Nur Zarina Othman lists eight must-have gaming gadgets for dedicated players
PAC-MAN COMEBACK
IN celebrating the 35th anniversary of Pac-Man, Bandai brings the classic video games, Pac-Man Connect and Play, to your television. The battery-operated old-school joystick connects to your TV.
Featuring 12 classic games like Pac-Man, Pac-Man Plus, Bosconian, Galaxian, Mappy, Super Pac-Man, Galaga, Dig Dug, New Rally X, Pac & Pal and Xevious, the Pac-Man 256 lets you begin where the original game left off.
The unique Pac-Man-shaped controller is designed to reflect the nostalgia of the 1980s arcade-style gaming.
PRICE: US$19.99 (about RM83) at Amazon.com
TRAVEL COMPANION
THE Nintendo 3DS XL is a good travel companion. The system combines next-generation portable gaming with super-stable 3D technology and added control features. Take 3D photos, connect with friends and enhance your gaming experiences with added amiibo support. The Nintendo 3DS XL system plays all Nintendo DS games but they will not appear in 3D. The 3D download code for Super Mario Kart (Super NES) is, however, available.
PRICE: $149.99 at Amazon.com
KEEP IT SAFE
GUNNAR optiks intercept computer gaming glasses protect your eyes from the high energy blue light emitted by electronic devices such as computers, tablets and smartphones. Gunnar optiks blocks 65 per cent of harmful blue light and 100 per cent of UV to prevent short-term and long-term damage like macular degeneration, cataracts, and the reduction of melatonin production.
Reducing eye strain in long gaming with amber lens contrast and anti-reflective coatings. The frame materials also fit ergonomically with your face and head and is FDA approved.
PRICE: US$59.99 at Amazon.com
SURROUND SOUND
HYPERX Cloud Revolver gaming headset has a wider audio range that creates depth and width for improved audio precision. Re-engineered audio profiles create a larger sound stage that’s ideal for FPS and open environment gameplay and for a concert hall-like experience when listening to music.
It features signature HyperX memory foam and premium leatherette for comfort that will let you play games for hours. Designed in Germany, the headset boasts a durable steel frame for long-lasting durability and stability. The detachable noise-cancellation microphone offers clearer voice quality and reduced background noise for better in-game chats.
HyperX Cloud Revolver is compatible with PC, PS4, PS4 Pro, Xbox One, Xbox One X, Mac, Mobile, Nintendo Switch, and VR — the only headset you need for both PC and console gaming.
PRICE: US$149.99 at Amazon.com
IT’S IN THE CASE
PERFECT for retro game lovers, Vorson Retro Gameboy Case has nine categories of retro games, with 26 games in store. They include Tetris, Tank War and Frog Crossing River. Enjoy playing games in your spare time like back in your childhood.
The silicone case operates with a separate button battery that has precise cutouts for speakers, charging ports, audio ports and buttons. It allows you to play old-school games without using your phone’s battery. Nostalgic gamers, this is for you.
PRICE: US$11.99 at Amazon.com
SWITCH IT
IN addition to providing single and multiplayer thrills at home, the Nintendo Switch system can be taken on the go, so players can enjoy a full home console experience anytime, anywhere. The mobility of a handheld is now added to the power of a home gaming system, with unprecedented new play styles brought to life by the two new Joy-Con controllers.
Multiple Joy-Con can also be employed by numerous people for a variety of gameplay options, where up to eight Nintendo Switch systems can be brought together for local face-to-face multiplayer challenge.
PRICE: US$299 at Amazon.com
GO VR
DIVE into the virtual realms with Oculus Go. With crystal clear optics and state-of-the-art 3D graphics, the headset feels more like a personal theatre. Just put it on, switch it on and enjoy the littlest, big screen around. Play a game on its 180-inch screen and you’ll feel like you’re in it. It’s portable, comfortable and designed to be ready whenever you are. That means no wires, no PC and no phone to drop in. Just sit back, relax and go.
PRICE: US$249 at Amazon.com
GAMING MIC
THOSE who Steam while gaming may want to try Yeti, the most advanced and versatile multi-pattern USB microphone. Combining three capsules and four different pattern settings, Yeti is the ultimate tool for creating amazing recordings directly to your computer. The microphone can capture anything with clarity and ease unheard of in a USB microphone.
Featuring Blue innovative triple capsule array, Yeti can record in stereo or your choice of three other unique patterns, including cardioid, omnidirectional and bidirectional. Yeti utilises a high quality A-D converter, a built-in headphone amplifier for zero-latency monitoring and direct controls for headphone volume, pattern selection, instant mute, and microphone gain. With no drivers to install, Yeti is the most versatile USB mic lighting up the airwaves today.
PRICE: US$129 at Amazon.com