Is an Elite Series 3 controller the cure for Xbox's struggling hardware sales? Probably not, but it could bring some excitement back to long-term fans

gamesradar.com Aug 13, 2026

Is an Elite Series 3 controller the cure for Xbox’s struggling hardware sales? Probably not, but it could bring some excitement back to long-term fans

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Aug 13, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Xbox announced two limited‑edition Gears of War controllers on the same day a rumored Elite Series 3 leak surfaced, amid a 62% drop in U.S. hardware sales. The new controllers, priced at $89.99, aim to rekindle fan interest while the company faces layoffs, a new CEO, and rising component costs. Despite the hype, the Elite Series 3’s impact on sales is expected to be modest, as controllers alone cannot offset the broader financial challenges Xbox faces.

💡 Why It Matters

· The release underscores Xbox’s strategy to leverage iconic franchises and premium accessories to rebuild brand loyalty, even as it grapples with deeper systemic issues in its hardware and development pipeline.

Read full article on gamesradar.com

Best Google Pixel 11 Pro XL cases

Namerah Saud Fatmi, a Malaysian tech enthusiast, began exploring gadgets in her youth, from the OG Razr Flip to the PSP. She launched her writing career in late 2018, publishing on Android Central as a Senior Editor where she covers mobile accessories, gaming, software, and hardware. Prior to full‑time work, she freelanced for XDA Developers, Neowin, and Good e‑Reader, and occasionally contributes to Windows Central and iMore. She balances her career with travel, gaming, coffee, and her cat, Bruce Wayne.

💡 Fatmi’s transition from hobbyist to senior editor illustrates how deep personal passion can translate into influential tech journalism, shaping consumer understanding of mobile accessories and beyond.

androidcentral.com · Aug 13

Best Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold cases

Namerah Saud Fatmi, a Malaysian tech enthusiast, has evolved from a hobbyist tinkering with early mobile gadgets to a senior editor at Android Central. Since 2018, she has published reviews on mobile accessories, gaming, software, and hardware, contributing to outlets such as XDA Developers, Neowin, and Good e‑Reader. Her work now spans Android Central’s sister brands, Windows Central and iMore, while she balances a life of gaming, travel, and coffee with her cat, Bruce Wayne.

💡 Her transition illustrates how deep‑dive tech journalism can shape consumer understanding of emerging mobile trends, especially as accessory ecosystems expand.

windowscentral.com · Aug 13

Limited Edition Gears of War: E-Day Xbox controllers have been revealed, and…

Xbox has unveiled two limited-edition controllers for Gears of War: E-Day, available for pre-order. The standard model costs $89.99 and features a 3D-molded design resembling cracked asphalt with the game’s logo, black and red accents, and a COG tag on the battery door. It retains standard Series X|S ergonomics. A customizable Xbox Design Lab version, featuring artwork by Luke Preece, launches September 30, 2026, allowing players to select metallic triggers, rubberized grips, and personalized engravings. Additionally, 8BitDo released a compatible charging dock for $39.99, which includes a rechargeable battery pack and works with existing Xbox controllers. Both accessories are currently available for pre-order via the Xbox Store, Amazon, or 8BitDo’s eShop. The controllers will be displayed at Gamescom, coinciding with the first playable demo of the game’s story campaign. Gears of War: E-Day releases on October 30, 2026, for Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Game Pass.

💡 The inclusion of Luke Preece’s heavy-metal artwork bridges gaming and music subcultures, appealing to collectors beyond the franchise's core fanbase. Offering both a fixed aesthetic and a fully customizable option ensures the hardware serves both nostalgic purists and players seeking unique personalization.

ign.com · Aug 11

Daran’s Affordable 288Wh 600W LiFePO4 Power Station Will Keep Your Electronics Topped…

The Daran 288Wh 600W LiFePO4 Power Station offers a lightweight, high-capacity solution for mobile electronics, weighing 8.9 pounds and featuring a 90,000mAh battery. It includes six charging ports: two 120V AC outlets (600W continuous, 1200W surge), two USB‑C ports (100W/30W), one USB‑A port (18W), two DC5521 ports (120W), and a 12V DC port. Amazon Prime members can purchase it for $132.29 with free shipping using coupon code DARAN0805. The LiFePO4 chemistry provides safer, longer-lasting performance than typical lithium‑ion cells.

💡 By combining a compact form factor with a robust 288Wh capacity, the unit bridges the gap between portable power banks and full‑size stations, enabling extended device use for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts.

headtopics.com · Aug 11

Why Some Tech Devices Don’t Need a Screen Protector

While screen protectors are standard for smartphones, certain tech devices like laptops, e-readers, and Apple Watches do not require them due to design constraints. Adding protectors to these devices can cause more harm than good. For laptops, the minimal gap between the display and keyboard means a protector could damage the hinge or screen when closed. Manufacturers engineer these devices with zero tolerance for extra layers. Consequently, users should rely on carrying sleeves and proper cleaning methods instead. E-readers feature specialized matte displays designed to diffuse light and prevent glare. Applying a traditional protector would introduce unwanted reflections, defeating the purpose of the paper-like experience. Similarly, high-curvature devices like the Apple Vision Pro cannot accommodate standard protectors on their inner or outer displays. The article advises against forcing protection onto incompatible hardware, suggesting that alternative care methods, such as using protective cases during transport, are safer and more effective for preserving the functionality and integrity of these specific electronic devices.

💡 Blindly applying universal protection strategies can physically damage precision-engineered hardware and degrade specific user experiences. Understanding device-specific vulnerabilities prevents costly repairs and ensures optimal performance.

techcrunch.com · Aug 11

Clicks’ Power Keyboard brings BlackBerry-style typing to any phone — with some…

Clicks Technology has begun shipping its $99 MagSafe-compatible Power Keyboard, with 75% of the first batch’s preorders delivered. The slide-out device features tactile buttons, offering a BlackBerry-like typing experience for various smartphones in portrait or landscape modes. It serves as a precursor to the upcoming Clicks Communicator smartphone. The keyboard includes a 2,150 mAh battery, enabling wireless charging for MagSafe and Qi2 devices. While the keys provide satisfying feedback and the unit adjusts to different phone sizes, the design presents ergonomic challenges. The added weight and bulk make it top-heavy and difficult to hold, particularly with larger models like the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Users may also find it cumbersome to carry in pockets due to the risk of accidental sliding. Pairing requires specific Bluetooth procedures, and while the hardware is well-crafted, the physical compromises remain evident for daily use.

💡 The device validates a niche market for tactile input by successfully decoupling physical keyboards from proprietary hardware. It proves users are willing to sacrifice pocketability for typing precision, creating a viable accessory ecosystem for legacy enthusiasts.