[PAX Prime 2012] SteelSeries "Freedom To Play" Lineup

[Ghostbear]

I got to meet up with the SteelSeries folks this last weekend and they showed off some of their more mobile inclined pieces of hardware. So join me as we look at a few pieces of hardware from the Freedom To Play line.

First up is the Flux Headset ($99.99). This is an On-ear headset, while not usually my preferred style, the Flux was so light that it was far more comfortable than any other on-ear headsets I've used. You'll be able to customize the look of your headset with removable panels. For those of you that are curious, the mic is in the cord. The build of the Flux was indicative of the usual SteelSeries quality, which is excellent. When you're ready to go, it folds right up, ready to be tossed in your bag for a trip.

Continuing on the headset kick, we also got a look at the new earbuds, the Flux In-Ear Pro Headset ($129.99). These earbuds are different from normal ones, in that they armature speakers instead of drivers. While I didn't get to test them myself at the show, I am told this provides a much better range of sound. What I did notice was the cabling; it's flat making it pretty much impossible to tangle it. No matter how you shove it in your bag or its little case, I was unable to get that cable wound around itself. The earbuds will also have adapters for phones and portable gaming devices, letting you do things like answer calls or change tracks while listening to music.

The SteelSeries Free Mobile Gaming Controller ($79.99) is a bluetooth controller that can be used on just about everything; PC, Android, iOS and Mac. This thing is tiny, about the size of a cell phone. It was also pretty comfortable to use, with a nice button and analog stick layout. I used it to play Temple Run on the iPad and I have to say it felt like a much better gaming experience than using the touch controls. The controller should work with any game that has gamepad support.

All of these products should be available this fall. I should be getting review units, so I will be able to provide a more in depth look soon enough.

[Bone]

Heaphones are a stupid addiction. I find myself buying a new set annually, when my last pair was just fine. But on-ear headphones that are extremely light? Dammit.

I also really like the idea of that gaming controller. Would be great if it could support Xbox and PS3 as well.

[Vandabo]

That controller is slick. Does it come with a bluetooth dongle? I really doubt that it does, but it would be cool if it did.

[Bone]

The controller uses bluetooth, why would you need a dongle? Or do you mean a BT to USB dongle?

[Vandabo]

Originally Posted by Bone

The controller uses bluetooth, why would you need a dongle? Or do you mean a BT to USB dongle?

Yeah, for use with computers that don't have bluetooth already. Like for example my gaming laptop, which amazingly doesn't have it.

[Dark Acre Jack]

A slick portable controller for mobile (specifically "mounted" tablets in stands) could be game-changer.

Pun intended. Will have to acquire a unit for dev, thanks for the head's up GB.

[Bone]

Originally Posted by Vandabo

Yeah, for use with computers that don't have bluetooth already. Like for example my gaming laptop, which amazingly doesn't have it.

Gotcha. Honestly I was very surprised to find BT on my new desktop motherboard. I agree though, a dongle would be nice but not required on a controller like this.

[Ghostbear]

I updated the OP with the prices.

[Lekon]

Originally Posted by Dark Acre Jack

A slick portable controller for mobile (specifically "mounted" tablets in stands) could be game-changer.

Pun intended. Will have to acquire a unit for dev, thanks for the head's up GB.

Ghostbear fiddled with it a bit. I really played with the controller. Damn thing works awesomely. No delay at all in playing any of the games that had it supported. Temple Run was the easiest to see the difference in controls between flicking and hoping, or just pressing a button and *bam* jump instant or move to the side.

Despite it's size, it felt good even in my huge mits, and felt pretty durable too. Would be easy to schelp it along in an case pocket.

[Bone]

Do want. And the headset too.

[Wraith]

I'm wondering - a gamepad at $80? I know there are all kinds of gaming mice at and above that price, but that seems like a significant premium over what you pay for a console gamepad.

DualShock 3 - $55
Xbox 360 Wireless Controller - $50
Xbox 360 Wireless Silver Controller w/ Play & Charge - $65
Wii Remote Plus w/ Nunchuck - $60
Razer Onza Tournament Edition - $50 ($60 for BF3/DA2/ME3 editions)

[Ghostbear]

You're paying for a smaller device that can work on multiple different systems. I imagine the size of it is the real culprit. It's a little bigger than an Altoids tin .

[Wraith]

Originally Posted by Ghostbear

You're paying for a smaller device that can work on multiple different systems. I imagine the size of it is the real culprit. It's a little bigger than an Altoids tin .

didn't know it was quite that small, that could be part of it. was thinking it looked SNES sized or bigger.