All three major consoles currently on the market feature some sort of motion controller. The Nintendo Wii is pretty self explanatory while the Xbox 360 has the Kinect and the PlayStation 3 has the PlayStation Move. While this is all fine and dandy for console gamers it generally leaves PC gamers in the dust when it comes to motion controllers – that is, if it wasn’t for Razer.
The reason I say this is because Razer has just announced today that their Hydra motion controller for the PC will be made available this June for $139.99 bundled with the critically acclaimed Portal 2. If you’re looking tog et down on the device early be on the look out in May as pre-orders are set to open sometime next month.
And, for those of you wondering if the Hydra will work with your favorite games your in luck as Razer has posted all 125 of of Hydra compatible games for your viewing pleasure here.
Microsoft’s Xbox 360 is one of the most popular video game consoles on the market but it is not without its gripes. As you’re sure to know the infamous red ring of death plagued earlier versions of the console which had gamers sending their console for repair only to wait several weeks before hearing anything. Luckily, things have evened out but, to some, the controller is still not perfect.
Luckily, Razer has been developing a controller for some time dubbed the Onzo that includes a more ergonomic design, improved D-pad, 2 programmable buttons and an extra long 15-foot cable. Coming in two different versions a standard version and Tournament edition the Onza is available for pre-order now at $39.99 and $49.99, respectively. There aren’t too many differences between the two as the Tournament edition features a rubberized design for additional grip while the standard version only features a textured grip – everything else is the same.
There are lots of gadgets and gizmos currently on display at CES in Las Vegas, but one of them stood out for us gamers and Portal fans: the Razer Sixense motion controller for the PC, which was showcased playing Portal 2 at the event.
The Razer Sixense uses a magnetic field to track a two of controllers in a 3D space, meaning it’s just as good as anything you’ll find on the consoles, and best of all, there official suppor tin Portal 2 and other upcoming games.
Razer has announced a new controller product at CES. Called Onza, it’s a new Xbox 360 controller which features back lit buttons, a new d-pad and two extra programmable shoulder buttons.
According to Razer, the Onza is geared towards the hardcore players, and its buttons are more sensitive than regular Xbox 360 controllers. There are two versions of the Onza: the regular, which has all the features listed above, and the Tournament Edition, which includes the ability to adjust button resistance. The Onza will be available for pre-order on January 17, regular one for $40, Tournament Edition for $50.
CES is currently underway in Las Vegas, and lots of game peripherals and gaming rigs are revealed, including something quite new from Razer: a “gaming tablet” called Switchblade.
It’s a 7 inch tablet with a touchscreen and keys which change depending on what game you’re playing. It’s still a concept, but an interesting concept nonetheless. Check out the video above, which showcases the Swtichblade. Albeit the Razer folks sound like they’re reading from a press release.
Game/PC peripheral maker Razer has announced a line of StarCraft 2 peripherals, which include a mouse, headset and keyboard. The keyboard and headset each cost $120 each, while the mouse will retail for $80.
Gaming peripheral manufacturer Razer and Valve, the development studio who have created not only franchises but an entirely new distribution model are teaming up to bring their considerable talents to bear on a quite ambitious project. The vast majority of Valve’s efforts have been centered around the FPS genre and this new game seeks to break the mold while still being firmly ensconced in everything we love about the genre.
The title is planned as a first entry into a new permutation of the FPS genre as the press release calls HellRazer: Triple Helix the ‘debut title’. It’s a squad-based tactical FPS game, which on the surface doesn’t sound like anything impressive at all. Where the importance of the partnership comes in is the control scheme. Razer is developing a brand new peripheral dedicated specifically to this game and any developed after it. Ironically while many hardcore gamers are calling the Wii a gimmick, Razer’s new peripheral is going to be a motion sensing controller, which is currently under development in their Singapore labs and the company aims to make it the first true 1:1 motion sensing controller.
“Razer is extending its vision by partnering up with Valve on this exciting new collaborative project,” said Razer president Robert “Razerguy” Krakoff. “For the first time, PC gamers will be able to experience a more integrated, immersive gameplay in a first-person shooter game.”
Oh and by the way, April Fools. Check the website for the official press release, which is hilarious. It’s almost tragic that this is a joke, because there are certain features of the game that sound actually enjoyable, like multiplayer modes where certain events can cause players to change to a different team altogether.
Razer is a name to consider when you’re thinking about purchasing new gaming gear for your PC. And Razer has just launched two new pieces of gaming gear at CES, a mouse and a new headset.
The mouse is called the Mamba. It features 2.4GHz wireless technology but also an optional detachable cord. It will also bring you the “world’s fastest” 5,600DPI Precision 3.5G Laser sensor and a battery life and DPI stage indicator. The Mamba will arrive in February and it will cost $129.99.
The audio headset is called the Carcharias and it features an adjustable headband, inline remote and a long 3-meter cable. The Carcharias will arrive in January and it will cost $79.00.
Chances are if you’re into PC gaming, you’ve heard of Razer, makes of high end gaming peripherals. Well, it looks like the gaming hardware industry isn’t exactly recession proof as it was recently announced they are being forced to cut 10% of their global work force.
This news comes in an email stating the company was forced to re-asses its cost structure and that an undisclosed number of employees have already had their contracts terminated.
