I’ve been keeping an eye on the price of the Wii because I want to play Xenoblade Chronicles and The Last Story. Datel’s soon-to-be-released adapter could prove handy for a longtime PlayStation gamer like me, because it allows one to use a PS2 DualShock controller with the Wii and the new Wii U.
I’m not sure why, but instead of connecting to the console itself, the adapter connects the PS2 controller via the expansion port of the Wii remote control. It also has a button that lets you activate an auto-fire mode, although I don’t know how you’ll select which button to auto-fire or if it will put all buttons on auto-fire when activated. You can pre-order the controller adapter from Amazon Japan for ￥1,781 (~$22 USD).
If you think Sony’s DualShock and Move controllers are two halves of a well-rounded gaming experience, you might be pleased to know that the firm has dreamt up a hybrid. A patent application filed last year by Kaz and Co. for a “Hybrid Separable Motion Controller” has just surfaced, and it describes a controller that can function as two independent parts or locked together as one. The application also suggests that the location of the controller’s halves could be independently tracked when separated and that video games played with the Franken-hardware could switch to configuration-appropriate control schemes. A similar concept has popped up before, but that’s no guarantee the contraption will ever see the light of day. In any case, you can hit the bordering source link to dig into the filing and fantasize what such a piece of kit could mean for gaming.
I’ve seen some unusual gadgets over the years, but the iKazoo might be one of the most offbeat, yet intriguing devices I’ve seen in a while.
Designed by ogaco, the iKazoo is first and foremost a wireless controller which can be used for playing music with your iOS or Android device. It’s got a lip sensor, a full chromatic keyboard and even a flute built into it. But the device aspires to be much more than a virtual wind instrument, as it can not only detect touch and breath, but movement. This opens the controller up to other sorts of interactions, such as using it as a paintbrush, on-screen navigation or for controlling games.
When used for gaming, it can be used as a sort of joystick, or also as a unique control method for games that involve balancing objects, or spinning a wheel. Its makers envision a plethora of other uses ranging from a motion control for golf and tennis games to a personal fitness tracker to a voice recorder and even as a karaoke machine.
Inside the stick-like iKazoo is a sophisticated set of circuits including an Ardiuno compatible microcontroller, Bluetooth wireless networking, optical, shock and motion sensors, as well as a microphone, multitouch sensor, RGB LEDs and even a headphone jack. It sounds sort of like a Wii Remote on steroids.
While the promotional video for the iKazoo is a bit silly at times (gotta love the part with the guy looking through the microscope,) I can really see potential here. A wireless controller with so much functionality along with an Open Source development platform could be a dream for hackers and tinkerers, much like the Wii-mote and Kinect have been. At this point it appears that the iKazoo is in the prototype stages, but the company is already registering interest for preorders for the strange little gadget.
If you’re like me, you loathe the idea of using a trackpad on your laptop. I grew up using mice, and I’m about 1000 times more efficient using a mouse than a trackpad. So whenever I hit the road, I carry a mouse everywhere I go. But one problem with the mouse is where to put it when you carry around your computer. That’s why I love the idea behind the Clip Mouse.
The concept for the Clip Mouse was designed by Frank Guo for a design competition being put on by Lite-On, and it’s really a cool idea. Basically, the mouse would be made of a curved material that could be easily clipped onto the edge of an ultrabook or other thin laptop, so you can carry both the computer and the mouse with one hand.
Guo envisions a C-shaped mouse that would be easy to grip and control, offering a touch-based scroll and button capability. The bottom of the mouse would be flat, so it could glide around on a desktop or other even surface, while the inside would be made of a ribbed rubber material, making it safe and easy to clip around your other gadgets.
Currently, the Clip Mouse is still in the concept stages, but I’m hoping that somebody decides to make these. I’d definitely buy one if they ever come out.
If you have an iPad other than the first-generation device or the new iPad mini and you want a steering-wheel shaped holder that you can put the iPad into for your racing games, then the Kolos might be for you. While they claim it’s the “First iPad Gaming Wheel”, Cideko actually holds that title.
The Kolos wheel is designed primarily for racing games, but also works with flying and other games that depend on you turning the tablet for control. The wheel’s main feature is a 12.3″ diameter steering wheel with an anti-perspirant rubber coating. When placed into the stand, it puts your iPad at a 70-degree angle and the wheel can be tured a full 180-degrees when its base is mounted to a desk or tabletop.
The Kolos can be had in two different versions, one including the steering wheel holder only for $50 (USD). The more expensive version includes that steering wheel holder and the base for $85. Both versions fit the iPad 2 and newer models.
The Kolos is on indiegogo seeking funding right now, though its future is far from certain. The project is seeking $150,000, and so far has raised a tiny portion of that amount. With 28 days to go, Kolos has only raised $750 – though in fairness, the project just launched. The project lists only four backers so far that each pledged $85. That adds up to less than half the pledged amount, so I’m not sure where the remainder of the money came from. The developers of the product expect to deliver in May of 2013. If you’re a hardcore racing game player on your iPad, this project might be worth backing.
When it comes to playing racing games on consoles or the PC, having a racing wheel makes the games much more realistic and fun. We’ve seen racing wheels for smartphones in the past, but tablet gamers using the iPad have been left out. A new racing wheel has turned up on indiegogo called the Kolos that is designed specifically for the iPad.
The Kolos wheel will fit all iPads except for the first-generation iPad and the new iPad mini. The steering wheel is made with an anti-perspire rubber coating. It also features a high-quality metalized plastic base and a clamping system made from ABS plastic. In the center of that wheel is where you place the iPad in landscape mode.
The diameter of the steering wheel is 12.3-inches. The wheel has a 70-degree stand position for the best viewing angle, and the wheel rotates 180-degrees. The Kolos has an auto-centering function, and the wheel can be detached from the base.
The project is seeking $150,000 and has 28 days left until the deadline for funding. So far, only $745 has been pledged. A pledge of $50 will get you the wheel only, with no base or clamp system. To get the wheel, the base, and a clamping system requires a pledge of $85. Estimated delivery is May 2013, but there is no guarantee the project will reach its funding goal.
Avenger Advantage has been bringing tricked out game controllers to Xbox and PS3 for a while now, and it’s just upped the hardcore quotient with a new Kickstarter model: the Def-Con 4. On top of the array of levers from the last Avenger that keep hand movement to a minimum, the new model will bring an extra palm lever, chrome-plated aesthetics and increased ruggedness, according to its creator. The company also promised extra goodies to early adopters like triggers and gel caps, though it should be noted that its last funding project, the Delta Six gun, was cancelled. If you’re still willing to pony up for what looks like the T-800′s personal controller, a $50 minimum chip-in will get you one — hit the source or PR after the break to see how.
If you’re a mobile gamer who likes the Android platform for gaming on the go, Nyko has announced availability for two Android gaming controllers. Both devices are available at multiple locations, including Amazon, GameStop, Walmart, and online. The devices include the PlayPad and the PlayPad Pro.
The PlayPad is a travel sized wireless Bluetooth controller that features a specialized tablet or smartphone stand and carry case. The controller is designed to work with many of the Android games available on the market today. The control pad has analog sliders, shoulder triggers, four action buttons, and a d-pad.
The PlayPad will work with any device running Android 3.0 or higher than features Bluetooth. The controller also works with Nyko’s free Android app called Playground allowing for backwards compatibility with the controller for legacy tablet games. The other controller is called the PlayPad Pro.
This is a larger and bulkier controller that looks like a console controller. It is a full-size wireless Bluetooth controller designed to work with many of the Android games available right now. The idea with this larger controller is that gamers can plug their tablet or smartphone into a TV for larger screen and then use this controller from across the room to play. It has a d-pad, dual joystick sliders, four action buttons, and shoulder buttons. Pricing for the controllers is $39.99 for either version.
With the holidays fast approaching we will all be getting together with family and friends to exchange gifts and celebrate. It’s also a time to remember to not get excited about your gift until you open the box and are sure what’s on the box is really what you’re getting. Take, for example, the exciting GameMaxx game controller.
Prank Pack boxes have pictures and a description of products that looks real on the outside. However, you fill the box with whatever junk you want. I suggest socks. A hilarious new prank box has surfaced in time for 2012 gift giving called the GameMaxx that shows what claims to be the largest game controller ever. The massive controller says it will hold 1 gallon of fluid and has a 24-inch straw to keep you hydrated while you play.
The box also says that the jumbo gamepad has a multiple speed fan, tons of buttons, a retractable 36″ antenna, and its own sound system. This would be the perfect prank for someone who likes gaming in your life. The only downsides include the fact that if you give this to a kid someone is bound to throw a tantrum, and $8 is kind of pricey for an empty cardboard box.
With TVs getting smarter and computers getting smaller, Internet-connected TVs and home theaters will only become more common. So will peripherals designed to be used for couch computing, like this wireless glove mouse from Thanko.
This silly gadget lets you control a cursor with the movements of your wrist. Two buttons worn on the index finger substitute for the left and right mouse buttons. I know, it looks like a prop from 90′s sci-fi B-movie, but it actually works:
Thanko is selling the wearable mouse for ¥4,980 (~$62 USD). Although the video makes it seem like a fairly useful product, I think the best way to control smart TVs would be to leverage tablets and smartphones with a keyboard/trackpad app. I think using something like this one would be tiring after a while.
This is site is run by Sascha Endlicher, M.A., during ungodly late night hours. Wanna know more about him? Connect via Social Media by jumping to about.me/sascha.endlicher.
