Attention console and PC gamers.

This has been annoying me recently so I wanted to write something about it. Lots of people are always saying *insert console here* is underpowered. Usually they mean in comparison to PC.

Well guess what? Compared to PC, CONSOLES ARE ALWAYS UNDERPOWERED! You will ALWAYS be able to build a PC that destroys the newest consoles if you're willing to put the money and effort into it. That's just reality. There's absolutely ZERO point in bitching about console horsepower, on the Internet or anywhere else.

Consoles are about three main things. Cost, ease of use and exclusives. Consoles are a cheaper option that are generally easier to set up and use. They also tend to have (at least, eventually) a library of games that you can only play on that hardware. If you're getting a console to obsess over graphics, you've already lost.

If you're a fan of having the latest and greatest, build yourself an amazing PC and have a happy life. I have a really good gaming PC myself, and can attest that it's awesome. I also have a Wii U and recently picked up a PS4. I know damn well that the PS4 and Wii U won't be able to compete with my PC, I don't care. The Wii U has an awesome library of exclusives and the PS4 will as well. The only thing you need to worry about is the games. Where ever the games you want to play are, go there and enjoy them. Build a PC, buy a console, do both! Just enjoy yourself.

New to #GamerGate? Check this out.

Before I get started, I wanted to add something up top. The #GamerGate community has been, by a large margin, the best online community I've ever been a part of. These are some of the nicest, funniest, bravest people I've ever known. The community is also the most diverse group of people I've ever spoken to. There are many men, woman, people of every shade and hue, orientation and location around the world.

If anyone has told you that this is a hate group targeting women, they have lied to you. Either intentionally or through ignorance, they have steered you wrong. This is an amazing group of people and I'm honored to be among them every single day. I hope that you get the chance to see this as well. Okay, end rant, begin post...

I wanted to make a post for anyone who might either be new to #GamerGate or who has heard (probably incorrect) things about it in the media. Here are a few videos that should catch you up.

Not much time? Check this out. #GamerGate in 60 seconds.
This is a very good, very quick summary of the #GamerGate movement/revolt. If you see nothing else, watch this.



HuffPost Live: 3 Strong Women Of #GamerGate Fight Back!
Three awesome ladies (two of which support #GamerGate, one who's neutral) go on the Huffington Post Live stream to try and set the record straight.



What critics of GamerGate get wrong
From the always awesome Christina Hoff Sommors, a prominent feminist, a look at what the media has gotten wrong about #GamerGate.



I was going to compile some interesting reading here, but I think the GamerGate wiki page does a much better job. So go check that out if you want to learn more.

Have any questions or concerns? Head over to Twitter and use the #GamerGate hashtag and ask. There are plenty of people who would love to help you out by answering any questions that you might have.

Karen Straughan: My talk at KSUM's Male Students in Peril conference.

Win an Amiibo of your choice.

Just a small post here, there's a contest running to win an Amiibo of your choice. Check it out here.

Update, #GamerGate toys for tots.

So I haven't posted here in a while or done anything on Youtube, I thought I would give an update and share something cool. I've been fairly sick for a while and am still recovering from it. I've been pretty active on Twitter with #GamerGate but that's pretty much it. Hopefully sometime in the next week or so I'll get more active with the blog/Youtube stuff. As for now, I've got something I want you to check out.

If you've been following #GamerGate, then hopefully you're aware that we've raised a good bit of money for charity, despite being called a bunch of bigoted/misogynist/racists by the mainstream media. Right now some of us are trying to raise money for Toys for Tots. It's a good cause, so if you want to get in on it, visit the page right here.

That's all for now. Hopefully I'll post more soon. Have a good one and stay awesome.

The Lie Heard Around the World #GamerGate #NotYourShield

The more people see this, the better. Not that a lot of people will see it here, but any amount is good. I'm really disappointed in MSNBC.

How TO remove a zip tie!

Here's the previous version of this, a joke video titled how NOT to remove a zip tie.

I'm on board with #GamerGate

What a few weeks it's been, if you've been following the big kerfuffle surrounding gaming journalism, or the lack thereof. I'm not going to write a huge article describing GamerGate to you, as it's been done already and I'm not the best at doing that. Basically GamerGate is about Gamers being sick of gaming "journalists" being rotten and we're also sick of being labeled as mysogynyst or anti-woman. If you want get caught up on the issue, here are a few good links for you.

This infographic is a nice summary for those new to the issue.

Here's a great article on the subject as well.

InternetAristocrat's videos do a good job of covering things as they happen.

I'm usually retweeting interesting things on the issue, so you can follow me on Twitter to see that stuff.

So hyped for Legend of Korra season 4.

One of my absolute favorite TV shows is The Legend of Korra. It's getting a fourth, and final, season soon. Here's the new trailer:



If you haven't seen this show yet, I highly recommend you do so. The first series, The Last Airbender, is also excellent.

Internet Slowdown.

Fight for the future.
Battle for the net.
Contact your representative.
Contact your congressman.

Fenix PD35 2014 Edition Flashlight impressions.

Here's the product link.

DPS: Let's Play Minecraft Episode 9.

The "new" 3DS... a mistake?

So in case you haven't heard, Nintendo announced the "new" Nintendo 3DS through a Japanese Nintendo Direct recently. If you want more details, here's a good article. Check that out and then come back.

Caught up? Excellent. It looks cool, but it has me a bit worried. Don't get me wrong, as someone who doesn't currently own a 3DS, I'll probably get one. Here's the problem, the system has a faster CPU and roughly double the RAM. And as the article states, there's already one game confirmed to work only on the "new" Nintendo 3DS, Xenoblade.

In case you weren't aware, the 3DS has sold a shit ton so there's a lot of people who have already paid money for a 3DS that won't be playing portable Xenoblade... unless they upgrade.

Now, new models of handhelds and indeed, home consoles are nothing new. Pretty much all of Nintendo's handhelds have gotten tweaked or upgraded versions, although these upgrades are usually cosmetic, or change something non-essential like manufacturing cost, usability and battery life. Nothing that anyone absolutely needs. Well, at least for the portable version of Xenoblade and whatever other games may come out that require this new revision, you will absolutely need it.

Things like an extra analog thumbpad... thing and buttons can be added to an existing 3DS right now via an addon. The NFC capabilities required to read Amiibo figures will come to existing 3DS systems via another addon. There's no way, however, to add a faster processor or extra ram to your current 3DS. This segments the market in a way that few other hardware revisions have. I honestly think they should have just waited a year or two and announced a true sequel to the 3DS system with faster hardware, more ram and its own library of games that only it can play. Doing this sort of... 3DS 1.5 just seems bizarre.

I'm not really upset about this myself, I just find it weird. I also wonder how people are going to react to this. Is the 3DS, Nintendo and their library, so beloved and respected that Nintendo will get away with this without too much backlash? Am I just crazy in questioning it at all? I'm really not sure. We're just going to have to wait and see, I suppose. But it's not what I would have done.

What do you think about all this? Leave a comment below and let me know.

Wii U - Games of Past, Present and Future

Nintendo posted this today and I thought I would share.



If you haven't gotten a Wii U, now is an excellent time.

Nintendo Wii U 32GB Mario & Luigi Deluxe Set

DPS: Let's Play Happy Wheels Episode 2.

DPS: Let's Play Minecraft Episode 8.

My sister is doing a Let's Play of Dust An Elysian Tale.

Check out the first episode right here.



If you want to see more from her, visit her Youtube channel right here.

DPS: Let's Play Happy Wheels Episode 1.

Top 5 Youtube videos you should watch.

Since I've been doing a lot of Youtube stuff lately, I thought I would share with you a list of videos I think you should check out. This list isn't in any particular order. Have a look...

A Cycle of Perpetration and Apology (Jimquisition)


Don't talk to police


The Law You Won't Be Told


Cuil Theory


Why Did We Blow On Nintendo Games?


Did you laugh? Learn something? Hate all the videos? Leave a comment below and tell me. Feel free to share your favorite videos as well.

DPS: Let's Play Minecraft Episode 7.

Mini Review: DEMCiflex case filters.

DEMCifilter website.

DPS: Let's Play Minecraft Episode 6.

Mini review: NZXT Hue

NZXT Hue
Corsair Air 540

DPS: Let's Play Minecraft Episode 5.

Corsair Air 540 Impressions/Mini Review.

Product link.

DPS: Let's Play Minecraft Episode 4.

DPS: Let's Play Minecraft Episode 3.

Folding Clip Point Serrated Gator Knife.

My thoughts on this knife.



Product link.

DPS: Let's Play Minecraft Episode 2.

DPS: Let's Play Minecraft Episode 1.

I thought I would try my hand at these "minecraft videos" that seem to be all the rage last year. Have a look.



I'll probably be doing more soon. Let me know what you think of it.

Just in case you haven't seen this yet...

Trying out typeracer.

I found an fun little website recently and decided to give it a try, while recording it. Check out the video.



Here's the website link so you can give it a shot for yourself.

My sister is doing Let's Plays.

So my sister decided to give the whole Youtube/Let's Play thing a shot, so I helped her get that set up recently. She uploaded her first video today, check it out.



Her voice volume is a little low, but we'll get that sorted out. Make sure to visit her channel and subscribe to it here.

The Internet will make you a terrible person

Minecraft experiment.

I've decided to host a Minecraft server for a while, with no rules, just to see what happens. Check out the video...



Just in case you have annotations off or can't see the server information in the video, here it is...

Server address: ip.DavidGX.com
Port: 25565 (this is the standard Minecraft port, you shouldn't have to enter anything)
Contact info: DavidGX@gmail.com

P.S. I'M ON A PHONE! (inside joke)

Mario Wiimote Plus Impressions

Giving my impressions and a quick overview of the Mario Wiimote. Check it out.



Product link.

How to deal with junk mail.

I'm pretty excited about this video. Not that the part with me is anything too special, it's the part at the very end. I made an end card and switched to a different video editor. It allowed me to make it really fancy. Check it out.

CISPA is back... as CISA

After the Internet got CISPA killed, it apparently lay dormant for a while and is now back as CISA. This one is, apparently, even worse so we need to get this one killed as well.

Click here to sign the petition. Be sure to spread this around where ever you can. This one needs to die.

This is too good not to post.

Not exactly new, but something I saw recently and had to share. It's a clip from Bill Maher's movie "Religulous." You can just see the regret on the face of the senator right after he speaks. You can also see the amazed/dumbfounded look on Bill Maher's face. Check it out.

Saggy pants are AWESOME!

Stream Recap: DLC Quest, first quest.

Stream Recap: Trying out Don't Starve.

This is my first experiment uploading Twitch broadcasts to my Youtube channel. Have a look.

Petition for a new F-Zero for Wii U.

So one of the few things we didn't get was a new F-Zero game. A petition was launched to show that we, the fans, want a new one. I just signed it and am asking you to do the same.

There's a misconception that online petitions don't do anything, especially for anything video game related, but that's not the case. Several games have been localized for the USA based on petitions and the original Dark Souls was brought to PC because of a petition. They can work if they get enough support and if the company is interested. If you want a new F-Zero, now is a good time to show that there's real interest from paying customers in getting one.

Sign the petition.

Also, please share this post or the petition link itself with your friends and anyone else you know that might be interested.

Super Mega E3 Nintendo Trailer Post of Ridiculousness!

Since I'm a big Nintendo fan and am really happy with their performance at E3 2014, I thought I would share some trailers they released. There's plenty more on the official Nintendo Youtube channel but these are my favorites.

I should note that the reveal for the new Legend of Zelda doesn't have its own trailer. Footage of that can be seen in the E3 2014 Nintendo Direct right here.

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker

Bayonetta 2

Hyrule Warriors

Kirby and the Rainbow Curse

Xenoblade Chronicles X

Mario Maker

Splatoon

Mario vs Donkey Kong

Mario Party 10

E3 2014 thoughts and impressions.

Nintendo @ E3 Games

It's time to contact the FCC again.

I urged you just recently to contact the FCC and FCC chairman Tom Wheeler. I still recommend you follow my advice and do so, but now that the new FCC rules for "net neutrality" (notice the quotes) have been proposed, they're taking comments from the public on them. We need to email them, now. In massive numbers. We need to let them know that the proposed rules are garbage and we need REAL, BINDING net neutrality. None of this watered down bullshit.

A funny video popped up recently by John Oliver. It's from his show on HBO. He explains the issue and is hilarious as always. Have a look...



Click here to be taken directly to fcc.gov/comments. If the page is down due to high traffic, you can send an email directly to openinternet@fcc.gov

This is super important so I would really appreciate you contacting the FCC. The future of the Internet as we know it is at stake.

MECO CREE XML T6 LED Flashlight impressions

I'm a big fan of this flashlight. It's awesome.

Amazon link.

Pumped for Mario Kart 8.

Mario Kart 8 looks awesome and I'm pumped, I hope you are too.

If you want to get a physical copy, one good place to do so is right here.

Are you pumped for Mario Kart 8?

If not, you should be. Now that the embargo for reviews has lifted, they've been flooding in and seem universally positive. Not that anything else should be expected for Mario Kart, but it's still good to hear. Here are some excerpts from a few...

"Once again Mario and friends are suiting up and tearing up the track, with 16 all-new courses and 16 remakes. Although a number of Mario Kart games have featured track reworks in the past, this time around they're depicted in glorious HD, which makes a world of difference and utterly transforms them in a way that wasn't previously possible." - Destructoid

"Mario Kart 8 lifts that winning formula from the blurred, blocky home of Mario Kart Wii, providing a drastic boost in visual quality in the series' first lap in HD. From rippling, Cheep Cheep-infested waters to the marks left on the pavement from sharp turns, Mario's brand of racing looks the best it ever has." - joystiq

"Mario Kart 8 is a beautiful, fun kart racer that introduces sound new ideas to Nintendo’s 22-year old franchise. " - IGN

And that's just a few. I certainly didn't need the big gaming sites to give it good reviews, but it doesn't hurt. I'll be downloading my digital copy the moment it's available on the Nintendo eShop, and I'll let you know soon after what I think of the game. Spoiler alert: I'll probably love it.

If you prefer physical copies, you can get yours right here.

If you get Mario Kart, either as a physical copy or digital one, make sure you let me know what you think of it.

Call Tom Wheeler and demand REAL Net Neutrality!

UPDATE 2: Want to do even more? This site allows you to send faxes directly from the web page. Send one to the FCC's toll-free fax number 1-866-418-0232 and ask that Internet be classified as a "Title II Service" to guarantee Net Neutrality. Thanks!

UPDATE: There's something else I need you to do. Click Here to find your representatives. I need you to call each one of them and ask that Internet be classified as a Title II Service so we can have real, iron-clad Net Neutrality. I just did this myself and would genuinely appreciate it if you would as well.

I wasn't going to make my own video, but I was inspired recently by calling Tom Wheeler and leaving a message on the subject, so here you go.



Click here to be taken to a page with the appropriate phone number and a script, if you want one. I went by the script and added my own thoughts after, which I describe in the video above.

For more detailed information on the subject, see the post below this one.

Defend Net Neutrality.

I was going to make a video on this subject, but others have done a better job than I would have, so I'll simply share their videos here. Have a look.

Here's a great, informative video on the subject by CGP Grey.


Click here to visit his channel.

Here's a funny video from Boogie2988, playing his Francis character.


Click here to visit his channel.

In addition to the funny video, he provided a lot of very useful contact information which I'll repost here.

Further Reading:
http://youtu.be/vuctDRAQPwE
What can you do?
Write and CALL your representatives:
http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/

Contact everyone at the fcc:
Chairman Tom Wheeler: Tom.Wheeler@fcc.gov
Commissioner Mignon Clyburn: Mignon.Clyburn@fcc.gov
Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel: Jessica.Rosenworcel@fcc.gov
Commissioner Ajit Pai: Ajit.Pai@fcc.gov
Commissioner Michael O'Rielly: Mike.O'Rielly@fcc.gov Sign a petition
https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/restore-net-neutrality-directing-fcc-classify-internet-providers-common-carriers/5CWS1M4P

Do me, yourself and the entire Internet a huge favor by emailing ALL of those addresses, at once to make it easier for yourself, and ask them to classify ISPs as "Common Carriers" and protect Net Neutrality. I don't want to see an Internet without it, and I hope you don't either. Please join me and many others by doing whatever we can to defend it.

Quick rant about the video game industry.

I've written on this topic here before, but since I'm doing the Youtube thing now I decided to make a video about it.

Here's 5 interesting subreddits.

Reddit is an interesting place. You've probably heard of it and even used it, but check out these 5 interesting subreddits. You just might learn something cool.

1. /r/wicked_edge

This subreddit is dedicated to the art of wet shaving. This type of shaving usually uses older shaving gear, such as safety razors and straight razors. I've switched to using a safety razor myself, and love it so far. It's much, MUCH cheaper than buying all those multi-blade cartridges and much more satisfying.

2. /r/Keyboards

Keyboards used to be based on mechanical switches, but most modern keyboards you buy use a rubber membrane under the keys. Pressing this down onto the circuit board completes a circuit. Recently, mechanical keyboards have been a roaring comeback. People like the way they feel and sound much better than membrane keyboards. I plan on getting one myself soon.

3. /r/Futurology

This subreddit is dedicated to study, speculation and information on future technology of all kinds. A very interesting read.

4. /r/privacy

Privacy is a pretty big subject right after, post-NSA revelations. There's a lot of really useful information here on the subject.

5. /r/unexpected

A pretty funny read, a lot of stuff that's... what... unexpected. Just note that the links should be considered NSFW, whether they're marked that way or not.

There's my list. Did I miss any? Let me know what you think in the comments below.

Game Theory: Are Gamers Killing Video Games?

I've linked this on Twitter, but I wanted to post it here to make sure I can get as many people to see it as possible.



Whenever a sales report comes out that shows Nintendo isn't doing so well with their Wii U, I think about this video. Gamers everywhere shout "WE WANT NEW STUFF!" then when Nintendo gives us something new, gamers shout "THAT'S TOO DIFFERENT! WE WANT THE SAME STUFF!"

This video explores the subject better than I can, so I won't rant any more. Just watch it. Let me know what you think.

A list of things that should never be said online ever again.

It really is time for these to die, don't you think? A man can dream...

I want you to try a(n) (Xbox 360) game.

Which game? Have a look.



Interested? Here's a link to buy the game on Amazon. I highly recommend it.

I think you should buy a Wii U.

With the recent Mario Kart 8 footage, now is a great time to own a Wii U. Here are the video links.

New courses and items trailer
GameXplain coverage trailer
IGN coverage

Buy a Wii U
Buy Mario Kart 8

Quick (video) Recommendation: Datavac Electric Duster.

I've recommended this here before, but I like this thing so much I thought I would do it again in video form.



Datavac Electric Duster

How NOT to remove a zip tie.

Earlier I made a little video that I thought people mind find useful. Take a look.



I hope you found that informative.

Another Twitch/Status update.

I haven't posted in a good while, so I thought I should put something here. How are things? I'm doing pretty well. I've been streaming on Twitch almost daily. I must say I'm enjoying it, especially the behind-the-scenes stuff like designing and refining my graphics. I tend to tinker with that stuff endlessly.

To facilitate my Twitch streaming I've purchased a high-end Microphone and Webcam. I'll give you my impressions of those right now.... in a video.



I'll start doing more posts soon, and doing some of those in video form. Below are links to the webcam and mic I used.

Logitech C920 webcam.
Blue Yeti mic.

New mic, Twitch update.

I probably should have added this to the previous post, but oh well. I recently got a new microphone to increase the quality of my Twitch streams. It's the Blue Yeti. So far the sound is excellent, a definite upgrade from my gaming headset's mic. I highly recommend it to anyone doing anything that requires high quality capture of your voice or instruments.

I hope to stream more regularly now, every single day unless I absolutely can't. Check out my channel here and don't forget to follow me. Stop by some time during a stream and say hello, I'm always watching chat. If you want quick notice of when I go live, following me on Twitch and Twitter is the best way to do that.

Bleh, Comcast...

So I get my new modem, good stuff. We call Comcast to get it activated and holy hell, what a pain. We're told that the old one has been deactivated/turned off/whatever and we hook up the new one as instructed. After a while of oddity and confusion they get it to the point where it connects and will load the "activate your shit" page but no further. Trying to activate it in the browser fails and after trying several things and getting only errors, they give up. Someone is scheduled to show up here in the near future to deal with it in person. Fun.

Keep in mind that the modem is fully compatible with Comcast. In fact, it was on a list of approved modems on the Comcast web site. They got the model# of the modem and never questioned that fact, but it's odd how it would be so difficult to get this working correctly. It seems that getting Comcast to do anything over the phone is always a nightmare. I just wish we could call them up, give them the info off the old and new modems and have it done in 10 minutes or so. Clean and easy. If only. I'll post another update after their technician has come and gone.

Keep your modem, Comcast. I'll get my own.

So two or three months ago I got a letter from my ISP, Comcast, saying basically "dawg, that modem might not be rad enough for our sp33dz, upgrade dat shit yo." My current modem is a DOCSIS 2.0 modem, and I had heard that they were upgrading to 3.0 so I figured that was probably an accurate assessment of the current situation. I requested a better one and received a modem that doubled as a wireless router.

Two problems with that. First, I already have a wireless router. It's quite a bit better than anything you've got, Comcrap. The second problem is the settings for the wireless router could not be changed... whoops! No thanks, fuck that. I'd rather random people not be using my modem/router as a public hotspot. In case you hadn't heard, that's an actual thing that Comcast is apparently doing. Google it.

My planned solution, which I've heard is probably something I should have done a long time ago, is to just buy my own modem and stop renting a shitty one from Comcast. The one I plan on getting is this one which was on a list of officially approved/recommended modems from Comcast's website. I'll get that in the near future and we'll see how that goes. I'll post the results and a review of the modem when this goes down.

Twitch.tv Streaming.

Lately I've been watching (and enjoying) a few people stream various video games on Twitch.tv, so I've decided to give it a shot myself. I've already streamed a bit on my first day and so far, I like it. I streamed a bit of Rust and then some League of Legends with a couple friends. I'll likely stream more soon, so watch out for it.

If you follow me on Twitter @DavidGX you'll get a message there whenever I start streaming. The best way to to be notified is to follow me on Twitch directly. Check out my Twitch.tv channel right here and be sure to follow me there.

Please stop by during a stream and and say hello, chat a bit and be sure to give me any suggestions for games to stream. Some people who stream get donations, although I don't really expect to get much in the way of that. I plan on buying a friend of mine a copy of Planetary Annihilation if I actually happen to get enough money together, through Twitch streaming or other means.

Personal Recommendation: Nintendo 3DS XL

First post of 2014, hooray... or something.

So as part of the recent holidays, I got some money which I used to purchase a Nintendo 3DS XL and a few games. It's a special edition gold and black Zelda themed system that comes with the game The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds. On top of the included game, I also got Pokemon X, Animal Crossing New Leaf, Dead or Alive Dimensions, Liberation Maiden, Shantae: Risky's Revenge and Art of Balance Touch. So far, I really really like the 3DS. I guess I'm kind of late to the party on this, as Nintendo has sold a ton of these things, but I'm very impressed.

I only got one recently due to a belief I had that Nintendo would release a revised system with a second thumb stick. They never did, so I decided to grab one when I saw the chance. I honestly wish I had as soon as the 3DS as soon as the XL models came out. The system seems well designed and the game library is absolutely incredible. There's plenty of games I'd still like to get, when I have the time to enjoy them and the money to purchase them.

If you've been on the fence, let me recommend that you go ahead and grab a 3DS for yourself. If you get one, or already have one, feel free to add me. My friend code is: 1950 - 9016 - 7165. If you add mine, make sure to leave a comment with yours so I can add you as well. Here's some relevant links (minus digital only products) if you're interested in anything I mentioned.

Nintendo 3DS XL

The Legend of Zelda A Link Between Worlds

Pokemon X

Animal Crossing New Leaf

Dead or Alive Dimensions