Filed under: Accessories

New guitar controller compatible with Rock Band, Guitar Hero, metal

by JC Fletcher { 9 months ago }

Talismoon, purveyor of replacement Wii shells, has announced a new guitar controller for Wii, the "Rock Thunder Guitar." Normally, a guitar controller from some random third-party wouldn't be terribly noteworthy, but the Rock Thunder Guitar has two features that distinguish it from its peers:

It is compatible with all versions of Guitar Hero and Rock Band on the Wii, and
It is shaped like a Gibson Flying V, which is awesome.

The wireless guitar also features a sleep mode, as well as its own motion sensor, probably for use in Rock Band (which doesn't require a WIimote to be attached to the guitar). Now, as for features like "the buttons all work" and "won't fall apart" -- the product description does not specify.
[Via MaxConsole]

Funchuks: they're more fun than regular Nunchuks because they're colorful

by JC Fletcher { 9 months ago }

Happy Tiny Wii Controllers Day! We're celebrating the first TWCD by posting ... tiny Wii controllers! Either that or it's a total coincidence that two news items about tiny Wii controllers have shown up today. We prefer the explanation that makes today a holiday.

Logic3's Nunchuk Mini, also called "Funchuks" in the press release, are basically smaller Nunchuks in a bunch of different colors, all with jaunty green analog sticks. Despite the fact that they cost exactly as much as Nintendo's official Nunchuk but lack Nintendo's reputation for quality, we find these things enchanting. They're small, you see. We want to buy all of them and use a different one every day.

[Via Kotaku]

7-in-1 charging cable is the solution to all of life's problems

by JC Fletcher { 10 months ago }

... Provided that your problems are entirely limited to ownership of many recent handheld gaming devices, and inability to manage the large number of wall chargers required for such a collection. But if you find yourself burdened by too many wall warts, this item from Brando will change your life.

Basically, it's USB on one end (for your "USB solts"), and ... Game Boy Advance SP, DS, DS Lite, DSi, and PSP on the other. This single, compact, $7 item charges any of those handhelds through your computer's USB port (or your Wii's, for that matter).

Now for the standard disclaimer: there's a certain element of fear when dealing with a company like Brando for something like guiding electricity into your expensive devices. We've used some Dragon USB charging cable for the DS Lite for months with nothing to report but convenience, but your mileage may vary! As far as off-brand accessories go, a cable seems pretty okay, but we don't feel comfortable being the authority on that.

All DS accessories cheap(er) at Amazon

by Chris Greenhough { 10 months ago }

Amazon has stripped 10% from the price of all its gaming accessories in an offer that lasts until January 10th.

Okay, so 10% isn't a very significant discount -- especially where already cheap accessories are concerned -- but these are harsh times. And besides, we think $13.49 for one of Hori's splendid Charge Stands is great value. $7.19 for those Star Wars Lightsaber styli isn't too shabby, either -- you could pick up the illuminating versions for $15.29 for covert beneath-the-sheets DS sessions while you were there!

Check out more doodads here. Does anything take your fancy?

Nintendo sued over DS Lite charger

by David Hinkle { 10 months ago }

Back in January of 2007, a fire raged through a Kentucky home. The victims of the fire were compensated according to their insurance coverage. But, now that insurance company has filed a complaint (warning: pdf link) against Nintendo with the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky yesterday, stating "The [DS] was defective in design, manufacture and/or because it failed to warn consumers as to dangers associated with it... due to defects existing within the Product which caused a risk of overheating and fire, the Product was recalled by Nintendo."

The Liberty Mutual Fire Insurance Company is seeking the 263,000 they paid out to the family, as well as court costs and interest.

Gallery: Accessories your DS can't live without

A brief history of Club Nintendo Awesomeness

by Chris Greenhough { 1 year ago }

By now, you've no doubt heard: Nintendo is rolling out Club Nintendo in the U.S. by the end of 2008. Wahey! Yeah, we know that Japan (generally speaking) gets the most excellent items when compared to elsewhere, but listen here, bub: it's free stuff. We're not about to complain, and nor should you (if you want to feel sorry for somebody, Australia's Club Nintendo scheme has gone AWOL, and check out South Africa's piss-poor Stars Catalogue).

Anyway, as these are happy times for North Americans, we thought we'd reflect on some of the bestest Club Nintendo gifts and trinkets from both Japan and Europe to date -- some of which could end up in the U.S.! Hit the gray button to start DS Fanboy's whirlwind Club Nintendo Tour of Wonders!

NEXT >>

Goodbye, GBA

by Alisha Karabinus { 1 year ago }

While the DSi isn't going to be a factor for those of us in the U.S. and Europe until next year (unless you're importing), we're already gathered in a solemn knot and singing a dirge in honor of the Game Boy Advance. Nintendo's last juggernaut was supposed to be alive and kicking, healthy as can be, and part of a three-pillar strategy for Nintendo's control of the gaming universe. Instead, we're preparing to bid farewell to those fat cartridges, and with them, a bevy of DS/DS Lite accessories, add-ons, and extras.

If you're trading in or selling a DS to fund a DSi purchase, you'll be gaining a lot ... but today, we're here to mourn everything you're going to lose, and if you've bought a lot of DS accessories, you stand to lose a lot if you don't keep a DS or DS Lite around. Step right into the gallery to kick off the tour of tragedy, or slip past the break for a moment of song in honor of the death of the GBA slot.

NEXT >>

Continue reading “Goodbye, GBA ”

DS Daily: Encasement

by Alisha Karabinus { 1 year ago }

There are hundreds -- no, probably thousands -- of truly excellent DS cases floating around. No matter your taste, style, or brand of fandom, you can almost certainly find something that suits you. In fact, around here, we have time settling on just one case per DS. The sheer number of options can be overwhelming.

On the flip side, you can make a DS case out of just about anything. You can even stick it naked into your pocket or bag and depend on luck. Considering all this, here's our question today: how much money do you think you've spent on cases for your DS(es)? If you're one of the lucky ones who can answer "none" who isn't also carrying around a DS in a sock, then our kudos to you!

DS Daily: Add-ons

by Alisha Karabinus { 1 year ago }

A suggestion in the comments of yesterday's DS Daily about a portable GameCube led to another, all-new thought: would you pick up another add-on for your DS if if offered some sort of neat functionality like that? We say another because the Guitar Grip obviously went over well, and most folks who tried the paddle controller, for instance, with Taito's games enjoyed it. Too many add-ons may spoil the portability of the system, but are some things worth it?

Rumor: Tony Hawk's Motion signals another add-on

by Chris Greenhough { 1 year ago }

Is Activision about to dip its bloated, corporate toe into the murky world of DS peripherals once again? Whispers about the next Tony Hawk game shipping with a motion-sensing device that plugs into the handheld (à la the Guitar Grip) have been flying around since, well, since the company revealed that the title would "utilize new technology not yet seen on the DS."

And now, your honor, we present the latest piece of evidence: an OFLC rating for a DS game known as Tony Hawk's Motion. Could that name suggest anything other than a motion-sensing device ~~or self-applicable go faster stripes for your DS~~? We've already seen the Guitar Grip peripheral snapped up by tons of people with a higher cramp tolerance than us, so maybe Activision wants more of that sweet pie.

[Via Shacknews]

[Update -- Fixed errors, thanks Pyro!]

Ah, the crazy, unhinged world of the DS plug-in peripheral. Activision's Guitar Grip was far from the first to appear on the scene -- back in 2006, Metroid Prime Pinball shipped with the Rumble Pak, while a DS camera, the Love and Berry card reader, and Taito's paddle controller are available in Japan. And who can forget Mag Kid's downright odd (and dangerous) "slide sensor"?

DS Daily: Accessorizing

by Alisha Karabinus { 1 year ago }

Most DS owners have, at some time or another, picked up a case (to protect the system) or perhaps a specialized stylus. But have you bought anything else? Hard shells, skins -- decorative, silicon, or both -- or something wacky like a stand? We'd love to hear how you accessorize your baby, even if it's only a matter of buying something to keep those tiny carts in.

Essential Extras: Penguin United 24x Gaming Pouch

by Alisha Karabinus { 1 year ago }

So, right now you can win a Penguin United case that will hold twenty-four DS carts, but how does it look doing so? How's it hold up? Is it worth overcoming horrendous feelings of laziness in order to click the link to the contest? We unboxed a bunch of games in an attempt to find out.

A game case really only needs one thing: a place to securely hold games. Everything else, including cuteness, is basically extra, even if we consider it essential (and oh, we do). We know the Penguin United cases are cute. We know they hold a lot of games. But are they worthwhile? The short answer is yes. The long answer is full of misdeeds, games, and vinyl, and is located after the break.

Gallery: 24X Game Card Collection Pouch

Continue reading “Essential Extras: Penguin United 24x Gaming Pouch”

Finally, DS Lite accessories for Gothic Lolitas

by Eric Caoili { 1 year ago }

If sewing dark lace onto your system cases and painting your handheld supplements black and pink to accompany your GothLoli look sounds too laborsome and time-consuming, Keys Factory has just the solution for your unique needs -- Infem.In, a new and complete accessory line designed to match your dark Victorian livery.

Available in Japan starting July 31st, the new DS Lite set features a stylus, a card case (which holds 4 carts), a hard cover, a system pouch, an LCD cleaner with a case, and a pair of screen protectors, almost all of them painted black and pink, decorated with hearts and ornate accents. Each item is sold separately, with prices at import shop Play Asia ranging from $6.90 to $14.90.

Interestingly, Keys Factory has set up an official site just for this specific line, offering up a slick Flash presentation for the products, wallpaper downloads, and even a sliding tile puzzle mini-game. The company must have high hopes for this somber set!

See also: Fit for a princess: DS plays dress-up

Gallery: infem.in accessories

Zombees case will stay in your head, in your head

by Eric Caoili { 1 year ago }

We had no idea that we needed a new system case adorned with undead bees before today, but this latest creation from craftster Mimi helped us identify that missing vital component of our gaming life. She has also created a similar pouch with a Kokeshi doll theme, which you can fawn over in our gallery below.

Mimi's pricing for the two items have a bit of sting of them -- £13.99 each (approx. $27.70), plus shipping from the UK -- but it's to be expected with a lovable honeycomb print like this. In addition to inside pockets and popper closures, the cases feature soft felt lining to keep your DS Lite cozy. Really, it's the zombee's knees.

Gallery: Eskimimi Cases

UK sees plague of dodgy DS chargers

by Chris Greenhough { 1 year ago }

Here's some advice for any Brits currently in need of a new DS charger: don't skimp on it. The consumer protection folks at Trading Standards have stated that there are "hundreds of thousands, or even millions" of unsafe AC power adaptors on UK high streets. The cheap (about £6) chargers originated from China, and have exposed wires and ill-fitting pins that can cause the adaptor to overheat, or even electrocute owners, like the poor Pig Slaves above! Yeep!

Versions labeled for the DS Phat, DS Lite and Game Boy are said to be among the biggest culprits, while a fake European CE safety mark appears on many. These might not just be limited to shadier outlets, either -- apparently, several retailers are stocking them, which could mean any of the bigger stores. We suggest using this as an excuse to pick up Hori's effortlessly stylish DS Lite Charge Stand.

[Via MCV]