In its E3 display, gaming tech company Bionik showed off a number of new and upcoming gadgets for the discerning gamer.
First up, Bionik displayed the Mantis headphones for the PlayStation VR. These headphones, tailored for VR, are focused on making the user’s audio experience as immersive as possible. The Mantis comes with lightweight detachable headphones. They’re designed to eliminate pressure on the player’s ears without sacrificing sound, and the headphones attach directly to the VR headset for ease of use. They also connect to the headset in such a way that users can simple flip an earphone on and off their ear if needed.
Bionik’s Quickshot controller attachments were also a main feature. Versions have been released for both the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, with small differences based on platform. Both come with trigger locks; the Xbox One Quickshot has a two-position trigger lock adjustment, and the PS4’s are also customizable with two sets of Quickshot. The Xbox One’s Quickshot also comes with a rubber grip to improve control. The PS4’s Quickshot further customizes texture and the controller’s surface area for “enhanced ergonomics.”
A whole line of Nintendo Switch products are available, starting with Bionik’s Power Plate and Power Plate Duo provide portable power systems for a Nintendo Switch and Joy-Con controllers. The Power Plate comes with a “unique” charging dock for recharging and storage, plus carrying bags and Type-C USB adapters. Anyone using it will be able to recharge their Joy-Con controllers while playing. The Power Plate Duo is a pretty simple upgrade from the Power Plate; it simply has double the spaces in its charging dock. Bionik’s Tetra Power charging dock, meanwhile, is solely for Joy-Con controllers—and can charge four controllers at once. It attaches to the Nintendo Switch’s dock, and has LED charge status indicators.
In Bionik’s up-and-coming products, the Commuter Bag makes for a convenient way to transport your Switch. It’s got three pockets, made from durable material, with space for cartridges, cords, and more. One of its most handy features is a luggage-capable attachment, which lets you snap the bag onto your carry-on or suitcase for ease of transportation. Bionik also has a powered Commuter Bag, which includes an input / output charge switch and LED power indicators. It’s also got a regular USB outlet; the bag’s design is all about finding “little ways to make gaming experiences easier.”
With a controller attachment under the company’s belt, Bionik revealed its own controller: the Falcon. For Android and PCs, the controller can be used either with a bluetooth connection or wired old-school. It uses alkaline batteries for longevity (and for a slight drop in pricing), and comes with a trigger lock system built in. You’ll also be able to program its buttons yourself, making a handy tool for players who like to use controllers with their PC games.
Bionik finally offered a peek at its most high-tech VR accessory, the Ares headset. The current plan for Ares is to include full 7.1 surround sound, a detachable microphone, and a patent-pending system for cooling. This device is still in development, and we’ll be waiting until at least the first quarter of next year for its release.
Bionik hopes to get most of the items currently being previewed on sale around the 2018 holiday season.