CES is always full of exciting new technologies, but it is often a bit underwhelming for gaming devices, especially console gaming consoles, and the HyperX ChargePlay Duo is a very simple device: a dock that charges two Xbox controllers simultaneously. It may beat Microsoft in both ease of use and price.

However, HyperX is not leaving PC enthusiasts out in the cold; at CES 2021, the company also introduced the HyperX Alloy Origins 60 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard. As the name suggests, this is a mini or "60%" keyboard that omits not only the number pad, but also the arrow keys and top row of function keys. While certainly a niche item, it seems to be a solid bet if you're looking for more space than keys.

It's no secret that the Xbox Series X controllers have had issues regarding batteries. Rather than build a rechargeable battery pack into the controller, Microsoft essentially passed that cost on to the consumer, forcing users to buy a $25 play-and-charge kit. However, while the batteries included in this kit are fine, the cables are not.

The HyperX ChargePlay Duo Controller Charging Station addresses this problem in two ways. This $40 kit includes five components: a charging dock, two batteries, and two battery doors. These battery doors have a small hole in the back to allow access to the charging dock conductors.

When you want to charge the controller, you place it on the charging dock; after 2.5 hours, you simply pick up the controller and continue playing. The dock can charge two controllers at a time, and there is an LED indicator to show whether the controller is charging or fully charged. Not even Microsoft's official accessories can boast this.

So you can get one Microsoft battery and cable for $25 and two batteries and a dock with indicator lights for $40. The HyperX battery is the same 1,400 mAh model as the official Microsoft model, and HyperX gear is licensed by Microsoft, so there is no risk of incompatibility. You can go ahead and take your pick. The charging dock will be available next month.

The HyperX Alloy Origins 60 is arguably the company's first mini keyboard, and definitely not its first. Last year, the company collaborated with Chinese keyboard maker Ducky to produce the HyperX Ducky One2 Mini; according to HyperX, the collaboration demonstrated that there is a genuine desire for a mini keyboard bearing the HyperX name.

Therefore, HyperX is producing the Alloy Origins 60 on its own; unlike the Ducky, the Alloy Origins 60 runs on NGenuity software, offers better RGB options, and uses the quiet HyperX Red It also uses mechanical key switches. Otherwise, it is similar to HyperX's other keyboards, but much, much smaller. Priced at $100, it will be available on February 22. [The HyperX Pulsefire Haste gaming mouse, HyperX Cloud II wireless gaming headset, and HyperX Cloud Revolver + 7.1 gaming headset. Previously, these were only available in certain regions, but now they are available worldwide.