Hardware Holiday Guide 2018
LucidSound – The fastest growing gaming headset brand, LucidSound sets the standard for design and innovation in gaming audio. Designed to look like a premium, lifestyle headset, the LucidSound range are a far cry from the toy-like aesthetics found elsewhere. Each headset features the signature LucidSound control scheme which does away with rocker switches and in-line remotes, leaving the gamer free to enjoy peerless gaming audio unlike any other headset available.
Mad Catz – A truly legendary name in gaming hardware, the Mad Catz brand has been a staple on the gaming scene for over two decades. Reborn for a new generation, Mad Catz is back and under new management, armed with new ideas and gaming hardware.
Snakebyte – A major name in gaming hardware, snakebyte accessories has been enhancing gaming across the USA and Germany for many years. Expanding rapidly across Europe, snakebyte has recently turned focus on to custom, high-quality hardware, launching an Android gaming subscription service by the name of GameStore and a new line of flight simulation hardware named Honeycomb Aeronautical.
Venom – A UK accessory brand, Venom design and manufacture a whole host of quality peripherals for console. Uniquely positioned to react extremely quickly to market trends, Venom release several licensed accessories for all major formats and feature some of the most unusual and charming hardware around.
The Accessory Outlet – Sister company to Venom, the Accessory Outlet distributes hardware across Europe, presenting a one-stop-solution for those looking for the hottest gifts and gaming products. Notably, The Accessory Outlet is the exclusive UK distributor for the NEOGEO Mini Arcade System.
My Arcade – Fresh from the USA, My Arcade is now distributing across Europe courtesy of Sony DADC. The home of retro collectibles, My Arcade is best known for their ‘Micro Player’ range of licensed Table Top Arcade Machines. Fully playable and achingly cool, each of the Micro Players feature perfect emulation and original arcade artwork at incredible prices.
Bionik – A new name in high quality gaming accessories, the Bionik product line is refreshingly different. Designed in house and made for the discerning gamer, Bionik manages to stand out from the competition with product design that stands in a league of their own.
LucidSound LS35X Licensed Wireless Gaming Headset (Xbox One, Windows 10 PC $179.99 / £199.99) – www.lucidsound.com
The world’s finest Xbox Gaming Headset, the LS35X is a must-have for Xbox gamers. One of a rare breed indeed, the licensed LS35X features the same wireless control chip Microsoft use in their controllers, allowing gamers to connect directly to the console at the touch of a button. No more chat cables, dongles or transmitters, the LS35X shows gamers on screen prompts, displaying battery life and audio selection, just working effortlessly and doing so in style! The signature ear-cup control scheme changes game and chat volume with a simple twist and the 50mm Neodymium Drivers are individually tuned specifically for gaming. Compatible with Windows Sonic and Dolby Atmos Surround Sound technologies.
LucidSound LS25 Esports Gaming Headset (PC $79.99 / £79.99) – www.lucidsound.com
Designed specifically for a PC audience, the LS25 focuses only on the essentials: Great audio quality, ease of use, clear chat and comfort. Featuring a wired connection which PC gamers demand, the LS25 is truew plug-and-play, offering the distilled LucidSound experience and complete with the signature earcup control system that allows competitive gamers to adjust their volume without taking their eyes off the game. When chat with teammates is so important, the dual mic design of the LS25 comes in to its own, with a flexible boom mic, optional windsock and unidirectional design filtering unwanted background noise.
LucidSound LS31 Wireless Gaming Headset (Xbox One, PS4, PC $149.99 / £149.99) – www.lucidsound.com
A classic reinvented, the LS31 is the ideal wireless gaming headset for multi format gamers. The new LS31 improves upon every aspect of the original LS30, featuring a more robust headrail, better audio drivers and improved mic capabilities. Cutting edge 2.4GHz technology provides interference free wireless audio which can be enjoyed across multiple consoles, and the earcup control system allows gamers to independently adjust chat audio and game volume with a simple twist. Incredible looks, amazing audio and industry leading features. Who could ask for more?!
Mad Catz R.A.T.4+ (PC £TBC) – www.madcatz.com
Featuring industry leading OMRON switches with a lifecycle of 20 million clicks, theR.A.T.4+has been designed to deliver flawless precision. Powerful LEDs provide multi-zone backlighting and the Pixart PMW 3330 optical sensor provides trusted performance that gamers can rely on.
Mad Catz R.A.T.6+ (PC £TBC) – www.madcatz.com
Extending the customization options, the R.A.T.6+ features nine programmable buttons and an adjustable palm rest, in addition to a removable weight system that allows gamers to find the ideal weight for their personal preference. Chameleon RGB Intelligent Lighting illuminates the mouse across three separate zones, bathing the R.A.T. with over 16 million lighting combinations, while luxury OMRON switches have been tested to up to 50 million clicks for superior performance.
Mad Catz R.A.T.8+ (PC £TBC) – www.madcatz.com
Designed for the professional gamer, the state-of-the-art Pixart PMW 3389 optical sensor delivers unrivalled precision for any gaming genre. Fully customisable, the R.A.T.8+features an adjustable palm rest and thumb rest, as well as removable pinkie grip. 18G of removable weights enable gamers to perfect the feel of their R.A.T., while the three stage Chameleon RGB lighting keeps the mouse looking as good as it performs. Onboard memory allows gamers to save up to three profiles, allowing for personalized macro button, sensor and lighting settings when travelling to tournaments.
Mad Catz R.A.T. Pro S3 (PC – £TBC) – www.madcatz.com
Lightweight, ergonomic and unmistakably R.A.T., the PRO S3 concentrates on delivering the essentials professional gamers demand. The powerful Pixart PMW 3330 sensor delivers proven gaming performance, while ultra-reliable OMRON switches have been tested to an impressive 50 million clicks. The palm rest is fully adjustable, tilting plus or minus 15 degrees, side-to-side and extending up to 12mm from the mainframe. The PRO S3 also features Chameleon RGB lighting for stunning visual effects during gaming sessions.
snakebyte Head:Set Range (Nintendo Switch / PlayStation 4 / Xbox One $19.99 / £19.99 to £24.99 / 19.99 to 24.99 Euro) – www.mysnakebyte.com
Ideal for the Fortnite gamer no matter the format, snakebyte has a Gaming Headset for everyone this holiday. For PS4, snakebyte have the Head:Set 4, on Xbox it’s the Head:Set X and for Switch there’s the Head:Set S. United across the range is the superb value offered, offering an audio and build quality which are way above competitors in a similar price range. High power 40mm Neodymium drivers deliver richly detailed audio, allowing gamers to pin-point movements of enemies and team mates when playing online, while the removable boom mic is fully flexible and extremely accurate, essential when discussing strategy with team mates in battle. The highly padded earcups have been designed to isolate background noise and provide a luxuriously comfortable design, ideal for extended gaming sessions. Lastly, the extra-long 1.2 metre cable features an in-line volume control, allowing gamers to adjust their audio levels without reaching for the remote! For Switch owners, snakebyte even include an extension cable, ideal for dock or table-top mode.
snakebyte Tough:Kit (Nintendo Switch $24,99 / £24.99 / 24.99 Euro) – www.mysnakebyte.com
The perfect Holiday gift for the new Switch gamer, the Tough:Kit for Nintendo Switch bundles a collection of accessories, designed to offer maximum protection for your console, Joy-Con controllers and games. The Tough:Case has been designed to cradle the console when in handheld mode, preventing damage to fragile hardware via the rugged shell that includes a scratch-resistant polycarbonate back cover. The Game:Caseis the perfect companion to the Tough:Case, providing storage and protection for up to four games. Small enough to fit in any pocket, the Game:Case affords peace of mind that the fragile games will survive any road trip in one piece! Designed specifically for the Joy-Con controllers, the Tough:Kit includes a set of controller caps, protecting the fragile analogue sticks from wear and tear associated with travel while offering superior grip during play. Lastly, the Screen:Shield PRO fits perfectly over the screen of the console to resist scratches and damage.
snakebyte Game:Pad 4S Wireless™(PlayStation 4 $39.99 / £39.99 / 39.99 Euro)
The Holidays are a time for gaming with friends and family, and any get-together will need extra controllers for local co-op play! The Game:Pad 4S Wireless is a high-quality wired controller for PS4 which doesn’t sacrifice on quality, features or compatibility, yet represents remarkable value for money. The Game:Pad 4S Wireless features the familiar Touch Pad, Share Button and Dual Vibration motors found on the official controller, using advanced Bluetooth technology to ensure a rock-solid wireless connection. Ergonomic design and impressive build quality prove that you CAN have it all in a third-party controller!
GameStore by snakebyte (4.99 Euro per month – www.gamestoreapp.com)
Give the gift of non-stop gaming with a GameStore subscription this Holiday season. GameStore is mobile gaming done right, ushering in a revolution for Android owners. A new gaming subscription service, GameStore gives Android owners a choice to over 400 games, with more arriving each and every month. Play any game at the touch of a button, and many can even be downloaded to your device for use offline. All GameStore games feature no ads, malware, or micro-transactions, so you’ll never be disturbed and never need to pay more. The games available include the latest hits from Bandai Namco, Activison, Ubisoft and more, as well as a jaw-dropping range of classic and retro titles. The cost of GameStore is just 4.99 Euros a month and with a no-strings attached 15-day free trial, it’s the best value Holiday gift imaginable!
Venom Charging Stand (Xbox One X / Xbox One S – £14.99) – EU ONLY – venomuk.com
Neatly storing and protecting your Xbox console in a space-saving upright position, the Vertical Charging Stand also doubles as a convenient docking station, charging up to two official Xbox One wireless controllers. Designed with the modern home in mind, the Vertical Charging Stand includes two powerful rechargeable battery packs, providing up to 18 hours of supercharged gameplay. Catering for gamers who use a range of external accessories with their console, the Vertical Charging Stand neatly integrated USB ports, providing plug-and-play access without the need to move or disrupt the console. In addition, the Vertical Charging Stand can store up to six boxed games, keeping console, games and controllers all in one neat, centralised location.
Venom Nighthawk Headset (Multi Format £14.99) – EU ONLY – venomuk.com
Engineered for gaming comfort and audio clarity, the Nighthawk gaming headset, provides great value, for gamers across the UK. Compatible with all major consoles and mobile devices, the Nighthawk allows for simple plug-and-play use. The ergonomically designed Nighthawk Stereo Gaming Headset looks great, sounds awesome and provides clear in-game chat thanks to its flexible and adjustable boom microphone. In-line control unit facilitates intuitive adjustments and over-ear cushioned ear cups mean that gaming is never a chore, ideal for sustained gaming sessions.
Venom PS4 Twin Docking Station (£12.99) – EU ONLY – venomuk.com
Keep controllers fully charged and ready for action, with Venom’s smart Twin Docking Station. The rapid recharge cradle enables you to power up two Dualshock 4 wireless controllers. Available in a variety of colours to match the finish of your console, the charging indicators on the Twin Docking Station turn blue once fully charged, alerting the gamer when they are good to go get gaming. No more cables! Simply attach the micro USB dongles provided for simple drop and charge. Supplied with two micro USB dongles.
Venom – Nintendo Switch Quad Charging Station (£12.99) – EU ONLY – venomuk.com
Keep up to four JoyCon controllers stored, protected and fully charged for action with the Quad Charging Station from Venom for Nintendo Switch. With no mains adapter needed, the Charging Station discretely connects to the USB port of the Switch dock via the USB cable provided and allows gamers to easily slide their JoyCon’s onto the tower design for quick recharge. Matt finish perfectly matches the Dock and the red LED charge indicators located on the tower, turn to blue to indicate when JoyCon’s are fully charged.
Venom Poké Ball Plus Protective Case – (£5.99) – EU ONLY – venomuk.com
The Protective Case for Poké Ball Plus, is an all-new and unique accessory designed to store and protect the all-new Poké Ball Plus device when gaming on the go. Used to play Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee!, the Poké Ball Plus can replace the use of the Joy-Con controllers during play, adding an extra dimension of fun to the games. The Protective Case for Poké Ball Plus is designed to snugly fit the Poké Ball Plus, featuring a hard EVA outer shell that protects your hardware from knocks and damage. Fashioned in the signature red and white Pokémon design, the Protective Case for Poké Ball Plus is built with a soft inner lining to protect against scratches and incorporates an inner mesh pocket for added security. With a handy carabiner clip, fans can attach to a bag, belt or keys when on the hunt for Pokémon!
The Accessory Outlet – NEOGEO Mini (£109.99) – EU ONLY – www.accessoryoutlet.co.uk
The return of a legend, the NEOGEO Mini is the ultimate nostalgia trip, offering an advanced entertainment system that fits in the palm of your hand! Distributed in the UK via The Accessory Outlet (sister company of Venom), the NEOGEO Mini is fashioned as a table top arcade, allowing instant play to 40 incredible NEOGEO games thanks to its in-built display and integrated controls. When you’re looking to kick back with a buddy and enjoy big screen gaming, simply connect to a standard TV, plug in a controller and the luxury NEOGEO experience explodes into life on the big screen!
My Arcade Micro Players (£29.99 / 34.99 Euro) – https://www.myarcadegaming.com/
Irresistible, authentic and a must for any 80’s kid, the My Arcade Micro Players bring the classics bursting back to life with incredible authenticity! Officially licensed and complete with original arcade artwork, the Micro Player range include Pac-Man, Galaxian and Dig-Guy from Bandai Namco and Bad Dudes and Caveman Ninja from Data East! Thanks to careful emulation overseen by the license holders, the games look and play just as you remember and work great with the integrated joystick controls which convert to a handy D-Pad for those who prefer traditional controller use. Go collect them all this Holiday!
Bionik Mantis –(TBC) EU Only – https://www.bionikgaming.com/
New to Europe, Bionik is a US manufacturer of high-quality gaming accessories, specialising in premium and innovative hardware solutions for gamers. For use exclusively with PS4 and PS4 VR, the Mantis transforms the audio experience for PS4 VR gamers. Designed specifically for use with PS VR, the Mantis consists of unique detachable headphones that assist gamers in further immersing themselves in the incredible virtual worlds of PS VR. Mantis is engineered for seamless integration with PS VR, featuring a custom clip-on design for easy attachment and removal. Comprised of high-quality components and a complementary colour scheme, the headphones are lightweight, intuitive to use and come complete with an audio cable for use with PS VR. The officially licensed Mantis will include both on-ear and over-the-ear attachment options, which allows for even more customization to fit the needs of all PS VR players.
