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[OnLive's mobile app hits and misses (with launch compatibility list)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/onlives-mobile-app-hits-and-misses-with-launch-compatibility-l/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/onlives-mobile-app-hits-and-misses-with-launch-compatibility-l/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/onlives-mobile-app-hits-and-misses-with-launch-compatibility-l/#comments OnLive CEO Steve Perlman promises a lot from his company's new cloud gaming apps for Android and iOS devices, but how does the app actually work? I've been able to play with the iPad version for the past few days, and using just the touchscreen it's far from perfect. While yes, the system does stream full live game audio and video to your device (which is impressive in itself), the controls are, frankly, a mess. OnLive's virtual controllers are just as janky as you'd imagine. In complex console games where you're using both joysticks and all of the buttons, it's playable but far from ideal.

The wireless controller, on the other hand, really shows off what's possible with a service like this. Read on for impressions of using OnLive's new accessory with the iPad, as well as a full list of game compatibility on the service at launch.

Continue reading OnLive's mobile app hits and misses (with launch compatibility list)

JoystiqOnLive's mobile app hits and misses (with launch compatibility list) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Dec 2011 21:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>controllercontrolsiosipadiphonekeyboardmobilemouseonlivepcvirtualwirelessWed, 07 Dec 2011 21:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch your back, Dreamcast VMU, here comes the Turbofire EVO]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/watch-your-back-dreamcast-vmu-here-comes-the-turbofire-evo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/watch-your-back-dreamcast-vmu-here-comes-the-turbofire-evo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/watch-your-back-dreamcast-vmu-here-comes-the-turbofire-evo/#comments
Despite Datel's storied history with Microsoft's Xbox 360 console, the third-party peripheral manufacturer is once again throwing the dice with an unlicensed controller for the Xbox 360. And in true game industry fashion, the controller is a sequel. Dubbed the "Turbofire EVO Wireless Controller," the $55 pad advertises a ridiculously deep level of control customization, enabling users to map buttons, fine tune rumble strength, and even set rapid-fire speeds.

More bizarrely, the customization is all handled via built-in LCD screen (which looks adorably like the Dreamcast's VMU, albeit modernized), though all the settings can be tweaked on a computer via USB plug. And like previous Datel products, this one seems to fly in the face of Microsoft regulation -- it's completely wireless and syncs with the Xbox 360 without the use of a dongle, which is a big no-no when creating products for Microsoft's console without a license.

The Turbofire EVO costs $55 and is available right now from Datel. At least, it's available until Microsoft sues Datel again.

Gallery: Turbofire EVO

JoystiqWatch your back, Dreamcast VMU, here comes the Turbofire EVO originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Sep 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>controllerdatelmicrosoftpotential-lawsuitturbo-fire-evoturbofire-evowirelessxboxThu, 29 Sep 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Now hear this: Sony's wireless PS3 stereo headset arrives in September]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/now-hear-this-sonys-wireless-ps3-stereo-headset-arrives-in-sep/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/now-hear-this-sonys-wireless-ps3-stereo-headset-arrives-in-sep/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/now-hear-this-sonys-wireless-ps3-stereo-headset-arrives-in-sep/#comments If you've found the official PlayStation 3 Bluetooth headset a little too monaural (or small) for your liking, listen to this. Sony will be releasing the PS3 Wireless Stereo Headset this September, offering one more audio channel and a much larger, over-the-ear form factor for a cool $100.

It's not actually a Bluetooth device -- the headset comes with a USB dongle needed to make it work, so getting that USB hub you've been thinking about would be a good idea if you want these cans. In addition to delivering "virtual" 7.1 surround sound and a fold-away boom mic, the rather hefty-looking accessory appears to include a PS2 Slim console over either ear. Weird, right?

JoystiqNow hear this: Sony's wireless PS3 stereo headset arrives in September originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 May 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hardwareheadphonesheadsetplaystationps3q3-2011release-datesceasonywirelesswireless-stereo-headsetFri, 27 May 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mad Catz to produce wireless 360 headphones for Microsoft]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/02/mad-catz-to-produce-wireless-360-headphones-for-microsoft/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/02/mad-catz-to-produce-wireless-360-headphones-for-microsoft/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/02/mad-catz-to-produce-wireless-360-headphones-for-microsoft/#comments Mad Catz has announced that it's partnering with Microsoft to produce the first "wireless, licensed and co-branded headphones" for the Xbox 360. The headphones will be manufactured under the Tritton brand and will come in both stereo and Dolby 5.1 varieties. They should hit the shelves in time for the 2011 holiday season.

The press release is short on other details, though hopefully the headphones will pack Microsoft's proprietary wireless tech, allowing them to circumvent the cumbersome setup required by Tritton's current 360 compatible headsets. Like, if the new headsets don't have two AC adapters, that would be great.

Continue reading Mad Catz to produce wireless 360 headphones for Microsoft

JoystiqMad Catz to produce wireless 360 headphones for Microsoft originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Feb 2011 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoriesheadphonesheadsetmad-catzmicrosoftperipheralstrittonwirelessxboxWed, 02 Feb 2011 16:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon offering discounts on Xbox 360 accessories]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/26/amazon-offering-discounts-on-xbox-360-accessories/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/26/amazon-offering-discounts-on-xbox-360-accessories/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/26/amazon-offering-discounts-on-xbox-360-accessories/#comments So, in anticipation of the Halo: Reach multiplayer beta, you've decided to stock up on a few Xbox 360 peripherals on the side. Amazon should be able to satisfy most of your needs on the cheap, thanks to the "MS Gearfest Promo" the online retailer is running until May 1.

Thanks to the promotion, wireless controllers have been marked down to $27.99, HDMI AV cables are $19.99, and wireless microphones go for $29.99. We're not sure why you'd be picking up extra wireless microphones in anticipation of Reach, though. Perhaps you need extra blunt objects to bludgeon your exasperating, teabagging friends?

[Thanks, Tatum]

JoystiqAmazon offering discounts on Xbox 360 accessories originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Apr 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoriesamazoncontrollerdiscounthdmimicrosoftonlineretailsalewirelessXbox-360Mon, 26 Apr 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero: Metallica supports Lips mic, Rock Band 2 patch 'this summer']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/03/guitar-hero-metallica-supports-lips-mic-rock-band-2-patch-thi/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/03/guitar-hero-metallica-supports-lips-mic-rock-band-2-patch-thi/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/03/guitar-hero-metallica-supports-lips-mic-rock-band-2-patch-thi/#comments Microsoft has issued a plea to new and future purchasers of Guitar Hero: Metallica for Xbox 360 to also please, please, PLEASE buy its Lips karaoke game -- for the microphones. Didn't you know? The metal music game features built-in support for those uh-huh-they-do-sparkle mics. Neversoft, the current Guitar Hero developer, initially confirmed this compatibility -- which isn't coming to World Tour -- on its Twitter feed last month, but the posting has since been removed. Nevertheless, Guitar Hero: Metallica is the first music game to support the much praised, wireless Lips peripheral, which has been unsuccessfully bundled with a mediocre singing game.

Additionally, Microsoft has tentatively dated that long-ago-promised Rock Band 2 patch for "this summer" and suggested that additional titles supporting its mic will be available later this year. When, surely, we'll be able to purchase a standalone Lips mic. Pretty please?

JoystiqGuitar Hero: Metallica supports Lips mic, Rock Band 2 patch 'this summer' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>guitar-heroguitar-hero-metallicainislipsMicrosoftmicsneversoftrock-bandrock-band-2wirelessXbox-360Fri, 03 Apr 2009 12:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony and Nintendo sued for wireless tech]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/24/sony-and-nintendo-sued-for-wireless-tech/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/24/sony-and-nintendo-sued-for-wireless-tech/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/24/sony-and-nintendo-sued-for-wireless-tech/#comments
There are two ways to get a slice of the delicious Nintendo money pie: (1) Release a collection of mini-games for the Wii (look for Non-Denominational Church Carnival Games coming from Joystiq Publishing in Q3 2009!); or (2) Sue Nintendo. This road less traveled (option 2) has just been taken by Wall Wireless LLC of Plano, Texas, which is also suing Sony and Nokia for allegedly infringing on its patent for "Method and Apparatus for Creating and Distributing Real-Time Interactive Media Content Through Wireless Communication Networks and the Internet."

Perhaps following the advice of some inspirational kitty poster, Wall Wireless refuses to limit its potential by naming an actual figure it's suing for; instead asking for "no less than a reasonable royalty." Good luck with the settlement, fellas!

JoystiqSony and Nintendo sued for wireless tech originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSlawsuitsNintendonokiawirelessTue, 24 Feb 2009 11:20:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ mobile shake up leaves 100 staffers without jobs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/31/thq-mobile-shake-up-leaves-100-staffers-without-jobs/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/31/thq-mobile-shake-up-leaves-100-staffers-without-jobs/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/31/thq-mobile-shake-up-leaves-100-staffers-without-jobs/#comments
True to its word, THQ downsized its wireless division. According to THQ's Brian Farrell, the realignment will see the company "focus only on games for high-end handheld devices," sending around a hundred of its mobile phone staff to the unemployment line.

The company stated plans to "restructure" its European wireless subsidiary earlier this week, though Moconews reports that THQ has also shuttered is San Diego mobile studio in addition to its wireless offices in both the UK and Germany. For now, the company's Universomo studio in Finland will be the hub for THQ's wireless efforts, promising that iPhone users will have all the Worms they can handle for the foreseeable future.

[Via VG247]

JoystiqTHQ mobile shake up leaves 100 staffers without jobs originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 31 Jan 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian-ferrelleuropegermanyiphonelayofflayoffsmobilemobile-phonemobilephonesan-diegothqukwirelessSat, 31 Jan 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[TGS08: Up close with Taiko's Drum Master]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/09/tgs08-up-close-with-taikos-drum-master/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/09/tgs08-up-close-with-taikos-drum-master/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/09/tgs08-up-close-with-taikos-drum-master/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Taiko no Tatsujin (Taiko Drum Master) is currently delighting Tokyo Game Show attendees on the showfloor, allowing us a first glimpse of the drum controller that comes with the game. It looks sturdy and very ... hittable! We look forward to seeing how it comes packaged, though are slightly saddened that this version won't have its own Taiko-themed stand.

Also worth noting: judging by these photos, the drum is wireless, and connects directly to the Wiimote, à la the Classic Controller. Beat a path past the break for more pictures.

Continue reading TGS08: Up close with Taiko's Drum Master

JoystiqTGS08: Up close with Taiko's Drum Master originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Oct 2008 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drummusicnamco-bandairhythmtaikotaiko-drum-mastertaiko-no-tatsujintgs-2008tgs08wiimotewirelessThu, 09 Oct 2008 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Cord-free Wireless Adapter is almost cost-free]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/18/cord-free-wireless-adapter-is-almost-cost-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/18/cord-free-wireless-adapter-is-almost-cost-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/18/cord-free-wireless-adapter-is-almost-cost-free/#commentsFiled under:


How much do you hate the cord tethering your Wiimote to your Nunchuk? Do you have about ten dollars' worth of hate within you? If so, you're in luck: Amazon and GameStop (that we've found so far) have cut the price of Nyko's Cord-Free Wireless Adapter in half, to a mere $9.99. That's not a lot to pay for something that makes your Nunchuk both cord-free and wireless.

When we tested this device, we found it to be exactly what is advertised: a way to make your Nunchuk wireless. The only issues at the time were with the price and the battery consumption. Now half of one problem has been taken care of!

We've spent some time with other Nyko gadgetry before. For a more holistic approach to unwiring the Nunchuk, check out the Kama Wireless Nunchuck, and for more things to stick to your Wiimote, have a look at the Perfect Shot and the Frontman guitar. And take a minute to remember the dearly de-partied Party Station.

JoystiqCord-free Wireless Adapter is almost cost-free originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Aug 2008 20:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cord-freenunchuknykowirelessMon, 18 Aug 2008 20:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrono Trigger's wireless mode to support 2 players]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/chrono-triggers-wireless-mode-to-support-2-players/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/chrono-triggers-wireless-mode-to-support-2-players/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/chrono-triggers-wireless-mode-to-support-2-players/#commentsFiled under:


When not debating the potential price tag for Chrono Trigger, you can pretty much find us scribbling hearts with Chrono Trigger in them within the confines of our sketchbook. To say we're excited would be quite the understatement. And now we're even more excited that we have a sliver of new info about the proposed wireless mode that was revealed last month.

Sadly, that's really all we have right now. The wireless mode will support two players, but in terms of what those two players will take part in is anyone's guess. We're kind of leaning toward co-op play, like possible in Secret of Mana. Either that or some kind of dungeon rush mode or whatever.


[Via Siliconera]

JoystiqChrono Trigger's wireless mode to support 2 players originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Aug 2008 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chrono-triggerchrono-trigger-dsremakerpgsnessquare-enixwirelesswireless-modeTue, 12 Aug 2008 19:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Start bulking up your Wiimote early]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/start-bulking-up-your-wiimote-early/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/start-bulking-up-your-wiimote-early/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/start-bulking-up-your-wiimote-early/#commentsFiled under: ,

Are you desperate for some extra length? Do you yearn for that extra inch that could give you the edge over others? Do you want increased size right now?

Well, good news: you don't have to wait for Wii MotionPlus's Spring 2009 launch for a chance to elongate your Wii Remote. The makers (it's not specified who) of this new wireless Nunchuk are happy for you to get adding to Nintendo's wand right now. Available from today at China-based outlet Divineo, this 'chuk comes with a tiny wireless receiver that plugs into the bottom of your Wiimote -- very much like the Nyko Kama model which we reviewed earlier this year.

At $24.95, this is ten bucks cheaper than Nyko's effort, or you could buy five for $21 apiece and, um, give us the spare? We're just floating ideas here!

[Via DCEmu]

JoystiqStart bulking up your Wiimote early originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nunchukwii-motionpluswii-remotewiimotewirelessTue, 22 Jul 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Brando reveals a wireless nunchuk]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/brando-reveals-a-wireless-nunchuk/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/brando-reveals-a-wireless-nunchuk/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/brando-reveals-a-wireless-nunchuk/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Much like Nyko's wireless adapter, Brando is offering up their own version, for the same price ($20). Unlike the Nyko Kama, this is merely an adapter, which houses the original, wired nunchuk and allows you to wrap up the wires, as pictured. We're not sure how comfortable Brando's option is, but if it's anything like the Nyko adapter, it's a really good option for those that hate wires.

Anybody interested in a wireless adapter for their nunchuk? Does the wire bother you that much or are you fine with having the wire there?

[Via Engadget]

JoystiqBrando reveals a wireless nunchuk originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 May 2008 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoriesadapterbrandonunchukwirelessWed, 21 May 2008 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[A rainbow of Nunchuks [Update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/23/a-rainbow-of-nunchuks/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/23/a-rainbow-of-nunchuks/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/23/a-rainbow-of-nunchuks/#commentsFiled under: , ,


A fairly dreary, rubbish "rainbow," admittedly, but a rainbow of sorts. These 'chuks are all part of Nyko's new Kama range of wireless nunchuks, and are classified as gray, black, pink, and gold (the one on the right, apparently). They also happen to be limited edition, and that's probably why Nyko is happy to charge us $35 per nunchuk, a considerable mark-up on the $20 you'd pay for a standard wired Nunchuck (how passé!). The gray ones are up for sale now (there's 300 of them to go round), and the other colors will follow in the coming days (the black and gold are the rarest, numbering only 150).

Nyko already has a wireless nunchuck out on the market previously released a wireless Nunchuck adapter, so we don't doubt that these would also do the job nicely. However, unlike the adapter, this is a standalone wireless Nunchuck. No messy cords to bundle up. But $35 for a peripheral that will clash with our lovely white Wiimotes? We'll pass on this one.

Gallery: Nyko's Kama wireless nunchuks



[Via Siliconera]

[Update: Update: Corrected a few errors in the article. $35 is the standard price for all of Nyko's Kama wireless nunchucks: the limited edition Kama line of nunchucks cost the same as Nyko's standard Kama Wireless Nunchucks soon to be released.]

JoystiqA rainbow of Nunchuks [Update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackgoldgraykamalimited-editionnunchuknykopinkwirelessWed, 23 Apr 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Now Brits can Zap troublesome cords]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/02/now-brits-can-zap-troublesome-cords/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/02/now-brits-can-zap-troublesome-cords/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/02/now-brits-can-zap-troublesome-cords/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Do wires make your life a living hell? Okay, so probably not, but if you are a bit tired of playing games with your Wii Remote tethered to a nunchuk, then peripheral manufacturer Zappies has a solution for you: its new Nunchuk Wireless Kit.

"But Greenhough, you deluded oaf," I hear you cry, "Such a device is already available, thanks to Nyko's very fine Wireless Nunchuk." You're absolutely correct, dear reader, but here's the thing: according to Amazon, Nyko's own wireless wonder doesn't release in the UK until May 25th, where it will sell for around £26. Conversely, Zappies' device is available in Britain (and only Britain) right here, right now for a more reasonable £20.

It works in much the same way as Nyko's model, with a wireless receiver that snaps into the bottom of your Wii Remote, and wireless housing for your Nunchuk and its obtrusive cord. Oh, and you'll get 20 hours from 2 AAA batteries. The only thing it lacks? The Wii Fanboy seal of approval.

[Via press release]

JoystiqNow Brits can Zap troublesome cords originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Apr 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nunchukwirelessWed, 02 Apr 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Fanboy Review: Nyko's wireless nunchuk adapter [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/12/wii-fanboy-review-nykos-wireless-nunchuk-adapter/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/12/wii-fanboy-review-nykos-wireless-nunchuk-adapter/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/12/wii-fanboy-review-nykos-wireless-nunchuk-adapter/#commentsFiled under: ,


When I heard that Nyko was going to manufacture a wireless adapter for the nunchuk, I was pretty happy. Any chance I can take to eliminate needless wires in my life is something I definitely look to do. So when Nyko said they'd send me a wireless nunchuk adapter for review, I leaped at the opportunity.

Gallery: Nyko wireless nunchuk adapter

Continue reading Wii Fanboy Review: Nyko's wireless nunchuk adapter [update]

JoystiqWii Fanboy Review: Nyko's wireless nunchuk adapter [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Mar 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cord-freejoystiqfeaturesnunchuknykowirelessWed, 12 Mar 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: wi-fi vs wired internets]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/27/wii-warm-up-wi-fi-vs-wired-internets/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/27/wii-warm-up-wi-fi-vs-wired-internets/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/27/wii-warm-up-wi-fi-vs-wired-internets/#commentsFiled under:


So your Wii has built in wi-fi to connect to the internet, but that doesn't mean everyone is down for that. Many of the fine folk cruising these tubes that make up the interweb still do so through trusty wires, perhaps too scared to enter the domain of wireless solutions available. Are you one of these individuals that had to snatch up a LAN adapter to get online or are you down with the wi-fi?

JoystiqWii Warm Up: wi-fi vs wired internets originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Feb 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lanlan-adapterwi-fiwirelessWed, 27 Feb 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A wireless sensor bar with something extra (a wire)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/15/a-wireless-sensor-bar-with-something-extra-a-wire/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/15/a-wireless-sensor-bar-with-something-extra-a-wire/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/15/a-wireless-sensor-bar-with-something-extra-a-wire/#comments
We're not really in the market for a sensor bar, since ours Just Works and we've managed to conceal the little cord, but if we were interested in replacing it, we'd choose CYBER Gadget's 2Way Sensor Bar. It's the most versatile third-party sensor bar we've seen. It retails for around 2000 yen ($18).

The 2Way Sensor Bar can operate on 4 AA batteries when wireless play is desired, or it can be powered by the Wii's (or any) USB connection. Too bad it doesn't have internal batteries that could be charged over USB, or it would be perfect.

Unfortunately, the unobtrusive design of the original sensor bar has been replaced with a Wii-imitation white slab with some lights on it. We don't really mind the clock, because, hey, if you've got a thing sitting on top of your TV, it might as well make itself useful.

[Via Famitsu]

JoystiqA wireless sensor bar with something extra (a wire) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Feb 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cyber-gadgetsensor-barusbwirelessFri, 15 Feb 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Experimenting with power]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/31/experimenting-with-power/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/31/experimenting-with-power/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/31/experimenting-with-power/#commentsFiled under: ,


Christmas 2006 will always be remembered at Casa de Greenhough for this blogger's second Wiimote running out of juice just ten minutes into the family's first (and last) Wii Tennis session of the day, and for the tears that followed from younger relatives (okay, and me).

That minor black mark aside, the battery life of the trusty Wii Remote has always seemed quite respectable, but GamePro decided to get its science on and test exactly how quickly each home console sucks the life from batteries.

The results proved surprising, with the Wiimote (36 hours and 43 minutes from each set of batteries) almost bang in the middle of the PlayStation 3's Sixaxis (a piffling 18 hours and 41 minutes) and the Xbox 360 controller (56 hours and 56 minutes). As GamePro notes, the presence of so many extras (speakers, gyroscopes, etc.) make the Wiimote's performance all the more impressive.

[Via Go Nintendo]

JoystiqExperimenting with power originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Jan 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ps3wii-remotewiimotewirelessxbox-360Thu, 31 Jan 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Nyko adapter to unwire Wii wired Nunchuk]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/29/new-nyko-adapter-to-unwire-wii-wired-nunchuk/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/29/new-nyko-adapter-to-unwire-wii-wired-nunchuk/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/29/new-nyko-adapter-to-unwire-wii-wired-nunchuk/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

nunchuk adapter
Gaming peripheral maker Nyko today announced an adapter that promises to cut the cord on your existing wired Wii Nunchuks (metaphorically, of course). Not to be confused with the standalone wireless Nunchuk Nyko announced last month, the new adapter will connect to an existing wired Nunchuk, allowing it to communicate with a Wii remote up to 15 feet away (handy for people with a 15-foot wingspan!).

Don't worry about the Nunchuk cord drooping limply across your leg either -- according to the release, the adapter comes with a "self-standing Nunchuk sleeve" that has "a convenient compact cord management system keeping the existing Nunchuk cord organized and out of site [sic]."

The adapter, including two required AAA batteries, will retail for $19.99, making it $10 less than Nyko's standalone wireless Nunchuk (though the whole package is $10 more when combined with a $20 wired Nunchuk). Wire-hating gamers who already own four Nunchuks might want to look for it in February.

JoystiqNew Nyko adapter to unwire Wii wired Nunchuk originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Jan 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adapterBreakingNewscontrollerNunchukNykoremoteWiiwirelessTue, 29 Jan 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cord-Free Wireless Adapter lets you trade your cord for a huge lump]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/29/cord-free-wireless-adapter-lets-you-trade-your-cord-for-a-huge-l/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/29/cord-free-wireless-adapter-lets-you-trade-your-cord-for-a-huge-l/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/29/cord-free-wireless-adapter-lets-you-trade-your-cord-for-a-huge-l/#commentsFiled under: ,


We initially posted about Nyko's Cord-Free Wireless Adapter before any pictures were available. Now Nyko has officially, for reals, announced the product and sent along pictures, and we can only say "yikes." We wondered where they were going to hide the coiled-up cord and two AA batteries in a compact, self-contained unit. Turns out they didn't. The cord and battery case are just sort of stuck on the bottom of the unit. What you gain in wingspan, you lose in portability.

Those of you complaining that the Nunchuk was too small and light should be pleased, as should those who are furious at the corded Nunchuk but don't have the extra $20 to drop for the fully wireless model. Perhaps you just wanted a free-standing Nunchuk to set next to your charging Wiimotes.

Okay, we're making fun, but the truth is that even if the adapter is conspicuous, it seems to be out of the way, and a viable solution for making your Nunchuk wireless, as long as it doesn't add too much weight.

[Via press release]

JoystiqCord-Free Wireless Adapter lets you trade your cord for a huge lump originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Jan 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cord-freenunchuknykowirelessTue, 29 Jan 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Nunchuk detangler on the way from Nyko]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/28/another-nunchuk-detangler-on-the-way-from-nyko/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/28/another-nunchuk-detangler-on-the-way-from-nyko/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/28/another-nunchuk-detangler-on-the-way-from-nyko/#commentsFiled under: ,


Nyko earned great acclaim at CES for their Wireless Nunchuck peripheral, which is like the Nunchuk, only wireless. A new GameStop product listing has shown up, indicating that Nyko already plans to expand their Nunchuk-emancipation product line, with a new item that will release two months before the Wireless Nunchuck.

There are no pictures, but the description of the "Wii Cord-Free Wireless Adaptor" states that the item "converts your wired Nunchuk attachment into a wireless peripheral" powered by two AAA batteries. The battery case is integrated into a "self-standing sleeve" that also tucks the Nunchuk's cord away. It sounds pretty bulky, but if the Wireless Nunchuck is any indication, they seem to know what they're doing -- with Nunchuks, anyway. The Cord-Free Wireless Adaptor is currently listed for a February 20 release, for $20.

JoystiqAnother Nunchuk detangler on the way from Nyko originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Jan 2008 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adapteradaptornunchucknykowirelessMon, 28 Jan 2008 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Nyko's wireless Wii nunchuk wins CNET's CES gaming award]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/11/nykos-wireless-wii-nunchuk-wins-cnets-ces-gaming-award/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/11/nykos-wireless-wii-nunchuk-wins-cnets-ces-gaming-award/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/11/nykos-wireless-wii-nunchuk-wins-cnets-ces-gaming-award/#commentsFiled under: ,


Nyko's wireless nunchuk peripheral was awarded CNET's best in gaming at CES this year. The wireless nunchuk "connects" through a dongle attached to the bottom of the Wiimote (seen above) and runs off two AAA batteries which allegedly provide 30 hours of use; the cost is $30 and should be out by late January or early February.

Nyko actually introduced many new peripherals at this year's CES. Coincidentally this would be the second year in a row that Nyko introduced a relatively useful product for the Wii, last year they came through with the Wiimote charge station which we're told has sold very well. Of course, not every Nyko product has to be reasonable, the Wii Party station is still one of the most atrociously awesome things we saw in the past year.

Gallery: Nyko CES '08 Peripherals


Gallery: Wii Party Station


JoystiqNyko's wireless Wii nunchuk wins CNET's CES gaming award originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Jan 2008 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-ofcescnetnykoWiiwirelesswireless-nunchukFri, 11 Jan 2008 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Homebrew turns WLANs into music]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/18/homebrew-turns-wlans-into-music/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/18/homebrew-turns-wlans-into-music/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/18/homebrew-turns-wlans-into-music/#commentsFiled under:

Last week we told you about the Swiss group "and-or" and their innovative homebrew game, Wardive. As it turns out, they have another interesting homebrew application called Sniff Jazzbox. Instead of turning wireless signals into enemies, though, it turns them into musical notes (or rather, it turns the names of the hot spots it picks up into musical notes). In a sense, it allows you to hear what your environment sounds like.

Sniff Jazzbox definitely can't be considered a game, and the music it produces is just a bunch of notes jumbled together, but we like how and-or is integrating adaptable wireless aspects into their programs. See an example of how the app works here.

JoystiqHomebrew turns WLANs into music originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Dec 2007 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>and-ormusicsniff-jazzboxwi-fiwirelessTue, 18 Dec 2007 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Adapt to your environment with Wardive homebrew]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/12/adapt-to-your-environment-with-wardrive-homebrew/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/12/adapt-to-your-environment-with-wardrive-homebrew/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/12/adapt-to-your-environment-with-wardrive-homebrew/#commentsFiled under:

Wardive, made by a Swiss art and research group called "and-or," is one of the coolest and most ambitious homebrew projects that we've seen yet. The game changes and adapts based on the player's location, environment, and position. As these factors change, Wardive creates different levels based on the new data. We're not sure if the gameplay is any good, and the game may be a little too experimental, but the concept is certainly impressive.

You can read about and download the game here. If you try it, let us know what you think in the comments.

[Via Selectparks]

JoystiqAdapt to your environment with Wardive homebrew originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Dec 2007 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>and-orwardivewi-fiwirelessWed, 12 Dec 2007 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Wireless GHIII guitars to be sold separately at some point in the future]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/26/wireless-ghiii-guitars-to-be-sold-separately-at-some-point-in-th/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/26/wireless-ghiii-guitars-to-be-sold-separately-at-some-point-in-th/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/26/wireless-ghiii-guitars-to-be-sold-separately-at-some-point-in-th/#commentsFiled under:

You know what's better than rocking out in Guitar Hero? Rocking out wirelessly. Those of you who've purchased Guitar Hero III for the Wii, though, have sadly been forced to rock without wires by you lonesome (in person), unless you know someone (or know a guy who knows a guy) that also has a GHIII Wii bundle.

But, depending on how you interpret the vague term of "early 2008," you won't have to wait too long before being able to buy an official standalone wireless guitar in the U.S. We weren't given any more details on the matter, but we suppose that's better than being told nothing.

[Via press release]

JoystiqWireless GHIII guitars to be sold separately at some point in the future originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Nov 2007 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionGH3GHIIIguitarGuitar-Hero-3Guitar-Hero-IIIwirelessMon, 26 Nov 2007 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band store accessories and the drum bag]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/21/rock-band-store-accessories-and-the-one-necessity/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/21/rock-band-store-accessories-and-the-one-necessity/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/21/rock-band-store-accessories-and-the-one-necessity/#commentsFiled under: ,


Harmonix's Rock Band store is mostly full of unnecessary merchandise, but there are a few things that might help in protecting your $170 "music platform." As the drum set taking up a square meter of real estate in the living room grows into an eyesore, the one handy thing the store has is the Rock Band drum bag.

The $50 drum bag is an easy storage solution when "company" comes over. Nobody likes the first question out of a new visitor during the holidays when they see the drum kit to be, "What the hell is that thing?!" There are also guitar and drum stick sleeves, plus new drum sticks and stickers in the store that are neat, but the drum bag does feel like an obvious solution to something that will be an issue in time. Disassembling the kit and putting it into a Bloomingdales Big Brown Bag just seems wrong. But if someone finds other DIY storage solutions we're all ears.

Gallery: Rock Band accessories

JoystiqRock Band store accessories and the drum bag originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Nov 2007 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>guitarperipheralpriceps3rockbandwiredwirelessXbox-360xbox360Wed, 21 Nov 2007 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Comparing Rock Band to Guitar Hero in difficulty]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/15/comparing-rock-band-to-guitar-hero-difficulty/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/15/comparing-rock-band-to-guitar-hero-difficulty/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/15/comparing-rock-band-to-guitar-hero-difficulty/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Games Radar has put together a little piece comparing the difficulty of Guitar Hero to Rock Band. Their basic conclusion is that "Guitar Hero III hard = Guitar Hero II expert" and "Rock Band Expert = Guitar Hero II hard." They say that Guitar Hero is tough to jump into and Rock Band may be too easy at the medium level for seasoned vets.

Having had significant time with Rock Band on a visit to Harmonix on Tuesday, we can say that when comparing the guitar portion of the game, Rock Band on hard feels close to Guitar Hero II on medium -- except you do have to deal with that pesky orange button, so in essence it feels the same. That doesn't mean that there isn't a challenge in there for the average player, it's just a point of reference for jumping in. Now that's just the guitar, we're not even talking about the beasts of drumming and singing, nor the extreme joy the social interaction of the game provides.

JoystiqComparing Rock Band to Guitar Hero in difficulty originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Nov 2007 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ghIIIguitarguitarheroperipheralpricePS3rockbandwiredwirelessXbox-360Thu, 15 Nov 2007 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3's Guitar Hero III dongle explained, leading to more questions [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/11/ps3s-guitar-hero-iii-dongle-explained-leading-to-more-question/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/11/ps3s-guitar-hero-iii-dongle-explained-leading-to-more-question/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/11/ps3s-guitar-hero-iii-dongle-explained-leading-to-more-question/#commentsFiled under: ,

Answers are slowly starting to emerge about the mysterious dongle the PS3 uses for wireless guitar capabilities in Guitar Hero III. The over-simplified version is that even though PS3 and Wii both use Bluetooth, the Wii guitar plugs directly into the Wiimote hijacking the signal, while the Sixaxis doesn't plug into the guitar -- hence the USB wired dongle as a wireless bridge.

Before we go any further, this isn't just a GH III problem. Rock Band will also use some sort of PS3 dongle. This might also explain a lot about why there isn't a Wii version of Rock Band announced yet. Although it's completely disputable, here's our basic idea: Two USB ports on the back of the Wii for the drum and mic (which are wired on every console), then if Harmonix wants the guitars to be wireless they need to design a guitar modeled around the Wiimote to plug into so that Rock Band does the same signal hijack that GH III accomplishes.

Apparently Sony doesn't feel up to talking about why these dongles are necessary as they stonewalled 1UP when the site went looking for answers. Maybe Sony will give Red Octane and Harmonix the tools to make their guitars work dongle-less one day, but to get things done for this holiday season this was the only (or most cost effective) solution available.

Update: We were trying to avoid bringing the Xbox 360 into this, but considering there is some confusion, the Xbox 360 version of Guitar Hero III is "dongle-less." Meaning a direct connection is made between the guitar and Xbox 360. Regarding Guitar Hero I & II support on PS3, Red Octane wrote us: "In regards to your other question about GH and GHII (on PS2), they do work on PS3 (w/ both SG and Kramer), though they will require an appropriate adapter for the guitar controller."

JoystiqPS3's Guitar Hero III dongle explained, leading to more questions [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Oct 2007 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ghIIIguitarharmonixPS3redoctanerockbandsonywirelessThu, 11 Oct 2007 13:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero III apparently awesome (who knew?)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/09/guitar-hero-iii-apparently-awesome-who-knew/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/09/guitar-hero-iii-apparently-awesome-who-knew/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/09/guitar-hero-iii-apparently-awesome-who-knew/#commentsFiled under: ,


Boy, that Guitar Hero franchise really sucks, huh? If there were ever a set of games that were a complete and utter waste of time, it's these. Luckily, Guitar Hero III changes everything.

No, wait. We have that all wrong. Guitar Hero is unconditionally awesome, and we can expect nothing less from the latest and soon to be greatest version -- especially when we're playing it on the Wii. 1UP recently took a look at all three next-gen versions of Guitar Hero III and reported back improvements across the board, particularly in regard to the guitar peripheral. From buttons to accelerometer, the guitars seem to have gotten a major overhaul, and longtime fans of the series will find their frustrations with past versions fading away. The Wii controller offers up a tiny bonus, as well; the Wii remote speaker outputs, as as 1UP's Garnett Lee accurately puts it, "the ugly guitar string twang" that sounds when players miss a note. Not only is that more accurate -- such sounds should come from your guitar, after all -- but in multiplayer situations, when you're strumming along with no problems and your buddy can't seem to find his butt from the strum bar, you're less likely to be distracted by his mistakes.

All in all, it seems that Guitar Hero III is taking the franchise to a whole new level and getting closer to simulating actual guitar play without involving actual guitars.

JoystiqGuitar Hero III apparently awesome (who knew?) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Oct 2007 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisioncontrollerguitarGuitar-Hero-IIIGuitarHeroIIIpreviewRedOctanerhythmwirelessTue, 09 Oct 2007 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band FAQ: Part 1]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/09/rock-band-faq-part-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/09/rock-band-faq-part-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/09/rock-band-faq-part-1/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


MTV's Multiplayer blog has posted answers to frequently asked questions regarding the corporate fustercluck (MTV/EA/Harmonix) published rhythm game Rock Band. We could bother to put the question and the answer, but if y'all can't figure out what the original question was you can hit up Multiplayer:
  • No other hardware combinations have been announced yet beyond the standard (guitar, drum, mic) bundle. And yes, the bass guitar is just a second guitar controller which you probably have lying around ...
  • ... because Harmonix will keep an "open platform philosophy" and games will be compatible with third-party controllers "that conform to the various platform controller standards."
  • If you're short on guitars but want to play head to head, the online play will be both cooperative and competitive.
  • The Xbox 360 gee-tar will come with a USB hub (remember the guitar in the bundle is wired).
  • A Wii version has not been announced ... yet.
Now, we don't have insta-access to Rock Band like MTV's Multiplayer blog, but we can try to get some questions answered too -- we're scrappy like that. So if you have some lingering Rock Band questions (and there are plenty good ones still left), leave 'em in the comments and we'll try to get some answers. And automatic name calling to the people who ask questions already answered by bullet points above.

JoystiqRock Band FAQ: Part 1 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Oct 2007 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>guitarHarmonixperipheralpricePS2ps3RockBandwiredwirelessXbox-360xbox360Tue, 09 Oct 2007 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Confirmed: Rock Band $170 on Nov. 23 for Xbox and PS3; PS2 version coming Dec. 10 at $160]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/28/confirmed-rock-band-170-with-nov-23rd-date-ps2-version-comin/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/28/confirmed-rock-band-170-with-nov-23rd-date-ps2-version-comin/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/28/confirmed-rock-band-170-with-nov-23rd-date-ps2-version-comin/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


It's official folks, Rock Band will be $170 for Xbox 360 and PS3 and release Nov. 23. A Friday ... wait, Black Friday? Yes, more on that in a second. The PS2 version will release Dec. 10 for $160. Our spidey sense started tingling that something was up when we received info that Amazon was listing Rock Band for $169 -- a $30 reduction from the $199 they've had listed for months. Turns out that they received the official price today. The bundle includes the game (reg. $60, $50 on PS2), the guitar (reg. $60, but wired on Xbox 360, wireless is separate and $80), the wired drums (reg. $80), and wired microphone (reg. $30).

Now the big question: What were the powers that be thinking with November 23rd? Nov. 23rd is Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, the high holy "oh my gawd we're going to get trampled when the stores open" day of the year. Can you imagine what it's going to be like trying to pick up your game at retail on that day? Don't know about the rest of you, but if there were ever a time to get your game by mail -- this would be that time!

[Thanks to all those that sent info in]

JoystiqConfirmed: Rock Band $170 on Nov. 23 for Xbox and PS3; PS2 version coming Dec. 10 at $160 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Sep 2007 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewsguitarperipheralpricePS2ps3rockbandwiredwirelessXbox-360xbox360Fri, 28 Sep 2007 15:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Thrustmaster's new classic controller lacks wires, point]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/14/thrustmasters-new-classic-controller-lacks-wires-point/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/14/thrustmasters-new-classic-controller-lacks-wires-point/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/14/thrustmasters-new-classic-controller-lacks-wires-point/#commentsFiled under: ,

thrustmaster
Readers with good memories probably remember our annoyance at having a dangling remote and wire sitting on our lap when using the Wii's classic controller. So you'd probably think we're psyched about Thrustmaster's recently-announced wireless classic controller. But we're not.

For one, Nyko's classic controller grip pretty already solves the problem elegantly for less than half the price of Thrustmaster's $18 controller.

Secondly, this thing is a monstrosity, with ugly aqua blue rubber on the grips and analog sticks and a bloated design that reminds us of the PS3's scrapped boomerang controller.

Finally, the thing is really just a wireless GameCube controller with a modified button layout. Besides meaning less-than-perfect compatibility, this also means the unit requires an ugly dongle that hangs down from one of the GameCube slots on your Wii. At that point you might as well just go with the better-designed WaveBird, or just make your own solution. In either case, you can probably just skip this cash-in accessory.

[Via WiiFanboy]

JoystiqThrustmaster's new classic controller lacks wires, point originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Sep 2007 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classic controllerClassicControllercontrollerwiiwirelessFri, 14 Sep 2007 13:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Thrustmaster offers up wireless Classic Controller]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/13/thrustmaster-offers-up-wireless-classic-controller/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/13/thrustmaster-offers-up-wireless-classic-controller/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/13/thrustmaster-offers-up-wireless-classic-controller/#commentsFiled under: ,


One of our problems with Nintendo's official Classic Controller is how it has to be plugged into the Wiimote to be used. It's not that big of a deal, but sometimes the cord can become a nuisance. Thankfully, third-party manufacturer (and ridiculously-named company) Thrustmaster have devised the wireless solution you see above. Sure, it may not be much to look at, but at least there aren't any wires.

To connect the controller to the Wii, you'll have to plug an adapter into one of the GameCube ports on top of the console. We suspect that won't be an issue with most of you, as we're certain you (like us) already have a few WaveBird adapters plugged in up there. And, to add even more appeal to the thing, it'll only retail for $19.99, the same cost as Nintendo's official solution.

We'll have to wait until the thing releases to see, but we're pretty sure that Nintendo's controller will end up winning in the end based on feel alone. That thing looks bulky.

JoystiqThrustmaster offers up wireless Classic Controller originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Sep 2007 22:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classic-controllerclassiccontrollergamecubethrustmasterwavebirdwiimotewirelessThu, 13 Sep 2007 22:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Harmonix CEO confirms Rock Band's Xbox 360 bundle guitar is wired]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/08/harmonix-ceo-confirms-rock-bands-xbox-360-bundle-guitar-is-wire/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/08/harmonix-ceo-confirms-rock-bands-xbox-360-bundle-guitar-is-wire/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/08/harmonix-ceo-confirms-rock-bands-xbox-360-bundle-guitar-is-wire/#commentsFiled under: , ,


In the latest OXM Podcast, Harmonix CEO Alex Rigopulos confirms that the Xbox 360 guitars for Rock Band are wired in the bundles. There will be wired and wireless versions available for the Xbox 360, but once again, the retail bundles will come with a wired guitar. The PS3 guitars are all wireless. The Xbox 360 bundle will also come with a USB hub for all the peripherals to plug into. On both the Xbox 360 and PS3 version the microphone and drum kit will be wired. Rigopulos says, "The cost of wireless technology on the Microsoft side is higher and to be able to offer those bundles at a price point that would be reasonable for consumers it was necessary ... on the 360 side we are also bundling a hub."

And no, there is no official price yet. It's starting to look like the $20 difference between the Xbox 360 wired and wireless guitar we reported after receiving an internal Game Crazy memo is holding up. So, that's that, the Xbox 360 bundle of Rock Band has a wired guitar and you'll get a little hub to plug everything in. Now comes the question if Microsoft will loosen their grip on the cost of licensing the proprietary wireless tech if the PS3 version of Rock Band sells stronger (comparatively given its lower install base) due to its wireless advantage. In the end, we don't blame Harmonix/EA/MTV for this wired issue -- although it was shady of them to hide it this long -- we're more upset that the consumer is going to get an inferior product due to an obnoxious licensing issue. It's deja vu all over again.

[Thanks sm0ke]

Gallery: Rock Band

JoystiqHarmonix CEO confirms Rock Band's Xbox 360 bundle guitar is wired originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 08 Sep 2007 13:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>guitarperipheralpriceps3rockbandwiredwirelessXbox-360xbox360Sat, 08 Sep 2007 13:11:00 EST<![CDATA[EA confirms Rock Band in US 2007 despite AU and EU delays [Update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/15/ea-confirms-rock-band-in-us-2007-despite-au-and-eu-delays/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/15/ea-confirms-rock-band-in-us-2007-despite-au-and-eu-delays/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/15/ea-confirms-rock-band-in-us-2007-despite-au-and-eu-delays/#commentsFiled under: , ,


According to Red Octane COO Charles Huang "multiple territories ... will not see Rock Band this Christmas." Now remember, Red Octane makes Guitar Hero and is the competitor to the Harmonix developed, EA published, Rock Band. Huang believes Australia and New Zealand are out this year and expects those territories to pay $275 Australian for the game and peripherals. Speaking with Gamespot AU, he says possible release delays can be attributed to peripheral manufacturing output and that this could reach beyond the Asia-Pacific region. Huang says, "I'm not singling out Australia -- probably it will be multiple territories that will not see Rock Band this Christmas is my guess." EA Australia won't confirm the information, but GameSpot UK was told by their EA rep, "We don't think [Rock Band] will be released in Q4."

EA confirmed with Joystiq that Rock Band is still coming to the US in 2007. Although there is still no announced release date, no confirmed peripheral price, and we've heard hardly a peep about the game from the corporate side since the good buzz generated by E3. And we know we were working with "prototype" peripherals that hadn't gone into mass production at E3. We've asked for comment from EA about what's going on with the game and its peripherals. We'll update as soon as we hear back.

Update: EA got back to us and said that "everything is on track to launch the game on time" in the US. They'd also like to clarify that no European or Australian ship dates were ever announced and "at this point everything else is pure speculation." They won't answer specific questions regarding US peripheral supplies, we asked if they can guarantee at least a guitar for every copy of the game, but they do say that they're "working as hard as [they] can to produce as many copies of the game as quickly as [they] can." And finally, in terms of a release date, "We're almost there! Rock Band will ship this holiday in North America for the PS3 and Xbox 360."

JoystiqEA confirms Rock Band in US 2007 despite AU and EU delays [Update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Aug 2007 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaeuropeguitarperipheralpriceps3rockbandwiredwirelessXbox-360xbox360Wed, 15 Aug 2007 15:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band bundles have wireless guitar on PS3 and wired on Xbox]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/07/rock-band-bundles-have-wireless-guitar-on-ps3-and-wired-on-xbox/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/07/rock-band-bundles-have-wireless-guitar-on-ps3-and-wired-on-xbox/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/07/rock-band-bundles-have-wireless-guitar-on-ps3-and-wired-on-xbox/#commentsFiled under: , ,


We've been working on getting answers to what's going on with Rock Band's peripheral pricing for a long time. There are still no "official" prices to be found, but there is one anomaly regarding the wireless Xbox 360 guitar that is really starting to kick up questions. This $20 difference in the prices between the Xbox 360 wired and wireless guitar, which Joystiq first reported on back in May, has come back around in a sneaky way with the Rock Band bundles. Both Amazon and GameStop currently sell the Rock Band bundle for $199, with one key difference: The PS3 version comes with a wireless guitar and the Xbox 360 version is wired.

So, for gamers looking to avoid the currently marked $20 difference between the PS3 ($59.99) and Xbox 360 ($79.99) wireless guitar prices, the bundle is apparently not the answer. We also spoke with Red Octane yesterday, following up on questions we had at E3 about the price point of their Xbox 360 wireless guitar. Given Red Octane's already dramatic history on this wireless issue with Microsoft, we wanted to know if licensing issues and cost to the consumer had been worked out for this guitar and Guitar Hero III's release. They couldn't officially answer at this time, but the GH III bundles are currently identically priced on GameStop's website.

"Officially" none of this information means anything at this point. Although consumers should be made aware that the Rock Band bundles they're currently purchasing on GameStop and Amazon for the Xbox 360 are officially marked as wired, while the PS3 version is marked as wireless.

[Thanks Zachary]

JoystiqRock Band bundles have wireless guitar on PS3 and wired on Xbox originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Aug 2007 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>guitarperipheralpriceps3rockbandwiredwirelessXbox-360xbox360Tue, 07 Aug 2007 16:55:00 EST<![CDATA[$10 gift card with purchase of wireless adapter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/25/10-gift-card-with-purchase-of-wireless-adapter/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/25/10-gift-card-with-purchase-of-wireless-adapter/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/25/10-gift-card-with-purchase-of-wireless-adapter/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Our inbox just got spammed with a new Xbox 360 wireless networking adapter deal, so we feel obligated to share the news. From now until July 7th, Best Buy is offering a free $10 gift card with the purchase of a wireless adapter. This deal is valid online or in-store by printing off this coupon (pdf link). We know that this offer isn't the greatest deal ever, but for those of you who will be purchasing one soon why not get a free $10 gift card out of the deal. And while you're at it, watch Chuck and Cindi ... those kids are a riot!

Joystiq$10 gift card with purchase of wireless adapter originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jun 2007 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best buyBestBuynetworking adapterNetworkingAdapterwirelesswireless adapterwireless networking adapterWirelessAdapterWirelessNetworkingAdapterMon, 25 Jun 2007 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[The pen is mightier than the sensor bar]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/06/the-pen-is-mightier-than-the-sensor-bar/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/06/the-pen-is-mightier-than-the-sensor-bar/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/06/the-pen-is-mightier-than-the-sensor-bar/#commentsFiled under: ,

Having already made a name for himself with system mods for the Wii like the internal GameCube memory card and the internal Wavebird receiver, hardware hacker foobar2k shifted his attention to the Wii remote for his latest creation: a USB Wii sensor bar.

There have been other homemade USB Wii sensor bars that take advantage of the remote's "pointing" functionality, but this project wins points for stuffing all of the LEDs and wiring into a pen case. If that doesn't sound classy enough for you, he also secured the bar to his monitor with Blu Tack and branded it by scrawling "Wii" on the casing, off-center.

Foobar2k has instructions and a photo guide at his site for creating your own USB Wii sensor bar with cheap and accessible materials. Let us know if you can think of any ways to make the setup even more ghetto than it already is.

[Via MaxConsole]

JoystiqThe pen is mightier than the sensor bar originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Apr 2007 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barhardwareledledsmodnintendowiipcpenremotesensorsensorbarusbwiiwiimotewiisensorbarwirelessFri, 06 Apr 2007 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega Genesis wireless controller hack brings back that lovin' feeling]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/03/sega-genesis-wireless-controller-hack-brings-back-that-lovin-fee/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/03/sega-genesis-wireless-controller-hack-brings-back-that-lovin-fee/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/03/sega-genesis-wireless-controller-hack-brings-back-that-lovin-fee/#commentsFiled under: ,



Seeing games like Streets of Rage and Gunstar Heroes released on the Virtual Console has been a dream come true for Genesis enthusiasts, but there's something inauthentic about playing these titles with controllers forged by Sega's former adversary. It's like getting back together with an old lover, only to find that there's something missing.

You never close your eyes anymore when I kiss your lips.
And there's no tenderness like before in your fingertips.
You're trying hard not to show it. But baby, baby I know it...

Daniel Hearn refused to let his relationship with the Mega Drive slip away, hacking an old three-button pad to work with the Nintendo Wii wirelessly. Using similar NES/SNES controller mods as inspiration, he pieced this together with PIC microcontrollers, an iPod mini replacement battery, and other electronic junk.

The detailed guide and wiring instructions that Daniel posted are far beyond our limited abilites, but if you don't mind applying a bit of Weird Science to win your love back, this definitely looks worth trying!

JoystiqSega Genesis wireless controller hack brings back that lovin' feeling originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Apr 2007 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>controllergenesisgunstarheroeshackipodlovinfeelinglovingfeelingmegadrivenespadsegasegagenesissnesstreetsofrageweirdsciencewirelessTue, 03 Apr 2007 12:15:00 EST