Gaming

GameSir Kaleid Flux review: Give your hands a treat

Game in style

Published

June 27, 2024

Luigi Leonardo

Let me introduce you to the world of third-party controllers. As comfortable as a few of them are, first-party controllers — that is, the default ones you get from buying a new console — have their own flaws. Some are too heavy, lack customization, or are unpleasant to hold, for example. Enter: the GameSir Kaleid Flux.

GameSir is mostly known for creating ergonomic controllers for mobile gamers. However, the company also makes regular controllers for consoles. The new Kaleid Flux is the latest to grace GameSir’s lineup, and it’s definitely the prettiest.

Gaming in style

Adorned in black and gold, the Kaleid Flux looks regal. When powered, the controller lights up in white and gold, by default.

While the regular Kaleid revels in a more multicolored profile, the Flux’s more limited colors are a far cry from the usual trappings of gamer culture. It’s not a controller that you’d feel ashamed rocking at a party.

Despite offering a less ostentatious color profile, the controller still knows its market well. Most of the controller’s front is encased in transparent plastic. Underneath, you’ll find a swirly, Damascus-like pattern. The effect adds style to the usual sleekness of being able to see inside a device’s inner workings.

Feels as if nothing’s there

For a while now, I was used to the PlayStation’s DualSense. It was ergonomic and comfortable. However, the Kaleid Flux quickly changed my mind.

The PlayStation controller weighs approximately 280 grams. Meanwhile, the Kaleid Flux weighs only around 218 grams. Comparing the two, the DualSense just feels like a brick. The Flux feels absurdly light. I had no issues using it in any position during a gaming session.

Additionally, your grip will rest on smooth matte, rather than the glossy portion of the controller. Ergonomically, your index fingers rest on a sweet spot between the bumpers and triggers, and your middle fingers on two customizable back buttons. It feels comfortable.

Precise gaming

Compared to other controllers, the Kaleid Flux has a more tactile bite. Each button press comes with a louder “clack”. Inputs feel more intentional.

Personally, I play a lot of platformers and RPGs. These games usually rely on timely, precise inputs. Besides the different button layout, I faced no issue converting to the Kaleid Flux from a DualSense controller. Latency wasn’t a problem, and I could still beat the same bosses just as easily.

It also helps that the controller is easily programmable with the GameSir Nexus app. Everything — from inputs to the level of vibration — can be controlled. Oh, and if you’re tired of the default white and gold, you can also change the colors of the lights.

It also comes with hall effect sticks, which are designed to prevent drift issues. On the bottom, there’s a 3.5mm audio port, too.

The buttons, on the other hand, are membrane. While it’s not switches, I didn’t feel a whole load of difference.

Wired versus wireless

The Kaleid Flux comes in only a wired configuration. Unfortunately, this might be a pain point for some gamers. Thankfully, it does come with a lengthy and durable cable. If you’re playing on a console, the controller is perfect for the couch.

Playing on the PC, however, does come with length-related issues. You’ll need to use the Velcro strap to reel in most of the cable. Alternatively, you can use a shorter cable, but the durability of the default one feels unmatched.

Is this your GadgetMatch?

The Kaleid Flux stands at only PhP 2,900. It’s still a pricey controller, but it’s definitely a step improved from the price of a standard console controller.

For the style alone, you’ll get the worth of the price tag. However, you’re also getting a lighter and more customizable controller. If you want a better controller for your Xbox or your PC, the Kaleid Flux is a worthy choice.

Gaming

Tides of Annihilation opens first public demo at Gamescom 2026

First hands-on

Published

August 6, 2026

Leez

Tides of Annihilation will make its public playable debut at Gamescom 2026.

Developer Eclipse Glow Games announced that attendees can try an extended demo of the upcoming action-adventure game during the event in Cologne, Germany. Players can find the demo at Hall 6, Booth B-050 inside Koelnmesse.

The studio will also reveal a new trailer during Gamescom Opening Night Live on August 25, before the show floor opens.

Demo offers more exploration and combat

The Gamescom demo gives players a longer look at Tides of Annihilation. It features branching paths that lead to different exploration routes and combat encounters. Players can also explore key locations and experience several of the game’s biggest set pieces.

“Gamescom will be an incredibly important moment for our team since this will be our first global playtest and we’re excited to see how first-time players experience our game,” said Ary Chen, Game Director and Co-CEO of Eclipse Glow Games.

“The team has poured heart, soul, and maybe even a few tears into developing the game over the last few years, and it’s finally our opportunity to share it with players. We’re looking forward to seeing their reaction.”

Members of the press and content creators can also schedule private hands-on sessions with the development team during the event.

Arthurian-inspired adventure

Tides of Annihilation blends fast-paced action with a Neo-Medieval vision of modern London. The story follows Gwendolyn after an Outworld invasion leaves the city in ruins.

Driven by a mission to save her sister, she travels between a shattered London and the mythical realm of Avalon. Along the way, she uncovers the mystery behind her newfound powers. She must also decide the fate of reality itself.

Eclipse Glow Games is developing Tides of Annihilation for PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5.

Gaming

Street Fighter 6 adds first Filipino fighter Yasmine to its roster

Eskrima fighter joins battle

Published

August 6, 2026

Rodneil Quiteles

Street Fighter 6 has officially welcomed Yasmine, making history as the first Filipino martial artist to join the franchise’s playable roster. The new character is now available across PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2 as part of the game’s Year 4 content.

Yasmine practices Eskrima, having learned the Filipino martial art alongside her older brother under their grandfather’s guidance. She wields Karambit knives in battle and embarks on a journey to find her missing brother.

Players can access Yasmine by purchasing the Year 4 Character Pass or Year 4 Ultimate Pass. Her default outfit features traditional Eskrima-inspired combat attire, while a school uniform serves as her second costume. In combat, she specializes in fast, aggressive attacks that build toward an enhanced Bayani Mode.

Yasmine is the first of four Year 4 fighters, followed by Arjun, Tifa from the Final Fantasy VII Remake series, and Bosch. Her release also arrives alongside battle balance adjustments affecting the entire roster.

Onimusha crossover arrives this week

Capcom also announced a limited-time collaboration between Street Fighter 6 and Onimusha. Running from August 7 to August 31, 2026, the event introduces Oni EX character colors, themed Battle Hub decorations, avatar items, and additional rewards for players who log in during the event.

The update also adds new Avatar Arcade courses, additional ending scenes, a Frame Meter option for Avatar Random Match, and refreshed Master ACT rewards.

Philippine launch event set for August 9

Capcom will celebrate Yasmine’s debut with an official Philippine community launch event on Sunday, August 9, at Salud! by Primera Bar & Restaurant in Palanan, Makati. The event runs from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM and features a double-elimination tournament, gameplay showcases, giveaways, and community activities.

Attendees can also receive limited-edition Yasmine merchandise, including event T-shirts, lanyards, and collectible keychains while supplies last. Special guests and cosplayers are also scheduled to appear. Admission will be on a first-come, first-served basis and is subject to venue capacity.

Gaming

Gangstar Mirage City launches on August 20 with SEA localization

Join a faction now for a chance to win rewards

Published

August 5, 2026

GadgetMatch

Gangstar Mirage City is set for a full regional launch on August 20, with localization for the Southeast Asia region.

Published by Level Infinite, the free-to-play multiplayer, urban, open-world action game is available for download on iOS and Android.

The full regional release features an expanded open world, a new PvP Arena mode, and local languages.

In Gangstar Mirage City, players can team up for up to 4-man co-op heists, drive powerful vehicles, customize their arsenal, build an empire, and fight for control of Rooklyn City.

Players can register on gangstarmiragecity.com for in-game rewards.

In Southeast Asia, players can also register as a member of their respective local faction and get an exclusive in-game Avatar to represent their loyalty:

Philippines: Manila Brigade
Indonesia: War Kanda
Malaysia: Taiko Tedung
Thailand: SIAM APEX

Factions will be ranked based on how many players join and support them. The winning faction will enable all members to get 300 Diamonds, sent directly to their accounts.

Meanwhile, all players, including those who already began their journey in Rooklyn City with the soft launch last July, are invited to join the Global Vault Heist.

Reaching the final Registration Milestone will unlock the Full Tilt Vehicle Pack. These are the rewards up for grabs per milestone: