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Cord-Free Wireless Adapter lets you trade your cord for a huge lump
We initially posted about Nyko's Cord-Free Wireless Adapter before any pictures were available. Now Nyko has officially, for reals, announced the product and sent along pictures, and we can only say "yikes." We wondered where they were going to hide the coiled-up cord and two AA batteries in a compact, self-contained unit. Turns out they didn't. The cord and battery case are just sort of stuck on the bottom of the unit. What you gain in wingspan, you lose in portability. Those of you complaining that the Nunchuk was too small and light should be pleased, as should those who are furious at the corded Nunchuk but don't have the extra $20 to drop for the fully wireless model. Perhaps you just wanted a free-standing Nunchuk to set next to your charging Wiimotes.Okay, we're making fun, but the truth is that even if the adapter is conspicuous, it seems to be out of the way, and a viable solution for making your Nunchuk wireless, as long as it doesn't add too much weight.[Via press release]
Another Nunchuk detangler on the way from Nyko
Nyko earned great acclaim at CES for their Wireless Nunchuck peripheral, which is like the Nunchuk, only wireless. A new GameStop product listing has shown up, indicating that Nyko already plans to expand their Nunchuk-emancipation product line, with a new item that will release two months before the Wireless Nunchuck. There are no pictures, but the description of the "Wii Cord-Free Wireless Adaptor" states that the item "converts your wired Nunchuk attachment into a wireless peripheral" powered by two AAA batteries. The battery case is integrated into a "self-standing sleeve" that also tucks the Nunchuk's cord away. It sounds pretty bulky, but if the Wireless Nunchuck is any indication, they seem to know what they're doing -- with Nunchuks, anyway. The Cord-Free Wireless Adaptor is currently listed for a February 20 release, for $20.
Nyko's wireless Wii nunchuk wins CNET's CES gaming award
Nyko's wireless nunchuk peripheral was awarded CNET's best in gaming at CES this year. The wireless nunchuk "connects" through a dongle attached to the bottom of the Wiimote (seen above) and runs off two AAA batteries which allegedly provide 30 hours of use; the cost is $30 and should be out by late January or early February.Nyko actually introduced many new peripherals at this year's CES. Coincidentally this would be the second year in a row that Nyko introduced a relatively useful product for the Wii, last year they came through with the Wiimote charge station which we're told has sold very well. Of course, not every Nyko product has to be reasonable, the Wii Party station is still one of the most atrociously awesome things we saw in the past year.%Gallery-12919%%Gallery-4860%
A closer look at the Nyko Perfect Shot and Wireless Guitar
We haven't had a chance to play any Wii games with the Nyko Perfect Shot yet, since this gun appears to be out of stock everywhere, but we want to. Sure, it may not come with a copy of Link's Crossbow Training, but the Perfect Shot seems more functional than the Wii Zapper, at least. We'd love to know whether this peripheral is as good as it looks. Have any of you fine readers had a chance to try it out?Check after the break to see a similar video, but this time explaining the features of the Nyko Wireless Guitar.
Wireless Nunchuck is the best at CES, according to CNET
There seemed to be a lot of mixed reactions when we posted about the Nyko Wireless Nunchuck. Responses were divided between excitement, cynicism, and "huh?" CNET is a fan of the product, though, as the website recently titled it as the "Best of CES" in the gaming category. We wouldn't recommend placing too much stock in this CES decision. We're not saying that the Wireless Nunchuck is bad or useless, but CES's impressions of the product made it sound like a decent accessory rather than a must-have item. It makes us wonder if CNET made this choice based on a round of drunken roshambo (which is how we make all our decisions here at Nintendo Wii Fanboy).If CNET is right, though, we can't say we're disappointed about having missed CES this year.[Via GoNintendo]
Nyko will make Rock Band, GH III compatible guitar
Just weeks ago, it felt as if the stalemate between Activision and Harmonix would never end. Both companies blamed the other for the lack of compatibility between guitar peripherals for Rock Band and Guitar Hero III. Thankfully, Nyko has come to save the day as it recently announced that it would develop a guitar that's compatible with both games.Coming in March, Nyko will make available the Front Man wireless guitar. The peripheral will feature a dongle with a switch that must be set for whichever game a budding guitarist is currently playing at the time. The guitar appears to have all the features that are present in the controllers offered by Activision and Harmonix but also promises up to 80 hours of continuous play time using three AA batteries.We're pretty sure both companies will settle this silly argument at some point in the future, but it sure feels good to know a true solution is only weeks away.
Nyko introduces first third-party Wii guitar
var digg_url = 'http://www.digg.com/nintendo/Nyko_introduces_first_third_party_Wii_guitar'; Nyko showed off some new accessories for the Wii and other systems (but most importantly the Wii) at the CES trade show. The company offered some more concrete information about the release of their Wireless Nunchuck, specifying a Q1 2008 release window and $30 price point for this product.Their other Wii peripheral is something that fills a very important need in the Wii accessory lineup: a standalone Guitar Hero III controller. The Nyko Frontman Wireless Guitar is a wireless (obviously) controller styled after the Fender Telecaster. This guitar should be out in March or April -- a few months and fifty dollars are the only things between you and rocking out with a second player. Unless Activision beats them to the punch with their own standalone guitars, in which case some other amounts of time and money will be required.
Nyko offering plethora of peripherals in early '08
Third-party peripheral manufacturer Nyko is currently at CES showing off its new wares for early 2008. Though we've seen some of the stuff like the Wireless Wii Nunchuk before, we've now got details and pricing. A Nyko representative informed us that every item but the guitars should be out in the first quarter of '08 (before April) -- the guitars should be available in March or April. Wireless Nunchuk: Two AAA batteries (included) supposedly give 30 hours of gameplay; suggested price of $30. Xbox 360 Charge Base: Reminiscent of the Sixaxis charger redesign, suggested price is also $30. Frontman wireless guitars (Wii and PS3): Frontman for Wii is fully compatible with Guitar Hero III and the PS3 version is compatible with Guitar Hero III and Rock Band. PS3 and Wii guitars will be $60 and $50 respectively. PSP-2000 Charger Grip: "Ergonomic grips" with built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery that should last 10 hours for $30. PS3 Zero Wireless Controller: Up to 25 hours with rechargeable NiMH battery with motion sensing and vibration. Suggested price of $60. There are more products being introduced, which you can see on Nyko's website; check out the gallery below for life-like images you could almost reach out and grab out of your screen.* *Joystiq is not responsible for broken monitors and/or fingers belonging to those foolish enough to try.[Via Press Release]%Gallery-12919%
Multiplicity: Zapper clone cloned
Though Nyko's Perfect Shot plays second fiddle to Nintendo's official Zapper, the third-party light gun has been praised for its excellent build quality and superior design. In fact, other accessory manufacturers took note of that superior design and are now selling it as their own!Datel's Wii Pistol mimics the Nyko product right down to its light blue grip. The knock-off peripheral is advertised on Datel/Codejunkies' shop as "the ideal add-on for classic blasters such as Resident Evil 4 and Chicken Shoot." Classic? Chicken Shoot?!The Wii Pistol is currently out of stock, but it regularly retails for $12.99, two bucks cheaper than the Perfect Shot (Amazon currently has it on sale for $12.99, though). You can compare Datel's clone with Nyko's shell past the break.
Nyko introduces new PS3 controller charger
Nyko is releasing a second version of its PS3 controller charge station and it's the bomb. Actually, it looks more like a bomb detonator. The company says the Charge Base 2 has a faster recharge rate and comes with two light-weight Mini USB adaptors that attach to the controller and "allow for easy drop and charge functionality." The price of the unit is $30 and should be available now at retailers. So if you've got extra AC plugs about the place and just can't be bothered with plugging your Sixaxis into the PS3, here's another option.
Nyko rolls out Charge Base 2 for PS3
Nyko's already delivered one SIXAXIS charging station in the form of the original Charge Base, but those that don't need to charge four controllers simultaneously may do well to consider the company's just-announced Charge Base 2, which'll accommodate a pair of controllers and save you a few bucks. It's still not a perfect solution, however, as you'll have to attach a pair of adapters to the SIXAXIS's mini-USB ports before you drop 'em in, and try not to lose them when you take 'em off. But if you want to give your PS3 a rest and get rid of one less tangle of cables, you should be able to grab one of these next week for $30.
Charge two controllers quickly with Charge Base 2
Looking for a stylish, simple way to charge two of your sexy Sixaxes or Dual Shock 3's at once? We'd like to introduce you to our fashion-conscious friend, the Nyko Charge Base 2. Sure, it looks more like a bomb detonator, but it charges the controllers faster than the standard USB plug-ins, which is nice, and it works from an AC outlet, which is also nice. It tells you how much charge your controllers have and is smaller than the previous Charge Base Nyko produced. It'll be out in early December (like right around now) for a penny under $30. Sure would make a nice gift, we guess.
Nyko's wireless 'Nunchuck' prevents deadly entanglements
The latest bullet fired from Nyko's niche sniper rifle finally severs the terribly constrictive cable between the Wii's remote and its nunchuk controller. IGN has the full report on the Nyko "Wireless Nunchuck," a rather perplexing name given the addition of an extra "c" and, of course, the omission of a connecting wire. Without a wire, isn't it just... a stick? Oh, but these are mere trifles compared to the sheer freedom of flailing unleashed by this untethered tech! No longer will your hugging high score suffer in Disneyland Mascot Sim -- only the reach of your fully extended arms can hold you back now! Gone are the days when skipping rope minigames resulted in accidental strangulation! It staggers us to think that Nintendo's oversight could be seen to by nothing more than a wireless stick, some extra batteries and a dongle (possibly containing peace-of-mind cooling fans) attached to the bottom of your Wiimote. You say you'd rather wait until CES delivers price and release details? Why do you hate freedom?[Via Wii Fanboy]
Wireless Nunchuk removes the very last controller cord from your living room
Nyko has funneled the research funding for their dearly missed Party Station project into a new peripheral. Much like the Party Station had a very simple vision of enhancing every aspect of your Wii parties (except the people attending), the newest peripheral adheres to a clear ideal: removing that one cord from the Wii controller.The Wireless Nunchuck is -- big surprise -- a wireless Nunchuk. It doesn't have autofire or a cooling fan or anything. It differs from Nintendo's product only in that it's got no wire, clear buttons and a "c" in the name. Amusingly, it'll also include its own wrist strap.We personally don't care about having the Nunchuk tethered to the Wiimote, with one important exception. We're getting one of these specifically so we can pose that much more flamboyantly in Samba de Amigo. This should nicely substitute for the two-Wiimote control scheme that everyone constantly begs for. Nyko will announce the pricing and release date and stuff at CES.
Nyko's Wireless Nunchuck makes you that much less coordinated
Well, this was inevitable. And we suppose it's not a terrible thing in itself, some people really loathe that cord tying the Wiimote and Nunchuck together, especially in light of how minimalistic the Wii is in most other regards. We, on the other hand, appreciate the defence the tether provides against injuring our house guests any more than necessary with our crazed arm flailings. Who knows if Nintendo will ever get around to releasing a wireless version of the Nunchuck, but Nyko's going to make a buck here either way with its Wireless Nunchuck setup, which is headed for CES next month. There's a 2.4GHz receiver module that has to be plugged into the Wiimote, but the Nunchuck itself is pretty much a virtual clone of Nintendo's -- which is appreciated. No word on price or a release date just yet.
Nyko's Perfect Shot, critics surely ready to take aim
Get ready to blow away the competition with Nyko's Perfect Shot, the most gun-looking peripheral yet for the Wii. That is one fine piece of plastic Glock-like craftsmanship, almost makes you want to ... well, it's available for $13 from Amazon after Christmas.Following the Washington Post's take on the toyish Wii Zapper, we can't help but wonder how things would have played out if Nyko's Perfect Shot was on the market at the time. Doesn't it just beg to be painted metallic black? Depending on how the nunchuk actually attaches to this thing, it could actually be a cool looking peripheral for those who don't think toy guns will bring down civilization as we know it.[Via WiiFanboy]
Nyko's Perfect Shot Wiimote accessory -- less toy, more gun
Those who found the Zapper a tad too childish for their sadistic imaginations should probably adore Nyko's alternative, as the Perfect Shot Gun doesn't dumb down its appearance whatsoever. Rather, this Wiimote attachment resembles an actual pistol in most every way -- save for the plastic shell, vivid accents and its inability to fire actual bullets -- and it even features a pass-through port for the nunchuck / classic controller. Regrettably, it seems that this one won't be shipping in time for the holidays (unless Amazon's fibbing), but don't let that slow you down from paying your $12.99 and counting down the days till it hits your doorstep.[Via NintendoWiiFanboy]
Perfect Shot is perfect fodder for hysterical headlines
If, like the Washington Post, you expect hysteria to reign over the Zapper, just wait until the mainstream press catches a glimpse of Nyko's contribution to the ever-growing pile of third-party alternatives.The "Perfect Shot" is the most gun-like shell we've seen to date, a world away from the Zapper's unoffending curves and thoroughly un-gun-like appearance. And we'd bet our very last cent on it provoking outraged bleating from the press (and perhaps even a certain lawyer), who will no doubt make gossamer-thin links between a plastic toy and real-life violence in the process.So, in a Wii Fanboy world exclusive, we're going to beat them to the punch: if you want to train your child to be a cold-blooded, callous killer, you can pick up the Nyko Perfect Shot for just $13 on Amazon from December 24, and raise a murderer.
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.
