Joystiq

'Project Unity' is 15 fully-functional consoles in one giant box

Jordan Mallory — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST

Constructed by evil genius/mad scientist/hardware hacker Bacteria, Project Unity is a single, unified gaming console that can play Sega Master System, Neo Geo MVS, GameCube, Dreamcast, Saturn, Intellivision, Colecovision, Atari 7800, Turbografx 16, PS1/PS2, Mega Drive, NES, Super NES, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo 64 and Amstrad GX4000 games.

Project Unity's most impressive feature, besides the fact that it works, is that it was constructed entirely out of authentic hardware and does not make use of emulators or combo units like the FC Twin. It also manages to use a single power supply, video output and custom-built controller, regardless of the system selected.

Jump to 09:30 in the video above for a demonstration of this behemoth in action, including the repurposed NES cartridges that contain different circuit boards for each controller type, or start from the beginning for some deliciously chaotic wiring shots.

'Project Unity' is 15 fully-functional consoles in one giant box originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Custom wood Neo Geos are so pretty they might be worth the price

Jessica Conditt — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 17:00:00 EST

Analogue Interactive, purveyor of ridiculously cool (and expensive) Neo Geo hardware mods, has upped the ante with a new service that builds custom, new CMVS Slims out of your choice of domestic and exotic woods, dubbed Black Label. Consoles start at $1,300, and that's for one made with domestic wood.

The Black Label set comes with an Analogue CMVS Slim, two analogue arcade sticks, brass Black Label tags and the requisite cables. Check out the entire selection on Analogue Interactive.

Custom wood Neo Geos are so pretty they might be worth the price originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Mar 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Twitch introduces ad-free Turbo subscription service

Mike Schramm — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 01:00:00 EST

Popular video streaming site Twitch has announced a new service called Twitch Turbo. For $8.99 a month you can turn off all the ads on the site, get priority customer support, and unlock a special badge, chat colors, and custom emoticons that only Twitch Turbo subscribers can use. Twitch also streams lots of eSports events and other videos that would otherwise be interrupted by commercials.

If you subscribe to knock the ads off completely, eligible Twitch broadcasters will still be paid for their views. Twitch says this is "just the beginning of what we hope to offer through Twitch Turbo," and that more "benefits and enhancements" for both viewers and broadcasters (including the official Joystiq Twitch channel) are likely coming soon.

Twitch introduces ad-free Turbo subscription service originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Feb 2013 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Prettied-up pastel SNES consoles now on sale

Jordan Mallory — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 18:45:00 EST

Okay so, we've got some good news and some bad news. The good news is that a French retailer called Lekki has started selling four different shades of gorgeously refinished Super Nintendo console, each with its own matching controller and bonus Super Mario World cartridge. Hooray!

The bad news, for us non-Europeans at least, is that these are PAL systems, which means that your dust-covered, attic-stored boxes of old SNES carts won't work, and therefore you'll need to either find a good import shop, or only ever play Super Mario World. If you are European though, or you've run out of holiday gift ideas for the retro-gamer in your life, the consoles will set you back €150, which is essentially $200.

Prettied-up pastel SNES consoles now on sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Nov 2012 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Loadout lets you create the weapon you want

Mike Schramm — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 06:33:00 EST

If there's still any question in your mind that we're in the middle of a free-to-play trend, you can put it to rest right now: Most of the PAX show floor was taken up by indie titles currently in a closed beta, and heading towards a free-to-play "open beta release" later on this year. Firefall might be the highest profile of these, but Loadout, I think, deserves a spot right along Red 5's well-known title.

The game's being developed by Edge of Reality, an Austin-based developer that has been making ports (including console versions of Dragon Age: Origins) and doing contract work for over ten years now. Loadout is the studio's first original title, which means the team is finally applying its knowledge and experience to something it directly owns.

It shows in the game's current polish, even before the full beta launch: The graphics are fun and flashy, with really excellent touches in the controls and animation. It shows in team balance and mode choices, which are generally similar to Team Fortress 2 and other team-based shooters, but with some nice original flairs. And it shows most in the core mechanic, a custom weapon-building system that offers a lot of impressive possibilities for creating a gun that's entirely your own.

Gallery: Loadout (PAX Prime 2012)

Continue reading Loadout lets you create the weapon you want

Loadout lets you create the weapon you want originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Sep 2012 06:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Battlefield 3 introduces 'Matches,' customized competitive multiplayer

Jessica Conditt — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 20:45:00 EST

Battlefield 3 will implement a feature called Matches, allowing players to coordinate competitive multiplayer games with a specific set of friends and squad members for PC, Xbox 360 and PS3. To set up a match, players must first be actively renting a dedicated server. They can then set up a custom match, choosing name, time, game mode, team size and maps through Battlelog.

Matches are completely customizable but will start players in a warm-up phase, a no-count playthrough that lasts until everyone signals they are ready to start the real game. Matches mode doesn't have a release date yet, but we can hope it's not anywhere near dry brush or tinder. The Battlefield Blog says to stay tuned for more information.

Battlefield 3 introduces 'Matches,' customized competitive multiplayer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jul 2012 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The different deadly combinations of Luftrausers: parts explained in part

Jessica Conditt — Mon, 07 May 2012 15:00:00 EST

Luftrausers, Vlambeer's sequel to the singular Luftrauser, is all about ambiance -- and creating your very own form of airborne, rhythmic death with extensive plane customization options. Mostly it's about that second part.

There are three customizable parts for each rauser: weapons, bodies and engines. On the development side, Vlambeer is trying out some of these lethal combinations, and shares its experience with three parts on its dev blog. The cannon is "insanely hard to use at the start," Vlambeer concedes, but if you do manage to hit something it explodes into shrapnel that blows up whatever it hits; it's particularly effective on boats.

The melee body part offers "something like" negative 80 percent health, but you don't take damage from colliding with enemies. This is doubly helpful as it's possible to melee boats in Luftrausers. The "gungine" is a machine gun mounted on a standard jet-propulsion engine, and that's all the description we need.

Each combination of parts will have its own name, and there will be at least five different parts for each section, meaning a minimum of 125 different combinations. For example, the aquatic propulsion engine and heavy armor body on a standard rauser may be called the "Blastoise," Vlambeer suggests. The soundtrack will change with each altered spec as well, meaning "Different weapon? Different bassline. Something like that. Hell yeah. Kozilek is gonna be busy."

The different deadly combinations of Luftrausers: parts explained in part originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Envision: A portable Gamecube sans disc drive

Jordan Mallory — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 16:30:00 EST

One of the main problems faced by hackers and modders creating portable versions of home consoles is, well, portability. Making something you can hold in your hands isn't exactly an easy task, but creating something that also fits in your messenger bag is a tall order, especially when hacking together a handheld version of something with a disc drive.

ModRetro member Jonathan Shine's solution to this problem is as ingenious as it is simple: If the disc drive is too thick, don't use it. The Envision, Shine's homemade portable Gamecube, kicks spinning media to the curb in favor of an SD card loaded with what we're sure are completely legal and legitimate backups of games he already owns. The device measures approximately 1.375 by 6.5 by 4.125 inches and will run for 2 to 3 hours on a single charge. Check out this thread at ModRetro for complete build specs and more pictures of the finished product.

[Thanks, Mason!]

The Envision: A portable Gamecube sans disc drive originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 08 Jan 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Insane Mortal Kombat Kabinet shows us what could have been

Jordan Mallory — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 14:30:00 EST

Save for die-hard enthusiast institutions scattered across the country, North America's casual-arcade scene has all but disappeared. Thankfully, this sad reality hasn't stopped hobbyists from showing us the world that could have been, by creating their own what-if dream machines.

Hot on the heels of last week's custom Mortal Kombat 3 Ultimate Edition cabinet comes BadBoyBill's truly stunning kabinet for this year's Mortal Kombat. While last week's (still quite impressive) MK3U cab was an upgraded unit from a bygone era, BBB's creation is an entirely custom-built labor of love, featuring a 42-inch screen and a 10-inch subwoofer. Hit the source link for all the nitty-gritty build details, as well as photos of the unit under construction.

[Thanks, Dazzaz!]

Insane Mortal Kombat Kabinet shows us what could have been originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 10 Jul 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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You'll be way into this custom Shy Guy figure

Ben Gilbert — Fri, 06 May 2011 19:00:00 EST

As if there weren't enough Shy Guy permutations in various Mario games haunting your dreams as it is, custom action figure crafter Jin Saotome has gone and created an even more terrifying one than normal. As seen above and more thoroughly on his personal site, Saotome's interpretation of Shy Guy is just a tad darker than Nintendo's version.

Naotome's site details the figure's composition, a careful combination of a PVC Shy Guy character mask, the body of DC Comics' Desaad and the hands of The Spirit, and a gatling gun composed of an Iron Man weapon and a Spawn weapon. The piece is currently up on eBay, fetching around $60 as of midday Friday EST, but it's also really sweet and one-of-a-kind, so you may wanna jump on that soon if Dark Shy Guy is for you.

You'll be way into this custom Shy Guy figure originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 May 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Portable N64 features controller port, tiny split-screens

Griffin McElroy — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 05:00:00 EST

We've seen plenty of homemade portable versions of the Nintendo 64, but nothing quite so bold as this. The D64 not only lets its wielder play any of the console's titles on-the-go -- it lets a second wielder get in on the split-screen action using another standalone controller!

Continue reading Portable N64 features controller port, tiny split-screens

Portable N64 features controller port, tiny split-screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Custom made Portal portals are an interior decorating triumph

Randy Nelson — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST

One husband and wife DIY team recently announced on Reddit that they'd unlocked the secret of portal technology* using everyday, off-the-shelf parts. By attaching LED rope light to the backs of two oval mirrors, they succeeded in creating one of the most effective (and easily replicated) displays of video game related wall art we've ever had the pleasure to lay eyes on: Portal portals that look strikingly authentic.

The Redditors in question, corttana and dahburbb, say that the "spiraling" effect of the lights is actually the unexpected result of curving the light rope they used into an oval shape. When asked by other users, the duo said they plan to building a Companion Cube storage chest to round out their personal Enrichment Center. You can see more photos of it at the source link.

*Portal Technology is a registered trademark of Aperture Science

Custom made Portal portals are an interior decorating triumph originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Visceral Games hears disabled gamer, adding customizable controls to Dead Space 2

Mike Schramm — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 23:00:00 EST

Spooky cathedrals, fun technology and lots of slimy necromorphs to dismember at will -- is there anything else you could possibly want in Dead Space 2? Well, Gareth Garratt, a gamer living with cerebral palsy, would like to see customizable controls implemented in the game. Garratt is trying to play the horror sequel on PC, partly by pushing a mouse with his chin, and is unhappy that he can't assign the "walk forward" command to a mouse button. Plenty of games allow for customizable controls, he says, so why can't Dead Space 2?

Over 20,000 fellow players agree, and they've signed an online Internet petition asking video game publishers to make sure that all games offer customization for their controls. Here's the good news: Dead Space 2 dev Visceral Games has already heard them loud and clear. Executive Producer Steve Papoutsis tells Joystiq that a patch for the PC version of the game enabling full control remapping is on the way, and that "a number of folks on our team are so passionate about getting this fix done that they are currently working hard" on it. Papoutsis says the patch will fix a few other issues with the PC version, and that a release date will be announced "when the patch is fully tested." You can read his remarks in full after the break.

Continue reading Visceral Games hears disabled gamer, adding customizable controls to Dead Space 2

Visceral Games hears disabled gamer, adding customizable controls to Dead Space 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Feb 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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StarCraft 2 user-created map takes the fight into space

Griffin McElroy — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 00:00:00 EST

While most of us would consider StarCraft 2 to be a space-themed strategy title, very little of the game actually takes place in the outer parts of space -- you know, the parts where no one can hear you scream. A custom map by the name of Star Battle fixes that oversight, pitting two teams of six players against one another in a massive, DotA-esque encounter. Only, instead of controlling fantasy archetypes, you control gigantic spaceships, which we think we can all agree is way cooler.

The map has proven to be the most popular custom gametype on the European Battle.net servers, and is now available on the U.S. servers as well. Check out the tutorial video posted after the jump to learn the rules the game before jumping into it -- a smart move, considering player death in Star Battle is permanent. (BUH BUH BUUHHHHH)

Continue reading StarCraft 2 user-created map takes the fight into space

StarCraft 2 user-created map takes the fight into space originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The XToaster360 can be yours, for enough bread

Randy Nelson — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 23:00:00 EST

We were tempted to make a joke about avoiding the unnecessary risk of overheating your Xbox 360 when we saw this video for Nick Carouso's "XToaster360" -- a toaster gutted and turned into a custom console -- but that's a little stale. The case mod is currently up for auction on eBay with a starting bid of $150 ... so we're assuming there's no Valhalla inside. (There's also no hard drive -- just the ability to use USB thumb drives.)

While the XToaster is still pretty neat, what with its blue LEDs and novelty factor, there are a couple of other issues with the design: For one, it doesn't actually make toast. Also, Carouso kept the disc drive horizontal, missing the opportunity to insert a game through one of the toaster's bagel-accommodating slots. Maybe he was worried about it ejecting early -- or worse: jamming?

Continue reading The XToaster360 can be yours, for enough bread

The XToaster360 can be yours, for enough bread originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Jan 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Guitar made out of an NES sounds like it's made out of an NES

Mike Schramm — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 22:30:00 EST

What to get for the Nintendo fan in your life who already has everything? How about this guitar made out of a Nintendo Entertainment System? GetLoFi.com hacked a working electric guitar together from the body of an NES, and as you can tell from the YouTube video after the break, it sounds ... ok?

So it's not great, but then again it's basically a box made out of plastic. The guitar is being sold for $150 on GetLoFi's web shop, and because it's custom made (the neck is a reused oak guitar neck), they've only got one for sale, but they seem game to make more if the demand is there. The NES itself has been hollowed out for all the other electronics, so if you want to play your favorite NES games while strumming their tunes, you'll need your own console for that.

Continue reading Guitar made out of an NES sounds like it's made out of an NES

Guitar made out of an NES sounds like it's made out of an NES originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Dec 2010 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Introducing the new king of modded handheld Nintendo 64s

Griffin McElroy — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 22:00:00 EST

Before you start wondering: No, we don't post about every single portable Nintendo 64 that slides across our tip box -- rather, we only spend our time writing about the ones that are so much cooler than their predecessors. We were pleased to find that one such project was recently highlighted by Engadget: The Kamikaze 64, which is demoed in a video after the jump.

The device, which was commissioned by an unnamed party for an unspecified amount of cash, isn't the smallest handheld N64 we've ever seen. However, with a crisp screen, support for a second controller, video output, a headphone jack and a Controller Pak slot, it might just be the most comprehensive stab anyone's ever taken at miniaturizing the console. We'll take four, thanks.

Continue reading Introducing the new king of modded handheld Nintendo 64s

Introducing the new king of modded handheld Nintendo 64s originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We heart these USB drives made from GBA carts

Randy Nelson — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 21:15:00 EST

8Bit Memory, the Etsy merchant who first caught our attention with its external hard drives disguised as NES cartridges, has rolled out another re-use for a proprietary Nintendo storage medium: Game Boy Advance cartridges retrofitted as USB flash drives. They're not cheap -- an 8GB drive is $49.99 -- but they're undeniably cool.

The standard-issue drive comes housed in a Super Mario Advance cart with a key ring and (unfortunately) non-retractable USB connector. 8Bit Memory says it has other games in stock (with more to come) so you can, for instance, request a Metroid Fusion cart instead. We're not sure what it'll do with GameCube and Wii discs, But we'd imagine a Wind Waker desk clock would look mighty nice.

[Via GoNintendo]

We heart these USB drives made from GBA carts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Savage Cycles unveils custom Resident Evil motorcycle

Griffin McElroy — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 19:00:00 EST

The badass chopper you see above was custom-built by the team at Savage Cycles for Capcom, and unveiled during the publisher's Dark Void launch party at CES this weekend. It's lovingly crafted, and comes equipped with a shotgun, grenade launcher, grenades, first aid spray and herbs -- all the essentials a zombie genocider needs. Check out this Capcom Unity blog post to see a few more pictures of this undead-slaying hog.

Now, that being said -- is a motorcycle really the best form of transportation in the middle of a zombie onslaught? We mean, it's not exactly secure, you know? It also kinda lacks that ramming power we expect from our apocalyptic means of travel. Give us a Volkswagen Type 2 over that two-wheeled crotch-rocket any day of the week -- this is about survival, folks!

Savage Cycles unveils custom Resident Evil motorcycle originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 10 Jan 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Money can buy you a custom Beatles: Rock Band Xbox 360

JC Fletcher — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 18:29:00 EST

You have two options for getting your hands on one of these custom-designed Beatles: Rock Band Xbox 360 consoles. You can either offer the winning bid on the unit being auctioned by Microsoft -- which has a current high bid of $680, with almost ten days to go -- or you can purchase the 360-exclusive downloadable version of "All You Need is Love" and be automatically entered into a drawing to win one. Of course, the costlier eBay method has better odds!

Whichever method you use, all of the proceeds will go to Doctors Without Borders. That makes you a hero for trying to win a prize or playing a song in a video game!

Gallery: The Beatles: Rock Band Xbox 360 console

Money can buy you a custom Beatles: Rock Band Xbox 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Sep 2009 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Custom Twitter, Last.fm, Facebook X360s (for MS 'partners' only!)

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 08:30:00 EST

Microsoft's Major Nelson showed off several consoles that the company will be giving to its new partners, now being integrated into Xbox Live. The Major even noted that he may even "liberate" one and asked if anyone was with him. Um, yeah! Now we want Joystiq integration on Xbox just so we can finagle a console in our blue or yellowy/orangish color.

Also, theft is likely the only way to get your hands on one of these custom consoles (unless you've got a high-level insider at one of the involved companies). The Major makes sure to note, "To be VERY clear ... Those are special consoles made for our partners. They are not for sale anywhere." Hmm, five-finger discount it is.

[Thanks, B. Marriner]

Custom Twitter, Last.fm, Facebook X360s (for MS 'partners' only!) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Your Shape determines your shape with a camera

Mike Schramm — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 22:22:00 EST

Ubisoft has revealed a camera-based fitness game, coming this holiday season for the Wii. Your Shape comes with a custom USB camera that plugs right into your Wii, and will use the visual input to determine whether you're slim or sloppy, and then give you a trainer-based workout designed to send you in the right direction.

It's a good thing Ubisoft is being so innovative here -- the Wii fitness market is virtually untapped so far. Could a game with a casual interface designed with the promise of a more healthier lifestyle actually sell? We'll have to wait and see -- the bundle is due out sometime this year.

Your Shape determines your shape with a camera originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 22:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Most realistic cardboard Halo Battle Rifle you'll see today

Dustin Burg — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 15:55:00 EST

In need of a replica weapon for an upcoming cosplay convention? If so, we recommend getting in touch with Cosplay.com member "featherweight," who meticulously crafted the Halo Battle Rifle seen above. From what we gather after looking through his gallery of BR construction photos, the entire replica was built from nothing but sheets of cardboard.

Not only is this Battle Rifle a perfect tool to seduce most Cortana cosplayers, but it's probably an effective weapon to defend a cardboard Earth against an invasion of cardboard Covenant.

[Via halo.bungie.org]

Most realistic cardboard Halo Battle Rifle you'll see today originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Feb 2009 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Welcome the Hello Kitty Xbox 360 into your heart

Dustin Burg — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 10:50:00 EST

Cute, isn't it? If you're like us, your heart just melted at the sight of this too pink, too starry and too darn adorable custom Hello Kitty Xbox 360. Artistically crafted by deviantART'ist ricepuppet of Domo Xbox 360 fame, this Hello Kitty 360 represents an adorable effort to lure Japanese gamers into its friendly gaming space ... almost as if it were part of some sort of Microsoft-concocted plan to increase Japanese console sales. That isn't true, but we're sure Hello Kitty wouldn't hurt the company's efforts in Japan.

You can view this and other Xbox 360 artwork (including Sonic, Halo Wars and Chocobo themes) over at ricepuppet's deviantART page.

[Via Engadget]

Welcome the Hello Kitty Xbox 360 into your heart originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Feb 2009 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Australia gets their own awesome Lock's Quest DS and more

JC Fletcher — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:33:00 EST

Filed under: News, Imports

To promote the release of 5th Cell's strategy/action game Lock's Quest, THQ Australia is giving away a custom DS Lite, much like THQ is doing here. However, the Australian giveaway item is different from the US one -- and it comes with more stuff!

In addition to the custom airbrushed DS seen here (if you squint), one winner will receive a $2500 gift certificate to the Bunnings hardware store, a "giant-size adjustable spanner/wrench set," a backpack with a solar panel, and copies of The Dangerous Book for Boys and The Great Castle Search. Two more winners will get all that stuff minus the Bunnings money.

The method of entry is different, too: instead of playing a Flash game, contestants must describe a new turret for the game in 50 words or less. Here's an example off the top of our heads: "This turret fires a projectile that, upon contact with the ground, causes me to win contests."

[Via Vooks]

Australia gets their own awesome Lock's Quest DS and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Show and Tell: We salute you, Game Boys

Alisha Karabinus — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 13:10:00 EST

Filed under: GBA, Show and Tell

We've said goodbye to the GBA, but it's not dead yet, and never will be if these people have a say. Modders and artists keep systems alive and relevant even after everyone else has forgotten about them. The Game Boy name and changing face has been a favorite of modders for some time, and today for Show and Tell, we're going to celebrate a small part of that.

Jump right into the gallery below if you're so inclined, or take the guided tour.

Show and Tell is all about fan stuff, so long as it's Nintendo-related. We love to see your collections, your crafts, your frosted creations, your t-shirts and swag of all sorts.Just snap a few pictures, tell us what's up, and send it all to showmeit [at] dsfanboy [dot] com. We'll take care of the rest. Not a handy type, but found something neat? Send us a link instead.

Show and Tell: We salute you, Game Boys originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Oct 2008 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Show and Tell: For the love of a character

Alisha Karabinus — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Show and Tell

A big part of Nintendo (and gaming) fandom seems to be linked to the appreciation -- nay, love -- of certain characters, and that's what we're exploring in this week's edition of Show and Tell. It's all about characters and the things we do in honor of them. Take the guided tour, or jump all willy-nilly into the gallery below.

Show and Tell is all about fan stuff, so long as it's Nintendo-related. We love to see your collections, your crafts, your frosted creations, your t-shirts and swag of all sorts.Just snap a few pictures, tell us what's up, and send it all to showmeit [at] dsfanboy [dot] com. We'll take care of the rest. Not a handy type, but found something neat? Send us a link instead.

Show and Tell: For the love of a character originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First-time modder wings it, produces classy DS mod

Chris Greenhough — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 23:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fan stuff

Kudos to Flickr user Obajoo, who went and did what none of us are brave enough to do: despite having no previous experience, she added this classy design of two silhouetted birds to her Metallic Rose DS. Writing about the process on her blog, Obajoo makes it sound reasonably straightforward -- so much so that we're even beginning to think about contemplating whether or not to maybe consider customizing our DS. Hit up Obajoo's Flickr for more photos.

Not all custom paint jobs end up looking quite as nice as Obajoo's. Take, for example, Elyssa's Marth tribute, viper640_0's misguided Triforce design, or this frankly frightening custom GBA. On second thoughts, we might leave ours as it is.

First-time modder wings it, produces classy DS mod originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Jul 2008 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wii Hulks out for charity

Alisha Karabinus — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Mods

No, the Wii isn't getting bigger (unless you're buying a lot of peripherals!) -- the Hulk has taken it over! This hand-painted system is both random and spectacular; random because, well, we don't really think of the gigantic Hulk and Wii together that often, and spectacular because ... you did see it, right? At the moment, the modded Wii is bidless on eBay, but we expect that will change directly. A portion of the sale price will be donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, too, so you can feel good about Hulking out.

Oh, and, uh ... you get The Incredible Hulk game as a bonus. Y'know. In case you really just want that instead.

Continue reading Wii Hulks out for charity

Wii Hulks out for charity originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Jul 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Famicom Lite

Alisha Karabinus — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 08:45:00 EST

Filed under: Fan stuff, Mods

Genius modder Kotomi is at it again. A couple of years ago, he redid a DS Phat in the old Famicom colors -- his favorite console, apparently -- but as he recently came into some free time, he realized it was time to live in the now. At least, as "now" as you can be when doing a modern system over in the colors of a retro console.

With a black DS Lite as his base, the modder worked his magic, and the result is simply stunning (and shiny!). Kotomi says he's got some more projects in the pipeline at present, so we'll be keeping an eye on this master.

Want more? We've got a few of his other, older projects in the gallery below.

Continue reading Famicom Lite

Famicom Lite originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DS Daily: For sale

Alisha Karabinus — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fan stuff, DS Daily

These two redone handhelds -- a Phat and a Lite -- popped up on eBay, courtesy of seller rebelforever33, and since we post the occasional auctioned-DS, we thought it might be a good time to ask: have you ever considered buying one of the gussied-up systems that turn up there? We've seen some incredible mods up for auction, but redoing a DS can be a delicate undertaking.

Sometimes, though, it just might be worth it.

DS Daily: For sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jun 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Someone that isn't us has this limited edition system

Eric Caoili — Fri, 30 May 2008 11:45:00 EST

Filed under: Fan stuff

Whenever anyone announces one of these limited edition DS Lite systems in Japan, we try to push them out of our memories immediately after reporting them here, afraid that if we dwell on these designer handhelds too long, we'll only make ourselves even more depressed than we already are. Just when we think we've put these fantasies of owning rare portables behind us, however, someone always has to remind us that they exist.

DS Fanboy reader Supa_s, for example, sent in photos of her Honeyee x Fragment Design DS Lite, a slick, duotone system from seminal streetwear designer Hiroshi Fujiwara. Though she's hesitant to reveal where she obtained the remarkable handheld, she admits that it wasn't cheap -- approximately $400. Yeah, totally banoodles.

Buying the accompanying Honeyee x Fragment Design case would have cost her an additional $100, so she skipped that extra purchase, using a Club Nintendo case instead to carry the system. Her impressions on the system? "I love it, but I worry about the L & R buttons getting yellowish. I like the way it feels -- it's kind of like the bottom part of the Cobalt DS, but much smoother." Hit the gallery below for more photos of the Honeyee x Fragment Design DS Lite.

If you need us, we'll be staring at our plain, ordinary DS Lite from across the room, crying over dreams deferred, haunted by the ghosts of what should have been.

Someone that isn't us has this limited edition system originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 May 2008 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankengrip hits a Wii Remote near you

Phil Larsen — Thu, 29 May 2008 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: News, Peripherals

Among the debris of the more useless Wii Remote attachments, we occasionally find a gem that may just turn out to be totally awesome. Happening upon this intriguing development certainly has us fiddling with our Wii Remotes, wistfully wondering what life would be like with more controller to hold.

Basically, the box comes with a little plastic sleeve that slips over your Remote. Along the back and sides, a series of indented grooves allow you to attach these shark-fin style grips, which could potentially make for a more comfortable experience. There's four in the box, so you can make a wheel, a gun, and even fashion up a crossbow. Those are all good, of course, but they just aren't very long.

Hit the break for more close-ups of the Wii Custom Grip in action. We want to give it a try. No, really!

Continue reading Frankengrip hits a Wii Remote near you

Frankengrip hits a Wii Remote near you originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 May 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Legend of this painted DS Lite

JC Fletcher — Tue, 13 May 2008 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fan stuff

The ancient prophecies foretold of the one time someone would put a custom painted DS Lite on eBay and it would not look terrible. This Hero of Painted DS Lites, now revealed as viper640_0 from the idyllic POWER SELLER VILLAGE, whose early efforts lacked magic.

Now, however, he has acquired the Airbrush of Paint and defeated the Impulse to Use Questionable Color Schemes, and has returned from his quest with the Triforce of Pretty Good Paint Jobs. And, uh, he's selling it on eBay. We would be proud to carry this DS Lite around in Hyrule or even somewhere that existed.

The Legend of this painted DS Lite originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 May 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Probably the coolest Game Boy Color you'll see today

Alisha Karabinus — Fri, 02 May 2008 09:45:00 EST

Filed under: Fan stuff

Blurry pictures aside, this modded and painted Game Boy color looks pretty good! It's been Zelda-fied and is now available on eBay, though the Buy it Now price of $70 seems a little ambitious, but maybe with the upgraded sound and the new look, seller auron5881 might get lucky.

It's starting to seem as though Zelda-themed mods and paint jobs are among the most common for Nintendo fans. How's this rate among all you've seen?

Probably the coolest Game Boy Color you'll see today originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 May 2008 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Burnout Paradise for PS3 getting custom soundtracks

Jason Dobson — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 03:00:00 EST

Filed under: Culture, Sony PlayStation 3, Driving

On top of the previously announced three new online modes to be introduced in Burnout Paradise's so-called "Cagney" software update, developer Criterion has revealed that the forthcoming download will also level the pavement between the open-world racer's two console versions, finally bringing custom soundtracks to Burnout Paradise for the PS3.

After the update, PS3 owners will be able to get at their own music using the game's Easy Drive in-game menu, allowing them to cycle through their own collection of tunes while trying to avoid careening into oncoming traffic. Even better, this update, welcome as it is, is just one of several Criterion has planned this year, ensuring many repeat visits to the junk yard in the months ahead.

Burnout Paradise for PS3 getting custom soundtracks originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Apr 2008 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Forget Chuck Taylor: Nintendo All-Stars

Alisha Karabinus — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 11:15:00 EST

Filed under: Fan stuff

We're gonna go ahead and warn you up front: these shoes are not for the faint of heart (or wallet), but they are just so, well, Nintendo-y, that we had to share them. Our fanboy hands were tied. These custom-painted Converse are a (very, very expensive) Nintendo love song you can wear on your feet, and they're available on eBay for the low, low current bid of $255. But wait! You're not actually bidding on these shoes (which is good, because they probably wouldn't fit you anyway). Instead, you're bidding on a commission. Win, and seller Cole Ranze will do up a pair to your specifications (and size).

[Via GameSniped]

Forget Chuck Taylor: Nintendo All-Stars originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Apr 2008 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Show and Tell: Minty inspiration

Alisha Karabinus — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Show and Tell

You may be wondering just what this is. Stark white slabs, neatly stacked ... no, it's not the preliminary plans for Apple iChocolate (available in white only), but rather, the work of a DS owner in need. Reader PeZ had a problem: a lost game. And while the missing game turned up later, it revealed a flaw in his DS cart storage system. Nothing quite fit his needs; either everything was too big, too small, or unsafe. One day, as he finished off some Läkerol mints, an idea struck. Surely that neat little tin would be good for something.

And so PeZ got to work. As a designer, he had some idea of how to start -- he drew up plans for the perfect cart case. To the right, you can see the plans, which were eventually cut from black cardboard and glued to the inside of the tin. PeZ reports that, with slots cut in, the carts are perfectly secure, even with the tin held upside down! But with the practical inside complete, the outside needed a little work. To see what he came up with, jaunt on past the break.

Got something you want to show off to all the other DS fans? We like just about anything with a little Nintendo flavor, so snap a few pics and send 'em off to tell us what's up, and send it all to showmeit [at] dsfanboy [dot] com. We'll take care of the rest.

Continue reading Show and Tell: Minty inspiration

Show and Tell: Minty inspiration originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Apr 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Show and Tell: Lies, damned lies, and DS Lites

Alisha Karabinus — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Show and Tell

If there's anything we like, it's customization. Call us crazy, but even if it's, uh, not the best, we'll usually find something to say about it*. Lately, though, we've been blessed here in the Show and Tell corner with some really awesome submissions from readers who've been taking the look of their Lites into their own hands. Reader Josh didn't draw the art that he's used to adorn his DS, but he made it work on the case, so we'll credit both him and the artist. Can you puzzle out what it is? If not, teleport past the break to see it in full-sized glory. Actually, go whether you can guess or not!

Got something you want to show off to all the other DS fans? We like just about anything with a little Nintendo flavor, so snap a few pics, tell us your story, and send it all to showmeit [at] dsfanboy [dot] com. We'll take care of the rest.

*We didn't say it would be necessarily positive, but in that case, the artist herself seemed to be with us!

Continue reading Show and Tell: Lies, damned lies, and DS Lites

Show and Tell: Lies, damned lies, and DS Lites originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Mar 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hope for all of us too scared to mod our DS Lite

David Hinkle — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 12:45:00 EST

Filed under: Fan stuff, Mods

As folks who love the DS to be all kinds of different colors and modded in all manner of amazing ways, we often stare at our boring white DS Lite and wish we could punch it up with some color. But, alas, we are far too afraid that even an attempt at taking out the screws would result in the handheld's failure to work any longer. Seriously, you should have seen the spice rack we tried to make back in wood shop. The thing was fugly.

Yet, we have found hope through a flickr photostream. One soul, who describes this ambitious project as their "first time to paint such a demanding job," really managed to set the bar for first attempts. Just looking at this thing, we can hardly believe that this person has never taken apart and painted a DS before. It's quality.

Does this give you a yearning to try and paint your own DS? Still too scared to give it a go?

[Thanks, Jesus!]

Hope for all of us too scared to mod our DS Lite originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Mar 2008 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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