Hardware
Ongoing coverage on Hardware.
Latest coverage
Rumor Mill
A rumor suggests that Valve's new hardware has received a pricing update, potentially dashing hopes for a new Steam Machine. Further details are scarce, but the information implies a shift in Valve's hardware strategy.
Xbox Makes Comeback Play, Drops Microsoft Gaming Rebrand Under New Chief | HappyGamer
Microsoft has reinstated the Xbox name for its gaming division, abandoning the 'Microsoft Gaming' rebrand. New Xbox chief Asha Sharma announced the decision, emphasizing that 'Xbox needs to be our identity.' The move includes updating logos across all console generations. Sharma is also reportedly re-evaluating the company's exclusive games strategy and windowed releases.
Steam Controller Returns With $99 Price Tag in New Leak
A leak suggests Valve is planning a comeback for the Steam Controller with a $99 price point, potentially leveraging lessons learned from the successful Steam Deck. The new controller aims to offer advanced features at a competitive price compared to premium options like the Xbox Elite Series 2 and PlayStation DualSense Edge.
PC Gamers Turn to Community for Hardware-Based Game Recommendations
PC gamers increasingly rely on community recommendations for game suggestions, often preferring peer advice over platform algorithms like Steam's. This trend highlights the collaborative nature of PC gaming, where users share hardware specifications and seek advice on titles that will run smoothly. Companies like AMD and NVIDIA are engaging with these communities, recognizing the influence of peer recommendations on purchasing decisions.
The Switch 2 is a graphical powerhouse and soon Nintendo will prove it - Reader’s Feature
A reader speculates on Nintendo's strategy for the Nintendo Switch 2, suggesting its increased power is intended for high-fidelity games not yet revealed. The author theorizes that Nintendo is holding back major titles, possibly including a remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time or a new 3D Mario game, to showcase the console's graphical capabilities, which are on par with current-generation platforms like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S.
The Best Meshtastic Devices for Every Use Case (2026 Edition)
This guide reviews the best Meshtastic hardware devices for various use cases in 2026, highlighting new models like the Heltec LoRa 32 V4 and WisMesh Tag. It covers budget options, home base/MQTT gateways, phone-free communicators, EDC devices, and fixed solar repeaters, emphasizing real-world testing and community feedback to help users select the ideal device for their needs.
Control Issues
A review for Valve's Steam Controller has leaked early, revealing a price of $99 and detailing its strengths and weaknesses. The article from Wccftech suggests the device is a significant comeback for Valve's hardware efforts.
Breaking Technology, Metaverse and Hardware News, Leaks And Guides
This article outlines the editorial standards and mission of Stealth Optional, a publication by Gfinity Digital Media. It emphasizes a commitment to accurate and up-to-date coverage of technology, hardware, and enthusiast gaming, maintaining editorial independence and integrity.
Breaking Technology, Metaverse and Hardware News, Leaks And Guides
This article outlines the editorial standards and mission of Stealth Optional, a publication by Gfinity Digital Media. It emphasizes a commitment to accurate and up-to-date coverage of technology, hardware, and enthusiast gaming, maintaining editorial independence and integrity.
Breaking Technology, Metaverse and Hardware News, Leaks And Guides
This article outlines the editorial standards and mission of Stealth Optional, a publication by Gfinity Digital Media. It emphasizes a commitment to accurate and up-to-date coverage of technology, hardware, and enthusiast gaming, maintaining editorial independence and integrity.
Breaking Technology, Metaverse and Hardware News, Leaks And Guides
This article outlines the editorial standards and mission of Stealth Optional, a publication by Gfinity Digital Media. It emphasizes a commitment to accurate and up-to-date coverage of technology, hardware, and enthusiast gaming, maintaining editorial independence and integrity.
Breaking Technology, Metaverse and Hardware News, Leaks And Guides
This article outlines the editorial standards and mission of Stealth Optional, a publication by Gfinity Digital Media. It emphasizes a commitment to accurate and up-to-date coverage of technology, hardware, and enthusiast gaming, maintaining editorial independence and integrity.
Steam Controller review - another essential gaming PC hardware addition from Valve
Valve's Steam Controller is reviewed as an essential addition for PC gamers, offering solid gamepad performance combined with versatile trackpads for general PC browsing and mouse-like control. Despite a premium price and some minor build quality concerns, its unique features, extensive customization options via Steam, and impressive battery life make it a highly recommended upgrade for casual everyday play and living room PC use.
'Hardcore PC enthusiasts are significantly underestimating the importance of software to the PC experience, like really, really seriously,' says Intel Enthusiast VP
Intel's Enthusiast Channel VP Robert Hallock believes PC gamers, especially enthusiasts, are significantly underestimating the importance of software to the overall PC experience. He argues that focusing solely on hardware overlooks potential performance gains achievable through better software optimization and CPU scheduling, which can account for 10-30% of performance.
Save On Limited Edition PS5 Consoles, Game, And More – The Best PS5 Deals Of The Week (May 15, 2026)
This week's PlayStation 5 deals include discounts on various games like Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, Octopath Traveler 0, and Diablo 4. Limited edition PS5 bundles, such as the Ghost of Yotei Gold Limited Edition, are available for $600. Accessory deals include refurbished DualSense controllers and gaming headsets from Razer and Sony.
PC Gamers Ditch PS5 for Steam Big Picture Console Setup
PC gamers are increasingly opting for Steam Big Picture mode as a viable alternative to traditional consoles like the PlayStation 5. This trend is driven by the PC's superior hardware capabilities, extensive game library, modding support, and greater customization options, all at a comparable or better long-term value proposition compared to console gaming.
CRKD™ and Gibson® Expand the Gibson SG Guitar Controller Lineup: Introducing Cherry for PlayStation®5
CRKD and Gibson have launched a new Cherry finish for their Gibson SG Guitar Controller, compatible with PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 consoles. This controller is designed for rhythm games like Fortnite Festival and Rock Band 4, and also supports PC titles and legacy Guitar Hero and Rock Band games through a dedicated mode. The controller features advanced hardware, including a Hall Effect Strum Bar and Hall Effect Whammy Bar, and can be customized via the CRKD App.
Hardware Reviews
This article provides reviews for two pieces of gaming hardware: the Endorfy Meta gaming chair and the ACEMAGIC Retro X5 Mini PC. The Endorfy Meta is presented as a budget-friendly option, while the ACEMAGIC Retro X5 features an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor.
Best graphics cards in 2026: These are the GPUs worth spending money in right now
This guide recommends the best graphics cards available in 2026, focusing on value and performance for PC gamers. It highlights the AMD Radeon RX 9070 as the best overall option for 1440p gaming, the RX 9060 XT for value, the Nvidia RTX 5050 for budget builds, the RX 9070 XT for mid-range, and the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 for high-end performance. The article also discusses current GPU pricing trends and provides detailed performance benchmarks.
Steam Link Update Servers Still Active Years After Discontinuation
Valve continues to maintain active update servers for the discontinued Steam Link hardware, years after its 2018 discontinuation. This unexpected long-term support for the 2015 streaming device builds consumer trust and highlights Valve's commitment to its ecosystem, even for older products.
