Ever since E3 2020 was canceled last year due to the coronavirus, fans have been waiting anxiously to see what the expo could bring this year. And they did not disappoint! This year’s E3 2021 brought a ton of new features, announcements, games, and gadgets, so we hope you LOVE games.
In order to provide you guys with the best possible list of E3 Gadgets and Games, we spent hours watching the entire E3 expo along and conducting research on every product. This helped us compile a comprehensive list of the best games and gadgets that we believe are worth your time and money.
Whether you are a Playstation fan, Xbox enthusiast, Nintendo switch connoisseur, or a PC aficionado, we got something for each of you. So without further ado, here is the list of gadgets, gizmos, and games that made us super pumped at E3 2021.
The Best Value: Xbox Game Pass
It is certainly a great time to be an Xbox fan. The Xbox Game pass reigned the best amongst all the exciting new announcements. With 27 games out of 30 games that were revealed at the Bethesda Xbox Showcase at E3 coming to the game pass, it is hard not to be the winner. The gaming subscription earned itself the “Best” in our books after it was able to position itself into giving more value to its subscribers. At only$9.99 a month, the subscription certainly packs a heavy punch for value.
During the E3 announcements, the Xbox Game Pass added some amazing new games to its existing library. Big names such a Yakuza: Like a Dragon, Back 4 Blood, Hades, Halo Infinite, Forza Horizon 5, and even Starfield will be added into the game pass.
The best part? You don’t need the Xbox Series X to start enjoying the benefits of having the Xbox game pass. You will be able to use the Xbox Game pass on multiple platforms, whether it’s a phone, PC, Xbox One or even the web browser. As far as bang for bucks goes, the Xbox Game Pass is an absolute winner.
Supported Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, mobile, web browser
Release Date: Now (release dates vary by game)
Where to get it: You can get it here
Best gaming accessory: Turtle Beach Recon Controller
When it comes to gaming accessories, the first question we often ask ourselves is whether or not it’s worth it. Known predominantly for their top-quality headsets, the game peripheral company is entering into the controller scene with their latest Turtle Beach Recon Controller. Starting at a pretty reasonable price of just $59.99, the gamepad offers a textured grip that is designed to keep your palms cool during gameplay, remappable buttons, pro-aim focus mode that is built in to assist you in getting more precise gunplay actions on popular games like Call of Duty, Apex Legends and Fortnite.
However, those aren’t even the main feature that Turtle Beach is selling this controller on. The main feature of the controller, which Turtle Beach says, will have its own sound mixer. The controller will include a small audio control center on the top of the controller with some buttons to adjust the audio quality more conveniently. This will allow users to mix the audio of any gaming headset that they plug it into. Those include Superhuman Hearing for better spotting enemy footsteps, mic monitoring for hearing your own voice clearly, and multiple sound profiles. If you are an audiophile, this might be something to look into.
Supported Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC
Release date: Summer 2021
Where to get it: You can pre-order it here
TIE — Best gaming hardware: One-Netbook’s One XPlayer and Arcade 1UP’s Infinity Game Table
This was arguably a tough choice to make between the One XPlayer and the Arcade 1UP’s Infinity Game Table. However, it does come down to preferences, so we decided to make it a tie and talk about them both here:
The One XPlayer
The One XPlayer design was inspired by Alienware’s Concept UFO which was featured in CES 2020 with detachable controllers — similar to the concept of the Nintendo switch. The portable device features an 8.4-inch Full HD IPS touch display with a 2560 x 1600 resolution and a 358 PPI (Pixels Per Inch). The device comes with a 3D speaker built into the front. On either side controls such as two thumbsticks, D-Pad, face buttons (A, B, X & Y), LB, RB, LT, and RT buttons. Here are some quick facts about the One XPlayer that you need to know before figuring out whether or not to get it:
- Processor: Intel 11th Gen Tiger i7 U-series processor
- Battery: 15,300 mAh battery with 65W USB-C PD charging support
- Battery Life: Expect around 10 hours of battery life use before it dies
- USB Slots: Include two USB 4.0, USB-A 3.0, microSD card slot, and 3.5mm headphone jack
- Accessories: Detachable magnetic keyboard (Sold Separately)
- Storage options for the One XPlayer: 500GB, 1,TB and 2TB SSD.
- OS: Windows 10
The One XPlayer will offer three models: Standard, Pro, and Ultimate Edition.
Standard One XPlayer
- Intel i5–1135G7
- 16 GB of RAM
- 512GB or 1TB SSD
Pro Edition One XPlayer
- Intel i7–1165G7
- 16 GB of RAM
- 512GB/ 1TB SSD/ 2TB SSD
Ultimate Edition One XPlayer
- Intel i7–1185G7
- 16 GB of RAM
- 1TB SSD or 2TB SSD
If you are interested in purchasing one, head on over to their Indiegogo campaign here.
Release Date: May 10th
Arcade 1UP’s Infinity Game Table
While the One XPlayer is mainly focused on bringing entertainment to just one player, the Arcade 1UP’s Infinity Game Table let’s everyone join in on the fun. The game table let’s you enjoy those wonderful family board games without having to clean up afterwards. Just be careful when playing Monopoly — this is one table you don’t want to flip over.
It’s available in 24-inch and 32-inch versions. The game table comes with easy-to-set-up parts, detachable legs for convenient storage, and comes with 30 games out of the box.
If you are worried about not being able to play with your friends during the pandemic (or maybe they aren’t in the country), then you are in luck. Whether you are at home playing with family or want to have a virtual board game night with friends, the table’s online play functionality is there for you. With this functionality, you will be able to play with friends and family regardless of where they are.
Release Date: July 17 (pre-orders)
Best PlayStation Game: Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy
Square Enix is once again bringing you another Marvel universe masterpiece. Similar to Marvel’s Avengers, the new Guardians of the Galaxy game will also be a third-person action-adventure title that focuses on the guardians. You will be playing as Peter “Starlord” Quill and fighting alongside Gamorra, Rocket Raccoon, Groot, and Drax. The game will be based on an original storyline that takes place one year after they came together. You can check out the amazing trailer below and let us know what you think.
However, this game isn’t just for Playstation. If you are on Xbox or PC, you can also pre-order your game from the links below!
Supported Platforms: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC
Release Date: October 26, 2021
Best Xbox game: Forza Horizon 5
The decision to choose Forza Horizon 5 was based on a design and visual point. The official announcement trailer showed off the incredible hyper-realistic graphics of Mexico that just blew everyone’s minds away. Microsoft’s latest open-world racer game to the Forza Horizon series looks even bigger and better than anything we have ever seen. Complete with photorealistic scenes, stunning weather and lightning effect and extremely detailed recreation of Mexico, the game is set to become a big hit amongst fans.
Supported Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC
Release Date: November 9, 2021
Where to get it: You can pre-order it here
Best Nintendo Switch game: Metroid Dread
Metroid Dread is the latest 2D entry into Nintendo’s 19-year-old Metroid family. This game will surely take fans back on a run through the labyrinth sci-fi worlds. All while discovering new abilities and uncovering secrets and amazing new contents as you play along.
According to the gameplay video above, it would seem that the game will continue to retain the 2D shooting and expansive exploration that fans love and enjoy. However, don’t be mistaken about the graphics quality just because it is 2D. The new game comes with amazing graphics, immersive cutscenes, and all-new over-the-shoulder gameplay segments that will leave you wanting more.
Supported Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Release Date: October 8, 2021
Where to get it: Metroid Dread
Best PC game: Battlefield 2042
You probably saw this coming. But yes, our best pick for PC games is none other than Battlefield 2042. Set to be released in October 21st this year, this game is already making huge waves amongst the gaming community and anticipation arises. Their goal to making the game one of the biggest and most dynamic first-person shooter (FPS) games yet is already gaining heavy attention.
The new Battlefield 2042 is set in future warfare that will support a grand total of 128 players on Xbox, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. That is more than double the previous players from previous installments of the Battlefield series.
“The maps are obviously bigger than ever. The world is quite dynamic.” — Feras Musmar (Game Design Director)
So how “dynamic” is it? Well to start, there are sandstorms, tornadoes and even a nuclear rocket launcher that can all occur during my battles. How’s that for dynamic? The sudden shift in events while you’re in battle mode will force you to make quick strategic decisions and adapt accordingly. If you seek the thrill, these moments will make the game feel more realistic, intense and immersive. The question is, are you ready?
Supported Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One
Release Date: October 22, 2021
Where to get it: For PC (Pre-order) / For PS5 (Pre-order)
Best multiplayer game: Halo Infinite
You didn’t think we were going to leave Halo out of this list, did you? The new Halo Infinite announcement and trailer was completely incredible. The latest Halo installment builds on the competitive action from its previous predecessors. All while filled geared up with some shiny new contents and features that will leave fans in awe.
Here’s what’s up with Halo Infinite:
- Open world with a day/night cycle
- Master Chief will have a grappling hook (Think pathfinder from Apex legends)
- It will be on Xbox Game Pass at launch as a Microsoft Smart Delivery title
- Master Chief will be the only protagonist in Halo Infinite
- Halo Infinite will have the Banished as antagonists (think Atriox)
- Split screen co-op (The good old days)
- Cross-platform multiplayer
- So much more. You can read a comprehensive list of it all here.
Still not excited? Well, here something for you. The Halo Infinite multiplayer suite will be completely FREE to play. This includes the full cross-play support between Xbox consoles and PC. So grab a friend (Xbox or PC) and start playing this amazing game for free. Unfortunately, Halo Infinite is only available on PC and Xbox (sorry PS fans).
Supported Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC
Release Date: Holiday 2021
Where to get it: For Xbox (Pre-order) / For PC (Pre-order)
Best indie game: Replaced
There were quite a bit of indie games that were announced during E3 2021 this year. One game, in particular, caught our attention — Replaced. Replaced was one of those games that no one really expected, but shocked everyone when it came out. Easily one of the most visually appealing indie games that were displayed at Xbox and Bethesda showcase E3 2021. The 2.5D pixel-art, sci-fi action platformer game gave audiences an incredible first glimpse into the aesthetics and storyline of the game while hinting at something bigger.
You’ve all seen when a human operates an AI or robot. But what if, an AI were to inhabit a human body? Replaced places its players in the role of an AI named R.E.A.C.H, who is trapped inside a human body as it struggles to understand and unravel the mysteries behind phoenix city. This is one game you don’t want to miss out on.
Supported Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PC
Release Date: 2022
So that is the end of the list. Let us know which games and gadgets were your favorite this year.
Note: These choices are completely the opinions of the author and do not represent anyone else.
