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Modder makes the GameCube Joy-Cons you've always wanted for your Switch
If you're a veteran Nintendo gamer, you've likely dreamed of using a GameCube controller with the Switch -- if just to recreate that 2001 vibe of playing Super Smash Bros. Melee in the family den. For mod creator Shank, that's now a practical reality. The hardware enthusiast has torn apart a Wavebird wireless controller to turn into a pair of Joy-Cons that share nearly all the functionality of the official controllers, including the tiny shoulder buttons used for shared-screen multiplayer (it's as awkward as you'd expect, Shank said). About the only thing missing is infrared.
Razer's Kishi gamepad plugs into your phone for minimal latency
No, that's not a Razer Phone 3 in the photo, but it's a Pixel 3a XL wedged between two halves of a new Razer gamepad. Following the Junglecat, Razer chose CES to launch the Kishi controller, which plugs straight into your Android (via USB-C) or iPhone for lower latency and hence faster response. Obviously, this can be life or death in world of competitive mobile gaming, especially with cloud gaming being pitched as a growing trend in the 5G era. On a similar note, the Kishi provides passthrough charging at the bottom right side, so you wouldn't have to worry about battery life while busy shooting at enemies.
Sony lands patent for a new PlayStation controller design
A new PlayStation controller may be in the works at Sony HQ. The tech giant has secured a prototype for a new controller design on December 26th, according to Dutch publication LetsGoDigital, which found its documentation on the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) database. Based on the illustrations on the website, the new design looks pretty much like the current DualShock 4 controllers, except it doesn't have a PS button and there are two additional buttons on its backside.
Sony's DualShock 4 attachment adds customizable buttons around back
Sony is getting into the controller customization game late into the PS4's lifespan. The company has unveiled a DualShock 4 Back Button Attachment that, as the name implies, lets you map two of the gamepad's buttons to easier-to-reach locations on the back. If you'd rather not lift your fingers to reload or perform a special attack, you don't have to. You can specify up to three different profiles, and an OLED screen on the back illustrates your current button setup.
Corsair acquires Scuf's controller business to expand its gaming empire
Corsair wasn't done growing after it bought Elgato Gaming and Origin PC. The peripheral maker has acquired Scuf, an Atlanta outfit known for its highly modular gamepads. The move will make Corsair a key player in "performance controllers," while Scuf sees this as a chance to grow through its soon-to-be-parent's "operational scale." As with earlier deals, Scuf will still work as a separate brand and keep its existing offices. Don't expect a radical change in direction, at least not at first.
Valve's Steam Controller is dead
Four years after Valve released its oddball Steam Controller, it's not making any more. The controller is on sale today for $5 -- that's 90 percent off its list price of $49.99 -- and a note in the Steam Store warns that there's a limited quantity remaining. Once those controllers are gone, Valve doesn't plan to make more, The Verge reports.
8BitDo's tiny keychain Switch controller is now available
It feels like 8BitDo can barely let a month slip by without offering a new Nintendo Switch controller. This time around, it's putting its keychain-sized Zero 2 up for pre-order.
8BitDo turns the NES gamepad into a mouse
Many moons ago, Swedish designer Daniel Jansson brought us a cute concept mouse that took cues from the classic NES console, featuring its iconic red circular buttons, black D-pad and grey body. There was nothing ergonomic about this peripheral, but that obviously wasn't the point. 11 years later, it was accessory maker 8BitDo who finally took up the challenge to turn this foam model into a functioning wireless mouse, and you can already pick one up for $24.99.
Razer game controller turns your phone into a wannabe Switch
Razer had one more mobile gaming accessory in store today, and this one will seem... familiar. Its newly released Junglecat controller effectively turns your phone into an ad hoc Nintendo Switch. If you have a Razer Phone 2, Galaxy Note 9 or Galaxy S10+ (plus the P30 Pro outside of the US), you can attach the gamepad 'halves' to a special case and play more demanding games without touching the screen. Prefer a dedicated gamepad? You just have to attach each piece to a controller grip. It's hard to miss the similarities between this and a certain game console, but you might not mind if it gives you the edge in Fortnite.
Apple is selling Microsoft's Xbox controller in its online store
Now that Apple's mobile and living room devices support console game controllers, the company is doing something that would have been unimaginable even a few years ago -- it's selling the Xbox Wireless Controller through its online store. Spend $60 and you can use Microsoft's official gamepad to play supporting titles on your Apple TV, iPad or iPhone. While Apple is certainly no stranger to selling Microsoft products (Office has been available for years), it's still an odd sight when the company is positioning the Apple TV as a pseudo-competitor to the Xbox One.
The best way to play ‘Untitled Goose Game’ is to dress like a goose
For Twitch streamer Dylan "Rudeism" Beck simply playing a menacing goose in Untitled Goose Game wasn't enough. He wanted to become the goose. In a livestream yesterday, Rudeism put on a homemade goose suit and played the game in a whole new way.
Pioneer's DDJ-XP2 brings 16 pads per deck to Serato DJ Pro
A couple of years ago, Pioneer released the DJ DDJ-XP1, a controller full of touchpads and slide controls that DJs could use along with other equipment when they wanted to focus on live remixing and loop-based performances. While it improved on its predecessor, the DDJ-SP1 with more controls and modern features, a major limitation is that it only came out of the box programmed to work with Rekordbox software.
8BitDo's latest Switch controller ditches thumbsticks for dual D-pads
The latest controller from 8BitDo might pique your interest if you play a lot of 2D games on Nintendo Switch. The Lite for Switch peripheral has a striking look thanks to its dual D-pads. According to 8BitDo, it has full functionality for Switch with "all core buttons supported."
8BitDo’s SN30 Pro+ is a near-perfect Switch controller
I think Nintendo's official Switch Pro Controller is brilliant. It's a full-size pad with large face buttons, textured handles and a transparent shell that reveals a circuit-inspired pattern underneath. The accessory isn't without its faults, though. The D-Pad, while a huge improvement over the left Joy-Con, is a bit stiff and spongy for my tastes. I also dislike the digital triggers, which barely depress, and the seriously steep $70 asking price. The Switch has many third-party controllers to choose from, but none of them have impressed me like the 8BitDo SN30 Pro+. Terrible name aside, it's an almost perfect pad that works not only with Nintendo's hybrid console but Windows, macOS, Android and Raspberry Pi too.
Neo Geo retro stick console includes 'King of Fighters,' 'Samurai Shodown'
SNK has detailed the full 20-game lineup for its Neo Geo Arcade Stick Pro, and it's mixed news for fans of the classic platform. The retro console and controller hybrid will focus on the best-known brawlers with six The King of Fighters games ('95 through 2002), four Samurai Shodown titles (II through V Special) and three Fatal Fury releases (Special, 3 and Garou: Mark of the Wolves) in addition to several others. It's not a complete release, but fans of classic fighters should be happy. You can read the full list below.
Nintendo's SNES-style Switch controllers are now available
Been pining for Nintendo's SNES-styled Switch controller ever since it was announced alongside the arrival of SNES games on the platform? You now have the chance to get them. Nintendo has started taking orders for the retro $30 gamepad, with the first orders shipping on September 18th. As with the NES pads, you can't just buy one out of curiosity. You'll have to be a Switch Online member to even consider a purchase, and you're limited to four units per account.
The story behind every Xbox One controller ever made
Microsoft is very, very fond of special edition Xbox One controllers, to the point where it encourages you to make your own. But did you ever wonder about the history behind a given controller, or how many models have never seen the light of day? If you did, you might just have your answer after today. Microsoft has produced a video where hardware designers Monique Chatterjee and Carl Ledbetter tell the story of every Xbox One controller ever made, including variants that have never reached everyday players' hands.
Nintendo appears to be readying a SNES Switch controller
Nintendo may be planning to make SNES-style wireless controllers for the Switch, according to an FCC filing first spotted by a user on the Resetera forum.
Microsoft's next-gen Xbox will prioritize high frame rates and fast loading
Microsoft has slowly been dropping more hints about its plans for its next-gen Xbox, codenamed Project Scarlett. Now, head of Xbox Phil Spencer has revealed even more about what's in store for the console, which Microsoft says will be four times as powerful as the Xbox One X.
Brave musical hero speedruns 'GoldenEye' level with a piano
The 1997 N64 classic GoldenEye 007 was a game that introduced first-person shooters to millions of new gamers, even if it did cause the occasional family squabble.
