WirelessControllers
Latest
Datel wireless controllers borked by Xbox 360 update, patch coming soon
Woke up to a buggy Datel wireless controller? Don't worry, you didn't overdo that Street Fighter session last night. A June 20th Xbox update has caused issues with some of the company's controllers including the TurboFire 2 and Wildfire 2. Microsoft's support site claimed the controller maker had posted a fix, although currently there's only a note saying that a patch is "still being tested." It also advises to check regularly, so feel free to click the source links below as often as you want for more info.
Microsoft patent application cuts controller cords, sews them back together
Wireless gamepads are more convenient, but for latency, copper trumps 2.4GHz. What to do? Build hybrid controllers that can instantly cut the cord. It seems that's what Microsoft's thinking, as the company applied for a patent on just such a controller in March, using infrared, Bluetooth or RF technologies alongside a wired (possibly USB) connection and switch between the two "without permanent disruption to an ongoing game." Of course, dual-mode controllers have been around for months in a slightly different form -- Microsoft's own Sidewinder X8 and the Razer Mamba did the same for the high-end gaming mouse. It also doesn't bode well that this particular application clearly describes the original chunky Xbox. Note: As some of you have surmised in comments, this is similar to how the PlayStation 3's controllers work, though they hardly perform the task seamlessly. Meanwhile, Microsoft's Xbox 360 Play & Charge kit doesn't interrupt a game, but only uses the physical cable to charge a controller's battery pack.
Keepin' it real fake: PSP-shaped Mini Game King makes classic emulation a royal decree
Flamboyantly attired in a flowing fuchsia scarf, the Mini Game King is probably guilty of countless copyright violations, but we don't care. The real question is whether this latest KIRF PSP can actually play games, and we're happy to say it does. Summoning the full might of its infringing power, the King can emulate eleven classic consoles and handhelds when it's not playing AV files from 4GB of internal memory, and its Chinese manufacturer triumphantly claims that the device "will make you happy unlimited" if you hook up an wireless six-axis controller as well. "This controller does not come with the console, you have to pay for it," reads the box, but we're dying to try "3Dthergame" and "Othergame" as soon as we can dig one up.
Yobo's handheld SNES gives your old carts a new lease on life (video)
If you've been lusting after the various one-off SNES portable mods we've been posting 'lo these many years, this next item's all you: Yobo, a company known for its various game system clones and accessories, is now offering a little something called the FC 16 GO. A riff on Hyperkin's FC Mobile II (we're assuming they share an OEM) this guy accepts SNES cartridges for classic game play, and ups the display size to 3.5-inches to boot. Your hard-earned $60 gets you a device with a fully functional built-in joypad, TV outs and two wireless 2.4Ghz controllers. Powered by either a replaceable, rechargeable battery or the included AC adapter. Check out the video after the break to see what you've been missing.
Hyperkin's FC Mobile II plays your old NES carts any way you'd like
We've truly fallen in love. Hyperkin's FC Mobile II tickles our every retro-gaming fantasy, combining portable cartridge-based NES action on a 2.5-inch screen, complete with TV-out, two "standard" wireless controllers, and a wireless gun just to top off the majestic collection. Even better, the whole kit is going for around $60 on eBay, so we can spend the rest of our suspicious money horde on Joystick Test Cartridges and tasteless cufflinks.[Via OhGizmo!]
Shredmaster V wireless guitar controller rocks the FCC
So we've never seen this so-called Shredmaster V wireless guitar controller from China's E-Core Technology before, but from what we can tell from the FCC documents, it looks to be your standard third-party PlayStation 2 Rock Band axe. Price? Release date? Ha, couldn't tell ya; maybe a long-distance call to Shenzen City will clear things up.
