Hardware

The Xbox One S seems to have had a great launch: the redesigned console has caught the attention of fans thanks to it’s sleek looks, faster operating system and slightly increased performance. One such version of the One S that has flown off shelves is the meaty 2TB model which is nearing the end of it’s first batch of stock. However, if you’re hoping to land the white 2TB console in the future, prepare for disappointment — Microsoft will not be restocking this particular model of the console.

https://youtu.be/rm60PyKdFUo

Sony has recently released details regarding the package appearance of PS4 video games that will feature compatibility with the PlayStation VR headset. This information will undoubtedly help the customers purchasing the games at local retail stores.

The PlayStation VR headset is going to be the newest addition to the realm of virtual reality accessories once it appears on store shelves October 13th. Prior to release, prospective buyers in the US and Canada looking to find out more about the product – including taking it on that all-important test drive – should be pleased to hear that Sony has established places to experience virtual reality for free.

Although modern driving simulators tend to model gear changing fairly well, without the proper accessory right in your hand, it is hardly possible to capture the true joy of manual shifting. The new shifter from Pro Sim focuses in on that exact problem, by offering an enhanced experience through a partnership with respected engineering company Quaife.

PlayStation VR had a strong showing at Sony’s E3 conference earlier this week, with plenty of demos on display, the likes of which including Batman: Arkham VR and Star Wars Battlefront X-Wing VR Mission. With these and plenty others in the pipeline, and those that were on the show floor, the industry is fairly optimistic about the adoption of VR headsets.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGxxXkDqRS8

In amongst the many announcements made at last week’s Copper Box blow-out of Gran Turismo Sport, Thrustmaster made a quiet reveal of their own on the show floor, showing off a new wheel coming in the future that will presumably be the official steering wheel of GT Sport.

One of the latest advances to herald a whole new approach to manufacturing, 3D printing is a way of building three-dimensional objects using the digital instructions of a computer as a guide. This unique piece of technology has become a veritable breeding ground, spawning various portable and compact objects, many of which can be conveniently used just as their ‘real’ counterparts. 3D printing technology is also being heavily considered for science and general home-use.

Prominent accessory manufacturer Thrustmaster is back in the spotlight with another interesting product – the TMX Force Feedback racing wheel, with highly adaptive force feedback effect. The new steering wheel has been officially designed for Xbox One, but the manufacturer ensures full compatibility on Windows platform PC’s as well.

You’ve heard the whispers by now, whispers of a more powerful and better equipped PlayStation 4 machine. Intended to handle higher-end gaming experiences and to serve as a better launchpad for Sony’s VR peripheral – the rumored “PlayStation 4.5” is just that machine, and it just might be closer than we all think.

Ford versus Chevy. Ferrari versus McLaren. Sony versus Microsoft. Some grudge matches seem almost as old as time itself, with console gamers being all too familiar with the third matchup. Exclusive titles on each console are only one aspect of the tough choice gamers face when picking a system: the number of friends on PSN or Xbox Live matters too, since players are restricted to those ecosystems. That might not be the case for much longer, however.

Thrustmaster continues their vie for peripheral domination with their newest add-on, benefiting those with the company’s TH8A and TH8 RS shifter assemblies – the TH8 Sequential Knob.

Coming hot off their DB9 adapter allowing non-Thrustmaster pedals to be paired alongside a competent wheel from the company, they’ve now released an adapter that further opens up the hardware ecosystem, allowing owners of the T3PA and T3PA-PRO 3 pedals to use them as standalone products.

While the seeds have been planted for quite some time now, Slightly Mad Studios have now made it official: announcing that the critically-acclaimed WMD-powered racer will be an Oculus Rift launch title.

Sony took the opportunity to lay out more details for its virtual reality headset at the Game Developers Conference earlier today. While the fall release date is later than originally planned, prospective buyers will be happy to see that PS VR undercuts rivals from both Oculus and HTC… though not by as much as you’d think (more on that in a bit). Pricing for the following territories was announced:

Recently published news on the official website could really turn the heat up among photo enthusiasts of the popular driving simulator Project CARS. In order to celebrate the launch of the new Playseat Project CARS gaming seat Slightly Mad Studios decided to collaborate with Playseat once more and host a photo competition for all Project CARS game owners willing to test their snap-shooting skills. More importantly, the contest will involve none other than the American machines recently released as a part of the US Car Race Pack.

Indeed, who could have seen that coming? The new adapter from Thrustmaster features compatibility with non-Thrustmaster pedals as long as they feature a DB9 connector. That naturally includes Logitech and its G-series pedals.

The already-pleased Project CARS community is going to be delighted even further, as Playseat revealed information regarding their newest product: the appropriately-titled Playseat Project CARS gaming seat. Needles to say, the product was developed in collaboration with Slightly Mad Studios, the creator of the popular racing simulator. The studio is responsible for decorating the seat with handmade stitched Project CARS artwork and popular visuals that identify their simulator.

Derek Speare Designs is one of the sonorous brands of the sim-racing components market. It crafted its popularity by producing various button boxes, pedals, shifters and other accessories of high quality. It seems that the company has no intentions of resting on its laurels, as DSD recently revealed components for what appears to be a new rig for eager driving enthusiasts.