Author - Jerry Paxton

Turtle Beach Launches Stealth Pivot Game Controller

Leading gaming accessories maker Turtle Beach Corporation (Nasdaq: HEAR) today announced its pioneering controller with multiple button and stick layouts, the Turtle Beach® Stealth™ Pivot, is now available. The Stealth Pivot’s groundbreaking rotating thumbstick and button control modules deliver simple, precise, and enhanced gameplay for any game type from FPS to fighting to racing and more. One layout provides traditional PC & Xbox gamepad controls, and the modules can be easily rotated and locked back into place to produce a D-pad and button layout more suitable for fighting and other game types. The Stealth Pivot is crafted from premium materials, including built-in Hall Effect sensors in the thumbsticks, and fans can also explore an impressive and extensive list of customization options. The Stealth Pivot smart controller works wirelessly and in wired mode for Windows 10/11 PCs, and is also Designed for Xbox and compatible with Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One as an advanced wired controller. The Stealth Pivot also features Bluetooth® 5.2 to connect with compatible Android devices and smart TVs.

GameRant recently posted their review recommending the Stealth Pivot, saying, “The Stealth Pivot is a solid premium controller that ticks all the right boxes,” and adding, “In essence, it’s 3+ controllers in one and all of them work really well.” Additionally, Xbox Era reviewed the Stealth Pivot, calling it, “One of the best premium controllers I’ve used in the last two years.”

The Turtle Beach Stealth Pivot controller is available now at www.turtlebeach.com and participating retailers worldwide for $129.99/£119.99/€129.99 MSRP.

“The Stealth Pivot’s first-of-their-kind rotating modules, premium build quality, and deep customization continue to demonstrate how Turtle Beach is at the forefront of innovation in gaming accessories,” said Cris Keirn, CEO, Turtle Beach Corporation.

The Stealth Pivot Smart Controller is designed for unmatched gameplay freedom. The Stealth Pivot’s rotating button and stick modules quickly switch between core button layouts including FPS, action, and racing games on one side, and revolved layouts for fighting and retro games on the other side. Gamers can play wirelessly and lag-free on PC using the 2.4GHz wireless transmitter, as well as in wired mode for PC and on Xbox consoles using the included USB cable. Gamers can also connect to compatible Android devices and smart TVs via Bluetooth 5.2. The Stealth Pivot controller also features Turtle Beach’s Connected Command Display which offers a variety of on-board customization options, including the ability to show social notifications. Additional customization is available through the Turtle Beach Control Center 2 app available on Xbox consoles and PC, and iOS and Android devices.

Contactless Hall Effect AntiDrift™ thumbsticks allow the Stealth Pivot to provide high-resolution, smooth control without drift, while adjustable trigger stops can be modified on-the-fly to suit the game being played – shorter hair trigger locks for faster FPS games or set to full travel for precise throttle and brake control when playing racing games. There are also four mappable microswitch buttons and up to five onboard profiles, allowing gamers to set the Stealth Pivot to their exact preferences per game.

For split-second in-game adjustments, the Stealth Pivot has a Quick-Slide Adjustment Switch located at its center. This switch has a return-to-center toggle and customizable RGB lighting, all of which can be mapped to a variety of functions. The Stealth Pivot’s D-pad can also be set to classic digital input, or analog thumbstick response and tuned for fast actuation and reset, which is ideal for dishing out critical combos or completing complicated platform jumps. Turtle Beach’s Pro-Aim™ Focus Mode, which tunes thumbstick sensitivity for enhanced long-range accuracy, is also available as a preset for any of the four mappable buttons.

Dual rumble motors in the Stealth Pivot’s handles and triggers provide immersive vibration feedback and are fully adjustable via the Connected Command Display. A long-lasting 20-hour wireless battery life keeps PC gamers locked in the action, and the included USB cable supports play-and-charge capability when battery life runs out. The USB cable is required for use with Xbox consoles. And no Turtle Beach controller would be complete without offering the ability to connect any wired 3.5mm headset to get a suite of critical Turtle Beach gaming audio features, including EQ presets, Superhuman Hearing®, game and chat volume mix, and more.

DJI Expands OsmoAudio Line with DJI Mic Mini

DJI, the global leader in civilian drones and creative camera technology, today announced DJI Mic Mini. This ultralight, compact, wireless microphone offers powerful performance for content creators. DJI’s latest microphone offering, DJI Mic Mini is a fantastic starter microphone, boasting an ultra-long battery life and a notably stable transmission of high-quality audio with entry-level pricing.

“DJI Mic Mini packs unbelievable sound into an incredibly compact, extremely light package, bringing the high quality audio expected from DJI in a mini microphone at a modest price of $169,” said Paul Pan, Senior Product Line Manager at DJI. “Content creators can count on capturing remarkably dynamic, crystal-clear sound, no matter the environment, and will enjoy the wearability and utility of DJI Mic Mini. DJI continues to serve the wide audience of creators with the highest level of innovative tools, from providing filmmakers with Emmy-winning Inspire drone technology and the Ronin cinematography ecosystem to today’s launch, bringing premium audio capture to all levels of content creators.”

Light, Portable, and Easy-to-Use with Efficient Operation and Production Features

Weighing only 10g1 – less than half the weight of DJI Mic 2 – DJI Mic Mini is discreet and comfortable, with multiple ways to wear that won’t weigh down collars or stretch-thin T-shirts, ensuring a clean on-camera appearance. Wearers can clip it on a shirt, attach it to clothing with magnets, or wear it on a lanyard.

Quality features are packed into DJI Mic Mini to help content creators make the richest, most detailed sound possible, keeping in mind post-production needs as well. With two-level noise canceling technology1, content creators need not worry about recording in loud environments such as crowded halls or outdoor events. The basic is perfect for quiet indoor settings, reducing fan, air conditioning, and reverb noises while preserving vocal clarity, while the strong level cuts ambient noise and focuses on vocals in noisy settings. DJI Mic Mini’s windscreens also significantly lower wind noise, providing clean sound capture in outdoor venues.

Automatic limiting lowers the volume if the audio input is too high, efficiently preventing clipping that causes distortion1. Creators can also adjust the gain quickly using the dial on the receiver, cycling through five level options to control the input of the captured sound.

The innovative design of the all-in-one charging case conveniently keeps all items together, neatly storing two transmitters, one receiver, mobile phone adapters, and windscreens—making DJI Mic Mini super portable and easy to carry or store.

Capture Detail-Rich, Reliable Audio

Despite its miniature form factor, DJI Mic Mini doesn’t skimp on sound quality1.  It features omnidirectional audio recording. The receiver can pair with two transmitters at once, making it possible to record from multiple sources without sacrificing detail. This ensures that the audio captured maintains a consistently high quality.

With dual channel recording (Mono and Stereo), creators can separate the audio from the two transmitters, or combine it into a single track, providing creative flexibility and control. The DJI Mimo App offers a safety track, recording at a volume six dB lower than the main track, providing a fail-safe for audio issues like clipping and distortion and ensuring the audio captured is usable, even if the live performance had fluctuating volumes.

Audio can be transmitted up to 400 meters1, and with DJI Mic Mini’s powerful anti-interference capabilities, the recording remains stable and high quality even in bustling outdoor environments like a busy street or crowded event.

For the content creator on the road capturing longer-form content like podcasts or livestreams, a fully charged DJI Mic Mini case provides 48 hours1 of extended use and can provide one hour of use after a quick five-minute charge. The receiver and transmitter are fully charged in approximately 100 and 90 minutes1, respectively, avoiding any lengthy delays between recording sessions.

Also, the transmitter will automatically enter sleep mode when it doesn’t detect a signal from the receiver, saving power and alleviating creators of the need to keep powering the mic on and off. Finally, the DJI Mimo app can be used to set an automatic power off after a designated period of time, preventing a drained battery and allowing creators to preserve more power for their creativity.

Premium Wireless Recording Thanks to OsmoAudio™ and Direct Connections with DJI Products and Smartphones

DJI’s OsmoAudio™ ecosystem ensures premium sound capture, and the DJI Mic Mini transmitter can connect directly with the Osmo Action 5 Pro, Osmo Action 4, or Osmo Pocket 3 without a receiver, simplifying the creator workflow.

DJI Mic Mini also conveniently connects directly to smartphones via Bluetooth, no receiver required, so anyone with a smartphone can capture audio recordings with third-party filming apps1.

Creators can connect the DJI Fly app to the DJI Neo drone and DJI Mic Mini via Bluetooth to record audio and overlay it with their aerial footage. The app allows creators to eliminate propeller noise, merge audio tracks with footage, and ensure excellent sound even when shooting low-altitude vlogs.

Use of DJI Mic Mini  is extremely versatile, with multi-device compatibility for creators using cameras, smartphones, computers, or tablets to record content1. When connected to a camera via the Camera Audio Cable (3.5mm TRS), it supports synchronized power on/off with the camera. When connected to a smartphone, it allows for external playback without unplugging and can be charged by the smartphone. When the receiver connects to a smartphone and then to a power source via the USB-C port, both devices can be simultaneously charged during use.

Price and Availability

DJI Mic Mini is available to order from store.dji.com and authorized retail partners, with shipping starting today, in the following configurations:

  • The DJI Mic Mini (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case) retails for $169, and includes a DJI Mic Mini Receiver, two DJI Mic Mini Transmitters (Infinity Black), a DJI Mic Mini Charging Case, DJI Mic Mini Camera Audio Cable (3.5mm TRS), a DJI Mic Mini Mobile Phone Adapter (Type-C), a DJI Mic Mini USB-C Charging Cable, four DJI Mic Mini Windscreens, two DJI Mic Mini Clip Magnets, and a DJI Mic Mini Carrying Pouch.
  • The DJI Mic Mini (1 TX + 1 RX) retails for $89, and includes a DJI Mic Mini Receiver, a DJI Mic Mini Transmitter (Infinity Black), a DJI Mic Mini Camera Audio Cable (3.5mm TRS), a DJI Mic Mini Mobile Phone Adapter (Type-C), two DJI Mic Mini Windscreens, a DJI Mic Mini Clip Magnet, a DJI Mic Mini Compact Carrying Pouch, a DJI Mic Mini Splitter Charging Cable, and a DJI Mic Mini Transmitter Charging Dock.

The DJI Mic Mini Transmitter (Infinity Black) and DJI Mic Mini Transmitter (Arctic White) can also be purchased separately at $59 each. The DJI Mic Mini Charging Case retails at $49.

For more information about DJI Mic Mini and its remarkable features, please visit: https://www.dji.com/mic-mini

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl Launch Trailer

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is now available on PC and Xbox Series X/S, marking the end of a long and challenging development cycle that included the pandemic, relocations, cyberattacks, a fire in the Prague office, and, above all, the ongoing war in Ukraine, which continues to devastate the developers’ Homeland.

The game is available for purchase on PC (Steam , Epic Games Store, GOG), Xbox Series X/S & Microsoft Store

Also, the game is available for Game Pass subscribers day one.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. takes place in a fictional Chornobyl Exclusion Zone. The nuclear disaster at the Chernobyl Power Plant in 1986 wasn’t the only one to occur, as the second explosion hit the reactor in 2006, creating the Zone. It’s a dangerous place, filled with mutated creatures, deadly radiation, and a strange, anomalous energy.

Bounty hunters delve deep into the Zone, driven by its treasures and mysteries. Some of them are running from their past, others are blinded by money, and some are obsessed with finding the truth behind all the mysteries.

You will take the role of Skif – a lone stalker, who enters the Zone after a series of unforeseen events. On the way to the Heart of Chornobyl, you will gradually uncover the secrets of this world, explore the balance of power between factions, fight, and survive. In this non-linear story, every choice you make will impact the outcome of this global and epic tale, featuring three hours of scripted cutscenes. Thanks to Unreal Engine 5, photogrammetry technology, and the developers’ regular visits to the real Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, the authenticity and atmosphere that have always been the hallmark of the series are better than ever.

Turtle Beach Reveals Victrix Pro KO Leverless Fight Stick

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 aluminum 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.

“We build gear for gamers who demand the best, and the Victrix Pro KO Leverless Fight Stick is the next in a long line of Turtle Beach accessories that demonstratively elevate your gaming experience and empower you to take down your foes,” said Trevor Lehr, Director of Product Management for Victrix products, Turtle Beach Corporation. “The customization and precision at your fingertips in this premier fight stick controller are unmatched and can help secure your next victory.”

Since 2017, the Victrix brand has been a staple in the fighting game community, collaborating with pros like two-time EVO champion, two-time SBO champion, and Capcom Cup champion, Momochi, to design and build cutting-edge esports gear. The Victrix Fight Stick line of controllers has already earned widespread critical acclaim and a devoted fan following within the fighting game community. Turtle Beach acquired PDP and the Victrix brand earlier in 2024, and the new Victrix Pro KO Leverless Fight Stick is set to continue its rich history of delivering the knockout punches needed to secure victory.

Designed for players who demand speed, accuracy, and reliability, the Victrix Pro KO Leverless Fight Stick features hot swappable Cherry MX Speed Silver RGB switches to ensure every hit is precise and responsive, especially during clutch moments in a match. The 16 moveable and mappable buttons and switches are durable and designed to deliver lightning-fast response times for the edge needed to dominate opponents. Customizable RGB lighting with millions of color combinations can also be set using the Victrix Control Hub app. Transporting gear has been made easy with the ideal size of the new Victrix Pro KO Leverless Fight Stick. In addition to the premium slim size, gamers will also benefit from built-in storage for their switches, button caps, light rings, and button covers, while the strap posts allow for a shoulder strap or handle to carry it with you at all-day events.

During intense gaming sessions, players can utilize the Victrix Pro KO Leverless Fight Stick’s Tournament Lock Switch to turn off system buttons to prevent any undesirable disqualifications. Additionally, the braided USB cable also features a locking mechanism to ensure no accidental unplugs resulting in disqualification. For those who love to mod, the Victrix Pro KO Leverless Fight Stick features a removable aluminum top plate to get under the hood for customizations. Whether adjusting button position or changing to preferred switches, the Victrix Pro KO Leverless Fight Stick makes it easy to tailor it to gamers’ evolving needs. Prepare yourself to compete at a professional level with the Victrix Pro KO Leverless Fight Stick. Built for gamers who demand the best, it’s time to elevate your gaming experience and take down your foes.

For more information on the latest Turtle Beach products and Victrix accessories, visit www.turtlebeach.com and www.victrixpro.com and be sure to follow Turtle Beach on TikTokTwitterInstagram, Facebook and YouTube.

Ultra Mega Cats – Kagero Showcase Trailer

Calling all cat fanatics! Fallen Leaf Studio is thrilled to share the latest trailer for its upcoming roguelike shooter Ultra Mega Cats, which debuted during today’s livestream of The MIX Fall Showcase. A cyberpunk roguelike shooter with the cell-shaded style and charm of Saturday morning cartoons, Ultra Mega Cats invites players to step into the paws of feline rebels on a mission to overthrow their vermin oppressors. In this latest gameplay trailer, the stealthy assassin Kagero joins the fray, armed with shuriken, katana, and ninja skills galore — check it out below!

Imagine living in a world flipped upside down, where rodents and feathered forces rule and felines are shunned. You’re one of the last cats standing: disgraced, brainwashed, and trained to serve your former prey as their personal killing machine. But no level of indoctrination can keep you restrained—as the soul of a cat can never be caged. Unleash your inner predator, fight back against your verminous oppressors, and restore balance to the world!

Railroads Online End of Early Access Trailer

Next Stop, Full Release! Railroads Online by developer Stefan Kelnberger and publisher astragon Entertainment will leave Steam Early Access on December 05. At the same time, the sandbox railway simulation will be released for PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X|S.

In October 2021, the developer team led by Stefan Kelnberger released Railroads Online in Steam Early Access. A broad player base and community quickly grew within the first month and years. Railroads Online introduced over 20 locomotives and 30 cars, with 21 types of freight during its early access phase. With the three new maps, Lake Valley, Aurora Falls and Mesa Plains, new environments were added as well as more than 120 props, several track types, new industries and new industry chains. The Tutorial and the In-Game-Wiki gave all players guidance for a perfect start to the game.

Railroads Online will be released digitally on December 05, for PlayStation®5, and Xbox Series X|S at a price of 39.99€ / $39.99 USD (SRP) or a regional equivalent. The game is available for PC as full version at a price of 34.99€ / $34.99 USD (SRP). The Pioneer DLC will be available separately for all platforms for 2.99€ / 2.99$ (SRP). Players, who own the Steam Early Access version of the game, will receive the Pioneer DLC for free.

On February 27, 2025, Railroads Online – Pioneer Edition for PlayStation®5 will be released in retail in selected countries. The retail exclusive Pioneer Edition contains the base game as well as the Pioneer DLC and will cost 39,99$ / 39,99€ (SRP).

EverQuest II Scars of Destruction Expansion Out Now

EverQuest II’s latest expansion, Scars of Destruction, went live yesterday, and I wanted to share what it brings to the beloved MMO. Highlights include a new playable Kappa race, an XP boost that brings one character per account to level 130, and a host of additional quality-of-life enhancements including an easier way to show off collected pets.

Violence spreads across Norrath as a devious mastermind stirs chaos. Healers and Quellious’ followers call you to action. Journey through Odus’ scarred coastline and into the Western Wastes, uncovering Veeshan’s ancient legacy and facing dangers in the Dragon Necropolis.

Join the Open Hand to brave storms, fend off Blackhook Raiders, and gain the tools needed to stop a dark army seeking an arcane artifact of immense power.

Expansion Highlights:

  • Scars of Destruction Exclusive Armor – Powerful and deadly new Blackhook armor sets are exclusive to the new expansion.
  • All New Adventure and Tradeskill Quests – Voyage to perilous lands and discover the unknown machinations of the evil plot that is about to unfold.
  • Experience New Dungeons and Raids! – Traverse the scarred lands of the Barren Coast and Western Wastes and risk the dangers of new dungeons and raid content.
  • Boost your Character’s Level to 130
  • Store your Petamorph wands in the new Petamorph Key Ring! *
  • Make your weapons sparkle with new Weapon Auras! *
  • Discover new Adventure, Tradeskill, and Signature quests when you journey to iconic lands and their new locations!
  • Defeat all new Solo, Heroic, and Raid content, in Places like Blackhook Spiral and the Dragon Necropolis in Western Wastes!

Flint: Treasure of Oblivion Crew Management Trailer

Microids and Savage Level are thrilled to reveal a new video of Flint: Treasure of Oblivion, coming December 17, 2024 on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The new video highlights essential mechanics such as crew management, the diverse arsenal of weapons, and the intensity of unarmed combat—offering players a closer look at the strategic depth and role-playing opportunities that await.

Crew Management and Archetypes
Building the perfect crew is critical to success. Players can recruit legendary pirates like John Silver and Mary Read, alongside other skilled adventurers. With 12 distinct archetypes, including Surgeons, Swashbuckler and Helmsmen, each crew member brings unique abilities to the team.

Archetype Combos tips: Positioning matters! Place two characters from the same archetype side by side in combat to unlock powerful new skills and devastating combos, giving you a tactical edge in battle.

Weapons and unarmed combat
The combat in Flint: Treasure of Oblivion combines strategy and adaptability. The game offers a wide variety of weapons, from sabers to pistols, providing unique tactical options based on play style. Unarmed combat also allows players to perform brutal actions, such as tackling or crushing enemies, which can be combined with environmental interactions for maximum impact.

A second video unveiling even more gameplay mechanics is on the horizon. Stay tuned for more surprises in the weeks leading up to launch!

RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic Nintendo Switch Release Date

Last week, Atari announced that RollerCoaster Tycoon® Classic will be available on Nintendo Switch on December 5, bringing the fan-favorite theme park sim to current gen-consoles for the first time.

RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic combines the best features from two of the original games in the series: RollerCoaster Tycoon® and RollerCoaster Tycoon® 2. Packed with content, players have enjoyed designing and building roller coasters and rides, landscaping and managing their parks since the first game was first introduced in 1999.

“Fans of RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic have been hoping for a Switch version and we are excited to bring it to the platform,” said Ethan Stearns, VP of Games Publishing at Atari. “Our partners at Graphite Lab did an amazing job translating RCT Classic’s detailed keyboard-based controls to controller input.”

The release of RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic on Switch is the cherry on top of a busy year for the franchise. Atari kicked off a year-long celebration of the RollerCoaster Tycoon in March 2024 to honor the 25th Anniversary of Chris Sawyer’s visionary creation. Since that kick-off Atari has released a number of RollerCoaster Tycoon merchandise and apparel collabs, re-launched RCT Classic on Android, introduced major expansions to the mobile game RCT Touch, and acquired RCT 3 from Frontier to re-unite an important game with the franchise catalog.

“Bringing RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic to the Switch, with its massive install base, is an opportunity to re-engage lapsed players, provide active players with another great hardware platform, and reach a new generation of players who will now discover the franchise on the Switch.”

Void Crew – Official Launch Trailer

Focus Entertainment and Hutlihut Games are excited to officially release the 1.0 version of Void Crew, the thrilling co-op space adventure where you explore, fight and scavenge loot across the galaxy with up to three crewmates. Available on Steam today for $24.99, with a bonus 20% off discount offered for a limited time, Void Crew’s 1.0 release takes to the stars with a full suite of content after a successful voyage on Steam Early Access. Check out today’s new launch trailer for an interstellar showcase of the chaotic action, cool ships, dangerous enemies, and tons of fun with friends that await!

An Incredible Early Access Adventure & New Ones to Come

Void Crew’s journey first began in September 2023, debuting on Steam Early Access with a tremendous welcome from the community. Since then, Hutlihut Games has been dedicated to crafting the best experience for its growing galaxy of players based on community feedback, significantly expanding Void Crew’s content and features throughout early access.

Since its original release, Void Crew has added a roguelite mode, new weapon and utility modules, fierce enemies, enhanced animations, four skill trees, and boss battles for each biome. To celebrate the 1.0 launch, the game is receiving additional polishing touches, including meta-quests (time-limited missions), new objectives for more engaging and epic battles, new enemies, and an achievement system that is both coupled to Steam and awards in-game rewards.

New DLC for Dedicated Explorers

Alongside today’s 1.0 release, Void Crew players can also pick up the new “Founder’s Pack” DLC for $9.99, unlocking exclusive cosmetics, allowing you to customize your crew and show your support for the game’s ongoing journey.