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Pelican's PS3 Air Flo Cooler invites jokes about blowing
We're not sure we're buying the snake oil that companies like Pelican and Nyko are selling next-gen gamers -- namely, cumbersome bolt-on cooling units that may cause more harm than good. While Xbox 360 owners have been gobbling up the Nyko Intercooler, PS3 owners have been forced to deal with a system whose only cooling options are the ones put there by the console's engineering and design team.But no longer! IGN has reviewed Pelican's Air Flo Cooler, a unit that promises to lower the temperature of your already cool PS3 by 15° without causing a ruckus. How does it do it? Why, with "Auto Thermo Sensing Technology," of course. We imagine when this space age technology was first developed by NASA, they had no idea it would end up in a cheesy $30 video game peripheral. Incredible!
Min-E3 exhibitor list shows signs of shrinkage
Arriving like an obituary for the thoroughly deceased E3 of yore, the exhibitor list for the E3 Media and Business Summit 2007 (or Min-E3, if you prefer) provides an interesting glimpse of the event's new format. The list, as unfurled by Chris Remo of Shacknews, represents the exact opposite of E3 in many ways. It's short, manageable and entirely devoid of scantily-clad ladies. And we just lost half the readers with that last link, didn't we? For those that use tabbed browsing: Remo observes that the list has gone from bursting with over 400 exhibitors last year, to containing a mere 33 this year. Of those, two are independent developers (id Software and Foundation 9 Entertainment) and two are peripheral manufacturers (Nyko Technologies and Logitech). Despite the list being primarily filled with major publishers, the event will also host the IndieCade festival, an independent games showcase. While July's Min-E3 represents a welcome departure from the lax entry requirements and inhibitive masses of E3, its reduction to a series of meetings with a focused group of publishers still seems tragically dull when compared to the glitz and clamor of previous spectacles. It's clear that smaller industry groups aren't well represented either, but then, there's only so much room in an aircraft hangar. The full list of exhibitors can be found in the second part of the post.
Checking out the Nyko Charge Station
Remember when we asked if you were going to get that Nyko Charge Station? Perhaps you were waiting to see more on it before deciding to purchase or leaving it sit on the shelf? Well, the fine folks over at Wii.tv have gone ahead and put up a video review of the product up on their site. Or, you can check out the video past the post break.
Nyko's Wii classic controller Wiimote grip
A decent answer to a stupendous design flaw in the Wii, Nyko will release a clip to keep your classic controller and Wiimote together. We reported on a home made version of this before, which begged the question of where to wrap the cord. The Nyko version solves that with the"cord management system." By "system" they mean some extra space to wrap the cord around. The attachment's release date is still a nebulous Q2, but we do know it will retail for $14.99.Well, it looks like Nyko is bringing on the random Wii related products we knew we wanted, but weren't getting from the big Nin of the tendo. The Nyko Wii recharge station is still the only one we've seen on the market -- what are MadCatz and Joytech waiting for?
Nyko Intelligent Remote reviewed
Planet Xbox 360 has posted its review of the Nyko Intelligent Remote for the Xbox 360. Essentially a budget version of the Logitech Harmony remote, the Intelligent Remote is a "learning" remote, that relies on direct programming rather than manufacturer codes. To program the Intelligent Remote you place another remote in front of it and press the appropriate button. This is then mapped to an appropriate button on the Nyko remote. While the process is tedious, as each button must be individually programmed, it allows for multiple device functions to be contained on one remote.As 360 functions are automatically programmed into the control, it works well for watching DVDs or navigating menus on the Xbox 360. Your satisfaction of the device will likely rely on how much time you're willing to spend programming it. Ultimately, Planet Xbox 360 recommends the official 360 remote over the Nyko product.Does anyone out there have one of these? Would you care to attest to its quality (or lack thereof)?
Cooler King add-on does it all
Okay, to be honest we're not big fans of that Nyko Cooler device, so when news of the Cooler King came across our news desk we were a little bored by the whole idea. But then we realized that the Cooler King does much more than its Nyko cousin, much more. Not only does it have a fan to unnecessarily remove built up heat in your 360, but it also has a bunch of video and audio inputs. Since it plugs directly into the special 360 video plug, you can now use any standard composite, component, s-video, vga or optical audio plug. And as a bonus gift they throw in four extra USB 2.0 ports on the device. You can buy it from UK Play.com for the low price of £17.99.[Thanks, to everyone who sent this in]
Gamexpert Cooler King cools your Xbox 360, hubs its ports
Quite exactly why anyone would want to connect "up to 4 media players at the same time" to their Xbox 360 is beyond us, but fortunately that's one of only three jobs that the Gamexpert Cooler King claims to do very well. As well as providing a 4-port USB hub for a quartet of PMPs, the Cooler King "cools" your Xbox 360 in a similar -- but not identical -- way to the Nyko Intercooler, and provides standard VGA, component, optical audio out, and S-Video connections, bypassing the need for pesky proprietary cables altogether. As the Cooler King appears to draw its power from the Xbox 360's unique A/V port, it should hopefully bypass the concerns that dogged Nyko's solution as well as providing the bonus of a non-proprietary port for each of the Xbox 360's currently supported outputs. Play.com is currently shipping the Cooler King to the UK for £17.99 (around $35), which is only a modest premium over its primary, and less featured, competitor. Next up from the third party Xbox 360-cooling cottage industry? A HDMI output for pre-Zephyr Xbox 360s: pretty please![Thanks, SRW985]
Nyko's rechargeable PS3 SIXAXIS and Wiimote docking stations
One of the greatest things about the new crop of consoles: wireless controllers standard. The obvious downside: batteries. Nyko has stepped up to deliver solutions for both of the latest consoles. First up is the Charge Base for PlayStation 3. Because the SIXAXIS controllers already come with built-in lithium-ion batteries, this puppy just charges and stores. You'll be able to charge and store up to four controllers by jacking the thing into an ordinary wall outlet. The Charge Station for Wii not only stores and charges two Wiimotes but includes two rechargeable NiMH batteries with rubberized battery covers (to help keep you from throwing it into your plasma we presume). We haven't got prices for either of these offerings but consider the Wii's propensity for gobbling batteries when weighing that product.Update: Joystiq's got prices for the units -- $29.99 for the Wii's Charge Station (with two batteries mind you!) and $39.99 for the PS3's Charge Base (sans batteries). Seems like Nyko's pricing these products to their respective audiences, dunnit?[Via Joystiq]
Nyko announces wireless Zero controllers for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
If you were lucky enough to snag a new console (or better yet, unwrap a free one) this holiday season, you're probably winging it with just one or two controllers until you can start hacking away at that towering December credit card bill and pick up a few extras. If so, Nyko's got its aim on you, hoping to snag those would-be first-party controller sales away from Sony and Microsoft and get a big fat Zero between the cusp of your hands. The 2.4GHz wireless controller already available on the PS2 (pictured) will soon be available on the Xbox 360 and PS3 consoles, giving users another option if you aren't too fond of the ones already out there. These Zeroes will reportedly feature "heat-dissipating aluminum panels, backlit buttons, and a unique ergonomic design," but unfortunately, won't save you any cash in the process, as each of these (along with an apparently less important PC flavor) will be available for $49.99 when they land shortly after CES.[Via Xbox360Fanboy]
Nyko to unveil wireless 360 controls at CES
Nyko has announced that it will unveil its Zero line of controllers for the PS3, Xbox 360 (PS2 version pictured) at the Consumer Electronics Show this month. The control promises wireless play, backlit buttons, and "heat dissipating" aluminum panels. The most interesting aspect of the controller is its wireless connectivity. 360 Fanboy readers will know that Microsoft has yet to allow any third parties to use its proprietary wireless technology, making Nyko a potential first. Of course, it's possible that it will be wireless via an adapter akin to the PS2 version. The most surprising part, though, is the price. Nyko announced a suggested retail price of $49.99 for the controllers. Typically, 3rd party controllers are offered as a cheaper -- and not as well constructed -- alternative to 1st party controllers. It looks like Nyko has decided to take a different route, offering premium products in the hope that users will prefer them to 1st party offerings. If the favorable reviews of the PS2 Zero controller are any indication, Nyko may succeed. Would you be interested in trading your 360 pad for a premium 3rd party product? Do any of you own the PS2 Zero controller?
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."
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]
Nyko's new options for wireless pad users
Nyko has shipped two new battery charging options for users of the 360's wireless controls. The first product is the Nyko Charge Station 360. You can imagine what that does. That's right, it charges your batteries. It charges two simultaneously to be exact. The unit plugs directly into a wall socket and is capable of charging two batteries in approximately four hours. The big difference between the Nyko charger and Microsoft's is that it comes with two batteries instead of one. Both units share the same suggested retail price of $29.99, giving the edge to the Nyko charger. The second product is the Power Kit 360, Nyko's version of the Play and Charge Kit from Microsoft. The Power Kit allows players to charge controls -- and continue playing -- by plugging them directly into the 360. The Nyko Power Kit retails for $14.99 compared to the Play and Charge Kit's price of $19.99. Not bad for those of us who haven't taken the wireless plunge yet. Please note, you might want to avoid picking these up at Best Buy, where both products have been marked up. Anyone plan on getting these? For that matter, has anyone tried the Intelligent Remote from Nyko?[Via digg]
Overheard at E3: "Here, hold this for me."
Overheard amongst the cluster of gamers who were gathering around these fetching lasses to take photographs: gamerdude: Here, hold my bag for me. dude's buddy: Why? Ok. gamerdude: I need to take a shot of my future wife.
I've just seen a faceplate
Accessory manufacturer Nyko has announced their new Xbox 360 faceplate kit, the GameFace 360. If you're feeling inspired after a few rounds of the colorful Kameo, or you just can't get those Geometry Wars patterns out of your head, the GameFace could be for you. You can buy the kit at most gaming stores, and then download Nyko's PC/Mac compatible software to design and print your own personalized faceplates. The kit comes with 15 blank templates, 6 pre-printed skins, and a clear plastic plate that snaps on over your pimped out creations. Visit Nyko's GameFace product page for more details.
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]
