Joystiq

GameStick pre-orders begin for console and accessories

Jordan Mallory — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST

PlayJam has initiated pre-orders for its ultra-portable GameStick Android console over on its official website. The main $79.00 bundle includes the dongle-like console itself, as well as the controller it's stored inside of when not plugged into a television's HDMI port. The GameStick's wireless charging dock/port hub and protective case are both up for pre-order as well, priced at $24.99 and $9.99, respectively.

Delivery is expected to begin once an initial run of devices have been shipped to Kickstarter supporters, which is scheduled to take place during April. Currently, the website lists April 30 as the "available on" date for all three items.

GameStick pre-orders begin for console and accessories originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 17 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Patent points at PlayStation Move-compatible PSP Go dock

Griffin McElroy — Mon, 23 May 2011 21:35:00 EST

A patent filed by Sony back in November 2009 (and recently published) with the USPTO seems to indicate that the company was once exploring methods of integrating its colorfully-tipped Move controllers into its handheld video games. The patent in question is for a dock which, in an attached illustration, fits a folded-shut PSP Go. The dock includes a built-in camera which functions like a PlayStation Eye, detecting Move controllers in a narrow radius in front of the dock.

If Sony's actually looking into developing this peripheral, it's far more likely that they're doing so for the NGP rather than the nearly-defunct PSP Go. If it is a real thing, though, it's definitely going to bring up some intriguing metaphysical questions. For instance: Is a handheld gaming device still a handheld gaming device when it's not hand-held?

Patent points at PlayStation Move-compatible PSP Go dock originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 May 2011 21:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hori makes LCD screen for portable PS3 experience

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 12:00:00 EST

If you're looking to take your god-slaying, tiny planet-creating, Blu-ray-watching console on the go, but lack the fungible assets required to purchase one of Ben Heck's laptops, Japanese electronics manufacturer Hori may have another solution for you. The company recently unveiled the HP3-87 LCD dock, a Sony-licensed peripheral which attaches a slick 1,366 x 768 pixel screen and stereo speakers to your PS3 Slim.

The device, which is also compatible with the successful Torne DVR peripheral, will come out in Japan on May 27 for ¥26,040 ($276). We haven't heard anything about plans for an international release -- not that we'd be psyched to plop a burning hot PS3 on our lap during our morning commute.

Hori makes LCD screen for portable PS3 experience originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Apr 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple iPad unveiled, like, for real f'real

James Ransom-Wiley — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 13:10:00 EST

It's finally over ... and it's just beginning! Apple has introduced the iPad to the world, ending a long-drawn-out development phase fraught with rumor and speculation. Today -- like, just now -- the iPad made its stage debut at Apple's "Latest Creation" event in San Francisco.

Quite the production, er, introduction, eh? Here's what we know right off the bat, courtesy of Steve Jobs:

"It's very thin -- you can change the homescreen to whatever you want"
"You can browse the web with it"
"Phenomenal for mail"
"Album, photos ... you can look at all of them, flick through them, it's a wonderful way to share. Calendar ... months ..."
"We have the iTunes store built right in. YouTube and YouTube in HD"
"And it's awesome to watch movies and TV"
"Even bigger than the DSi XL" (okay, so Steve didn't say that -- we did!)

Cool, but does it play games? Update: Yep, it does -- your old iPhone games! We even played a few in our hands-on preview.

Some additional specs: 0.5-inches thin; 1.5 pounds; 9.7-inch IPS display; multi-touch; powered by 1GHz Apple A4 chip; available in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB models; Bluetooth 2.1 plus EDR and 802.11n WiFi; speakers, mic and 30-pin connector; syncs over USB; and up to 10-hour battery life. First-party accessories include a standard dock (think: picture-frame mode), a keyboard dock and a case.

As for pricing, the 16GB model is $499 (or $629 with 3G compatibility); or 32GB for $599 ($729 with 3G); or 64GB for $699 ($829 with 3G). 3G-compatible models have an option between two data plans through AT&T: 250MB of data per month for $14.99 or unlimted data per month for $29.99. The data plans are prepaid and activated directly on the iPad -- there's no contract (so you can cancel anytime). WiFi models ship in 60 days (late March); 3G units in 90 (late April).

Gallery: Apple iPad

Apple iPad unveiled, like, for real f'real originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jan 2010 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dreamcast controller turned into decoration for iPhone dock

JC Fletcher — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EST

Deciding that the Dreamcast controller had too many input methods and not enough screens, Flickr user jayhauf removed the D-pad from the device and made the whole thing into an ornamental iPhone dock.

We're pretty sure you can try this one at home, if you've got a (preferably broken) Dreamcast controller: just pull out the D-pad and the cord, and thread your iPhone connector through. Just like that, you've got a telephone sticking out of the left side of your controller! It's certain to be a conversation piece, inspiring questions from your friends like "Why did you do that?" and "How are we going to play Power Stone now?"

[Via Engadget]

Dreamcast controller turned into decoration for iPhone dock originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hori Charge Stand delayed, coming to America?

Eric Caoili — Tue, 06 May 2008 22:35:00 EST

Filed under: Rumors, Accessories

We hope you haven't already put in a preorder for Hori's upcoming DS Lite Charge Stand! When we last previewed this accessory, Play Asia had put up a product page promising to deliver the stylish dock to your doorstep for $16.90 (plus $5.90 s/h) once it debuted in Japan this month.

Checking the online import shop earlier today, we spotted a pair of notable details, bad news and good news, if you will:.

Bad news: The charging base's shipping date has been moved to May
Good news: There is now a listing for the White DS Lite Charge Stand bearing a US flag, scheduled for June and priced at $14.99.

Is Hori's North American arm planning to bring the dock to the states as it has with many of the company's other DS accessories? If so, it might worth waiting an extra month to pick up the Charge Stand at a local store for a few bucks less. Hit the gallery below for glamour shots of the White and Black models.

Hori Charge Stand delayed, coming to America? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 May 2008 22:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wii Warm Up: Accessories

David Hinkle — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Wii Warm Up

There are a lot of different Wii accessories out there. You've got recharge docks, light gun shells and wireless nunchuk adapters, just to name a few. There are plenty of accessories available for Wii gamers to plunk down cash for.

So what accessories do you have? Do you own a Classic Controller? Plan on loving the Wii Wheel or Balance Board when they release? Tell us about your accessories or what accessories you have an eye on!

Wii Warm Up: Accessories originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Mar 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Now this looks like a nice recharge dock

David Hinkle — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Peripherals, Controller

Up until the death of what we hoped would be the accessory to end all accessories, there hasn't been much in the way of docks or storage solutions for the person with 4 Wiimotes. Now, thanks to the React Recharge Dock, we can charge up four Wiimotes simultaneously and still keep the clean aesthetic of the Wii.

With a fitting color scheme and its space-saving design, React's rechargeable solution for your Wiimote needs is not only shaping up to be the best solution for those who want a rechargeable pack for their Wiimotes that matches their Wii, but also about the most expensive choice for gamers. This accessory demands a hefty $50 entrance fee before you can enjoy it. However, the pack does include four 550 mAh batteries for your Wiimotes, so in the end, it just might not be such a bad deal after all.

What do you all think?

[Via Joystiq]

Now this looks like a nice recharge dock originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Feb 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Diagrams for wacky Wii remote peripherals

Eric Caoili — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Peripherals, Controller

Third-party accessory manufacturers aren't the only ones coming up with ridiculous things to attach your Wii remote onto! A recent patent application posted at the European Patent Office's site reveals some of the crazy peripherals Nintendo dreamed up to explain the controller's potential, like the goggles shown above. ThinkGeek's Wii Helm seems like a respectable, thought-out product, compared to this silly idea. Wouldn't that unbalanced weight give you a sore neck after a minute of wearing this headpiece?

And there are much zanier diagrams in the application document -- Wii remotes in racing helmets, bike pedals, skateboard wheels, and teddy bears! How would this stuff even work? There are also drafts for a docking station and the old shotgun-design Zapper (the GameCube and wireless receiver demonstrating the Zapper shows the artwork's age). You can check them all out in our gallery below!

[Via 22Hundred]

Diagrams for wacky Wii remote peripherals originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Jan 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wii Warm Up: USB me

David Hinkle — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Wii Warm Up

Aside from charging a Wiimote dock or utilization the limited keyboard support, you might not think the USB ports on the back of that sexy Wii of yours are useful in regards to much else. In this day and age, lots of things can charge or run on USB. Heck, we know we charge our cell phone on USB more often than whipping out the AC adapter and plugging it into an outlet.

Considering that, we wanted to know how you're making use of the Wii's USB ports. If you leave your console in standby, you can charge this or that through your Wii. So, how do you make use of the USB ports?

Wii Warm Up: USB me originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 01 Dec 2007 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A DS Lite dock and a photo of a depressed dog

Eric Caoili — Sat, 07 Jul 2007 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Imports, Accessories

Japanese manufacturer Sakurado combined into one device two useful features: a cradle to charge your DS Lite with and a photograph of a disconsolate golden retriever. If his doleful eyes and floppy ears become too much for your frail heart to take in, you could always drop another snapshot into the picture frame instead, but you'd first have to endure the pitiful whines of a puppy who's been punished unjustly.

The fused dock and photo stand is available at select Japanese retailers for about 1,420 yen (approximately $11.50), offered in white, navy blue, light blue, pink, and black variations. Interestingly, the charging stand uses the DS Lite's adapter for power, rather than its own proprietary plug. Check past the post break, empty leash in hand, for a comparison image of the cradle's various colors.

Continue reading A DS Lite dock and a photo of a depressed dog

A DS Lite dock and a photo of a depressed dog originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Jul 2007 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A budget remote cradle that doesn't suck

Eric Caoili — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Peripherals, Controller

We've had some laughs over Dragon Electronics' ill-conceived accessories in the past, but the Chinese manufacturer really seemed to hit all the right notes with its latest charging dock. Taking more into account than just bundling battery covers and rechargeable AAA batteries, the cradle has every feature we're looking for in a budget solution -- USB adapter, unobtrusive design, room to charge two controllers simultaneously, and LED status indicators.

Play-Asia has the charging station listed for $14.90 ($6.70 s/h), while eBay auctions have it priced a few dollars higher. To compare, Nyko's dock sells for about $30. Check past the post break for the full fact sheet.

Continue reading A budget remote cradle that doesn't suck

A budget remote cradle that doesn't suck originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Jun 2007 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pretty much the best DS Lite mod ever

Eric Caoili — Thu, 03 May 2007 11:15:00 EST

Filed under: Hacks

When aliens come to lay waste on our planet after an interstellar decree to rid the galaxy of our race before our warlike nature spreads to other solar systems, this Nintendo DS Lite case mod could be humanity's saving grace. At the precipice of mankind's extinction, the extraterrestrial army will stay its advanced armaments, realizing that any society capable of producing such an awe-aspiring object deserves to continue its existence!

Forged by the same hands that brought the Legend of Zelda-themed Wii mod to life, this gold and black beauty's metal die-cast Master Sword/Shield crest rotates to match your handheld's orientation and illuminates when being charged. Buying this one-of-a-kind DS Lite will also net you a custom charging dock, two painted styli (silver and dark blue), and the admiration of your peers and cosmic beings alike. Proceeds from the auction will once again be donated to Penny Arcade's Child's Play charity.

Head past the post break for more photos of the DS Lite mod. It's a good preview of what we'll spend the rest of our enslaved lives assembling after our alien overlords decide to spare our pitiful race.

Continue reading Pretty much the best DS Lite mod ever

Pretty much the best DS Lite mod ever originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 May 2007 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Intec's Wii Charging Station: decent dock or crap cradle?

Eric Caoili — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Peripherals, Controller

We didn't even know that acessories manufacturer Intec was working on a Wii remote charging station until we saw one listed for sale earlier today. Much like Nyko's cradle, Intec's dock comes with two rechargeable battery packs and a base that lights up to signal when it's in use. That's about where the similarities between the two end.

Intec's dock does away with the AC plug and allows you to conveniently charge the battery packs via USB instead. Adding onto its appeal, at $25.00, the dock comes in $5.00 cheaper than Nyko's. Sounds like an easy choice between the two, right?

Where Intec's dock fails is its inability to charge both battery packs at the same time. You can't even charge the packs while they're in locked in the controllers! Those two slots for the remotes? Just for display! If you want to recharge a battery pack, you have to remove it from the controller and plant it into the dock.

This sort of half-assed setup might have flown back in November, but months after competitors have already put out more advanced solutions? Even with the five-dollar savings, you'd be wise to avoid this dock. That said, jump past the post break anyway, and check out the strange blurb we spotted on Intec's packaging.

[Via DCEmu]

Continue reading Intec's Wii Charging Station: decent dock or crap cradle?

Intec's Wii Charging Station: decent dock or crap cradle? originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Apr 2007 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rechargeable Controller Grip

Eric Caoili — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 10:25:00 EST

Filed under: Peripherals, Controller

Fire Bird's rechargeable grip combines the functions of a Wii remote charging dock and a controller frame accessory. The product seemed silly to us at first, but we suppose that something like this could be useful when we're playing Virtual Console releases or games that require us to hold the remote sideways like Excite Truck. Having a convenient way to recharge the battery via USB will also come in handy for future marathon sessions with Fire Emblem: Goddess of Dawn when Nintendo brings the time-consuming SRPG stateside.

SuccessHK no longer has the rechargeable controller grip in stock, but there are still a few listed on eBay for about $9.99 ($8.00 shipping). One strange thing to note about the packaging is its Wii Sports branding. Having your remote locked into the plastic frame would make playing any of the Wii Sports' games awkward. Check out that Wii logo too! The last two letters look more like a u-umlaut than lowercase i's. Head past the post break for a larger shot of the grip!

[Via DCEmu]

Continue reading Rechargeable Controller Grip

Rechargeable Controller Grip originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Apr 2007 10:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We got your dock right here, buddy!

David Hinkle — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 17:15:00 EST

Filed under: Peripherals, Tech stuff, Controller

And charging the small sum of $17 USD, it's probably going to be the cheapest solution for your Wiimote-battery-charging needs. In this package, you get an extra battery, the cradle (pictured) and ... well, nothing else. Still though. this is the kind of no-frills setup any frugal gamer can appreciate.

[Via Engadget]

We got your dock right here, buddy! originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Mar 2007 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Would you pay $376 for PSP speakers?

Andrew Yoon — Mon, 25 Sep 2006 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Peripherals

Tokyo Game Show is over, which means we'll have to start covering "real news." Ha! Let's kick the week off right by showcasing one of the biggest wastes of money I can think of for the system. The Gamexpert PSP Hi-Fi lets you "get the ultimate sound experience from your PSP... This powerful Hifi system houses a 23W RMS amplifier to pump out high quality audio and also incorporates a PSP docking station and remote for convenience."

Uh... somehow 23 watts is supposed to be awe-inspiring? The creators of this sound dock have forgotten that this system is meant to be portable: no way do I want to dock my PSP on this monstrosity of a speaker device to listen to music or, even more hilariously, watch a UMD movie from afar. Most of us normal people can use our computers or televisions to do that better if we didn't want a mobile experience. To add insult to injury, the company is charging a ridiculous $376 for the device (£199.99), making it one of the worst purchases I can think of for the PSP.

[Via Engadget]

Would you pay $376 for PSP speakers? originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Sep 2006 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Intec Dock charges when it cradles

Rafael Espiritu — Fri, 24 Feb 2006 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Peripherals

Is your PSP getting all scratched up and dirty sitting there on your table while it charges? Well, suffer no more, Mister Limpy! For a measly ten bucks you can pick yourself up this super neato charging cradle that'll...oh, there's no fooling you! Yes, folks, it'll charge your PSP while it sits on this molded plastic frame! Wow, I think I just soiled myself.

Sure, you could make one for cheaper, but just how much nursery-level stacking are you willing to go through for ten George Washingtons?

Intec Dock charges when it cradles originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Feb 2006 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LEGO charging dock for PSP

Rafael Espiritu — Thu, 23 Feb 2006 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Mods, Peripherals

Usually, creative stuff like this is borne out of either genius or boredom, but we're willing to bet that this originated from pure cheapness*. Snarky though I may be, this PSP charging dock made entirely out of LEGO bricks is still a cool piece of work. And, like its creator says, you can stand to save quite a bit of green too. At six bucks, it's about freakin' time we got a little somethin' somethin' back in the bargain range for investing in our widescreened inamorato.

*We josh, of course. We mean to say "love".

LEGO charging dock for PSP originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Feb 2006 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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