Gaming Hardware
Ongoing coverage on Gaming Hardware.
Latest coverage
If there's any reason to upgrade your gaming setup it's GTA 6, and Prime Day deals have you completely covered
With Grand Theft Auto 6 launching soon, this article highlights Prime Day deals on gaming hardware that can enhance the experience. Discounts are available on TVs, projectors, soundbars, headsets, controllers, and storage expansions, all aimed at improving immersion and performance for the upcoming title. The piece also briefly mentions the author, Tom Bedford, and his background in gaming journalism.
If you were on the fence about the Steam Machine, this RAM configuration twist might push you off it — straight…
The Steam Machine's RAM configuration has become a point of contention, with many units featuring a single 16GB DDR5 stick instead of a dual 8GB configuration. This single-channel setup can negatively impact CPU-intensive games, although Valve engineers argue the difference is often negligible in actual gameplay. The scarcity of 8GB sticks due to market demand for higher storage is cited as the reason for this configuration choice.
I've had my Nintendo Switch 2 since day one, and these are my go-to accessories for $20 or less
This guide highlights essential Nintendo Switch accessories available for $20 or less, focusing on items that enhance the gaming experience without breaking the bank. Featured accessories include charging docks, game card cases, and controller grips, with a promise of updates as Prime Day deals become available.
Virtuix Launches Omni One for Quest
Virtuix Inc. has launched the Omni One for Quest, a "Made for Meta" certified VR treadmill system that allows users to physically walk and run in virtual environments. Compatible with Meta Quest 2 and Quest 3 headsets, the system aims to enhance immersion and promote physical activity in VR gaming. The Omni One for Quest is available for $2,595 USD and includes a bundle of four optimized games.
Valve’s wild Steam Machine price tag has gaming consumers balking
Valve's upcoming Steam Machine is facing consumer backlash due to its high price point, with the lowest-tier 512 GB model costing $1,049 and the top-tier 2TB model reaching $1,428. Valve attributes the pricing to rising RAM and storage costs, stating their original price goal is no longer viable.
Steam Machine Reviews
Reviews for Valve's Steam Machine are beginning to surface as reservations open. The articles discuss the Steam Machine as a unique computer developed during challenging times for the industry.
DualSense Controllers Are Discounted For A Limited Time At Target
Target is offering limited-time discounts on PlayStation 5 DualSense wireless controllers in various color options, with some models marked down significantly from their usual price. Additionally, some Xbox wireless controllers are also available at reduced prices. These sales are part of a broader trend of retailer promotions competing with Amazon's Prime Day event.
Valve finally confirms Steam Machine price
Valve has finally announced pricing for its Steam Machine, with the base 512GB model costing $1,609.00 AUD. The device, intended to bring PC gaming to the living room, also has a 2TB model available for $2,109.00 AUD. Bundles including the Steam Controller are also available at higher price points.
You can now install SteamOS 3.8 on your standard gaming PC (with AMD GPU)
Valve has released SteamOS 3.8, allowing users to install the Linux-based gaming operating system on their own PC hardware, provided they have an AMD GPU. While custom installs are in beta, this update enables users to run the same code as the Steam Machine on their personal computers. Support for Nvidia GPUs is planned for the future, but current custom installations require disabling Secure Boot and may encounter issues with specific hardware components.
SSD discounts are almost nonexistent, but these are the drives to watch if you're desperate for extra storage this…
The market for gaming SSDs is experiencing a significant shortage, with prices remaining high due to ongoing RAM storage issues. While Amazon Prime Day may offer some 'deals,' they are unlikely to represent true savings off original MSRPs. The article advises looking out for specific SSD models for PC and PlayStation 5, and also mentions storage solutions for Nintendo Switch and Xbox Series X.
Steam Machine’s Preorder Process Is A Response To Longstanding Disasters
Valve has announced a new preorder process for the Steam Machine, aiming to avoid issues encountered during the Steam Controller launch. Reservations will be open for several days, with a randomized selection for purchasing to ensure fairness and reduce frustration caused by bots and fast internet connections.
I've tested the Steam machine—and at this price, I don't think it makes much sense
The Steam Machine, Valve's living room PC, is a well-designed device but suffers from a high price tag and underpowered performance for its cost. Despite its sleek form factor and quiet operation, its RDNA 3 GPU struggles with demanding games, requiring significant compromises in settings and upscaling to achieve playable frame rates, making it an expensive curio rather than a mass-market gaming device.
"We don't lock our hardware down" - Valve takes a swing at consoles while explaining why it doesn't subsidise the price of Steam Machine
Valve has announced pricing for its Steam Machine, opting against hardware subsidization to maintain an open ecosystem, unlike console manufacturers such as Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo. Valve believes customers should be able to play any game on any PC and install alternative software on their hardware. Despite high price points, Valve views competing hardware like Microsoft's Project Helix as beneficial for gamers by offering more choices.
Steam Machine is here, starts at $1,049—sign up live for 512 GB/2 TB model, with optional Steam Controller
Valve has announced the pricing for its Steam Machine gaming PC, with models starting at $1,049 USD for a 512 GB version and $1,349 USD for a 2 TB version. Due to component shortages and price increases, Valve is implementing a randomized reservation system to manage limited launch quantities, with potential wait times extending into 2027.
Webhallen-kalas i Uppsala – fynda gaming- och teknikprylar
Webhallen is holding an opening celebration for its store in Gränbystaden, Uppsala, from June 25th to June 28th. The event will feature special offers on a variety of products, including board games, gaming computers, and accessories. This is a sponsored article in collaboration with Webhallen.
Best Buy's Tech Fest is here to take on Prime Day, but these are the 11 offers gamers should actually know about
Best Buy is holding its Tech Fest sales event to compete with Amazon's Prime Day, offering discounts on gaming hardware for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and PC. While game prices have not significantly dropped yet, the sale features deals on laptops, controllers, headsets, monitors, and more, with no membership required.
You deserve to get in some gaming time this summer, and these travel-friendly gadgets will help with that
This article provides a guide to travel-friendly gaming gadgets for summer holidays. It highlights accessories like USB-C fans for the Nintendo Switch 2 and power banks suitable for the Nintendo Switch 2, Steam Deck, and smartphones. The author also references other hardware guides for Nintendo Switch controllers, headsets, and microSD cards.
Melgeek's $140 competitive keyboard is solidly built, but with too many downsides for my liking
The Melgeek Real 81 is a competitively priced mechanical keyboard with strong build quality and features like 8,000 Hz polling rate and rapid trigger switches. However, its keys are difficult to read in the dark, and the typing feel is stiff and inconsistent, making it less ideal for everyday use or extensive typing sessions.
The Daily Grind: When was the last time you upgraded your MMO computer?
This article discusses the infrequent hardware upgrades for PC gaming, particularly for MMORPGs, and asks readers when they last upgraded their gaming computers. It notes that while some components like GPUs might be updated, major overhauls are less common due to factors like sufficient surplus hardware and the current state of many MMOs not pushing minimum settings.
Yes, I know you want the Banjo-Kazooie handheld, but there's a Super Pocket flavor that could save you a few…
While the new Banjo-Kazooie edition of the Super Pocket retro handheld is appealing, alternative versions like the TECHNOS edition can be purchased for less and later combined with a physical Banjo-Kazooie collection. This approach offers a cost-saving opportunity for those not prioritizing the specific Rare branding or its included back-catalog.