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The PS4's gamepad now works wirelessly with your PS3
If you've wanted to use the PlayStation 4's (arguably superior) DualShock 4 controller with a PS3, you've so far had to plug it in; that's not easy if your couch and TV are at opposite ends of the living room. It's a good thing, then, that Sony has quietly enabled wireless support for the newer DualShock through its latest PS3 firmware update. It's still treated as a generic controller without motion or vibration, and game compatibility is somewhat spotty, but it's now relatively safe to ditch the USB cable while playing. You can check out Reddit's instructions for pairing the gamepad with your PS3 at the source link, and here's hoping that it eventually gets first-class treatment.
Miyamoto on Wii U: Dual GamePads possible, not likely soon
Nintendo game designer and producer Shigeru Miyamoto discussed the possibility of allowing players to use a second GamePad controller for Wii U games in a recent interview with IGN, reinforcing the platform's previously announced two-GamePad capabilities. He notes, however, that the added functionality is "not within our objectives in the short-term."
Razer's Junglecat looks like an Xperia Play gamepad for the iPhone
Apple's iOS gamepad protocols have spawned some solid mobile button solutions, but they all have the same fundamental problem: portability. The appeal of mobile games is mobility -- it's not fun to lug around a spare controller on the off chance you might pick up a quick game on your phone. Razer's first mobile game controller embraces this problem by aping one of the strangest smartphones of the last decade: the Xperia Play.
The April Xbox One update is here, finally lets it notify you when friends come online
Ready for more new features on your Xbox One? Major Nelson just announced that the April software update Microsoft has been beta testing will start rolling out to all systems tonight. The big new feature is the return of notifications for when people on your favorites or friends lists come online, like it did on the Xbox 360. Other fixes are supposed to make Kinect's voice and gesture recognition better, and there are new UI tweaks to make sure you know the status of game saves as well as updates for your games and apps. GameDVR clips should be better looking, 50Hz Blu-ray discs will play at their native rate and yes, there is another update for controllers that addresses audio quality with third-party headsets using the adaptor. Finally, for any updates after this one the Xbox One will be able to reboot to standby silently instead of just turning off, and you'll be able to check manually for updates. That doesn't apply for this update though, so Xbox One owners can watch for a reboot while they keep an eye on tonight's eclipse, or wait for it to download over the next few days.
This skin-sensitive controller ramps up game difficulty when you're bored
The concept of using your emotional state to alter gameplay is nothing new, but the technology to make that happen has frequently relied on cameras and other special add-ons. Stanford University's Corey McCall has a far more elegant solution -- he recently developed technology that builds skin-based emotion detection into an otherwise ordinary gamepad. The controller changes the intensity of a game based on the feelings you convey through breathing, heart rate and motion. It can boost the difficulty level if you're obviously bored, or tone things down if you're taking a challenge way too seriously. There may not be a great need for McCall's approach when systems like the Xbox One can check your pulse at a glance, but it could let console and peripheral makers offer emotion-aware gaming without requiring cumbersome (or costly) extras.
The Xbox One is getting another controller update (update: confirmed, plus other new features)
Really, Microsoft? You just asked gamers to go through the hassle of updating their Xbox One gamepads in March, yet there's word on NeoGAF that the next patch -- currently in testing -- will once again bundle "new controller firmware." Yes, the (hopefully optional) code should fix connection and headset quality issues that are even more of a pain, but it's doubtful that Xbox owners will relish plugging in peripherals a second time to get reliability that should have been present on day one. At least users can take comfort in new system features added to the list of coming updates, including a button to check for future software updates manually and redeeming codes directly from Xbox Live messages. Let's just hope that gamepad upgrades are less frequent from here on out. Update (4/7): Major Nelson has posted a list of features coming to the update preview confirming the ones mentioned above. He's also posted a pic of what that new system update check button looks like (hint: it's a button), and explains that now, the system will return to standby after new updates are installed. That "silent reboot" will mean the day after an update we can say "Xbox On" and boot up quickly, instead of having to actually press a physical button and endure the longer cold start process -- we're far too fancy to be stuck waiting around, you know?
Using Amazon's Fire TV gamepad (surprise: it's pretty good!)
Surprising no one, Amazon's Fire TV gamepad is exactly what we already saw pass through the Brazilian FCC recently. In those pictures, however, it looked rough. In real life, thankfully, it's a much nicer piece of hardware. We've just spent 10 minutes playing Minecraft on a Fire TV at the event, and came away fairly impressed. It feels an awful lot like an Xbox 360 gamepad, most specifically the dual analog sticks. We've got more nuanced impressions beyond the break, so head below with us!
GDC's alternative arcade: a gallery of crazy, homemade game controllers
The idea of the gamepad is so entrenched in our mind, it's easy to forget that there are other ways to play video games. No, we're not talking about the PC gamer's keyboard and mouse, or even the traditional arcade stick -- but custom, purpose built controllers made to augment a specific experience. At GDC 2014, we found an interactive gallery full of them. The event, Alt.Ctrl.GDC serves as a showcase for indie game experiences that aren't fully accessible without specialized hardware, but to us, it was simply an alternative arcade of creativity.
Rumor: Take a look at Amazon's Bluetooth gamepad
The photo seen above may be the first public look at an Amazon-branded, Bluetooth video game controller, assuming the Brazilian equivalent of the American Federal Communications Commission is to be trusted. That image, and the others in the gallery below, come courtesy of Zatz Not Funny, a tech blog that discovered the photos among the other listings on Anatel (.pdf). As you can see, it bears the familiar Amazon logo, a typical complement of buttons (including media controls), and a final button square in the center of the device that, as Engadget points out, resembles a monochrome take on the Amazon GameCircle logo. Specific tech specs on the controller are lacking, but we do know that it connects via Bluetooth and is powered by two AA batteries. What the potential existence of this controller means is in question, but Engadget believes Amazon is "probably making a game console." Given the creation of Amazon Game Studios in 2012 and the company's recent acquisition of Killer Instinct developer Double Helix, that possibility may not be so far-fetched, though any such device is likely a long way off. [Image: Anatel]
Reported Amazon game controller appears in pictures
Amazon is probably making a game console, and today we've got a better idea of what that console's controller looks like thanks to Dave Zatz and the Brazilian FCC. The standards are all there: two offset, concave analog sticks; four buttons (A/B/X/Y) on the right front; a d-pad in the lower left; and triggers/shoulder buttons around back/up top. What's weird about this particular controller, however, are the other buttons. A slew of media controls sit at the bottom (play, fast-forward, rewind), and in the middle there are four buttons: Home, Back, Menu... wait a minute! These are Android buttons! Either Amazon's building a controller for Android or the console it's making is Android-based (we're guessing the latter). Head below for more!
Google buys an Android gaming platform, possibly with a set-top box in mind
Green Throttle Games was late to the Android gaming platform party, and paid the price for it -- the company effectively wound down at the end of 2013. However, its efforts may not have been in vain. Google has confirmed to PandoDaily that it has acquired key portions of Green Throttle's business, including its parts, labor and two co-founders. The crew in Mountain View hasn't said what it will do with its new resources, but PandoDaily sources claim that Google wants to refine the Bluetooth controller for its long-fabled (and possibly gaming-focused) TV set-top box. Whether or not that's true, the move suggests that Google's interest in games is extending beyond software.
Firefox beta brings touch-friendly web browsing to Windows 8
After roughly a year of development, Mozilla has at last released a beta of Firefox for Windows 8. The not-quite-finished browser gives early adopters a full touchscreen interface with finger-friendly elements and gesture support. It also supports Windows 8's window snapping and sharing features. And don't worry if you're running another OS -- there are still a few useful upgrades in the beta for everyone, including newly enabled gamepad support and VP9 video playback. No matter what platform you're running, you'll find both a download and release notes at the source link.
OUYA's new matte black console offers twice the storage for $130
If you were jonesing for a 16GB OUYA console but didn't snag the limited white edition, we have good news: you just got a second chance at buying your dream Android gaming system. The company plans to launch a standard 16GB model in matte black (aka "anthracite") that throws in a handful of important tweaks. It includes the refined gamepad, with higher-quality buttons and a more responsive Bluetooth connection; it also boasts stronger WiFi performance and more recent firmware. Should the color, capacity and tweaks be enough to seal the deal, you can buy the black variant starting today from Amazon or OUYA for $130.
SteelSeries Stratus iOS 7 gamepad launches for $20 less than its pre-order price
SteelSeries' Stratus controller, the first wireless iOS 7 game pad, is now available at Apple stores and on Apple's online store. Since the Stratus went up for pre-order earlier this month, SteelSeries opted to change its price from $99.99 to $79.99 (79.99 euro). The peripheral manufacturer said it will honor the Stratus' new launch price for all pre-orders its taken. The Stratus has two analog sticks, four pressure-sensitive "A, B, X and Y" buttons, four shoulder buttons and a d-pad. SteelSeries claims the controller can withstand 10 hours of play on a single charge via USB. It is supported by games like GTA: San Andreas, Limbo, Call of Duty: Strike Team and Bastion.
Titanfall special edition Xbox One controller drops this March
Hey, Xbox One Day One Edition owner, we get it: you're into special editions. So how about if we told you there's another opportunity to own yet another piece of "limited edition" swag for your Xbox One? That's exactly the news we've got today, as Microsoft and Respawn Entertainment worked together to create the limited edition Titanfall-themed Xbox One gamepad seen above. Like Titanfall, it'll be available this March and it'll cost over $60. There are some flowery quotes about how it's supposed to look like military tech from the game and stuff, but you really just wanna ogle the gamepad from every angle, right? We thought so. Gallery's below, Vine's after the break.
SteelSeries launches the Stratus, the first wireless iOS 7 gamepad
With its new gaming protocols in iOS 7, Apple opened the door for gamepads that make use of the iPhone's Lightning connector to bring an assortment of inputs to iOS titles. Recognizing that not all iOS gamers own an iPhone, accessory maker SteelSeries has unveiled its new Stratus controller, becoming the first wireless gamepad to support Apple's latest iOS platform in the process. Unlike Logitech's PowerShell and PowerA's MOGA Ace Power, the Stratus connects to an iPad, iPhone and the iPod touch via Bluetooth 2.1, putting four pressure-sensitive face buttons, four shoulder buttons, dual analog sticks and a four-way d-pad in a design that reminds us a little of Sega's Genesis/Mega Drive gamepad, at least in black. While you won't be able to attach your iOS device to the Stratus and play on the move, it does mean you can set it aside and play against up to three other players on the big screen via AirPlay. Without that additional clutter, the Stratus comes in significantly lighter than rival controllers, giving you around 10 hours playtime on a full (USB) charge. SteelSeries has already made the Stratus available for pre-order on its website for $99.99/€99.99, and you can find the link in the source below.
How to reverse engineer a Wii U GamePad for PC streaming
PC gamers, have you ever looked down at the mouse and keyboard in your hands and said to yourself (dramatically, with a single tear of regret rolling down your cheek), "no, this will not do"? Well, how about hacking a Wii U GamePad to stream games from said PC? A team of hackers and emulator developers revealed at the 30th Chaos Communication Congress a modified GamePad capable of connecting to - and streaming from - a laptop. Attendees burst into applause when the team showed off an emulated version of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, despite the game crashing and experiencing some latency issues. The mod isn't quite ready for primetime just yet, but the team expressed a desire to see their work expand; An Android port, for example, could theoretically allow Wii U owners to stream their games to an Android tablet of their choice. Check out the video above to see how the hackers managed this feat, or skip to 47:30 to catch a demonstration. The hackers have made all of the slides from their presentation available to view as well.
Nintendo's high-capacity Wii U GamePad battery comes to the US, $32 for 8 hours of playtime
Tired of tethering your Wii U GamePad to a wall socket? You no longer have to: Nintendo has finally made the screen-toting controller's high-capacity battery pack available to US gamers. The 2,550mAh battery first debuted in Japan this summer, promising to boost the device's middling 3-5 hour battery life to almost eight. The upgrade took months to crawl its way west to Europe, and is now available to North American buyers in Nintendo's online store. The price of an extending gaming session? About $32, give or take shipping. We're glad to have it available, but admittedly, we wish it came just a little sooner.
Samsung's GamePad to arrive in a Galaxy Tab 3 Game Edition bundle
It looks like Samsung will not only send the newly launched GamePad into the world solo, but also bundle it up. Although there's no official word yet, a German blog has reported that the controller has been paired up with the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 in a special Game Edition package. Using them could be awkward since the tablet's too large to sit on the GamePad, but you can always hook it up to a TV using the accompanying HDMI adapter. Unfortunately, we couldn't find info on whether the duo will come stateside, and we doubt it'll arrive in time for Christmas. Whenever it comes, hopefully there'll be some savings over buying them separately, since the sticker on the GamePad alone is $110.
Samsung's Galaxy GamePad brings precision Android controls to Europe first
Well, that took awhile. Remember the first-party gamepad Samsung trotted out at the Galaxy S4 unveiling? It's finally ready for release -- in Europe. The months of extra development don't seem wasted, at least: The revised pad sports a new facade that thankfully discards the odd Xbox 360/Wii hybrid look that the prototype flaunted, and there's a rechargeable battery pack too. What's more, the outfit says that the controller can handle devices from 4-inches to 6.3-inches running Jellybean and up. The controller's "play" button will also launch the company's new Mobile Console app on certain Samsung devices; a sort of virtual game shelf, if you will. At launch, that button promises to foster a list of some 35 compatible titles, with Need for Speed: Most Wanted and Prince of Persia: The Shadow and the Flame leading the pack. We've reached out to Samsung for pricing and North American availability and will update this post if we hear back.
