Gizmodo: Controller

NES Controller Socket Lets You Control Your Mods with Nostalgia

Dan Nosowitz — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 17:30:00 EDT

Parallax has just released their NES controller socket to the delights of modders everywhere. Instead of forcing them to chop up an old NES to get the 7-pin socket, Parallax has made it available for only $2 on their site. The NES controller would be great for all kinds of little projects, from robots to old-school gaming devices, and we're really looking forward to seeing what inventive modders can do with the humble and much-loved controller. [MAKE]

Four-Foot SNES Controller Actually Works (For Shaquille O'Neal)

John Herrman — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 15:30:00 EDT

Taking inspiration as well as construction cues from the massive NES controller table built in May, SCAD Inc., which I will charitably call a garage-based novelty enlargement collective, set out to build a giant-sized SNES controller, complete with functioning buttons. A few months later the build is complete, and it looks, well, huge.

The angular, simply-shaped NES controller lent itself well to humongonization, but the rounded sides and shoulder buttons made the SNES a formidable challenge to accurately build at such a large scale. The SCAD guys sure as hell pulled it off though, getting everything from the curvature of the L and R buttons to the fonts used on the control labels almost perfectly right. The body of the controller is cut from wood, and the buttons are connected directly to the guts of a standard SNES controller, preserving the now hilariously small-looking cable and connector. Matt LaBoone, the primary builder of the project, says that videos (hopefully including some gameplay action) are forthcoming. For now check out the full log of the building process at the SCAD Inc. site. [SCAD Inc.]

New Official Xbox 360 Controller Spotted

Mark Wilson — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 10:10:00 EDT

Over at a German games convention going on now, IGN has come across a new Xbox 360 controller by Microsoft. Apparently it looks pretty much identical to the old one but includes an entirely redesigned directional pad (which makes sense, because the current d-pad isn't so good). Here's what IGN had to say about the play experience (and to see story UPDATES):

...the d-pad has been re-engineered to offer more instant control, with an eight way input taking place of the previous four. A brief hands-on with the controller playing Pro Evolution 2009 proved that the redesign has been effective, with the d-pad sitting in a larger rocker and proving more tactile.

It doesn't sound like the update will be worth throwing out your old controllers, but we'll be happy to see the improvement. [IGN]

UPDATE: It looks like this could be limited edition for Europe, Asia and Latin America only. [IMAGE]

Novint Falcon Force Feedback Controller Gets Valve Support

Jason Chen — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 15:40:00 EDT

The long-in-development force-feedback PC game device Novint Falcon is a good idea in theory, but without actual support from games there's not a whole lot you can do with it. Good news though, since Valve just announced support with the controller for PC versions of The Orange Box, Counter-Strike: Source, the Half-Life 2 series, Team Fortress 2, Portal and Left 4 Dead. With the pistol grip accessory it'll be fine for every game, but what we really have hopes for is fiddling around with that gravity gun and feeling the force feedback with it. [Novint via Crunchgear]

SPult Universal Remote is Sleekly Simple by Ditching Most Buttons

Kit Eaton — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 08:19:00 EDT

Designer Yurii Smitana Perfilov clearly took a look at the chaotic button-fest that is the usual universal remote and thought "uuuugleee." So the first thing you notice about the sPult remote is its gorgeousness, like a retro-futuristic digital dagger. The second thing is the lack of buttons: that scroll wheel does volume or channels, selected at a push, and there's a favorites selector, mute and power function plus a simple display. I thought the back-lit Moto RAZR-like universal remote I just bought was attractive, but if sPult were more than a concept, I'd ditch that silver laser-keypad nastiness in a heartbeat. [Yanko design]

eDimensional's Ben Heck 1-Hand New Access Controller Now Available

Jason Chen — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 13:50:00 EDT

Ben Heck of modding fame follows up his 5.1 headset for eDimensional with a one-handed PS3/PS2/PC controller. Although it's made for disabled gamers to play games they otherwise couldn't on a standard DualShock gamepad because of the swappable control modules, it's also very useful for regular gamers who need something they can handle with one hand while eating.

I remember an old SNES controller that was one-handed that was perfect for playing RPGs with if your other hand was busy with a burger. This would be just as good when Final Fantasy 13 is finally released in 2012. $129 gets you one, with a portion of the profits going towards children's hospitals and veteran's affairs medical centers. [eDimensional via Kotaku]

PSP Plays Better With DualShock

Mark Wilson — Fri, 30 May 2008 14:30:00 EDT

The PSP controls are not horrible—though that analog nub leaves something to be desired—but the DualShock is a far more comfortable controller. Now the fine citizens at AcidMods have hacked the PSP hardware to work with the DualShock. Requiring no changes to the firmware, all functions but the brightness and volume are mapped to the controller. And it seems to work perfectly:

Maybe the best part is that the right analog stick has been mapped with the D-Pad buttons. So while it's still not quite perfect for an FPS, it feels better than the alternative. Damn I wish the PSP had two analog sticks. [acidmods]

Nyko's Charge Base 360 Xbox 360 Controller Charger Ships Now

Jason Chen — Thu, 29 May 2008 14:00:00 EDT

Nyko's Charge Base 360 is finally shipping, acting much like the Charge Base PS3 they released last year. The 360 version is slightly different in that it comes with two special rechargeable battery packs with contacts that charge when docked into the charge base. If the $39 is slightly too expensive, you can go the cheaper route with Nyko's Charge Station 360, which just takes in packs instead of whole controllers. Order on June 2 and you'll be able to get their black and gold model, which looks like a original Star Trek series prop. [Nyko]

NES Controller Mod, May Just be Most Fun Coffee Table Ever

Kit Eaton — Fri, 09 May 2008 07:40:53 EDT

Forget touchscreen, solar powered or even self-destructing coffee tables... Kyle Downes has modded the coffee table into its best version ever: a retro-tastic NES controller. Just look at the sleek lines, the high quality finish and classy glass top. And then giggle at the fact that it actually works. Don't believe it? Check out the video after the gallery.

Kyle spent months putting this together, starting with a scanned image of his original NES control. This he then simply scaled up, carefully crafting each piece out of MDF and hacking his own wiring onto a broken old controller board. The glass top was the final touch, to protect those giant buttons, and inside there's plenty of storage. I guess if you're up for some giant 8-bit game-controlling action you'd probably need someone else on hand.

So, it's not exactly the highest of tech, but, like all the best ideas, it's a simple one. And I love it. [UltraAwesome via Tech Digest]

Upcoming Xbox 360 Skateboard Controller Lets You Shred, Fight The Man, Retake Geometry For the Third Time

Jason Chen — Thu, 01 May 2008 17:00:00 EDT

Actiga's partnering with Microsoft to make officially sponsored third-party wireless peripherals, the first of which is a skateboard controller. It's going to be compatible with the latest skating games, presumably, but there haven't been any compatibility announcements yet. What Actiga is going to follow this up with is unclear, but we'd think maybe a gun controller for all the FPS games, or a...yeah there's pretty much mostly shooter games on the 360. [Kotaku]

Nintendo Releasing NEW White GameCube Controller

Jason Chen — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 12:30:00 EDT

Why Nintendo's releasing a new wired controller after they discontinued the wonderful wireless WaveBird is unknown to us, but Japan will be able to get a brand new white gamepad for about 2000 yen, or $20 this month. Like most things Nintendo, it'll take a few months to get to the States (if it even does). Looking at the sales numbers of Smash Bros. Brawl makes it seem likely that it will. [Nintendo via Go Nintendo via Kotaku]

Lightning Review: PlayStation 3 DualShock 3 Rumble Controller

Jason Chen — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 22:32:23 EDT

The Gadget: The DualShock 3, PlayStation 3's now de facto controller with both rumble and motion-sensing. It replaces the previous SIXAXIS controller without rumble, which is now discontinued.

The Price: $54.99

The Verdict: Fantastic. It's what the PlayStation 3 controller should have been at launch. You don't realize how much you're missing rumble until you actually get it back. We tested it with Folklore, Resistance, Super Stardust HD and Heavenly Sword and all of them behaved just like rumble should. It vibrated when you blew up ships in Stardust, when you shot and got shot in Resistance, and when you whipped out your little demons in Folklore.

We didn't have the time to play through the entire game(s) to see if there are tons of different varying levels of intensity—say, if some cut scene started with a gentle vibration that ramped up to something crazy—but we've been hearing online that it does.

The DualShock 3 is also heavier than the SIXAXIS—still slightly lighter than an Xbox 360 controller—but definitely heavier. It feels right, not like the feeling you got from the SIXAXIS that someone hollowed out your controller while you weren't looking.

It might not be worth your $54 if you already own a SIXAXIS and don't need another controller, but if you're a big gamer that really loves the PS3 (and is waiting for Metal Gear Solid 4), it's a good idea to invest in one. There's a list of games that currently support rumble, which will most likely be supported by just about all games released from now on. [Amazon]

PlayStation 3's DualShock 3 Controller Coming Next Week, SIXAXIS Discontinued

Jason Chen — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 12:45:00 EDT

The DualShock 3 rumbling PS3 controller might have had an April 15 release date on it, but Sony says that units will be shipping out this week to hit stores by next week. If you see it in stores, buy it. Here's a list of games that will support rumble, with an asterisk after the ones that need an update to do so. Update: SteTo at MTV just reported that the non-rumbling motion-sensing SIXAXIS has been discontinued.

- SCEA - Formula One Championship Edition* (PS3)
- SCEA - MotorStorm* (PS3)
- SCEA - PAIN (PSN)
- SCEA - High Velocity Bowling (PSN)
- SCEA - MLB 08: The Show (PS3)
- SCEA - Uncharted: Drake's Fortune (PS3)
- SCEA - Resistance: Fall of Man* (PS3)
- SCEA - Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction (PS3)
- SCEA - Go! Sports Ski* (PSN)
- SCEA - Folklore* (PS3)
- SCEA - Heavenly Sword* (PS3)
- SCEA - Warhawk* (PSN / PS3)
- SCEA - Super Stardust HD* (PSN)
- SCEA - Snakeball (PSN)
- SCEA - Toy Home (PSN)
- SCEA - PSOne Emulation (PSN)
- SCEA - Piyotama (PSN)
- SCEA - PixelJunk Monsters (PSN)
- SCEA - Blast Factor* (PSN)
- Sega - Condemned 2: Bloodshot (PS3)
- Ubisoft - Lost: Via Domus (PS3)
- Ubisoft - Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2* (PS3)
- EA - Burnout Paradise (PS3)
- KOEI - Dynasty Warriors 6 (PS3)
- Capcom - Devil May Cry 4 (PS3)
- Atari - Dragon Ball Z Burst Limit (PS3)
- Disney Interactive - Turok (PS3)

I've played that Lost game on 360, and let me tell ya, the rumble adds nothing. [PlayStaton Blog]

[MTV via Kotaku]

Cyber Smash Grip Add-on Turns Wiimotes Into DualShocks

Jason Chen — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 17:20:00 EDT

Despite the supposedly game-changing motion controls that the Wii brings to gaming, a good portion of AAA games use the Wiimote in the more traditional controller sense. How do you make the one-handed controller more comfortable for two handed play? By shoving it inside a body that adds an "analog" stick and two DualShock-like grips. And when you're done making Snake do sexy things to Samus, it comes off for easy storage. [Cyber Gadget via Impress via Nintendo Wii Fanboy]

Arcade-Style Mod Gives Xbox 360 Controller Glowing Buttons

Kit Eaton — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 08:57:48 EDT

Modder ShaolinDrunkard has given an Xbox 360 controller an awesome partly-retro, partly-modern makeover. So its got a classic old-style arcade layout with proper game cabinet-style buttons, and is housed in a chunky oak box. But then each button has bright LED backlighting, and the joystick has a neat Xbox green glow. Excellent, we think. Would make playing those old arcade games feel so much more authentic. Shame it's a one-off. [Technabob]

Guitar Hero III Gets Another Controller: Nyko's Front Man

Kit Eaton — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 06:00:19 EDT

I've never got into Guitar Hero, but if you're a fan and fancy a new controller, then here's Nyko's new Front Man for you. Wireless and fully compatible with GH3 (of course) it boasts all the usual control stuff like bidirectional strum bar and durable fret buttons. Plus it comes with interchangeable pick guards in "designer colors". That'll be black, white and shocking pink, then: perfect for those 70's riffs. It's available now for $49.99. [Ubergizmo]

Guitar Hero On Tour for Nintendo DS Controller Revealed

Jason Chen — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 15:02:03 EDT

Turns out all those crazy Guitar Hero for DS renders were just about as crazy as the official add-on, with German gaming mag N-Zone.de showing off the wraparound controller in all its glory. It attaches to the back of the DS and has a hand strap so you don't drop the thing while hitting the notes on the right side (with your left hand). You hold the DS like a book and hit the four (not five) frets with your left hand fingers while strumming the touchscreen on the right, giving it as close a "Guitar Hero" feel as you're going to get on the DS. Will you be able to flip the attachment over to the left side in order to do lefty mode? Not sure, but check it out in motion after the jump.

[VideoGamesZone via Neogaf]

KontrolFreek's FPS Freek Controller Add-ons Make Thumbstick Aiming Easier

Jason Chen — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 16:30:31 EDT

KontrolFreek, the company that made the SpeedFreek add-ons to the Xbox 360 controller that we reviewed last year, has a new accessory coming soon called the FPS Freek. It's essentially a snap-on to your controller's thumbsticks, which lengthens them and makes small adjustments in aiming easier. Why is this necessary? IGN Gear says the first 20% of the range of motion is the hardest because of spring resistance, which makes small tweaks to aiming especially difficult.

KontrolFreek also tells us that this product is legal in competition, but there's no notice released officially yet. If you pre-order, you'll get a 20% discount on the $9.95 for two and $17.50 for four. We haven't tested these ourselves, but IGN did take a look at an earlier prototype version and found that it did make the small aiming adjustments (in the first 20% range of motion) easier. We'll have to frag for ourselves. Their target release date is June 1. [KontrolFreek]

PlayStation 3 DualShock 3 Gets US Date: April 15

Jason Chen — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 13:14:08 EST

April 15 won't just be tax day, it'll be the day you can pick up the DualShock 3 (rumbling PS3 controller) in the US. The controller's already been available in Japan for months now, which means that if you're really keen on getting vibration before your buddies, you could import it from Asia and hook it up now. If that's too much work, $54.99 will get you one in April. [Kotaku]

Novint Upgrades the Falcon Controller With Black Version, Pistol Grip Accessory

Sean Fallon — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 20:25:32 EST

Novint's Falcon 3D Haptic Joystick has been around for awhile now, but it has just received an upgrade in the form of a black version and an optional pistol grip accessory for FPS gaming. At $19.99, the grip is a little more expensive than the $4 price tag they hinted at last May, but if you are already paying $199 for the black Falcon, what is another $15? [Novint via i4u]

Xbox 360 Controller Mod Has Duplicate Buttons in the Rear

Jason Chen — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 13:24:59 EST

HG, or Head in the Game Controllers, had a brilliant idea to mod Xbox 360 controllers by duplicating some front face buttons onto the back. Why would you need this? So you won't have to move your thumb away from the stick—which usually controls aiming or camera movement—in order to hit the action buttons.

This isn't just for gamers who want a slight edge on the competition, but also for disabled gamers who need to relocate buttons because of an inability to hit certain key combinations. In either case, it's a pretty neat idea that doesn't really cost all that much more ($69 for two buttons on the back or $89 for four) than a standard controller.

360 Fanboy also points out that Gamer Modz has a similar modded controller product that's customized for Halo 3 and Gears of War. They've also got a "turbo" fire controller that will hit the triggers at about 50,000 times a second. [HG Controllers via Xbox 360 Fanboy via Oh Gizmo]

XFPS Mouse and Keyboard Adapter Now Available For PS3

Jason Chen — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 11:54:54 EST

The XFPS adapter that lets you plug in a USB or PS2 mouse and keyboard and map it to the appropriate commands on your PlayStation 3 controller is now available. This thing made sense when it was released for the Xbox 360 (which doesn't support a mouse and keyboard in ANY game), but why would you need it for the PS3? Because although there are loads of USB ports, only a handful of games (UT3, Resistance) let you actually use something else besides the standard controller to play. It also lets you plug in PlayStation 2 DualShocks. The only downside? It's $99. [TotalConsole]

Nintendo Wireless Wavebird Controllers Discontinued, World Weeps

Jason Chen — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 14:50:00 EST

Although the GameCube didn't really advance the gaming world in any giant steps on the software side, it did introduce to us the fact that a wireless controller can not suck. The wireless Wavebird controller, which eliminated wires in living rooms everywhere (not really everywhere, since we know how well the GC sold) has now been itself eliminated, which means your only choice for new GC controllers is a standard wired controller. [GoNintendo]

Extremely Rare SNES CD Controller on eBay

Mark Wilson — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 11:20:12 EST

Before Sony made the PlayStation, they tried to team up with Nintendo. Together the companies would release an SNES CD add-on to compete with companies like Sega who were releasing CD-ROM upgrades of their own.

Needless to say, the system never existed...to the public. But gamers can still capture a price of history through an eBay auction is going on now for this SNES CD developer unit controller. Even if you don't plan on plunking down $3,000 to have this as your own, you can still appreciate it as a precursor to the modern PlayStation controller. Luckily Sony ditched the idea of six buttons and flipped this upside down design, because I can't imagine reaching those bottom buttons without dislocating my thumbs. Here's another shot:

Happy bidding. [ebay via gamesniped]

Fully-Functional LEGO Guitar Hero Controller: Part 3

Jason Chen — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 09:00:35 EST

David, the man who created a fully-functional LEGO Gibson Explorer controller is back with an even better, even cooler Fender Geddy bass. It's not only full size, it still actually works (albeit with the PS2 version of the game). See it in use after the jump. [Technabob via ]

Wiimote Cabinet: I Want One

Sean Fallon — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 18:20:32 EST

A Go Nintendo reader by the name of Craig has one hell of a dad. After all, it takes a great dad to build a sweet looking Wiimote cabinet like this. I'm no carpenter but it doesn't look all that difficult to make from a design perspective. You could probably find something similar in your local furniture store. However, the detail work on the front is done quite well. I would love to have one of these in my apartment. It probably won't be all that popular with the ladies, but then again nerdy stuff never is. So who really gives a damn. [Go Nintendo]

Geek Couture: PS2 Inspired Bling Edition

Haroon Malik — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 13:30:00 EST

Even the jewelers at Tiffany's would be impressed by the mix of precious stones and metals thrown into this PS2 controller neck pendant. The ridiculously geeky piece is constructed from 18k white gold, with 68.34ct of black diamonds lining the controller's surface.

We were not so sure you could get 68.34ct of diamonds all in one place without owning a bank, but apparently we were wrong. Still, we are guessing the price is a little over the usual you would pay for a standard Playstation controller. Unfortunately, we do not know what the price paid was, but we are sure the rapper, Just Blaze, saved up for weeks to be able to afford the Playstation inspired bling. Now, if a neck pendant fashioned like a diamond clad PS2 controller does not earn him some serious rapper credibility, there is something wrong with the world. There you have it; crime doesn't pay, rapping does. Perhaps we should start a Gizmodo rapper clan, all we would need is a rival clan to aim our witty slurs at...who could that be? [BGR]

How to Revive Your Busted Rock Band Guitar to Keep Jamming This Weekend

Matt Buchanan — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 12:20:57 EST

If you're one of the unlucky souls cursed with a bum strum button on their Rock Band guitar, you might not have to send it back to EA just yet. Ben Sones over at Quarter to Three got a gimped guitar and tore it apart to try to fix it himself. Apparently, the issue's actually pretty minor: One of the strummer's microswitches has just rotated out of alignment. A quick adjustment to the screw holding it in place and you're ready to roll. The disturbing part is the uncertainty over whether it's a production issue or a design flaw.

If it's the former, the DIY fix—which Ben lays out in detail—should hold, leaving you time to pick up Joel's five accessories for optimum rockage. And correcting it at the factory's not a big deal. If it's the latter, you could wind up strumming "acoustically" again. Worse, fixing a design flaw would probably cause delays in production if they have to shift over to pumping out redesigned controllers, and Rock Band's not exactly easy to come by as it is.

On the bright side, you shouldn't have to worry about any of the other plastic instruments strung all over your living room. And you can always use your GHII controller in the meantime. [Quarter to Three via BBG]

Thrustmaster Flight Stick X: "World's First PS3 Joystick"

Sean Fallon — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 17:20:05 EST

The amusingly named peripherals manufacturer Thrustmaster has launched the T. Flight Stick X, describing it as the "World's first PS3 joystick." This should be welcome news for flight-sim fans —as long as your favorite game doesn't exclusively utilize the motion sensor, which renders the device useless.

Still, the device has plenty to offer, like rudder and throttle control, airbrake or rapid-fire triggers, a mapping button, easy configuration switching, a slew of programmable buttons and axis, and PC compatibility. It even comes pre-configured for Blazing Angels on the PS3 and Flight Simulator X on the PC. Available for $50. (Product Page via Register Hardware via Wired]

Pelican PS3 Charging Station Stores, Electrifies Two Controllers

Jason Chen — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 13:22:08 EDT

Keeping our PS3 controller charged is such a pain that we always have to plug it in whenever we're watching Blu-ray movies. Pelican's Charge and Store eliminates lazy charging syndrome by providing both a charger and a stand, so you can keep your gaming area organized at the same time. The retail price is $29, which isn't too bad since it juices two controllers at the same time—and seeing how short the included PS3 charge cable is, it'll save you a number of treks across the living room as well. [Pelican via IGN]

N'Gai Croal Whips Up Thumb Happy Wiimote Redesign

Matt Buchanan — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 20:00:33 EDT

Newsweek's resident gaming guru, N'Gai Croal, was unhappy with the button layout of the Wiimote for Metroid Prime 3—specifically the placement of the + and - buttons—so he came up with the idea of circling them around the A button, in jellybean Gamecube style, to make for twitchier thumb controls optimized for FPS. I like the idea of a specialized FPS remote, though my minor suggestion would be to nudge the button cluster down further from the d-pad to stave off accidental presses. Of course, you'd need to get some hands on time to really make a judgment, but what do you guys think? [Level Up via Destructoid]

MS released an Xbox 360 update today, but ...

blongo3 — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 15:46:01 EDT

MS released an Xbox 360 update today, but don't get too excited it's only to get your system ready for that Big Button "Scene It?" controller. [Major Nelson]

EA Confirms PS3 Rumble Controller With Live Unit

Jason Chen — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 13:40:11 EDT

Confirming the previous "confirmation" about rumble coming to the PS3, EA has a Burnout Paradise demo booth set up at Tokyo Game Show complete with rumbling controllers. The controller itself looked exactly like a SIXAXIS, but had a sticker beneath it that said "RUMBLE." It was also much heavier, says IGN, than the standard SIXAXIS—which is to be expected. The rumble itself felt the same as the PS2's, which is unfortunate, because we were hoping for a 1989 Loma Prieta-level of shaking in this new one. [IGN via Kotaku - Thanks to Kotaku reader Peter]

Unearthed: Nintendo's Pre-Wiimote Prototype

Wilson Rothman — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 11:40:00 EDT

In an alternative Universe, this is what the Nintendo Wii's Wiimote and nunchuck would have looked like: this is the amazing transforming GyroPod, a motion-sensing gamepad prototype that Gyration made for Nintendo back in 2001.

Thanks to a recent chance encounter, we were able to uncover a couple of PowerPoint slides that showed the GyroPod, a prototype design for a one-handed motion sensing controller designed specifically by Gyration for Nintendo.

Here's the back story: Gyration is a company that holds most of the best motion-sensing patents. Nintendo licensed a number of those patents from Gyration in 2001, and brought the company on board that year to develop a one-handed controller. (Nintendo even became an investor in Gyration, which is now owned by Thomson.)

In one of the first meetings with Nintendo's people, Gyration designers brought these animated slides to the conference room. I am a fan of the breakaway handle, and some of you may appreciate the fact that the controller forms one solid piece when connected, rather than the current Wii-mote and Nunchuk setup.

Slide 1:
Still, you can't argue that even Gyration understood the new world that was opening up with one-handed motion. The following game slide depicts only the most obvious action, and doesn't come close to foreshadowing the greatest game of all (IMHO): Wii Tennis. (Maybe that's on a missing slide?)

Slide 2:

Animation frames from slide 2:

Thanks Greg and Zac!

Self-Contained RPG Game Solely in a Mint Tin

Jason Chen — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 17:20:42 EDT

If you thought putting your iPod nano in an Altoids tin was impressive, check out what Greg Sanders got inside a Penguin mints tin. It's a self-contained RPG game whose parts all fit inside the tin. All you have to do is plug in a Sega Genesis controller and a TV and you're set. Yes, but does it tell you how old your brain is? [MAKE via Play Gadgets]

NES MP3 Player and Speakers Made From a Cart and Controller

Jason Chen — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 17:20:44 EDT

People are making the NES controller into optical mice and voice recorders, so why not make it into an MP3 player? Better yet, why not take an actual NES cartridge and make that into speakers and get a horrible, yet awesome NES speaker system going? The only thing better than this would be if the set played all Minibosses, all the time. [Hacked Gadgets via Geekologie]

Lightning Round: Kontrolfreek's Speedfreek Xbox 360 Controller Attachment

Jason Chen — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 16:20:20 EDT

The gadget: Speedfreek, an add-on from Kontrolfreek for the Xbox 360's left analog stick to make racing games easier to play by making the cars more precise to control.

The verdict: Pretty comfortable for racing games, because it allows you to use just the sides of your thumb to gently nudge the car left or right.

The catch:

It's not great for anything but racing games, because the plastic attachment on the bottom makes pressing down hard on the stick slightly more uncomfortable. Kontrolfreek is working on an adapter for other genres.

The performance: Good. I don't know if it made me any better at PGR, but it did make turns more comfortable since the grooved sides fit my thumb quite nicely.

The price: Pack of 2 for $9.95, or pack of 4 for $17.50.

The recommendation: If you're a racing fan who doesn't want to pony up for a racing wheel, this is a very cheap alternative.

[kontrolfreek]

Hudson's Yellow Button Press Controller Counts Spasms

Jason Chen — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 18:30:52 EDT

First made in 1987, this Famicom-esque "Shooting Watch" counts how many times you can push a button in 10 seconds. Only 10,000 of these are being made in Japan (the only place they're being made), so if you like to eschew modern graphics for more spastic gaming, a big yellow bus will come by your Japanese house and sell this to you. Man above? 16 pps. [ITmedia via Kotaku]

Transformers PlayStation Controller

Jason Chen — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 13:00:05 EDT

Still no relief to your Transformers fever? Then how about this Transformers PlayStation controller, part of the "real gear" line of T-former toys that are set to come out next month. We showed you a couple of these before, but other entries in the line are watches, digital cameras, and Bluetooth headsets. We just hope all of them have their Transformers affiliation symbols in their crotch, because that's totally the first place we look when we check out robots. [Kotaku]

Rifle Prop for Remote Turns You into Buffalo Wii-ll

AddyDugdale — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 05:54:52 EDT

The just released Wii-Blaster, a lock & load rifle prop, made me breathe a little faster wanting to play Call of Duty with it—until I remembered my Wii sensor bar was busted and I'd been too lazy to get a replacement. I think it's sexier than the Wii Zapper, but then I've always been a sucker for long-barreled weapons (or something).

Measuring 18.11 x 5.51 x 1.57 inches and weighing just over 11 oz, it's available for $16.58 and you can fire it both one- and two-handedly. Or you can use it to bang your man or woman over the head when he/she beats you at shooting in Wii Play. [DealExtreme via Coolest Gadgets]