CES is one of the biggest events in the tech calendar. Each year it brings with it new and innovative technology, with rumors and hype flying around long before the event even starts.

CES 2021 was different. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, organizers took the decision to deliver the event virtually. While this presented its own problems, there was still a whole host of brands ready to show off their wares.

One sector of the industry that had some really exciting news to share was gaming. So here are some of the gaming tech highlights from CES 2021.

Games Consoles at CES 2021

There is no denying that consoles have been absolutely massive news over the past year.

2020 saw Microsoft releasing its Xbox Series X and Series S consoles. Sony released the PlayStation 5 Standard and Digital Edition devices. And Nintendo was by far and away the best performer of the year, selling record numbers of its Switch and Switch Lite consoles.

However, CES 2021 lacked any major announcements from the big-hitters. Sony was present, but gave nothing away in terms of the PlayStation 5 hardware, instead teasing a few new PS5 games.

That doesn't mean CES 2021 fell short on the console front, though.

The Atari VCS

atari vcs console and controllers

We did see some exciting console-based tech at CES 2021. First off was the new-and-improved Atari VCS, an all-in-one media device from the gaming giant. The Atari VCS is capable of all manner of things, from 4K media streaming to next-gen gaming.

Related: The Atari VCS Is Looking to Fill the "Living Room PC" Gap

The VCS looks like a very exciting device. VCS Developer, David Lowey, states that the intention is for the Atari VCS to liberate the user. Looking at its capabilities, we fully expect a revolutionary device to land in living rooms around the world once the VCS ships out to the general public.

The Analogue Pocket

analogue pocket handheld console

Also present was Analogue, who brought its Analogue Pocket to the virtual event. The device, which looks a lot like a Game Boy in terms of form factor and layout, can play a whole range of retro console games.

The Pocket, however, is no emulator. You don't load gray-area ROMs onto the device to launch through emulation software. Instead, you use adapters at the back of the device to play Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance cartridges.

That's right, the Pocket plays original carts that would also work perfectly well in an original Game Boy. Rather than game emulation, this is a device with game preservation at its core.

Gaming PCs at CES 2021

CES 2021 also saw plenty of action from the gaming PC arena. Gaming laptops were a major focal point, with several brands vying for our virtual attention.

Here's what we found in terms of gaming PCs at CES 2021.

Razer

razer 17 laptop in use

Razer had plenty to show off at CES 2021 and not everything was PC-related (the company showcased a concept Razer face mask and a concept Razer immersive gaming chair).

However, it was Razer's next-generation gaming laptops that stole the show. With upgrades to the Blade 15 laptops and Blade 17 laptops, there was plenty of new hardware to salivate over.

All the new laptops feature Nvidia's next-gen graphics cards, so if ray-tracing is high on your list of gaming requirements, you're in luck.

MSI

MSI Dragon edition laptop

MSI also stepped up to the plate with a bunch of new gaming laptops. Like the Razer Blades, MSI's machines pack Nvidia 30-series graphics, so you're in for a visual treat at the very least.

They boast plenty of other pleasant features, too, particularly when we consider the GE76 Raider Dragon Edition Tiamat. Looking at the specs, this laser-etched beauty has as much fire in its belly as any flame-breathing serpent.

Related: MSI Reveals Powerful New Gaming Laptops at CES 2021

Elsewhere, MSI also revealed a host of gaming SSDs, brand new to the market. All this alongside a nimble-looking gaming mouse!

Gaming Accessories at CES 2021

Consoles and gaming PCs aside, there was a wide range of accessories available to pore over, too.

We saw the usual sort of fare, like Mad Catz' new gaming mouse, but it was accessibility that took center stage at CES 2021.

The Knuckles-5

knuckles5 black and white variants in hand

The Knuckles-5 really was a joy to encounter at CES 2021. Not least because it controls both UAVs and video games, but also thanks to the heartwarming story behind its new-found direction as a product.

Initially, founder Kostiantyn Borysov intended you to use the contraption to control your RC drone. It is highly customizable, with more axes of movement than you can shake a stick at, so it is an ideal solution for the serious UAV enthusiast.

Related: The Knuckles-5 Can Control Your Drone and Your Video Games

However, an internet plea left Borysov wondering if he could modify his existing flight controller for use as a joystick, too. It turns out he can, and he has, which is what we see with the Knuckles-5 today.

Impulse

Presumably, improving your game is going to be something that all players want to do. Impulse helps you do that. How? By allowing you to control your mouse with your mind, of course!

It is a glove that its makers claim measures muscle contraction with incredible accuracy, meaning you can pop head shots off before you realize you've even thought about it and pressed the mouse button.

The Impulse doesn't replace your mouse, but it works with it to provide reaction times that are 50-60 milliseconds faster than with a mouse. The video above explains exactly how Impulse operates.

Miscellaneous Gaming Tech at CES 2021

The nature of a tech show like CES means that you will always come across some cool or wacky stuff that isn't another curved 1440 monitor or a gaming chair. The kind of stuff that blows you away even though it isn't a console.

We saw some really cool, leftfield gaming tech at CES 2021. Here's a little selection.

Stern Pinball

stern led zeppelin pinball machine

OK, so it might not be strictly the kind of tech you'd expect to see at CES 2021, but we couldn't see the opportunity to give Stern's new Led Zeppelin pinball machine a Whole Lotta Love.

This is an awesome pinball machine which offers a lot to the player. The machine plays a different Led Zeppelin track every time you progress to a new game level, with new game features popping up with each chorus and verse.

The backbox comes complete with high-powered speakers and an LCD display for score and animations. Anyway, if you think a pinball machine isn't a complicated, highly technical device, you should check under the hood of a modern game.

Bigger Inside

how you look in the protocol 233 virtual reality game

Bigger Inside hit CES 2021 with its awesome-looking Protocol 223 game. A blend of laser tag and virtual reality, the game looks like Tron on steroids, and looks fantastic fun to boot.

Players wear a full body suit, headphones, and a VR headset. The immersive experience sees them traversing an existing "real world" venue (which, at present, there is one of, and it is in Marseille, France) with a completely virtual reality before their eyes.

Related: Bigger Inside Brings Virtual Reality Shoot-Outs to CES 2021

The implications of this device, particularly for esports, should not be ignored. Indeed, Bigger Inside plans to hold major tournaments once the project has expanded. And we can't wait.

(Almost) All the Best Gaming Tech From CES 2021

ces

You've now seen what we saw at CES 2021 and we're sure you'll agree there were some really exciting innovations showcased this year.

One thing that CES always does is raise an eyebrow or two, and that it did with all the weird and wonderful tech on offer at the 2021 expo.