Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Ben Heck invents controller-mounted Hot Pocket holder]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/ben-heck-invents-controller-mounted-hot-pocket-holder/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/ben-heck-invents-controller-mounted-hot-pocket-holder/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/ben-heck-invents-controller-mounted-hot-pocket-holder/#comments
You want to play Xbox games, but you also want to eat a piping hot microwaved meat turnover. What do you do? If you're us, you have to clean your controller. If you're renowned modder Ben Heckendorn, you go into your workshop and build a Hot Pocket pocket that clips to your Xbox controller.

Heck's device is literally the most impressive Hot Pocket technology we've ever seen, allowing the hungry gamer to slowly slide the sandwich out of the holder as it is eaten. It is also the only Hot Pocket technology we've ever seen.

We must admit, as fans of the Periborg "Shock-C" gaming food delivery tech, we're impressed. Now if you'll excuse us, we have to go attach a pizza cutter to a Wiimote.

JoystiqBen Heck invents controller-mounted Hot Pocket holder originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoriesben-heckhot-pockethot-pocketsmicrosoftmodxboxTue, 24 Jan 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ben Heck turns an iCade into an iPhone gamepad before iCade can]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/ben-heck-turns-an-icade-into-an-iphone-gamepad-before-icade-can/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/ben-heck-turns-an-icade-into-an-iphone-gamepad-before-icade-can/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/ben-heck-turns-an-icade-into-an-iphone-gamepad-before-icade-can/#comments
Not to be confused with iCade's recently announced official controller, Ben Heck's preemptive strike against iCade's $80 enclosure is made possible through reverse-engineering the original iCade unit. We suppose Heck's version isn't a more prudent alternative, but that doesn't make a magician's work any less interesting.

Heck's game pad features eight face buttons, a pair of triggers on the top and a d-pad on the left side. It's more function than form but, as you can see, it gets the job done.

JoystiqBen Heck turns an iCade into an iPhone gamepad before iCade can originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben-heckgamepadhackiosipadiphonemobilemodThu, 12 Jan 2012 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ben Heck gets into the pinball business]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/27/ben-heck-gets-into-the-pinball-business/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/27/ben-heck-gets-into-the-pinball-business/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/27/ben-heck-gets-into-the-pinball-business/#comments We guess Ben Heck grew tired of all the international espionage and constant copulation that comes with being a world-renowned console modder. His new project, Pinball Inventor, sees him teaming up with John Popadiuk to offer custom, original pinball games to the wealthy public.

The first game up on docket is Ben Heck's Zombie Adventureland, with hand-drawn artwork and hand-assembled machinery. Pre-orders open in January, though the two have offered no pricing info or word on how many machines will be produced.

JoystiqBen Heck gets into the pinball business originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Oct 2011 03:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben-heckben-heckendornjohn-popadiukpinball-inventorThu, 27 Oct 2011 03:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Ben Heck creates automatic Xbox 360 disc changer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/ben-heck-creates-automatic-xbox-360-disc-changer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/ben-heck-creates-automatic-xbox-360-disc-changer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/ben-heck-creates-automatic-xbox-360-disc-changer/#comments Ben Heck is truly a master of manipulating manufactured goods, and nothing proves his mechanical prowess more than his latest creation: an Xbox 360 disc changer. Heck has taken the 360's DVD drive and placed it inside a heavily modified Sony CD changer. He then uses an Arduino microcontroller to control disc selection, and solders the whole kit-and-caboodle onto the 360's motherboard.

For all us lazy slobs at Joystiq, it's a beautiful dream to behold. We doubt we'll ever have the opportunity to actually buy one, but modding community element14 is giving away Ben's prototype, if signing up for forums to win homemade Xbox disc-changers is your scene.

JoystiqBen Heck creates automatic Xbox 360 disc changer originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Jul 2011 20:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto-disc-changerautomatic-disc-changerben-heckben-heckendornmicrosoftmodmoddedmoddermoddingxboxMon, 11 Jul 2011 20:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 plus Atari 2600 equals Ben Heck's latest mod (also 2,960)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/xbox-360-plus-atari-2600-equals-ben-hecks-latest-mod-also-2-96/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/xbox-360-plus-atari-2600-equals-ben-hecks-latest-mod-also-2-96/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/xbox-360-plus-atari-2600-equals-ben-hecks-latest-mod-also-2-96/#comments While not his most practical modification to date, Ben Heck has created one of his most unique consoles yet. Check out Heck's Frankensteinian mash-up of the Xbox 360 and Atari 2600 in the hefty, 23-minute-long video posted here.

Continue reading Xbox 360 plus Atari 2600 equals Ben Heck's latest mod (also 2,960)

JoystiqXbox 360 plus Atari 2600 equals Ben Heck's latest mod (also 2,960) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atari-2600ben-heckconsolehackmicrosoftmodthe-ben-heck-showxboxTue, 22 Mar 2011 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ben Heck builds a portable Sega CDX]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/ben-heck-builds-a-portable-sega-cdx/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/ben-heck-builds-a-portable-sega-cdx/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/ben-heck-builds-a-portable-sega-cdx/#comments Remember how when you were a kid, your parents would see you playing video games for hours and force you to go outside and "get some fresh air," whatever that meant? Remember how you would then sneak down into the sewers and pretend you were playing Sewer Shark? Remember that? Uh, you have no idea what we're talking about, do you? Great, now we look like a bunch of weirdos.

Now that our whole intro is shot, we'll get right to the point: Ben Heckendorn has used his Frankenstein-like ability to create new life from old, defunct consoles to make handheld console out of the Sega CDX, making the dream of subterranean Sewer Shark possible. As you can see in the image above, it's quite small -- the portable taps an old camcorder battery for power, a gutted Genesis pad for the controls and a four-inch LCD screen for the display. It's an impressive mod (as the majority of Ben Heck's work is), whose creation is documented in the video just past the break.

Continue reading Ben Heck builds a portable Sega CDX

JoystiqBen Heck builds a portable Sega CDX originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 21:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben-heckmodmodssegasega-cdsega-cdxTue, 08 Feb 2011 21:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Rugged Outdoor Gaming Units, Etc making PS3s for the 'harshest of conditions']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/rugged-outdoor-gaming-units-etc-making-ps3s-for-the-harshest-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/rugged-outdoor-gaming-units-etc-making-ps3s-for-the-harshest-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/rugged-outdoor-gaming-units-etc-making-ps3s-for-the-harshest-o/#comments Rugged Outdoor Gaming Units, Etc (aka ROGUE) is looking to service our armed forces with rugged all-in-one gaming devices. The goal? "To provide every every big kid with entertainment no matter where his travels take him." The product? The Staff Sergeant PeliStation, available beginning the spring of next year.

Priced at $1750, the PeliStation includes a 1080p 22" HD display, built-in PS3, a surge protector and four network outputs. "With a weight of just 35 lbs., this complete setup is easy to carry whether you're going on a weekend camping trip or year-long deployment to the desert," the product description adds. While a feat of engineering, we can't help but wonder if the rumored PSP2 would better serve this purpose?

JoystiqRugged Outdoor Gaming Units, Etc making PS3s for the 'harshest of conditions' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben-heckplaystationps3roguerugged-outdoor-gaming-units-etcWed, 22 Dec 2010 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Killzone 3 has considerably less input lag than its predecessor]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/06/killzone-3-has-considerably-less-lag-than-its-predecessor/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/06/killzone-3-has-considerably-less-lag-than-its-predecessor/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/06/killzone-3-has-considerably-less-lag-than-its-predecessor/#comments Digital Foundry has taken its mathematical approach to examining the deep inner workings of games to whole new heights with is recent lag analysis of the Killzone 3 multiplayer beta. Using a special controller (designed by modder extraordinaire Ben Heck), the DF team measured the exact amount of time that passed between pressing R1 and the in-game gun actually firing a bullet: 116ms. According to the blog, that's about 33ms shorter than the lag present in Killzone 2, which apparently makes a world of difference in twitchy shooters of this ilk.

Check out a video of the group's study, as well as a few other odds and ends about the technical side of the beta, over on Eurogamer.

JoystiqKillzone 3 has considerably less input lag than its predecessor originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Nov 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben-heckdigital-foundryGuerrilla-GamesKillzone-3lagplaystationps3Sony-Computer-EntertainmentSat, 06 Nov 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Steel Battalion: Heavy Armor goes button-free on Kinect]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/15/steel-battalion-heavy-armor-goes-button-free-on-kinect/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/15/steel-battalion-heavy-armor-goes-button-free-on-kinect/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/15/steel-battalion-heavy-armor-goes-button-free-on-kinect/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Well, this is ... unexpected. The "Steel Battalion" franchise, perhaps best remembered for its 1,980-button controller, is coming to a platform that requires none. Microsoft has just announced that From Software will bring Steel Battalion: Heavy Armor to the 360 via Kinect. Well, technically, Microsoft just said the game will have "Kinect Enablement," so we guess there's still a chance you'll be able to play with a standard controller, we can't say for sure.

Now those of you who already own Steel Battalion controllers ... well, you're probably out of luck. Maybe a job for Ben Heck?

Gallery: Steel Battalion: Heavy Armor (Kinect)

Continue reading Steel Battalion: Heavy Armor goes button-free on Kinect

JoystiqSteel Battalion: Heavy Armor goes button-free on Kinect originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 23:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben-heckfrom-softwaremicrosoftsteel-battalionsteel-battalion-heavy-armortgs-2010xboxxbox-360Wed, 15 Sep 2010 23:05:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: The Ben Heck Show starts today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/13/psa-the-ben-heck-show-starts-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/13/psa-the-ben-heck-show-starts-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/13/psa-the-ben-heck-show-starts-today/#comments Perhaps you missed our first missive last week about Ben Heckendorn's new modding show on Revision3? That's a real shame. But no worries -- it starts today! Wanna learn how to make a one-handed Xbox 360 controller or take apart an Xbox 360 Slim? This show is for you.

Continue reading PSA: The Ben Heck Show starts today

JoystiqPSA: The Ben Heck Show starts today originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Sep 2010 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben-heckben-heckendornmicrosoftmoddingthe-ben-heck-showxboxMon, 13 Sep 2010 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Ben Heck getting his own show beginning September 13]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/11/ben-heck-getting-his-own-show-beginning-september-13/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/11/ben-heck-getting-his-own-show-beginning-september-13/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/11/ben-heck-getting-his-own-show-beginning-september-13/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Notorious modder Ben Heckendorn (aka "Ben Heck") is taking on a new challenge -- turn a show about modding into entertainment. The press release detailing his new show says it'll be starting on September 13 and we're told it'll be hosted on both element14 (its sponsor) as well as internet TV channel Revision3.

The show's premiere episode will see Heck mod a game controller "for an avid gamer with a serious disability," with subsequent shows to be released every other week. And though we're not sure if he'd be interested, if Heck could figure out a solution to our colorblind issues with certain games, he'll hold a spot in our hearts forever. Head below the fold to see the show's first trailer.

Continue reading Ben Heck getting his own show beginning September 13

JoystiqBen Heck getting his own show beginning September 13 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 11 Sep 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben-heckben-heckendornelement14internet-televisionmoddingq3-2010release-daterevision3televisionthe-ben-heck-showSat, 11 Sep 2010 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ben Heck's PS3 Slim laptop is newer, bluer and way more convenient]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/28/ben-hecks-ps3-slim-laptop-is-newer-bluer-and-way-more-convenie/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/28/ben-hecks-ps3-slim-laptop-is-newer-bluer-and-way-more-convenie/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/28/ben-hecks-ps3-slim-laptop-is-newer-bluer-and-way-more-convenie/#comments The more modder Ben Heckendorn continues to improve his design on each iteration of the PS3 Slim laptop, the more we think about parting with the outrageously high sum of money it would require to get our hands on it. This latest model comes with an external A/V port, so it can plug into a larger screen "for home use." There's also a headphone jack and a power cable which slides right into the body of the device, increasing its portability by roughly a factor of eight.

You can check out a demo of the latest, and arguably greatest, version of the PS3 Slim laptop just past the jump.

[Via Techland]

Continue reading Ben Heck's PS3 Slim laptop is newer, bluer and way more convenient

JoystiqBen Heck's PS3 Slim laptop is newer, bluer and way more convenient originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben-heckhacklaptopmodps3-laptopps3-slimsonyWed, 28 Apr 2010 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Ben Heck ponders Xbox 360 Slim: Motherboard, Memory Unit support, internal hard drive]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/18/ben-heck-ponders-xbox-360-slim-motherboard-memory-unit-support/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/18/ben-heck-ponders-xbox-360-slim-motherboard-memory-unit-support/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/18/ben-heck-ponders-xbox-360-slim-motherboard-memory-unit-support/#comments
Full image after break
In light of recent Xbox 360 hardware news, like pictures revealing an alleged Xbox 360 Slim motherboard and documentation of USB storage in a future update, we decided to see if the two stories tied together in some technical way. Surprisingly, they just might. Modding artist, hardware sculptor and warranty wrecker, Ben Heck, told us that if the leaked Slim motherboard is legitimate, not only does he see no place for memory cards (lending even more credence to USB storage for data transfer), but he dropped on us the idea that it may also have an internal hard drive. To emphasize, this conversation is speculation based on potential evidence that has not been confirmed by Microsoft.

Joystiq: Okay, before we go any further, explain this internal hard drive theory?

Ben Heckendorn: Well if you look at the upper left of the board, there appear to be (2) SATA connections. One is clearly for the DVD-ROM, of course, but what's the other one for? My guess is an internal hard drive. How it connects I'm not sure, but why else have 2 SATA connectors? Also there's an extra plug that could be hard drive power (next to DVD power).

Now, after looking at the board, you said you were "99 percent sure" there are no Xbox 360 memory card slots. Please explain.

None of the connectors look remotely like an Xbox 360 memory card reader [Ed: See one after break]. Keep in mind the memory cards were kind of a "Trojan horse" to have a hard drive-less (cheap) 360 back in 2005. Now, especially with built-in memory since the Jaspers, they are essentially useless. Why waste money and space on adding something none of your new customers will even need?

Of note: The memory cards were basically USB devices, except they ran off 3.3 volts and had security chips to authenticate them, as do all Xbox 360 peripherals.

Continue reading Ben Heck ponders Xbox 360 Slim: Motherboard, Memory Unit support, internal hard drive

JoystiqBen Heck ponders Xbox 360 Slim: Motherboard, Memory Unit support, internal hard drive originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analysis-opinionben-heckben-heckendornbenjamin-heckendornheckendornMicrosoftslimXbox-360xbox-360-slimThu, 18 Mar 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ben Heck's PS3 Slim laptop going for broke on eBay]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/03/ben-hecks-ps3-slim-laptop-going-for-broke-on-ebay/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/03/ben-hecks-ps3-slim-laptop-going-for-broke-on-ebay/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/03/ben-hecks-ps3-slim-laptop-going-for-broke-on-ebay/#comments If you're an extremely nomadic gamer with a couple of grands in the bank to spare, you might be interested to learn that Ben Heck's ultra slick PS3 Slim laptop is now up for grabs on eBay. As you might remember, the portable-ized device was originally purchased by gaming retailer The Score, then raffled off to one of the shop's customers. Now that customer is selling it on eBay. We certainly hope that, at some point, somebody will play the damn thing. Please, if you've got the extra $2,000, won't you give this poor creature a permanent, loving home?

[Via Engadget]

JoystiqBen Heck's PS3 Slim laptop going for broke on eBay originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 03 Jan 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auctionben-heckebayexpensivemodportableps3-laptopps3-slimSun, 03 Jan 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Portable GameCube hack brings Sunshine everywhere it goes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/09/portable-gamecube-hack-brings-sunshine-everywhere-it-goes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/09/portable-gamecube-hack-brings-sunshine-everywhere-it-goes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/09/portable-gamecube-hack-brings-sunshine-everywhere-it-goes/#comments The disc drive out back may be a bit precariously placed, but 'Hailrazer"'s portable "NCube" reeks of everything we'd want in a handheld version of the last-gen Nintendo console (except for wireless multiplayer, of course). Engadget spotted the 90-hour-in-the-making portable GameCube over on - surprise, surprise! - the Ben Heck forums. A breakdown of the construction process can be found just after the break in video form, though you may want to set up the drool tray now before proceeding.

All set? Alright, now go ahead.

[Via Engadget]

Continue reading Portable GameCube hack brings Sunshine everywhere it goes

JoystiqPortable GameCube hack brings Sunshine everywhere it goes originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben-heckengadgetgamecubehailrazerhandheldhandheld-gamecubemodmoddingncubeportableportable-gamecubeMon, 09 Nov 2009 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Ben Heck's PS3 laptop getting raffled off by Tennessee retailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/06/ben-hecks-ps3-laptop-getting-raffled-off-by-tennessee-retailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/06/ben-hecks-ps3-laptop-getting-raffled-off-by-tennessee-retailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/06/ben-hecks-ps3-laptop-getting-raffled-off-by-tennessee-retailer/#comments Remember how dejected we were when we realized that Ben Heck's recently crafted PS3 Slim laptop would never appear in our quivering, wanting hands? That script just got irrevocably flipped by Franklin, Tennessee-based gaming retailer/event organizer The Score, who is raffling the modded console off to anyone who purchases their goods or employs their party planning prowess from now until mid-December.

The full list of rules and regulations for the raffle can be found on The Score's site, but it basically breaks down to "the more you spend, the more chances you have to win." This process is impeded by the fact that the store has no online support, but does allow for over-the-phone shopping. Yes, it's a lot of hassle for a quazi-portable PS3 -- but that extra effort is what really separates the men from the fanboys.

[Thanks, Bradley.]

JoystiqBen Heck's PS3 laptop getting raffled off by Tennessee retailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben-heckhacklaptopmodps3-slimrafflesonyTue, 06 Oct 2009 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Ben Heck's PS3 Slim laptop fills us with jealous rage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/01/ben-hecks-ps3-slim-laptop-fills-us-with-jealous-rage/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/01/ben-hecks-ps3-slim-laptop-fills-us-with-jealous-rage/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/01/ben-hecks-ps3-slim-laptop-fills-us-with-jealous-rage/#comments You know what? Screw you, Ben Heck. Every time you come around, you bring these awesome, portable-ized consoles with you. From your corner of the internet, you wave these scintillating creations under our noses, then withdraw them from our lives. Sure, occasionally you'll provide us with tutorials to re-create your projects, but we don't possess your otherworldly, Forge-esque proclivity for technology. We are but simple folks whom you've chosen to tease at your leisure with glimpses of the future. It's just mean. You're a mean guy.

Oh, but your most recent creation -- a laptop built around a PS3 Slim (demoed in a video after the jump) -- is pretty remarkable. Rarely do these modified Frankenconsoles look this good. We can't wait to get our hands on ...

Aw, damn it.

Continue reading Ben Heck's PS3 Slim laptop fills us with jealous rage

JoystiqBen Heck's PS3 Slim laptop fills us with jealous rage originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben-heckhacklaptopmodps3-slimThu, 01 Oct 2009 16:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Ben Heck's one-handed, aesthetically challenged 360 controller]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/25/ben-hecks-one-handed-aesthetically-challenged-360-controller/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/25/ben-hecks-one-handed-aesthetically-challenged-360-controller/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/25/ben-hecks-one-handed-aesthetically-challenged-360-controller/#comments At first glance, you would never believe that the one-handed Xbox 360 controller above is the work of modder extraordinaire, Ben Heck. Given the svelte, smooth and attractive one-handed controllers he's made before, it's a bit hard to believe this is his work. However, the Heck points out this was a rush-job, so we suppose we can forgive him just this once. The controller features a duplicate left analog stick on the bottom, which players move by placing it on their leg. There are also extra an extra back button and left bumper button just above the face buttons. To top everything off, Ben Heck even squeezed the left trigger under the right side, where it can be pulled with the middle finger.

Not his most elegant work, but impressive nonetheless. See a video of it in action after the break.

[Via Engadget]

Continue reading Ben Heck's one-handed, aesthetically challenged 360 controller

JoystiqBen Heck's one-handed, aesthetically challenged 360 controller originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben-heckculturehacksmodsFri, 25 Sep 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ben Heck moves Dualshock's shoulder buttons to the front]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/18/ben-heck-moves-dualshocks-shoulder-buttons-to-the-front/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/18/ben-heck-moves-dualshocks-shoulder-buttons-to-the-front/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/18/ben-heck-moves-dualshocks-shoulder-buttons-to-the-front/#comments Can shoulder buttons still be called "shoulder buttons" when they no longer sit perched upon the Dualshock 3's shoulders? Could they be more aptly described as "hip buttons?" Regardless, the onus for renaming these toggles now rests upon modder extraordinaire Ben Heck, who made the controller's L1, L2, R1 and R2 buttons "easier to get at" by placing them on the front of the controller (at the cost of the peripheral's rumble motors).

We're perfectly contented with the shoulder buttons' current location, but we suppose folks who lost their index digits in a terrible Chinese Finger Trap incident may find this mod useful.

[Via Engadget]

JoystiqBen Heck moves Dualshock's shoulder buttons to the front originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben-heckcontrollerdualshock3hackmodperipheralshoulder-buttonsFri, 18 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ben Heck's Atari 800 laptop is 800 kinds of awesome]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/14/ben-hecks-atari-800-laptop-is-800-kinds-of-awesome/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/14/ben-hecks-atari-800-laptop-is-800-kinds-of-awesome/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/14/ben-hecks-atari-800-laptop-is-800-kinds-of-awesome/#comments
We find it hard to keep from gushing about every Ben Heck project, and his latest is no different. Heckendorn crams the inner workings of an Atari 800 (mostly rainbows and magic) into a laptop-style case (much like every other project of his), but what makes this one special is that we want it and we don't have it.

Seriously, look at that sweet keyboard. We can totally imagine the siren's song of those keys clicking and clacking as we boot up some Centipede. If the image above only managed to whet your appetite, head past the break for a pair of videos showing it in use.

[Via Engadget]

Continue reading Ben Heck's Atari 800 laptop is 800 kinds of awesome

JoystiqBen Heck's Atari 800 laptop is 800 kinds of awesome originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atariatari-800ben-heckcase-modcasemodlaptopmodretroMon, 14 Sep 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ben Heck swaps 360 D-pad with buttons, world implodes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/02/ben-heck-swaps-360-d-pad-with-buttons-world-implodes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/02/ben-heck-swaps-360-d-pad-with-buttons-world-implodes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/02/ben-heck-swaps-360-d-pad-with-buttons-world-implodes/#comments We're just going to come out and say it: Ben Heckendorn -- AKA Ben Heck -- has absolutely no respect for manufacturer warranties. The man cracks open every single piece of hardware he comes across, voiding warranties like blades of grass through a lawnmower. Case in point: observe his latest affront on warrantability, an Xbox 360 controller with buttons where the D-pad should be. Worse still, the D-pad now occupies the former location of the face buttons.

As if that weren't enough, the warrantless warranty wrecker swapped the left and right triggers and added more buttons on the back of the controller that mirror the functions of the face buttons. Heckendorn claims the controller was made for a paying customer and that he makes such controllers to "allow more options for persons that may have a hard time with normal controller configurations."

Hogwash, we say. We recognize a (warranty) killer when we see one.

[Via Engadget]


JoystiqBen Heck swaps 360 D-pad with buttons, world implodes originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben-heckcontrollerhacksmodsWed, 02 Sep 2009 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Ben Heck molds Jasper Xbox 360 into new and improved laptop]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/06/ben-heck-molds-jasper-xbox-360-into-new-and-improved-laptop/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/06/ben-heck-molds-jasper-xbox-360-into-new-and-improved-laptop/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/06/ben-heck-molds-jasper-xbox-360-into-new-and-improved-laptop/#comments
Ben Heck, the amazing modder who invented the Xbox 360 laptop, has done it again, this time fashioning a Jasper Xbox 360 (his second time fooling with a Jasper motherboard) into a new and improved slammer. Featuring a sleeker look and a flush CD drive, the new laptop also adds an IR port for use with the Xbox 360 media remote. Oh, and digital potentiometer volume control, because it's super cool.

Head past the break for a brief video showing off the new device.

Continue reading Ben Heck molds Jasper Xbox 360 into new and improved laptop

JoystiqBen Heck molds Jasper Xbox 360 into new and improved laptop originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben-heckjaspermodmodsxbox-360-laptopMon, 06 Jul 2009 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[A portable NES with 76 games? You shouldn't have!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/a-portable-nes-with-76-games-you-shouldnt-have/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/a-portable-nes-with-76-games-you-shouldnt-have/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/a-portable-nes-with-76-games-you-shouldnt-have/#comments
Oh dear reader, this gift of yours was completely unnecessarily, but appreciated all the same! How did you know that we wanted a Nintendo-on-a-chip handheld with 76 games built around a Super Joy III KIRF TV game with a 2.5-inch display?

And how did you ever get the dude who made it (Ben Heck forum member Brian Hender) to part with it? No, you're right, it's rude of us to ask. We're just happy you did it.

[Via Engadget]

Continue reading A portable NES with 76 games? You shouldn't have!

JoystiqA portable NES with 76 games? You shouldn't have! originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 May 2009 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben-heckhackmodnesportableFri, 29 May 2009 17:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Where Ben Heck's C64 laptop is going, it doesn't need roads]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/06/where-ben-hecks-c64-laptop-is-going-it-doesnt-need-roads/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/06/where-ben-hecks-c64-laptop-is-going-it-doesnt-need-roads/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/06/where-ben-hecks-c64-laptop-is-going-it-doesnt-need-roads/#comments
Ben Heck is taking a trip back in time with his latest mod, back to a time when DeLoreans were in production and Teddy Kaczynski was still buying sunglasses and hoodies by the truckload. It was 1982 when the C64 emerged, and Ben Heck's latest laptop mod recaptures the magic of that time's bulky electronics in a new bulky electronics device. Check out some video of this bad boy in action past the break.

[Via Engadget]

Continue reading Where Ben Heck's C64 laptop is going, it doesn't need roads

JoystiqWhere Ben Heck's C64 laptop is going, it doesn't need roads originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1982ben-heckc64commodore64modmodsretroretro-modretro-modsMon, 06 Apr 2009 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ben Heck creates breath-controlled drum pedal for Guitar Hero World Tour]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/04/ben-heck-creates-breath-controlled-drum-pedal-for-guitar-hero-wo/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/04/ben-heck-creates-breath-controlled-drum-pedal-for-guitar-hero-wo/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/04/ben-heck-creates-breath-controlled-drum-pedal-for-guitar-hero-wo/#comments
Last June, Kinetic Communications created a clever workaround for wheelchair-bound gamers who possess a penchant for Rock Band drumming, but were unable to use the kit's kick pedal due to their disability. Ben Heck, modder extraordinaire, recently did the same for the Guitar Hero: World Tour set -- however, rather than attaching an extra button to drumsticks, Heck found an altogether brilliant method of using the set's foot-activated percussion: He made it breath-controlled.

It took a fair amount of fancy engineering, but Heck recently uploaded instructions to his blog that show how to remove the pedal's piezoelectric sensor, and make it respond to air pressure rather than, well, foot pressure. You can get further details on the modification, as well as a video of Heck giving it a test run, on his site. It's definitely an intriguing idea, though it more or less prohibits the drummer from simultaneously singing, making Phil Collins role-playing a near impossibility. Still, great work, Ben!

[Via Engadget]

JoystiqBen Heck creates breath-controlled drum pedal for Guitar Hero World Tour originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben-heckdrum-pedaldrumsguitar-hero-world-tourhandicappedmodWed, 04 Mar 2009 14:31:00 EST<![CDATA[N64 goes portable with Nintendo Sixtyfree Lite-R]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/27/n64-goes-portable-with-nintendo-sixtyfree-lite-r/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/27/n64-goes-portable-with-nintendo-sixtyfree-lite-r/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/27/n64-goes-portable-with-nintendo-sixtyfree-lite-r/#commentsFiled under: ,


This certainly isn't the first time Nintendo's enumerated home console made the jump to the handheld realm -- but it might just be the sleekest portable N64 we've seen to date. SifuF, a disciple of modding guru Ben Heck, recently displayed his terrifying techno-prowess by crafting the Nintendo Sixtyfree Lite-R (catchy, no?), pictured above.

It sports all the buttons of a standard N64 controller, a 5" display (yoinked from the PSOne LCD screen), and an unobtrusive cartridge slot. Unfortunately, its petite framework didn't leave room for an internal battery -- it requires an external infolithium (or other 7.2v) power supply to run. A small, small price to pay for on-the-go sessions of Pokémon Snap Ocarina of Time.

JoystiqN64 goes portable with Nintendo Sixtyfree Lite-R originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 27 Dec 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben-heckn64nintendo-sixtyfree-lite-rportablesifufSat, 27 Dec 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ben Heck spots a Jasper in the wild, tears it up]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/ben-heck-spots-a-jasper-in-the-wild-tears-it-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/ben-heck-spots-a-jasper-in-the-wild-tears-it-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/ben-heck-spots-a-jasper-in-the-wild-tears-it-up/#commentsFiled under:


If you've got a strong stomach, you may want to watch modder extraordinaire Ben Heck tear open a brand new Jasper 360 and then devour it, letting the solder drip down his face like the guts of a downed gazelle. Seriously, it's disturbing stuff.

But it's not all for the joy of the kill. Heck also tells you how you can distinguish a Jasper console from its stinky, 90nm GPU-having Falcon brethren. Here's hoping you've got the iron nerve to sift through the carnage to find the details. If you can't hack it, there's an even easier method of finding which console you own courtesy of AnandTech.

Continue reading Ben Heck spots a Jasper in the wild, tears it up

JoystiqBen Heck spots a Jasper in the wild, tears it up originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Dec 2008 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben-heckfalconjasperXbox-360Thu, 11 Dec 2008 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Darth 64 shows the appeal of the dark side]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/darth-64-shows-the-appeal-of-the-dark-side/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/darth-64-shows-the-appeal-of-the-dark-side/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/darth-64-shows-the-appeal-of-the-dark-side/#commentsFiled under:


While not as crazy as sticking a Nintendo Entertainment System into a toaster, the above mod (dubbed "Darth 64") from hailrazer at the Ben heck forums is kind of similar. It's comprised of a PSone screen with original backlight, the N64 guts that make it all happen and a Lazer Doodle children's toy. After gutting the thing, hailrazer crammed in a GameCube controller and N64 controller, all while moving some triggers from a PlayStation controller to the back. Nice mod, hailrazer!


[Via Go Nintendo]

We're always talking about mods here at Wii Fanboy. Be sure to check out 5 of our favorite Wiimote mods, as well as 5 of our favorite Wii mods and 5 of our favorite GameCube mods. Keep up with the modding scene by staying up to date with Wii Fanboy!

JoystiqDarth 64 shows the appeal of the dark side originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Sep 2008 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben-heckdarth-64darth64hailrazern64n64-hackn64-modportable-n64Tue, 16 Sep 2008 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Ben Heck looks under the 60GB Xbox 360's hood]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/07/ben-heck-looks-under-the-60gb-xbox-360s-hood/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/07/ben-heck-looks-under-the-60gb-xbox-360s-hood/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/07/ben-heck-looks-under-the-60gb-xbox-360s-hood/#commentsFiled under:


Tech guru Ben Heck has taken a sledgehammer and hacksaw to the new 60GB Xbox 360 to see what changes have been made inside. What he found was ... well, pretty much the same stuff that's been there for a bit. Sure, there's the bigger hard drive, but the only other main difference seems to be the placement of some (allegedly) heat-tastic memory chips.

There may be some other differences for those looking further back into the Xbox 360's past, but it seems like Heck is jumping off from the point where the extra heatsink had been added. If you've got an original Xbox 360 from way back in the day, there may be a few other changes, but all the cool kids have had their RRoD by now and gotten newer Xbox 360 iterations.

JoystiqBen Heck looks under the 60GB Xbox 360's hood originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Aug 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben-heckben-heckendornbenjamin-heckendornXbox-360Thu, 07 Aug 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BenHeck's one-handed controller available for preorder]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/07/benhecks-one-handed-controller-available-for-preorder/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/07/benhecks-one-handed-controller-available-for-preorder/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/07/benhecks-one-handed-controller-available-for-preorder/#commentsFiled under: ,

Attention readers! Do you have only one hand? Or, do you find yourself snacking on a sandwich, pizza, and/or a delicious salad whilst playing video games? Behold, BenHeck's infamous one-handed controller mod -- now available for pre-order.

The gigantic plate of controller pieces comes fully customizable; each module of buttons can be swapped around to suit your one-handed gaming needs. It also comes with 2.4 GHz wireless, so it's not going to clutter up your floor. What you do with your free hand is up to you. Here are a few applications: eating food, lifting weights, and texting friends. Anybody interested in this surprisingly smart piece of hardware?

JoystiqBenHeck's one-handed controller available for preorder originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Jun 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben-hecke-dimensionaledimensionalSat, 07 Jun 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ben Heck's one-handed controller now available]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/06/ben-hecks-one-handed-controller-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/06/ben-hecks-one-handed-controller-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/06/ben-hecks-one-handed-controller-now-available/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Nothing brings us more pleasure than when a single product can unite both the disabled and the lazy, and that's exactly what your friend and ours Ben Heck has cooked up with his new, commercially available one-handed peripheral: the Access Controller, compatible with PCs, PS2 and PS3. You can now pre-order the unit here.

Though the footprint is a bit larger than previous one-handed attempts we have to give him credit, if only for figuring out how to make all the buttons accessible (the layout's even customizable). Now, when can we get our hands hand on a 360 version?

JoystiqBen Heck's one-handed controller now available originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jun 2008 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessben-heckbenheckPCPS2PS3Fri, 06 Jun 2008 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Strum with your feet! Ben Heck goes Guitar Hero]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/strum-with-your-feet-ben-heck-goes-guitar-hero/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/strum-with-your-feet-ben-heck-goes-guitar-hero/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/strum-with-your-feet-ben-heck-goes-guitar-hero/#commentsFiled under:


It's been a looong time since the first 360 Laptop, and console modder extraordinaire, Ben Heckendorn, has been busy. His newest project is designed to allow users to use their Guitar Hero controllers with a single hand. The controller plugs into a modified Guitar Hero 3 Les Paul wireless controller, and operates the strumming and whammy. Placing ones foot into the pedal depresses the heel and inserts ones toes into the metal trough. Tapping your toes and foot up and down is the equivalent of strumming, and raising your heel is the equivalent of the whammy bar. Plus, they look cool. From laptops to controllers, you're doing some pretty unique things Ben, keep up the great work!

More kick-ass photos after the break.

Continue reading Strum with your feet! Ben Heck goes Guitar Hero

JoystiqStrum with your feet! Ben Heck goes Guitar Hero originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 May 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben-heckben-heckendornguitar-heroguitar-hero-iiineversoftFri, 09 May 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Charity auction for Ben Heck's PS3 laptop]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/19/charity-auction-for-ben-hecks-ps3-laptop/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/19/charity-auction-for-ben-hecks-ps3-laptop/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/19/charity-auction-for-ben-hecks-ps3-laptop/#commentsFiled under:


Remember Ben Heck's magical PS3 laptop? Well, now you can buy one -- provided you have the cash. Currently available for $8000 on eBay, 100% of the proceeds will go to charity: the National Cancer Coalition. The laptop will come signed and well, free shipping will be thrown in. Not that it really matters when you're already shelling out this much dough.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqCharity auction for Ben Heck's PS3 laptop originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 Apr 2008 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben-heckcharityebaylaptopps3Sat, 19 Apr 2008 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 Laptop charity auction, bid at Engadget]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/18/ps3-laptop-charity-auction-bid-at-engadget/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/18/ps3-laptop-charity-auction-bid-at-engadget/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/18/ps3-laptop-charity-auction-bid-at-engadget/#commentsFiled under: ,


Our brothers-in-arms over at Engadget are proudly hosting a charity auction for Ben Heck's one-of-a-kind PlayStation 3 laptop. If you're interested, you've got one week to scrummage up the coin for this Blu-ray equipped beast. 100% of the proceeds will go to the National Cancer Coalition, so you know it's a good cause. If you've got PS3 laptop-level income and PS3 laptop ambitions, stop over at Engadget to place your bid. Good luck!

[Update: Cancel that. Apparently some clever folks couldn't take an auction for charity seriously, so Engadget has temporarily postponed things. We'll let you know if and when it goes back up. It's back-up and hosted at eBay now.]

JoystiqPS3 Laptop charity auction, bid at Engadget originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Apr 2008 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ben-HeckCharityEngadgetPS3Fri, 18 Apr 2008 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Ben Heck assembles the PlayStation 3 Laptop]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/11/ben-heck-assembles-the-playstation-3-laptop/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/11/ben-heck-assembles-the-playstation-3-laptop/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/11/ben-heck-assembles-the-playstation-3-laptop/#commentsFiled under: ,


Forget that "PlayStation Portable" nonsense you've got sticking out of your pocket. If you're going to be carrying around a PlayStation, why not make it a proper one that can play Warhawk and Uncharted? Consumer electronics crammer, Ben Heck, has finally completed the PlayStation 3 Laptop, a beautiful black contraption packed with all the blue rays, cells and ex em bees you can shake a Sixaxis at. Seriously, you can shake your Sixaxis at it and it'll work.

Other fancy things in it:
  • Original backwards-compatible 60GB model
  • 17-inch LCD HDTV screen: 720p
  • HDMI-DVI connection
  • Built-in keyboard, USB ports, stereo speakers, headphone jack
  • Size: 17 x 13.75 x 3-inches
  • Weight: 16 pounds!
Since it's clearly too heavy for us to lift, we're hoping a reader manages to walk off with this laptop as soon as Engadget begins auctioning it for charity. In the meantime, be sure to have a look at Ben Heck's Wii Laptop and his assorted Xbox 360 offerings.

JoystiqBen Heck assembles the PlayStation 3 Laptop originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Apr 2008 07:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ben-HeckBenHeckLaptopModModsPS3Fri, 11 Apr 2008 07:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Ben Heck's one-handed Xbox 360 controller refined]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/19/ben-hecks-one-handed-xbox-360-controller-refined/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/19/ben-hecks-one-handed-xbox-360-controller-refined/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/19/ben-hecks-one-handed-xbox-360-controller-refined/#commentsFiled under: ,

Since not every game can pass the, erm, one-handed test (DOAX2 does), hacker extraordinaire Ben Heck has one-upped himself (pun intended) in recreating the one-handed Xbox 360 controller he originally concocted in December 2006. The whole thing puts all buttons in easy-to-reach locations and the nice camcorder-style handstrap helps you hold onto it. The bottom joystick is intended to be played against your lap.

More details can be found at his website; stay tuned for more information on Heck's upcoming commercial project, the "Access" one-handed controller.

[Via Engadget]

JoystiqBen Heck's one-handed Xbox 360 controller refined originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Mar 2008 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben-heckone-handedXbox-360Wed, 19 Mar 2008 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One handed 360 controller redux]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/18/one-handed-360-controller-redux/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/18/one-handed-360-controller-redux/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/18/one-handed-360-controller-redux/#commentsFiled under: ,


That crazy Ben Heckendorn is at it again. No he's not shoving an Xbox 360 into an even tinier laptop (360book Air, anyone?), but instead making some refinements to his one-handed controller. The new controller is much smaller, and also a little bit easier on the eyes than his previous model. With the right stick on the top, and face buttons, triggers, and bumpers on the bottom, it's got everything you need for some one handed fragging. The right stick, in case you're wondering, is meant to be placed on a leg or available surface, thus manipulating the stick by moving the controller itself. Pretty ingenious if you ask us. Don't go crazy trying to procure one for yourself though, as it wasn't intended for mass consumption. Ben's other one handed controller, called the Access, on the other hand, is soon to be made available to the masses.

[Via Engadget]

JoystiqOne handed 360 controller redux originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben-heckben-heckendornbenheckcontrolleronehandedTue, 18 Mar 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 Elite: the laptop]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/04/xbox-360-elite-the-laptop/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/04/xbox-360-elite-the-laptop/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/04/xbox-360-elite-the-laptop/#commentsFiled under: ,


Ben Heck is at it again. You may remember his work from a project we reported last year, in which Ben crammed the innards of an Xbox 360, along with a full keyboard and monitor, into a svelte laptop case. He's done it again, this time adding perks from the Xbox 360 Elite, including HDMI video, a 120GB hard drive, and a built-in Vision camera. In short, the thing is effing amazing (and practical). Check out Ben's BioShock inspired video about his new creation after the break.

Continue reading Xbox 360 Elite: the laptop

JoystiqXbox 360 Elite: the laptop originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Feb 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360-elite360-elite-laptopben-heckbenhecklaptopxbox-360-elitexbox-360-elite-laptopMon, 04 Feb 2008 18:30:00 EST