WiiAccessory
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EA's 'NHL Slapshot' packs Gretzky-approved Wiimote hockey stick
Believe it or not, this isn't the first hockey stick accessory for the Wiimote -- the folks from CTA naturally have you covered there as well -- but it is the first to be bundled with a game, and garner the glowing recommendation of Wayne Gretzky himself. The game in question here is EA's forthcoming NHL Slapshot, which comes with the pint-sized hockey stick pictured above (just one, it seems) that holds both the Wiimote and nunchuck -- it also thankfully has a foam blade that should prevent any TV disasters. Just a gimmick, you say? Not according to Gretzky, who says that it's actually "very realistic" and "almost like playing in the NHL" -- yes, really. Interestingly, the game's creator also seems to have hinted at future versions for Natal and PlayStation Move, saying that the Wii version is "going to be a really good test." Look for it to be available on September 7th.
Wii football controller brought to life by CTA Digital
It wasn't too long ago that we were berating Nintendo for its seemingly silly patent application relating to a football-shaped soft appendage for the Wii Remote controllers. As it turns out, we may have underestimated the consumer interest in just such a product. While Ninty's application is still under review, CTA Digital has taken the opportunity to introduce its own "soft, realistic accessory" for the ballers that just can't get their Madden on without the feel of a rubbery pigskin substitute. It's ambidextrous, it comes with a wrist strap, and it has absolutely no right to exist in a society of right-thinking Homo sapiens. But it does. At least price and availability aren't yet public, so hopefully you'll have forgotten about this abomination by the time of release. Update: Turns out these are already available at Amazon for a precious cent short of $17.
Nintendo KIRFs Nerf with soft football patent attempt
Ready for your daily dose of absurdity? Nintendo has filed for patent protection of yet another inflatable idea, this time throwing up a spongy football accoutrement for your Wiimote. The "ball" has a strap to keep you from actually throwing it, and in-game trajectories are calculated on the basis of the angle and force of your pseudo-throwing motion. If you're thinking the Wiimote can do all this even without a plush attachment, you'd be right, but then you'd just look silly jumping and juking in front of your TV without a proper accessory in hand. [Via Joystiq]
Nintendo patent filing reveals inflatable cushion controller for horse riding, shark jumping
"For centuries throughout the world, horseback riding has captured the imagination of adventurous people. In the time of the ancient Greeks and Romans, the horse was a symbol of power. In medieval Europe and Japan, horses were essential for quick movement across large distances and were often used in warfare. In the American wild west, the horse was a cowboy's constant companion and a symbol of self-reliance and adventure." - Nintendo patent application, building up to... an inflatable cushion for your Wiimote. Really. [Via Joystiq]
Official Star Wars lightsaber and blaster accessories for licensed Wii Jedis
Hey, who doesn't have a desire to get down and nerdy with their Wii on occasion -- we respect that. But if you're going to pretend to hold the Wiimote like a lightsaber, you might as well go for the full-on, officially-licensed accessory. Oh, there are plenty of pretenders but nothing can feed your delusions of grandeur better than George Lucas' blessing. Yes, the lightsaber glows, and the cats at Bensussen Deutsch & Associates have plans for a matching blaster too. Unfortunately, the accessories don't make room for MotionPlus which is fine, we guess, since they'll be shipping with Star Wars - The Clone Wars: Republic Heroes -- a game that doesn't support MotionPlus anyway. How wude.
Nyko brings Wand Wii remote, Charge Station EX and Kama Charge kit to CES
What would CES be without a little video gaming, huh? Thanks to Nyko, we won't ever have to find out (at least in 2009), as it's bringing a smattering of new Nintendo Wii accessories to the desert. Kicking things off right is the simply titled Wand, which is said to be the "world's most advanced alternative to the Wii remote." Aside from doing everything the Wiimote does, the April-bound device also features the firm's Trans-Port technology, which "enables control and vibration feedback to be electrically replicated on a compatible attachment accessory." Up next is the Charge Station EX ($34.99 this April), which improves upon its successor by adding a LED battery indicator and a "new sleek look." Finally, the Kama Charge Kit is an all-in-one charging solution while simultaneously stores and charges both the Wiimote and Kama controllers in one unit. All the fine print is hosted just after the break.
Nyko's Perfect Shot Wiimote accessory -- less toy, more gun
Those who found the Zapper a tad too childish for their sadistic imaginations should probably adore Nyko's alternative, as the Perfect Shot Gun doesn't dumb down its appearance whatsoever. Rather, this Wiimote attachment resembles an actual pistol in most every way -- save for the plastic shell, vivid accents and its inability to fire actual bullets -- and it even features a pass-through port for the nunchuck / classic controller. Regrettably, it seems that this one won't be shipping in time for the holidays (unless Amazon's fibbing), but don't let that slow you down from paying your $12.99 and counting down the days till it hits your doorstep.[Via NintendoWiiFanboy]
Wii Light Sword brings out the Skywalker in you
We knew it was just a matter of time before something like this happened, particularly with Star Wars: The Force Unleashed headed to the Wii next Spring, but it's good to see a lightsaber attachment come early. Available to order now through Play.com, this third-party accessory sports a power up / down effect to get your saber a-glowin' (and dimmed back down), 22 ultra-bright LEDs and an on / off switch for good measure. The adornment relies on a trio of AA cells to stay lit, and while it isn't slated to ship until later this month, you can commence searching for an extra £14.99 ($31) right away.[Via NintendoWiiFanboy]
Wii Shaft: the arcade-style joystick for virtual console titles
We have to believe that the name of this arcade-style joystick was chosen more for hype and less for, well, anything else, but nevertheless, it's yet another way to add even more retro to the virtual console experience. Slated to arrive just in time for the holidays, The Shaft will be available in arctic white, coral pink and midnight black, and it will darn near take up your entire lap, too. The oversized creation sports a customizable turbo function along with six control buttons, but we could certainly see this thing becoming an excellent chew toy for Fido if left unattended for an extended period of time. The 'stick can be pre-ordered right now for $39.95, or you can appear infinitely wise by snapping up two for "just" $69.95.[Via Digg]
Wii Fishing Pole: so close to too far
Continuing on its mission to totally eliminate imagination from the gaming experience, inveterate Wiiccessory maker Brando is now hawking a fishing pole guaranteed to increase the destructive potential of the Wii remote. Featuring an actual string with a chintzy plastic fish on the end, the pole collapses for easy storage -- which is good, because you'll be storing this thing for good about ten seconds after you realize that you just spent $19 to look like a complete fool.
Brando extends the Wiicessory madness with "Cooking Mother Kit"
The Wii game-to-accessory ratio seems to just keep getting smaller and smaller, with accessory-mad Brando now further expanding your add-on options with its "Wii Cooking Mother Kit." Designed to be used with the so far accessory-deprived Cooking Mama game, the kit includes a frying pan, knife, spade, and fork, which are apparently guaranteed to "enhance the fun of playing the game." And, really, is there anything more more fun than wildly flailing sharp objects around? Those willing to take that risk can order their set now for $17.
Link smiles upon knife, dagger, and shield Wiimote accessories
Pfft, and you thought your Sharp Shooter Wiimote accessory was hot stuff? Unfortunately, even remnants of Duck Hunt can't hold a candle to the trio of "full-size" Zelda props for your precious Wiimote, as the sword, dagger, and shield (shown after the jump) all do a fair job of mimicking the ones used in Twilight Princess. Of course, swapping them out in mid-game might not prove entirely efficient, but slicing and dicing your enemies could indeed become a whole lot more enjoyable when you're actually cutting through the air. Best of all, the entire set rings up at just $27.51, and while we're not in any position to judge the quality of construction, it's pretty safe to say that this is one instance where we'd certainly bring a knife (or two) to a gunfight.[Via VideoGamesBlogger]
Homegrown Wii steering wheel proves disgraceful
Since the frequency (and severity) of Wii-related injuries has calmed down somewhat since Nintendo (we think) starting replacing those previously weak Wiimote straps, it seems that Wii owners now have more time to spend crafting accessories than filling out medical paperwork. Sure, the more official steering wheel adornment has been available to purchase for quite awhile, but for those who can't (or have no desire to) conjure up the coin required to snag one, there's always the homegrown approach. It's quite possible that we've grown too accustomed to well planned and well executed mods and DIY creations, but we must say this attempt at crafting a Wii wheel looks to fall a bit short -- unless you dig incredibly lumpy and presumably slippery circles to steer with, of course. Nevertheless, we've got to give props for the not-so-typical blue tape used in the construction, but we're counting on Rev. B to be a much more refined rendition, capiche?[Via NintendoWiiFanboy]
