Hardware & Tech

The Xbox Wireless Controller – A Hands On

3Mar

By Jay ArmstrongNo Comments

The Xbox Wireless Controller – A Hands On

Naturally, the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X have taken the gaming world by storm. Launching late in 2020, they both have an absolute plethora of similarities. From SSDs to subscription services... the competing consoles have never been more aligned. One thing however that definitely sets them apart is their controllers. These aren't going to be articles about which has the better analogue stick placement. This is purely my thoughts on what the 2 devices bring to the table, and where I would like to see improvements if they ever choose to refine these models. I will say from the get-go though that with the DualSense and the revised Xbox Wireless Controller these are the best iterations both companies have ever delivered in the box of a console. I have to add that slight disclaimer...

3Mar

By Jay ArmstrongNo Comments

Hardware & Tech

The PS5 DualSense

Naturally the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X have taken the gaming world by storm. Launching late in 2020, they both have an absolute plethora of similarities. From SSDs, to subscription services... the competing consoles have never been more aligned. One thing however that definitely sets them apart is their controllers. These aren't going to be articles about which has the better analogue stick placement. They're actually purely my thoughts on what the 2 devices bring to the table, and where I would like to see improvements if they ever choose to refine these models. I will say from the get go though that with the DualSense and the revised Xbox Wireless Controller these are the best iterations both company have ever delivered in the box of a console. I have to add that slight dis...

15Dec

By JasonNo Comments

Hardware & Tech

HyperX Cloud Flight S Headset Review

Headsets, I don't know about you, however, finding one that is decent can be difficult to do as there are so many to choose from! In the past I have been able to test and review a few different headsets from various manufacturers, each have had their own pros and cons. This is my first foray into the world of HyperX so I did not know what to expect when the HyperX Cloud Flight S wireless gaming headset arrived on my desk. HyperX Cloud Flight S - Taking Sound To New Heights? Come with me as I put this headset through its paces and give you my verdict to whether it is worth your hard-earned cash! Design & Comfort Straight out of the HyperX emblazoned cardboard box you get one wireless headset, a detachable boom mic, a 2m charging lead and a USB 2.4GHz receiver. The Cloud Fligh...

Xbox Series X Review – Power Your Dreams

11Dec

By Jay ArmstrongNo Comments

Hardware & Tech

Xbox Series X Review – Power Your Dreams

Microsoft first announced the Xbox Series X during the Game Awards 2019. Finally, as we're on the verge of the 2020 show, we have the new machine. Microsoft also announced a smaller, less powerful variant in the Xbox Series S. Today though we're only focusing on their flagship model, in this Xbox Series X review. The original reveal showed this strange, monolithic tower with a slew of pre-rendered footage. It was enough to get people excited about what the future holds and started Microsoft on the almost 1-year journey from announcement to launch. Sporting an unconventional shape it soon came to light that the machine was much smaller than you realise. The Next Generation Is Now The Current Generation... You likely know by now that I am a console gamer at heart. In fact, I've been...

11Nov

By Jay ArmstrongNo Comments

Hardware & Tech

Razer Kishi For Android Review

The Razer Kishi is a clip on mobile accessory that turns your smartphone into a portable console. Mobile gaming has often been frowned upon with hardcore gamers. A stigma that is soon to be obsolete as mobile chipsets, screens and cloud based gaming options continue to grow. It's likely no coincidence that the Razer Kishi is advertising alongside the likes of Xbox's Cloud Streaming service. It's clear from the layout and feel of the pad they've worked closely with Microsoft on this one. Sporting a compact design, but still evoking the traditional Xbox pad layout it does feel great in your hand. The flatter shape however does mean that sometimes it's a struggle to comfortably use some of the buttons. Design Fresh out of the box the Razer Kishi is surprisingly small and flat. It's v...

11Nov

By ArNo Comments

Hardware & Tech

Unboxing The Xbox Series S

The next generation of consoles is here at long last! Frankly, it's about time we had something to get excited over this year. The Thumb Culture team are really looking forward to getting stuck into each of the new next-gen consoles. However, with so much information, it can get a bit confusing if you're still undecided about which next-gen console is right for you. As part of our No-Nonsense Guide To Next-Gen, we're bringing you a range of content that's designed to break down the nuts and bolts of next-gen gaming. Today, we're taking a look at the new Xbox Series S Console in a little bit more detail. Unboxing The Series S - What Are Your First Thoughts? While we await our own Xbox Series S/X deliveries, let's take a look at Xbox's official unboxing of the Series S; the most afforda...

11Nov

By Jay ArmstrongNo Comments

Hardware & Tech

QPAD QH-700 Pro Gaming Stereo Headset

You may have heard of QPAD. A Swedish company that was founded in 1992, but if you haven't I wouldn't blame you. It was only when they relaunched last year, in 2019, that they really came to my attention. As the self-proclaimed legends of eSports hardware, does the new QH-700 stereo headset deliver? Design Straight out of the box I could see this was a good quality piece of kit. Featuring a soft-to-the-touch matt black design throughout, with a gloss finish on their logo it looks very sleek. In fact I've been using this headset quite a lot when streaming and it's likely that people didn't really notice because of that stealth aesthetic. It's very slimline, compared to the chunkiness of my Razer Kraken and well padded for comfort. It features a removable mic; ultimately connect...

Edifier G2000 Gaming Speaker Review – Here Comes The BOOM

4Nov

By DanNo Comments

Hardware & Tech

Edifier G2000 Gaming Speaker Review – Here Comes The BOOM

Edifier International has announced its latest gaming speakers the Edifier G2000. I have to say they are a brand I have heard much about, but on researching, they have a lot to offer. Founded in 1996 they specialise in premium audio solutions, yet what seems on occasion non-premium prices. I can safely say I have never set up speakers this fast before, I was intrigued to find out exactly what the Edifier G2000 Speakers can deliver. "Edifier® International, prominent designer and award-winning manufacturer of consumer audio electronics for both the lifestyle and multimedia markets" Design Seen as though everyone these days loves what I would call and Instagrammable setup, let's start with the design/look and feel of the Edifier G2000 Speakers. Each unit is only 2.75" high, so they are ex...

17Sep

By GrantNo Comments

Hardware & Tech

GameSir F4 Falcon Review

The F4 Falcon mobile controller instantly impressed. With it’s light-weight and foldable design, limited moving parts, clickable buttons, and cushioning pads to house your precious device, you can tell it’s been built with the user in mind and for serious hours of gaming involved. GameSir has created a masterpiece that will surely impress both casual and avid Mobile gamers. Design The F4 Falcon has been designed from the ground up to promote all aspects of the mobile accessory with a limited compromise for the end-user. Some key standout elements that came to my mind throughout my playtime with it: There are minimal moving parts: there are no pads to replicate a thumb press, instead, it’s initiated directly from the trigger press which reduces the time to react drastically - during...

20Jul

By DanNo Comments

Hardware & Tech

HyperX Quadcast Standalone Microphone

HyperX is extremely well known within the gaming community, They are memory giants Kingston Technologies high-performance product division. Hence, when it comes to gaming related to tech you will see HyperX over Kingston. Starting in 2002 HyperX had just one line, as you probably could have guessed it was Performance RAM. These tech giants have now bestowed upon us the HyperX Quadcast Standalone Microphone. Design It is clear as day what you are getting in the box, The artwork on the packaging is sleek and it shows off some of the best bits of the microphone. The one thing it doesn't do is highlight just how big this piece of hardware is. This, however, is not a bad thing. The HyperX Quadcast has a stunning sleek matt black finish with red detail, black and red can be tacky however this ...