Gear Archives - COGconnected

Blizzard and Gunnar Optiks Announce Overwatch Gaming Glasses

Jacob Greenwood — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 15:30:14 +0000

Time to Pop Your Ultimate With these Glasses

Ever wanted to be as stylish as D.VA? Or have you ever wanted to see the world through Tracer’s glasses? Well now you can. If you’re in need of some new specs then cheers, love, the cavalry is here. Today, Blizzard and Gunnar Optiks are happy to announce the launch of their officially licensed Overwatch gaming glasses. Featuring two specific kinds of gaming glasses, the Overwatch Ultimate and Overwatch D. Va Tokki Edition, the crossover gives players the opportunity to protect their eyes while they are gaming. In fact, the glasses are engineered with gamer safety in mind. In addition, the glasses themselves come with some more Overwatch themed items to add to gamer collections.

The Blizzard and Gunnar Optiks Overwatch gaming glasses come with a design made specifically for long gaming sessions. Importantly, the frame design of the glasses helps to prevent symptoms of computer vision syndrome. For example dry eyes, blurred vision, eye fatigue, and headaches are all alleviated. Additionally, both pairs of glasses feature Gunnar’s G-Shield Lens Coating that is anti-reflective and smudge-resistant.

Yet, the Overwatch Gaming glasses are not coming alone. Both pairs of glasses come with Overwatch-inspired collector’s items, including a hard case, microfiber pouch, and microfiber cloth. Any Overwatch fan is going to want these.

The Blizzard and Gunnar Optiks Overwatch gaming glasses are available now. Gamers can check out both products here. So, are you going to be picking up a pair of these gaming glasses for your collection?

SOURCE: PRESS RELEASE

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Naib’s Cosplay is as Intense as It Gets

Nicola Kapron — Sun, 23 Jun 2024 12:37:19 +0000

Naib Cosplay Feature

Welcome back, cosplay fans! It’s time for the weekly COGconnected cosplay feature. This week, we’re going to take a look at the work of Naib, a cosplayer who really captures the intensity of action and horror games.

Naib is a big fan of horror game Identity V, action-packed manga, and the sci-fi/fantasy titles of miHoYo. It’s no surprise that their cosplay is filled to the brim with motion and fierceness. Whether it’s the action heroines of shonen manga or the troubled heroes of horror game, Naib can cosplay them all.

When Naib isn’t making incredibly intense faces into the camera, they’re visiting conventions. And organizing Identity V fan-meets in the UK. It’s always nice to see cosplayers enjoying themselves, and Naib seems to be having a blast.

OH MY GOD! GUYS I MET CYYU!!! pic.twitter.com/hP4eNcOuRx

— CyYu 2.0 ARC = Cyno + Jing Yuan (@CyYuVtuber) June 15, 2024

CY-YU – VTuber

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“Orpheus” Deross – Identity V

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Toge Inumaki – Jujutsu Kaisen

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Ken Kaneki – Tokyo Ghoul

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Tighnari – Genshin Impact

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Alva Lorenz/Hermit – Identity V

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Turtle Beach Vulcan II TKL Pro Mechanical Keyboard Review – Smart & Sexy

Erin Castillo — Sat, 08 Jun 2024 14:06:52 +0000

Vulcan II TKL Pro Keyboard Review

I have used quite a few keyboards, both for work and gaming, over the last decade and the Vulcan II TKL Pro Keyboard stands out amongst the crowd. Turtle Beach has truly outdone themselves with this one. It’s extremely eye-catching, boasts incredible customization, and performs like a dream. It’s not quite perfect, but it’s pretty dang close. Let’s get into it.

The image on the box really doesn’t do the Vulcan II TKL Pro justice. It’s dynamite even before you plug it in. It comes in both black and white, though I reviewed the white version. The top of the keyboard features thin white keys and an anodized aluminum top plate. It’s got a thick white plastic base and 4 grey silicone bumpers, in addition to the 2 dual-height kickstand feet. All of this means it’s not only pretty, but also insanely sturdy. Once you plug it in, game over. You’re going to fall in love with the RGB light show. The thin keys are the perfect design choice here in order to increase the color pop below. Whether you’re looking at it from the top or from the sides, the Vulcan II TKL Pro is a stunner.

The Ultimate Desk Centerpiece

The Vulcan II TKL Pro comes with a 5”9 braided type C cord that plugs into the top left side, a quick setup guide, and a soft foam wrist rest for added comfort. This wrist rest is not detachable, but it is indeed comfortable and makes those long gaming sessions easier than ever. Unless you use the number pad frequently, you won’t even miss it. Especially since there’s still all the function keys, insert (and related) keys and a volume dial with a click to mute option. Since it’s a tenkeyless keyboard, it’s also lightweight and compact. Meaning that while it definitely looks great as the centerpiece on any desk, it can also be easily taken on-the-go as well.

It’s versatile in more ways than one however. The Vulcan II TKL Pro is also incredibly customizable. Though the thin keycaps are the perfect design here, if you’re looking to change this up the Vulcan II is compatible with 3rd party keycaps too. That’s just the beginning of the customization! While this keyboard comes with 5 preset modes which you can easily switch between at any time, the Swarm II software is the star of the show here. It might not be perfect, with a few occasional glitches and shutdowns while using it, this software allows for a ton of different key settings. You might not be used to some with your average keyboard.

Swarm II Software Shines Bright

So what exactly can this Swarm II software help you customize on the Vulcan II TKL Pro? Well, pretty much everything. It’s fantastic software and easily brings this keyboard well above its price point. The user interface is simple and the settings are easy to customize. In fact, it’ll walk you through everything the very first time you use it! You can change the RGB light settings from the default AIMO to heartbeat or custom. There are some more options too, and all of them are just a click away from being able to switch their settings as well. If bright lights aren’t for you, the brightness can be adjusted too. These light settings can also be changed all together, just the ASWD keys, just the arrow keys, or even just the function keys. It’s incredible.

But it’s not just about the lights, though that is definitely the most fun. You can also choose between actuation settings – between 0.1 to 4.0 mm. Keep in mind that the smaller the number, the more sensitive the keys are. The Vulcan II TKL Pro features analog hall effect switches so it’s extra sensitive to all keystrokes. And if you’re just beginning to use keyboard and mouse, or if you’re a frequent console gamer there’s also a controller emulator setting. You can also add macros, customize each individual key for quick keys to assist when playing particular games. Set one profile for action RPGs, and one for first-person shooters and switch between them effortlessly. There’s not a whole lot the Vulcan II TKL Pro can’t do.

If you’re expecting big oomph or a thockiness when typing, you’re going to be disappointed. The Vulcan II TKL Pro is actually one of the quietest keyboards I’ve used. Though with enough aggression I’m sure you can be as loud as you want. The concave keys offer a smooth surface and my fingers glide across it very nicely. They are a little wobbly however and can be extra sensitive. My advice is to turn the actuation settings down if you’re typing a lot with this. Or get used to having frequent typos. Even after weeks of use the keycaps are not oily at all. This keyboard is insanely responsive and quick. The lack of a number pad also makes using large mouse movements easy. The rapid trigger setting allows for extra fast and/or repeated key presses – which made writing this review a breeze.

At $150 USD ($200 CAD), scooping the Vulcan II TKL Pro keyboard is an easy decision. Sure, there are cheaper options out there but none are as comfortable, high-performing or versatile as this. In fact, the Swarm II software and all the customization options make the Vulcan II TKL Pro on par with keyboards double the price. This keyboard exudes quality from every facet. There’s nothing it really can’t do, except type numbers quickly – so maybe get a separate number pad on the cheap if you’re going to miss that. Ultimately, if you’re looking to level up your gaming experience this is absolutely the keyboard you should set your sights on.

***The product was provided by the manufacturer***

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Storm Sorceress’ Cosplay is a Fantasy Made Real

Nicola Kapron — Sat, 25 May 2024 13:00:57 +0000

Storm Sorceress Cosplay Feature

Welcome back, cosplay fans! It’s time for the weekly COGconnected cosplay feature. This week, we’re going to take a look at the work of Storm Sorceress, an amazing cosplayer with a flair for the awe-inspiring and the chilling.

Storm Sorceress has a wide variety of costumes under belt. From relatively simple designs to fantastical what-ifs, she’s willing to imagine some truly fascinating designs. And then she uses her mastery of foam, sewing, and make-up to bring her designs to life.

Some of her creations are stunning, while others are uncanny. Her Clicker cosplay is downright unsettling. All of them are a testament to her skill and experience as a cosplayer.

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Samus Aran – Metroid

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Karlach – Baldur’s Gate 3

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Shadowheart – Baldur’s Gate 3

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Nurse – Silent Hill

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Link – The Legend of Zelda

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Lilith – Borderlands

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Turtle Beach Stealth 500 Headset Review – Budget Friendly & Incredibly Versatile Cans

Erin Castillo — Wed, 22 May 2024 16:00:08 +0000

Turtle Beach Stealth 500 Headset Review

Turtle Beach has made a name for themselves offering affordable gear that stacks up against the more costly competition. I’ve used an array of their headsets and mice over the course of my gaming career and have never once been disappointed. That’s not going to stop today. In fact, with one of their latest headsets, the Stealth 500, it’s clear that designing budget friendly headsets doesn’t have to come at the cost of quality.

Straight out of the box the new Stealth 500 is quite robust for such a small package. It comes with a short USB cable, wireless transmitter, and a quick start guide. It’s all black, with no splash of color aside from the light Turtle Beach logo and markings, yet it is insanely sleek. All the buttons and dials, as well as a seamlessly tucked mic can all be found on the left side. This flip to mute seamless mic design should be the new standard. It’s completely out of the way, so it won’t accidentally get bumped, no matter how animated you get while playing! There’s 4 buttons which include the one for power, as well ones for easy switching between wireless and Bluetooth, and switching between EQ presets. Additionally, there are two dials – one for chat volume and one for game/media volume.

Simple & Lightweight

The Stealth 500 is super lightweight. It’s a bit on the smaller side and comes fitted with a floating band for comfortability. If you have a bigger head or ears, or if you wear glasses, it’ll be a better fit without this band. Unfortunately it will come at the cost of support due to the complete lack of padding in the headband. And this is noticeable with longer gaming sessions. Thankfully, the ear cushions are a supple memory foam leatherette and offer plenty of comfort and support. The frame is well made, from good quality plastic, and without the vertical sizing option it actually seems to make this even more sturdy. It’s got plenty of “give” however, so no fear of this headset snapping.

The Stealth 500 features 40mm drivers that pack an incredible punch. There is no noticeable lag or delay in game noise or chat and they provide an engaging experience, regardless of what game you dive into. Even more so when using my favorite Turtle Beach feature: Advanced Superhuman Hearing. This makes it so much easier to isolate enemy footsteps or gunfire when playing First-Person Shooters or Action RPGs. Add the built-in EQ modes and the customizability of the Swarm II software and there’s a ton of versatility here. Each setting can be used for an array of situations, whether you’re trying out different games or music genres, or just chatting on the phone. The only real downside is the lack of bass offered when using the EQ modes. Thankfully the Swarm II software adjustments helped a bit. Not quite enough to fully enjoy bass heavy songs, but almost.

Swarm II Software is a Slam Dunk

The Swarm II software allows for convenience and customization. Here you’ll be able to toggle the Superhuman Hearing on or off, as well as adjust audio settings. These tweaks are invaluable and again ensures the Stealth 500 is extremely versatile. There’s also more EQ presets available to use! And as time goes on, this software will provide firmware updates to keep the Stealth 500 up to date and running without issue.

The Stealth 500 offers an average battery life of 40 hours. Which is completely on par with what Turtle Beach touted. At different volume levels this can vary slightly however; though not enough to have any real impact. Which means that you can definitely play for long periods of time before setting these to charge. As long as you’re in the habit of charging them every couple of days you’ll never have to worry about these dying mid-session.

Though the Stealth 500 may not be the best headset I’ve ever used, Turtle Beach delivers high quality on a budget yet again. It’s a welcome addition to my current Xbox setup and works well with the Switch as well. The Stealth 500’s got plenty of bells and whistles, and great sound quality that makes it well worth the price point. Add its sleek design, multi-platform use, and overall adaptability and it’s a steal! At just $80 USD it’s going to be difficult to find a more well-rounded gaming headset on the market right now.

***The Turtle Beach Stealth 500 (Xbox Version) was provided by the manufacturer***

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Turtle Beach Announces Release of New Headsets and More

Jacob Greenwood — Wed, 22 May 2024 00:14:46 +0000

Top Tier Gear

Gaming is better when you have the gear to make your experience great. Of course, there are a lot of names in the gaming community that make awesome tech. Yet among the top of the mountain is Turtle Beach. Earlier this week, Turtle Beach happily announced the release of its latest assortment of high-quality, performance-driven gaming products. For instance, gamers can now get their hands on everything from headsets to mice and keyboards. Importantly, these items represent the latest in technology and will provide players with a whole new class of gaming accessory. A press release provides more details on these items and even insight from Cris Keirn, CEO, Turtle Beach Corporation.

Among the corporation’s latest gaming product releases is the first wireless open back PC gaming headset. That’s right, the Atlas Air is the latest headset for PC gaming that couples natural sound with comfort. Importantly, the Atlas is only one of the products coming from Turtle Beach. Additionally, the new Vulcan II TKL Pro keyboard makes an appearance among the new releases. interestingly, the keyboard includes many new features. For instance, new hyper-responsive magnetic Hall Effect switches with variable actuation points.

Of course, the press release provides some insight from Turtle Beach CEO, Cris Keirn who says, “We’re delighted by the overwhelmingly positive response to our latest lineup of groundbreaking console and PC gaming accessories…or PC gamers, the Atlas Air headset is another industry first for Turtle Beach, being the first and only wireless open back PC gaming headset supporting high-quality 24-bit audio.”

A new highlight trailer shows off some of the corporation’s new products. Check it out below.

Turtle Beach’s new line of accessories is available now. For more information, gamers can head over to the company’s website.

SOURCE: PRESS RELEASE

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Aura Frames: The Perfect Father’s Day Gift for Dad Gamers

Trevor Houston — Fri, 17 May 2024 10:58:00 +0000

Aura Frames Are Pretty Cool

Father’s Day is a special time to celebrate the remarkable men in our lives. For many dads, gaming is not just a hobby but a passion. A way to unwind, explore new worlds and sometimes bond with family. With less than a month to go before Father’s Day, time is running out. I am going to guess that barely any of you have picked something up for your old man. Well, I have the perfect gift idea for you and one that combines the love of gaming with a touch of sentimental value. Say hello to the Aura Frame, the ideal gift for dads looking for something better than a tie for their special day.

You may be asking, what is so special about a digital frame? This isn’t just any old frame. Aura Frames are high-resolution, smart digital photo frames that allow users to display and share photos effortlessly. These frames are designed with a sleek, modern aesthetic and come equipped with advanced features such as Wi-Fi connectivity, cloud photo storage, and an easy breezy app that makes photo-sharing a snap.

Let’s face it, dad gamers are often tech-savvy and appreciate gadgets that can integrate into their digital lifestyle. These frames sync with smartphones, allowing folks to easily upload photos from their phone camera roll, social media, or cloud storage services. The process is straightforward and user-friendly. I went to a baseball game on Sunday and by Sunday night, I had new photos added to my frame. It’s beautiful and your tech dad will love it.

What is slick about these frames for dad gamers is Aura Frames can be customized to showcase cherished gaming moments. Imagine a slideshow featuring epic victories, memorable in-game achievements, or your goofy sloth operator from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. It’s a unique way to celebrate a dad’s gaming journey and create a personal narrative that resonates with his interests.

Aura Frames come in various styles and finishes, making it easy to find one that matches your style and taste. Their high-resolution screens make every photo look vibrant and detailed. For the dad who takes pride in his gaming setup, an Aura Frame can be a stylish addition that complements his space.

The standout feature is quite easily the ability to share photos instantly. Family members can send photos directly to the frame from anywhere in the world. This means that even when Dad is engrossed in a gaming marathon, he can still receive real-time updates and photos from his loved ones, making him feel connected.

Choosing the perfect Father’s Day gift can be a challenge, but Aura Frames offers a unique blend of technology, personalization, and sentimental value that is sure to delight any dad gamer.

It just so happens they are on sale soon. Aura Frames is running a Father’s Day sale from June 3rd to June 18 on Amazon and auraframes.com:

Carver Mat – $149 (17% off)
Mason – $169 (15% off)
Mason Luxe – $199 (20% off)
Walden – $259 (13% off)

***Aura Frame was provided to COGconnected***

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GUNNAR’s Guardians of the Galaxy Groot Glasses Are Pretty Rad

Trevor Houston — Wed, 15 May 2024 03:19:14 +0000

GUNNAR’s Guardians of the Galaxy Groot Glasses – Excellent Bang for The Buck

GUNNAR Optiks and Marvel Studios recently joined forces to unveil a truly out-of-this-world eyewear collection – Guardians of the Galaxy Groot Glasses. I was fortunate to give them a test drive and much like other GUNNAR glasses, they are fantastic.

That’s the thing. I never really have anything bad to say about GUNNAR’s collection of gaming glasses. The Groot collection is no different.

At the heart of these spacey specs lies GUNNAR’s signature blue light-blocking technology, which acts as a shield against the harmful effects of prolonged screen exposure. Say goodbye to dry, red, or irritated eyes, and welcome clarity with every gaming session. Needless to say, after extended wear, my eyes never felt irritated or tired. They work exactly as advertised and this is no surprise.

The glasses are constructed using sustainably sourced walnut wood, ensuring that even Groot himself would nod in approval. The inclusion of flexible metal hinges and laminated carbon fiber internals helps in the durability department and does so without compromising comfort. Just like the Guardians themselves, it’s a perfect blend of strength and flexibility.

There is even a subtle yet unmistakable homage to Groot himself – the iconic “I am Groot” phrase etched into the frame. It’s a nice little touch and nice little reminder of the Guardian’s believed character.

Priced at $129, these glasses are reasonably priced. They come with a slick Guardians-themed case and Groot-themed glasses cleaning cloth. It’s a nice little touch.

So if you have ever been on the fence, why wait? Channel your inner Groot, grab your own pair today, and embark on a journey where style meets functionality.

Become Groot.

***The glasses were provided to COG for the purpose of this article.***

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Intel i9-14900K Review – The Best In The Business

James Paley — Mon, 06 May 2024 17:51:43 +0000

Intel i9-14900K Review

The Intel core i9-14900K Intel core i9-14900K is an absolute behemoth. I’ve spent weeks with this CPU, and it’s so powerful it feels like cheating. Whenever a task or an application runs with perfect fidelity, your first thought is ‘of course.’ After all, why wouldn’t it work? You’re using a sandblaster on a soup cracker. When you spend a king’s ransom on the best CPU on the consumer market, of course it’s going to perform every task perfectly. To think otherwise would be downright delusional.

I ran several tests to confirm my initial impressions. For the games, I leaned quite heavily on PC Game Pass. I don’t have a super serious gaming PC myself, you see. This means I don’t generally have cutting edge games just lying around. Thankfully, Microsoft has me covered (for a sobering monthly fee). EGS giveaways, Steam demos, and F2P juggernauts also stepped in to give me a hand. All in all, there are some pretty intense titles covered by this generous spread.

Trying To Push The Envelope

Forza Horizon 5 is a great opening salvo for things like this. The cars themselves are super detailed, and the high fidelity makes frame dips stick out like gigantic road bumps. The game ran like hot butter on the i9-14900K. I dipped briefly into Destiny 2 as well. This game is rapidly turning useless for testing purposes. You’re subjected to a dizzying assault of ‘previously on’ montages before being thrown into the middle of a mission you don’t understand. Anyways, the game runs beautifully.

The next two game tests were downright fascinating. I downloaded Star Wars: Jedi Survivor and Another Crab’s Treasure. Now, Jedi Survivor is pretty famous for not running super hot on most consoles and PCs. I was concerned this incredible rig would be no exception. The game crashed while trying to optimize files. I hadn’t even started playing! But I tried a second time and it was perfect. Crisp visuals, 60 fps, flawless ray tracing. Another Crab’s Treasure is an anomaly. I wasn’t using it to test the CPU, not intentionally. But running that game was the only time I saw this PC get properly loud.

To be clear, the game still ran with perfect fidelity. The i9-14900K was given a pop quiz, and it passed with flying colors. But I remain baffled that this game managed to test it so. The fans, normally silent, kicked up to max power and volume. The RGB lighting turned an angry red. An actual, honest to goodness usage alert popped up on my screen. For Another Crab’s Treasure, of all things. I promise the game you’re picturing, the one you’ve heard about, doesn’t seem the type. Not to test PCs like this, at least. But apparently it is? Either the game is quite poorly optimized, or this CPU has a short list of extremely specific weaknesses.

Always The Ones You Least Expect

Again, no other game gave me this kind of weird grief. Furthermore, no other task was this taxing. I whipped up a video review on DaVinci Resolve using 4K footage. I had tiny chunks of nine different videos being spliced together and rearranged. The CPU struggled a bit, but I definitely never got any usage warnings. Especially not during the rendering phase. In fact, rendering this video review took me less time than the runtime of the actual video.

For reference, DaVinci Resolve is ‘free’ video editing software. I use the quotes because the actual cost is measured in processing power. The program is not optimized well at all, but it’s miles better than dealing with the insidious evils of Adobe. I used this clunky gorilla to try and redline the CPU and I could still multitask while the render was happening. This is the benchmark you have to resort to. Not ‘can I do this,’ but ‘can I do this and several other things at the same time.’

Time for some important context. While I’m testing out the i9-14900K, it didn’t show up to my condo alone. It’s installed in a preposterous machine. Like wine and cheese, it’s all about the pairings. A good CPU is best served with an extremely powerful graphics card. In this case, a 4090. To be fair, this just reflects a pretty important rule in PC building in general. Your components have to be compatible and comparable for everything to run right. Otherwise, you’re not going to get the most out of any individual element.

Works Best On A Team

One thing CPUs like this have gotten better at is overclocking. This presented me with something of a dilemma. While I’m thrilled about such a power boost being so accessible and streamlined, I don’t really need it with a system this powerful. Truly, the only purpose overclocking serves at this advanced level is to make multitasking more feasible. Here I ran into a problem – namely the limits of my own hardware. I can focus on rendering and watching videos, sure. But I can’t do editing and a second thing, so I don’t need the computer to do it either. But, the i9-14900K provides a great opportunity to stretch those mental muscles, so to speak.

Praise for this CPU almost feels disingenuous. More of a given than something it needed to earn. This is the most powerful CPU I’ve ever tested or used. You can do just about anything you want with this machine. You need the hardware to match, of course. And it’s gonna be a pretty pricey investment. But if you can afford to step into this world, there’s nothing quite like it. Intel’s i9-14900K is an absolute titan of a CPU. If you need the best system for gaming, editing, streaming, or anything else, this is what you want, full stop. CPUs don’t really get better than this one.

***A retail version of the hardware was provided by the manufacturer***

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Snitchery’s Cosplay Wardrobe Ranges From Sexy to Hilarious

Nicola Kapron — Mon, 06 May 2024 17:51:07 +0000

Snitchery Cosplay Feature

Welcome back, cosplay fans! It’s time for the weekly COGconnected cosplay feature. This week, we’re going to take a look at the work of Snitchery, also known as Eleanor Barnes. She’s been making hair and make-up videos for years, and she brings those skills to her elaborate cosplays.

Where some cosplayers stick to more conventional looks that are easy to pull off, Snitchery goes all the way. This results in some gorgeous cosplays and some that can only be described as cursed.

Snitchery’s make-up and wig mastery allow her to play around with cosplay in photoshoots and videos. Her wardrobe includes game and show-accurate looks, sexy redesigns, and some really wild ideas of her own. You never know what kind of look she’ll pull out next. One thing is certain: all of Snitchery’s cosplays are memorable.

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Waluigi – Super Mario Bros.

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King Boo – Super Mario Bros.

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Abigail – Abigail

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Walter White – Breaking Bad

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Thorn – Scooby-Doo

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Maleficent – Disney

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Smurfette – The Smurfs

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The Spot – Spider-Man

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Raven – Teen Titans

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Po – Tellytubbies

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Lightning McQueen – Cars

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Jinx – League of Legends

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Fairy Godmother – Shrek

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Miss Spider – James and the Giant Peach

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Skeletor – He-Man and the Masters of the Universe

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The Lorax – The Lorax

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GUNNAR Optiks Unveils Groot Glasses

Jacob Greenwood — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 23:55:05 +0000

Glasses are Groot

Special edition gear is awesome. This kind of goes without saying. Getting your favorite characters on an article of clothing, or an item, that you can buy, own, and show off is just great. This idea becomes especially true when it comes to superheroes. Today, Marvel Studios and GUNNAR Optiks are happy to announce their new partnership bringing Guardians of the Galaxy eyewear to fans. That’s right, fans of the Guardians, in need of glasses, can get their hands on Groot Glasses. A press release delivers more vital information on these spacey specs.

GUNNAR Optiks’ Groot Glasses are blue light blocking, making them perfect for those stuck on screens. Yet, that is only one of their features. Additionally, the glasses are built with sustainably sourced walnut wood, ensuring Groot would take no offence. Furthermore, the glasses contain flexible metal hinges and laminated carbon fiber internals. Of course, this means that the glasses are strong while maintaining flexibility. The glasses also have the iconic “I am Groot” phrase etched into them.

As blue light blockers, the glasses help reduce the harmful effects of the light. For instance, wearers can expect less dry, red, or irritated eyes, blurred vision, and eye fatigue. All of this on top of looking good.

GUNNAR’s Guardians of the Galaxy Groot Edition glasses are available today. The glasses come in at $129. More information is available on GUNNAR’s website. Time to grab your own pair and become Groot. Check them out today.

SOURCE: PRESS RELEASE

The post GUNNAR Optiks Unveils Groot Glasses appeared first on COGconnected.

The Eco Cosplayer Presents an Incredible Cosplay Challenge

Nicola Kapron — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 13:00:24 +0000

The Eco Cosplayer Cosplay Feature

Welcome back, cosplay fans! It’s time for the weekly COGconnected cosplay feature. This week, we’re going to take a look at the work of The Eco Cosplayer. Building a cosplay takes a lot of skill and dedication, but some artists go above and beyond. True to her title, The Eco Cosplayer is determined to make beautiful cosplays out of 100% recycled and secondhand materials.

Although she works with limited materials, The Eco Cosplayer’s creations are as accurate as they are gorgeous. Her socials are full of funny cosplay skits and videos about her process, highlighting the effort that goes into making them. She also works on Ren Fair and other costumes in her free time, so costuming is clearly a passion for her. All in all, this is certainly one cosplayer to be remembered.

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Ellie Williams – The Last of Us

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Eda Clawthorne – The Owl House

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Vi – League of Legends

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The Lamb – Cult of the Lamb

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Sophie Hatter – Howl’s Moving Castle

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Charlie Morningstar – Hazbin Hotel

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Susan Pevensie – The Chronicles of Narnia

The post The Eco Cosplayer Presents an Incredible Cosplay Challenge appeared first on COGconnected.

Leveling Up My Vision With GUNNAR’s Call of Duty UAV Edition Gaming Glasses

Trevor Houston — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 13:17:19 +0000

GUNNAR’s Call of Duty UAV Edition Gaming Glasses Will Protect Your Vision on the Battlefield

There comes a time in a gamer’s life when you have to come to terms with getting old. Don’t get me wrong, playing video games when you’re older is still fun, I love playing online with my COD crew and games just keep getting better. Yet, as you age that effortless joy of playing games can transform into a frustrating endeavor marked by diminishing reflexes, slower response times, and aches from hours spent staring at a screen. Not to mention eye strain is a recurring thing. It certainly was for me. Naturally, I was happy GUNNAR hooked me up with a pair of their Call of Duty UAV Edition gaming glasses. Sure, they don’t improve my reflexes and my kill/death ratio hasn’t improved, but one thing is for certain my eyes have never been happier.

One of the standout features of these gaming glasses is the aluminum-magnesium forged frame. I love the design and they feel expensive. Not to mention they are durable and remarkably lightweight. Lighter than my everyday reading glasses. I was able to wear the GUNNAR Call of Duty glasses for hours while the frames never really hurt my eyes. They are very comfortable and sturdy but also a bit flexible never really putting any pressure on my temples.

The adjustable nose pads which is a nice touch. I have a bigger melon with an average-sized nose, so it was nice to be able to adjust the nose pads to the size of my face. It also allowed for a good fit and they stayed securely in place during every gaming session.

The lenses themselves are pretty slick and are at the heart of these glasses. The G-Shield lens coating reduces glare, the lenses are smudge-resistant for clear vision at all times, and the oleophobic properties repel fingerprints and oils.

Not to mention it has blue light-blocking capability. Which helps protect your eyes from the potentially harmful effects of prolonged screen exposure. When you spend hours in front of a screen you’re exposed to a significant amount of blue light emitted by these devices. That blue light can cause digital eye strain, so it’s great these GUNNAR glasses filter out harmful blue light emissions. Apparently, this not only reduces eye strain but also promotes healthier sleep patterns by minimizing the disruptions caused by blue light exposure. Did I sleep better these past two weeks? No, but maybe this benefits others.

Beyond the lens technology, the Call of Duty UAV Edition glasses also provide 100% UV protection. Not that many play video games in a sunlit room, but this is a nice feature for those who game under bright lights, whoever you are…

It goes without saying these are officially licensed Call of Duty glasses with MWIII etched into both sides of the glasses. The aluminum frame features a mix of green camouflage-style colors. They are stylish looking and you won’t look weird wearing them.

Included with your purchase is a sturdy little glasses case, a microfiber pouch for on-the-go protection, and a cleaning cloth to keep your lenses pristine. Additionally, GUNNAR offers a 12-month warranty, which is perfect for me considering how reckless I am with my reading and sunglasses.

Not everyone needs to run out and buy GUNNAR’s Call of Duty UAV Edition Gaming Glasses but there comes a time when you get older, things just start breaking down. That includes your eyes. While these glasses won’t reverse father time, they will protect your eyes and reduce some of that eye strain you get from marathon gaming sessions. With a blend of rugged Call of Duty design, cutting-edge lens technology, and comfort-focused features, these glasses will elevate your gaming experience while protecting your eyes from the rigors of battle.

***The glasses were provided to COGconnected from GUNNAR ***

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Making Movie Magic With the MSI Stealth 16 Studio A13V

James Paley — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 14:41:32 +0000

I’ve spent a little more time with the Stealth 16 Studio A13V. It turns out this high-powered laptop is good for more than playing games. It’s also great at rendering video! Content creators and digital artists of all kinds know that video rendering is something of a nightmare. However powerful you think your computer is, converting video footage will leave you humbled and bloody. This laptop isn’t the last word on video work, to be clear. However, the difference in performance between this machine and my last rig is downright ridiculous.

The Conversion Crunch

Said old rig is an Acer Predator 300 SE. I won’t get too bogged down in details, but a normal video project was also a serious slog. In particular, converting footage took me an entire workday. The machine also got so hot I was concerned about it catching fire. I can’t overstate how labor-intensive this activity is. The A13V handles a similar workload in around 40 minutes. Of course, it also gets pretty hot doing so. We’re still talking about a laptop here, after all.

For reference, I use DaVinci Resolve to make videos. Adobe Premiere got uninstalled roughly 20 minutes after I found out how free the alternative is. The answer is completely! And yet, there are downsides to this program. For one thing, it’s a little harder to run on most machines. Chopping and stitching 4K footage takes a crazy amount of CPU power, which the Predator 300 SE didn’t quite have. So I needed to use several wacky workarounds. Things like proxy footage and lower timeline resolution. The A13V doesn’t need any of this duct tape nonsense to run DaVinci. It just works! How about that?

So Simple It’s Magical

Finally, most video renders take something like 10 minutes to execute. This is about a sixth of the time needed for the Predator 300 SE to do the same thing. Which is amazing! So, to recap. If you’re the sort of gamer who also creates and publishes footage of your best work online, your gaming laptop needs to be a straight-up monster. And it stands to reason that any laptop that can quickly render video can do just about anything. In other words, now that I’ve tested the Stealth 16 Studio A13V in these two crucial arenas? I’m pretty sure this laptop can do whatever I need, even the stuff I haven’t thought of yet.

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The Easter Bunny Has Some Sweet Treats, Like The Quest 2 VR Headset on Sale Now

Erin Castillo — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 22:45:59 +0000

Easter Chocolate Isn’t the Only Sweet Treat Right Now – These Deals Are Too

This weekend many are gathered at their friends and families houses for an Easter feast. Many are spending time with their kids as they hunt for chocolate and other goodies left from the Easter Bunny. As a gamer, while both of these are appreciated, we also love a great ‘ol deal on some accessories this Easter weekend too. We’ve (mostly) outgrown the Easter egg hunts, and those aforementioned goodies, so what better way to enjoy and reminisce than to treat ourselves with some sweet new gear? Younger us would absolutely want that! And future us would also agree. Jump into these fantastic Xbox Series X|S, PS5, PC, Mobile and Switch accessory deals right now!

Logitech G735 Wireless Gaming Headset (PC & Mobile) – $178.99 ($51.00 off)

Razer Barracuda Pro Wireless Gaming Headset (PS5, Switch, PC & Mobile) – $179.99 ($70.00 off)

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming Headset (PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, PC & Mobile) – $69.99 ($30.00 off)

Razer Basilisk Ultimate HyperSpeed Wireless Gaming Mouse – $89.99 ($60.00 off)

SteelSeries Rival 650 Quantum Wireless Gaming Mouse – $59.99 ($30.00 off)

Logitech G PRO Mechanical Gaming Keyboard – $79.50 ($50.49 off)

Razer Huntsman Mini 60% Gaming Keyboard – $79.99 ($40.00 off)

Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma Wired Gaming Pro Controller (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One & PC) – $129.99 ($20.00 off)

Razer Wolverine V2 Wired Gaming Controller (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One & PC) – $69.99 ($30.00 off)

PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller – Animal Crossing (Switch) – $45.99 ($14.00 off)

Quest 2 Virtual Reality Headset (128 GB) – $199.00 ($50.99 off)

Did you end up scooping up some sweet new gear like the Meta Quest 2 this Easter? Let us know in the comments below, or give us a shout on Facebook and X Make sure to check in again tomorrow as we have a list of the very best game deals on offer and don’t forget to share the wealth with your friends and fellow gamers out there!

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Lani’s Cosplay is Gorgeous, Evocative, and Hardcore

Nicola Kapron — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 15:43:59 +0000

Lani Cosplay Feature

Welcome back, cosplay fans! It’s time for the weekly COGconnected cosplay feature. This week, we’re going to take a look at the work of Lani. This cosplayer uses a mix of special effects, body language, and gorgeous costuming to create a sense of verisimilitude.

That’s impressive enough, but Lani also has a gift for alternate outfits and genderbends. No matter how many creative liberties they take, the result is always intense and gorgeous.

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Satoru Gojo – Jujutsu Kaisen

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Vi – League of Legends

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Jinx – League of Legends

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Diluc Ragnvindr – Genshin Impact

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Kaeya Alberich – Genshin Impact

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Scaramouche/Wanderer – Genshin Impact

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Tanjiro Kamado – Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

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Ellie – The Last of Us

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Hawks – My Hero Academia

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Angel Devil – Chainsaw Man

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Lolbit – Five Nights at Freddy’s: Sister Location

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Yor Forger – Spy x Family

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Himiko Toga – My Hero Academia

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Jing Yuan – Honkai Star Rail

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Anaelic’s Cosplay is Too Gorgeous to Be Real

Nicola Kapron — Mon, 04 Mar 2024 04:33:03 +0000

Anaelic Cosplay Feature

Welcome back, cosplay fans! It’s time for the weekly COGconnected cosplay feature. This week, we’re going to take a look at the work of Anaelic. This cosplayer from Scotland has been crafting gorgeous and elaborate costumes for years. We’ve covered her in the past, and believe us, her skills have only gotten better.

Anaelic has a Masters in Mechanical Engineering, which might explain how she can craft such intricate cosplay props. She started cosplaying in 2012 and became a full-time cosplayer in 2021. Now she travel around the world judging cosplay competitions and working with game companies like Riot and miHoYo. Clearly she’s acquired her dream job.

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Keqing – Genshin Impact

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Mona – Genshin Impact

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Raiden Shogun – Genshin Impact

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Blanc – Goddess of Victory: Nikke

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Kotori Minami – Love Live!

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Caitlyn – League of Legends

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Sailor Neptune – Sailor Moon

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Bloom – Winx Club

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Razer Reveals New USB Mic: Seiren V3 Chroma

Jacob Greenwood — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 16:00:20 +0000

Outshine the Competition

Sound and light go hand in hand. With today’s technology, capturing both in a piece of equipment is extremely possible, common even. Yet, now, this RGB piece of tech is going to surpass its competition. Today, Razer is happy to announce their newest product, the pro-grade USB mic the Razer Seiren V3 Chroma. Complete with RGB lighting customization the mic is a new step towards a stream inclusive gear set up. In fact, many of the microphone’s features are meant to be stream reactive and customizable. A press release provides fans of the brand with a look at the mic. Additionally, the release gives insights from the head of Razer’s Mobile, Console & Streaming Division, Nick Bourne.

“We are thrilled to launch the Seiren V3 Chroma and Seiren V3 Mini, showcasing Razer merging top-tier audio quality with the dynamic flair of Razer Chroma RGB,” Says Bourne, ““These microphones are designed to cater to the multifaceted demands of modern content creators…”

In fact, the Razer Seiren V3 Chroma is equipped with multiple features to make streaming easier. For instance, streamers can expect reactive lighting, multi-function tap to mute, further customization with a built in stream mixer, and more. Importantly, a new video shows off the Seiren V3 Chroma in all of its glory. Of course, you can check it out below.

https://cogconnected.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Seiren-V3-Chroma_Video.mp4

The Razer Seiren V3 Chroma is available now for $129.99. Find out more about this new microphone from Razer here. So, will you be grabbing this new mic for your stream?

SOURCE: PRESS RELEASE

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PowerA Announces Fortnite Crossover Controllers

Jacob Greenwood — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 08:01:22 +0000

A Massive Crossover

Crossover gear is always a welcome surprise. It is a way for fans of a certain game to engage with what they love in a totally different way. Now, players can play their favorite game with a control representative of the game itself. Or maybe they can carry a protective case that represents the game. Of course, given its popularity, its an easy bet that some gamer’s favorite game is Fortnite. Well, there is some good news for them. Today, PowerA is excited to announce a new Partnership with Epic Games to bring a line of Fortnite-themed video game accessories to players.

PowerA, a global leader in interactive entertainment, is introducing players to multiple Fortnite accessories. Importantly, these accessories span consoles. Of course, this means that players on both Xbox and the Nintendo Switch can enjoy this themed gear. For instance, Xbox players can enjoy a new wired controller. While Nintendo Switch gamers can get their hands on a controller, wired ear buds, or even a carrier case. Additionally, the accessories themselves aren’t the only things players will get with their purchase.

That’s right, PowerA and Epic Games are happy to announce in-game rewards for the crossover purchases. In fact, the purchase of the Xbox controller will provide players with an in-game cosmetic: Storm King Fist Pickaxe. Yet, the Switch players get their rewards as well. The Switch controller grants players the Prickly Axe Pickaxe cosmetic. Additionally, the purchase of the ear buds and carrying case grant two emote: the It’s Complicated Emote and the Rocket Rodeo Emote respectively.

The PowerA and Epic games crossover is launching today. Of course, players don’t have to wait to get their hands on this great gear and can visit PowerA’s website for more info.

SOURCE: PRESS RELEASE

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Klepto’s Cosplay is Sweeter and More Gorgeous Than Ever

Nicola Kapron — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 06:06:16 +0000

Klepto Cosplay Feature

Welcome back, cosplay fans! It’s time for the weekly COGconnected cosplay feature. This week, we’re going to take a look at the work of Klepto. We covered Klepto a few years back, and her craft has only improved since then. She makes costumes that are beautiful, game-accurate, and durable. And she cosplays characters repeatedly to make sure each photoset is better than the last.

This Japanese cosplayer is also a gamer. Recently, she’s been playing Final Fantasy VII Remake in full Tifa Lockhart cosplay on her Twitch channel. That’s one way to combine your interests.

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Kainé – NieR

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Yuna – Final Fantasy X

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Chuya Nakahara – Bungo Stray Dogs

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Amabie

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Ellie Williams – The Last of Us

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Ookurikara – Touken Ranbu

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Aoba Seragaki – Dramatical Murder

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Tifa Lockhart – Final Fantasy VII

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MSi Stealth 16 Studio A13V Laptop Review – Playing With Incredible Power

James Paley — Sat, 27 Jan 2024 12:31:31 +0000

MSi Stealth 16 Studio A13V Review

MSi isn’t the first name I think of when it comes to high-powered gaming laptops. But after spending a couple of weeks with the Stealth 16 Studio A13V, my internal list may need revision. This computer is packing some serious firepower, especially for a portable device. MSi hasn’t quite solved the heat issues plaguing most gaming laptops, but it runs like a dream otherwise. Well, with a couple of minor exceptions of course.

That sounds ominous. It shouldn’t! The Stealth 16 is a beautiful rig, complete with all the RGB bells and whistles you could ever ask for. The keyboard has that adjustable rainbow shimmer I’ve grown to love. The keys themselves feel smooth yet tactile. I immediately attached a mechanical keyboard, but that’s a strictly personal preference. The screen resolution is only 1200p, but the refresh rate is a silky smooth 144Hz. The GPU is a monstrous GeForce RTX 4060. The model I tested was packing an i7 processor, but you can also spring for the i9. I wish there was more than one USB port, but I’m old-fashioned that way. Instead, you get a USB-C port, a thunderbolt charging port, a microSD slot, and an ethernet plug.

It’s worth mentioning that I’ve been testing the more restrained model on the Stealth 16 lineup. Beefier models sport that i9 CPU, yes. But there’s also an option for a 4K display and a GTX 4070 graphics card. While my version was pretty potent, there are greater heights to be achieved yet. But even with my specs, achieving that coveted 60 fps was fairly straightforward. Heck, 60 was quite often the minimum framerate, depending on the game I was playing. And yet, I found myself consistently underestimated.

Runs Like A Dream

I ran into a curious issue while testing the Stealth 16. Whenever a game prodded the laptop to determine the optimal settings, it kicked me down to medium or low. Forza Motorsport was sure I couldn’t do more than that, and yet! I ran the game on high settings with no issues. The framerate settled somewhere between 110 and 85fps, depending on how intense the race got. I managed ultra settings as well, though the framerate dipped below 60 a few times. Remnant 2 also had no faith in my machine for no good reason. That game ran without a single hitch, at least during my testing period.

This isn’t to say that you can get ultra-level visuals without any adjustments, though. Forza Motorsport required some careful fiddling before the framerate stabilized on Ultra. Destiny 2 was much more forgiving, but this is somewhat uncommon. I’ve made my peace with this element of PC gaming in general, though it’s still worth mentioning. Honestly though, I had to make comparatively few adjustments to get everything running smoothly. Just tweaking a handful of settings was usually enough.

Gaming laptops get crazy hot, and the Stealth 16 is no exception. The CPU can get all the way up to 87 degrees Celsius. That’s not hot enough to fry any hardware or anything, but still. You can adjust the fans to compensate for the heat, but that software doesn’t come with the machine. I mean, there is the MSi Center, but it’s too basic to be of any use. I had to find and download MSi’s Dragon Center software instead. I wish that came pre-installed, but it wasn’t too difficult to track down. On the other hand, the fans aren’t too loud even on max settings. You’ll definitely need headphones while gaming, though.

Packing Some Serious Heat

I didn’t spend much time testing the battery. They tend to be the weak point in gaming laptops, especially ones with GPUs this beefy. I did run one solid gaming session that took the battery down to 15% in about 80 minutes. Which is unfortunately pretty standard for a rig like this. If you’re doing lighter work, you can expect a bit more battery life. But really, what else is a laptop like this for, if not serious gaming?

The keyboard is responsive and snappy. Since this is a 16-inch model, you’ve also got room for a proper number pad on the right side, which I appreciate. I’ve long outgrown the primal need for glowy buttons, but even so! These are some impressive RGB lights on display. You can easily choose between several different settings, depending on how distracted you want to be at all times.

Laptop gaming is all about trade-offs. In exchange for portability you’re always giving something up. Battery life, cooling systems, and raw power all come to mind. And yet, the Stealth 16 makes these trades seem worth it. The fans are beefy enough to beat back the worst of the heat. That GTX 4060 can handle almost anything you throw at it. We haven’t quite cracked that battery problem yet, but I’ve made my peace with this. If you’re in the market for a portable gaming rig, consider the Stealth 16. It’s sleek, sexy, and crazy powerful.

***A retail copy of the hardware was provided by the manufacturer***

The post MSi Stealth 16 Studio A13V Laptop Review – Playing With Incredible Power appeared first on COGconnected.

Get the Superb Corsair M65 RGB Elite Mouse at $41 off

Erin Castillo — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 08:09:05 +0000

Accessory Deals Aplenty This Weekend & Beyond

It’s officially a new year so why not treat yourself to some new gaming gear? The saying “out with the old, in with the new” is just one reason to replace some of your accessories that might be starting to fall apart. Another might be that your gaming setup could just use a small upgrade. Although we might usually assume this upgrade will cost a pretty penny, we’ve found you a bunch of great deals to help keep this rather inexpensive. We’ve found a bunch of accessories at a variety of price points, so jump in and check them all out! Happy browsing everyone.

SanDisk 1TB microSDXC-Card – $109.99 ($40.00 off)

Logitech G733 Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Headset (PS5, PS4 & PC) – $119.99 ($30.00 off)

ASTRO Gaming A20 Wireless Headset (PS5, PS5, PC & Mac) – $97.59 ($22.40 off)

Razer Wolverine V2 Wired Gaming Controller (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One & PC) – $69.99 ($30.00 off)

ASTRO Gaming A40 TR Wired Headset + MixAmp Pro TR (PS5, PS4, PC & Mac) – $144.35 ($85.64 off)

SAMSUNG 24-inch Curved 1080p Gaming Monitor – $99.99 ($90.00 off)

Razer BlackShark V2 Pro Wireless Gaming Headset (PS5, PS4, Switch & PC) – $129.99 ($50.00 off)

CORSAIR VOID RGB Wireless Gaming Headset (PS4 & PC) – $79.99 ($30.00 off)

ASUS ROG Azoth 75% Wireless DIY Custom Gaming Keyboard – $199.99 ($50.00 off)

Logitech G213 Prodigy Gaming Keyboard – $49.99 ($20.00 off)

Logitech G203 Wired Gaming Mouse – $29.85 ($10.14 off)

Corsair M65 RGB Elite Wired FPS & MOBA Gaming Mouse – $29.00 ($40.99 off)

ASUS ROG Gladius III Wireless AimPoint EVA-02 Edition Gaming Mouse – $99.99 ($20.00 off)

Bonus – Nintendo Switch Lite Handheld Gaming Console – Yellow – $179.99 ($27.50 off)

Did you end up scooping up some sweet new gear? Let us know in the comments below, or give us a shout on our socials! Be sure to share the wealth with your friends and fellow gamers out there too.

Thank you for keeping it locked on COGconnected.

For amazing videos, head over to our YouTube page HERE.
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Maruzee Dragon’s Cosplay is Action-Packed and Sensational

Nicola Kapron — Sun, 21 Jan 2024 14:00:48 +0000

Maruzee Dragon Cosplay Feature

Welcome back, cosplay fans! It’s time for the weekly COGconnected cosplay feature. This week, we’re going to take a look at the work of Maruzee Dragon. Also known as Mel Abbruzzese, this Canadian cosplayer specializes in transition cosplay. That means she posts a ton of short videos where she appears to instantly get into costume while doing something else. And since she’s a stuntwoman and martial artist, her transitions can be very exciting.

Maruzee Dragon can actually do the high-octane stunts that so many anime and video game girls pull off. As a result, her cosplay is as gorgeous as it is action-packed.

Maki Zenin – Jujutsu Kaisen

Sith – Star Wars

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Gwen Stacy – Spider-Gwen

Yor Forger – Spy x Family

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Turtle Beach Revs Up With VELOCITYONE RACE Controller

Jacob Greenwood — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 08:05:12 +0000

Shifting Gears

Racing sims give players the feeling of an adrenaline fueled race without any of the dangers. Of course, controllers go to a great length to immerse players in their respective experiences. Yet, now that immersion is going to the next level. Today, Turtle Beach is excited to announce the new addition to their line of gaming simulation gear, the VelocityOne Race. Introducing players to a new wheel and pedal system, the controller allows players to feel completely immersed in their races. Of course, the controller comes with a host technology to deliver an authentic driving experience. Importantly, a new debut video gives gamers a look at the controller.

“Our VelocityOne gaming simulation products have already dominated the flight sim accessory market, and we’re excited to expand Turtle Beach’s catalog further by bringing this same level of ultra-realism and premium simulation performance to the world of racing,” Says Cris Keirn, Interim CEO and SVP of Global Sales, Turtle Beach Corporation, in a press release.

Interestingly, the Turtle Beach VelocityOne Race custom K: Drive motor that delivers extremely realistic response while still maintaining smooth driving. Additionally, the three aluminum pedals at players’ feet include load-cell brakes simulate true-to-life braking performance. Furthermore, the wheel allows for complete customizable control schemes alongside its stitched leather feel for realistic comfort. Beyond this, two additional analog paddles with magnetic Hall Effect sensors players can experience precise clutch and handbrake control. Of course, players can get a look at the new controller in the debut video. Check it out below.

Pre-orders for Turtle Beach’s VelocityOne Race are available now here. Pre-orders start at $649.99. The controller will launch to retailers on February 26, 2024.

SOURCE: PRESS RELEASE

The post Turtle Beach Revs Up With VELOCITYONE RACE Controller appeared first on COGconnected.

Miss Twisted’s Cosplay is Literally Unbelievable

Nicola Kapron — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 14:00:59 +0000

Miss Twisted Cosplay Feature

Welcome back, cosplay fans! It’s time for the weekly COGconnected cosplay feature. This week, we’re going to take a look at the work of Miss Twisted. This cosplayer and costumer has been creating incredibly complex outfits, armor, and headbands for about a decade. While some cosplayers adore bringing an existing character to life, she enjoys creating brand-new looks. As a result, she excels in creating cosplays based on non-human characters and characters from more elaborate fantasy properties, such as Dungeons and Dragons.

Miss Twisted’s creations push the limits of the believable. Her harpies have moving tufts of feathers, her angels have a multitude of blinking eyes, and some of the wings she crafts can open. The result is absolutely otherworldly.

Stella – Helluva Boss

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Aarovos – The Dragon Prince

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Nightmare Moon – My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

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Lae’zel – Baldur’s Gate 3

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Karlach – Baldur’s Gate 3

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Fallen Angel

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Juniper the Alchemist – Dungeons and Dragons

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Lilith – Solium Infernum

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The Lady of Pain – Dungeons and Dragons

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