Sony & HyperX Try New Peripherals | Twitch Relaxes Streamer Exclusivity
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Peripherals
Peripherals Sony & HyperX Try New Peripherals PlayStation debuts pro controller, HyperX goes for monitors
Bells & Whistles
The DualSense Edge is PlayStation’s belated answer to the many “Pro” controller options available to more competitive-minded gamers. Rivals include Xbox’s Elite controllers and third-party gamepads from boutique companies like Scuf.
- Customizable controls & dead zones
- Adjustable triggers
- Swappable analog stick caps & back buttons
Sony didn’t reveal an official price, but in the neighborhood of $199 would make sense. PlayStation is offering replacement stick modules, suggesting the Edge is meant to be a repairable, long-term investment.
- The similar Xbox Elite Series 2 is $179
- The base DualSense is $69, while the slightly less capable base Xbox controller is $59
Sony is hyping up its first pro controller as a PS5 product, but PlayStation has increasingly been investing in PC gaming, with more first-party ports and a new PC-focused Inzone brand.
- A heavy marketing push tied to esports is almost guaranteed
- Does this eliminate the possibility for an Inzone gamepad, or would Sony repurpose the Edge under that imprint?
Source: HyperX
Setting Sail
HyperX is the latest company this year to try its hand at gaming monitors, this time with included mounting arms.
- Armada 25 ($449): 24.5-inch, 1920x1080 with 240 Hz refresh rate
- Armada 27 ($499): 27-inch, 2560x1440 with 165Hz refresh rate
- Gaming Mount ($109): VESA-compatible, up to 32-inch monitors and 20lbs
Early reviews suggest these monitors are perfectly capable, and the included mounting arm is a nifty touch. But the sticker shock of a small monitor (with no speakers and limited ports) that costs more than a new console, plus the limited demand for 240Hz refresh rates, could make the Armada’s voyage a stormy one. HyperX also curiously excluded a simple headset mount despite its strong lineup of gaming headsets.
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Streaming
Twitch Relaxes Streamer Exclusivity Partners will be able to stream on rival platforms
Seeing Other Platforms
Previously, Twitch Partners were not allowed to stream on other platforms, such as Facebook or YouTube. Partners are streamers who have met certain requirements, who, in exchange for platform exclusivity, received more favorable monetization terms.
Now, Partners will be able to stream on any platform – with some caveats.
- Simulcasting on “web-based, Twitch-like services” such as YouTube or Facebook is banned
- Simulcasting on short-form social media, such as TikTok or Instagram Live, is allowed
- Partners are allowed to advertise non-Twitch streams on their channel
Twitch isn’t doing this out of the kindness of its heart: The platform has lost several big streamers to competitors in recent years. It also caught a lot of flack earlier this year when rumors of proposed changes that would negatively impact streamers’ incomes surfaced.
This is the company’s stab at an “I want you back, baby” song. On an HR note, these changes would theoretically solve Twitch’s thorny handling of banned streamers like Dr. Disrespect, with the platform previously and rather awkwardly banning images of the creator from Twitch streams of his tournament.
It’s also worth considering if these changes are an attempt by Amazon to give regulatory officials one less reason to look into its often controversial labor practices and keep content creators happy enough that they don’t unionize. At either rate, it’s a win for streamers and similar to the trend among console manufacturers to ditch exclusivity in favor of the broadest audience possible.
Supply Drop: Games & Players
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Comms: Social Campaigns
The Tap: News to Go
- GPU: Intel's Arc Alchemist video cards are officially now available in the U.S. in the form of ASRock's entry-level Arc A380 on Newegg. At $139, the not-very-powerful offering avoids competition with most of Nvidia and AMD's products. How many more Arc cards hit retail channels in coming months may indicate whether or not Intel is pulling the plug on its struggling GPU return.
- Console: Nintendo is reducing the size of Nintendo Switch packaging by 20% to try and improve supply of its best-selling console in retail channels. This change brings it more in line with the footprint of the Switch OLED and doubles down on one of the smaller console's logistical advantages.
- Software: A lawsuit in the UK accuses Sony of "ripping people off" with its comission on all digital purchases in the PlayStation Store. PlayStation currently takes a 30% cut, which is a bit steeper than current rates in the Google and Apple Stores.
- Monitors: The Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) announced the creation of industry standards for motion blur in monitors and TVs. The ClearMR certification will grade motion blur in tiers from CleraMR 3000 to ClearMR 9000. Manufacturers such as Samsung Display and LG Electronics have already signed on.
