14 DAY TRIAL // After launching a whole bunch of computer peripherals, like the Sensei [RAW] mouse, the Siberia V2 Frost Blue headset and even an ARM-powered mouse, SteelSeries is launching something unusual alongside its latest audio product: a game controller.
Called Free Mobile Wireless Controller, it isn't actually something that SteelSeries is about to offer for free, far from it. In fact, its price is of $79.99, or 79.99 Euro in Europe.
“Free” probably means cable-free, since there are no wires connecting the device to anything, unless the rechargeable lithium-ion battery needs to get its energy replenished, in which case a USB cable comes into play.
Speaking of which, said battery can last for up to 20 hours of “casual gaming” on a single charge, or 10 hours of non-stop play. Once the controller is left unused for 20 minutes, it turns off on its own, to avoid wasting power.
As for what it can be used with, SteelSeries promises compatibility with PC/Mac systems, Android smartphones and tablets, and Apple's iPod touch, iPhone and iPad.
We find it a bit odd that there isn't any mention of Xbox, Wii or PlayStation console compatibility, especially as we fully expected to find such functionality, after seeing what the gamepad looked like: a Nintendo or PlayStation controller, complete with a D-pad on the left, two analog sticks and four buttons on the right, plus two shoulder buttons.
All things considered, the Flux Headset seems quite ordinary in comparison, even though it is more expensive ($99.99 / 99.99 Euro). There is still one perk to speak about though: the double cable support, whereby one cable can be exchanged for another, swapping between computer and mobile device compatibility.
The product page of the Free Mobile Wireless Controller can be found here, while the Flux Headset is detailed separately, here. Both items are already shipping.
