HardwareFreaks

Tag: Controller

  • 8BitDo’s Slick New Translucent Keyboard And Controller Pay Homage To The N64

    In celebration of a beloved gaming milestone, 8BitDo is dialing up the nostalgia by releasing a fresh batch of iconic retro gear. To mark the 30th anniversary of the legendary Nintendo 64 (N64) console launch, the company has unveiled stunning new variations of its popular controllers and keyboards.

    The focus of this celebration is the vibrant Clear Blue colorway applied to both the Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller and the Retro 87 TKL Keyboard. These new releases aren’t just aesthetically pleasing; they are designed to pay deep homage to the classic era of gaming hardware, blending modern functionality with undeniable retro flair.

    What makes these items particularly special is their design philosophy. The Clear Blue color scheme features a partial transparency, allowing a glimpse of the components beneath while embracing a clean, futuristic look. More importantly, 8BitDo has incorporated familiar N64 color scheming directly onto specific buttons and keys, instantly transporting users back to their childhood gaming memories.

    This tribute extends beyond mere aesthetics. The design choices deliberately recall older variants, specifically referencing the iconic Ice Blue variant of previous hardware, ensuring that long-time fans will recognize and cherish the nod to history.

    For gamers looking to celebrate a monumental milestone while upgrading their setup, these products offer a perfect marriage of quality engineering and nostalgic design. The new items allow enthusiasts to connect with gaming history in a tangible, stylish way, making them must-have additions for any retro enthusiast’s collection.

    Credit: HotHardware

  • Steam Machine is here, starts at $1,049—sign up live for 512 GB/2 TB model, with optional Steam Controller

    Valve Unveils Steam Machine Pricing Amidst Component Chaos

    The anticipation surrounding Valve’s new Steam Machine has finally boiled down to concrete numbers. After years of waiting, the company has officially released pricing for its new SteamOS-powered gaming PC, revealing a complex landscape defined by storage capacity and optional peripherals. But beneath the glossy figures lies a stark reminder of the current global hardware reality: supply chain chaos and skyrocketing component costs.

    Valve is offering consumers two primary configurations: a 512 GB model and a more expansive 2 TB option. These options are further customized with the inclusion of the highly sought-after Steam Controller, offering bundled deals that prove more financially sensible than purchasing components separately. For those looking to snag a deal, opting for the bundle is clearly the smarter move.

    The pricing spans multiple currencies, reflecting an international market:

    • 512 GB: $1,049 USD / 1,509 CAD / 1,039 EUR / 879 GBP / 1,609 AUD / 4,389 PLN
    • 2 TB: $1,349 USD / 1,919 CAD / 1,359 EUR / 1,149 GBP / 2,109 AUD / 5,739 PLN
    • 512 GB w/ Controller: $1,128 USD / 1,628 CAD / 1,108 EUR / 938 GBP / 1,728 AUD / 4,698 PLN
    • 2 TB w/ Controller: $1,428 USD / 2,038 CAD / 1,428 EUR / 1,208 GBP / 2,228 AUD / 6,048 PLN

    This pricing structure immediately underscores the volatility of the market. Valve explicitly acknowledges that their original cost projections have been entirely derailed by recent events. The ongoing memory crisis and dramatic shifts in component availability have fundamentally changed the economics of hardware manufacturing.

    Valve explains that the current prices are not a subsidy; they simply reflect the real-time cost of securing necessary components over the past six months. This realization puts all gamers on notice: the future of PC hardware pricing is anything but stable. Analysts and manufacturers alike are already warning that while some RAM costs might have leveled off, the prices for essential storage components—SSDs especially—are set to continue rising.

    To manage demand effectively and avoid rewarding automated systems, Valve has implemented a randomized reservation system for the Steam Machine. Interested parties must sign up before Thursday, June 25th at 10 a.m. Pacific, when Valve will conduct a one-time randomization of queue orders. While Valve hopes to clear the backlog by year-end, those waiting for units down the line may find themselves in a lengthy wait, potentially stretching into 2027 and beyond.

    Ultimately, this launch is less about simple retail; it’s a masterclass in navigating global economic headwinds. Valve’s final stance cuts straight to the chase: they are not trying to dictate market prices but rather offer another option among many. The message is clear—users should be free to select hardware that makes sense for them, rather than feeling obligated by a single vendor. For now, securing your spot in line remains the best shot you have at getting your hands on this coveted machine.

    Credit: PC Gamer