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 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Splitfish FragFX Shark preview: elegant weapon for a more civilized age]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/splitfish-fragfx-shark-preview-elegant-weapon-for-a-more-civili/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/splitfish-fragfx-shark-preview-elegant-weapon-for-a-more-civili/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/splitfish-fragfx-shark-preview-elegant-weapon-for-a-more-civili/#comments Perhaps you don't like playing first-person shooters on consoles, because you think controls can't get any better than a keyboard and mouse. Or maybe you won't play first-person shooters on the PC because you're worried about the price of hardware upkeep. Splitfish hopes to cater to both possibilities with its FragFX Shark controller combo.

Gallery: Splitfish FragFX Shark prototype -- First hands-on!

Continue reading Splitfish FragFX Shark preview: elegant weapon for a more civilized age

JoystiqSplitfish FragFX Shark preview: elegant weapon for a more civilized age originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Nov 2010 21:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fragfx-sharkpcplaystationps3splitfishSplitfish FragFXSplitfish FragFX Sharksplitfish-fragfx-sharkSplitfishFragfxSplitfishFragfxSharkTue, 02 Nov 2010 21:20:00 EST<![CDATA[SplitFish FragFX controllers continue to evolve, now more fishy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/08/splitfish-fragfx-controllers-continue-to-evolve-now-more-fishy/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/08/splitfish-fragfx-controllers-continue-to-evolve-now-more-fishy/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/08/splitfish-fragfx-controllers-continue-to-evolve-now-more-fishy/#commentsFiled under: , ,

While "10.10.10" made for a dramatic release date, oddball peripheral manufacturer SplitFish has announced a revised November 1 street date for the next iterations of its FragFX controller (think: Wii Nunchuk, sans accelerometer, tethered to a mouse). Having already introduced a "Pro" edition last year, SplitFish went with the "deadly [aquatic] predator" motif for the 2010 series, which includes: the wireless FragFX Shark and its wired counterparts, the fire engine red FragFX Piranha (pictured) and more subtle FragFX Barracuda.

The Shark, compatible with PS3, PC and Mac systems, will retail for a whopping $90. The Barracuda and Piranha, only for PS3, will go for $70 and $50, respectively. Splitfish notes that its 2010 FragFX lineup will coincide with the release of Call of Duty: Black Ops on November 9.

"It may look like the Pro," says endorser Dennis Dozier, the "#1 Global CoD Champ," comparing the Shark to last year's model (itself an upgrade of the 2007 original). "It is definitely not the Pro."

Gallery: SplitFish 2010 FragFX Controller Series (Shark, Barracuda & Piranha)

Continue reading SplitFish FragFX controllers continue to evolve, now more fishy

JoystiqSplitFish FragFX controllers continue to evolve, now more fishy originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>controllerdennis-dozierfpsfragfx-barracudafragfx-piranhafragfx-sharkmacpcperipheralsplaystationps3release-datesplitfishWed, 08 Sep 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Splitfish brings the Fragchuck back just in time for Modern Warfare ]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/22/splitfish-brings-the-fragchuck-back-just-in-time-for-modern-warf/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/22/splitfish-brings-the-fragchuck-back-just-in-time-for-modern-warf/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/22/splitfish-brings-the-fragchuck-back-just-in-time-for-modern-warf/#commentsDespite having released a product called the "fragchuck" once, and (if there's any justice) being roundly humiliated for it, gimmicky peripheral maker SplitFish is releasing a new version of its PlayStation 3 FragFX controller, called the Dual SFX Frag Pro. In addition to the ... fragchuck ... it features a 2000 dpi mouse, and loses the wire between the two halves. It'll be out at a cost of $90 on November 10, which, coincidentally, is also when Modern Warfare 2 comes out. If you like the Fragchuck but don't care for the mouse part, there's also this thing.

The good news: the more people see the word "fragchuck," the worse they'll feel about using the outmoded, kind-of gross word "frag" in general.

[Via Engadget]

JoystiqSplitfish brings the Fragchuck back just in time for Modern Warfare originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoriescontrollerdual-sfx-frag-profragchuckperipheralssplitfishThu, 22 Oct 2009 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SplitFish unveils new PS3 controller series at E3 '09]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/27/splitfish-unveils-new-ps3-controller-series-at-e3-09/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/27/splitfish-unveils-new-ps3-controller-series-at-e3-09/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/27/splitfish-unveils-new-ps3-controller-series-at-e3-09/#comments 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.

JoystiqSplitFish 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>controllerse3-09e3-2009peripheralsplitfishWed, 27 May 2009 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SplitFish FragFX controller; more PC than PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/20/splitfish-fragfx-controller-more-pc-than-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/20/splitfish-fragfx-controller-more-pc-than-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/20/splitfish-fragfx-controller-more-pc-than-ps3/#commentsFiled under: ,


SplitFish is at it again! Reminding us a little of the Phantom lapboard, the FragFX aims to deliver the accuracy of the PC's mouse and keyboard combo to the PlayStation 3 and, more specifically, your couch. The slightly awkward system promises to duplicate the entire range of PS3 input, including the motion control. The "FragChuk" (that's the nunchuk-y thing on the left above) provides "Wii-like motion sensitivity" for the PlayStation 3 console while the mouse handles all of the controller buttons and right-analog control. A wired version is scheduled to ship next month for $59.99 and a wireless Bluetooth wireless will ship "later" for $69.99.

Continue reading SplitFish FragFX controller; more PC than PS3

JoystiqSplitFish FragFX controller; more PC than PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Mar 2007 22:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FragFXPS3SplitFishTue, 20 Mar 2007 22:27:00 EST<![CDATA[SplitFish details PS3 force feedback tech]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/02/splitfish-details-ps3-force-feedback-tech/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/02/splitfish-details-ps3-force-feedback-tech/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/02/splitfish-details-ps3-force-feedback-tech/#commentsFiled under: , ,

mock-up
See, whatcha do is, take a big ole' fish, split that sucka, stuff a buncha SixAxis parts in his belly, sew 'im back up, smash a couple buttons thru his eyes, then glue the rest of 'dem necessities on -- and BAM! You should get 'bout two minutes of force feedback...

As it turns out, SplitFish's SensorFX technology isn't quite as sophisticated as we imagine above. The Edmonton tinkerer explains that its version of force feedback uses no moving parts, but is capable of delivering a range of sensations throughout different locations of the controller -- okay, but can you also eat it once the "battery" is dead? SensorFX apparently features two distinct modes, one for games that already support force feedback, and one for games that don't; yes folks, it just takes a guess, and rumbles away.

SplitFish also confirms that it has not yet previewed its latest technology for Sony, as Sony spokesman Dave Karakker indicated earlier this week. SplitFish made no further assumption about the possibility of SensorFX being incorporated into a future version of Sony's SixAxis, but did reveal plans to work with both game publishers and hardware manufactures (maybe Nintendo and Microsoft want in too, maybe) in an effort to gain multi-platform support for its patent-pending force feedback invention.

[Via press release]

JoystiqSplitFish details PS3 force feedback tech originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Feb 2007 20:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Force FeedbackForceFeedbackPS3RumbleSensorFXSplitFishFri, 02 Feb 2007 20:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony not ready to rumble with Splitfish]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/31/sony-not-ready-to-rumble-with-splitfish/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/31/sony-not-ready-to-rumble-with-splitfish/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/31/sony-not-ready-to-rumble-with-splitfish/#commentsFiled under: ,

In announcing their SensorFX force feedback system for the PS3 yesterday, accessory-maker SplitFish somewhat coyly mentioned that the technology "can be sold as an add-on to existing controllers or as an imbedded [sic] feature that is part of a standard controller." The second part of that sentence led some to believe that an official deal with Sony to add rumble support to the PS3's SixAxis controller might be afoot.

Today, Sony spokesman Dave Karakker put any such rumors to rest, telling GameDaily that "no one at SCEA has been in touch with this company," and, furthermore, "at this time, we have no plans to incorporate any kind of force feedback into our SIXAXIS controller."

Without any official support from Sony, any PS3 rumble solution from a third party would likely have a hard time garnering support from game developers and publishers. As Immersion CEO Vic Vegas pointed out in an earlier interview with GameDaily "[Sony] can filter out vibration commands; essentially if they don't want vibration they can shut it down and it appears that's what they're doing."

But the question then remains: why don't they want it. Despite Sony's original protests that rumble technology "interferes with information detected by the sensor," the Wii shows that force feedback and motion sensing are possible in the same controller. Legal threats from Immersion might cause Sony to be wary, but Immersion themselves have offered to work with Sony on a legally acceptable solution. Cost might be an issue, but with Sony already losing hundreds on each unit of hardware, a few more bucks of loss in each controller hardly seems like a deal-breaker.

At this point, the only thing we can figure that's stopping Sony from adding rumble support to the SixAxis is some sort of foolish pride. Yes, adding rumble support mere months after the system's launch would essentially be admitting a large mistake in the original controller design. But a self-assured company should be able to absorb this temporary, minor embarrassment for the sake of the long term interests of the system. Sony, apparently, is not that kind of company.

JoystiqSony not ready to rumble with Splitfish originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Jan 2007 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>force feedbackForceFeedbackimmersionPS3rumblesonysplitfishWed, 31 Jan 2007 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[SplitFish ready to get Sixaxis a'rumblin]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/30/splitfish-ready-to-get-sixaxis-arumblin/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/30/splitfish-ready-to-get-sixaxis-arumblin/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/30/splitfish-ready-to-get-sixaxis-arumblin/#commentsFiled under: ,

rumblin'Our old friend SplitFish is in the news again, claiming to have developed a new dynamic force feedback system (read: rumble) that will work inside PlayStation 3's Sixaxis controller. SplitFish alleges that its technology does not violate Immersion patents, suggesting that Sony would not risk further legal troubles if the PS3 maker opted to use SplitFish's force feedback system.

If Sony did partner up with the Edmonton gang, it would mark the climatic moment of one of the industry's great success stories. Just over a year ago, SplitFish was peddling 3D-glasses for PlayStation 2 among the cluttered stalls at the Sands CES Showroom in Las Vegas. Now the company is a Kutaragi signature away from redefining the PS3 controller? Maybe we're getting ahead of ourselves ... Perhaps glideFX-2.0 is more likely.

See also: Dual Shake may rumble still

JoystiqSplitFish ready to get Sixaxis a'rumblin originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Jan 2007 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Force FeedbackForceFeedbackPS3RumbleSixaxisSplitFishTue, 30 Jan 2007 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[SplitFish's new glideFX controller PS3 compatible?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/04/splitfishs-new-glidefx-controller-ps3-compatible/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/04/splitfishs-new-glidefx-controller-ps3-compatible/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/04/splitfishs-new-glidefx-controller-ps3-compatible/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Looks like someone at SplitFish realized the gold plastic look wasn't earning them any followers, so they went back to the ol' drawing board and came up with the new glideFX controller. Their website describes the glideFX as "the world's first B-type Controller. glideFX uses a 'Trackball' to manage movement that is normally controlled by the right analog stick. Separate left right controls and adjustable Sensitivity settings." I'm not really sure what any of that actually means.

Obviously someone at SplitFish needs a lesson on proper capitalization. Grammar inconsistencies aside, the site reports the glideFX controller is "for the PlayStation 2" while the email we received said it was the "new PS2/3 SplitFish controller" that "is to be shown at E3 this year." Probably means this same controller will be updated to be PS3 compatible, with wireless functionality and whatever else that entails ... though, we'll be content just seeing the stock PlayStation 3 controller.

[Thanks, Ken]

[UPDATE: To inform any (further) comparisons between the SplitFish controller and the Revomote, please read - Splitfish: we're not copying the Revolution controller.]

JoystiqSplitFish's new glideFX controller PS3 compatible? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Apr 2006 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>PS2PS3RevomoteSplitfishSplitfish GlidefxSplitfishGlidefxWiiTue, 04 Apr 2006 18:57:00 EST