It may not be E3, but that doesn't mean there's no gaming going on at CES. Controllers, gaming PCs, and odd mashups like the Power A MOGA Pro abound at CES, and if you look hard enough, you can even find some console gear, including Razer's Sabertooth, the best Xbox 360 controller ever made.
Is the Razer Edge a) a powerful Windows 8 tablet that makes Microsoft's Surface look like a child's toy; b) a unique portable gaming PC with custom controllers that actually work; c) a home-gaming console that supports up to four simultaneous players, and works with any HDMI display; or d) a laptop that can rival any Ultrabook for power and portability? If you didn't pick all of the above, take another look at the Edge, and see if you won't be tempted to pre-order this $999 tablet/laptop/gaming console.
Like the Wii U, Project Shield merges a controller with a touchscreen display. Unlike Nintendo's product, the Shield can be used as a standalone console, since that display runs on Android and can play games written for that platform. And it can also stream PC games over a WiFi network. Shield is currently just a prototype, and its viability will depend in part on how much it sells for if it ever reaches the market.
The Piston is a small form factor PC optimized for gaming over the Steam network. Although it's still at the prototype stage, it seems like a promising device, with lots of ports, easily upgraded innards, and up to 1TB of internal storage. Alas, no word on when (or if) this will be available, and how it will be priced.
Corsair's latest gaming keyboard includes durable Cherry mechanical switches, individually backlit keys with four brightness levels, and 18 programmable macro keys. It's not wireless, and at $150, it's not cheap, but but it's about on par with similar keyboards in its class.
Monster's wireless Carbon headset may be branded for EA's sports games, but it'll work with any games on any platform, including PC and all major consoles. It's well-cushioned, has an integrated mic, and will sell for $269.
The MOGA Pro may look a little like the Shield, but the resemblance is only skin deep. The MOGA Pro is an update to Power A's existing MOGA controller. Like that model, the Pro forms a base and controller for an Android phone, letting you get full gaming controls. Unlike the original MOGA, this is a full-size controller, which should provide great control, though it won't fit in your pocket.
The Bluetooth-powered wireless C.T.R.L.R is designed to work with computers, tablets and smartphones, giving you an easy way to game on multiple devices with a single controller. Right now, it supports Windows 8 and some Android devices, with support for more platforms expected down the road.
The M.O.U.S. 9 is another Bluetooth peripheral from Mad Catz, and this one will work with just about any Bluetooth-capable device, letting you bring Mad Catz signature customization capabilities to all of your computers.
The PX51 for the Playstation 3 (and the PX510 for the Xbox 360) ids a wireless gaming headset with support for WiFi, Bluetooth and virtual surround sound. The Xbox model (which sports the required controller dongle for Xbox Live chat support) is $290, while the PX51 will sell for $270.
Our first Must-have game controller, featuring six customizable buttons, an embedded display with multiple profiles, and super comfortable ergonomics. Crushing noobs on Xbox Live has never been easier.
The Caliber Advantage is an iPhone case that also doubles as a gaming controller, giving you full hardware controls anytime you need them. When not in use, the controllers slide back into the case, adding a little bulk to your iPhone.
The Kickstarter-funded GameStick is an Android-based gaming console on a USB stick, designed to fit neatly into its wireless controller when you're not using it. At a projected price of $79, the GameStick is poised to take on the Ouya, and the seemingly endless series of Android-based mini-PCs that have surfaced recently.
The Wii U hasn't spawned too many third-party peripherals yet, but Nyko is at CES with some of the first, including its Pro Commander controller. The wireless controller is designed as an alternative to Nintendo's Pro Controller, and has a control layout that's more consistent with classic controllers.