Tag Archives: Gaming

PlayStation Portal is finally catching up to the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck

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What is the point of being portable if you can’t exactly carry it everywhere? Granted, you can indeed bring the PlayStation Portal anywhere inside the house as long as it’s within range of a Wi-Fi network that’s connected to your PlayStation 5. That’s definitely fine if that’s all you ever want to do, but not in the age of gaming handhelds.

Launching after the Nintendo Switch, the Steam Deck, and a whole host of other gaming PC handhelds, the PS Portal definitely felt limiting and disappointing. Fortunately, it seems that Sony is finally giving what PS fans have been clamoring for, allowing remote cloud access to PlayStation games anywhere they are.

Designer: Sony

To be fair, the official branding of the PlayStation Portal calls it a “Remote Player for PS5 Console.” Its large size, practically an 8-inch tablet flanked by split DualShock controllers, isn’t something you can easily stash inside a bag anyway. Given the popularity of handheld consoles these days, not to mention the absence of an Xbox handheld as well, the limited “local network” functionality of the PS Portal still felt like a step backward.

A new system update for the remote player device is finally taking steps in the right direction. It is enabling cloud streaming support for PlayStation Plus Premium members, which practically means they’ll be able to play a select number of games from anywhere. Even better, they don’t even need to own a PS5 console since they will be streaming from Sony’s servers.

The feature is still in beta, so there are a few caveats like maxing out quality at 1080p/60fps and no access to PS4 or PS3 games in the catalog. A few PS Plus features are also not available, including party voice chat and in-game commerce, but these restrictions are to be expected during the early testing stages anyway.

Game streaming has its fair share of downsides, particularly when it comes to the required Internet bandwidth. Even streaming at just 720p requires a steady 7Mbps connection, while 1080p needs a good 13 Mbps speed. It still doesn’t have the true portability of other handheld consoles that let you play games installed locally, but it’s an acceptable compromise for the PlayStation ecosystem.

The post PlayStation Portal is finally catching up to the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck first appeared on Yanko Design.

Unleash Your Inner Otaku with the Redragon EISA K686 PRO SE Anime Keyboard

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Anime fans, gamers, and keyboard enthusiasts unite! The Redragon EISA K686 PRO SE Anime Girl keyboard is here to revolutionize your typing experience. Inspired by the vibrant world of anime and featuring the brand’s own Anime Girl representative, this keyboard combines aesthetic appeal with high performance. Meet Eisa, your personalized waifu character, ready to accompany you on every keystroke.

Designer: Redragon

Click Here to Buy Now: $58.50 $74.99 (22% off, use coupon code “YDRED22”). Hurry, exclusive YD Black Friday/ Cyber Monday deal ends soon!

Anime-Inspired Design

The Redragon EISA K686 PRO SE keyboard is a visual delight, featuring 5 sides Dye-Sub PBT keycaps adorned with themed patterns. Eisa, the adorable and reliable ally, adds a unique touch to your setup. These keycaps not only look great but also provide a satisfying tactile experience. Each keystroke brings the vibrant world of anime to life, making typing an engaging adventure.

The design is not just about aesthetics; it’s about the feel. The PBT keycaps offer unparalleled durability and resistance to wear. They ensure that Eisa remains your steadfast companion, maintaining her charm and functionality over time. This fusion of design and durability makes the Redragon Anime Girl keyboard stand out in the market.

Gasket Design for Enhanced Typing

Moving beyond traditional screw fixing, the gasket design enhances the keyboard’s structural integrity. Precision-locked covers with gaskets contribute to noise reduction and flexibility. This innovative design offers even feedback, making typing a more enjoyable experience. The vertical cushioning minimizes rigid noise, delivering a crisp, clean, and softer typing feel.

The design is a critical feature for those who seek a creamy typing experience. It transforms the way you interact with your keyboard, making each keystroke a satisfying sensation. This thoughtful design elevates the Redragon EISA K686 PRO SE from mere aesthetics to a superior typing tool.

Versatile 3-Mode Connection

The Redragon Anime keyboard is equipped with advanced tri-mode connection technology. Users can switch seamlessly between USB-C wired, BT 3.0/5.0, and 2.4GHz wireless modes. This flexibility ensures an upgraded user experience across all fields. Whether you’re gaming, working, or simply browsing, this keyboard adapts to your needs effortlessly.

With the tri-mode connection, you can enjoy uninterrupted connectivity and freedom, regardless of your situation. The ability to switch between modes ensures that your keyboard is always ready for action wherever you are. This versatility is a testament to Redragon’s commitment to innovation and user satisfaction.

Hi-Fi Custom Switches

Experience faster, creamier, and more elastic typing feedback with thick-lubed custom linear switches. The gasket form factor allows the EISA K686 PRO to deliver an enhanced typing experience. The upgraded socket is compatible with nearly all switches (3/5 pins), offering endless customization possibilities.

These custom switches are designed to meet the demands of both gamers and typists. They provide a smooth and responsive typing experience, making every keystroke feel effortless. The combination of high-quality switches and a flexible design sets this keyboard apart from the competition.

Noise Dampening and Compact Design

Mechanical keyboards are both famous and notorious for their loud sounds, but the Redragon EISA K686 PRO SE is equipped with a comprehensive noise-dampening system. Featuring 3.5mm PO foam, IXPE switch foam, PET sound pad, bottom socket foam, and a silicone bottom pad, it significantly reduces hollow noise. Each keystroke is dampened, creating ultra-clean typing acoustics that are both satisfying and comfortable.

The innovative design retains the original 100% layout’s function while shrinking the size by 20%. This tactical 98-key design offers more compactness without sacrificing functionality. It provides an efficient and space-saving solution for your desk while still offering all the functionality of a full-sized keyboard in a more manageable form. This thoughtful design is ideal for both gamers and professionals who need a reliable and space-efficient tool.

ONE-Knob Control and Pro Software

The convenient control knob allows easy access to keyboard backlight brightness and media functions. You can adjust volume, play/pause, and switch tracks with no hassle. The keyboard is also supported by pro software, enabling users to design new modes and effects. Customize macros with different keybindings or shortcuts for more efficient work and gaming. This combination of hardware and software empowers users to tailor their experience to their specific needs, enhancing both productivity and gaming performance.

With its anime-inspired design, innovative features, and superior performance, it promises to elevate your typing experience. And to complete the set, you can also grab the Redragon EISA K1NG M916 PRO mouse featuring that same Anime Girl design, tri-mode connection, and 5 redefinable DPI levels for unparalleled precision. The Redragon EISA P047 Anime Black Gaming Desk Mat binds these two together on a stylish, smooth, and easy-to-clean surface that will surely take your computing experience to the next level. It will be available for an exclusive price of $98.58, (29th Nov to 4th Dec) here.

Click Here to Buy Now: $58.50 $74.99 (22% off, use coupon code “YDRED22”). Hurry, exclusive YD Black Friday/ Cyber Monday deal ends soon!

The post Unleash Your Inner Otaku with the Redragon EISA K686 PRO SE Anime Keyboard first appeared on Yanko Design.

Pizza Hut’s 3D printed pizza warmer uses PS5 to keep slices warm while you play

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Pizza and gaming go together very well. But many of us often get lost in the game only to find the pizza slices hard and cold. The walk to the microwave in the kitchen can be a long one when you’re locked in the virtual tussle. This is when we want someone to go heat and give us a nice steaming pizza slice!

If you’re someone who owns a Play Station 5, your wish may just have been granted. Pizza Hut Canada has designed – at least given us the design – a PIZZAWRMR, that rests under a horizontally placed console and keeps the pizza inside of it warm by using the heat dissipated from the PS5. A nice warm pizza between games is not a dream anymore!

Designer: Pizza Hut

Gadgets – especially game consoles – can get really warm during long uninterrupted sessions. Loosely saying then, the PS5 could have enough heat emitted through its vents to keep a pizza hot. How hygienic is this option of heating the pizza, with the hot air released out of a device whose innards have not been cleaned for months, may be questionable; but between intense gaming sessions, who cares?

Pizza Hut Canada revealed the idea of the PIZZAWRMR on YouTube last month. At first sight of the promotional video, you can be led into believing that the pizza warmer can be brought off the shelf. However, that’s not how it is. The laptop-style warmer, with a flipping lid that reveals the pizza inside, has to be 3D printed. It’s not for sale, you get 3D printing files on the Hut website to download and then print the warmer yourself.

If you intend to give your 3D pizza warmer a try, Pizza Hut suggests you use food-safe PLA to print the parts. Since the pizza is going to rest inside this contraption you must avoid any plastic-related health concerns by not printing it from unsafe material. Be reminded that the PIZZAWRMR is only a promotional idea and not an officially licensed Sony product; printing it or using it close to the PS5’s exhaust should all be done with caution.

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ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro Review: The Ultimate Gaming Smartphone Experience

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PROS:


  • More elegant, minimalist, and mature design

  • AniMe Vision display and AniMe Play features add a unique charm

  • Unbeatable performance and cooling system

  • Decent cameras for a gaming-centric smartphone

CONS:


  • Incremental upgrades only over the previous generation

  • 13MP ultra-wide camera feels a bit dated

RATINGS:

AESTHETICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY

EDITOR'S QUOTE:

The ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro offers great value, balancing advanced gaming features with an elegant and mature design.
award-icon

Mobile gaming remains a lucrative industry, with millions of gamers worldwide seeking the best devices to enhance their gaming experience. However, as mainstream smartphones improve their performance, the allure of dedicated gaming phones has diminished. Yet, a niche market persists for devices specifically designed for gaming enthusiasts. The ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro emerges as a contender in this space, promising speed and flair. But does it meet the expectations of pro gamers?

The ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro launches at a rather critical time for gaming smartphones and it seeks to carve out its niche by offering features tailored to gaming. Packed with high-performance specs and unique design elements, it targets those who demand more from their mobile devices. This review delves into whether the ROG Phone 9 Pro truly delivers on its promises and whether you should upgrade from the brand’s previous model if you already have it in your hands.

Designer: ASUS Republic of Gamers

Aesthetics

Just like its predecessor, the ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro’s design marks steps away from the overtly flashy aesthetics typical of gaming phones. It adopts a minimalist approach that exudes maturity, appealing to both gamers and non-gamers. The geometric camera bump and off-center design elements subtly nod to its gaming roots, maintaining a distinct identity.

The back cover, crafted from a single piece of glass, showcases precision etching for added texture. This design choice not only enhances the phone’s visual appeal but also provides a tactile experience. The matte finish employs a crystalized nano-texture, ensuring a silky touch while resisting fingerprints, keeping the device pristine.

A standout feature for gamers is the AniMe Vision display that gives the smartphone a unique flair. The ROG Phone 9 Pro model utilizes 648 mini-LEDs to display icons, text, and even GIF animations, adding a dynamic element to the phone. Hidden animations can be unlocked when two ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro devices are near, using NFC technology, offering a novel interactive experience that creates a community of ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro owners.

Exclusive to the Pro model as well, the AniMe Play feature brings retro mini-games to the AniMe Vision display, further emphasizing the phone’s gaming focus. This playful addition caters to gamers seeking entertainment beyond traditional mobile games, enhancing the device’s appeal. Overall, the design balances sophistication with gaming-centric elements.

Ergonomics

Despite its large 6.78-inch display, the ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro is designed for comfort. The textured finish provides a secure grip, making it easier to hold during long gaming sessions. This ergonomic consideration is crucial for gamers who prioritize comfort and usability.

However, the phone’s thickness, primarily due to its substantial battery, might be a drawback for some users. While it ensures extended gaming sessions, it adds bulk to the device. Balancing battery life with portability remains a challenge in gaming phone design.

The dual USB-C ports are a thoughtful addition, allowing users to charge the device without interrupting gameplay. This feature is particularly beneficial for gamers who engage in prolonged sessions, ensuring an uninterrupted power supply. Such practical design choices demonstrate ASUS’s commitment to enhancing the gaming experience.

Performance

The ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro is a powerhouse, boasting the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. Coupled with 24GB of RAM and 1TB of storage in the Pro Edition, it ensures high-performance gaming and multitasking capabilities. This setup positions it not only as a formidable contender in the gaming phone market but also as a reliable everyday mobile device.

The GameCool thermal management system effectively dissipates heat, preventing build-up and ensuring sustained performance. This feature is crucial for maintaining optimal performance during intense gaming sessions, where overheating can be a concern. If you need even more cooling, the Pro Edition ships with the AeroActive Cooler X Pro which enhances cooling with a Pelter chip for passive cooling and larger fans for active cooling. It also includes physical left and right buttons, providing additional functionality similar to popular game controllers.

The 2400×1080 6.78-inch AMOLED display offers vibrant colors and exceptional brightness. It also comes with a 2400×1080 resolution and a 185Hz refresh rate that’s boasted to be the highest on a phone. This display quality elevates the gaming experience, providing immersive visuals. The phone’s performance is further enhanced by AI features, including automatic item pickup and moment recording. That said, these AI features are limited to a few titles like Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, and Mobile Legends Bang Bang so they might not be generally useful.

The ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro is equipped with a robust 5,800 mAh battery, ensuring extended gaming sessions without frequent recharges. It supports fast 65W charging and can go from zero to full in less than 50 minutes, a boon for gamers on the go. Additionally, the phone offers 15W wireless charging, providing convenient and flexible power options to suit various user needs.

The ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro surprises with its competent camera system, featuring a 50MP Sony Lytia 700 sensor at the helm. This primary camera delivers detailed images, a pleasant surprise for a device primarily focused on gaming. It challenges the notion that gaming phones must compromise on camera quality.

The 32MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom and 13MP ultra-wide-angle lens provide versatility in photography. While not extraordinary, they offer decent performance for everyday use. This well-rounded camera setup adds value to the phone, catering to users who appreciate photography.

Features like Photo Vibe enhance the photography experience, offering color and temperature presets. AI Object Sense provides auto-correction, optimizing photos based on scene elements. The AirTrigger Capture function utilizes the same capacitive side buttons used for gaming as a dedicated shutter button, adding a unique touch to mobile photography. The ROG Phone 9 Pro is not a pro camera phone by a long shot, but this powerful camera system at least adds to its versatility and usefulness outside of games.

Sustainability

In terms of sustainability, the ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro follows the conventional smartphone formula, utilizing plastic, metal, and glass. Unfortunately, it does not incorporate recycled materials, a growing trend in the industry. However, it boasts an IP68 dust and water resistance rating, enhancing its durability and longevity.

While sustainability may not be its strongest suit, the phone’s robust build quality ensures it can withstand everyday challenges. This aspect is crucial for gamers who demand reliability and resilience from their devices, particularly during intense gaming sessions.

Value

The ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro offers impressive performance and a suite of features tailored for professional mobile gaming. Its beautiful screen and additional side charging port are standout features. These elements cater to gamers seeking a device that prioritizes performance and practicality.

However, for existing ROG Phone 8 Pro users, the upgrades may seem incremental, providing little incentive to switch. This aspect may affect its appeal to loyal ASUS customers seeking significant improvements. Nonetheless, the ROG Phone 9 Pro remains a compelling choice for new buyers.

Despite the incremental upgrades, the ROG Phone 9 Pro represents good value for those seeking a dedicated gaming phone. It combines high-end specifications with thoughtful design elements, appealing to gamers who value not only performance but also aesthetics. The phone’s value proposition lies in its specialized features, from ROG’s famous Armory Crate to the phone’s invisible AirTrigger buttons. Even the animated AniMe Vision display is a treat for mobile gamers who want to brag about their gear.

Verdict

Gaming smartphones are evolving, adopting more refined designs while maintaining their core gaming features. However, with regular flagship phones matching their performance, the reasons to invest in a dedicated gaming device are dwindling. Nevertheless, the ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro continues to offer great value, balancing advanced features with a mature design.

For gamers who demand the best, the ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro stands out as a worthy contender. It combines speed, style, and substance, making it a compelling choice for those who want a device tailored to their gaming needs. Despite the shrinking market for gaming phones, ASUS’s offering remains a testament to innovation in the mobile gaming arena.

The post ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro Review: The Ultimate Gaming Smartphone Experience first appeared on Yanko Design.

Nike and Hasbro collaborate over Limited-Edition LeBron themed Monopoly Game

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Footwear icon Nike and the creators of the classic Monopoly game set, Hasbro, have come into a special collaboration to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the board game on November 19 with a limited-edition Monopoly game set themed after the basketball legend LeBron James. Dubbed LeBron 22, the game set is fine memorabilia for both sports and Monopoly fans across all age groups.

The board game, with a fresh twist, is not a solitary-themed item born out of this collaboration that no one saw coming. Anyway, comes along with exclusive LeBron sneakers inspired by the Monopoly’s design elements. The game set on the other hand comes with LeBron-themed playing pieces including rings, basketballs, sneakers, and jerseys that take the gameplay to the next level of fandom.

Designer: Nike x Hasbro

Hasbro x Nike Monopoly-themed speakers come in two distinct designs. The Currency and Token. While the first is inspired by the graphic approach of the money in the game of Monopoly, the latter is envisioned after the game tokens in luxurious blue and gold floral print. Both have their own journey and style but live up to the common goal of celebrating LeBron’s admirable gameplay and lifestyle, and Monopoly’s iconic status. The Currency colorway is ready to drop on November 15 with Token arriving on the 19th.

Aside from the release of the game of Monopoly and the thematic sneakers, Nike and Hasbro plan on bringing the LeBron 22 Monopoly Game Set to LeBron James’ House Three Thirty community center in Akron, OH, to celebrate Monopoly Day on November 19. Along with a life-size version of the game being hosted at LeBron’s I Promise School where sixth to eighth-grade students will have a chance to experience Monopoly in a brand-new avatar. The idea of the large game board is to promote financial literacy with interactive gameplay.

The post Nike and Hasbro collaborate over Limited-Edition LeBron themed Monopoly Game first appeared on Yanko Design.

Steam Deck OLED Limited Edition White priced $30 more than black variant is hard to resist

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The Steam Deck came in early 2022, and the only update to the handheld gaming console came in the form of an OLED version last year. One thing common to all the previous models of the Deck handheld console has been their black color.

Valve has decided to break that tradition by releasing a Steam Deck OLED: Limited Edition White for a worldwide release to the amazement of fans who’ve witnessed the white color of the gaming device only in renders. This version is a break from the monotony of the dark hue, akin to the transparent shell limited-edition version in 1TB memory, released last year that we liked to the core.

Designer: Valve

The OLED version of the Steam Deck with HDR support looks bold compared to the LCD models, and wrapped in a white color will contrast the display colors even better. Valve is not playing down the possibility of even more bold color options coming in the future depending on the response for this current version. They categorically said that they will keep improving the Deck from a software and hardware perspective.

Just like the transparent shell one, this one will only be available in a 1TB model. The off-white shell of this limited edition has gray buttons and the power button in orange. This handheld will be paired with a white carrying case and a microfiber cloth which you’ll need more often than not, since it’ll get dirtier compared to the black version.

According to Valve, the Limited Edition Deck will be available worldwide from November 18 at 3 PM. The stock has been allocated to all the worldwide regions proportionally for equitable distribution and it’ll only be available until the stocks exhaust. “Once we’re out, we’re out,” Valve says.

One user can purchase only one unit with one Steam account, so now’s the time to mark your calendars to get hands on one for $679. This is $30 more than the 1 TB Steam Deck OLED.

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AYANEO 3 handheld gaming PC brings a smootherr, gentler design to the market

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Given how they’re targeted at gamers, it’s not surprising that handheld gaming PCs adhere to the conventions and stereotypes of gaming aesthetics. Most have angular and blocky shapes that exude a sense of roughness, and while not as numerous as on PCs or laptops, they do have their fair share of RGB lighting. It’s not a bad design language, but it appeals to only a small subset of PC gamers.

Gamers are, of course, more diverse, and their taste in devices and accessories can’t be easily generalized. It’s not just a matter of choosing between dark or light motifs, a choice that is rarely offered for these handheld computers anyway, but also about the general form and flow of the design. AYANEO’s next entry into this still niche market tries to change the formula a little bit by paying closer attention to its design than its predecessors.

Designer: AYANEO

Given the sheer number of powerful hardware and components that need to be crammed inside a small body, it’s only logical that these devices would stretch the definition of the word “handheld” quite a bit. In addition to their bulk and heft, the large majority of them seem to also embrace sharp edges and angular corners. That’s fine for a laptop or desktop, but not so much for an object you will always hold in your hand while using.

The AYANEO 3 iterates over the conventional design by introducing a lot of smooth and pleasing curves that make the product look less intimidating. It’s not just on the back of the devices where the fingers rest but also on the corners of the devices. There’s no denying that it’s a device designed for gaming, but now it looks more like a welcoming toy than a cold gadget.

There are also important ergonomic changes in the next version of AYAENO’s flagship device. The orientation of the analog joysticks and D-Pad/Face buttons are now diagonal, mirroring the arrangement of controls on an Xbox controller. There are also larger back buttons, though their odd placement could prove to be cumbersome, resulting in accidental presses.

The AYANEO 3 will really be taking a big leap of faith by offering options that go beyond just black or white colors. You’ll be able to select the kind of AMD Ryzen processor you want, depending on your budget, and even choose between LCD or OLED screens. All in all, it looks like a more refined version both in terms of aesthetics as well as options, inching closer to parity with gaming laptops.

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3D printed chess pawns transform into queens thanks to magnets and springs

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Chess is a game that has existed for centuries, and it hasn’t really changed much during that time, especially in recent decades. The rules of the game are pretty much the same, which includes “power-ups” that were invented way before the term even showed up in video games. Of course, these moves don’t require any special piece outside of what’s already included in the entire set, but that doesn’t mean we can’t do anything to spruce it up.

This rather elaborate 3D printed design, for example, solves the practical problem of how to represent a pawn that has reached the opposite end and “evolved” into a queen. Sure, you can just try to remember which is which, but wouldn’t it be easier if you had spare queen pieces instead? Better yet, why not just literally evolve the pawn instead, keeping the chess set simple, relatively?

Designer: Works By Design

“Queening” is what happens when a pawn is crowned and gains the queen’s large movement powers when it reaches the opposite end of the board. In some cases, when your queen has already been captured, you can simply swap out the pieces. But what if your queen is still there or, by some stroke of luck, you have two pawns that become queens?

This form-changing pawn is one solution that utilizes 3D printing, springs, magnets, and a rather complicated internal design. The challenge was to take a regular-sized pawn and have it not only expand to the size of a queen but also exhibit its features, particularly its flared crown. If you’ve ever watched Transformers, then you might get the idea more or less.

The design underwent several iterations, particularly with the spring mechanism that holds the pieces together and then pushes them out to expand. In the end, the simpler version won out, though the final pawn size was definitely larger than normal. Fortunately, it still fits within international standards, so it probably won’t be contested in an official match.

The 3D-printed pawn uses magnets in its feet to trigger the expansion mechanism, so placing it on any metal surface, like the back row of this custom-made chess board, would make it spring into action, so to speak. It’s definitely a convoluted design for a rather simple problem, but it also adds a bit of excitement and thrill to the game, becoming a goal of its own in addition to actually winning the match.

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Wearable chess set turns one of the oldest games into a fashion statement

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Although video games today have become a multi-billion dollar industry, there are analog games that have existed for centuries and continue to be a beloved pastime and sport today. Chess, for example, is still going strong across peoples of all ages, but it isn’t just players who find the game to be a treasure trove of inspiration.

The variety of chess set designs shows how the game is so open to interpretation, much more than most video games, resulting in products ranging from artistic to technological. This rather unusual take on the classic strategy game takes chess in a slightly different direction, presenting a game you can literally wear and take with you anywhere, ready to set up a match at a moment’s notice.

Designer: Louis Le Joly Senoville

We’ve seen many interpretations of the classic chess set design, from minimalist to brutalist to self-playing technological marvels. Most of these sets are designed to be installed in one location, while portable chess sets are sometimes too small because they’re meant to fit inside bags. They still take up space, of course, so that means giving up room that’s meant for your other, equally important stuff.

Ha Mat, which is short of “eched ha mat,” (“checkmate” in Breton) solves this problem by turning the chess set into something completely inconspicuous when not in use. In this case, the chess board becomes a scarf, the pieces become rings, and the timer becomes a watch. It’s literally a chess set you can wear as a fashion piece, allowing you to play anywhere there’s a flat plane to place everything on.

Of course, Ha Mat needs to actually look fashionable to qualify as a fashion statement, and it definitely fits the bill. The “board” takes inspiration from silk maps and military training scarves on antiquity, and the color scheme even tries to pay homage to luxurious hues used on chess boards in the past, particularly leather and wood. The watch that’s part of the set is quite peculiar because it can split in half and act as a timer for both sides.

The most interesting designs, however, are the chess pieces themselves. They have flat bottoms so they can stand on the “board,” but they have holes in the middle to wear as rings on your fingers. The pieces have tops that are more symbolic and iconic to identify their position on the board, simplifying their identity in order to fit the need to have flat pieces.

Of the 32 chess pieces, you can wear 16 on eight of your fingers if you pair similar pieces together. These would make you look like you’re wearing knuckle dusters, so they might not exactly be safe to wear in public. Still, the concept is quite intriguing, as it transforms one type of product into a completely different kind, without losing either one’s identity. In fact, it elevates the chess set from a game to something that’s an integral part of your life.

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