From the Logitech G PRO X 2 LIGHTSPEED to the Corsair XENEON, there’s plenty of gear that’ll have you cracking open the piggy bank.
Been looking to upgrade some of the gear in your video game/entertainment setup? Or maybe just pick up some new Magic: The Gathering Cards? Here’s some of the latest releases worth checking out in the second half of 2023 so far…
Logitech G PRO X 2 LIGHTSPEED Headset
When it comes to glow ups, Logitech G’s latest headset, the PRO X 2 LIGHTSPEED is one of the biggest. What’s interesting about this unit though is that its many improvements might not be individual showstoppers, but when combined with one another turn into a pretty darn appealing option.
An updated hinge design, for example, allows for not just better flexibility compared to its more rigid predecessor, but is more comfy all around thanks to it allowing a better fit on more head types. We had the PRO X 2 LIGHTSPEED on our head for a number of work days and didn’t feel any stress or strain in that time. Further to that, the hinge now allows the unit to fold flat, making it perfect to throw in a backpack or tuck away when you’re out and about.
Also bumped us is the PRO X 2’s compatibility options – no longer just restricted to a LIGHTSPEED wireless dongle. Instead, you’ll now have the choice between the dongle, Bluetooth and a 3.5 mm wired connection. It’s a welcome amount of flexibility that allowed us to use the headset across multiple systems and for various purposes. No matter what we used the headset on though, we were pretty chuffed with the audio that the new 50mm graphene drivers delivered. According to Logitech, the graphene allows for reduced distortion in-game, and helps deliver the “entire soundscape”. While that might sound like a lot of fluff, we really did notice the range of audio cues on games like Call of Duty and Elden Ring, especially if you manage to sync everything up with DTS surround sound for truly immersive experience.
The PRO X 2’s microphone unfortunately hasn’t received a similar upgrade, and does pale in comparison to some more recent competitors, but will do a serviceable job whether you use it for work and play.
Whether you can justify the PRO X 2 LIGHTSPEED’s steep $449 price tag compared to its older sibling is another matter entirely, especially if you’re not yet due for a new upgrade. If you do make the jump though, we doubt you’d be disappointed.
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Corsair XENEON 27QHD240 Monitor
Finding a gaming monitor that ticks all the right boxes can be difficult, but the one that perhaps ticks the most of ours has without question been Corsair’s XENON 27, and it all thanks to the power of OLED.
By utilising a 27-inch OLED panel, it allows the XENON to show off video games and media in a way only high-end televisions are truly capable of. That means the colours are incredibly rich, with true blacks really help round out your overall picture. Whether you’re hooking up a powerful rig, or attaching a PS5/Xbox Series X, you surely won’t be disappointed at the performance.
The 1440p resolution and 240Hz refresh rate should only help sweeten the deal and we can attest that everything we threw at the device ran buttery smooth, from rounds of Call of Duty to Starfield playthroughs. Add in two HDMI 2.1 ports, a headphone jack, and a DisplayPort and you’ve got a well-rounded monitor that might be slight overkill for the office but is one of the best for gaming. The only downside is a lack of speakers, so you’ll either need to hook up a headset or find an alternative audio solution.
Aside from that minor gripe, set-up is a total breeze, with the base simply screwing into the adjustable stand, and the monitor itself clicking into place from there. It should also do well to blend into almost any set up, the XENON’s panel remarkably thin and the black simple finishes sleek.
The XENON’s biggest hurdle is it’s price. At around $1,559 it’s a going to take a fair chunk of your pay packet and that might not be possible for a lot of gamers. That said, it all comes down to perspective. For those who primarily play their games in a study or prefer PC-centric titles, this could be a significantly cheaper investment than picking up a much pricier (and larger) OLED television instead. Everybody else, maybe start saving now.
Sony WF-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
When it comes to earbuds, Sony’s Sony WF-1000XM4 have long been regarded as one of the best in the market, but that hasn’t stopped the company from continuing to iterate on an already strong design. As a result we now have the WF-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones and somehow they’re better than ever.
Much like it’s older brother, the WF-1000XM5 is all about its active noise cancellation capabilities. This time, the buds are touting two proprietary processors and what Sony is calling the Dynamic Driver X – a high performance driver unit that helps cancel out pesky background noise more than ever before.
In our tests it was pretty astounding how well the earbuds were able to silence environments, especially on a domestic flight. It’s honestly impressive that the WF-1000XM5s are able to rival much beefier over-ear headphones, but that’s just how much tech Sony has managed to squeeze in here.
Thankfully though, the focus on ANC hasn’t been at the expense of general audio quality either. Much like the 1000XM4s, expect a full-bodied that sound that do well to boom into your eardrums no matter what you’re listening to. For some there might actually be too much bass at play, but were more than happy with the output, plus you can always fine-tune via Sony’s extensive Connect app.
Another aspect we really appreciated was the sheer amount of tip options provided in the box. Starting with XS options is a rarity in today’s market, so it’s clear Sony really wants you to find the perfect fit, which is perfect for those who don’t always jive well with in-ear earbuds.
Pair that with the fact that this iteration is 25% smaller and 20% lighter, it makes for a much more comfy bud in the ear across the board and a highly appealing investment if you’re looking to step up your audio game.
Magic: The Gathering Wilds of Eldraine
After the pure and total chaos of the Phyrexian, this new set changes the pace up slightly by focusing on the citizens of Eldraine. The only issue with that is that they just so happen to have fallen into quite the nap due to a pesky curse known as the Wicked Slumber, which also seems to be dozing the entire realm. As a result, a cast of fairy tale friends have to step up to save the day, meaning things are getting slightly more mystical than usual.
It should come as no surprise then that the artwork is enchantingly beautiful, and we have been consistently impressed with how the fantasy inspiration has been implemented. From the Lady of Laughter to charmed apples, there’s a lot to take in especially for long-time collectors.
For players, on the other hand, there’s a few new wrinkles that should help shake up the series’ gameplay. Roles, for instance, allows you to enchant creatures in order to assign them a said “role” each tied with a specific trait, like enhanced stats or a even being given a Ward. Bargain, meanwhile, will allow you to sacrifice specific cards in order to score yourself a bonus that may just swing the game in your favour, and is a fun risk vs. reward addition.
It’s a lot to take in, but should do well to continue the series’ momentum after the hugely successful Lord of the Rings set.
Logitech G Pro Wheels and Pro Pedals
Just saw Gran Turismo in the cinema and feel the need for speed? Well if you do plan on diving head-first into simulation racers, you’re going to need a quality steering wheel and pedals, and Logitech’s are some of the best around. At around $1,499.95 and $599 for the wheel and pedals respectively, the Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel and Pro Racing Pedals are a serious bit of kit.
The wheel, for instance, features a customisable OLED screen, 11N Newton metres of torque and a hell of a lot of heft. That makes this for an incredibly realistic simulation when you’re trying to steer your way around a track – amplified via the inclusion of Logitech’s TRUEFORCE feedback technology.
The haptic feedback results in bumps and jerks that felt surprisingly real whenever we booted up the likes of Gran Turismo 7, but thankfully the more incidental additions have also been considered. Just look at the wheel’s main face buttons, which have been smartly placed to allow for easy access in the heat of the action, but if you’re not a fan of all the functionality the wheel can be tinkered with via an app or on the unit itself.
That sim experience is only amplified with the PRO pedals that make use of Logitech’s load cell brake which detects pressure in order to accurately replicate it in-game. Just make sure you’ve got a well-supported place to put it all before start revving your engine/
If we’re being honest, the combo is a lot to take in at once and can take some getting used to before you start nailing races, but if you’re a lead-head, all this tech is like your wildest dreams come true.
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