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Nyko unveils PS4 Intercooler, double-capacity DualShock 4 battery pack
In an effort to address gaps left by Sony when designing the PlayStation 4, accessories manufacturer Nyko has unveiled two new peripherals for the console which should keep it running cooler, longer. One of the most salient gripes against the PS4 is that the DualShock 4 controller runs out of juice very rapidly, especially when compared to the Xbox One's controllers. To combat this, Nyko has revealed a new version of its PowerPak replacement battery that boasts a 1,000mAh cell. While independent tests of the as yet unreleased battery are still a ways off, that much stored charge should provide about twice as much power as the DualShock 4's native battery. For those worried about their new machine overheating, Nyko also unveiled a new generation of its Intercooler accessory. Like earlier models, the Intercooler automatically senses temperature changes in the PlayStation 4 and ramps up the speed of its fans to compensate for the increased heat. Helpfully, Nyko has designed the Intercooler (pictured above) to be as sleek as possible, so while it will add a bit more bulk to the back end of your PS4, the system's stark aesthetic remains uncompromised. Both the Intercooler and the PowerPak are slated for release later this year. The former will feature a $25 price tag, while the latter is priced at $20.
Nyko unveils Qi wireless charging dock, Intercooler for PS4 and a DualShock 4 controller extended battery (update: prices)
It's CES time, folks, and that means that Nyko's got a slew of gaming peripherals to show us all. Naturally, next-gen is the order of the day, with the reveal of an Intercooler device that attaches to the rear of your PlayStation 4 to keep it cool. Nyko's also rolling out a PowerPak replacement battery for Sony's DualShock 4 controller that doubles up the standard battery pack with a 1,000mAh cell. Additionally, and perhaps puzzlingly, the company is also announcing a Qi wireless charging dock, called the Power Base, built to fit Samsung Galaxy S 4 and Nexus 5 handsets. You can get a glimpse at pictures of all the products in the gallery below, but alas, renders are all we can give you for now -- the real products, prices and arrival dates won't be available until long after CES 2014 is over. Update: Nyko just relased pricing for all its new gear: the Power Base is $40, Intercooler is $25, and the PowerPak is $20, and all three can be had this spring.
Nyko drags Yo Gabba Gabba to CES, unveils PS Vita, Kindle Fire accessories
Nyko may be hitting Sin City's premier electronics trade show with a Yo Gabba Gabba! alarm clock in tow, but the outfit's PS Vita and Kindle Fire accessories are just a hair more enticing. First up is a Vita flavored follow up to Nyko's line of portable gaming battery packs, the PS Vita Power Grip. This $25 rechargeable battery pack promises to triple the battery life of your pocket PlayStation, and tacks on a pair of ergonomic controller grips, to boot. The outfit is also launching an accessory rich "Armor Kit" for the new handheld, an iPod-like speaker stand and a slew of assorted accessories ranging from USB chargers to game card holders. Kindle Fire owners will be happy to hear that their lightweight tablet is getting hit with the same assortment of accessories, including a speaker stand, an assortment of charging accessories and even its very own battery life-extending Power Case. You'll find the full press release after the break -- in case you really need to know more about that Yo Gabba Gabba! clock radio / charging dock.
Nyko reveals Wii Wand with built-in MotionPlus, more at CES
Last year at CES, Nyko unveiled the Wand, its take on Nintendo's Wiimote. This year, the peripheral maker's big item is ... abracadabra ... the Wand -- with one exciting addition! The $40 Wand+ is a single, self-contained unit that includes MotionPlus compatibility. The device still supports the crazy Trans-Port stuff, like the original Wand does, which means that Wiimote buttons can be automatically remapped to buttons on other Nyko accessories, including its gun controller. Nyko has also introduced two variants of its cookie-inspiring Charge Base IC remote charger: a version of the original in black and a new one that can accommodate four Wiimotes. For PS3, the company has designed a new version of its Intercooler made to bulk up Sony's Slim model, and the Media Hub Slim, a combination of a tiny remote control and a USB hub. The Wand and Charge Base Quad IC are due in stores this March. The Intercooler will be available next month for $19.99, and the Media Hub Slim will retail for $19.99 when it's released in April. %Gallery-81970%
Nyko announces Intercooler TS for Xbox 360 / PS3
Never has one company mooched off of poor design like Nyko. Okay, so maybe that's a bit of a stretch, but according to the peripheral maker, the original Xbox 360 Intercooler is the top selling third-party accessory for the Xbox 360 -- despite the fact that it's known for torching consoles and leaving bits of carpet hot and bothered. Nevertheless, the long, long overdue Intercooler TS (for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3) features a built-in temperature sensor and its own dedicated AC adapter, which will hopefully solve the aforesaid issues experienced with the original. This new, non-hazardous version will sell for $25, while the old, potentially hazardous iteration will somehow remain on store shelves for $20. Spend the extra $5 -- it's cheaper than a new house.Update: Nyko pinged us to say that the original Intercooler is no longer being sold; the $20 version will be the Intercooler EX.
Nyko introduces Intercooler for Nintendo's Wii
Just in case your Wii has suddenly and unexpectedly become some sort of flamethrower in recent weeks, Nyko is introducing a cooling solution of its very own. Granted, we don't really expect that most Wii consoles will actually need this thing, but we're sure the "better safe than sorry" crowd will have a field day. Regardless, the clip-on device won't require any fancy modifications to operate, and while it will only run you $14.99, your money is probably better spent elsewhere (read: anywhere).[Via Joystiq]
Wii Intercooler blows hot air
Eager to recreate the success of their Xbox 360 Intercooler – and complement their similarly useless PlayStation 3 Intercooler – Nyko has created the Intercooler for Wii. Y'know, to keep that space heater cool? We kid because we care. Here at Joystiq HQ we've actually entertained dozens of letters from worried Wii owners asking us – undisputed experts in consumer electronic thermodynamics – whether or not they should store their Wii in a small, unventilated space right above an old, and terribly efficient, steam radiator. Also, they live in a tropical region. Oh, and there's a hairdryer blowing on it at all times. We don't understand that part either. Now, instead of cautioning against such an impractical setup, we can recommend it ... with gusto! The Intercooler for Wii (which clips easily onto the back by the way) keeps that Wii cool without trading in the console's sleek looks (see, it's white). And, at $15 (that's 1500 Wii points), this Intercooler matches the budget conscious appeal of its console.
Yet another 360 cooling solution: the XFan
If you're still deathly afraid of your Xbox 360 overheating, then we have a brand new solution for you. Introducing the Titan XFan, a device bulky enough that it's likely to make your power brick jealous. So, what makes the XFan different from the 360-melting NYKO Intercooler? Apart from its arguably more attractive design, the XFan uses the rear USB port for its power needs. The Intercooler, on the other hand, pulled its juice from the power port (which reportedly led to its 360-damaging problems). The XFan also includes a pass-through port that allows you to utilize the rear USB if you need it.Even with all these spiffy features, we're not exactly clamoring to get one. If you really want to keep your 360 cool, we suggest the simplest solution: plenty of ventilation. Still, if you just have to stick a 3rd party device onto your 360, you might remotely consider possibly thinking about maybe purchasing the XFan when it releases later this month.[Via TheXboxDomain. Thanks, Michael]
Nyko's Intercooler promises to chill out your PS3
Nyko has something that claims to keep your PS3 chilled enough to stave off overheating problems experienced on other next-gen consoles. Their Intercooler is similar to the Xbox 360 version in that it features power pass-through, though we hope the similarities end there. Overall, the design is clean and matches the overall matte of the PS3, so you needn't worry about the aesthetics. The only notable downside is the added noise pollution from the extra fans. Seeing as how the PS3 is so quiet on its own, this is something to consider. Although we have yet to experience a cooked PS3, the Intercooler offers prevention of this perceived threat. But after considering the replacement nightmares from melted Xbox 360 owners, we'd be happier to prevent experiencing the whole PS3 replacement process altogether. We're already skipping the purchase in lieu of new titles on the PLAYSTATION Store, but what are your thoughts on this product? Worthwhile investment, or silly way to shell out $30.00? [Via Joystiq]
Nyko Intercooler intercools the PlayStation 3
We imagine that "Innercooler" was already trademarked and, seeing as how kids love their internets, a branding dynasty was born: Nyko's Intercooler. Despite the possibility of burninating your precious Xbox 360, the Intercooler sold like, err, hot cakes capitalizing on gamer's fears that all that heat pouring out of their Xboxen demanded additional cooling measures. Like, umm, a moth to a flame, Nyko has returned to intercool your PlayStation 3 and, uh, smoke out those rascals at Pelican. Despite sticking to the potentially problematic pass-through design from the original, the folks at IGN noted that they experienced no scorched console action. Did it work? Sure it did, pushing five fans worth of air through the side and rear vents. But all that air comes at a cost -- the noise. But if you house your PlayStation 3 in a small unventilated cabinet right next to your hot water heater and under an electric blanket, thus necessitating a $30 product such as this, we doubt you'll notice the increased decibels. [Via Engadget]
Nyko's PlayStation 3 Intercooler gets reviewed
Just over a year ago, Nyko busted out a lucrative solution to the world of overheating problems that hordes of Xbox 360 users were experiencing, and even after being lambasted for causing consoles to draw an unsafe amount of electricity, the company hasn't learned a thing. Unlike Pelican's attempt at a snap-on cooling solution for the PS3, Nyko's two-piece Intercooler (larger picture after the break) holds tight to the problematic power pass-through design which could presumably put undue stress on your machine's power supply when running things in high gear. Nevertheless, IGN's review saw no scorching problems during the time it was used, and while it did manage to cool the unit down during hardcore gaming sessions, it came at a cost. The noise level experienced a noticeable increase, but they were impressed by the user-controllable fan speed knob that allowed them to ratchet things down whilst watching a Blu-ray movie. In a brief comparison between the two current options, there didn't seem to be a decisive winner, but judging by Nyko's previous mishap and its refusal to update the design, the choice should be fairly clear.
Nyko's Intercooler 360 surpasses 500,000 units shipped
Despite concerns about Intercooler 360's power-leeching design*, Nyko has managed to ship over 500,000 units to retailers worldwide.This is a significant achievement for the peripheral manufacturer, which had the savvy to exploit mass hysteria generated from rumors that Xbox 360 overheats to the point of malfunction (which it doesn't, unless a unit is truly defective). The real genius employed was in deciding Intercooler's price. At $20, consumers have proved willing to bite. The relatively low cost seems to outweigh the risks (i.e., it might be just a noisy fan).With this level of success, think a PlayStation 3 model is far behind?*In response to this alleged defect, Nyko vows: "For those consumers who feel they have received a defective product, Nyko will replace both the damaged Intercooler 360 and Xbox 360 console upon first hand verification that the Intercooler 360 caused the system to fail."
Intec offers up another Xbox 360 cooling solution: the $100 Power AC Adaptor
If you're not exactly down with tossing a water-cooling system into your Xbox 360, and don't want to get burned by a possibly scorching Nyko Intercooler, you should run right out and pick up Intec's Power AC Adaptor -- if you've got $100 to kill, that is. You heard right, Intec has unveiled a third-party power brick "to replace your lost or malfunctioning" one, which sports an internal cooling fan "to keep your Xbox 360 cooler during operation." It also boasts three status lights of the green, orange, and red variety, which informs you if the brick is "OK, in stand-by mode, or currently malfunctioning." Aside from having a built-in indicator for telling you just how bad things could get, the 0.85-pound device doesn't even include the wall plug to connect your newfangled power supply to an AC outlet. So even if you had the slightest inclination to save your Xbox 360 from impending overheating via this overpriced accessory, be sure your power cord isn't of the recalled variety before plugging up.[Via Xbox 360 Fanboy]
Nyko's Intercooler may burninate the Xbox 360
Nyko's Intercooler for the Xbox 360 causes more trouble than it's worth, according to Microsoft representative contacted by Elektriq. The problem is its construction: the Intercooler steals some of the power originating from the supply, decreasing the joules the console actually receives to inadequate levels. One representative even reported that the Intercooler has caused "scorch marks" on the console. For those who simply must have a cooling accessory, one Microsoft representative suggested the Pelican Fan Stand, whose power comes from a USB input. Microsoft does not make a first-party cooling unit, although you're more than welcome to throw the console in the freezer in between play sessions.* * Joystiq does not recommend putting a console in the freezer and can only promise to laugh at you in the event you do heed our ridiculous non-advice.[Via Xbox 360 Fanboy]
Nyko keeping your 360 cool? Think twice
Those that use Nyko's Intercooler 360 may want to consider this post at XboxAddict. Supposedly, the Intercooler is actually competing with the 360 for power. The Intercooler runs off the same electricity as the 360, so the console may not have enough juice to run properly -- and could break down. Also, a Microsoft customer service rep said that the Intercooler may even leave scorch marks on the console. While Microsoft warns against the use of 3rd party peripherals -- because they don't make MS any money, natch -- they do recommend the Pelican Fan Stand as a replacement. The Fan Stand utilizes a USB port rather than sharing the 360's AC input.A number of readers responded in our recent post about Nyko products, saying that they were pretty shoddy, and this isn't the first time we've seen problems with the Intercooler. Anybody out there experience problems with their Intercooler?
Nyko Intercooler scorches Xbox 360 consoles?
We've seen our fair share of products that aren't exactly "as advertised," but it seems that Nyko's Intercooler might actually up the stakes by accomplishing the complete opposite of what it's intended to do. While the Xbox 360 has experienced a good bit of "technical difficulties" in its short life, the Intercooler accessory was hailed as a product that nixed the seemingly widespread overheating issues; however, new reports are suggesting that the device "steals too much power" from the oh-so-needy innards of Microsoft's console, leading to eventual failure of the components. It was noted that the Intercooler can even elicit "brown discoloration" around the system's AC input before users are faced with the ominous red ring, and if this tale-tell sign is witnessed by RMA processors, your return becomes null and void for using an "unlicensed peripheral." Although Nyko respectfully defends its questionably useful product, Microsoft doesn't appear to lend the same appreciation -- but regardless, there's still a few (unofficial) methods left to ensure your Xbox 360 stays below the boiling point, cool?[Via digg]
Xbox 360 mod sports fully-internal water cooling
There are a few ways to remedy the Xbox 360's heat problem, but none of them are as impressive as the all-internal water-cooling system created by Dano2k0 on the Xbox-scene forums. Somehow, he's managed to squeeze a Zern GPU block, a Koolance GPU-180-H06 block, a Tank-o-Matic mini reservoir, a 12v thermaltake pump and DD fill port into the 360's already crowded interior. The mods don't stop on the inside, as the box itself is customized with blue LEDs, plexiglass windows, some slick blue paint and, best of all, no huge water pipes that look like they came from a pool filter.
Nyko's Xbox 360 Intercooler
This wasn't exactly the kind of peripheral we've been searching for to upgrade our Xbox 360s here around the office, but hey, if your box is overheating and you don't want to send it back to Redmond (or can't because of, um, certain "modifications"), check out Nyko's Intercooler. Yup, basically it's just a fan system for better ventilating your Xbox, but the $20 you spend here might might well extend the life of your early console. Then again it might not, and it could be another effective way to create some more fan noise in your livingroom. Win-win if you ask us.[Via I4U]
