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3DS Power Pak + review: a battery of tests
Nyko was first out of the gate with a product designed to ameliorate the 3DS's infamous battery life issue. The Power Pak + is a replacement battery that Nyko claims will double the runtime of the 3D handheld. Nyko sent Joystiq one of the packs, along with the optional Charge Base cradle (the Power Pak + uses the normal AC adapter, but is incompatible with the dock that ships with the 3DS) and I decided to put that claim to the test, and evaluate the device in a non-battery-life capacity as well.%Gallery-120083%
Nyko solves your 3DS battery concerns with Power Pak+
If you took the time to peruse our early review of the Nintendo 3DS, and it sure looks like a lot of you did, you're probably well aware that battery life is a serious concern. We managed just over three hours on a charge, which is really bad for a handheld gaming console. Nyko is the first to offer a solution, the Power Pak+, which actually replaces the stock Nintendo pack, screwing on to the back and offering double the battery life -- which still sadly doesn't approach the longevity of the DS Lite. The company is also releasing a new charging stand that will let you juice up that pack just by setting it down, useful because once you affix this bump the stock charging pad won't work. The Power Pak+ will cost $19.99 and ships on March 27, while the Charge Base is $29.99 and hits stores a week later. It'll be up to you to provide the pants with bigger pockets necessary for the extra bulk added here. %Gallery-118666%
Nyko unveils accessories to extend 3DS battery life
One of the biggest shortfalls of the Nintendo 3DS's feature set is its brief battery life, which Nintendo estimates to be as short as three hours. Where we see a disappointing feature, accessory manufacturer Nyko sees an opportunity. The company has revealed the $20 Power Pak +, a battery pack that clips to the back of the 3DS and "doubles" the battery life of the unit. It'll be out on launch day. One week later, Nyko will ship the $30 Charge Base, a charging dock for the Power Pak + (one of which is included with the package), that replaces the existing 3DS charging cradle. As a bonus, the Power Pak + subtly enhances the 3D-ness of the 3DS -- not by doing anything to the screens, but by making the unit take up more 3D space.%Gallery-118682%
Nyko's CES 2011 gaming peripheral lineup: Intercooler STS, Perfect Shot Pro, and more
A pinch of gaming here at the annual Consumer Electronics Show? Yeah, we'll take that. Nyko's just revealed a wheelbarrow full of new goods to pore over at this year's edition of the show, and we get the feeling that PlayStation Move owners will be particularly pleased with what's on offer. For the PS3, the outfit has revealed that its Raven Standard and Raven Alternative controllers are shipping now for $34.99 apiece, as is the 2- / 4-port charging station. Moving onto newer goods, the Power Shot for Move is a newfangled rifle attachment (seen above) for Sony's play on motion gaming, with an MSRP that's not quite final and a projected release date of March 2011. Moreover, there's a pistol-like Perfect Shot for Move (also shipping in March at a price that's TBD), and if you're looking for a similar charging solution for your Xbox 360, the Charge Base S will do just that for $24.99. Comically enough, this year marks the return of the infamous Intercooler, but hopefully the STS version won't cause your Xbox 360 S to go up in smoke. For those who like to take chances, it'll hit retail next month for $19.99. Closing things out is the Perfect Shot Pro for Wii, which is a revamped version of the original Perfect Shot that features vibration support; it'll ship in April for right around $20. Head on past the break for the full release, or spend a few precious minutes digging into the eye candy below. Or both. %Gallery-112561%
Walmart loses its mind, offers third-party Wii Remote and game for $35
Walmart's apparently spread its retail dominance over so much of the country that it no longer has a need for your usual economic motivators like ... um, profit. The store is offering shoppers a $35 bundle which includes either a Nyko-brand Wii Remote or a Power A Wii Pro Pack (which we demoed earlier this year), and their choice of one out of a list of pre-selected games. At that price, you'd expect the bundled games to be shovelware, but the inclusion of Epic Mickey, New Super Mario Bros. Wii and Super Mario Galaxy 2 might convince you otherwise. We don't know how long this deal will be available, but considering you can purchase a Wii Remote, Nunchuk and a game for less than the standard retail price of a Wii game by its lonesome, we're going to wager that it won't be available for very long at all.
PlayStation Move accessories charge controllers, keep your pesky imagination in check
If there's anything Microsoft's Kinect has over the PlayStation Move -- neither seem to have a killer app -- it's that peripheral manufacturers (hopefully) won't be able to generate wave after wave of cheap plastic junk to wave in front of a camera. As you can imagine, PlayStation Move peripheral purveyors have no such problem, and Nyko, Mad Catz, Interworks, CTA Digital, PDP and more are pumping out plenty of plastic shells and chargers for those ball-tipped motion controllers. Hit the links below to just see how far we haven't come. Read - GamingBits Read - IGN Read - Amazon
Nyko Wand+ review
For demanding gamers, initial excitement upon procuring a Nintendo Wii was quickly dampened by disappointment: the durned Wiimote wasn't nearly as precise as we'd all hoped it would be. It took a couple of years for Nintendo to step up and fix the issue, releasing the MotionPlus and finally making the Wiimote work for sword-fighting games and the like. But, that left us all stuck with a dongle hanging off the bottom, causing compatibility issues with many early peripherals. The Nyko Wand+ is the solution, putting the MotionPlus right inside a stock-size controller, as it should have been in the first place. In some ways, it's better than first-party. %Gallery-101535%
Nyko announces two silky new Raven PS3 controllers
Silky isn't typically an adjective we'd associate with game controllers, but that's exactly how gaming accessory maker Nyko is describing the feel of their new Raven controller line for the PlayStation 3. The line includes a standard PS3 configuration as well as an Xbox 360 inspired "alternate" layout which flips the position of the left analog stick and d-pad for a more ergonomic feel. Both will connect wirelessly to your system via a USB dongle, and will cost $35 once they hit shelves later this summer. But will any game top the entertainment value of the Raven promo video? Check it after the break.
Nyko's 'silky' PS3 Raven controller comes in regular and identity-crisis versions
Nyko's Raven controllers for the PlayStation 3 look good and feel, well, the company uses the term "silky," but we honestly can't think of better description than "plastic velvet." Don't feel weird about rubbing it against your cheek to really experience the odd softness -- we did. The Raven will come in a regular PS3 configuration and an "alternate" version (pictured) -- which is an Xbox 360-style configuration. Both versions are designed with concave triggers and an actual d-pad. The controllers are priced at $35 and will be available later this summer. They connect wirelessly using a USB dongle. And now comes the real treat: check out the promotional video for the Raven after the break.
Nyko charge base for PlayStation Move available for pre-order
Yes, it looks like the PlayStation Move accessories are starting to trickle in. While we're still lusting after the shooting attachment, we do realize the need for more modest hardware such as that supplied by Nyko. The Charge Station is a pretty straightforward affair: it features four ports for powering up as many Motion Controllers and / or Navigation Controllers, and can be pre-ordered from Amazon for $20. On a related note, we can't wait to see what CTA comes up with for its Move accessories. We hope there are some Sony-compatible wings in our future!
Nyko's Wii Party Station still not being manufactured
Nyko's Wii Party Station is a thing of E3 legend. First seen at E3 Santa Monica 2007, we always anticipate this will be the year we see it again. Sadly, it was not in attendance. With Move on the horizon, we asked Nyko if it was planning to revisit the Wii Party Station or even a Move Party Station. "We can always revisit that. At the time it was too expensive," a Nyko representative told us. He explained that the price of oil, which you need to make the plastic-intensive product, was too expensive at the time and it just didn't make cost sense. He informed us that the electronics in the unit, which included four displays, LED lighting around a chip tray and a hand drying fan cost less than the plastic. Keep hope alive, folks. Perhaps, one day, Nyko will find it in its heart to deliver upon us this most excellently ridiculous over-the-top frat boy dorm item. %Gallery-4860%
Nyko's new colored Wands available at selected retailers
Peripheral manufacturer Nyko is adding several new colors to its line of Wand controllers. Each color will be available at a specific retailer, so if you're looking for a red Wand, but have never even heard of a Fry's, try purchasing it online. The Wand colors and selected retailers are as follows: Gamestop: Green and Orange Walmart.com: Yellow Fry's: Red Meijer Supercenters: Grey The Wands are priced at about $30. The absolutely not recommended "paint it yourself" method will run you under $20 in materials.
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 Wand+ is a full Wii Motion Plus replacement, smashing through screens this March
Nyko has what it plans to be the world's first Wiimote replacement with the Motion Plus add-on built-in. Dubbed the Wand+, the controller will retail for $39.99 and should be on shelves by March. In addition to those fancy gryoscopes, the Wand+ has a matte rubberized back and rubberized buttons that are pretty comfortable to the touch, there's a built-in camera for acting as a "regular" Bluetooth mouse, and the whole assembly is much lighter than a Wiimote / Motion Plus combo. Perhaps we won't die of acute carpal tunnel after all. Check out some action video after the break. %Gallery-81872%
Perihperal Vision: Nyko Charge Base IC Hands-on/Butter Cookie Tutorial
Peripheral Vision is the name of our ongoing sporadic journey into the wonderful, oft-terrifying world of third-party peripherals. Think of it as neither preview or review but rather a ... meditation on the curious object in question. Enjoy. When the holidays roll around, the gamers who buy everything they want throughout the year might find themselves stymied asked for a wish list. Today, we put the Nyko Charge Base IC through its paces, and it looks like a great way to pad your list to Santa. The Wiimote charger uses induction, which not only alleviates the need to plug everything in, but -- as you'll see in the above video -- also looks really slick. Also, to help justify this video's existence, we teach you how to make butter cookies.
Engadget's Black Friday giveaway, part five: win one of five Nyko Charge Base IC units!
Black Friday is one of those days you wish you could skip right over sometimes. The long lines, the disappointing deals, the stampedes and the arguments over Cabbage Patch Kids. We can sympathize. That's why we're hanging out here all day, with you! And we decided to pull out some things we stocked up on just to give away to you, our devoted readers. Read the full rules after the break and get commenting to win. Up now we have five Nyko Charge Base IC units to give away to five lucky winners. Just admit it: you want one! Keep checking back all day -- we're going to do one giveaway every hour or so, and we have some great stuff to hand out! Huge thanks to Nyko for providing the gear!
Nyko Charge Base IC for Wii now shipping
Nyko's just unleashed its latest charging base for Wii controllers. This newest unit makes use of induction charging, so you can dispense with the sleeves, and just throw your contollers or Wands straight onto the dock for charging. The controllers are attached to the dock via magnets, and it also boasts a USB port for charging up other devices. The Nyko Charge base comes with two battery covers that are compatible with both Wiimotes and Nyko's own Wands, as well as two rechargeable battery packs. It's available now at Sam's Club and Amazon, and retails for $39.99. Full press release is after the break. Also, be on the lookout -- we'll be giving away five of these puppies on Black Friday (among many, many other things).
Nyko Zoom Case for DSi unleashed upon the world
Click for 2x ZOOM! The last of Nyko's Big Three from E3 has hit the marketplace, and it's a doozy. The "Zoom Case" is, uh, well, it's a protective case for the DSi with, yep -- that's a gigantic camera lens attached to it. And would you look at that? Nyko saved up enough for a real-life model. She really helps to sell the image of a social networking enthusiast. Don't you think?No, seriously, the Zoom Case "improves upon one of the landmark features of the DSi, enabling gamers to take higher quality images, which is perfect for the growing suite of social networking capabilities available on the platform," says Nyko marketing director Chris Arbogast.Ohhh ... that explains it!%Gallery-76721%
Nyko ships $25 Zoom Case for DSi: because your DSi totally needs a zoom lens
Remember that wacky zoom lens attachment for Nintendo's DSi that was launched back in January? Amazingly, the product design team convinced everyone else in the company to move ahead with plans for production, and now it's making its way out to cold, steel shelves. $24.99 buys you a hard shell case for your handheld along with a detachable optical zoom lens, which supposedly gets your sensor eight times closer to a given subject than Nintendo ever intended. You'll also be mocked eternally if you're ever caught using this in public, but hey, maybe you're thick-skinned. %Gallery-76722%
Giveaway: Win one of ten very special pink Nyko Kamas for Wii!
Hey there, happy Friday! We here at Engadget love giving things away, as you probably already know... and today we have something very special for our dear, beloved readers. Nyko's graciously provided us with 10 very special pink Kama wireless nunchuks for the Wii (which should go very nicely with those just-unveiled Wii Wands). These Kamas aren't available to purchase -- so if you win, you'll be one of a very select few to own them, which is always nice to hear, right? Read the full rules after the break, and get commenting to win! Good luck.Huge thanks to Nyko for providing the gear!
