Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Revolutionary: Answering the Call]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/23/revolutionary-answering-the-call/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/23/revolutionary-answering-the-call/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/23/revolutionary-answering-the-call/#commentsFiled under:

Every Tuesday, Mike Sylvester brings you REVOLUTIONARY, a look at the wide world of Wii possibilities.

Metroid Prime 3 has proven indeed that a Wii Remote and Nunchuk is the next best thing to a keyboard and mouse for first person shooting and action. Although we have few FPS titles being developed and released on the Wii (relative to party games and family-friendly content, or the main attraction of a certain other platform), the genre is among the most popular in the scripting community. This is naturally so with FPS being a favored genre among hardcore PC gamers and hardware enthusiasts.

With the recent release of the demo version of Call of Duty 4 and its imminent final release, I felt it was time to pick up arms and serve you a script for this spectacular shooter.

Continue reading Revolutionary: Answering the Call

JoystiqRevolutionary: Answering the Call originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Oct 2007 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Call-of-DutyCallOfDutycod3cod4glovepiejoystiqfeaturesRevolutionaryscriptingsensor barSensorBarTue, 23 Oct 2007 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[COBRAAAA sensor bar stand]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/11/cobraaaa-sensor-bar-stand/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/11/cobraaaa-sensor-bar-stand/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/11/cobraaaa-sensor-bar-stand/#commentsFiled under:

Oh, how the mighty have fallen! Cobra Command, the once-feared terror outfit that brought nations to their knees, has all but abandoned its plans of total world domination, favoring the sales of cheap Wii accessories in their stead. Gone are the days of Weather Dominators, Synthoids, and dozens of other harebrained schemes plotted by incompetent-but-endlessly-entertaining villains. To take their place, we have an adjustable stand for your Wii sensor bar selling for only $9.99.

Distributed by dummy corporation Dragon, the Cobra Stand can twist and turn to position your sensor bar however you want. The suction cup on its base sticks to even the most slippery surfaces (or the most slithery! Har har har!). We've got some photo instructions on how to use this contraption, but that's not all! Our quest to point out bizarre packaging elements continues after the post break!

Continue reading COBRAAAA sensor bar stand

JoystiqCOBRAAAA sensor bar stand originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2007 18:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barcobracobrastanddragongijoenintendonintendowiisensorsensor barsensorbarstandwiiwii sensor barwiisensorWiiSensorBarFri, 11 May 2007 18:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Kid makes PSP play Wii games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/15/kid-makes-psp-plays-wii-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/15/kid-makes-psp-plays-wii-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/15/kid-makes-psp-plays-wii-games/#commentsFiled under: ,

Using a LocationFree Player and a homemade sensor bar, obiwan222222 has crafted an ingenious way to play Wii on the go. However, with a six second lag, most games would be nigh impossible to play. Hey, at least he can participate in some of Wii's non-gaming functionality, like the Everybody Votes channel.

Is there any use for having this kind of setup? Not really. But it demonstrates the strange things that people are doing everyday with their PSPs.

[Via QJ]

JoystiqKid makes PSP play Wii games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Mar 2007 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>location freeLocationFreenintendo wiiNintendoWiiobiwan222222pspqjsensor barSensorBarwiiThu, 15 Mar 2007 12:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Hanukkah menorah used as Wii sensor bar [update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/20/hanukkah-menorah-used-as-wii-sensor-bar/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/20/hanukkah-menorah-used-as-wii-sensor-bar/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/20/hanukkah-menorah-used-as-wii-sensor-bar/#commentsFiled under: ,

When we heard that candles (indeed, any light source) could be used as a replacement for the Wii sensor bar, we go to thinking about how this information could be used during the candle-filled holiday of Hanukkah. After some quick experimentation, we found that a Hanukkah menorah makes for a pretty good Wii sensor bar, even if there are more than two candles.

While Kwanzaa celebrators can probably point their remotes at their Kinaras with similar effect, Christian gamers with a Christmas tree near their entertainment center are out of luck.

Video confirmation of the Wii's miracle of lights is posted below for all you doubting Thomases out there.

[Update: changed the picture to one of a more traditional Hanukkah menorah.]

Continue reading Hanukkah menorah used as Wii sensor bar [update 1]

JoystiqHanukkah menorah used as Wii sensor bar [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Dec 2006 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hanukkahlightsmenorahsensor barSensorBarwiiWed, 20 Dec 2006 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The simplest wireless sensor bar yet]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/12/the-simplest-wireless-sensor-bar-yet/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/12/the-simplest-wireless-sensor-bar-yet/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/12/the-simplest-wireless-sensor-bar-yet/#commentsFiled under:



What's even easier than making your own wireless sensor bar? Ordering one. After all, even slinging some candles around takes more effort than a quick flex of your credit card.

We know there's a demand for all things wireless, but will this work well enough to justify a purchase? Unfortunately, we can't give you an answer on that, nor even provide details on the manufacturers, as details are vague even on the Wireless Sensor Bar site, though we've seen a little self-promotion from these people, whoever they are (check the comments).

[Via WiiNintendo.net]

JoystiqThe simplest wireless sensor bar yet originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Dec 2006 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Nintendosensor barSensorBarWiiwirelessTue, 12 Dec 2006 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wireless Wii sensor bar selling for $31]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/12/wireless-wii-sensor-bar-selling-for-31/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/12/wireless-wii-sensor-bar-selling-for-31/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/12/wireless-wii-sensor-bar-selling-for-31/#commentsFiled under: , ,


If you've simply got to have a wireless sensor bar for your Wii and you don't want to test your homeowners insurance policy with ye olde candles or your health insurance policy with those new fangled soldering irons, then consider spending $31 (after shipping and handling) to get one of these homemade -- but not necessarily unsightly -- wireless sensor bars for your Wii. A simple 9-volt battery earns you 48 hours of wireless Wii-ing. We're pretty sure Nintendo has at least one health and safety warning regarding 48-hour gaming marathons, so we'd urge you to spread those 48 hours out over a period of, say, three days.

We can't argue with how cool wireless stuff is, but we're wondering when someone is going to make the obvious solution: a wall wart power adapter with a sensor-bar female connection. Anyone buying?

[Via Game|Life]

JoystiqWireless Wii sensor bar selling for $31 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Dec 2006 13:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>sensor barSensorBarWiiWii sensor barWiiSensorBarTue, 12 Dec 2006 13:42:00 EST<![CDATA[DIY-erless Wii sensor bar (9V battery edition)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/01/diy-erless-wii-sensor-bar-9v-battery-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/01/diy-erless-wii-sensor-bar-9v-battery-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/01/diy-erless-wii-sensor-bar-9v-battery-edition/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Forget about our earlier installment of DIY-erless where we encouraged you to use perforated boards, light-emitting diodes, and a fusible metal alloy to recreate the functionality of the Wii's currently wired "sensor" bar. Forget about the video where we (perhaps irresponsibly) showed you how to use candles to duplicate the "sensor" bar's functionality (note: Joystiq is not responsible for any damage to your slacks, your brand-new plasma television, or your long-haired pets and/or relatives). Instead, about $8 worth of materials from the local Transistor Hut should be all you need to make that "sensor" bar easily portable -- not to be confused with potable (note: Joystiq is not responsible for you trying to drink your video game accessory). Here's what you need to pick up:
  • 9V battery snap connectors: $1.99 (#270-325)
  • Crimp-on connectors, ie: butt connectors *snicker*: $1.99 (#64-3073)
  • 9V alkaline battery: $3.49 (#23-875)
  • Wii sensor bar (in case you trash yours or want a spare): $10
Those in hand, the folks at the AVS forum tell us it's as simple as cutting, crimping, and plugging. Voila! A do-it-yourself wireless Wii "sensor" bar, perfect for accompanying you on your evangelical missions to spread the Gospel of Wii.

[Via Engadget]

JoystiqDIY-erless Wii sensor bar (9V battery edition) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Dec 2006 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batteryDIY-erlessdiyerlesssensor barSensorBarWiiFri, 01 Dec 2006 09:35:00 EST<![CDATA[How the Wii stole Christmas, or vice-versa]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/30/how-the-wii-stole-christmas-or-vice-versa/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/30/how-the-wii-stole-christmas-or-vice-versa/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/30/how-the-wii-stole-christmas-or-vice-versa/#commentsFiled under: ,

A word of caution: you might need to reconsider where you position your Christmas tree. One Joystiq reader -- some call him Tim -- has tipped us off to some trouble he has been having playing Twilight Princess while a light-laden Christmas tree laid lovingly next to his TV. Turns out, his cursor was jumping "ALL OVER the place" and he has sent us pictures to prove it.

Continue reading for the evidence. And remember to keep your Christmas tree away from the Wiimote. It's probably good Feng Shui, anyways.

[Thanks, Tim!]

Continue reading How the Wii stole Christmas, or vice-versa

JoystiqHow the Wii stole Christmas, or vice-versa originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Nov 2006 15:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>christmashard wareHardWaresensor barSensorBarWiiThu, 30 Nov 2006 15:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq video: Candles can replace Wii sensor bar]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/27/joystiq-video-candles-can-replace-wii-sensor-bar/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/27/joystiq-video-candles-can-replace-wii-sensor-bar/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/27/joystiq-video-candles-can-replace-wii-sensor-bar/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


After seeing the popular, though dubious, candle video on YouTube over the weekend, we had to verify the veracity of the video's claims; luckily, a candelabra was conveniently on hand. Thrill! As we control the fairy cursor and boomerang in Zelda: Twilight Princess without the aid of the Wii's sensor bar! Marvel! As we blow out the candles and have the Wii request that we "point the Wii Remote at the screen." If you've got a projection screen, but lack the skillz (and/or motivation) to construct the DIY-erless sensor bar, grab a couple tealights to get your game on. It really works!

JoystiqJoystiq video: Candles can replace Wii sensor bar originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Nov 2006 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>candlesSensor barSensorBarWiiMon, 27 Nov 2006 09:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Today's hottest game video: A candle in the Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/26/todays-hottest-game-video-a-candle-in-the-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/26/todays-hottest-game-video-a-candle-in-the-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/26/todays-hottest-game-video-a-candle-in-the-wii/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Today's hottest game video uses a low-tech wax solution to replace the Wii sensor bar. In a darkened room, light two candles (Tommy by the Who optional), and you've got an instant Wii sensor bar replacement. Simple infrared science at work, folks.

You can also replace the Wii console with a block of cheese. The word is out, Nintendo ... sorry.

Check out the video after the jump and stock up on fanboy scented candles. If the technical difficulty gremlins are still active, check out the video here.

Continue reading Today's hottest game video: A candle in the Wii

JoystiqToday's hottest game video: A candle in the Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 26 Nov 2006 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barCandlesElton JohnhackNintendosensorSensor BarvideoWaxWiiYouTubeSun, 26 Nov 2006 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The DIY wireless Wii sensor bar]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/24/the-diy-wireless-wii-sensor-bar/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/24/the-diy-wireless-wii-sensor-bar/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/24/the-diy-wireless-wii-sensor-bar/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Reader DoctaBu is fed up with the limitations of cords in what should be a wireless age, and he's taken matters into his own hands with this homemade improvement on the tied-down Wii sensor bar. He has no illusions about form over function for this project, either, because it's all about getting the job done. "Yes, it's ugly. Yes, it's ghetto. But, it is a wireless, battery-powered Wii Sensor Bar. And it works." Preach it, brother. He even made a video of the process for the curious, which we've included after the jump.

We expect that by next week, someone will have springboarded off this idea and we'll be bringing you the Porsche edition of wireless sensor bars, complete with shimmering white finish, Jacuzzi and half-naked girls. Go to, DIYers!

Continue reading The DIY wireless Wii sensor bar

JoystiqThe DIY wireless Wii sensor bar originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Nov 2006 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DIYDoctaBuNintendosensor barSensorBarWiiwirelessFri, 24 Nov 2006 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DIY-erless Wii sensor bar]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/24/diy-erless-wii-sensor-bar/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/24/diy-erless-wii-sensor-bar/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/24/diy-erless-wii-sensor-bar/#commentsFiled under: , ,


We had some trouble with the Wii's wired sensor bar when playing on a projection television; even if the wire is long enough, you're left with the problem of having another wire to route around your furniture. Those without high-def projectors may scoff while explaining that this really isn't the sort of problem they would mind having but, nevertheless, we mind.

In the latest installment of DIY-erless -- our ongoing look at do-it-yourself wireless hacks -- we check out DoctaBu's guide for making your own wireless Wii sensor bar. Of course, we know that it's not really a "sensor" bar but a pair of infrared sources that the Wii-mote uses to triangulate the cursor's position. Using a perfboard, some IR LEDs, some wire, and four AA batteries, one can easily create their own projector-friendly Wii sensor bar.

Sure, you could always wait for that rumored retail solution, but wouldn't you rather make your own to match those homemade Wii component cables you've got rigged up. Check out a video of the process after the break.

[Thanks, Jonathan]

Continue reading DIY-erless Wii sensor bar

JoystiqDIY-erless Wii sensor bar originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Nov 2006 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DIY-erlessDIYerlesssensor barSensorBarWiiWii sensor barWiiSensorBarwirelessFri, 24 Nov 2006 15:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: wireless Wii sensor bar from Nyko]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/10/rumor-wireless-wii-sensor-bar-from-nyko/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/10/rumor-wireless-wii-sensor-bar-from-nyko/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/10/rumor-wireless-wii-sensor-bar-from-nyko/#commentsFiled under: , ,

*snip*Maxconsole has picked up on a rumor that Nyko is developing a cable-free Wii sensor bar using 2.4GHz wireless technology, with a 30-foot range. The device is expected to retail for $30 and, if it does hit the market, could be the solution to our dilemma (see Update 3). Our bet's on Nintendo snipping the cord for a future sensor bar model too.

JoystiqRumor: wireless Wii sensor bar from Nyko originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Nov 2006 20:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Sensor BarSensorBarWiiFri, 10 Nov 2006 20:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Sunlight: Wii's biggest foe [update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/09/sunlight-wiis-biggest-foe/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/09/sunlight-wiis-biggest-foe/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/09/sunlight-wiis-biggest-foe/#commentsFiled under: ,

Nintendo Wii's sensor bar goes awry when confronted with natural light, according to a report by a "Warpstar Knight" on the Nintendo NSIDER Forums. The impressions, from OMBRENOIR17's September 14 visit to the Nintendo World Store (soon to be posted on Nintendo Gal), reveal that Mother Nature's carcinogen forced Metroid Prime 3 kiosks under curtains and completely shut down Wii Sports Tennis and Shooting Game. The kiosks returned to normal as soon as the bright star took a few steps back.

It is as of yet unclear how garlic affects Wiimote functionality or load times.

[Via Engadget]

[Update 1: A representative for Nintendo told 1UP, "our testing thus far shows no great risk of light interference when playing a game that relies on the pointer and sensor bar."]

JoystiqSunlight: Wii's biggest foe [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Oct 2006 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>naturesensor barSensorBarsun lightSunLightWiiwii moteWiiMoteMon, 09 Oct 2006 16:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii-cessory photos]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/06/wii-cessory-photos/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/06/wii-cessory-photos/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/06/wii-cessory-photos/#commentsFiled under:



As plays on the name go, "Wii-cessory" is probably not going to catch on, but y'know ... we're okay with that. It's so hard to come up with new witticisms when we're gazing upon the smooth, silky cables, so dark and lustrous. We can imagine how they'll slide through our fingers as we lovingly unwind them from their cruel and twisty knot of torture. The flat expanse of the sensor bar, just waiting, waiting for its place of honor atop our televisions. Ah, the pristine white shimmer of the nunchuk, so fresh and unspoiled by our grubby jam-hands. Oh, Wii. Why must we wait so long to be with you?

[Thanks to creamsugar for the tip. The original site seems to be experiencing intermittent downtime, so we're linking to Go Nintendo's pictures. Look out for some severe watermarking, however.]

JoystiqWii-cessory photos originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Oct 2006 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cableshardwarephotospower supplyPowerSupplysensor barSensorBarWiiFri, 06 Oct 2006 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Official Wii controller documentation unveiled]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/17/official-wii-controller-documentation-unveiled/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/17/official-wii-controller-documentation-unveiled/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/17/official-wii-controller-documentation-unveiled/#commentsFiled under:

The men over at IGN are cunning, merciless creatures who slip through the night, leaving naught but death in their wake. Through much bloodshed and carnage, they managed to procure a most valuable document: the official Wii controller documentation, giving specifics on just about every nuance of the device. While you, the magnificent reader, may peruse their ninja-like writing via following hyperlink, here are some of the highlights:
  • The Wii controller will run on two regular AA batteries. According to the notes, these will allow for 60 hours of battery life if only the accelerometers are used, and 30 hours if the full functionality (the sensing of the controller's relative position in space) is being is utilized.
  • In addition to showing what controller corresponds to what player on-screen, the four LEDs will also give an indication of remaining battery life once the controller is turned on.
  • The previous mentioned "sync" button on the console will correlate a Wii with the controllers being used. One can either accomplish this with a button inside the battery cover, or by pressing both the "1" and "2" buttons at the same time.
  • The sensor bar must be placed either below or above the television set, and is about 20 centimeters in length.
  • The controller contains 6 KB of non-volatile (read: flash) memory, presumably to be used for the internal speaker. However, this memory might also be used to save various personal controller configurations or data.
Some other tidbits about communication bandwidth frequency, interference from outside sources, rumble functionality, and a mysterious "eye" (camera?) are also mentioned. Check out the link for the goods, but proceed with caution. Assassins lurk in the shadows.

[Thanks to all who sent this in!]

JoystiqOfficial Wii controller documentation unveiled originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Jul 2006 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Battery LifeDocumentationInternal MemoryInternal SpeakerSensor BarSyncWiimoteMon, 17 Jul 2006 17:28:00 EST