Joystiq

Tony Hawk says Ride was 'a bit rushed,' still thinks critics didn't give his board a chance

David Hinkle — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 20:15:00 EST

Even after all this time, Tony Hawk's stance is firm regarding the poorly received Shred and Ride games. He thinks critics made up their mind before giving the games and associated peripheral an honest chance -- even in the case of Ride, which he admits "was a bit rushed" due to time spent prototyping the board.

Continue reading Tony Hawk says Ride was 'a bit rushed,' still thinks critics didn't give his board a chance

Tony Hawk says Ride was 'a bit rushed,' still thinks critics didn't give his board a chance originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Rock Band 3 bundles from Mad Catz include 5 free DLC songs

Jordan Mallory — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 11:30:00 EST

Rock Band 3 is still alive and kicking, despite everything happening behind-the-scenes, and in an effort to rekindle the world's love for rhythm games and plastic instruments, Mad Catz Interactive has released 5 new instrument bundles for the Xbox 360.

Each bundle includes the game, a DLC code for 5 different Red Hot Chili Peppers songs, and your choice of Fender Mustang Pro-Guitar ($150), normal Stratocaster controller($70), or normal Precision Bass controller ($80, available in three designer colors). Absent from these bundles, as you may have noticed, are the microphone and drum kit controllers known and loved by annoying college roommates the world over; a void the used market will undoubtably step in to fill.

New Rock Band 3 bundles from Mad Catz include 5 free DLC songs originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 27 Nov 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: PlayStation Move ships 9 million, a million in the past half year

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 19:30:00 EST

Around this time last year, Sony announced it had shipped just over 4 million units of its motion gaming peripheral, the PlayStation Move. And then in early April, about five months later, the company once again announced a new shipping number of around 8 million, doubling the original shipped number. Unfortunately for Sony, it seems the last seven months haven't maintained that momentum, with 1 million being added to the total shipped number (approximately 9 million in total), according to Industry Gamers.

As per usual, Sony isn't giving out hard numbers for units actually sold. It stands to reason, however, that if retailers have only ordered another 1 million units leading up to the holiday season, the peripheral likely isn't selling like, say, Walter White's crystal meth (hotcakes are so out of fashion).

Microsoft has been spinning a similar story with its own motion peripheral, the Kinect, holding to sales statements made last March (10 million sold -- not shipped) rather than offering new data. We're holding out hope that the two hardware companies are more vocal after the coming holiday sales bonanza, but we're not holding our breath either.

Report: PlayStation Move ships 9 million, a million in the past half year originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Nov 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SteelSeries' Simraceway SRW-S1 racing wheel trades pedals for paddles

Jordan Mallory — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 18:30:00 EST

As serious racing-simulator enthusiasts out there know, the allure of the racing wheel is almost inescapable. When your fancy is tickled by buttons, levers and switches, the only thing better than a full racing setup is the original Steel Battalion controller which, sadly, cannot be used for racing games of any kind.

Ignoring the generous amounts of space and money required to utilize a racing setup, most racing wheels are also fairly unportable, which can make showing off your new toy rather difficult when invited round to a friend's place. Enter the $120 SteelSeries Simraceway SRW-S1, a motion-based simulation-centric peripheral which abandons foot pedals in favor of gear-shift-style flappy-paddles mounted to the backside of device.

Motion controls seem like an odd choice for a peripheral aimed at accuracy obsessed simulator aficionados, but maybe 19 buttons and 3 dials affixed to the face of the wheel will be tempting enough to risk the cost of entry.

SteelSeries' Simraceway SRW-S1 racing wheel trades pedals for paddles originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 Nov 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Don't worry (or do), PS Vita will have external battery peripheral

Griffin McElroy — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 18:50:00 EST

If the short-lived battery built into the PS Vita is a hang-up for you, Sony Worldwide Studios boss Shuhei Yoshida shared some news with IGN which will either reassure you, or redouble your rage. "If you have not noticed we just announced the peripherals for PS Vita, as well," Yoshida said, "and one of the peripherals is the external batteries. So if you're flying from New York to San Francisco, or vice versa, you have no concerns if you have an additional external battery."

The only thing to be concerned about, it seems, is the cost of such a peripheral. If it follows the price model of the Vita's memory cards, it could be cause for concern, indeed.

Don't worry (or do), PS Vita will have external battery peripheral originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Sep 2011 18:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Child of Eden has a 'corset peripheral' (which you'll probably never see)

Griffin McElroy — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST

The gaming industry is, with astonishing regularity, a total circus sideshow of inexplicable oddities -- but we're confident that nothing has approached the levels of bizarritude contained within this here post. According to IGN, Child of Eden creator Tetsuya Mizuguchi announced at the Kapow! Comic Con that developer Q Entertainment has whipped up a unique peripheral for the Kinect shooter: A corset which holds four 360 controllers at one time, all of which individually vibrate to the beat of Eden's music.

It sounds like a prototype that's unlikely to make it beyond the borders of Q Entertainment's home office -- but that doesn't make it any less magical. We mean, mathematically, it's four times crazier than Rez's Trance Vibrator. Exponentially more so, actually, since the vibrations in question happen inside of a corset.

Child of Eden has a 'corset peripheral' (which you'll probably never see) originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 10 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Grab a Hori Xbox 360 Fight Stick with Tekken 6 for $30 at Best Buy

Griffin McElroy — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 10:45:00 EST

Need a sturdier form of input for your latest fighting game acquisition, Marvel vs. Capcom 3? Best Buy has what might just be the cheapest Fight Stick on the internet: The retailer has marked the Tekken 6 Limited Edition for 360 -- which includes a nice little Hori Fight Stick -- down to $29.99.

Continue reading Grab a Hori Xbox 360 Fight Stick with Tekken 6 for $30 at Best Buy

Grab a Hori Xbox 360 Fight Stick with Tekken 6 for $30 at Best Buy originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Feb 2011 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CTA Digital's Sniper Rifle isn't the best PlayStation Move attachment by a long shot

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 04:00:00 EST

Listen, you're already going to look ridiculous playing a first-person shooter with the decidedly non-threatening-looking PlayStation Move controller. If you're going to go to Ridiculous Town, you might as well go in a ridiculous Lincoln -- and CTA Digital, as always, has your back in that regard.

Continue reading CTA Digital's Sniper Rifle isn't the best PlayStation Move attachment by a long shot

CTA Digital's Sniper Rifle isn't the best PlayStation Move attachment by a long shot originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The iControlPad clamps a controller to your phone

Griffin McElroy — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 05:00:00 EST

The iControlPad -- a peripheral we first learned about in 2008 -- is still alive, kicking, and ready to be ordered for $74.99 before its initial February 16 ship date.

The device attaches a simple Bluetooth game pad to your smartphone of choice using various clamps, which currently support iPhones, Blackberry Touch, HTC Dream, T-Mobile G1 and a handful of other devices. It's designed to make emulators on jailbroken phones much easier to play -- though the official site for the iControlPad admits, "software for your phone may be thin on the ground at first, and we encourage you to ask your favorite developers to support it." Also, being forced to de-clamp your phone to receive a call is going to be the nerdiest thing you've ever done in public. Buyer beware!

The iControlPad clamps a controller to your phone originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PlayStation Move controller exploded, examined

Griffin McElroy — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 16:45:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

The latest victim of techno-savvy website IFixIt's particularly brutal brand of evisceration is none other than Sony's new magic wand, the PlayStation Move. The site performed a teardown on the new controller, examining how easily it could be repaired should one of your friends decide to throw it, full force, at the razor-sharp corner of your living room coffee table. (Don't they know that motion controller-related accidents are so 2006?)

You can check out all of the controller's inside-parts over in IFixIt's teardown -- unfortunately, though, they didn't crack open the orb which tops the device. We think it has something to do with them not wanting to injure the magical, polychromatic fairy which lives inside of said orb.

PlayStation Move controller exploded, examined originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PS3 Assault Rifle Controller aims for August release

Andrew Yoon — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

FPS games just aren't realistic enough. Thankfully, CTA Digital -- maker of fine products, like the Wii football accessory -- have come up with a rather elegant solution: a replica plastic rifle, with a trigger and built-in speaker to support the controller's three sound effects!

Continue reading PS3 Assault Rifle Controller aims for August release

PS3 Assault Rifle Controller aims for August release originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Innex Rapid Shot for Wii may be too real

Justin McElroy — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 08:42:00 EST

Here's the surprising thing about the Innex Rapid Shot: It's good. Like, really good. The pseudo sub-machine gun not only bundles the functionality of the Wiimote, Nunchuk and MotionPlus into one controller, it also looks and feels great. In fact, it's being marketed as the first controller made solely for adults. All marketing nonsense, but it tells you a lot about what kind of audience they're targeting.

What feature does the Rapid Shot (which retails for $49.99) not include? Well, for starters, it doesn't keep you from being stupefyingly uncomfortable when a man in camouflage shouts at you about protecting your brain from zombies. Perhaps in version two?

Continue reading The Innex Rapid Shot for Wii may be too real

The Innex Rapid Shot for Wii may be too real originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 Jun 2010 08:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A massive controller for massively multiplayer PS3 games

JC Fletcher — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 00:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Peripherals maker Hori is getting ready for Final Fantasy XIV on PS3, and getting ready to upsize your PS3 controlling experience. The company had this "PS3 MMO Controller" on display at its E3 booth, featuring a rather insane-looking tabletop left-hand thing, and a keyboard with PS3 analog stick and face buttons attached.

We say Hori is getting ready for FFXIV, but it's not ready yet. This controller was a "concept model" only, with no information about a release date or price.

A massive controller for massively multiplayer PS3 games originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Jun 2010 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Eagle-Eye peripheral adds keyboard support to PS3 FPS games

Andrew Yoon — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 11:25:00 EST

Most games don't take advantage of the PS3's native ability to support a USB keyboard and mouse, much to the chagrin of those who veer away from the console's regular controller. However, Penguin United wants to capitalize on this shortcoming with its upcoming Eagle-Eye peripheral. Debuting at E3 next week, the Converter offers a key-mapping feature that lets you re-map all the buttons of a PS3 controller to a standard keyboard. According to the company, the Eagle-Eye will offer "1 to 1 translation from a PS3 controller to the mouse."

Set to retail for $59.99, the Eagle-Eye is "compatible with all PS3 console versions" and will be "future proof with firmware updates." It's certainly an interesting claim and one we'll definitely get our hands on next week during E3. Until then, these demonstration videos (after the break) will have to sate your curiosity.

Continue reading Eagle-Eye peripheral adds keyboard support to PS3 FPS games

Eagle-Eye peripheral adds keyboard support to PS3 FPS games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Jun 2010 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mad Catz acquires headset manufacturer Tritton Technologies

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 13:00:00 EST

Mad Catz is looking to dip its toes into the cool, soothing waters of the high-quality gaming headset market, as is evident by its recent acquisition of fellow peripheral manufacturer, Tritton Technologies. Mad Catz announced today that it had purchased 100 percent of Tritton's stock for $1 million, with an additional $9 million in bonuses available to the headset company based on sales success of its products over the next five years.

In addition to snatching up Tritton's product line, Mad Catz also entered into an employment agreement with Tritton CEO Christopher Von Huben, as well as a "limited number of other key Tritton employees." Maybe these new elements within the company will be able to convince its leaders to finally drop that eponymous "z" for a much more respectable "s."

Mad Catz acquires headset manufacturer Tritton Technologies originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Jun 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Standalone DJ Hero turntables w/ poster now available

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 15:27:00 EST

DJ Hero turntable controllers are now available in standalone versions to scratch on all major consoles... wait, that sounds wrong. The peripheral is currently listed on retailer Amazon for $60, which is $20 off the Wii game bundle, and $40 off the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions. The second peripheral can be used for several different modes the game supports.

The first 100,000 standalone units also include a Shepard Fairey poster (pictured), featuring the game's cast of DJs. If you're a hardcore fan of the turntable series, chances are you've already picked up a second controller by now and traded the extra copy into Gamestop. For the rest of us, with DJ Hero 2 somewhere out there, we'd be more apt to wait and see if there's an updated controller with the sequel.

Standalone DJ Hero turntables w/ poster now available originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Mar 2010 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Datel TiltFX adds tilt-based motion controls to PSP

Andrew Yoon — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 20:30:00 EST

Do you ever look at those iPhone gaming ads and say, "Gee, I wish I could do that on my PSP?" Well, if just buying an iPod is out of the question, Datel may have a solution for you. The TiltFX is a new accessory that promises to add motion controls to "all games" on the PSP. According to a press release, the device features a three-axis MEMS sensor and is able to replace the functions of the standard D-Pad and analog stick. Additionally, Datel is offering customized profiles for specific games, like WipEout, LocoRoco, and Super Monkey Ball. Presumably, these will tweak the controls for a better tailored experience.

We haven't had a chance to test the TiltFX for ourselves, but it is advertised as compatible with all PSP systems, minus the Go -- meaning owners of PSP-1000, 2000 and 3000 series systems can use the device. According to a Datel representative, the device won't require custom firmware to operate. (It seems the device is sending control data via the PSP's headset port.) Apparently, it's available now and has a MSRP of £14.99 or $19.99. You can check out a commercial after the break.

Continue reading Datel TiltFX adds tilt-based motion controls to PSP

Datel TiltFX adds tilt-based motion controls to PSP originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Mar 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PlayStation Move input latency analyzed by Digital Foundry

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 20:00:00 EST

The amount of latency between a user's input on a game controller and the in-game reflection of that input is an incredibly important factor when comparing motion controllers. Sony has been boasting that the input latency for the PlayStation Move would be "under a frame" -- though Digital Foundry concluded otherwise during its brief tech demo with the sphere-tipped peripheral.

Digital Foundry conducted a fairly rudimentary experiment in which a person filmed himself sharply moving the controller, then counted how many milliseconds it takes for the screen to reflect his movement. Though there were a few variables to the experiment (such as the unknown, natural latency of the television display used in the demo), Digital Foundry estimates the device's latency to be in the ballpark of 133ms (around eight frames), which they claim is "fine for most of the applications you would want from such a controller." You can check out a video of Digital Foundry's simple latency experiment on Eurogamer.

PlayStation Move input latency analyzed by Digital Foundry originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Natal to use 10-15 percent of Xbox 360's computing resources

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 11:59:00 EST

A few details about Project Natal's technical capabilities slipped out alongside the holiday 2010 release window at Microsoft's CES press conference. The most revealing of these specifics is that the hardware will only siphon 10 to 15 percent of the 360's computing resources, according to a statement from Natal lead developer Alex Kipman. "Natal has to work on the existing hardware without taking too much hardware processing away from the games developers," Kipman added.

However, according to a report obtained by GamesIndustry, the processing power could have been further reduced. The original build for Natal included a chip that processed the "bone system," assumed responsible for creating a skeleton of the player in front of the device's glossy eye. However, in an attempt to lower costs, the chip was removed from the device's final build, putting that processing onus on the software that will utilize Natal.

In other words, it's extremely unlikely that any software will be able to have Natal support patched into it -- a fact that Digital Foundry's Richard Leadbetter says could help "serve to focus developers on Natal-specific concepts as opposed to revisiting old classics."

Update: Updated language to reflect that of the original source -- Natal will use 10 - 15 percent of the 360's overall computing power, not just its CPU.

Natal to use 10-15 percent of Xbox 360's computing resources originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tony Hawk bribing Xbox Live's 'Ride' players with friendship

David Hinkle — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 00:01:00 EST

Who wouldn't want to go gallivanting around the globe, bustin' silly skateboarding tricks with icon Tony Hawk? Well, you'll never get to, but you can have the next best thing: Tony Hawk on your Xbox Live friends list. He hit the Twitters last night, trying to drum up some friends to play Tony Hawk Ride with on the Xbox 360. You know, that game with the crazy board Tony would like to see used with more games in the future? Yeah, that one.

There's no telling if it worked or not -- you can't check out Tony's friends list unless you're a friend with him. Still, it's interesting to see Tony take such an active role in trying to market the game. We guess when you invent a peripheral, you get all super passionate about it or something.

[Via Kotaku]

Source and Source - Tony Hawk's Twitter account

Tony Hawk bribing Xbox Live's 'Ride' players with friendship originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Jan 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Datel's Sound Speaker DSi eats handhelds for breakfast

David Hinkle — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 15:00:00 EST

Nothing's ever going to top Nyko's crazy Zoom Case, but Datel Japan's bulky DSi speaker attachment thing -- the official title is the Sound Speaker DSi -- is definitely making a strong play for Most Crazy DSi Accessory Ever. As you can see, the accessory is not only meant to protect by consuming the handheld whole, but it also amplifies the DSi's audio ... because that's what you want from your DSi. The multitasking capabilities of Datel's device also allow you to charge your handheld (through an included AC adapter or some AA batteries) after you've spent hours being kind of a jerk.

The Datel Sound Speaker DSi runs 3,990 yen (about $45) and can be purchased here.

[Via GoNintendo]

Datel's Sound Speaker DSi eats handhelds for breakfast originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Robomodo CEO hints at new software for RIDE peripheral

Xav de Matos — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:45:00 EST

Robomodo CEO David Michicich hinted that more software for the Tony Hawk: RIDE skateboard controller could be on its way. When asked if the developer had other ideas for the peripheral's use outside of the skating genre in an interview with Develop, Michicich replied, "We're doing a game with Activision and we're not allowed to talk about it right now."

In June 2009, Robomodo president Joshua Tsui commented that the (probably going to be involved in its fair share of accidental injury lawsuits) peripheral could be used for a variety of software. "The obvious ones are snowboarding and surfing and such," he told Videogamer.

With a new entry into the Tony Hawk: RIDE franchise probably already in the planning stages, it appears the hardware will see new software to help lighten consumer guilt. Sure, our dream is for some kind of Lumberjack Simulator to be in development, but the controller will more than likely focus on something closer to snowboarding. If EA hasn't jumped on that train yet, former EA employees are more than welcome to try.

Robomodo CEO hints at new software for RIDE peripheral originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DJ Hero turntables won't be compatible with any other game

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 22:00:00 EST

Due to the obvious differences between the respective turntable peripherals for DJ Hero and Scratch: The Ultimate DJ, this may not come as much of a shock to you: In a recent interview with Destructoid, FreeStyleGames' Jaime Jackson shot down the idea of Hero's peripheral being compatible with other DJ titles. "If someone needed to use our controller, then they would basically have to rip our game off," Jackson noted.

In other words, if you're looking to tap into all the DJ-centric rhythm offerings available in the future, you're going to be adding a few more feet to that ever-growing mound of fake instruments in your den. At least there will be a bit of variation towards the peak, eh?

Gallery: Battle of the best turntable: DJ Hero vs Scratch: The Ultimate DJ

DJ Hero turntables won't be compatible with any other game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TGS 2009: Motion-controlled Resident Evil 5 caught on video

Griffin McElroy — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 15:23:00 EST

Remember when it was first announced that Resident Evil 5 wasn't coming to the Wii, and fans got really upset, because Resident Evil 4 on the Wii was totally awesome? It seems that decision wasn't made due to Capcom's oversight of said awesomeness -- rather, it looks like they chose to bring that experience to the PS3 with the ball-pointed PlayStation Motion Controller.

Seriously, check out this gameplay sample (video posted after the break) from Sony's TGS keynote and tell us that doesn't look exactly like RE4 on the Wii. Okay, the PS3 version is significantly prettier -- and due to the fact that Sony's controller has no nunchuck (which forces the player to hold a SIXAXIS in one hand and the wand in another) the controls look a bit more awkward this time around.

[Via VG247]

Continue reading TGS 2009: Motion-controlled Resident Evil 5 caught on video

TGS 2009: Motion-controlled Resident Evil 5 caught on video originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 15:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ben Heck moves Dualshock's shoulder buttons to the front

Griffin McElroy — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EST

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]

Ben 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.

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Best Buy offers $20 racing wheel with purchase of Shift, DiRT 2

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 16:15:00 EST

If you're looking to acquire a PS3 steering wheel peripheral before the release of that one racing game, Best Buy's got a pretty sweet offer for you. If you purchase Need for Speed: Shift or DiRT 2 through the retailer's online storefront, you can knock $60 off the price of the Logitech Driving Force Wireless Wheel, bringing its cost down to a mere $20.

There's no telling how long this deal will be available, so if you're in the market for discounted circular gaming peripherals, you should probably put the pedal to the metal.

Best Buy offers $20 racing wheel with purchase of Shift, DiRT 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lips mic compatible with The Beatles: Rock Band, RB2 'soon'

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 15:00:00 EST

Harmonix has confirmed to Joystiq that the Lips (or Microsoft Wireless) Microphone will be compatible with The Beatles: Rock Band at launch, but that a patch for the peripheral to work with Rock Band 2 will be "coming soon." We sought clarification after a post on GameFaqs, allegedly quoting EA warranty support, implied that the patch for Rock Band would occur this week.

The Lips mic patch for Rock Band has been in the pipe since last year, with a release window announced a couple months back for this summer, which we now know will occur after (not with) the release of The Beatles: Rock Band this Wednesday.

[Via Aeropause]

Lips mic compatible with The Beatles: Rock Band, RB2 'soon' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Sep 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FCC exposes, dissects DJ Hero turntable peripheral

Griffin McElroy — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:29:00 EST

This has been a big week for pieces of gaming hardware getting explodified -- this time around, the subject of dissection is the turntable peripheral for Activision's upcoming Mix Master Mike sim, DJ Hero. However, the disassembly wasn't committed by a tech-savvy hacker, or even a DIY site. Instead, the operation was performed by the Federal Communications Commission. Yes, your tax dollars are being applied to the destruction of video game peripherals.

Though most of the depictions of the turntable controller have been glamorous but somewhat non-revealing, the FCC completely exposes the controller in it's most vulnerable state. We'd say the FCC is kind of like the Hustler of gaming hardware snapshots -- but we would never actually say that because that would be an awfully creepy thing to say on a video game blog.

[Thanks, Caleb]

FCC exposes, dissects DJ Hero turntable peripheral originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Natal to be 'a union' of Microsoft and Rare's philosophies

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 17:30:00 EST

Despite having released a number of games on the platform, Rare's Xbox 360 franchises haven't had the fan following of your War Gears and your Halos -- the developer's design director, George Andreas, chalks this up to the fact that the "hardware is aimed at a different demographic, and so we've always battled against that." That is fairly true -- the hardcore Xbox 360 audience has little patience for anthropomorphic piñatas or bird-backpacked bears. However, Andreas has hope for the future -- a future which will see the introduction of Microsoft's full-body controller, Project Natal.

Andreas has stated Rare's interest in the new technology before, but in a recent interview with VideoGamer.com, he further explained the studio's excitement -- "it's a union of the two philosophies of the different companies, I guess," he said. Sounds like Rare's sticking to its family-friendly roots -- we suppose that rules out the possibility of Rare's secret Natal project being Gun Murder 3: The Legend of the Lost Shoot-Blaster.

Natal to be 'a union' of Microsoft and Rare's philosophies originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Aug 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tony Hawk Ride comes with padding for your hardwood floor

Alexander Sliwinski — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 16:15:00 EST

Activision will ship Tony Hawk Ride's skateboard peripheral with some extra padding in the box for those without carpets to place it on. A company representative told Joystiq at GamesCom today that the board will ship with "two strips, stickers," but couldn't precisely describe the thickness or provide an example. He implied the strips would run along the long flat bottom on both sides, which still makes us nervous for folks with hardwood floors if they -- or a rambunctious group of children -- attempt an ollie with the peripheral. For the record, the rep told us the "recommended surface [to play on] is carpet."

We asked the rep if the company plans to introduce a prophylactic that could cover the bottom of the board, but were told, "[We] haven't decided on that." Assurances were made that the board has gone through lots of durability testing -- even though it's not the board we're worried about. It uses 4 AA batteries and can apparently last 30-40 hours, with a "sleep mode" kicking in after about 30 minutes to an hour.

Tony Hawk Ride comes with padding for your hardwood floor originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony Motion Controller update features pinatas, wizardry, hairstyling

Griffin McElroy — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 13:00:00 EST

The PS3 Slim wasn't the only point of interest from Sony's GamesCom 2009 press conference -- attendees also got a look at some of the capabilities of the tentatively named (we hope) PlayStation Motion Controller which was revealed at E3 earlier this year. The device's developers created a neat little reel showing off a few of the controller's applications -- GameTrailers got its hands on the video, which is posted after the jump.

It looks like skeleton bashing and name-signing aren't the only things the peripheral can do -- the new video shows a few other uses, including piñata smashing, magic casting, light shining and, yes, hairstyling. Does this mean we're one step closer to finally receiving a video game adaptation of Queen Latifah's magnum opus, Beauty Shop? God, we hope so.

[Thanks, Jeremy23J!]

Continue reading Sony Motion Controller update features pinatas, wizardry, hairstyling

Sony Motion Controller update features pinatas, wizardry, hairstyling originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Easy Piano brings keyboard peripheral to DS Lite

Griffin McElroy — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 02:00:00 EST

Almost two years ago, Ubisoft dropped a virtual guitar simulator on the DS, titled "Jam Sessions" -- and that's just great, if you picked up the six-stringed instrument during your collegiate career in an attempt to woo Damien Rice-obsessed co-eds. Some of us, however, prefer the ivories. And by "prefer", we mean "we were forced to spend our childhood summers hunched over a beaten-up Steinway, pursuing our parents' feverish artistic dreams as our peers actually enjoyed their lives."

Fortunately for us, a Namco Bandai press release just revealed a Jam Sessions-esque title for the DS titled -- what else -- Easy Piano. The game comes with the keyboard peripheral you see above, so we hope interested parties have held onto their GBA slot-equipped DS Lites. With a lesson mode, a play-along mode and even a song creaion mode, it sounds like a neat offering for piano enthusiasts. We won't be sure until we try out that tiny, tiny keyboard, though.

Easy Piano brings keyboard peripheral to DS Lite originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Band Hero DS attachments revealed, gameplay details

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:16:00 EST

Click for life-size DS!

If you and your bandmates are ready to take your five-star show on the road, get ready to grab your DS Lites and crank the speakers up to elev ... well, push the little volume switch all the way to the right. Activision's Band Hero is coming to the DS, and includes four-player ad-hoc for full-band rocking. Players can use the On Tour guitar attachment, drop some vocals on the system's built-in mic, or use the drum skin attachment pictured above to supply the percussional accompanyment.

There's just one minor caveat -- if you've already upgraded to the DSi, then you're S.O.L. Not only will the guitar attachments not be able to plug into the GBA cartridge port that the system doesn't have, the drum skin won't fit on the handheld's svelte frame. Sorry, early adopters!

Band Hero DS attachments revealed, gameplay details originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Miyamoto: Wii MotionPlus technology only possible now

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 15:40:00 EST

Don't even start weaving conspiracies about how Nintendo's recently released Wii MotionPlus peripheral was supposed to be incorporated in the initial Wiimote design. According to Shigeru Miyamoto, such a nickel-and-dime plot is absolutely impossible -- and as we all know, Miyamoto never lies. Look at him, with those pinchable cheeks! Those are not the cheeks of a liar.

In an interview with The Telegraph, Shiggy explained the MotionPlus was only possible due to technological innovations "which took place after Wii launched." Actually, he says the technology was around, but it would have been impossible to use at such a "compact" size and low price. So, did you want Wiimotes to cost $200 and weigh as much as toddlers? No? We didn't think so.

[Via IGN]

Miyamoto: Wii MotionPlus technology only possible now originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mulleted mystery man invents PC VR Game Gun

Griffin McElroy — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 11:30:00 EST

It's an indisputable fact that magical things can come in mullet-clad packages. The collected works of Billy Ray Cyrus, the 1994 hit Beastie Boys track "Mullet Head" -- and now, from yet another unlikely, mulleted source: The PC VR Game Gun. If you'd like to cast off the veil of time and peer into the unthinkable future of video gaming, the YouTube video posted after the break should serve as an adequate portal into the world of things yet to come.

By merging a toy gun, a PC gamepad, a LCD screen and a Gyration Air Mouse, the nameless modder created a pretty clever (and relatively inexpensive) head tracking system that's just perfect for first-person shooters -- especially F.E.A.R. on the highest difficulty setting. Sorry -- you can't play it on easy. The gun runs on extreme high octane action.

[Via Engadget]

Continue reading Mulleted mystery man invents PC VR Game Gun

Mulleted mystery man invents PC VR Game Gun originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 21 Jun 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Halo 3: ODST controller pics hold clues into New Mombasa mysteries

Christopher Grant — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 20:15:00 EST

prepare to drop ,,, into our gallery of controller pics

At a press event last night, Bungie's Joseph Staten teased that the Halo 3: ODST controller's cryptic text should provide some clues into the mysteries of New Mombasa (if he did his job correctly, he said). Since our ability to decipher Bungie's clues has always left something to be desired (what's a Master Chief?), we thought we'd take some close-ups and ask The Internet to give it a shot.

So, The Internet, tell us: what secrets does this controller hold? We'll scrub through your comments and pluck out the best theories, so grab your magnifying glasses and deerstalker caps and get to work!

Gallery: Halo 3: ODST controller

Halo 3: ODST controller pics hold clues into New Mombasa mysteries originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SplitFish unveils new PS3 controller series at E3 '09

Majed Athab — Wed, 27 May 2009 19:30:00 EST

SplitFish Gameware, best known for its oddly-shaped controller peripheral and not its cruelty to aquatic life, will be showing off its "Frevoution X System" line of PS3 controllers at E3 next week. Both the "Dual SFX Evolution" and "Dual SFX Frag Pro" will be available for playtest at the expo.

Expect the Frag Pro to be an upgraded version of SF's older FragFX controller, which is excellent for shooters thanks to its PC mouse-like design. The Frag Pro features an all-new "dual wireless system," and left-grip "Six-Axis" control. Both frag-ing controllers should be available by this fall... when all the shooters come out.

SplitFish unveils new PS3 controller series at E3 '09 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 May 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GameTrailers TV promo gives a look at DJ Hero peripheral

Griffin McElroy — Sun, 24 May 2009 13:00:00 EST

We got our first look at the vinyl-spinning peripheral for Activision's mixmastering sim DJ Hero earlier this month but -- well, they weren't very good pictures, were they? Just look at that framing. Terrible. Obviously, someone's never heard of the rule of thirds. Man, we learned about that photographic law during our extensive Pokémon Snap sessions. It's not that hard, people.

Fortunately, a sneak peek for GameTrailers TV's E3 coverage gave us a much clearer shot of the turntable periph, seen in the image above. We get a pretty good look at the crossfader attachment, as well as a sense of the controller's size in comparison to a human lap. Hopefully, we'll get an even better (and more photographically sound) look at the peripheral when we check DJ Hero out at E3 next week.

[Via NeoGAF, thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

Gallery: DJ Hero

GameTrailers TV promo gives a look at DJ Hero peripheral originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 24 May 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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J Allard's 'magic wand' patented ... years ago

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 20 May 2009 19:00:00 EST

Apparently Microsoft's J Allard is back in the gaming business, according to a two-year-old patent filed by Microsoft and released publicly this past week. Now a CTO at the company, Allard (along with a couple other folks) is credited on the patent for a motion-based controller from way back in November of ... 2007.

Given Microsoft's recent purchase of Big Park and the vast array of motion-sensing camera rumors, we're betting this patent is old news. That being said, it would lend credence to the "Newton" rumors from last year surrounding the company -- a rumor we lent credibility to at the time based on the reputable source. All we can do now is hope that Microsoft isn't dead set on pulling a "Wii-too!"

[Via Engadget]

J Allard's 'magic wand' patented ... years ago originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 May 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tony Hawk Ride goes to Wii, PS3, 360 ... with a skateboard peripheral

Andrew Yoon — Fri, 15 May 2009 00:45:00 EST

As expected, the new Tony Hawk game was revealed on GameTrailers TV with Geoff Keighley. Tony Hawk Ride will take advantage of a brand new skateboard peripheral (pictured above) and, according to the program, will be available on all current generation home consoles: Wii, PS3 and Xbox 360.

Skateboarder Tony Hawk said he has wanted to create a peripheral-based game for quite some time, but technology only recently allowed Ride to be possible. When grilled about his skill at the video game, Hawk said that he was quite good and added that skateboarders should find the transition easy. Multiple difficulty modes will allow players with even the most inadequate of balancing capabilities to play.

The official website teases another appearance at this year's E3. We promise you that you won't have to wait long to find out more about Tony Hawk Ride. (Probably because we already saw it, and we're still under embargo.)

Update: You can see GameTrailers footage after the cut.

Continue reading Tony Hawk Ride goes to Wii, PS3, 360 ... with a skateboard peripheral

Tony Hawk Ride goes to Wii, PS3, 360 ... with a skateboard peripheral originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 May 2009 00:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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