Author - Jerry Paxton

Steelseries Expands Its Apex Pro Gen 3 Series Keyboard Lineup

2025/03/25

SteelSeries, the original esports brand that fuses gaming and culture, today unveiled the newest additions to the multi-award-winning Apex Pro Gen 3 Series keyboards: the black Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 and white Apex Pro TKL Gen 3. The new additions offer a sleek aesthetic – perfect for the spring season and all new games coming this year.

Embracing and embodying the mantra that “Mini is Mighty,” the Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 takes Gen 3 performance to new heights (and lengths) with its smaller, smarter, faster, and stronger silhouette. The compact 60% form factor is one of the fastest-growing genres of keyboards for both casual gamers and professional esports players.

Since its groundbreaking debut in 2019, SteelSeries revolutionized the gaming world by introducing fully adjustable actuation with the OmniPoint switch. The Apex franchise continues to gain widespread acclaim among casual gamers and esports pros and has solidified its reputation among the keyboard community. The Apex Pro Gen 3 Series has been designed and engineered to provide gamers with more control for all their use cases, whether gaming or other. The Apex Gen3 Series provides players and typists with the world’s fastest switches and the most customizable keyboard on the planet.

The Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 joins the Apex Pro Gen 3 family that includes the full-size, TKL (tenkeyless), and TKL Wireless models.

Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 – Combining the latest OmniPoint 3.0 with the world’s fastest key switches with 40 adjustable actuation levels from an ultra-responsive 0.1mm to 4.0mm in a small 60% compact form factor, the Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 allows gamers to reduce their desktop footprint and take a high-performance keyboard with them on the go. An enhanced build quality features include premium switch stabilizers to reduce key wobble, factory-lubed switches for a smoother feel and a “thockier” sound, and dampening foam for more satisfying keypresses, confirming the fact that “Mini is Mighty.” Armed with a new suite of advanced GG software features, including Rapid Tap, Rapid Trigger, and Protection Mode, gamers can utilize GG QuickSet to effortlessly access individual pro-grade profiles for the most played games, continuing the revolution that started it all.
Protection Mode – Say goodbye to accidental “fat-fingering” with Protection Mode, a SteelSeries-exclusive feature. This mode protects against accidental key presses by reducing the sensitivity of selected surrounding keys—never worry about blowing the most important cooldown again.
Rapid Tap – Rapid Tap prioritizes the last pressed key in a pair without needing to release the previous key, enabling faster input and improved aim. With up to five key pairings, your counter-strafing, peeking, crouch-jumping or slide-canceling becomes more responsive than ever.
Rapid Trigger – Discard the limitations of regular actuation. With Rapid Trigger, gamers can repeatedly press the same key without waiting for it to return, at the slightest lift of a finger. No more missing multiple key presses if players ever need to spam a button.
GG Quickset – Optimal settings for a player’s favorite games are just a few clicks away, making the gaming keyboard setup easier than ever. Gain a competitive edge with pro-grade presets that adjust actuation levels, Rapid Trigger, Protection Mode, Rapid Tap, RGB Lighting, and more on a per-game basis. Skip the complicated setup and get playing.

In addition to all the personalization and customization features of the Apex Gen 3 Series keyboards, SteelSeries introduces a new Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 White colorway for players to express their style across their gaming setups. The Apex Pro TKL White Gen 3 offers all the key features of the Apex Pro Mini Gen 3, in a slightly larger 75% format, best for those seamlessly transitioning between work and play. To complete the thematic white battle station featuring the Apex Pro TKL White Gen 3, SteelSeries offers gamers white versions of the Aerox 3 Wireless mouse, the award-winning Arctis GameBuds, and the entire Arctis Nova franchise (Nova Pro Wireless, Nova 7 Wireless, Nova 5 Wireless, and Nova 1).

**In additional Apex news… it’s Rapid Tap for one and all. In addition to adding new models to the Apex Pro Gen 3 series of keyboards, SteelSeries is bringing the wildly popular Rapid Tap feature to its Apex 7 and Apex 9 series keyboards beginning today.**

Available at SteelSeries.com and retailers around the world, the Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 and Apex Pro TKL White Gen 3 are available for the following MSRPs:

RIG M2 PRO HD STREAMSTAR Microphone Unveiled

2025/03/25

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Tech News, Trailers / Videos

NACON, a leader in premium gaming and content creation accessories and parent of the RIG audio brand, is excited to introduce the RIG M2 PRO HD STREAMSTAR microphone.

Designed from the ground up for modern creators, the M2 STREAMSTAR is the world’s first wired USB microphone to include a Bluetooth audio gateway, allowing streamers to pair wireless earbuds directly to the mic for real-time monitoring without lag.

RIG M2 STREAMSTAR combines precision audio capture with unmatched creative freedom thanks to its Bluetooth 5.4 and aptX HD integration. Creators can connect wireless earbuds or headphones to the microphone, instantly adding the latest in Bluetooth audio to an existing PC or MAC. Studio-quality 24-bit depth and 192kHz sampling rate provides more detailed sound, reproducing voices with enhanced accuracy and clarity.

“M2 STREAMSTAR represents our core goal of developing audio gear that enhances the user experience”, said Jack Reynolds, Brand Director for RIG. “We set out to create a USB microphone that delivers studio-quality audio while also transforming the way creators produce content. Our first mic with integrated Bluetooth monitoring was crafted for creators looking for ways to innovate with their creative process.”

The RIG M2 STREAMSTAR is available to pre-order now via Amazon for a suggested retail price of $129.99: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F147CJ2T

For more information, please visit our website or connect with us on social media: @RIGGaming.

REAL-TIME WIRELESS MONITORING
M2 STREAMSTAR is the world’s first wired USB microphone with real-time wireless PC audio playback via a Bluetooth low latency audio gateway. This allows users to hear their recording or PC audio using wireless earbuds or headphones without lag. M2 STREAMSTAR’s Bluetooth 5.4 integration with aptX HD instantly upgrades compatible devices to a low-latency connection.

For those who prefer a wired connection, the microphone also includes a 3.5mm audio jack for traditional headphone monitoring.

SPEC’D FOR STUDIO
With 24-bit depth and sampling rates of up to 192kHz, M2 STREAMSTAR captures every nuance of your voice with enhanced accuracy. Whether you’re recording a podcast or livestreaming, high-definition studio-quality audio allows your audience to hear you exactly as intended, free from distortion.

CRAFTED FOR CREATORS
The RIG M2 STREAMSTAR features a 16mm precision electret condenser with cardioid polar pattern, specifically designed for optimal voice pickup. With a frequency range of 20 Hz – 20 kHz, this microphone ensures crystal-clear audio capture, making it ideal for any style of content.

GEARED FOR GAMING
Adjust mic gain, mute, and audio volume directly from the microphone itself, eliminating the need to access PC control settings or capture software mid-session. Easy to reach controls ensure your focus is never taken away from the game.

PLUG & PLAY SETUP
RIG M2 STREAMSTAR is designed for simplicity. With its USB-C to USB-A connection, this microphone offers easy plug-and-play setup, allowing creators to instantly record studio-quality audio.

DISCRETE DESIGN
Boasting a sleek and premium design, RIG M2 STREAMSTAR fits seamlessly into any content creator’s setup. Lightweight and portable, it’s perfect for both home studios and on-the-go content creation. The microphone comes with a desktop stand and is compatible with most boom arms thanks to its 5/8” thread connection.

RIG M2 STREAMSTAR Features:

World’s first USB microphone with Bluetooth low latency audio gateway

Real-time wireless voice and audio playback via Bluetooth, traditional wired monitoring via 3.5mm audio jack

24-bit resolution with 48/96/192kHz sampling rates

16mm precision electret condenser with cardioid polar pattern

20 Hz – 20 kHz frequency range

Integrated support for wireless Bluetooth 5.4

Qualcomm® aptX HD low latency audio CODEC compatible

On-mic gain, mute, and volume controls

Plug & play setup with USB-C to USB-A cable included

Discrete and portable design with included desktop stand

Pulsar Gaming Gears Announces Tenz Signature Edition Wireless Gaming Mouse

2025/03/24

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Peripherals News

Pulsar Gaming Gears announced at the VALORANT Champion Tour (VCT) Americas Block Party the debut of an all-new premium gaming mouse crafted in partnership with, and personally designed by TenZ, the beloved streamer, ex-esports pro, and former VCT Masters winner and MVP. Pulsar is also thrilled to share that it is collaborating with iBUYPOWER, the Official PC Partner of VCT Americas, to sell a limited amount of the Pulsar TenZ Signature Edition wireless gaming mouse ahead of Pulsar’s April launch starting today. For more information, please visit: http://ibp.gg/tenz-pr

As a lifelong gamer, TenZ is known for his dynamic gameplay, exceptional aim, and incredible competitive play. After a lengthy career in professional gaming using multiple mice, TenZ is now able to bring a multi-year vision to life, applying his expertise towards crafting a gaming mouse catered to his particular playstyle. The mouse was created in collaboration with Pulsar Gaming Gears, allowing fans and aspiring competitive players to experience elite gaming performance with this new mouse validated by TenZ himself.

“After years of trying out tons of different mice both as an esports pro and as a streamer, I know exactly thet type of feel and responsiveness I demand when it comes to gaming mice, which is where Pulsar comes in,” said Tyson “TenZ” Ngo. “These guys live and breathe esports one hundred percent, so with their background and resources, it was a no-brainer on why I chose to work with them to deliver my dream gaming mouse for myself, and to my fans.”

Pulsar Gaming Gears is a leading esports brand founded in South Korea, and the Official Mouse, Keyboard, and Mousepad Partner of VCT Americas and VCT Pacific. They are dedicated to innovation that pushes the boundaries of precision, responsiveness, and quality to empower gamers everywhere with the world-class performance gear they need to elevate their play.

Weighing in at 47g, the Pulsar TenZ Signature Edition wireless gaming mouse easily allows for effortless control and speed. The mouse comes equipped with Pulsar’s Optical Switches for a 100 million click lifestyle, its XS-1 flagship sensor that is capable of up to 32,000 DPI (Dots per Inch), 750 IPS (Inches per Second), and an 8K polling rate for unmatched responsiveness during gameplay.

Other key features of the Pulsar TenZ Signature Edition wireless gaming mouse include:

Enduring battery life ranging from 18 to 112 hours depending on the mouse’s polling rate
Elegant black-and-white colorways inspired by TenZ’s visual aesthetic
Optimized Mouse Shape designed by TenZ himself for claw grip users, while remaining comfortable for everyday use

“With TenZ, we were given the opportunity to create a product that was originally incepted for one person, one hand, and a signature playstyle. It reinforced a core belief we have at Pulsar that everyone should have the right to gear fit for peak performance,” said Stuart Chan, CMO at Pulsar Gaming Gears. “The mouse is one of our most exciting products to date, and serves as a high benchmark for all future partnership products. TenZ was a true pleasure to work with and we’re looking forward to more potential collaborations in the future.”

iBUYPOWER will be the exclusive online retailer of the Pulsar TenZ Signature Edition wireless gaming mouse with initial availability of the new peripheral. Restocks are to be expected, so customers can click “Notify Me” on the product listing to be informed once new inventory arrives.

BLEACH Rebirth of Souls Available Now

2025/03/24

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, PlayStation 5 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox Series X News

Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. today announced the launch of BLEACH Rebirth of Souls, a new action game where players fight in iconic battles based on the legendary anime franchise and experience an original story created by Tite Kubo. The title is available now in Standard, Digital Deluxe, and Digital Ultimate Editions on PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam®. For more information, visit the official website.

In BLEACH Rebirth of Souls, players can engage in thrilling battles and experience their favorite characters as they relive the main story of BLEACH and immerse in the anime universe via multiple exciting game modes. The game’s Story Mode features an epic journey spanning from Ichigo’s rise as a Soul Reaper in the Substitute Soul Reaper Arc to the climactic battle against Sosuke Aizen in the Arrancar Arc. In Free Match, players can test their pride and skills in intense battles against other players worldwide. Versus mode enables local multiplayer battles with friends or offline CPU. Players can also unlock deeper insights into the characters of BLEACH with Secret Story Mode, revealing the moments that shaped their personalities.

BLEACH Rebirth of Souls features action-packed anime brawling with over 30 playable characters in the launch roster. The game’s engaging combat system authentically recreates battles from the anime, with game mechanics designed so each character stays true to their abilities. Players can use each character’s core moves to knock down their opponent’s health bar in a 1 v 1 action battle format. After damaging their opponent, they can unleash devastating combos to turn the tide of battle. As they fight, they accumulate spiritual power to enter an Awakened state and unleash their signature special move, such as their “Bankai”. They can also activate a “reverse action” for both offense and defense by using the Reverse Gauge.

BLEACH Rebirth of Souls is available now in the following editions:

Standard Edition: Includes the Base Game.
Digital Deluxe Edition: Includes the Base Game, Season Pass (4 additional playable characters to be released at a later date, 7-day Early Access per each new character, Two-Type Soul Crystal Set 1), and Two-Type Soul Crystal Set 2.
Digital Ultimate Edition: Includes the Base Game, Season Pass (4 Playable Characters to be released at a later date, 1 week of early access per each new character, Two-Type Soul Crystal Set 1), Two-Type Soul Crystal Set 2 and 3, Thousand-Year Blood War Costume Set, and Rebirth of Souls version costume set.

BLEACH is a popular sword-fighting battle action comic series that ran in Shueisha’s shōnen manga magazine Weekly Shonen Jump until issue 38 in 2016. The TV animation series was broadcast from 2004 to March 2012, and a total of four movie versions have been released so far.

Terrifier: The ARTcade Game Gameplay Trailer and Collectors Edition

2025/03/24

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, PlayStation 5 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox Series X News

Brace yourself for a massacre of the most magnificent kind! Publisher SelectaPlay and developer Relevo are bringing horror fans the ultimate grisly treat, a killer physical Collector’s Edition of Terrifier: The ARTcade Game, launching for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch alongside its digital release for Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

Step into the oversized, blood-splattered shoes of Art the Clown in this old-school, arcade-style beat ‘em up inspired by the most brutal horror games of the ‘80s and ‘90s. But don’t expect a scripted scream-fest as Art carves his own path of chaos, gutting cops, mangling stunt performers, and terrorizing film sets with his signature blend of sadistic humour and nightmarish brutality. Gorgeously grotesque pixel art brings the madness to life, while fluid animations ensure that every slash, stomp, and skull-crushing finisher is as satisfyingly savage as the films.

Dare to unbox this sinister treasure trove? Inside, fans will find:

Enamel pins of Art the Clown and Vicky – tiny, yet terrifyingly charming.
An original soundtrack CD, because murder is always better with music.
A reversible poster featuring two striking designs, both equally disturbing!
A pair of bloody gloves so you can literally get hands-on with the carnage.
A “puke” bag as a cheeky tribute to the film’s most stomach-churning moments.
A stunning art book, packed with character designs, eerie environments, and spine-chilling concept art.
A sleek steelbook case, because even gore deserves a touch of class.
Exclusive digital content, including unlockable skins and bonus in-game mayhem.

Anime Streaming Service HIDIVE now Available on Amazon Prime Video Channels

2025/03/24

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Movie News, News

HIDIVE, the fast-growing, fan-centric anime streaming service from AMC Networks, is now available on Amazon Prime Video Channels as a monthly ad-free add-on subscription in the United Kingdom ($4.99 GBP), Canada ($8.99 CAD), Australia ($8.99 AUD) and New Zealand ($8.99 NZD).

Also available in each of these markets via the HIDIVE direct to consumer app, the company has additionally expanded its distribution in the United States, bringing the HIDIVE app to several CTV partners including Samsung, LG and VIZIO. Subscribers across these platforms and international markets can now enjoy HIDIVE’s diverse library of anime series and films – from top trending and classic titles to first-run simulcasts, including Oshi no Ko, I Parry Everything!, The Eminence in Shadow, Ragna Crimson, Farming Life in Another World and The Dangers in My Heart.

With English subs and dubs and episodic series, movies and more, HIDIVE delivers a full-tilt, genre-spanning anime experience with blockbusters, classics and underrated masterpieces by Japan’s leading and emerging producers. Each season, subscribers have exclusive access to first-run simulcasts of the best new anime at or near the same time as their Japanese broadcast.

For the latest news and information, follow HIDIVE on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.

Into the Dead: Our Darkest Days – Early Access Date Announcement Trailer

2025/03/24

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Into the Dead: Our Darkest Days, the side-scrolling zombie survival game from developer and publisher PikPok with more than 450,000 wishlists, arrives on PC via Steam Early Access on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, and game keys will be available soon.

Set against the backdrop of a scorching Texas summer in 1980, Into the Dead: Our Darkest Days challenges survivors with taking on scavenging missions for valuable resources, scouring for potential escape routes out of the city, and staying alive one more day in a world overrun with zombies.

Choose whether you can afford to show compassion to potential allies or erstwhile rivals amid a desperate struggle for limited resources… or if you can bear the cost to your humanity instead.

Permafrost Future Game Show Trailer

2025/03/24

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Developer SpaceRocket Games and publisher Toplitz Productions are excited to present a new trailer for Permafrost, their acclaimed take on the survival game genre. The video premiered at last night’s Future Games Show and showcases some of the dangers that you as one of the few survivors face after a cataclysmic event. Known only as the ‘Shattering’, the lunar catastrophe engulfed the whole planet under a thick coat of snow and ice as well as constant sub-zero temperatures.

Fend for yourself, only accompanied by your trusted four-legged friend, who doesn’t leave your side. Or grab a few companions and explore the icy open world from wilderness to remainders of once vibrant city life, now covered under a destructive and dangerous white coat of Permafrost’s snow, with a team of up to four in cooperative multiplayer.

Utilize the scarce resources that will help you build essential shelter, set traps or construct tools vital for your survival. Maybe you have what it takes to save humanity’s future before you succumb to the big freeze. Forge your own path, band together to rebuild society or try to survive alone in the unforgiving environment.

Permafrost will launch for PC in Early Access on Steam this Summer and will be playable both single player and in cooperative multiplayer for up to four participants. Visit the official Steam product page to stay updated on all the latest info and join the discussion on Discord.

NEXON Presents GDC 2025 Session on The First Descendant

2025/03/24

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Industry News, News

NEXON conducted a session focused on the redemption story of their looter-shooter title, The First Descendant, during this year’s Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2025, the world’s largest and longest-running event serving professionals dedicated to the art and science of making games.

During the session, Beomjun Lee, Executive Producer of The First Descendant, hosted a presentation titled “Persevering Through a 57 Metacritic as a Live Service Game.” In the presentation, he reflected on key takeaways the team gained from months of live service following the game’s release, key updates and changes in approach for season 2, a teaser for the upcoming mega update for Season 3 and more.

“It was a privilege to present The First Descendant at the world-renowned Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2025,” said Beomjun Lee, Executive Producer of The First Descendant.” “This session allowed me to highlight the key lessons we’ve learned from managing the game, including insights from months of live service, the importance of engaging with our community and a glimpse of the game’s upcoming season 3 mega update, that will mark a pivotal moment for The First Descendant and our players.”

Additionally, for the groundbreaking update, Season 3: The Breakthrough, coming this summer, the team is taking a new approach to expand The First Descendant. Players can look forward to a larger battlefield to explore, new vehicles for transportation, exciting Colossus battles on expansive fields and a new lounge space.

The talk followed the recent announcement of the success of the latest update, Season 2, Episode 2 ‘Beyond The Void’ which showcased significant growth in both player engagement and overall game popularity, making it a fantastic success and giving real-world proof that the team’s efforts are paying off.

Key Metrics:

18% increase in new players compared to the previous update.
25% increase in Daily Active Users.
Since the update, The First Descendant has recorded a peak concurrent user count of 23,000 on Steam, ranking #17 globally in revenue.

Key Highlights:

The immersive storytelling based on a solid worldbuilding and the deep connections between Descendants has been well received by players, with positive feedback on the cinematic elements.
Following the update, Serena, the new Descendant introduced in this story, and Gley, a key character in Season 2 Episode 2, gained significant popularity.
This surge in interest also contributed to a notable rebound in new user traffic. Events designed to facilitate quick onboarding for new and returning players, including optimized growth routes, have helped convert them into long-term active users.
Additionally, the introduction of the new field, “Sigma Sector,” and the new progression system, “Arche Tuning System,” has sparked active player engagement, with many users sharing strategies and positive feedback.
Ultimately, the immersive narrative, the introduction of Serena, and well-structured events to support new and returning players have contributed to positive player sentiment, as reflected in the improved key metrics.

Painkiller Announcement Trailer

2025/03/24

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, PlayStation 5 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox Series X News

Prepare for pain! During today’s Future Games Show, Saber Interactive’s 3D Realms label and developer Anshar Studios announced Painkiller, an intense new spin on the classic action-shooter launching in fall 2025 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. Experience fast-paced gameplay set to a powerful metal soundtrack with heart-pounding combat and brutal weapons in solo or co-op. Check out the game’s debut trailer for a first look at the gruesome terrors and gothic torment that await in this modern reimagining of the infamous franchise.

Welcome to Purgatory! You’ve been sentenced for your transgressions against Heaven, but the Voice of the Creator is giving you one chance to redeem yourself. Wield an arsenal of infernal weapons, including nods to the original Painkiller plus totally new creations to discover. Blast your way through hordes of demons and titanic terrors – solo or in online co-op for up to three players – across gruesomely detailed gothic environments to stop the fallen angel Azazel’s invasion of Earth and earn your salvation.

Key Features

Purgatory Is Your Playground: Jump, dash and hook across vast, spine-chilling biomes while fighting nightmarish enemies in bloody, fast-paced combat with a host of new and classic Painkiller weapons.
Grotesque Terrors Await: Challenge a variety of horrifying foes, from hordes of demons to titanic terrors like the monstrous children of Azazel – the Nephilim.
Unleash The Pain: Use tarot cards to upgrade your abilities, rank up to expand your arsenal, and team up with other players to obliterate your foes.
Choose Your Character Wisely: Play as one of four distinctive characters – Ink, Void, Sol and Roch – and take advantage of their unique perks to boost your energy, health, power and damage.
Online Co-op & Solo Play: Play online with up to two friends or offline with bots, exploring diverse locations, uncovering secrets and facing off against terrifying enemies.