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Logitech denies it's developing PSP Go UMD add-on [update]

A CVG source (singular) claims that Logitech is developing a UMD drive add-on for the PSP Go. The source has neither price nor release information, merely stating that the "only problem is that it'll make the PSP a little bulky." Logitech's UK office told the outlet that it's unaware of such a device and that it "may be something the US office is working on." We've contacted both Sony and Logitech for more concrete information.

Beyond the fact that such an add-on would undermine what the Go represents (not quite the "only" problem, is it?), the likely price of such a device, in addition to the base cost of the PSP Go, would not compare well to the already lower cost of a regular PSP with UMD drive. Now, if the add-on could "install" your old games, that would be something ...

Update: Logitech tells Joystiq: "This is not something that our company is working on."

Swag Saturday: Guitar Hero 5 with Logitech Wireless Drums (PS3)


Ever dreamed of owning your very own ridiculously high-priced fake drum set? No no, silly goose, not that ridiculously high-priced fake drum set! The Logitech Wireless set, of course!

For Swag Saturday this week, we're giving you (and consequently ridding ourselves of) a mammoth wireless drum set care of Logitech (only for the PS3/PS2, folks!) and a complimentary copy of Guitar Hero 5. All you have to do is leave a comment below telling us how you're going to celebrate your Rocktober. When the contest runs out tomorrow, we'll pick one lucky winner to receive the whole schebang.
  • Leave a comment telling us how you're going to celebrate your Rocktober.
  • You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec, mostly because of the accent)
  • Limit 1 entry per person per day
  • This entry period ends at 8:31PM ET on Sunday, October 4
  • At that time, we'll randomly select one winner to receive Guitar Hero 5 ($60 ARV) and a Logitech Wireless Drum Kit ($230 ARV)
  • For a list of complete rules, click here

Logitech's high-end Guitar Hero controllers headed to Wii

If you want to spend way too much money on game instruments, but don't want to buy the fancy Beatles: Rock Band box, Logitech has you covered. Following the launch of the Wireless Guitar Controller for PS3/PS2 and Xbox 360, Logitech is bringing the $199 peripheral to Wii in North America and Europe this October.

The controller, which was black in its PS3 incarnation and orange for 360, will have a white body (with room to attach a Wiimote), and the same "maple neck, rosewood fingerboard and metal frets" that help justify the price of the other versions.

Logitech is also introducing a Wii version of its $229 Wireless Drum Controller, which is designed to fold up easily, and features both drum pads and kick pedals that are improved over the basic Guitar Hero drums -- which, at that price, they'd better be.

Logitech Driving Force wireless wheel half-price at Best Buy


Logitech's PS3 and PS2 compatible wireless racing wheel is currently on sale at Best Buy for $49.99, half the peripheral's regular price. While the Driving Force Wireless isn't the best wheel in the manufacturer's catalog, it features compatibility with a plethora of racing titles and Force Feedback. Logitech's higher-end models feature 900 degrees of rotation, better build quality and enhanced Force Feedback, but demand beefier price tags. If you're looking to add an inexpensive wheel to your regular gear-head gaming sessions, this could be the wheel for you.

[Thanks, Ashish]

Logitech's premium guitar controller hits in August, carries high axe-ing price


If you were to trade in or sell all eleventy plastic guitars crammed into the corner of your living room, you might just be able to afford Logitech's newly announced premium wireless Guitar Hero controller. Priced at $199 and pegged to street in August, the peripheral is a feature-for-feature equal of the previously revealed PS2 / PS3 model, only it's orange. (Why not Xbox green? We know at least one band who'd endorse it.)

Like the PS3 unit, it has a real wooden neck (maple, if you're curious), a rosewood fingerboard and some seriously tough -- yet quiet -- strum and whammy bars. While it's designed with GHWT (and all 70 other Guitar Hero titles) in mind -- hence the slider/tapping area on its neck -- you'd know if you checked out our instrument compatibility matrix that it'll work with Rock Band, too. (And Rock Band 2 ... too.)

Watch the video we've placed after the break to witness a Logitech rep get all touchy-feely with the controller.

[Via Engadget]

Continued →

Logitech releases another gorgeous (fake) guitar


We're not positive, but we think we're over high-end fake guitars. Check out this Logitech Wireless Guitar Controller for PS3 and PS2 that's going to arrive in the U.S. this month. That's lovely. The company kept the metal tuning pegs and rosewood fingerboard from the last model with "a few minor construction updates." No complaints here, not even with the $199.99 price tag, which is pricey, but not outrageous.

No, even with a gorgeous guitar like this we find ourselves curiously ... unmoved. It's puzzling, but it could be because our den already looks like the rehearsal space for a dwarf version of the Polyphonic Spree. It's hard to say.

Logitech bringing PS3 'Harmony' to its remotes [update]


Considering all of the technology Sony managed to cram into PS3, the omission of an IR receiver -- something what was standard on PS2 -- still boggles our minds. It's also forced hardcore home theater junkies to invest in extra IR-to-Bluetooth hardware in order to control their consoles using a single remote. Engadget has stumbled upon an apparent answer to their prayers: a Bluetooth add-on from Logitech that will enable its Harmony remotes to work with PS3.

The E-R0001 "PlayStation 3 Harmony Adapter" turned up on the FCC's website, but has yet to be formally announced by Logitech. As such, there's no word on which Harmony remotes it will work with. We've contacted Logitech in hopes of finding that out -- along with other details -- and will update you when we hear back.

[Update: Logitech has updated its blog with more details on the device from global gaming product marketing manager, Troy Petersen. You can read his comment after the break.]

Continued →

Logitech presents in-game Gran Turismo 5 Prologue challenge


Players of Gran Turismo 5 Prologue are being asked to "take the Logitech Challenge." It may sound like a soft drink marketing gimmick from the '80s, but it's actually a three-week, in-game competition that could net you some sweet Logitech gaming gear.

Beginning tomorrow, March 18, the Logitech Challenge is a series of three lap time based events set on specific courses with an equally specific car selection to choose from. At the end of each week, Logitech will record the top three lap times; third place will win a Logitech Driving Force Wireless wheel and V470 Cordless Laser Mouse; second place will receive the wheel and a set of Logitech Z-5 speakers; come in first and you'll get the wheel, mouse and Logitech Audio Hub speakers.

Additionally, five random participants from each week will be selected to receive Driving Force Wireless wheels. Full contest rules can be found here; Logitech is extending a 10% offer at its online store for the duration on the event -- type in coupon code "challenge 09".

Logitech's new PC gaming peripherals go over(key)board


Is your desk just not looking enough like the dashboard of an Imperial TIE fighter? Logitech is seeking to solve what it evidently sees as a common dilemma with its new G-Series gaming peripherals.

The offerings are headlined by the G19 keyboard ($199), which features an integrated 320x240 color LCD, presumably for targeting Rebel scum. There's also a 5000DPI G9x mouse ($99) for really accurate kills and a G35 voice headset ($129) that simulates 7.1 audio and, taking a cue from the insanely popular Xbox 360 feature, changes the pitch of your voice, should you so desire. Look for the keyboard and headset in March; the mouse is set to follow in April. For more details, contact your designated supply officer or Sienar Fleet Systems directly.

[Via Engadget]

Logitech's 'Premiere' wireless guitar isn't fake enough


As lovers of rhythm games -- frequent instrument protagonists, if you will -- we've grown accustomed to our musical instruments bearing the mark of imitation, the clickety clackety sound of second-rate synthesis. It is with shock and awe then, that we react to Logitech's "Premiere Edition" Wireless Guitar for PS2 and PS3, built especially for upcoming fake band sim Guitar Hero World Tour. It costs something to the tune of $250.

Designed with realism in mind, the Logitech Wireless Guitar controller boasts "the authentic materials you'd expect to see on a real rock guitar," including metal frets, metal tuning peg handles, a rosewood fingerboard and wood neck. You'll also be able to get your hands around a touch-sensitive neck slider and fret buttons which benefit from quieter, "rubber dome technology."

And while we're sure all those enhancements amount to a fantastic play experience, Logitech's director of product marketing for gaming, Ruben Mookerjee, reminds us that it's really just a "I have a bigger penis" thing. "There's no better feeling than being the guy with the best instrument when you walk into your friend's house to jam on Guitar Hero," he says. If you have the bucks, you can whip this baby out in December.

The $15,000 Gran Turismo 5 Prologue GT Racing Pod

We see you. We see you salivating all over your keyboard. If you are a serious Gran Turismo fan, this is the stuff dreams are made of. The winner of the Gran Turismo 5 Prologue Middle East Challenge Ahmad El Azmi received a free trip to Japan to drive a Nissan GT-R and he took home the above GT Racing Pod. Valued at $15,000, the Racing Pod is equipped with a 40" Sony Bravia TV, a PS3 and a Logitech Driving Force GT Racing Wheel.

However, El Azmi wasn't satisfied with the setup, and decided to disassemble and reassembled the entire Pod. He added a shifter mounter, inverted stand for the pedals, a surround sound system and replaced the DFGT with a Logitech G25 Racing Wheel. Kudos to you, sir, you have successfully made the world jealous. He was even kind enough to share with us -- check out the rest of the pictures after the jump.

[Via BornRich]

Continued →

Wii gets first force feedback wheel from Logitech

logitech
We know what you're thinking: Gawd, another Wii Wheel? But this one actually does something, we promise. Now, why anyone would jump to purchase a $100 peripheral for a $250 console is the real question that needs answering. (Cough, cough.) But if you truly believe that force feedback is necessary to impress your non-gaming friends the next time they come over, then by all means, check out Logitech's "Speed Force Wireless" Wii wheel when it goes on sale in November. (Warning: Not guaranteed to protect against blue shells.)

Wii's first force feedback wheel looks great, seems pointless

Yes, pointless.

As much as we love our Wii, it's not exactly creaking under the weight of great racing titles. There's Game Night favorite Mario Kart Wii, which is really fun, but that already comes with its own wheel, which works surprisingly well. And after that, we have (in order of GameRankings.com score) Excite Truck, MX vs. ATV Untamed, Speed Racer, and Cars, followed by fourteen other depressing drives.

None of which is intended as a slur on Logitech's new force feedback wheel for the Wii, which actually looks and sounds excellent. Releasing in November for $99.99 (!), the Logitech Speed Force Wireless features built-in gas and brake controls, a comfy-looking expandable lap rest, a wireless USB receiver and, naturally, full force feedback.

It is almost certainly the best possible way to play Cruis'n, GT Pro Series, and Wacky Races: Crash & Dash.

Gallery: Cruis'n


[Via press release]

Logitech unveils premium peripherals for Guitar Hero: World Tour


Not to be outdone by Rock Band's premium drum controller, Activision has announced a collaboration with Logitech to produce a line of "premium instrument controllers." No specific type of controller or prices were given, all we know is they will be "compatible with Guitar Hero: World Tour's advanced feature set" and they will begin arriving "later this year." Bruce Lancaster, the VP of Logitech's gaming business compares their entry into the the market for fake instruments to their entry into the market for fake steering wheels. So, what kind of premium "instruments" are you looking for and how much are you willing to dish out for one of these babies?

[Via Joystiq]

Logitech crafting 'premium' Guitar Hero peripherals

In an effort to create more realistic fake instruments, Logitech is partnering with Activision on a line of "premium" peripherals for the latter's upcoming Guitar Hero World Tour. Multiple products are in development, although Logitech would not comment on exactly what they are, confirming only that the first of them will hit this year. Given that it already has the market cornered on USB microphones (nearly every music game's mic is made by Logitech) we're guessing all educated-like that guitars and drums are the core of the lineup. Also, while this news is obviously geared toward hyping World Tour, we're looking into potential Rock Band compatibility for the products.

The peripherals are being designed to work with every platform Guitar Hero World Tour is launching on, specifically PS3, 360, Wii, and PS2. Logitech gaming devices VP Bruce Lancaster likens this move to the one the company made with steering wheels for Gran Turismo, saying, "A few years ago, Logitech refined the consumer steering wheel market with high-end controllers that enhance racing games. Now we are looking forward to elevating the market for premium music-based video game controllers in a similar fashion." Here's hoping that one of the "premium" drumkit features is a steel kick pedal like the one used by our house band, the Blueberry Muffintops. What would you like to see?

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