Sharkoon Technologies is an international supplier of high-quality, high-performance PC components and peripherals. For light-colored gaming setups, Sharkoon is now launching a white version of the Hi-Res-certified SKILLER SGH50 gaming headset. Moreover, in addition to the usual synthetic-leather ear pads, the new white version and the already available black version will each include a pair of hybrid ear pads covered with a combination of synthetic leather and fabric.

Comfortable Hybrid Ear Pads
The white version of the SKILLER SGH50 comes already fitted with the new hybrid ear pads covered in synthetic leather and fabric, while, for the usual audio sounds, the black version comes fitted with ear pads that are furnished purely with synthetic leather. Together with the headband, which automatically adapts to the shape of the head, the manufacturer aims to put even more focus on comfort with the use of the new hybrid ear pads. Of course, the hybrid ear pads are also supplied with the black version.

AMD Ryzen 8040 "Hawk Point" mobile processors continue to roll out in all sorts of review sample guises—mostly within laptops/notebooks and handheld gaming PC segments. An example of the latter would be GPD's Hawk Point-refreshed Win Max 2 model—Cary Golomb, a tech reviewer and self-described evangelist of "PC Gaming Handhelds Since 2016" has acquired this device for benchmark comparison purposes. A Ryzen 7 8840U-powered GPD Win Max 2 model was pitched against similar devices that house older Team Red APU technologies. Golomb's collection included Valve's Steam Deck LCD model, and three "Phoenix" Ryzen 7840U-based GPD models. He did not have any top-of-the-line ASUS or Lenovo handhelds within reach, but the onboard Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU is a close relative of 7840U.

Golomb's social media post included a screenshot of a Batman: Arkham Knight "average frames per second" comparison chart—all devices were running on a low 10 W TDP setting. The overall verdict favors AMD's new Hawk Point part: "Steam Deck low TDP performance finally dethroned...GPD continues to make the best AMD devices. 8840U shouldn't be better, but everywhere I'm testing, it is consistently better across every TDP. TSP measuring similar." Hawk Point appears to be a slight upgrade over Phoenix—most of the generational improvements reside within a more capable XDNA NPU, so it is interesting to see that the 8840U outperforms its predecessor. They both sport AMD's Radeon 780M integrated graphics solution (RDNA 3), while the standard/first iteration Steam Deck makes do with an RDNA 2-era "Van Gogh" iGPU. Golomb found that the: "three other GPD 7840U devices behaved somewhat consistently."

Japanese high-end audio pioneers, Final, introduces the VR500 wired Gaming Earphones, delivering an extraordinary gaming audio experience without breaking the bank. The VR500 sets a new standard for affordable immersive audio, offering gamers a high-end experience at a remarkably low price. The VR500 specializes in "sound image localization" in order to accurately reproduce the direction of sound, providing gamers with a three-dimensional soundstage for a heightened sense of realism and immersion. Whether you're in the midst of a battle or exploring a virtual world, Final's expertise in high-end audio is evident in the VR500—elevating your gaming experience to new heights.

The VR500 features Final's newly developed precision-tuned dynamic drivers that deliver exceptional audio clarity at a fraction of the cost of other gaming earphones and headphones. From subtle in-game cues to explosive sound effects, the VR500 ensures an immersive gaming experience without the premium price tag.
In games, sound effects and dialogue are localized to the creator's intended position and can be heard clearly, making it easy to identify each sound even in situations where sound effects overlap - allowing deeper immersion into a wide array of digital dimensions. Designed for extended gaming sessions, the VR500 prioritizes comfort without compromising affordability, and comes with a wide selection of Final's own superior quality silicone eartips, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit. The compact, ergonomic design and lightweight build allow gamers to enjoy extended playtime without discomfort.

As we enter the third week of the year's shortest month, we have a ton of new games to look forward to, with the major release this week being a gaslamp fantasy game with an open world and some multiplayer co-op action. As for the remaining games this week, we have an indie sci-fi shooter, a racing sim, a terminator franchise title, a couple of survival games set in different locations, with the latter one being a multiplayer game as well.

Nightingale / This week's major release / Tuesday 20 February
Nightingale is a PVE open-world survival crafting game played solo or cooperatively with friends. Build, craft, fight and explore as you venture through mystical portals into a variety of amazing and fantastical realms. You are stranded beyond our world, cut off by the collapse of the arcane portal network. This catastrophe has left you fighting to survive in a labyrinth of beautiful and dangerous Fae realms. Your goal: become a skilled Realmwalker, and navigate the web of transdimensional portals. Only then can you discover your way to the magical city of Nightingale, the last known bastion of humanity.

As we enter the year of the dragon according to the Chinese zodiac, we have a week full of new game releases to look forward to, although none of them are unfortunately dragon themed. This week's AAA release has a more caribbean theme and has been a long time coming. As for the remaining releases, we're looking at a dash of phobia, banishment, some insight, dwarves, colonisation and a dark town.

Skull & Bones / This week's AAA release / Friday 16 February
Enter the perilous world of Skull and Bones, a co-op pirate open world action RPG experience, to become the most infamous pirate kingpin. Engage in thrilling naval battles, craft a variety of unique ships, forge unlikely alliances as you overcome the odds, and bring mayhem on the seas. Be part of an immersive world that introduces new challenges and features every season

Creating quality content requires quality gear - whether you're editing your latest video review or streaming your favorite games on Twitch. The ROG Carnyx is a professional-grade condenser gaming microphone that delivers detailed, high-fidelity audio with minimal setup, making it a good microphone for gaming and streaming that lets you can do what you do best: playing games, streaming, and creating content.

Crystal clear sound through the Carnyx gaming microphone
The Carnyx features a 25 mm condenser capsule and 192 kHz / 24-bit sampling rate, meaning every detail of your voice will come through in a clean, uninterrupted recording. Our high-pass filter enhances vocal clarity, the microphone's built-in pop filter to minimize vocal plosives, and the entire unit suspended onto a premium metal shock mount with a high quality elastic cord to reduce external vibrations and produce crystal-clear sound.

Welcome to February proper, a week that brings one fairly big AAA release, followed by a few lesser titles. We have sparky tales, a remake by MicroProse, dungeons, inquisitors and a space based RPG game for you, none of which can be considered major releases, but might still be fun to play.

Helldivers 2 / This week's AAA release / Thursday 8 February
Helldivers 2 is a 3rd person squad-based shooter that sees the elite forces of the Helldivers battling to win an intergalactic struggle to rid the galaxy of the rising alien threats. From a 3rd person perspective, players use a variety of weapons (pistols, machine guns, flamethrowers) and stratagems (turrets, airstrikes, etc.) to shoot and kill the alien threats. Players can also aim down the sights for a more accurate 1st person camera view. Combat is accompanied by frequent sprays of blood and dismemberment as players exterminate the alien forces or players and squad mates are hit by environmental explosions or friendly fire. Enemy encampments and battlefield environments depict bloodstains and dismembered corpses.

As we're about to enter February, there are a bunch of new releases to look forward to this coming week, oddly enough many of them Japanese, just like this past week. This week's major release is based on a DC comics movie, which may or may not be appealing. As for the rest of this coming week's releases, we got a turn-based roguelike, some corsairs, punching, but only once, a fantasy action RPG, an anime 3D fighter and a JRPG. Hopefully there's something here for almost everyone.

Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League / This week's major release / Friday 2 February
From Rocksteady Studios, the creators of the Batman: Arkham series, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League is a genre-defying third-person action shooter where the ultimate band of misfits must do the impossible to save the world: Kill the Justice League. Join the newly "recruited" members of Amanda Waller's infamous Task Force X (aka the Suicide Squad), Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Captain Boomerang and King Shark, as they set out on an impossible mission to Kill the Justice League. Drop into an expansive and dynamic open-world Metropolis ravaged by Brainiac's invasion and terrorized by the heroes who once protected it.

Roland announces BRIDGE CAST X, the latest addition to the growing family of BRIDGE CAST products for online gaming and livestreaming. BRIDGE CAST X is a powerful desktop interface and connection hub that allows streamers to simplify their setups and improve their content with Roland's renowned pro AV features. Multiple USB-C, HDMI, and audio ports provide simultaneous connectivity for computers, gaming consoles, and other devices, eliminating the need to repatch for different streaming scenarios. BRIDGE CAST X also includes an XLR mic input, assignable control pads, and support for thousands of royalty-free backing music titles via the BGM CAST service on Roland Cloud.

From online gaming to podcasting, vlogging, and other video content, BRIDGE CAST X keeps users focused on creating rather than fussing with cables and different pieces of specialized gear. The integrated design simplifies connections and reduces clutter, while the friendly panel is filled with controls for executing actions in real time while streaming.

If you like Japanese games, then the fourth week of the new year is for you, as we have no less than four new Japanese games being released this week, which almost has to be something of a record for simultaneous releases in a week. The AA title this week is one of the famous 3D fighting titles and if that's not your cup of matcha, then we have plenty of other games on offer for you. As for the rest of this week, we have some pirates, gates to other worlds, an open world co-op RPG and the aforementionedJapanese games.

Tekken 8 / This week's AA Title / Friday 26 January
Get ready for the next chapter in the legendary fighting game franchise, Tekken 8.
Completely redesigned character visuals. Elaborate, highly-detailed models built from the ground and high-fidelity graphics break the limits of new-generation hardware by adding a new weight and atmosphere to Tekken's signature battles. Vivid environments and destructible stages combine to create an overwhelming sense of immersion, creating the ultimate play experience.

ZOWIE, BenQ's professional eSports equipment brand, is pleased to announce the U2 wireless eSports mouse with an all-new shape, developed through cutting-edge sports science research and development to meet the demands of competitive gamers. The U2 boasts a distinctive inward-curved design on both sides, catering to claw grippers who prioritise agility during multi-angle movements. Additionally, the U2 features an enhanced receiver for superior wireless signal stability and offers plug-and-play convenience. Its newly redesigned mouse feet ensure a glide experience reminiscent of other ZOWIE wired mice.

Sports Science in ZOWIE Mouse Design
At ZOWIE, each new shape undergoes meticulous research. Thorough qualitative interviews and usability tests on prototypes are conducted prior to each product launch. By leveraging sports science experiments, the team can evaluate various design proposals more objectively. ZOWIE believes that designs rooted in both qualitative and quantitative data empower our players to achieve higher levels of performance.

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced ROG Swift OLED PG34WCDM, a 34-inch ultrawide 800R curved 3440 x 1440 OLED gaming monitor featuring a 240 Hz refresh rate and a 0.03 ms gray-to-gray (GTG) response time. The PG34WCDM boasts a custom heatsink and improved airflow design to reduce internal temperatures to reduce the risk of panel burn-in. The monitor features 3rd generation ROG OLED technology with DisplayHDR True Black 400 compliance and 30% brighter imagery than its predecessor. It also features the Clear Pixel Edge algorithm and Extreme Low Motion Blur technology (ELMB) to reduce color fringing and enable crisp fast-paced visuals respectively. NVIDIA G-SYNC -compatibility ensures supersmooth, tear-free visuals with low latency. In addition, built-in ROG Smart KVM software allows users to control two devices with a keyboard and mouse, with USB 3.2 enabling superfast file transfers across two input sources. The PG34WCDM also offers multiple connectivity options including DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.1, and USB-C with 90 W power delivery.

Immersive gaming experiences
The ROG Swift OLED PG34WCDM pushes the boundaries of gaming innovation with its 34-inch ultrawide 800R curved panel and superfast 240 Hz refresh rate and 0.03 ms GTG response time. Inside, a custom heatsink and improved airflow design help reduce operating temperatures and minimize the potential for burn-in to ensure the display's longevity.

Today at CES 2024, Alienware is building on our legacy of display innovation with two new world's-first QD-OLED gaming monitors. Introducing the Alienware 32 4K QD-OLED Gaming Monitor (AW3225QF) and Alienware 27 360 Hz QD-OLED Gaming Monitor (AW2725DF) - two new, advanced gaming displays that expand our celebrated, award-winning QD-OLED family which first debuted at CES 2022.

These new models are the first of their kind. On the left, you're looking at the world's first 4K QD-OLED gaming monitor with Dolby Vision HDR designed for you to see every detail in astounding color and contrast. On the right, beauty and speed come together in the world's first 360 Hz QD-OLED gaming monitor, providing you with 360 Hz refresh rate and QD-OLED infinite contrast in QHD resolution (2560x1440). All these features combined into a single package helps position any gamers with a clear competitive advantage. (For a quick refresher on QD-OLED technology, click here.) No matter whether you are playing racing games where speed is of the essence, or simulation and action-adventure games where sharp visual fidelity is key, there is now an Alienware QD-OLED gaming monitor perfect for you.

During CES 2024, Blacklyte, a new Canadian brand of gaming chairs, accessories, and desks, has unveiled an inaugural Athena gaming chair granting the user complete mastery over each meticulous stitch. The Athena chair features an exclusive pattern of intertwined threads inspired by fashion-forward footwear. With plushier and more breathable Skinsense fabric, the chair allows one to keep cool throughout the day. It also provides exceptional durability and smooth gliding on a reinforced base. The intricate details of the stitching patterns, high-end fabric, and sturdy construction position this as a premium, fashionable gaming chair built for comfort during extended periods of use. It also features adjustable arm rests and adjustable positions of tilting. The Athena chair comes with an MSRP of $499.99

Next, the new company has also displayed its Atlas gaming desk, which optimizes space utilization while providing flexibility and convenience. Its design includes an earphone hook and wire wrangler tray to neatly organize accessories without infringing on the desktop area. The desk also features electric height adjustment from 600 mm to 1250 mm for quick transitions between sitting and standing. Powered by a single concealed column through the leg, the built-in electrical socket can charge a few devices simultaneously. Advertised with its ability to "carry the world" of your electronics on its shoulders, Atlas is a sustainable desk built for adaptability and tidy cable management. The Atlas desk should be available soon with an unknown price tag.

MSI has unveiled a brand new gaming keyboard at CES 2024—the STRIKE PRO WIRELESS looks to be their next flagship peripheral. Its features include an aircraft-grade aluminium top plate, a premium memory foam-outfitted wrist wrest and MSI's snazzy looking Clearcaps. Interested buyers will be offered a choice of proprietary Sonic Series Mechanical Red switches (35 g actuation force, linear typing experience) or Blue switches (45 g actuation force, "smooth + clicky" typing experience). Tri-mode connectivity is present—via MSI's SWIFTSPEED 2.4 GHz receiver, traditional Bluetooth (pairing with a maximum of three devices), or an old fashioned wired USB connection. Dedicated media keys, a volume wheel and a triple-profile M-key setup complete this package.

MSI introduced the VIGOR GK50 Elite TKL model last autumn, with options for Kailh Blue (50 g—smooth + clicky), Red (50 g—linear) and Box White (45 g—crisp) switches. The Elite compact tenkeyless board has not reached every territory around the world, so it is not surprising to see it being exhibited to interested punters in Las Vegas. MSI has also chosen to introduce a new high-end gaming mouse and game controller at this year's CES—hopefully a TPU team member will drop by the booth again, and get familiar with these peripherals: Versa Pro Wireless 8K mouse and Force Pro Wireless gamepad.

TP-Link, a leading global provider of consumer and business networking products, and the first-to-market Wi-Fi 7 brand, is proud to announce its latest line of Wi-Fi 7 innovations at CES 2024. This exciting lineup features a more robust collection of Deco Mesh Wi-Fi systems, next-gen Archer routers, and the industry's most powerful gaming router, along with the debut of the world's first Wi-Fi 7 client adapter. TP-Link is committed to delivering an unparalleled connectivity experience for homes of any size and internet access type.

Wi-Fi 7 Whole Home Mesh All-Scenario Solution
Deco offers a seamlessly integrated and comprehensive mesh Wi-Fi solution, allowing users to effortlessly create a whole home mesh Wi-Fi system. Whether consumers have a small apartment or a spacious residence with expansive floor plans and outdoor requirements, Deco ensures a robust and reliable network with faster speeds, lower latency, and more capacity than ever before. At CES 2024, TP-Link will unveil an impressive end-to-end range of Deco solutions that fit any scenario, including the BE95, BE65 Pro, BE63, BE65-5G, BE65-PoE, BE25, BE25-Outdoor, and more.

ASUS and Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced an exciting lineup of displays for gaming, professional content creation, hybrid work, and entertainment at CES 2024. ROG continues to drive gaming display innovation with the introduction of the 39-inch ROG Swift OLED PG39WCDM 800R-curved monitor, the 32-inch PG32UCDP—the world's first dual-mode gaming monitor with a Frame Rate Boost feature that lets users switch between 4K 240 Hz and FHD 480 Hz modes - and the PG27AQDP, the world's fastest 27-inch OLED monitor. In addition, ROG also unveiled the award-winning ROG Aura Monitor Light Bar ALB01 and ROG Ergo Monitor Arm AAS01 to upgrade any gaming setup.

Content creators will appreciate the latest ProArt Display PA278CFRV, an eco-friendly QHD (2560 x 1440) IPS monitor featuring 95% DCI-P3 and USB-C with 96 W power delivery—perfect for Windows laptop and MacBook users. ASUS unveiled a trio of portable displays including ZenScreen Fold OLED MQ17QH—the world's first foldable OLED portable display—and the 21.5-inch, 100 Hz ZenScreen MB229CF with several versatile stand options, along with the 15.6-inch ZenScreen MB166CR featuring a 360° kickstand that doubles as a wall mount.

GIGABYTE certainly came to the CES 2024 show in force and big part of its showcase were existing and new monitors, including the 48-inch OLED AORUS FO48U and the 49-inch OLED AORUS CO49DQ gaming monitors. During the show, GIGABYTE revealed a bit more information about its current monitor lineups, including gaming oriented AORUS, as well as multimedia, and standard G- and GS-series gaming monitors.

The flagship offer and the star of the monitor show at GIGABYTE's CES 2024 event was certainly the AORUS OLED monitor lineup, including the CO49DQ, MO34WQC2, FO32U2P, and the FO48U. The big 34-inch AORUS MO34WQC2 OLED monitor with 3440x1440 WQHD resolution and 240 Hz refresh rate is certainly a sight to behold. It is AMD FreeSync Premium certified, has 0.03 ms GTG response time, has integrated KVM switch, and offers two DisplayPort 1.4 and two HDMI 2.1 inputs. The CO49DQ is also another one that peaked our interest, and although it does not include the KVM switch, this 49-inch 10-bit OLED monitor with 5120x1440 resolution offers impressive picture quality with 99% DCI-P3 but sticks with 144 Hz refresh rate. It is also AMD FreeSync Premium certified and has two DisplayPort 1.4 and two HDMI 2.1 inputs, but lacks integrated KVM switch.

Today at CES 2024, HP Inc. unveiled its most personalized gaming portfolio yet with innovations across its OMEN and HyperX brands. New laptops, accessories, and software are all designed to work together to create a seamless gaming ecosystem so gamers can focus on what they do best - play.

"Computing continues to become more personal, and this is especially true in the gaming community," said Josephine Tan, Senior Vice President & Division President of Personal Systems Gaming Solutions, HP Inc. "Whether it is your gaming laptop, monitor, or accessory, HP has developed a customizable and personalized solution that can be tailored to your need."

Acer today announced the extension of its SpatialLabs stereoscopic 3D lineup to the Aspire line of laptops and Predator gaming monitors.

The new Aspire 3D 15 SpatialLabs Edition laptop delivers captivating 3D content for entertainment and creation on its 15.6-inch UHD display; It also comes with a suite of AI-powered SpatialLabs applications for 3D viewing and content creation, without the need for specialized glasses, delighting users when watching their favorite content and empowering developers to see their designs in their real 3D forms. With Microsoft Copilot in Windows 11, users can experience upscaled creativity and productivity with AI-powered task assistance, while Acer's suite of AI-supported solutions in Acer PurifiedView and PurifiedVoice elevate conference calls on the 3D laptop.

Welcome to the second week of new game releases in 2024 and yet another week full of minor releases. Don't let that put you off though, as there are plenty of new games launching, some of which are not quite what you'd expect. As such, you can look forward to a week of RPG titles, a game where things go boom, a lot of beer, some bonesaws and repairing computers.

Archaelund / Monday 8 January
Explore a vast open world and crawl through dungeons in first person, then fight tactical turn-based battles from a top-down perspective. Guide your adventuring party through Archaelund, mankind's last frontier, and uncover its many secrets.

Samsung Electronics has announced details of the "Designed for Samsung Gaming Hub" program that will be showcased at CES 2024. The objective of the program is to work with leading gaming accessory companies to drive the next generation of best-in-class partner products for the Samsung Gaming Hub, Samsung's game streaming platform. In addition, the company announced its partnership with gaming accessory provider PDP (Performance Designed Products LLC), the first "Designed for Samsung Gaming Hub" controller.

"Samsung recognizes the indispensable role of accessories in elevating gaming experiences," said Jiho Ha, Head of Service Partnerships Group at Samsung Electronics. "Building on our already-high level of compatibility, the 'Designed for Samsung Gaming Hub' program will see us collaborating with trusted partners to craft accessories that further enhance the premier experience of the Samsung Gaming Hub."

MSI, the globally renowned gaming brand, has collaborated with the esteemed game developer CAPCOM to mark the 20th anniversary of the Monster Hunter game series by introducing a carefully curated line of limited-edition PC products. The unveiling of these highly anticipated products will take place at CES 2024, where MSI will showcase concept prototypes at an exclusive booth. The official debut of these products is scheduled to coincide with the 20th-anniversary celebration of Monster Hunter.

Inspired by one of the series' most iconic monsters, the Rathalos, this collaboration aims to infuse the majestic aura and power of the Rathalos into a captivating range of limited-edition gaming peripherals. This includes gaming laptops, monitors, graphics cards, motherboards, cases, liquid coolers, and controllers. With these products, MSI invites gamers to embark on a journey into the captivating world of Monster Hunter, delivering a unique gaming experience that combines the superior craftsmanship of MSI with the classic gaming elements of CAPCOM.

LG Display, the world's leading innovator of display technologies, announced today that it has successfully completed the development of its 27-inch 480 Hz QHD Gaming OLED display and prepared an official showcase for CES 2024, opening a new era of OLEDs featuring ultra-high refresh rates.

LG Display's latest Gaming OLED display leverages the company's unique OLED technology, which allows each pixel to emit light independently without a backlight unit, to deliver an unprecedented 480 Hz refresh rate, immersive QHD (2,560 x 1,440) resolution, and the fastest response time (0.03 ms) of any panel on the market today, combining to realize the optimal gaming experience for avid gamers.

Samsung Electronics America today announced new Odyssey OLED gaming monitors debuting at CES 2024, the world's biggest tech event owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), in Las Vegas next week. The new OLED models deliver the performance and visual clarity gamers look for in their monitors, and include the Odyssey OLED G9 (Model Name: G95SD), Odyssey OLED G8 (Model Name: G80SD), and the Odyssey OLED G6 (Model Name: G60SD).

The Odyssey OLED G9 is a 49" curved ultra-wide gaming monitor with DQHD (5,120×1,440) resolution and a 32:9 aspect ratio and other upgraded features. The Odyssey OLED G8 is the first flat 32-inch Samsung OLED gaming monitor with 4K UHD (3,840×2,160) resolution and a 16:9 aspect ratio. Both monitors have a 240 Hz refresh rate and 0.03 ms GTG response time. The Odyssey OLED G6 is a 27" QHD (2,560×1,440) monitor which supports a 16:9 aspect ratio, 360 Hz refresh rate and 0.03 ms GTG response time.