The latest new router with WiFi 6 capability is geared towards hardcore gamers.

The Netgear Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR1000 WiFi 6 AX5400 router, in addition to the next-generation Wi-Fi capability, features DumaOS 3.0, a new configuration software which, the company says, is “purpose built for gamers to enjoy superior gameplay and smoother video streaming.” It’s part of Netgear’s Nighthawk Pro Gaming lineup.

The combination of hardware and software enables such features as bandwidth allocation, geofencing, and a traffic controller.

“Netgear is pleased to introduce the latest addition to the Nighthawk Pro Gaming Franchise developed to enhance the online gaming experience and provide improved network performance for an entire household of connected devices,” David Henry, senior vice president of Connected Home Products for Netgear, said in the announcement of the product’s arrival.

“Nighthawk has long been trusted as a performance line of routers that can be depended on for online gaming. Now with the DumaOS 3.0 software and the ultimate WiFi 6 hardware solution, the network will be equipped to handle the load of multiple streaming screens and gaming platforms without compromising on bandwidth or ping rates.”

The router product is also being pitched as something necessary for gamers, at a time when many people are spending more time on their gaming consoles. Moreover, advertisers point out that the next generation of such consoles, from Microsoft and Sony, are set to arrive in the coming months. And the PlayStation 5, it’s been joked, kind of looks like an old router.

“Video games are one of the primary ways friends and family are staying connected through a difficult time,” Mat Piscatella, U.S. video games industry analyst for research firm The NPD Group, said in Netgear’s press release. “The growth in both the number of players across all gaming segments, as well as time spent gaming or watching gaming-related content, reflects the variety and depth of gaming experiences available regardless of device preferences, gaming interests or budget1.”

The Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR1000 WiFi 6 AX5400 router, is available now and retails for $349.99.

Back in June, Netgear unveiled the Orbi AX4200 (RBK752) Wi-Fi 6 mesh system, which joined the flagship WiFi 6 AX6000 Tri-band Mesh System (RBK852). In August, Netgear took the wraps off of the Orbi 4G LTE WiFi Router, which also allows for 4G cellular speeds when Wi-Fi isn’t available.

Wi-Fi 6 was unveiled in 2019, and routers and other products featuring the technology have been rolling out throughout 2020. The FCC also voted this summer to make 1,200 Megahertz of spectrum available for unlicensed use, which will make room for the next step up, Wi-Fi 6E.

Stephen Silver, a technology writer for The National Interest, is a journalist, essayist and film critic, who is also a contributor to Philly Voice, Philadelphia Weekly, the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, Living Life Fearless, Backstage magazine, Broad Street Review and Splice Today. The co-founder of the Philadelphia Film Critics Circle, Stephen lives in suburban Philadelphia with his wife and two sons. Follow him on Twitter at @StephenSilver.

Image: Netgear