The next generation of gaming consoles is well underway. With the holiday launches of both the PS5 and Xbox Series X now in the rear-view mirror, many third-party companies continue to roll out accompanying accessories. While there are several established peripheral companies such as Mad Catz and HyperX, one brand is unexpectedly getting into the gaming industry, OtterBox.
Founded in 1998, OtterBox is a brand primarily known for creating protective cases for phones and tablets. A first for the Colorado-based company, OtterBox is unveiling its new line of gaming products at this year's Consumer Electronics Show, better known as CES.
The fully unveiled collection of products appears to be designed to bridge the gap between console and mobile gaming experiences. The new items are designed specifically for Xbox Series X. The items include the following:
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- Easy Grip Controller Shell: designed to enhance grip while also providing drop protection.
- Gaming Carry Case: an all-in-one travel case designed to be a "mobile command center."
- Mobile Gaming Clip: specifically designed for an Xbox controller and balances phone weight for optimal comfort.
- Easy Grip Gaming Case: protective phone case featuring heat-expelling technology to prevent overheating.
- Gaming Glass Privacy Guard: a scratch and shatter-resistant screen guard which blocks screen view from prying eyes
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OtterBox CEO Jim Parke cites "advances in cloud gaming and fast 5G networks" as a driving factor in the decision to branch out into gaming. There certainly have been major advances in mobile gaming, largely with Xbox. The addition of Microsoft's ambitious streaming service xCloud to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate has effectively opened a huge door for gamers, who are able to stream and play the service's massive catalog on mobile devices. Basically, gamers can play almost any Xbox title anywhere there's a strong enough signal.
Gaming on mobile has come a long way in the past decade, going from flash games and simple titles like Angry Birds to full-fledged AAA titles becoming playable. However, OtterBox isn't the only company offering mobile accessories to capitalize on Xbox's newfound mobility. Microsoft itself has revealed new Xbox mobile gaming accessories from various partners prior to the Xbox Series X launch. These range from a variety of third-party controllers, clips, and other mobile gaming accessories, which can vary in usefulness and practicality.
While OtterBox's newest offerings are indicative of a trend towards streamlining games between mobile and TV, it's a fairly old concept. Prior to the Nintendo Switch, companies offered many weird ways to play portable games on TV, although it was mostly bringing the "lesser" graphic games onto a big screen. It certainly seems like the idea has come full circle, with previously TV-restricted titles now playable on portable devices. The diversity and accessibility of video games has never been better.
OtterBox Xbox Series X accessory pre-orders begin January 25, and go on sale mid-February.
Source: OtterBox