…When it comes to how big of an expo hall it takes to house the always amazing Penny Arcade Expo. After the inaugural Boston event last year at the Hynes Convention Center, it was blatant that there needed to be an even bigger space to satiate all of the bloodthirsty east-coasters who had been waiting for PAX to come closer to home. This year, the folks at the Penny Arcade planned to meet the demand by scaling up to the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. Although not as conveniently located in the heart of commerce that the Hynes provided, PAX East 2011 proved to be one of the most amazing PAX experiences for both enthusiast and industry folks alike.

Once again, ASTRO Gaming boasts the title of “The Official Headset of PAX” to kick off the 2011 series of PAX events. In addition to outfitting the entire PC Freeplay room with both our A30 and A40 headsets, we were able to outfit many of our favorite partner’s booths for their new and hot titles as well. We were able to help provide an ASTROnomical audio experience to: Capcom, EA, Sony/Zipper, Uber Entertainment, Ubisoft, and Wizards of the Coast. Although we didn’t bring out the booth to the event, the ASTRO crew was out in force this year. ASTRO Stanimal and myself were there as usual, but we were fortunate enough to have ASTRO Warblade, our amazing community and forum moderator, out with us as well. With all the great things we took in this weekend, we had the challenge of whittling our experiences down to the single thing that each of us is the most excited about from the show. Here’s what it came down to:

ASTRO Warblade:
While most people would be really excited to see the big name games on the show (I mean, what’s not to love about Gears of War 3), I found a little gem of a game called Orcs Must Die. Created by the independent game studio Robot Entertainment, the game features a mix between a tower defense game and a 3rd person action game. You’re character is trying to protect his fellow humans from the Orc’s incoming invasion via reaching a rift portal in each area. With a variety of weapons and traps available at your disposal, they can be setup to simply spike, smash, and crush the enemies or you can creatively launch orcs from a spring box into a trap of spinning blades for more fun. The variety of ways the levels can be played make it a game that you can come back to again and again. It’s scheduled to come out later this year on both PC and Xbox Live Arcade.

ASTRO Stanimal:
What I love about PAX every year is that I’m always introduced to the top and most popular titles as well as some of the raddest DLC titles. I’ve found a ton of XBLA or PSN games that I’ll actually spend way more time playing than full titles. Just look at Shank, Deathspank, Super Meat Boy, Scott Pilgrim, and Sonic Episode 4, all insanely fun games from last year. This year, one that stood out were Robot Entertainment’s Orcs Must Die, a fun looking third-person shooter where you just mow down orcs over and over. Who knows? Move over zombies and aliens, orcs could be the next best thing to kill in unhealthily large numbers.

Another XBLA/PSN title that I wish I could’ve checked out was Trenched by the excellent folks at Double Fine. I’m bummed that I didn’t get a chance to play it but I’ve been keeping tabs on it because it’s a 4-player co-op game where you get giant customizable mechs to run around, drop turrets, and kill aliens. I’m thinking it’s like some part MechWarrior meets tower defense. If you ask me, that’s just rad.

ASTRO Xarion:
I had a terrible time choosing a single thing to talk about. In the end, it came down to Battlefield 3, Portal 2, or Star Wars: The Old Republic. I am eagerly anticipating each of these titles, but as I *have* to choose a single one, I’m going to have to give the gold medal to Battlefield 3. I’m a fanboy of the franchise, and have loved watching it get better and better over the years. For me, Battlefield was an integral part of my early PAX experiences as I competed in the tournaments at the shows with my team three years in a row, taking either first or second place. The game itself is nothing less than gorgeous and the fights that they showed in the gameplay demo were so intense that I found myself holding my breath at times needing to remind myself to inhale. The Frostbite 2 engine definitely knows how to blow apart buildings as beautifully as if you’re watching the final scenes from Fight Club, so all of you camping snipers beware. I’m coming for you. Time to start building out a new gaming PC so I can run everything at the “You’re freaking crazy” settings.

If you’ve never been to a PAX event, we can’t stress how incredibly fun these things are. It’s a celebration of all things gaming. There’s always tons of great panels, awesome games, and fun parties. We get to see old friends, make new friends, and finally connect with online friends in person. We never get bored with it, and we bet you won’t either.

Check our Facebook Page to see the full gallery of pics we took from the event.

-The Astro Crew

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We can’t believe it’s already been a year since the inaugural PAX East. Since we had such a blast last year, we’re going to have to once again grab the title of the Official Headset of PAX 2011.

What does this mean for you at PAX East? Me (ASTRO stanimal), ASTRO Xarion and ASTRO Warblade will be causing a ruckus all around the show floor so if you see any of us, you will HAVE to say hi. Or else.

We won’t be bringing the booth out this year but we’ll definitely have plenty of opportunities for you to try our gear. We’ll have our headsets running at the following awesome booths:

- Uber Entertainment – Booth #560
- Beyond Gaming – Booth #1119
- Ubisoft – Booth #824
- Wizards of the Coast – Booth #636
- BRINK (Off-site)
- Electronic Arts – Booth #1156, 1012, 1018, 1136
- Capcom – Booth #1111

On top of being in some of the coolest booths at PAX East, we’ll also have the entire PC Free Play area loaded with our A40 and A30 headsets.

Now since PAX is always so crazy, a lot of updates will be happening on the fly. That means you’ll have to keep an eye on what’s going on with me and the rest of the ASTRO PAX crew on our
Twitter and Facebook.

Stay tuned, PAX shenanigans inbound.

- ASTRO stanimal

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Every year, GDC, Game Developer’s Conference totally takes over San Francisco’s downtown area at the Moscone Convention Center. Why do we love it? Cuz it’s like 4 blocks away from the ASTRO offices and we don’t have to go far for all the awesome panels, parties and other various shenanigans.

What is GDC? It’s the Games Developer’s Conference that is put on several times a year in different parts of the world for recruitment, networking, and education in the video game industry. All your favorite publishers, developers, and hardware companies setup recruitment booths and key industry figures put on tons panels talking about all different types of game design. Now if you’re lucky, you can get into some of the ridiculous parties that happen each night (my favorite part).

One very cool thing about GDC is all the reveals and press events that happen throughout the show. One such event happened to focus around Battlefield 3 and Battlefield Play4Free. ASTRO Xarion and I were fortunate enough to attend as well as provide A30 Headsets for BFP4F demo stations. Unfortunately we can’t say too much or show any pictures, but rest assured that BF3 looks shockingly gorgeous and it’s sound will absolutely blow out your eardrums. In a good way.

We also hooked up our friends at SONY with A30 Audio Systems to make sure their showcase could properly demonstrate how great all the upcoming PS3 exclusive titles sound.

Yeah, yeah, we know we can’t tell you all the deets on the sweet games coming out this year but stay tuned for PAX East coverage cuz there, we’ll get to talk about EVERYTHING we see.

- ASTRO stanimal

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Check this out. Our friends at Konami wanna help hook you up with an A30 MGS: PW Headset! How might you ask?

Real simple. Go to twitter, follow @Konami and @ASTROGaming, and then tweet us both a picture of your most creative use of a cardbox box with the hashtag ‘#snakeinabox’

Each Thursday, we’ll pick a random winner and do this for three weeks. Now let’s see some hardcore cardboard action!

- ASTRO stanimal

February-March ASTRO Twitter Sweepstakes Rules

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE ODDS OF WINNING. To enter, join ASTRO (http://twitter.com/astrogaming) and Konami Twitter (http://twitter.com/Konami) as a follower and tweet a picture of your most creative use of a cardboard box with hashtag #snakeinabox.

Beginning 2/15/11 12:00pm pacific standard time (“PST”) and ending 3/4/11 4:00pm pacific standard time (“PST”) on (the “Term”), join ASTRO (http://twitter.com/astrogaming) and Konami Twitter (http://twitter.com/Konami) as a follower and tweet a picture of your most creative use of a cardboard box with hashtag #snakeinabox.

One prize winner will be selected at random every week using Random.org and submitted by eligible entrants through a legitimate Twitter account. The prize is an ASTRO Gaming AC30 Headset METAL GEAR SOLID: PEACE WALKER Edition (approximate retail value: $129.95). Winner will be responsible for all other costs and taxes associated with winning the prize.

The winner(s) will receive a direct message via Twitter from TWITTER.COM/ASTROGAMING by 12:00pm PST the day after the preceding giveaway. Winner(s) must respond and provide prize delivery information as well as a completed affidavit of eligibility by 12:00pm PST on 3/11/11. If no response is received or a response is incomplete, Sponsor reserves the right to select at random an alternate winner or winners, or terminate this sweepstakes at its discretion. The Sponsor of this promotion is ASTRO Gaming, Inc. 348 6th St. San Francisco, CA 94103 (“Sponsor”). A list identifying the winner(s) shall be available from the Sponsor by writing to the Sponsor at the address above and requesting a Winner List.
An unclaimed prize will be forfeited to Sponsor.

Open to U.S. legal residents who reside in the U.S., who have reached the age of majority in their state of residence. Void where prohibited by law. Employees of Sponsor and its subsidiaries and affiliates (and members of their immediate family and/or those living in the same of household of each such employee) are not eligible. Odds of winning depend on the total number of eligible entries received. Limit one entry per person. Entries using automatic entry will be disqualified. Entrants using multiple Twitter accounts will be disqualified. Entries will be presumed to belong to the registered owner of the Twitter account from which the entry was received. Entrants agree to be bound by the terms of these rules and by the decisions of Sponsor, which are final and binding. By participating in this promotion, entrants agree to hold Sponsor and its parent company, subsidiaries, affiliates, successors, assignees, officers, and employees harmless for any injury or damage caused or claimed to be caused by participation in the promotion or acceptance or use of the prize(s). Sponsor is not responsible for any printing, typographic, mechanical, or other error in the printing of the offer, administration of the promotion, or in the announcement of the prizes. Sponsor is not responsible for electronic transmission errors or for technical malfunctions of any kind. If for any reason twitter.com or Internet portion of the promotion does not operate or run or is not capable of running as planned, Sponsor reserves the right at its sole discretion to terminate or modify the promotion.

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One of the things that we here at ASTRO Gaming love to support are quality charity events. Historically, we’ve been involved in gaming-centric charities such as Gamers for Giving and Child’s Play, but over the Super Bowl weekend, we were able to help expand our outreach by supporting the Old Spice SuperCamp II.

SuperCamp is a one-of-a-kind charity event that combines a youth football clinic hosted by Country Superstar Garth Brooks and Pro Football Star for the Dallas Cowboys Jason Witten. The football camp runs alongside a cheerleading camp hosted by Katina Taylor (wife of New York Jets defensive end, Jason Taylor and sister of Texas Tech and Miami Dolphin legend Zach Thomas). Benefits from the event go towards the Jason Witten SCORE Foundation, the Garth Brooks Teammates for Kids Foundation and Kids 2 Camp, along with the Jason Taylor Foundation. The event also promotes active, balanced, and healthy lifestyles through the Play 60 Initiative. This is something that we like to support for the gaming lifestyle as well.

The SuperCamp team fought through the inclement weather in the Dallas area, that included snow, ice, and freezing cold to make this event a reality. Hundreds of kids were able to participate in the camps getting professional guidance from many of the top coaches in the Dallas area as well as a few of the NCAA and NFL Pro players. Each camper in the football clinic was able to participate in drills at stations designed to push their talents and abilities just like professional players during training camp. Campers in the cheerleading clinic worked on a routine that was displayed for the closing ceremony of the event. Some campers were able to compete in skill events at the end of the camp that gave them the opportunity to win special prizes that included autographed pictures and jerseys from the camp hosts. There were also awards given to those campers that showed the most improvement during the day.

Thanks to all of you who helped us help support this event by purchasing ASTRO Gaming gear. Be sure to check out all of the images from the event in our facebook gallery.

-Walter

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We at ASTRO recognize the need to get your special someone something unique and adorable for Valentine’s Day. This year, instead of getting them one of those gifts that’s really for yourself (like that 50″ LED TV from last year, you jerk), why not express your feelings with a set of our very limited A30 Headsets w/ Black or Pink Valentines tags. It’s stylish AND functional.

Head over to our A30 Headset page and pick whichever tag design you like, either the Black or Pink Valentine. BAM. Instant awesome Valentine’s Day gift picked. You can thank us later.

If you’d like to grab our Valentine’s Day edition speaker tags separately, click here to pick up the Black Valentine or Pink Valentine tags.

Quantities are VERY limited so get on it!

<3,

- ASTRO stanimal

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Greetings ASTRO compatriots,

ASTRO Gaming is stoked with excitement about our release of the 2011 Edition of the award-winning A40 Gaming Headset! Coming in the classic white and black colors, the ASTRO team listened to the MLG pro players and hardcore gamers alike to add the features they’ve been asking for. Still sporting 40mm drivers perfectly tuned with ASTRO Audio, the A40 2011 Edition delivers every detail of your gaming, movie, or music experience so you can game like a pro more than ever before.

Features:

New and Improved Microphone – When you’re on the MLG main stage with thousands of dollars on the line, you need your mic to stay put to hear your teammates clearly while blocking out the roaring crowds (or your roommates snoring at home). The A40 2011 Edition features a new and improved microphone that picks up your voice flawlessly, filters out the cheering fans and stays exactly where you place it.

Enhanced Audio and Comfort – Already boasting the most comfortable ear cushions available in a gaming headset, we set out to block more outside noise and deliver more bass without losing the richly detailed positional audio the A40s are known for. After numerous tests with MLG pros during the heat of the 2010 season, the new A40 2011 ear cushions sound better than ever, sealing you off from outside distractions and adding a little more boom to your explosions.

Signature ASTRO Construction – The A40 has set the standard for quality and performance since its introduction in 2008. The 2011 Edition continues this tradition of excellence with unsurpassed durability, flexibility, adjustability and of course our exclusive Quick Disconnect cabling system.

Multi-Platform Solution – Like all ASTRO headsets, the A40 2011 Edition enriches your audio experience no matter what console you game on or which audio devices you use. For the Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3, simply pair your A40’s with our wired MixAmp™ or wireless MixAmp™ 5.8 for a complete console solution. The A40, MixAmp™ and MixAmp™ 5.8 are also perfect for your PC, Mac, iPhone, Smartphone, iPad or anything else with a standard headphone jack.

Upgrade Your Current A40s – If you already own an A40 Headset, never fear. ASTRO will soon be releasing a tournament upgrade kit consisting of new ear pads and a new microphone, enabling all A40 owners to take advantage of the latest enhancements to the A40 product line.

The A40 2011 Edition is ready to ship today (1/18/2011) on all A40 Headsets, A40 Audio Systems and A40 Wireless Systems. A40 Tournament Upgrade Kits will be available soon.

- ASTRO stanimal

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Hey everyone! We want to take a moment and update you on our New Years hours. Check it out:

Support

Our Support Team will be active and answering cases during standard business hours. We won’t be answering cases on Saturday and will have limited support on Sunday. Our Support Team will be back in full on Monday, January 3rd.

Shipping

We will not be shipping on Friday, December 31st or Monday, January 3rd. Full shipping will resume Tuesday, January 4th. This means if you placed your order today after 12PM PST, it will ship Tuesday on the 4th. We apologize if this causes any inconvenience.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us over Forums, Twitter, Facebook, or our Support Team!

We at the ASTRO family want to wish all of you a fun and safe New Years Eve! Don’t do anything stupid. Really. (We need you alive and well so you can buy stuff.)

- ASTRO stanimal

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Dear ASTRO holiday survivors,

Congratulations. You’ve survived the insanely huge dinners, the “awesome” relatives, the cheek pinching, and spending way too much money on buying gifts.

Despite all your holiday shenanigans, the time to act on our wireless gear is now. Introductory pricing on our wireless products will end at midnight on 12/31/2010! Our new pricing will be as follows:

- MixAmp 5.8 – Now $99.95, will be $139.95
- A30 Wireless System – Now $199.95, will be $229.95
- A40 Wireless System – Now $249.95, will be $279.95

That basically means you need to hurry up or you can’t complain when you trip over your wires again. Go order your wireless system today!

Take a deep breath and relax as New Years is coming – and so is the PS3 Chat Cable for our (Wireless MixAmp 5.8) and all three colors of our new A*STAR In-ear Headsets. All are currently back in stock now for your post-Christmas purchasing demands.

Lastly, for all you folk in the United Kingdom, just a friendly reminder that the UK VAT will be increasing from 17.5% to 20% on 1/4/2011.

Got any questions? Hit us up on our Forums, Twitter or Facebook!

- ASTRO stanimal

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We’re going to be extending our “Christmas Arrival Shopping Date” with ground shipping all the way through December 21st. This basically means that you can place your order with Ground Shipping up until December 21st at 12PM PST and you’ll get it just in time for Christmas! Ain’t that just grand?

This promotion applies to all orders placed within the 48 States in the USA. For example, you can order from the East Coast (or what some like to refer to as the “Beast Coast”) by 21st (12PM PST) and you’ll get your order before Christmas. International shipments unfortunately don’t apply.

If you’re past the 21st, be sure to check out the shipping calendar above to figure out the best option for your holiday arrival.

So, what are you waiting for? Check out our new wireless options and the A*STARs! Order that special something for that special someone. Or yourself. We won’t judge.

*Please note: Acts of god, weather, alien invasions, and other extraordinary situations may cause delays. We ship via our most reliable shipping partner, FedEx and will do everything we can to deliver like Santa Claus or whatever other holiday superhero you believe in.

Happy Holidays yo!

- ASTRO stanimal

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