8BitDo has officially announced the Ultimate 3C+ Wired controller for Xbox as a $39.99 Xbox controller that incorporates many of the same features as the Ultimate 3C+ Wireless launched in October, but at a much lower price. The 3C+ Wired controller has a traditional Xbox layout on both the face buttons and the offset analog sticks, but it features additional customization options that set it apart from a regular Xbox controller.

The headline features of the Ultimate 3C+ Wired controller include TMR joysticks with adjustable tension, which are supposed to resist joystick drift; remappable fast-trigger L4 and R4 buttons for additional inputs and faster trigger response times; Hall effect triggers with switchable dual-mode functionality; and a 3.5 mm audio jack at the bottom of the controller for more immersive sound. It also has two additional back paddles with an integrated paddle lock to prevent accidental activations.

QNAP Systems, Inc., a leading innovator in storage, networking, and data protection solutions, today launched the ES2486AFdc, a high-availability (HA) NVMe all-flash storage array engineered for mission-critical applications. The ES2486AFdc is QNAP's first enterprise-class storage combining Active-Active dual controllers with a U.2/U.3 NVMe all-flash architecture. Addressing the market challenges of high costs and limited availability caused by a shrinking number of SAS SSD suppliers, it breaks the performance bottlenecks of traditional HA systems limited by SAS interfaces. Utilizing a PCIe Gen 4 architecture, it delivers exceptional low latency and high throughput. Powered by the ZFS-based QES operating system, it ensures zero data loss and serves as the perfect foundation for enterprise virtualization environments, VDI desktop deployments, and core databases, providing outstanding reliability to minimize downtime and prevent business interruptions.

With the high cost of enterprise-grade SAS SSDs today, the ES2486AFdc's active-active shared storage architecture enables dual controllers to share a single all-flash storage pool. This eliminates the heavy expense of building two separate storage systems, greatly maximizes hardware resource utilization, and significantly reduces the total cost of ownership (TCO) for enterprises.

Officially licensed with KOEI TECMO, the GameSir Nova Vision Nioh 3 Edition combines dark mythical aesthetics with next-gen performance and a matching glowing dock. Inspired by Nioh 3, the design features the Guardian Spirit Kusanagi, swirling underworld embers, and golden calligraphy-carved ABXY buttons.

The built-in LCD screen allows instant, visualized setting adjustments directly on the controller without needing to open any external software. Features versatile tri-mode connectivity, offering low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless and wired play on PC and Switch, plus Bluetooth for mobile gaming.

Shortly after the official Fedora 45 launch, Bazzite 45 has launched, with a rebase to Fedora 45, Gnome 51.1, and KDE Plasma 6.8.2. The new Bazzite version lists updated OGC Linux kernels—7.2.15 for AMD and Intel, and 6.18.60 for NVIDIA users—and additional hardware support, including for the Acer Predator Atlas 8 and ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X20, but also for more peripherals, including the Logitech TrueForce racing wheel hardware. The Mesa driver version has also been updated to 26.2.6, InputPlumber has been updated, and CoolerController has been moved to the official docker container, while XWaylandVideoBridge has been removed in the name of stability and squashing KDE bugs. The rest of the actual updates are minor back-end changes, save one.

As per the announcement post on the Universal Blue Discourse page, as of Bazzite 45, Bazzite has become accepted by Epic Games as a signing key provider, and the development team behind Bazzite has added a Linux EAC V2 readiness checker to Bazzite 45. The checker automatically updates the latest Linux EAC V2 requirements and compares the requirements to the current kernel and BIOS configurations—specifically kernel and module signing, Secure Boot, TPM 2.0, measured boot, IOMMU, kernel lockdown, kexec, and BPF LSM. If there are any incompatibilities, the user will be notified by the readiness checker.

Gaming mice, in their never-ending pursuit for ever-increasing sensitivity, responsiveness, and features, are still just "pro office equipment," at least according to Arkade, the company behind The Arkade Gaming Gun, which claims to be a more intuitive way to play FPS games with "performance metrics that rival high-end mice," according to the brand's in-house testing. Arkade says that the gaming gun will be produced and start shipping in 2027 and is taking pre-orders, starting at $299 during the pre-order phase, with that price later expected to reach $399.

The Arkade Gaming Gun aims to approximate the experience of using something like a traditional light gun, but it is designed for use in modern FPS games. It connects wirelessly to your PC via 2.4 GHz and will last a claimed 8+ hours on a charge. It also has magnetic charging when the battery runs out. Arkade is light on the technical details in its product information sheet, but it says that it has tested the gun controller in over 200 FPS games and claims universal game compatibility. It also claims that the gun is compatible with Windows, macOS, and SteamOS, because it uses a standard HID driver and a web-based customization and calibration tool.

Valve has been a major contributor to the Linux gaming scene since it launched the Arch-based SteamOS alongside the Steam Deck, and the company's latest contribution to the Linux gaming ecosystem comes by way of a series of patches by Vicki Pfau, a developer working on hardware support on behalf of Valve Software. In the patch notes, Pfau notes that the preliminary driver supports "general input for the Joy-Con 2, Pro Controller 2, and GameCube NSO controllers," including Bluetooth for all controllers and USB mode for the Pro Controller. The Linux kernel version 7.4 is slated to land in a fully stable form in January 2027.

Crucially, the Nintendo Switch 2 controllers were already largely supported on Linux via Steam, but kernel support means the controller won't need to run via Steam Input and can work in other game launchers without Steam being open. In addition to the Nintendo Switch 2 controllers, Linux 7.4 should bring hardware enablement and several features for a host of other peripherals, both gaming and otherwise, including additional sensor support for new AMD SoCs, better trackpad handling on T2 Macs, a new HID driver for Pulsar gaming mice—with support for reading the battery level, voltage, and charging status over both wired and wireless connection modes. On the topic of mice, the Kysona M600V2 also gets an HID driver. There are also new fixes incoming for the ASUS ROG Ally power management, and support was improved for the Lenovo Legion Go S controllers and lighting.

Game Outlet Europe, an independent distributor of video games and gaming accessories, announced today that leading gaming hardware brand 8BitDo has begun shipping their most advanced XBOX controller yet, with the Ultimate 3E Controller for XBOX available across the UK and Europe starting today.

Designed for professional gamers but accessible to all, the new Ultimate 3E Controller harnesses 8BitDo's years of development and engineering know-how, delivering the next generation of Ultimate for XBOX gamers.

GameSir is bringing a new identity to its G7 Pro 8K PC controller with the G7 Pro 8K PC × Phantom Blade Zero Edition, a special edition inspired by S-GAME's upcoming action title. Blending classic Wuxia storytelling with fast-paced combat powered by Unreal Engine 5, PHANTOM BLADE ZERO follows Soul, a warrior with just 66 days left to live as he battles assassins and uncovers world-ending conspiracies. The new controller pairs design elements inspired by the game with the high-performance hardware PC players need for fast, responsive gameplay.

Underneath the new exterior, the controller retains the features that make the G7 Pro 8K PC suited to demanding gameplay. Polling rates of up to 8,000 Hz over wired and 2.4 GHz wireless connections, alongside wired latency as low as 0.25 ms, help deliver rapid input response when timing and accuracy matter. Tri-mode connectivity also supports wired, 2.4 GHz wireless and Bluetooth connections, offering flexibility across different gaming setups.

8BitDo has just officially launched the Arcade Controller Pro as its latest stab at an arcade controller. The Arcade Controller Pro uses a similar layout to the existing Arcade Controller, but it features smaller buttons and tighter button groupings for faster inputs and switching. The Arcade Controller Pro is currently available for pre-order from 8BitDo on Amazon for $119.99, and it is available in white and a bolder black and red color scheme. The official release is slated for November 30, 2026, which is when pre-order shipments will also start.

The tempered glass faceplate on the Arcade Controller Pro houses 17 buttons, aside from the input control toggles and extra shortcut buttons along the top edge. The P1-P5 buttons scattered throughout the Arcade Controller Pro are remappable on-the-fly, thanks to a built-in display running 8BitDo's Ultimate Software right on the controller's MCU. The Arcade Controller Pro also comes with an included magnetic wrist-rest that houses lock caps to cover the P1-P5 buttons to prevent accidental presses, and the quick-release glass faceplate hides a keycap and switch removal tool and three additional switches, in case of emergency.

GameSir, a global leader in gaming peripherals, today announced its collaboration with Fortnite, introducing an all-new collection of officially licensed mobile controllers that combine GameSir's award-winning technology with one of the world's most iconic games. Launching with the GameSir G8 Plus Fortnite Edition and GameSir X5 Lite for Xbox Fortnite Edition, the collection is designed for mobile players who demand more from every match. Featuring premium controller technology that delivers console inspired performance, authentic Fortnite-inspired designs, and an in-game bonus item with every controller, the collection delivers an experience that extends well beyond the hardware.

Facilitated by IMG Licensing, the collaboration brings console-quality precision, comfort, and customization to mobile gaming—whether players are dropping into Battle Royale, Zero Build, Reload, or developer-made games. "Fortnite has built one of the most passionate communities in gaming, and we're honored to collaborate on products worthy of that community," said Eric Bright, Vice President of Partnerships & Product Strategy, North America at GameSir. "Our goal wasn't simply to build another controller. We wanted to create the ultimate Fortnite experience—from the premium hardware to the authentic character-inspired designs. "

Valve's Steam store listing for the Valve Index now states that the headset is no longer being produced, with remaining headsets, controllers, and accessories up for sale while supplies last. On the US store, the Index headset is down 20% to $399.20 from its usual $499, and the Replacement Left Controller and Replacement Tether are 20% off as well. Valve says nothing changes for existing owners, and the Index will continue to be supported through Steam and SteamVR. The headset launched back in June 2019, when the full kit went for $999 on preorder. Its successor, the Steam Frame, opened for preorders on September 14 at $1,059 for the 256 GB model and $1,299 for the 1 TB version.

This isn't a sudden decision. Valve's Lawrence Yang already confirmed to The Verge in November 2025 that the company had stopped manufacturing the Index, around the same time Valve announced the Steam Frame. The store page update seems to be the formal send-off for the Index. However, the Steam Frame is currently available only through a reservation lottery system. It also uses camera-based inside-out tracking and doesn't support the Lighthouse base stations the Index relies on, so Index owners can't carry their base stations over to the new headset. Anyone still interested in a Lighthouse-tracked Valve headset, at a lower price than the Frame, should probably act soon, since there is no word on how much stock is left.

Microsoft has announced the Xbox Nano Controller, a pocket-sized gamepad priced at $49.99 (£44.99) that it calls its smallest controller yet. It measures just over five inches long and weighs a tiny 3.5 ounces, yet still packs all 18 standard gameplay inputs, plus a programmable Action Button for screenshots and gameplay capture. It connects over Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth, runs on a built-in rechargeable battery, and works with Xbox consoles, Windows PCs, iOS and Android devices, and select smart TVs. Microsoft hasn't shared battery life or color options yet, and there's no word on rumble or impulse triggers either. Pre-orders are open now, with the controller launching on November 4 across 36 markets, including the US, UK, Japan, and much of Europe.

Xbox is also lining up US holiday bundles, with select Samsung TVs and Meta Quest headsets coming with a Nano Controller and two months of Game Pass Ultimate for new members. A compact controller for TVs and VR headsets makes the most sense for cloud gaming, though the timing isn't great. Starting in November, Xbox Cloud Gaming gets monthly time limits, with Ultimate subscribers capped at 15 hours, Premium at 10, and Essential at 5, and extra hours costing more. At $49.99, the Nano also costs noticeably more than other compact controllers, such as CRKD's Atom+ at $29.99 and 8BitDo's Lite 2 at $34.99. Native Xbox Wireless support might justify some of that premium, but battery life will probably decide whether it's worth it.

8BitDo has officially launched the latest version of its Ultimate Wireless controller, the Ultimate 3C+, which is, for an intents and purposes, a more affordable version of the recently revealed special edition Ultimate 3 Wireless controllers. The Ultimate 3C comes in at a pre-order price of $39.99 on Amazon, and it will officially be launched for regular purchase on October 30. The controller itself is based on the same Xbox design as most of 8BitDo's Ultimate controllers—meaning it features the ABXY face buttons and offset thumb sticks—and it is compatible with both Android and Windows via 2.4 GHz, USB-C wired, and Bluetooth 5.4 LE connections, with the 2.4 GHz connection offering 1 kHz polling for reduced input latency.

The 8BitDo Ultimate 3C+ has a number of flagship-tier features, like TMR joysticks with adjustable tension, separate trigger vibration motors that sync with the controller rumble, lockable back paddles, additional L/R4 shoulder buttons, Hall effect triggers with both linear and non-linear control modes, and magnetic storage on the controller for the 2.4 GHz receiver. 8BitDo says that the 500 mAh battery in the Ultimate 3C controller is able to power the controller for up to 20 hours when using the 2.4 GHz connection, while Bluetooth stretches that to 32 hours.

be quiet!, the German manufacturer for premium PC components and peripherals, is expanding its Light Wings portfolio with Light Wings Pro IO, its first high-end, software-controlled Light Wings fan series. Light Wings Pro IO launches in two sizes (420 mm and 360 mm) as regular and reverse versions, and is joined by 140 mm and 120 mm Expansion fans. The new series combines spectacular illumination, precise software control, and whisper-quiet cooling for high-end gaming and multimedia systems, black and white showcases, water- and air-cooling setups, and silent system builds.

Aaron Licht, CEO of be quiet!"Light Wings Pro IO brings together everything this series stands for: impressive illumination, quiet operation, and performance-focused engineering. With Light Wings Pro IO, we paid close attention to the details that shape the overall user experience. Whether it's the continuous rubber frame helping to reduce vibration and improve airflow efficiency, or the extensive ARGB customization options, every element was designed with purpose. The result is a cooling solution that gives users the freedom to create a system that looks exactly the way they want, delivering great performance while staying quiet under load."

Razer, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, today announced the new Razer Wolverine V4 line, including the wireless Razer Wolverine V4 Pro and wired Razer Wolverine V4 Tournament Edition, the next generation of esports controllers officially designed for XBOX and PC.

Packed with new features, the Wolverine V4 Pro wireless XBOX and PC controller is equipped with high-resolution capacitive thumbstick sensors, the next evolution of contactless sensor design, as well as four newly designed magnetic swappable back buttons, a removable faceplate, and up to a blistering 8,000 Hz polling rate, giving competitive gamers the edge they need in FPS titles, racing sims, and more.

The next-generation Xbox Elite Series 3 controller has been revealed by none other than Microsoft. Within the Design Lab service, where gamers can customize their Xbox controllers and order them directly, Microsoft recorded a controller named "Edessa," which is linked to an accessory or customization product called "Beatrice." Today, we learn that Microsoft is preparing a more customizable controller than the current Elite Series 2. Thumbstick options reportedly include Hall effect modules with standard, loose, and tight tensions, along with a TMR-based option. This could allow users to choose both the sensing technology and the feel of the sticks. There is also a low-friction "silent" stick option, available in standard and longer neck designs.

Haptic feedback may also receive an upgrade. One listed motor configuration combines impulse trigger motors with voice-coil haptics, potentially delivering more advanced feedback than the existing Elite controller. Another feature mentioned is an "Audio Scroll Wheel," which seems to indicate a dedicated physical dial for controlling audio. Faceplates include metal finishes, predefined designs, multiple colors, and engraving options. Paddle configurations are similarly extensive, covering standard, classic, and doublewide shapes, with different lengths and layouts, including a Butterfly arrangement or no upper paddles. Several D-pad designs are also listed, with separate cosmetic and performance variants. The Beatrice platform alone reportedly contains 27 topper and paddle combinations.

Brook Gaming introduces the Brook StarRay Wireless Controller, combining native PS5 support with an Xbox-style asymmetrical stick layout. Available now through the Brook Amazon Store and Brook official online shop, StarRay supports PS5, PC (Steam), iOS, and Android via Bluetooth or USB-C wired connection. On PS5, players can also power on the console directly using the HOME button.

Precision and Speed for Every Game
StarRay features Hall Effect analog sticks for precise, durable control with reduced risk of stick drift, along with mechanical buttons that deliver up to 30% faster input response.

NACON, a leading video game publisher and designer of premium gaming accessories, is pleased to announce the upcoming release of the Revolution 5 Unlimited (R5U), its new premium controller that is officially licensed for PS5 consoles. Building on the success of its Revolution range among competitive and professional players since 2016, the brand is reaching a new technological milestone today by unveiling its most advanced accessory yet for PlayStation 5 consoles and PC.

The Revolution 5 Unlimited is the culmination of years of research and continuous feedback from the esports community and the most demanding competitive players. This new high-end asymmetric controller, officially licensed for PlayStation 5 consoles, includes major hardware innovations.

Infineon Technologies AG (FSE: IFX / OTCQX: IFNNY), a global leader in USB semiconductor solutions, today announced a new PCI Express Gen 4 x4 add-on card reference design that addresses key barriers to USB 20 Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen 2×2) adoption. Debuting at VISION Stuttgart 2026, the industry-first standalone reference design integrates ASMedia's ASM4242 USB4 host controller with Infineon's EZ-PD CCG7 USB Power Delivery (PD) controller to support robust, high-performance connectivity for machine vision systems.

A primary focus of this release is Infineon's continued effort to expand and mature the USB 20 Gbps ecosystem. While the standard offers double the bandwidth of previous generations, widespread industrial adoption has been limited by signal integrity challenges over longer distances and complex power requirements. This new reference design directly addresses these hurdles by enabling reliable data transmission over 5-meter passive USB cables, which is important for industrial environments where cameras are often mounted far from the host PC. By demonstrating USB 20 Gbps operation over passive cabling at this length, Infineon helps reduce an integration challenge for system designers.

Leading gaming accessories maker Turtle Beach Corporation (Nasdaq: TBCH), today announced its new family of Minecraft Dungeons II themed peripherals including an exclusive controller, headset and travel case that celebrate the highly anticipated Dungeons II game are now available globally. Officially licensed by Mojang and Nintendo, the new Turtle Beach Rematch Wireless Gaming Controller - Minecraft Dungeons II for Nintendo Switch 2 features a dynamic lenticular design that shifts from Valorie to Creeper while Turtle Beach's renowned engineering lets players triumphantly wield their sword as they thwart danger in unexplored worlds. The premium TMR thumbsticks ensure drift-free precision attacks on the mob hordes causing chaos while the built-in C Button allows easy access to GameChat for seamless communication with friends. This controller also works on the Nintendo Switch family of systems.

On the audio front, the Turtle Beach Airlite Fit Wired Gaming Headset - Minecraft Dungeons II for Nintendo Switch 2 ensures every explosive sound, sneak attack and rescue plea from friends are heard in the instants that are needed for victory. And when the session is done the Turtle Beach PlayTrek Travel Case - Minecraft Dungeons II and the Turtle Beach PlayTrek Travel Case - Minecraft Great Outdoors make sure players' Nintendo Switch 2 travels safely and it is ready for their next adventure.

Sony has filed a patent for a PlayStation controller that can read payment details from a nearby credit card or phone, letting players pay for games without typing in card information. The filing, titled "Video Game Controller-Driven Information Transfer," was submitted in March 2025 and published on September 17, 2026. The controller acts as a go-between for a payment method and the console. When the system asks for payment, the player brings a phone, credit card, or gift card close to the controller, which picks it up via NFC, Bluetooth, or direct contact, then confirms the read with a light, sound, or vibration before passing the details along. One diagram shows a gift card being swiped to add funds to an account, skipping the usual back-and-forth of typing in codes.

Potentially, the same link could also transfer player IDs, let guests join multiplayer sessions, or send screenshots and clips to a phone. Another scenario describes trying a demo at a store or expo, then tapping a phone to the controller to add the full game to your library for later. This is just a patent, though, and Sony files plenty of these that never turn into actual products. The controller in the diagrams looks like a regular DualSense, with no mention of a new device specifically built for this purpose. Sony has filed several unusual controller patents in the past, including AI that fills in controller inputs and a fully touchscreen design, so this is another example of exploring ambitious ideas, even though they may never ship. There's no confirmation that this is headed for the PS5 or PS6.

Following the brand's recent announcement of the Xbox Cozy Collection peripherals, 8BitDo has once again partnered with Xbox on the new Tomb Raider 30th Anniversary collection. The 30th Anniversary Tomb Raider collection consists of special versions of the 8BitDo Ultimate 3 Controller for Xbox and the Pro Bluetooth Gamepad, featuring artwork and tactile touches inspired by the Tomb Raider game series.

Both controllers pay homage to Lara Croft, but the Pro 3 Gamepad is a direct tribute to the original Tomb Raider, and the Lost Valley level specifically, whereas the Ultimate 3 controller features livery celebrating both the old and new interpretations of the character and story. The Tomb Raider Anniversary Edition 8BitDo Pro 3 Bluetooth Gamepad is available for $79.99 on the 8BitDo store and Amazon, while the Tomb Raider Anniversary Edition Ultimate 3 Controller comes in at $119.99 on the 8BitDo store exclusively. Both controllers will start shipping on October 24.

Infinix, a leading global technology brand, today officially unveiled its flagship gaming peripheral of the year—the GT NX Series Peripherals. While the mobile gaming market continues to expand, players are increasingly seeking a more professional and immersive experience. High-frame-rate, high-fidelity mobile games impose stringent demands on smartphones in terms of thermal management, network stability, and display output. To fully unlock this potential, the GT NX Series introduces dedicated physical controls and industry-leading haptic feedback, providing gamers with tactile precision, ergonomic comfort, and a true console-grade feel right in the palm of their hands.

Most mobile gaming peripherals available today are fragmented and single-purpose: docking stations only handle video mirroring, cooling fans merely address overheating, and game controllers often come with high latency. Gamers have to purchase multiple separate accessories and spend time on complicated setup. To tackle these industry pain points, Infinix officially unveiled the GT NX Controller and GT NX Station multi-functional esports docking station. This integrated hardware connects control, cooling, display output and port expansion in one complete workflow, transforming a smartphone into a portable gaming console for versatile scenarios.

Sony has a new patent that describes an AI model designed to help gamers with mobility issues. Spotted by Insider Gaming, the patent was published on September 17, 2026. The idea is that the system tracks how a player actually operates the controls, then generates the output needed to complete the action they were going for. The AI model looks at the timing and duration of inputs, movement patterns, and even the game context. It is pre-trained on control actuation and accessibility data, and the patent says the amount of compensation can depend on the user, the controller, and the game being played.

The abstract gives an example of an injury to the left hand causing less than 50% actuation on the left controls. It also seems like the system could run locally or in the cloud. In multiplayer games, the AI can be switched off automatically or by the player, and other players can apparently see an indicator when it is active. The patent also doesn't seem to tie the system to a PlayStation controller, and describes it as controller-agnostic. Sony already sells the PS5 Access Controller for players with limited mobility, and it also patented a buttonless controller earlier this year. As always, a patent is not a finished product, so this concept might never see the light of day.

GameSir, a global leader in gaming peripherals, announced its collaboration with Fortnite, introducing an all-new collection of officially licensed mobile controllers that combine GameSir's award-winning technology with one of the world's most iconic games.Launching with the GameSir G8 Plus Fortnite Edition and GameSir X5 Lite for XBOX Fortnite Edition, the collection is designed for mobile players who demand more from every match. Featuring premium controller technology that delivers console inspired performance, authentic Fortnite-inspired designs, and an in-game bonus item with every controller, the collection delivers an experience that extends well beyond the hardware.

Facilitated by IMG Licensing, the collaboration brings console-quality precision, comfort, and customization to mobile gaming—whether players are dropping into Battle Royale, Zero Build, Reload, or developer-made games.