In the first year of a new console generation, it can be difficult for the advancements of gaming technology to rise above the frenzy of fans looking to get a hold of new consoles. However, 2021 has seen enough new updates to gaming hardware to enhance the experiences of both PC and console players with new audio devices, monitors, and control peripherals, without even needing to hunt down a restock of PS5 or Xbox Series X/S.
A lot of 2021's new hardware includes new controllers and monitors, but several also pushed previously released systems further. Others are unique, while others make some experiences better. Overall, it's a pretty solid line-up of technological advancements in the gaming industry this year.
Switch OLED
One of the biggest releases of 2021 was the latest major update to Nintendo's Switch console with an upgraded screen that gives players heavily improved visuals when playing mobile. The biggest change comes from the Switch OLED's name, a new Organic LED screen that has the ability to give the best colors and contrasts available with modern monitors. However, the new screen isn't the only addition brought to the Switch with this new upgrade, with several changes making it better as a home console than previous versions.
For the physical hardware, the Switch OLED improved the previous stand, making it easier to put on the uneven surfaces that players are likely to run into when taking the console on the go. Most impressively apart from the screen, though, is the addition of an ethernet port to give the new console a stronger internet connection than previous models. Considering how much of the Switch's game catalog is centered around multiplayer, the better connectivity is such an improvement that it almost feels like something the original model should have included.
Backbone Mobile Controller
Implementing controller support in mobile games has been one of the biggest hurdles the medium has needed to overcome while transitioning to on-the-go gaming. The new Backbone mobile controller is 2021's answer to mobile gaming, with both plug-and-play and a mobile mount to turn a phone into a portable gaming system. It's an impressive piece of new gaming technology that can even consolidate a player's games with an included app that makes the controller useful for both mobile and PC gaming.
Turtle Beach Recon 200 Gen 2
When it comes to audio improvements, Turtle Beach is often the top of the line for getting a full range from the audio design implemented into games. In 2021, Turtle Beach' Recon 200 Gen 2 offers impressive quality and can even make use of the new sound technologies found in next-gen consoles like PS5's 3D audio. It's par for the course in the case of Turtle Beach's headsets, but still an impressive show for how personal audio technologies have developed with the latest generation of headsets.
PS5 SSDs
With last year's release of next-gen consoles, 2021 saw the first steps of third-party hardware developers introducing upgrades and new peripherals for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. One of the biggest upgrades that these third-party developers have brought to these consoles are the new PS5 SSDs, generally introducing new and larger storage spaces. Some of these SSDs, like the Seagate FireCuda, offer multiple terabytes of storage, a massive improvement that can more than double the space offered with the base PS5 model.
Arcade1Up Infinity Game Table
Arcade1Up's lineup of new hardware hit a peak in 2021 with the Infinity Game Table, a seemingly simple concept of using an oversized tablet as the top of a coffee table. Players can connect to the internet to find new games to play on the touchpad, with many of the most popular games being simple family titles as well as recreations of classic tabletop games.
NZXT Capsule Mic
With gameplay moving more online in previous years and then quarantine situations keeping friends physically separated, a quality mic can be the difference between talking to a friend across the country or feeling like being in the same room. NZXT's PCs and the newest Capsule Microphones offer a quality way to communicate online with friends and other players. This could also be an affordable starting mic for anyone looking to get into streaming or let's plays online with quality audio recordings.
Asus 3080Ti
In terms of graphics cards, Nvidia's 30 series has become the top of the game, and in 2021 Asus stepped into the field with a quality product that offers equally impressive performance capabilities. This is unfortunately still an incredibly rare piece of tech, often requiring customers looking to buy to be on the lookout for restocks and tapping into early store alerts. However, if players can get their hands on an Asus 3080 Ti, the new card can give some of the best graphical boosts available on the market today.
ViewSonic VX3218-PC-MHD Curved Gaming Monitor
The curved monitor fad hasn't really managed to maintain itself in the mainstream market, although it has taken on a new life in PC gaming especially for players looking to get the most immersive view of popular titles. While the new ViewSonic Curved Monitor might not be the absolute top-shelf option, it is an affordable and quality introduction to the curved concept for players that may not have bought into the fad earlier on. Anyone looking for a new monitor right now might want to give this a check to see if the immersion of curved monitors is for them.
Corsair K70 TKL Keyboard
The Corsair K70 Keyboard makes for a comfortable middle ground between the comfort of a full-sized keyboard and the mobility of a mini-keyboard. It's a great option for players who might be regularly taking their PC on the go or don't have a huge amount of desk space available for a full-sized keyboard. As a result, players get an affordable option for either mobility or when their own personal space is limited.
SteelSeries Rival 5 Mouse
Finishing up the list is a mouse from SteelSeries, which has released quite a few quality products in 2021, including the Rival 5 Mouse. This is another affordable option that doesn't sacrifice quality for a price drop when compared to some of the higher-end options available to PC players.
Altogether, 2021 was a good year for gaming tech, especially for players looking to upgrade their PC rigs, either on a budget or looking for top-of-the-line gear.