Top 10 Gaming Gadgets From CES

Though the 2011 CES showfloor was dominated by companies hellbent on shoving 3D down consumers’ throats and a deluge of Android powered tablets, it also showcased a few eye-catching gaming gadgets we can’t wait to get our hands on. Check out the best of the best below.

Razer Switchblade

The diminutive Switchblade looks like a great solution for PC gamers who want to get their fix on the go. With a multi-touch display, a tactile adaptive keyboard that intelligently configures itself to whatever game you boot up, and Wi-Fi/3G support, this Intel Atom-powered device was the most promising gaming prototype of the show. There’s no telling if this product will ever to make it to market, but given the buzz it generated on the showfloor Razer would be wise to find a way to get this into our hands.

Nvidia KegPuter

When it comes to World of Warcraft marathon sessions, we can’t think of a better companion than a keg of Sierra Nevada pale ale. Nvidia teamed up with modders Ben Lzicar and Richard Surroz to build this star-sudded gaming behemoth. The duo used a 15.5-gallon keg to build this beauty, which boasts dual liquid cooled GeForce GTX graphics cards, a 2.5-gallon mini keg with an integrated refrigeration system, and a CO2 fueled pump. This is one mod we definitely hope finds its way to the market in some form or another.

Alienware M17x


Alienware’s first 3D notebook doesn’t need to rely on James Cameron’s favorite technology to turn heads. With a gorgeous light-emitting chassis, Full HD display, high-end graphics card support, and the ability to plug in an Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3 via the HDMI-in port, this notebook is a Swiss army knife for gamers. Alienware also plans to integrate a Wireless HD feature in the near future that allows you to stream the action from your notebook directly to an HDTV. If you can’t wait for that technology, you can grab one right now starting at $1,499.

Creative Sound Blaster Tactic 3D Omega

Could this be the one wireless gaming headset to rule them all? With built-in PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360 support, the Omega looks the part. Powered by 50mm drivers, a noise-canceling headphone, and independent voice and game volume controls, the Omega is no slouch when it comes to performance. Look for this $199 headset in February.

Sifteo Cubes

This cute cube collection isn’t your typical gaming device. Developed by MIT alums Jeevan Kalanithi and David Merrill, this tech toy includes three 1.5-inch blocks with 128-pixel LCD displays, accelerometers, and Wi-Fi communication links that bring puzzle games out of your computer and onto your tabletop. Sensitive to touch and movement, players can rotate cubes and place them together to solve puzzles. Players can buy games from the Sifteo library online and download them to the cubes via a USB port. They will retail for $149, but early adopters can snatch them up for $99.

Saitek Procedure Trainer Cockpit


Most flight sims have been grounded thanks to a shriveling market, but it doesn’t take a dedicated community to drool over this uber-expensive control system. Saitek’s $5,000 Pro Flight controller makes the Steel Batallion controller look like an Atari joystick with an intimidating interface that features two flight yokes, radio panels, backlit switches, and rudder pedals. Now where is that X-Wing sequel we’ve been pining for?

Razer Hydra

PC gamers are no longer the only ones left out of the motion-controlling craze. Razer’s Hydra solution uses Sixense controls that reportedly get more accurate results by creating a low-frequency magnetic field to track your movements. Razer hopes to release the Hydra this spring for under $100, and with big guns like Portal 2 already lined up to support it, hopefully PC gamers can avoid the avalanche of party game shovelware that seems to follow wherever motion controlling goes.  

Sony Sharp Shooter

Of all the Move peripherals we saw at CES, Sony’s first party rifle was the best of the bunch. We played through a demo of Killzone 3 with the gun and came away impressed with its build quality and features. It features sturdy bays for both the Move wand and Navigation controller, has a responsive trigger, and includes well-positioned buttons for crouching and changing your rate of fire. Transitioning between aiming and moving proved difficult, so we’re hoping that the customization options built into the supported games like Killzone 3 and SOCOM 4 help make this a worthwhile peripheral. Look for the $39.99 device to hit store shelves in February.

Vizio Game-Friendly HDTVs

They may not have the brand recognition of the big daddies Samsung and Sony, but California-based tech company Vizio made waves in gaming circles with the announcement of two game-friendly features it plans to integrate into its HDTV models in the near future. Vizeo revealed a new partnership with OnLive that integrates the cloud-based gaming service into upcoming television and tablets, giving users who don’t own consoles access to the latest titles. Vizeo is also working with publishers like Ubisoft and Electronic Arts to deliver support to its new Versus technology, which gives two players their own screens while playing head-to-head multiplayer games with the help of proprietary glasses.

Calibur MLG Edition Vault

We found this little-known company tucked away in the North Hall amidst the millions of customized iPhone case companies. If you're looking for a way to spruce up your streamlined Xbox 360 S chassis, Calibur is manufacturing these interesting looking MLG branded encasements that feature a controller/headset holder and a glowing mask that illuminates as you wreck your way through multiplayer opponents. Look for these $89.99 cases in Best Buy starting in March.