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.

Atari today announced THE 800XL - a faithful recreation of its best-selling 8-bit computer, bringing the iconic machine and its extensive collection of games and software to a new generation. Designed by Retro Games Ltd., renowned for authentic recreations of 1980s hardware, THE 800XL retains the look and feel of the original, including a full-sized mechanical keyboard, baked-in Atari BASIC, and a working cartridge slot, while adding features for modern displays and gaming setups. The hardware, manufactured and distributed by PLAION REPLAI, is available for pre-order now for USD $219.99, GBP £199.99, EUR €219.99 and AUD $349.99, with shipping beginning on 23 April 2027.

Matt Burnett, VP of Strategic Operations at Atari"The 800XL represents an important moment in Atari's history, when home computers were becoming a gateway to gaming, programming and creativity. It gave an entire generation the opportunity to discover what they could do with a computer, while offering an incredible catalog of games and software. That combination is what makes the 800XL such an important part of Atari's legacy, and working with Retro Games Ltd. and Plaion we are excited to bring back this modernized version."

The Tiwaz is an open-source split keyboard product that started as a DIY project and morphed into something a little more concrete and comprehensive. Unlike traditional split ergonomic keyboards, like the MoErgo Go60 and ZSA Voyager, which generally eschew any thoughts of gaming prowess in favor of ergonomics, the Tiwaz was designed with gaming in mind. Specifically, its designer, Timo Strube, explains in the project's GitHub that "each half works standalone as a one-handed controller or macro pad," allowing it to be used by left-and right-handed users. The keyboard uses hot-swap sockets compatible with standard MX-style mechanical switches, giving it a wider degree of customization.

The Tiwaz uses a split ortholinear layout, meaning the keys are arranged in straight rows and columns, instead of the offsets present in both columnar stagger and row stagger layouts. Another interesting feature in the Tiwaz is that it features two thumb joysticks—one on the inner side of the keyboard itself. These can be configured to output cardinal directions, analog directions like a gamepad, or even mouse movements. The actual layout of the keyboard is also rather unorthodox, even for a split keyboard, with a total of 76 keys (38 per side), which is already a lot for a split keyboard, which usually hover around 50-60 keys at most. It also has a gasket-mounted case design, which also runs counter to many split ergonomic keyboards that forego features like gasket mounts in search of thinner cases for ergonomics purposes.

Following the runaway success of last year's Commodore 64 Ultimate, Commodore International has announced it is bringing the TAC-2 joystick, also known as the "Totally Accurate Controller," back into production more than 40 years after its debut. Pre-orders begin today at commodore.net.

Originally released in 1983 by Suncom Technologies (whose "We Help Make Computers Friendly" motto complemented Commodore's own "Welcome to the World of Friendly Computing" quite well), the TAC-2 was renowned for its durable, microswitch-free design alongside its arcade-accurate ball-top handle and gloriously clicky dual fire buttons, and remains highly in demand to this day. Due to its scarcity, re-sales of a fully-functional TAC-2 can fetch upwards of $100 or more. To make the TAC-2 more accessible while furthering Commodore's mission to preserve home computing history, and building the company on its two strong "retro" and "futurism" pillars, the company is officially bringing this controller king back to the front lines and into its ecosystem. today Commodore has begun production on a faithful new recreation of the TAC-2, that will retail for half the price of a well-preserved original.

As a leading global digital art brand, XPPen has long been committed to empowering creators by breaking creative boundaries and enhancing workflow efficiency. XPPen debuts the Pilot Pro Editing Console, a precision console designed to simplify complex editing operations. This marks XPPen's first foray into the professional editing console category, offering one-handed operation with a groundbreaking industrial layout featuring an all-way joystick, rotary control, and customizable buttons, capable of executing hundreds of commands for a more immersive editing experience.

"The market has seen growing demand for hardware that seamlessly bridges the gap between creative intention and execution," said Brian Huang, Marketing Director at XPPen. "With the Pilot Pro Editing Console, we are reimagining what editing professionals need: tactile, intuitive eyes-free control that feels natural and fluid, without being tied to keyboard. This product marks an important milestone in XPPen's journey. It expands the boundaries of our digital creation tool ecosystem, reinforcing our commitment to serving creators across a wider range of creative workflows."

Blaze Entertainment and Retro Games Ltd are delighted to announce two new portable retro game consoles that answer the question - What if your favorite home computers of the 1980s were portable? Introducing THEC64 Handheld and The Spectrum Handheld - two new handheld retro gaming consoles licensed by Retro Games Ltd and created by the makers of the critically acclaimed Super Pocket consoles. These two new handhelds are designed around the imagination of what a portable version of these classic home computers would look like in the 1980s.

Each handheld follows the color scheme of the home computers and is inspired by the design choices of each original release. The clamshell case design takes inspiration from some of the most successful gaming handhelds of the past, while also evoking the style of portable computers, palmtops and organizers of the 1980s. Answering the question of what these classic home computers would be like if they were designed and made in the 1980s.

One of the biggest pain points of the Nintendo Switch 2 is that it still uses the drift-prone conventional analogue joysticks in the Joy-Cons. Now, GuliKit has revealed that it is working on a set of replacement joysticks for the Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Cons, utilizing TMR (tunnel magnetoresistance) tech instead of traditional potentiometers. GuliKit already makes joystick upgrades for the likes of the PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox Series, and Switch Pro controllers, as well as for the original Switch Joy-Cons. The benefits of TMR include reduced wear, resistance to drift, and improved sensing accuracy. Pricing and a launch date for the upgrade kit have not yet been revealed, but GuliKit says that the upgrade kit is "coming soon."

Like the old Joy-Con upgrade kits, you will need to disassemble the Switch 2's Joy-Cons to install the upgraded TMR sticks. Fortunately, it will be a drop-in kit, meaning it will not require any soldering or specific tools other than what is necessary to tear down the Joy-Cons. Judging by the iFixit teardown of the Switch 2 Joy-Cons, you will need at least an opening pick and an electronics screwdriver set to open and install the GuliKit upgrade kit.

Valve has published a stable Steam Deck Client update on January 21 that merges many controller- and accessibility-related features that have shown up in prior beta updates, like the ability to filter your library by language and accessibility features. The official update notes do cite a number of bug fixes that mostly relate to edge cases, like the Format SD Card button occasionally not showing up or and a few quality-of-life features, like changing the public group chat setting so that users can't send other members private messages by default. However, the more interesting additions come by way of new controller and gyro input support. For starters, the Steam Deck now once again supports both the Nintendo Switch 2 wired controller, it now supports the Razer Raiju V3 Pro, and it no longer hangs periodically when connecting the Nacon PS4 Compact controller. The Steam Deck will also now update controller schemes immediately when a new controller is connected, instead of waiting until the first input from that controller.

There has been decent movement on the accessibility and controller configuration side, as well. Users can now more easily access the Analog Trigger Output option in the Trigger Mode select options. There is also now a toggle to enable or disable the "Smooth Fine Movements" filter in the controller calibration settings. Valve recommends using this option for controllers with older IMUs, where it has previously noted high resting signal noise. The Joystick Mode's Stick Response Curve settings also now have a Response Axis Style option, which allows users to select between Per Axis or Circular. The latter is the default unless the response curve is set to linear. There are also a handful of other small fixes, changes, and new options, which you can read about in the full update notes below. Given that many of the components that were updated are not exclusive to the Steam Deck, many Linux and even Windows desktop users will be able to take advantage of these changes as well.

Retro Games Ltd. (RGL), in partnership with PLAION REPLAI, is proud to announce THEQUICKSHOT II, a modern reimagining of one of the most iconic joysticks of the home-computer era. Reviving the unmistakable silhouette, hands-on feel, and arcade-inspired attitude of the original Quickshot II, this new USB-enabled controller brings authentic retro play into the modern age while honoring one of the most beloved pieces of gaming hardware ever made.

For millions of players in the 1980s and early 1990s, the Quickshot II wasn't just a controller, it was the controller. Its flight-stick profile and signature red trigger made it a ubiquitous presence across the most important gaming platforms of the time. Decades later, it remains instantly recognizable and deeply nostalgic for retro fans worldwide.

SEGA of America, a worldwide leader in interactive entertainment, and My Arcade, the industry leader in retro gaming devices, launch an exciting new line of retro video game devices featuring Sonic The Hedgehog. This highly anticipated collaboration celebrates SEGA's iconic gaming heritage while delivering innovative designs for gamers and collectors alike.

The collection includes the Sonic the Hedgehog Mighty Player ($119.99 MSRP) and Sonic the Hedgehog Joystick Player ($59.99 MSRP). With this exciting new lineup available now at select retailers, My Arcade continues its mission of bringing retro gaming to a modern audience while honoring SEGA's legendary gaming legacy.

Atari and PLAION REPLAI are proud to announce that the Atari 2600+ PAC-MAN Edition, a brand-new version of the legendary console inspired by one of gaming's most recognizable icons, is out now. Launching on Friday 31st October 2025, this special edition brings together two giants of video game history just in time for Halloween, the perfect night to celebrate PAC-MAN's never-ending pursuit of ghosts.

The return of a classic
The Atari 2600+ PAC-MAN Edition is a lovingly reimagined take on the console that defined home gaming for a generation. Now finished in signature PAC-MAN yellow and featuring illuminated character icons across the front panel, this collector's edition combines authentic retro design with modern features including HDMI output, USB-C power, and multiple display modes (4:3/16:9).

PLAION REPLAI, a leading global publisher and developer of retro video game software and hardware, and Atari, one of the world's most iconic consumer brands and interactive entertainment producers, are proud to announce today that the Atari 2600+ PAC-MAN Edition - a newly developed version of the classic console - will be launching worldwide on 31st October 2025. This exciting new product also celebrates the long-standing collaboration between Atari and Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc., with Namco being the original developer of PAC-MAN.

In tribute to the original video game romance that brought PAC-MAN to home consoles for the first time on the Atari 2600, the new hardware is infused with PAC-MAN's signature style. To compliment the release, a range of colorful joysticks will also be separately available.

CRKD, the premium collectible gaming brand behind the award-winning Nitro Deck and NEO S collectible controllers, has announced the NEO S LINKIN PARK Edition, a licensed, special edition NEO S controller, designed for use with Fortnite Festival and other rhythm-based games. Compatible with Nintendo Switch, PC, Mobile, Tablet and Smart TVs, the NEO S LINKIN PARK Edition is a one-off drop that features artwork inspired by the LINKIN PARK Instruments in Fortnite Festival and the recent launch of two brand new Fortnite Festival Jam Tracks including the band's new single "Up From The Bottom" off of the upcoming Deluxe Edition album From Zero, out May 16, 2025 via Warner Records.

Available for pre-order today, the NEO S LINKIN PARK Edition is expected to ship in May of this year. The NEO S LINKIN PARK Edition is the second NEO S controller in CRKD's Festival range, bringing gamers closer to the music they love and transforming the Fortnite Festival experience thanks to the unique Festival Attachment (included), which replicates the frets found on a real guitar, providing a more authentic and immersive experience.

At Xbox, our goal is to empower as many people as possible to play the games they want, with the people they want, anywhere they want, in a way that works for them. This includes the more than 429 million players with some form of disability, who may rely on a variety of accessibility hardware - such as the recently launched Xbox Adaptive Joystick—and features to get the most from their gaming. For many players, it can be a challenge not having a common and consistent language to describe the accessibility features within different video games. To help solve this, Xbox introduced its Game Accessibility Feature Tags back in November 2021.

But we want to do more; at Game Developers Conference (GDC), Xbox proudly joined forces with Electronic Arts, Google, Nintendo of America, Ubisoft and other gaming companies to announce that it is a member of the new Accessible Games Initiative. This initiative, helmed by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), strives to provide players with clear information about the accessibility features in video games through a set of "tags" that players can use to identify the features available in a specific game, before they make a purchase.

Thrustmaster is thrilled to be making its official debut in space simulation by unveiling Sol-R 1 Flightstick and Sol-R 2 HOSAS Space Sim Duo, both expressly created with space combat and exploration in mind. Active in the market for more than 25 years now, over the decades Thrustmaster has established itself as the leading manufacturer of accessories for civil and military flight simulation. Its T.16000M joystick, however, has built a reputation as a must-have for beginner SpaceSimmers. Today, Thrustmaster is strengthening its presence in this segment with Sol-R - the range of joysticks specially designed to meet the needs of interstellar spacecraft pilots.

THE PERFECT JOYSTICK FOR CONQUERING THE STARS
Whether you're a space dogfighting fan or love nothing more than exploring distant galaxies in your spare time, the Sol-R 1 Flightstick is the joystick for you! With 44 assignable actions on its ambidextrous grip and base, the Sol-R 1 Flightstick allows for more efficient and intuitive management of your spacecraft. The Sol-R 2 HOSAS Space Sim Duo is a pack of two joysticks, meeting the needs of advanced space simmers for total control of their ships.

Accessibility is a fundamental right for people with disabilities and makes technology easier for everyone. We see this reflected in how customers are using Microsoft technologies around the world. Copilot for Microsoft 365 is unlocking workplace productivity like never before, more than 10 million people use Edge each month to have the web Read Aloud, over 1 million people use Immersive Reader to make webpages easier to read and partners like Tobii Dynavox and Special Olympics are bringing AI to people with disabilities globally. And these are just some of the highlights of what we shared today! Here's a quick summary of the new accessibility products, features and programs announced at the 2025 Ability Summit.

What's new in 2025?
We announced that the Xbox Adaptive Joystick is now available for purchase exclusively at Microsoft Store. With more than 429 million players with disabilities worldwide, we know each player has unique needs and preferences for how they choose to play. The Xbox Adaptive Joystick is a singular, wired controller primarily designed to meet the needs of players with limited mobility. Its versatility helps players seamlessly incorporate it into their existing gaming setups. Built with the Gaming and Disability community who inform the development of Xbox products from the beginning. The joystick joins our family of adaptive accessories including the mouse, pen, adaptive kit and Xbox Adaptive Controller. For more details visit Xbox Support.

NACON is proud to announce that the hotly anticipated Revolution X Unlimited (RXU) is available now for pre-order exclusively on their website, nacongaming.fr. First revealed at last year's Gamescom, this new Xbox-licensed wireless controller is optimised for PC and console shooters, delivering unparalleled precision, lightning-fast responsiveness, and absolute comfort.

A concentration of technologies to enhance performance
Equipped with instant-response triggers and joysticks featuring Hall Effect technology, the RXU guarantees exceptional precision and durability. Omron micro-switches on the majority of buttons enhance players' responsiveness for optimum gaming performance.

With the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 all but a given, much has been said about the new handheld gaming console in leaks and rumors. Now, a new set of supposed leaks from Decky Wizard on X have caused a bit of consternation among the Switch community, given the seemingly random mix of upgrades and perceived downgrades coming to the next-gen Switch. Minor details include larger buttons, a redesigned dock, and three colorways at launch, however, details around the new display and controls are more significant. For starters, the leaks suggest that the Switch 2 will have larger buttons and Hall-effect joysticks, both of which would likely be a massive upgrade in the eyes of most gamers, however it also seems as though the Switch 2 will use an LCD, as opposed to an OLED display, for the base model.

It seems as though most Switch fans were expecting an OLED panel right out the gate, given the Nintendo Switch OLED has been available for quite some time, now. Hall-effect joysticks will also likely solve one of the community's biggest complaints about the Switch controls—that being stick drift—but Nintendo would have to also provide a calibration tool in the Switch software to correct for wear and tear on the joysticks. Larger buttons may also be a welcome change for most Switch gamers, since cramped controls are a fairly common criticism of the original Switch. In addition to the news of the physical and technical specifications, Decky Wizard also claims that the Switch 2 will be lighter than the Steam Deck and be launched as soon as January 2025. In a subsequent post, Decky Wizard uploaded leaked images of the new Switch 2, showing off not only a fresh looking chassis with smaller screen bezels and a new built-in kickstand design, but also the design of the new first-party dock and two new, larger Joycon release buttons on the backs of each Joycon.

Today, NYXI officially announces the global launch of the NYXI Flexi Wireless Game Controller, designed to deliver a seamless and customizable gaming experience across multiple platforms. The NYXI Flexi stands as a strong competitor to other modular design controllers on the market, offering exceptional versatility, precision, and durability.

Customizable Gamepad Layouts
Switching between different gamepad layouts can be frustrating for multi-platform gamers. NYXI Flexi Wireless Game Controller solves this challenge with its innovative swappable components. Gamers can easily adapt the controller to their preferred style with features like swappable ABXY keycaps, interchangeable D-pad & left joystick. Whether you favor an Xbox layout, Switch button configuration, or Playstation controller joystick placement, the Flexi offers seamless customization for an unparalleled gaming experience.

Leading gaming accessories maker Turtle Beach Corporation (Nasdaq: HEAR), today introduced the ultimate weapon for competitive gamers, the all-new Victrix Pro KO Leverless Fight Stick. Turtle Beach's fully customizable Victrix Pro KO Leverless Fight Stick is officially licensed by Sony Interactive Entertainment and Microsoft to fit any fighting gamer's platform preference and play style and elevate their capabilities in a match. The Victrix Pro KO Leverless Fight Stick is designed and crafted to the highest standard with premium features and components. Hot swappable Cherry MX Speed Silver RGB switches, customizable RGB lighting, a removable aluminium top plate, and up to 16 moveable and mappable buttons give players total control over their gaming experience.

It's time to raise your rank and level up your fighting game gear with the confidence to compete at a professional level. The Victrix Pro KO Leverless Fight Stick for PlayStation is compatible with PS5 and PS4 consoles and Windows 10/11 PCs, while the Designed for Xbox version is compatible with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows 10/11 PCs. The Victrix Pro KO Leverless Fight Stick is available for pre-order for $249.99/£229.99/€249.99 MSRP at www.victrixpro.com and participating retailers and launches December 13, 2024.

MultiDimension Technology Co., Ltd. (MDT), a global leader in magnetic sensors specializing in Tunneling Magnetoresistance (TMR) technology, introduces its groundbreaking TMR2615/ TMR2617 series at Electronica and SPS. These cutting-edge TMR sensors are poised to revolutionize gaming experience with exceptional performance and innovative features.

Game-Changing Technology for Consumer Electronics
TMR2615/TMR2617 are powered by MDT's proprietary TMR technology, integrated with a programmable ASIC offering factory-preset tailored to user-defined parametric targets. This ensures high consistency and optimal performance across large-scale production, addressing diverse demands for thumbsticks and trigger keys in gaming controllers.

Thrustmaster is thrilled to unveil its new modular and scalable base for flight simulation joysticks. AVA (Advanced Versatile Aviation) has been carefully designed to perfectly meet your needs and preferences, offering you a multitude of tailor-made configurations that are great for all types of aviation. Create your ideal configuration from the many adjustment possibilities offered by the AVA base's various interchangeable elements: the axis curve, the resistance, the travel and the damping. AVA's design was specially created for quick modification of all its elements, allowing for customization between flights, and on-the-fly adjustments.

In addition, a real ecosystem is taking shape around the AVA base - with the introduction of a metal plate designed for desktop use, an offset adapter that lets you adjust the position of the grip to 15° or 30° in the joystick's central position, as well as the announcement of future add-ons and accessories. You'll also want to discover the comprehensive bundle featuring the AVA base, metal plate and offset adapter, which includes Thrustmaster's world-famous F/A-18C Hornet grip. Excellent for military, civil, space or helicopter piloting, the AVA base will adapt to your requirements and transport you into a world of simulation that's more realistic than ever before.

When we launched the Razer Kitsune, we promised a device that not only meets the demands of today's fighting game community but also evolves with it. True to our word, I am excited to share something exciting that we've been working on—a significant update that's all about fine-tuning your control in the heat of battle.

What's the Update About?
The heart of this update is a new feature called SOCD Cleaning. Let me break it down: SOCD stands for Simultaneous Opposing Cardinal Directions—which happens when you press opposite directions at the same time on your controller. It's a common scenario, that can change how you fully control your character. If you're eager to update, the Firmware 2.0 Update for the Razer Kitsune is available now over at mysupport.Razer.com. It's a straightforward process, and it ensures your Kitsune is not just up to date but also customized to fit your play style even better.

Responding to gamer demands for an enhanced Switch controller experience and inspired by the Gamecube style, NYXI Wizard Series Joy-pad has taken the gaming community by storm. This idea was a brainchild of Michael, CEO of NYXI, who is tech-savvy, as well as being a nostalgia and gaming enthusiast. The success of the Wizard Series exemplifies NYXI unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional performance tailored to the gaming community's preferences.

A Technological Leap Forward for NYXI
Fueled by the cutting-edge technology, NYXI is thrilled to unveil the latest innovation, the NYXI Warrior, which redefines NGC controllers with multi-platform compatibility and ultimate performance.

We are proud to announce that THE400 Mini—a modern day mini recreation of the pioneering home computer that first appeared in 1979, will be launching worldwide on 28th March 2024. Retro Games Ltd., one of the world's leading producers of re-imagined home computers, is proud to reveal that our modern day mini recreation of a pioneering home computer is now available to pre-order.

For those looking to relive the gameplay experiences of the 1970s and 1980s, included with THE400 Mini is our THECXSTICK, an enhanced, updated recreation of the iconic CX40 Atari joystick for that added touch of nostalgia. This new controller comes with an additional seven seamlessly integrated function buttons and USB, making it compatible with a wide range of platforms.