and enjoy your Nin??tendo 64 in the modern age

The post Contest: Win an E?ON Super 64 HDMI adapter and enjoy your? Nintendo 64 in the modern age appeared first on Destructoid.

F-U-N - fun, fun, fun!

In today's contest you can win a Switch copy of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity and a Zelda prize pack from fun.com!

If you're going to sell licens?ed merchandise, board games, puzzles, and a whole assortment of nerdy trinkets, I think fun.com i?s a pretty apt name for your company. It's all about fun!

I keep making friends left and right, and my buddies over at fun.com wanted to spread some of their namesake onto you guys: They gave us a copy of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity and a whole mess of Z?elda themed merch to give away! They're really living up to their name on this one.

fun.com ??has partnered with Destructoid and our sister site, N?intendo Enthusiast, to give you two chances to win a copy of the game and lots of awesome Zelda-themed merch! Here at Dtoid, we're giving away:

• A Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity physical Switch game
• A Triforce bandana to help keep your icky germs to yourself at Piggly Wiggly (soulless man staring into your soul sold separately)
• A Sheikah Slate cushion upon which to rest your head after a long day of breaking every single goddamn weapon you have
• A Sheikah Slate notebook just because it looked cool and I had a budget to hit
• A Zelda beanie and scarf combo because it's getting cold (unless you live in Phoenix, in which case it's still in the high 80s and get me out of here)

And that's just the beginning! Head over to Nintendo Enthusiast for another ch?ance to win a copy of the game, plus the extra Zelda swag shown above!

You know the drill -- enter to win by using the widget below to leave your name and email add?ress. Check in daily to raise your entry count, and click around for bonus c??hances!

??We have one bundle to give away -- our winner will be drawn next Thursday. As this is all physical swag, you must have a United States shipping address in order to win. There are no substitutions for the prizes.

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is available now, and you can snag all sorts of Zelda and other nerdy goods over at fun.com.

Dtoid Contest: Win Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity and a Zelda pri??ze pack, courtesy of fun.c??om

The post Contest: Win Hyru??le Warriors: Age of Calamity and a Zelda p??rize pack, courtesy of fun.com appeared first on Destructoid.

A lot of green for the little green guy

I suppose, if we're being pedantic and letting semantics get in the way, this isn't explicitly a Baby Yoda controller. It's a Mandalorian controller. But, something tells me people will just call it "The Baby Yoda controller" so ??let's get formalit?ies out of the way.

Controller Gear, who makes officially licensed accessories, has a new Xbox controller for The Mandalorian. It's a gunmetal gray with the Mandalorian clan?????????????????????????? insignia on it. Most importantly, Baby Yoda is etched across the back.

This controller comes with a charging stand, which features Mando's helmet across the front. Here's what the whole package looks lik??e:

The Mandalor is not a race, it's a creed and well, it's also now a controller.//t.co/9AprFvYuyn pic.twitter.com/lTN3aSO9sC

— Xbox (@Xbox) October 26, 2020

Now for the detail that'll probably leave you more speechless than a Vader Force Choke: This thing costs $170. That's just... that's a lot of money. It's not a placeholder price either, as Controller Gear's other gamepad/stand combos go for the same amount. It looks great, but it's also a lot of money for a controller. (Which isn't even an Xbox Series S/X? controller, by the way; it's an Xbox One model.)

Anyway, this is limited to 5,000 units and the Microsoft Store has already sold through its stock. If you need to spend a mint on the Baby Yoda controller, you can still s?ecure a pre-order through Controller Gear directly.

The post The Baby Yoda Xbox controller looks cool but probably ?costs more than you want to pay appeared first on Destructoid.

October 30 is the new release date

Sony is inadvertently taking teaser??s to an all-new level. Two weeks before the PlayStation 5 shows up on doorsteps, some folks will be getting their spare PS5 controllers in the mail.

Some people who ordered PS5 accesso??ries through Sony are getting emails that the delivery date is being bumped up to around October 30. The PlayStation 5 launches on November 12. The PS5 controller isn't compatible with the PS4. That means it's useless until the PS5 arrives. Tantalizing but useless.

Here's what the confirmation email looks like:

PlayStation is shipping PS5 accessories early! @Wario64 pic.twitter.com/9GJ46OMS4O

— 💬 Mike Y. (@djmikeradio) October 15, 2020

This doesn't seem to be a one-off or a logistics mistake either. The DualSense controller page on Sony's site now? marks October 30 as its official launch date. It's just gonna get there early. Other retailers haven't necessarily followed suit. Jordan tells me that Amazon still has Nov??ember 12 as the day his extra controller is scheduled to arrive -- for now, at least.

Earlier isn't always necessarily better. This time it just makes the wait a little tougher. Next-gen is showing up in ?bits and pieces, and that's unintentionally kind of hilarious.

The post Your extra? ??PS5 controller might arrive way ahead of your PS5 appeared first on Destructoid.

Any old SSD will work

As information continues to trickle o??ut about next-gen consoles, we keep getting new pieces of the puzzle that inform our purchasing decisions. Here's a relatively niche one from Digital Foundry that's going to become increasingly relevant over t?ime: Any old SSD is a good option for storing and running backward compatibility games on Xbox Series X.

Digital Foundry's extensive breakdown is embedded above, but the gist of it is that the Xbox Series X's expensive proprietary nVME SSD doesn't offer much of an advant??age over a SATA SSD when it comes to the backward compatibility library. We're talking load speed differential of around one second.

The reason for this is that backward compatibility titles don't make use of the Velocity Architecture that Microsoft has developed for video games on Xbox Series X. Without that optimization, the proprietary SSDs are just acting like SSDs. Considering the price point?? of an average SATA SSD versus the $220 Seagate Xbox Series X SSD, it'd be foolish to waste precious internal storage space on backward compatible games.

However, and this is important to note, any Xbox Series X optimized title has to run off of the internal storage or the p??roprietary external SSD (which functions the exact same as the internal SSD). The SATA SSD option is only applicable to backward compatibility for that reason. But, seeing as how every generation of Xbox coming together is one of Microsoft's selling points, most people will probably have some old stuff that they want to keep installed.

The other takeaway is that everyone should probably stop running their games off of HDDs if they can afford to. Spinning disk drives lag way behind everything else in these tests. If the next generation is largely about getting y??ou into your game??s quickly, why pay for the new machines just to undo those advantages with inferior tech? 

The post Don’t waste your money on Xbox Series X’s expensive proprietary SSD for backward compatibility games appeared first on Destructoid.

Last call

Xbox Design Lab was quietly one of the neatest offerings of the Xbox One generation. Microsoft built a portal where users could create their own controllers and every component's look could be customized. No longer restricted to of?ficial models on store shelves, players could design a controller to look however they wanted.

Design Lab is going offline for a bit. On October 14, Microsoft is temporarily pulling the plug on the whole Design Lab service and it wo??n't return until sometime next year. Presumably, it's a shift in production so that Microsoft can sell the new slightly-revamped Xbox Series X controllers.

Microsoft is sending off the old Design Lab with one last bang. If you're fine with the old model of Xbox controller (which will still function perfectly fine on Xbox Series S/X), you can get $10 off a custom controller. There's no need for a coupon or anything; the discount au?tomatically applies on the Design Lab site. The offer is good until October 14, which is when Design Lab disappears for a bit.

If you're on the fence about current- and next-gen controllers, here are the upgrades for the Xbox Series X's gamepad. It has: A hybrid D-pad instead of the cross design, a dedicated share button, rubberized textured grips around the back, and a USC-C charging port. It's mostly minimal stuff, which is why Microsoft isn't r??aising the prices for controllers?? on Xbox Series X.

So, go get yourself $10 off a custom controller if aesthetic is more important to you than minimally-improved functionality. Or, just put that $60 toward the new Shock Blue Xbox Series X controller. That thing has aesthetic for days.

Xbox Design Lab [Microsoft]

The post Save $10 on a custom Xbox controller befo??re Design Lab disappears appeared first on Destructoid.

Drown out the sound around you

Back when I used to ride the train to work every day, having a good set of sma??ll headphones could make or break my commute. They were the difference between enjoying my ride or having to listen to whatever music the dance tropes would blast between Embarcadero and West Oakland. Unfortunately, most of the earbuds I owned didn't have enough bass to let me fully enjoy the full depth of the sound from my Switch or mobile phone. Clearly, they could have benefited from a second driver, like those found in the Astro A03 In-Ear ?Monitors.

Designed with mobile and portable gaming in mind, the Astro A03s come equipped with two drivers in each earbud. One is for the bass, and the other covers the mids and highs. The earbuds are compatible with all major consoles and any phone or tablet with a headphone jack, as well as the Astro MixAmp Pro ?TR?.

The Astro A03 In-Ear Monitors are availa?ble now for $49.99. They come in W??hite/Purple or Blue/Red.

Astro A03 Gaming Earbuds [Astro Gaming]

The post Astro Gaming’s A03 earbuds are designed with handheld and mobile in mind appeared first on Destructoid.

$220 for 1TB

As predicted, an extra terabyte of storage for?? the Xbox Series X won't come cheap. You'?ll have to pay nearly half the price of the Series X just to double the amount of space you're working with.

Microsoft has been touting the Xbox Series X's 1TB expandable storage card for a while now. It's a proprietary PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD which is top of the line right now in terms of speed. It's also very expensive, as Microsoft confirmed today that the official Seagate SSD will retail for $220. However, that's in line with what PCIe 4.0?? tech costs for now.

For anyone who's looking at the Series X's base 1TB internal SSD (or the Series S' 512GB) and realizing it's not enough for next-gen's ine?vitably huge file sizes, biting the bullet on the external SSD isn't the only option. USB ?3.1 HDDs are supported on Xbox Series S/X, just as they were on Xbox One.

Going that route will require some install location Tetris, though. Microsoft presented the capabilities of HDDs and SSDs with ??this table:

The gist of it is that an external USB ha??rd drive can store your Xbox Series X games but it can't actually run them. When you want to play something, you'll have to transfer it to the SSD. An HDD can play any of the backward compatible stuff from previous generations, but it needs to be on the SSD for new games.

The Seagate expansion card, however, exactly matches the performance of the internal SSD. It makes use of the Xbox Velocity Architecture, enabling it to deliver much quicker load times than game??s installed on a hard drive. In a perfect world where money is no constraint, it's the optimal solution.

There's hope for more options on the horizon, though. It's tough to say how this pricing will hold up because PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs are so new. There's no guarantee the cost will ever drop because this is a proprietary card. Fortunately, Microsoft tells The Verge that more expansion card manufacturers and sizes will be available in the future. Once the Seagate deal expires, it's possible that third-party suppliers will launch their car??ds at prices that reflect the then-current cost of PCIe 4.0.

But, for now, the additional storage options boil down to paying a mint fo?r the official SSD or make do by juggling installs from a USB HDD. 

??A Primer on the Simple and Custom Storage Options Available for Xbox Series X and?? Xbox Series S at Launch [Xbox Wire]

The post Xbox Series X’s expandable storage is very expensive, but Microsoft says an SSD is necessary for new games appeared first on Destructoid.

Staying $60

As we barrel toward the next generation of Sony and Microsoft's consoles, we're faced with the looming threat of raised prices around all corners. There has been persistent talk that games will increase from $60 to $70 soon enough. Last week, we learned that PS5 controllers will ?cost $10 more than PS4 controllers.

At least we know that Xbox controller prices will stay level for now. As part of an extremely busy news day for Microsoft, it was revealed that Xbox Series S/X controllers?? wil?l be $60. That's what they cost on Xbox One too.

Of course, as part of Microsoft's grand cross-platform strategy, these new controllers will be compatible with Xbox One. Also, it's not really surprising that the new gen doesn't come with a bump in accessory prices because there isn't any significant new tech. Series S/X controllers have a dedicated Share button, a revamped D-pa?d, ??and a USB-C port but that's about it.

Microsoft took this opportunity to show off its third color of Xbox Series S/X controller. We've already seen black and white, the two most basic options there are. Now there's a Shock Blue gamepad which Microsoft calls "a vibrant new hue, not yet seen on any of our previous control??lers."

There are all sorts of details about Xbox Series X controllers -- different models, bundles, and the temporary disappearance of Design Labs -- over on Xbox Wire. But the big takeaway is that this is one area where consumers aren't going to get gouged, at least for the foreseea??ble future.

Introducing Our Launch Line-up of Next-gen Xbox Accessories, Coming Nove??mber 10 [Xbox Wire]

The post Microsoft isn’t jacking up the price for Xbox Series X controllers appeared first on Destructoid.

You may need an adapter

Sony and Microsoft have already laid out how current-generation controllers will work on their next-gen consoles, but if you've spent money on a headset you really like, you might be wondering if you can still use those when you pick up a PS5 or Xbox Series X. The good news is, if you?? use Astro Gaming headsets, they're most likely going to be compatible with the new consoles. 

Xbox Series X

Let's start with Xbox as its headsets are going to have the easiest time upgrading to be co??mpatible and feature-complete with the Xbox Series X.

• A10 - This first-generation wired headset will support game sounds and voice chat through its 3.5mm port.
• A20 - If you are using the first generation of the A20 headset, you will need to update the firmware via the Astro Command Center program.
• A40 & A40 TR - All four generations of the A40 headsets will support sounds and voice chat via the 3.5mm port.
• A50 w/ Base Station - The 3rd and 4th generation A50 headsets will require a firmware update. A50 headsets created during the Xbox 360 era will not be updated to work with the Xbox Series X.

If you use a MixAmp with your headsets, the M60 and M80 will work via the 3.5mm port. If you have a MixAmp Pro TR, know that only the 3rd and 4th generation units will receive an update to work with the Series X. The A50 and MixAmp Pro can also be updated for Dolby Atmos for no extra cost. Any fir?mware updates made to your Astro equipment will not impact their use with current generation systems.

PlayStation 5

Co?mpatibility is a bit trickier with the PlayStation 5 hardware, depending on the equipment you're using and what it is you're looking to get out of your headphones. All headsets will be compatible with the PS5, however, you may need extra equipment to achieve feature-complete status

• A10 - This first-generation wired headset will support game sounds and voice chat through its 3.5mm port.
• A20 - First-generation A20 headsets will support game sounds and voice chat, however, in order to mix the audio, you will need an HDMI Adapter or optical splitter.
• A40 & A40 TR - All four generations of the A40 headsets will support sounds and voice chat via the 3.5mm port. 
• A50 w/ Base Station - The 3rd and 4th generation A50 headsets support game sounds and voice chat but will require an HDMI adapter or optical splitter to enable audio mixing.

If you use the MixPro Amp TR, you will also need an HDMI Adapter or optical splitter for mixing. Ad??ditionally, the MixAmp Pro TR and the A50 headset will be able to utilize Dolby Audio through the A??stro hardware. A10 and A40 controllers have access to Sony's 3D Audio via the PS5 controller.

During a Zoom call with members of the press, a representative from Astro Gaming stressed that while you can use an optical splitter for your A20 and A50 headsets on PlayStation 5, there is no guarantee you'll be able to achieve Do??lby 5.1 audio. To make those headsets feature-complete with PS5, the company has developed its own HDMI splitter. The passthrough device will not create any lag or affect 4K video. If you have registered your Astro Gaming hea?dsets with the manufacturer, you will be entitled to a $15 discount on the HDMI splitter if ordered through the company's website. More information about the discount will be given closer to launch.

The post Here’s how your Astro Gaming headsets will work on PS5 and Xbox Series X appeared first on Destructoid.

Two consoles, one headset.

It was only a year ago, when I moved into my new apar?tment, that I realized I'd been enjoying an insufficient audio experience whenever I hopped on to play some games. There is so much technology out there creating amazing sound, and here I was settling for the cheapest Sony headphones I could find at Best Buy. When I was able to test out the A40 Astro Gaming last year, it was like I was actually hearing these games for the first time. Since then, I've upgraded to the wireless A50 headset, which provides equally extraordinary sound quality.

With the next generation of consoles right around the corner, there is a real possibility I'll be getting both the PS5 and Xbox Series X. One for the exclusives, the other for GamePass. ??If that is the road I do indeed travel, there's a good chance I'll also pick up the second generation A20 headset from Astro Gaming as it will be its first wireless headset to work with both Sony and Microsoft consoles, as well as PC and Mac.

The new A20 will ship with a wireless USB transmitter for either the PS5 or Ser??ies X. The transmitters themselves will be sold individually, meaning you only have to buy one wireless headset for both consoles. To switch between consoles, all you need to do is sync up the device with the preferred transmitter. The move toward an agnostic headset is part of a new design philosophy at Astro Gaming.

While your first-generation A20 should work just fine with the upcoming consoles, if you are interested in upgrading to the newest tech, the Gen 2 A20 headset will launch nex?t month for $119.99. The individual transmitters will run $19.99.

Astro A20 Wireless Headset [Astro Gaming}

The post The new Astro Gaming A20 is one wirele????ss headset that can work with both PS5 and Xbox Series X appeared first on Destructoid.