Author - Jerry Paxton

Way of the Passive Fist Gets New Update

Toronto, CANADA – June 29, 2018 – The debut title from Household Games, Way of the Passive Fist, receives a massive content update dubbed New Dawn. The update includes a new rogue-lite survival mode called “Passiverse” which features randomized levels, a new epilogue storyline with five new stages and a revamped story mode where the pacing and difficulty curve are improved. Fans who purchased the original game via Steam will immediately receive the New Dawn update for free and PlayStation®4 and Xbox One players can look forward to New Dawn in the near future. To celebrate the release of Way of the Passive Fist: New Dawn, the game is currently 50% off for the annual Steam Summer Sale, which is available now through 10 a.m. PT on July 5. New players can pick-up New Dawn for $7.49 USD via Steam right now.

In Way of the Passive Fist: New Dawn, a side-scrolling action arcade brawler, players take on the role of the mysterious Wanderer and master a rare defensive fighting style to outlast enemies. While utilizing parries, deflections, dashes, and dodges, the Wanderer’s foes exhaust themselves to the point that they can then be defeated and knocked out by a single finger punch.

In addition to the expanded storyline with five new stages and new survival mode “Passiverse,” New Dawn features the following content updates:

Audio Update:

  • New music for the New Dawn modes

Gameplay Updates:

  • New ‘Shadow Warrior’ enemy type added
  • New ‘Robo Clone’ enemy added
  • New enemy variations added
  • Boss variations added
  • Fixed Green Robot hitbox when it misses a grab and the throw timing of the double knife-throwing enemy
  • Caught projectiles can hit any enemy, not just the enemy that originally threw it
  • New Dawn & Passiverse modes save health level between stages and when quitting / resuming

Story Mode Updates:

  • Streamlined Story Mode
  • Improved pacing and difficulty curve

Menu Updates:

  • Main Menu visual update
  • Loading Screen visual update
  • Added ‘Extras’ Menu
  • Extras Menu includes new setting: ‘Score Style’
  • Credits and Statistics accessible from Extras

UI Updates:

  • Score Style allows points that emit from the player to be changed to descriptors or emoticons
  • End of encounter sequence is faster
  • Gold/Silver Rank Up events has been updated so that they are visible when hitting both at once
  • Added colored particles on parry, dodge and catch actions

“With the annual Steam Summer Sale in full swing, we are so happy treat our new and future fans with the release of New Dawn. Players who purchased the game earlier this year will receive the new modes for free and we hope they enjoy the fresh content that aims to improve the overall experience,” says Jason Canam, Founder of Household Games. “New players will get to jump right into the best version of Way of the Passive Fist yet! New Dawn has been a labor of love and we’re thrilled to deliver even more classic 90s arcade brawler awesomeness!”

To learn more about Way of the Passive Fist: New Dawn, visit: www.wayofthepassivefist.com. Fans can follow the game and studio via social media: Twitter @HHGamesInc, and Facebook www.facebook.com/householdgames.

Pool Panic Gameplay Trailer

ATLANTA – June 29, 2018 – Adult Swim Games and independent developer Rekim have released a new gameplay trailer for Pool Panic, this time showing off a bit more about what it’s like to play the World’s Least Realistic Pool Simulator. Pool Panic is a simple game – just aim and shoot. The real challenge is aiming and shooting through more than 100 levels of madcap shenanigans like soccer, mini-golf, winter sports, summer sports, dive bars, night clubs, birthday cakes, ghosts, zombies, lollipop forests and almost anything else you can imagine (and even some you never would’ve imagined!).

Pool Panic is a sprawling adventure game full of weird things to do with pool balls. Become a mischievous cue ball in a giant game of pool, exploring a colorful cartoon overworld full of cities, carnivals, jungles, deserts and more. Knock around a peculiar cast of billiard balls, solve puzzles, and take down bosses with a unique variety of fun mechanics and strategies.

Play through the entire journey on your own, or challenge friends to a ridiculous pool party in local multiplayer for two to four players.

Pool Panic is expected to launch on Nintendo Switch™ through the Nintendo eShop and Windows PC via Steam on July 19, 2018. This game is rated E10+ (Everyone 10+) by the ESRB. For more information, visit http://www.poolpanic.com.

Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus Nintendo Switch Launch Trailer

June 29, 2018 – We are pleased to announce that Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus is now available worldwide on Nintendo Switch. Spearheaded by veteran studio Panic Button with guidance from MachineGames, players can now experience the complete, uncensored, award-winning story and signature gameplay whenever and wherever they want.

Watch the official launch trailer here:

In Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus, players take on the role of BJ Blazkowicz to experience an action-packed story, brought to life by extraordinary characters. Reunite with friends and fellow freedom fighters as they take on the evil Frau Engel and her Nazi army. With the Nintendo Switch, players can wage the second American Revolution at home or on the go. Swiftly and efficiently eliminate the Nazi threat with full motion aiming support for Joy-Con and Pro Controllers in the perfect blend of immersion and accuracy.

Winner of multiple awards, including Video Game Awards’ ‘Best Action Game of 2017’, Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus is rated M for mature by the ESRB and is priced at $59.99 for Nintendo Switch. For more information, visit https://wolfenstein.bethesda.net/.

 

Owlcat Games Partners with Deep Silver to Publish Pathfinder: Kingmaker

Larkspur, Calif. – June 28, 2018 – My.com and Owlcat Games have partnered with Deep Silver to distribute the upcoming roleplaying game Pathfinder: Kingmaker. The game is the first isometric computer RPG in the popular Pathfinder universe, stemming from the incredibly successful Pathfinder role-playing game by Paizo Inc.

“We have ambitious plans for Pathfinder: Kingmaker. We want to reach out to the maximum number of players across the globe, making our brand easily accessible, maintaining quality and doing right by the fanbase. Working with Deep Silver ensures we can step up our retail marketing and benefit from the unique experience offered with KOCH,” said the head of Owlcat Games, Oleg Shpilchevsky.

Pathfinder: Kingmaker takes players on a tour through the infamous Stolen Lands, the dangerous and turbulent territories well known within Pathfinder fandom. The game will revisit familiar characters and well-known locations of the series’ lore as well as treat players to brand new adventures, deadly foes and unforeseen twists and turns. Fans of the fantasy pen-and-paper RPG will experience its epic, heroic universe in new ways while players will discover their favorite genre in a more contemporary light.

Challenging players as both adventurers and rulers, the gameplay heralds your leadership as you claim explored lands and carve your kingdom from the wilderness. Kingdom founding will go beyond simple stronghold-building to become a true reflection of the hero’s character and choices made throughout the game. Each kingdom will be a living thing shaped by alignment, choices, allies and the hero’s ability to lead his or her people.

Pathfinder: Kingmaker is coming this year to PC. Learn more at https://owlcatgames.com/.

Marvel Television Announces San Diego Comic-Con Lineup

Los Angeles, CA (June 28, 2018) – Marvel Television and Marvel Animation are returning to San Diego Comic-Con with a jam-packed lineup of panels, signings, and fan-first experiences, including Marvel’s Cloak & DaggerMarvel’s Iron Fist, LegionThe GiftedMarvel’s Avengers: Black Panther’s Quest and the brand-new project Marvel Rising. Join us for not-to-be-missed panels with exclusive footage and surprise appearances, as well as star-studded autograph signing sessions – all starting Thursday, July 19 through Sunday, July 22.

For more exciting Marvel highlights and news during San Diego Comic Con 2018, tune in to the Marvel livestream at http://marvel.com/SDCC2018 starting Thursday, July 19. Join the conversation using #MarvelSDCC.

FULL SCHEDULE OF MARVEL TELEVISION PANELS & ACTIVATION:

THURSDAY, JULY 19TH

MARVEL ANIMATION PRESENTS: MARVEL RISING 

3:15 PM – 4:15 PM in Room 6DE

Marvel Rising brings together the next generation of Marvel Super Heroes for the next generation of Marvel fans. This is your chance to be among the first to see a sneak peek of this group of powered teens and their adventures that are full of heart, action, comedy, and powerful messages for every kind of Marvel fan. Join our Quake Chloe Bennet (Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.Nashville) our Squirrel Girl Milana Vayntrub (This Is UsSilicon Valley), our Ms. Marvel Kathreen Khavari (Big Little LiesMarvel’s Avengers), our Patriot Kamil McFadden (K.C. UndercoverGrown Ups 2), Mairghread Scott (Writer, Marvel Rising), Cort Lane (SVP, Animation and Family Entertainment), Marsha Griffin (VP, Animation Current Series and Development), and Sana Amanat (VP, Content and Character Development) as well as additional surprise guests for an action-packed panel that will showcase the first look of the animated shorts, special announcements, and so much more.

MARVEL’S IRON FIST

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM in Ballroom 20

Be among the first to get the exclusive inside scoop on what’s in-store for season two of Marvel’s Iron Fist as Danny Rand and Colleen Wing set off on a new adventure as the protectors of lower NYC. Join Executive Producer and Marvel’s Head of Television, Jeph Loeb, and surprise guests in what is sure to be a high-octane panel you don’t want to miss!

MARVEL’S CLOAK & DAGGER – FAN ACTIVATION (on-site through Sunday)

10:00 AM Petco Park

Freeform is bringing Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger to “The Experience” at Petco Park. Starting July 19th at 10am, fans will have the opportunity to engage with two different interactive activations over the course of four days.

Tying into the “divine pairing” theme from Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger, Freeform will recreate the iconic moment between the two leads Tyrone and Tandy when their powers interact. To recreate this, Freeform is fabricating a physical experience where participants are harnessed to a bungee that will propel them backwards from the force of their powers. A slow-motion recording will capture the moment which will also include an overlay effect that shows both the light and dark energy emitting from the participants. Fans will have the opportunity to share their videos on social media.

Fans can also stop by the ROXXON Corp station to create their own customized ROXXON Corp badge and lanyard. Each badge will include a secret code that is connected to a wide range of prizes from Sony PlayStation Vue and Freeform. After receiving their customized badge, fans will be able to pose for a photo with the ROXXON Corp sign.

FRIDAY, JULY 20TH

MARVEL’S CLOAK & DAGGER

5:45 PM – 6:45 PM in Ballroom 20

San Diego will be getting a little taste of New Orleans! Meet series stars Olivia Holt, Aubrey Joseph, Emma Lahana, Ally Maki and executive producer/showrunner Joe Pokaski of the new hit summer series that redefined the super hero genre, Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger. Don’t miss this action-packed panel featuring a lively Q&A moderated by executive producer and head of Marvel Television, Jeph Loeb, along with a special look at exclusive, never-before-been-seen footage. And don’t forget to tune-in to watch all-new episodes, Thursdays, 8/7c, on Freeform.

SATURDAY, JULY 21ST

THE GIFTED

2:30 PM – 3:15 PM in Ballroom 20

(EXTENDED SEASON 2 SNEAK PEEK)- From 20th Century Fox Television in association with Marvel Television, season 2 of The Gifted picks up after the explosion of the Atlanta Station.  The Mutant Underground search for their friends and family who left with The Inner Circle. Having tracked them outside of Washington, D.C., they must contend with new groups with extreme ideologies, both human and mutant alike, to stave off a brewing conflict.  Join executive producers Matt Nix and Marvel’s Jeph Loeb along with stars Stephen Moyer, Sean Teale, Jamie Chung, Emma Dumont, Blair Redford, Natalie Alyn Lind and Skyler Samuels for an exclusive first-look at the upcoming second season; returning Tuesdays this Fall on FOX.

SUNDAY, JULY 22ND

MARVEL ANIMATION PRESENTS

1:30 PM – 2:30 PM in Room 6A

Marvel Animation returns for the always action-packed, news-breaking panel where you’ll get eyefuls of never-before-seen information and sneak peeks… plus…as always…some surprise guests that’ll reveal waaay too much! GET THERE! You’ll also have a chance to meet the stars of your favorite Marvel Animation series at signing events at the Marvel booth (#2329) throughout the weekend.

LEGION

2:15 PM – 3:15 PM in Hall H

Legion, is the story of David Haller, a man who believed himself to be schizophrenic only to discover that he may actually be the most powerful mutant the world has ever seen. Along with a team of other extraordinarily gifted people, David learned to accept his true self and set out to defeat The Shadow King, who was on a path to attaining infinite and world-ending power. In season two, a series of mind-bending twists and turns called into question who is the hero, and who is the villain. Legion is based on the Marvel Comics by Chris Claremont and Bill Sienkiewicz. Join Executive Producers John Cameron and Marvel’s Jeph Loeb, along with co-EP, Nathaniel Halpern, plus cast members for a conversation on what to look forward to from Season 3.

MARVEL TELEVISION AUTOGRAPH SIGNING SCHEDULE – Booth #2329:

JOIN CAST MEMBERS AND PRODUCERS OF YOUR FAVORITE MARVEL SERIES AS THEY MEET THE FANS AND SIGN AUTOGRAPHS! ***Please note that signings are ticketed events and passes will be available to win on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 9:15 AM onThursday, July 19Friday, July 20 and Saturday, July 21 at the Marvel Booth (#2329).

THURSDAY, JULY 19

Marvel’s Iron Fist – Signing Event

2:30 PM at the Marvel Booth (#2329)

Marvel Rising– Signing Event 

5:00 PM at the Marvel Booth (#2329)

SATURDAY, JULY 22

Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger – Signing Event

10:00 AM at the Marvel Booth (#2329)

Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. – Signing Event

12:30 PM at the Marvel Booth (#2329)

The Gifted – Signing Event

3:30 PM at the Marvel Booth (#2329)

SUNDAY, JULY 23

Legion – Signing Event

11:45 AM at the Marvel Booth (#2329)

Marvel Animation – Marvel’s Avengers: Black Panther’s Quest – Signing Event

3:00 PM at the Marvel Booth (#2329)

Stay tuned to www.marvel.com for all the breaking news from Marvel Television at Comic-Con International in San Diego. Follow @Marvel on Twitter and “like” Marvel on Facebook for minute-by-minute updates on all things in the MCU.

Join the conversation using #MarvelSDCC.

Razer Huntsman Elite Review

Earlier this month I was treated to a special, up-close look at Razer’s new Huntsman Elite, a gaming keyboard equipped with the company’s new opto-mechanical key switches. The media event at their Irvine, CA office was guarded by a strict NDA that made us wait until June 28th to post anything about it. Thankfully, the embargo has lifted, Huntsman Elite keyboard announced and now we can bring your our full review of this revolutionary product!

When talking about gaming keyboard technology, it all started with variations of membrane-based models. Mechanical keyboards were very expensive at the time and the keys were not responsive enough to make it worth consumer cost. The Cherry MX Black key switch was heavy and simply not suited for gaming. In 2008, the Cherry MX Red switch appeared and opened the doors for practical and responsive mechanical gaming keyboards. Since then, some key switch enhancements have been made but a lot of the new tech went into how companies could make the keyboards more attractive with lighting upgrades such as Razer’s Chroma technology.

Enter: the Razer Opto-mechanical key switch. A Razer creation, the opto-mechanical key switch is powered by infrared beams that are broken when the mechanical switch is resting and solid when the key is depressed. It is quite amazing – there is actually an infrared beam under EVERY key on the PCB. This means faster response times, better roll-over protection, as well as the capability to pair the infrared beam system with several types of mechanical switches down the line – depending on what kind of a keyboarding experience the user desires (Clicky or Quiet).

While the Huntsman Elite is a game changer internally, it also signals a new paradigm for Razer when looking at its externals. Razer keyboards have long had a similar profile and overall style. The Huntsman Elite ushers in a brand new design style that is classy, sleek, and eye-catching. According to the folks at Razer, this new style sets the tone for upcoming products as well, so it should be exciting to see what they bring out. The Huntsman Elite feels very well-built and durable with an aluminum frame hefty weight. It also features a cool, multi-function wheel and other media keys that can be programmed to a variety of functions. By default, the wheel adjusts your sound volume (and pressing the button toggles mute) – it is a very clever control that becomes very easy to rely on.

Something that makes the Hunstman Elite even cooler is the magnetically attached (and removable) padded wrist rest. It’s extremely comfortable and a great addition to the keyboard to enhance gamer usability. However, it’s not just a wrist rest, mind you, this wrist rest is equipped with Razer Chroma lighting and adds to your keyboard lighting once you have attached it. This magnetic docking system could be used for a variety of accessories in the future as it supplies power as well as information. Razer is tight-lipped on all its plans but I could tell they are thinking up some winners. Of course, the Huntsman Elite still is equipped with Razer’s tried and true braided cord. This cord is strong and flexible, and the braiding will definitely hold up better than the rubber insulation of most gaming keyboards. It’s a minor feature of the keyboard, but one that I believe to be of the utmost importance in my peripherals.

In terms of performance, I have gotten to use the Razer Huntsman Elite for several weeks now and I don’t even a little regret making it my primary keyboard. This is an incredible product that has light, clicky, and responsive key switches as well as great lighting. They are the lightest mechanical key switches I have used, which is nice because it allows you to connect that infrared beam quicker than you would be able to with other types of mechanical key switch. FPS, MMORPG, and even MOBA titles are all well-served by the Huntsman Elite – I literally could not find a game that the keyboard didn’t make better (sorry for the double negative). Besides its gaming applications, I found that typing on the Huntsman Elite was a very pleasant experience and I was actually typing a lot faster than normal thanks to the light key presses. I hope Razer can set some Huntsman Elites set up as demo units in various retail outlets as these key switches really need to be used to be believed.

The Razer Huntsman Elite is fully compatible with the Razer Synapse control suite, and the software allows for some excellent Chroma customization, and is fully compatible with other Chroma devices. One of the cool things on display at the Razer office was a Chroma enabled room, which had just about every Chroma device imagined working together to bring a truly impressive display. The Razer Chroma lighting on the Huntsman Elite is strong: It goes all the way around the keyboard and is very bright. Razer Chroma allows you to customize lighting effects based a number of criteria, from in-game cues when playing your favorite game – but it doesn’t stop there. You can even tie Razer Chroma to work as a sort of visual graphic equalizer for your music, pulsing and changing hue with the beat.

Overall, the Razer Huntsman Elite signals a new front-runner in the gaming keyboard market. Take it from me, After you have used the opto-mechanical keys of the Huntsman Elite, you will be hard-pressed to return to other key solutions – whether they be completely mechanical or membrane-based. Also, once would think that the Huntsman Elite would cost an extreme amount, what with the futuristic key switch system. Well, at $199.99, the Huntsman Elite does cost a bit more than most high-end gaming keyboards. However, given the technology, capabilities, and performance of the Elite, I don’t think this is out of the question. Should that price point be a bit out of your reach, Razer is also offering the Huntsman gaming keyboard at $149.99 – which still comes with the new opto-mechnical keys sans some extra chroma lighting, the media keys, and the wrist rest.

Razer Unveils Huntsman Gaming Keyboard with Opto-Mechanical Key Switch Technology

IRVINE, Calif.  – RazerTM, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, today announced the new Razer Huntsman premium gaming keyboard line. The duo includes a full-feature Razer Huntsman Elite keyboard with dedicated media keys, wrist rest and underglow lighting, and a performance-focused Razer Huntsman keyboard. Both units are equipped with Razer’s latest Opto-Mechanical Switches with key actuation at the speed of light.

RAZER OPTO-MECHANICAL SWITCH

Razer’s new Opto-Mechanical Switch showcases the gaming brand’s continued innovation in gaming switches. Using optical technology, an infrared light beam inside each switch precisely detects actuation when a key is pressed. A 1.5 mm actuation point allows the Razer Opto-Mechanical Switch to actuate 30 percent faster than traditional clicky mechanical switches.

The Razer Opto-Mechanical Switch offers faster performance without compromising tactility. It has the same actuate and reset points for rapid fire keypresses as found in a linear switch, and provides a similar tactile feel found in the best-selling Razer Green switches with a lighter actuation force of 45 g. The lifespan of a Razer Opto-Mechanical Switch is rated up to 100 million keystrokes, doubling that of traditional mechanical switches. With the use of optical actuation technology and a metal key stabilizer bar fitted around each switch, there are fewer moving parts and no physical contact during actuation. This reduces switch degradation, making the Razer Huntsman a more consistent and durable keyboard that gamers may rely on for years.

“We have amassed years of experience developing and manufacturing our very own Razer™ Mechanical Switches designed specifically for gamers,” says Razer CEO and Co-Founder Min-Liang Tan. “This focused expertise has now expanded upon our brand’s legacy with the new Razer Opto-Mechanical Switch that delivers an all-new level of performance that is optimized for top-tier esports competition.”

HUNTSMAN ELITE KEYBOARD FEATURES

The Razer Huntsman Elite delivers full functionality with dedicated media controls for quick and easy access. Each of the three tactile media keys and multifunction digital dial is programmable through Razer Synapse 3, offering practically unlimited number of key binds, macros and lighting effects which can be custom-programed by users.

Introduced previously in the Razer Ornata Chroma and BlackWidow Chroma V2, the Huntsman Elite offers the same magnetically detachable, leatherette wrist rest for exceptional ergonomic comfort during long marathon gaming sessions.

The Razer Huntsman Elite is also the first Razer keyboard with Hybrid On-board and Cloud Storage to save and access personalized profile settings online via the cloud or offline via available onboard storage.

ALL AROUND CHROMA INTEGRATION

The Razer Huntsman Elite features an array of possible Razer Chroma lighting effects for a completely immersive gaming experience.

Razer Chroma lighting is found in each key of the Razer Huntsman, emanating an underglow around all sides of the keyboard and around the wrist rest.

Gamers can choose from 16.8 million colors and a variety of lighting effects. Customized settings can be created using the Razer Synapse 3 software platform and shared with millions of other Razer software users via the Razer Chroma™ Workshop. In-game Razer Chroma lighting profiles are also integrated into popular game titles, including “Fortnite,” “Overwatch,” “Warframe” and more. These profiles can display tutorials, dynamic effects that react to gameplay and more.

The Razer Chroma experience can extend to other devices for even more immersive visual feedback. Razer Huntsman Elite owners may pair it with other Razer Chroma-enabled products and synchronize with smart lighting in the home via Philips Hue® integration with Razer Chroma.

HUNTSMAN KEYBOARD

The Razer Huntsman is available starting today. Designed with Opto-Mechanical Switches and full Razer Chroma backlit keys, the keyboard provides the fastest actuation, high-performance gaming experience within Razer’s keyboard line.

For more information about the Razer Huntsman and Razer Huntsman Elite, please visit www.razer.com/gaming-keyboards-keypads/razer-huntsman-elite.

Headsnatchers Early Access Launch Trailer

June 27, 2018 – Publisher Iceberg Interactive and developer IguanaBee are pleased to reveal that the first playable version of their title Headsnatchers, an outlandish lively multiplayer party game, will be available through Steam’s Early Access program on July 10th, 2018. Inspired by some of the wackiest Japanese gameshows, Headsnatchers enables players to snatch each other’s outlandishly, cartoony heads and use them to compete in a series of insane minigames. Ever wanted to try slam-dunking your buddie’s head in the basketball arena or flushing them down a giant toilet? Here’s your chance in Headsnatchers!

Gameplay modes include single-player zombie castle conquest, 4-player couch-mode local play (perfect for parties), as well as 4-player online multiplayer (for when you want to party from afar). There are tons of freaky heads for players to choose from, however, our comprehensive head-design tool allows players to concoct even crazier ones – the sky’s the limit!

The Headsnatchers Early Access Trailer can be viewed here:

“We had a lot of fun showing this game at PAX East where people were in fits of laughter playing it. We are eager to start receiving players’ feedback in this early access phase and to polish the game with final tweaks”, says Erik Schreuder, CEO of Iceberg Interactive.

Headsnatchers Early Access key features include:

• Online and Local Multiplayer mayhem, supporting up to 4 players

• Four game modes, 25+ unique levels of frantic fun

• Single-player Zombie mode, for when you want some me-time

• Customize your character by choosing from 100+ loony heads

• Create your own heads using the visual editor

Stay up-to-date with the latest Headsnatchers news and information on the official website http://www.headsnatchers.com, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/headsnatchers, on Twitter at https://twitter.com/HeadsnatchersKO, on Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/headsnatchers, on Reddit at https://www.reddit.com/r/Headsnatchers/, and on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/user/iceberginteractive

Sennheiser and Massdrop Unveil HD 580 Jubilee Headphones

Old Lyme, CT — Audio specialist Sennheiser and Massdrop, a community-driven commerce platform, announced the latest result of the companies’ ongoing partnership: the Massdrop x Sennheiser HD 58X Jubilee. The new exclusive headphone is a tribute to the Sennheiser HD 580 Jubilee, an open, dynamic headphone that helped pave the way for a successful range of audiophile headphones including the HD 600 and the HD 650. This recent cooperation between the two companies follows the success of the Massdrop x Sennheiser HD 6XX, launched in 2016 to the audiophile enthusiast community.

The HD 58X Jubilee contains design elements of the original Sennheiser HD 580 Jubilee, while incorporating a brand-new transducer and 150-ohm drivers — which require less amplification than previous driver platforms.  This provides increased versatility, so listeners can experience reference-class fidelity while using either stationary or mobile playback devices.

“In Sennheiser, we have found a partner who is listening to our community and is able to respond quickly to input we receive,” commented Steve El-Hage, CEO and Co-Founder of Massdrop. “The design and sound signature of the HD 58X Jubilee were crafted based on this direct feedback, enabling Massdrop to quickly deliver on exactly what the enthusiast community is asking for.”

Harkening a 25-year-old classic

The sound signature of the Sennheiser HD 58X Jubilee can be described as clear, fast, dynamic and lively, sharing similar characteristics with the Sennheiser HD 600 and the HD 650 headphones. A clean, extended bass response is combined with a smooth and clear upper midrange.

In an aesthetic homage to the Sennheiser HD 580 Precision headphone, the HD 58X Jubilee features a glossy black headband and gray metal grilles. The headband is generously padded, and the ear pads are covered in soft velour for hours of comfortable listening. The accompanying detachable 6-foot cable is made of highly conductive OFC copper with sturdy para-aramid reinforcement and a very low handling noise.

“I joined Sennheiser in 1991 as a Development Engineer, and my very first product was the HD 598,” recalls Axel Grell, Head of Portfolio Management Audiophile, Sennheiser. “This was the beginning of our audiophile collection and set the standard in the field of audiophile headphone technology. I am honored by the passion and interest the Massdrop community maintains in our product line, and I am happy to see the HD 58X come to life for the enjoyment of a new generation of audiophiles.”

The new Massdrop x Sennheiser HD 58X Jubilee headphone will be offered on Massdrop’s website at an introductory price of $150, and will launch on Wednesday, June 27th at 6 a.m. Pacific Time and ship in 2 to 3 business days.

Specifications

• Massdrop x Sennheiser
• Glossy black headband, gray metal grilles
• Ear coupling: Over-ear (circumaural)
• Transducer principle: Open, dynamic
• Impedance: 150 ohms
• Frequency response: 12–38,500 Hz (-10 dB)
• THD + N: < 0.1% at 1 kHz, 100 dB
• Sound pressure level: 104 dB at 1V, 1 kHz
• Connector: ⅛ in (3.5 mm) gold-plated stereo jack plug
• Cable: 6 ft (1.8 m) OFC, detachable
• Weight without cable: Approx. 9.2 oz (260 g) • Individually serialized • Made in Ireland