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The Joypad is a place to find all the latest Joypad and Controller News. Part of the
DCEmu Homebrew & Gaming Network.
THE LATEST NEWS BELOW
21:48
September 3rd, 2010
Posted By: wraggster
Do you feel the inexplicable compulsion to map the contours of your grotesque visage on a professional level? MakerBot Industries has come up with a clever device that should let you do so using a gaming peripheral you might already own: The PlayStation Eye.
The MakerScanner (which isn't available for purchase yet, though interested parties can put their names on a mailing list) is designed to let users create a full 3D geometric scan of an object using the PS Eye and a laser line pointer. This results in a data map that can be used to create 3D models or, with the right -- presumably expensive -- equipment, a physical statuette. We think it would be worth the investment to fill our apartment with busts of ourselves. "Oh, this one," we'd tell our visitors, "this one's us in repose."
http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/03/ma...to-3d-scanner/
19:54
September 1st, 2010
Posted By: wraggster
BlitzTech has announced that its middleware and development tools now include full functionality for Kinect on Xbox 360 and Move for PS3.
UK-based studio Blitz has used its propriatory tech suite on upcoming Kinect and Move-based titles Yoostar2 and The Biggest Loser: Ultimate Workout, as well as other yet-to-be-announced games.
“Our in-house technology team has always thrived on a challenge. The amazing variety of Kinect and Move titles that we’ve signed up over the last year has enabled us to really experiment with the the capabilities of these new devices,” said Blitz Games Studios’ technical director Richard Hackett.
“We’re incredibly excited about the potential of both systems and we’ve already received some great feedback on our work so far.”
http://www.develop-online.net/news/3...-functionality
22:18
August 31st, 2010
Posted By: wraggster
Imagine that you're a diehard fighting game enthusiast who's cursed with a love of a conventional controller's directional pad, but also an arcade stick's clicky, satisfying buttons. No controller has ever met your odd, bipolar needs -- until now, that is. Behold: The Frankensteinian peripheral seen above, crafted by modder "rtdzign" from a Sega Saturn control pad and some homemade arcade buttons. You can check out a few more pictures of the mashed-up controller on Shoryuken.
The question that remains is what you'd call this bad boy. An "Arcade Pad?" A "Control Stick?" A "Stick Pad," perhaps? How about "Gorgonth, the Combiner and Destroyer of Worlds?" No, that's a tad wordy.
http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/mo...stick-buttons/
21:36
August 31st, 2010
Posted By: wraggster
Update: The new pad will be out on November 9 in the US - where it will cost $64.99 - and February 2011 in Europe. Check out a video of it through here, or look at the pretty pictures below.
Microsoft's just confirmed to CVG that a new, first-party Xbox 360 pad will be released next year - and thrown over a few pics of the device.
"The Xbox 360 Wireless Controller with Play & Charge Kit - with Transforming D-pad will be available beginning early 2011 in the UK," said a spokesperson.
As rumoured earlier the d-pad raises up when rotated 90 degrees - which will assist fight fans with their combo-tapping arse kickings.
The format holder has improved the D-pad in the past. It released a Limited Edition Pro Evolution Soccer-themed controller back in 2008.
Maybe we're getting a controller for every genre. Who knows?
What would YOU change about the current Xbox 360 pad, readers?
http://www.computerandvideogames.com...VG-General-RSS
20:57
August 31st, 2010
Posted By: bandit
To coincide with the upcoming launch of Sony’s motion-sensing Move game controller, Hyperkin has announced the release of two new accessories designed specifically for PS Move. The Sports Victory Set and the Special Ops Shooter are both designed to work with the new motion sensing controller and promise to bring added fun and immersive realism to PS3 games.
Hyperkin, an emerging developer of video game peripherals, has developed both accessories in order to compliment the motion-sensing experience of PS Move. Each product provides added comfort and operational advantage to games like Time Crisis and Sports Champion.
"The new motion sensing technology that Sony has developed is astonishing," stated Steven Mar, Hyperkin's Marketing Director. "Our goal is to offer consumers a complimentary selection of peripherals that enhances the experience of using PS move. The Sports Victory Set and the Special Ops Shooter are made from durable material, are moderately priced and offer an excellent advantage to a variety of game titles."
Lock and load with the Hyperkin Special Ops Shooter for the PS3. The Special Ops Shooter snaps directly to the Move motion controller, improving your aiming accuracy for shooting games like The Shoot! and Time Crisis: Razing Storm - Improves Aiming Accuracy
- Compatible with The Shoot!, Time Crisis: Razing Storm, SOCOM and Similar Titles
- SRP $24.99
- *PS3 Controller Not Included
Sports Victory Set:
Arm yourself with the best armory on the PS3! Designed for the PS Move motion controller, the Sports Victory Set enhances your game play experience on PS3 Sports Champion and other PS Move compatible games. - Compatible with Sports Champion and Similar Titles
- Includes Archery Bow, Table Tennis Paddle, Dagger, Shield
- SRP $29.99
- *PS3 Move Controller Not Included
Source: Hyperkin
Images via comments
20:59
August 27th, 2010
Posted By: wraggster
Hopefully you had your Campbell's Chunky Fully Loaded Beef Stew this morning, because it takes a Man to look down the barrel of the G-Mate Mag Gun and live. The weapon just passed through the FCC unscathed, and now it's gunning for the Xbox 360, PS3, and PC. The basic operation is simple enough, with triggers, face buttons, a d-pad and everything else you'd need to ape a modern console controller. There's only one analog nub, but that's of course because the gun's own motion is meant to emulate the second. G-Mate isn't so clear on how that part of the gun works, but from what we can glean, it's basically an accelerometer and / or gyroscope, which you calibrate to the center of your particular screen with a dedicated button. A sensitivity knob completes the Mag Gun-specific functionality -- which probably won't revolutionize the FPS genre, but certainly might give those suspicious of the Move or too masculine for the XCM Fire something to watch out for.
http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/27/g...c-approval-we/
23:50
August 24th, 2010
Posted By: wraggster
"Peripherals for Kinect? How does that work?" you might be asking yourself. First, we would point out that every article of clothing you own is technically a Kinect peripheral. Second, the first Kinect peripherals from PDP aren't the kind you might expect. Rather than offering up plastic tennis rackets or lightsabers, PDP has announced a line of products (first glimpsed at E3) to help consumers mount their new Kinect in various situations.
Wall Mount - $14.99
TV Mount - $39.99
Extension Cable - $49.99(!)
Floor Stand - $29.99
We suppose some people might spend $40 on the VESA standard TV mount, though you could accomplish the same task with $5 worth of Velcro. The floor stand might prove useful, however, as it keeps the unit "above the floor to help protect the Kinect for Xbox 360 from foot traffic and dirt." We might suggest the off-brand version of the floor stand, though. It's called a table. PDP's Kinect products will be available this November.
http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/pd...t-peripherals/
01:20
August 23rd, 2010
Posted By: wraggster
A couple bucks worth of EL wire gives a nice green glow to [Mark Shasha's] T400 Elite. Hopefully [Jeri Ellsworth] has some time to pull those how-to videos together so that we can make our own EL wire to replicate this hack.
http://hackaday.com/2010/08/22/hacka...ugust-22-2010/
12:41
August 21st, 2010
Posted By: wraggster
Looks like Microsoft has come up with a pretty slick little keyboard. It’s very much like the Optimus, which has an OLED screen in every key, except that it doesn’t have a screen in every key. Instead there’s just one screen on the whole unit and they keys have been overlayed on top while allowing the image to show through. Brilliant really, since this should drastically reduce the $2400 price tag of the original. That is, if you could buy the device. Microsoft’s not selling this hardware (yet anyway), but offering it up as test hardware for the UIST Innovation Contest. It will be interesting to see what the students come up with. This keyboard should be easier to program for since it involves manipulating just one screen. There is also extra space at the top that is touch-sensitive. See for yourself after the break.
http://hackaday.com/2010/08/20/micro...imus-keyboard/
23:24
August 9th, 2010
Posted By: wraggster
Leaning in your chair while gaming? It's a natural thing -- we all do it. However, it's rare that the chair helps, doing its part to increase the thrill factor by tipping you even closer to the laminate flooring. That's exactly what the X-Dream Gyroxus Gaming Chair offers, motion gaming in a somewhat portable package rather more friendly for the living room than some alternatives we've seen. However, it's also rather more limited, working with either the Xbox 360 or PS3, courtesy of custom controllers, but having no room for a wheel and pedals, so Gran Turismo junkies will have to choose between this and their G27. Then there's the cost: a rather steep £399.95. If that doesn't sound bad, consider that this chair has been available to rumble American behinds for over two years now and is currently selling for $250 -- well less than half what UK gamers are being asked to pay. Worth the premium? Let the video after the break be your guide.
http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/09/u...on-with-the-p/
21:33
August 4th, 2010
Posted By: wraggster
Kinect and Move might herald a new era for peripherals and accessories firms.
Companies such as Exspect, Venom, Pinpoint and Hubb are planning to refresh their ranges to fit the new Microsoft and Sony devices.
“E3 opened up a whole new world of possibilities for accessories,” Venom’s business development manager Tom Hodge told MCV.
“Move and Kinect both offer very different solutions and unique possibilities to work on for launch.
“Given that the majority of the current formats have been on the market for a while now, the injection of these three new platforms should give the market a huge lift.”
Hubb’s sales director Melanie Jones agreed: “The market has been waiting for this new injection of creativity and opportunity.
“This will also generate a great deal of interest and enthusiasm from consumers who, for a long time have wanted something new to get behind and embrace. These devices will no doubt drive footfall into store and online, and give the Christmas season a much needed boost.”
Several leading firms are already working on new accessories to complement the launches of both Microsoft’s and Sony’s new motion controllers, expecting strong sales in the run-up to Christmas and beyond.
Pinpoint’s product manager Tom Armstrong offered:
“With such a plethora of amazing announcements, Pinpoint will be at the forefront of the additional sale opportunities.
“We have strong interest in all these products and already have some great development ideas in progress.”
Exspect product manager William Slater added: “These new devices present an opportunity to release new products that will help enhance the user’s experience even further.
“Advances in technology mean more tech becomes available to us to create more innovative products.”
http://www.mcvuk.com/news/40284/Move...pherals-market
00:05
July 21st, 2010
Posted By: wraggster
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.
http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/19/m...-sews-them-ba/
22:24
July 17th, 2010
Posted By: wraggster
The Kinect development director at Rare believes the industry’s principal control mechanism – the joypad – has grown too complex and complicated for the wider market.
Speaking at the fifth annual Develop Conference in Brighton, Nick Burton said Joypads "have become convoluted, they have raised the bar to entry too high."
As an example of his claim, Burton recounted a time when he was playing a videogame with his daughter.
"So my daughter was asking what all the buttons did, and I told her just two were used. She just couldn’t get her head around the fact that the other buttons were redundant."
http://www.mcvuk.com/news/39996/Rare...too-convoluted
18:12
July 1st, 2010
Posted By: wraggster
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?
http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/01/n...3-controllers/
22:46
June 24th, 2010
Posted By: wraggster
We don't have the foggiest idea whether Tron: Legacy will serve to reboot Disney's venerable light cycling franchise, but it's certainly got peripheral vendors in high gear -- you'll be able to hack the ENCOM Digitizing Molecular Laser with a genuine Tron keyboard and mouse or toss virtual light discs with an Tron-themed Xbox 360, PS3 or Wii controller this holiday season. Gaming favorite Razer crafted this $130 laser-etched keyboard with swappable numpad and programmable macros; it will ship alongside a $100, 5600dpi laser mouse in October, and PDP will provide the console controllers for $50 at an unspecified date. We were bummed to hear that the Xbox 360 and PS3 pads are wired, but in retrospect that might be a good thing -- by comparison, Razer's detachable keypad is just begging to be thrown at an MCP-generated foe. See all the new Tron toys lit up in a video after the break. (Caution: video loads automatically.)
http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/23/t...-calming-blue/
12:33
June 20th, 2010
Posted By: wraggster
As the official peripheral manufacturer for Rock Band 3 instruments, Mad Catz was at E3 showing off its new Rock Band products (sans game). On the outside, the MIDI PRO-Adapter (pictured above in all three flavors) looks like a chunky, 16-bit era controller -- in fact, in can be used as a gamepad, confirms Mad Catz global PR manager Alex Verrey. Inside, the device contains the technology to convert a real MIDI instrument into a Rock Band 3 controller. (The adapter is not compatible with other music games.)
The PRO-Adapter connects to an Xbox 360, PS3 or Wii via USB, and the MIDI instrument plugs into the port on the side of the device. A three-way switch in the center (above the system button) toggles between drum, keyboard and guitar inputs. Just above the switch, is the velocity adjustment wheel used to "tune" MIDI drums and reduce cross-talk during gameplay. The triangular wedge button on the bottom right of the PRO-Adapter activates "Overdrive" mode in Rock Band 3, and a belt clip on the back of the peripheral keeps the adapter secured to your person (just mind the length of the USB cable as you leap about). There's also a headset jack on the adapter.
"We can't possibly guarantee compatibility with all MIDI instruments," warns Verrey, but the MIDI PRO-Adapter "should work with the vast, vast majority." Verrey guarantees compatibility with the real Fender Squier Stratocaster guitar that works with Rock Band 3, and a full MIDI instrument compatibility list will be published prior to the MIDI PRO-Adapter retail release ($40) this holiday.
http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/19/ro...i-pro-adapter/
18:33
June 18th, 2010
Posted By: wraggster
Razer's meteoric rise from second-tier mouse maker to top-shelf peripheral guru has been nothing short of incredible, and its success has enabled it to start to focus a little more on the niche groups. Such is its latest addition: a keyboard, mouse, and headset designed just for RTS gamers, and specifically for Starcraft II. We spent some time sampling their APM-enhancing abilities, and checked out the latest revision of the company's upcoming Xbox 360 Onza controller too.
http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/18/r...rals-hands-on/
22:53
June 17th, 2010
Posted By: wraggster
Flight sim aficionados tend to be a fanatical bunch. It isn't good enough if it isn't as realistic as humanly possible, and as technology improves more and more things get more and more possible. It's now been 10 years since Thrustmaster released its iconic HOTAS Cougar, a near-perfect replica of the F-16's Hands On Throttle and Stick, and now the company is following up with an even more realistic version for a very different sort of aircraft: the ground-pounding A-10C Warthog. It's as close as you can get to the real thing without getting commissioned, and we took it for a test-flight. Click on through for our impressions and some impressive footage of the thing in action.
http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/17/t...hog-flight-co/
23:14
June 16th, 2010
Posted By: wraggster
As unfair as it is, what initially gave us hesitation about Mad Catz and Squier's Stratocaster Pro guitar controller was that, well, it's Fender's second-tier brand. Despite these prejudices from our youth, Harmonix pretty much sold us on it with one pretty badass trick: the ability to simultaneously play Rock Band 3 on Pro Expert and rock the same tune through an amplifier. Bonus: in the presentation we saw, extra notes and added fills didn't seem to affect score. So, that just about turns the uncanny valley of plastic peripherals on its head. Just make sure you crank your TV's sound system to 11 to not be drowned out from what's likely an even worse screw-up sound. See for yourself in the video after the break (caution: a few naughty words contained within).
http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/r...-virtual-guit/
11:49
June 13th, 2010
Posted By: wraggster
[David Hyman] built this device to control a LEGO claw. One one end of things is the part you wear, that measures movement of two fingers and your thumb. On the other end of things is a LEGO claw with three opposing digits. You move, it moves. The claw uses light sensors and a gradient strip for position feedback. There is also an up-down wrist action that uses a touch sensor as the input. This is impressive enough to give the sniper rifle a run for its money.
http://hackaday.com/2010/06/12/lego-hand-controller/
11:33
June 13th, 2010
Posted By: wraggster
Has your head cooled from all that rock news this morning? Nope? Well, we'd hate to rile you up again, but Mad Catz -- now the official provider of all Rock Band 3 equipment -- has priced its latest arsenal for the upcoming rhythm revival title. There's also a few new details on each instrument, so without further ado:
Wireless Keyboard: That MIDI port many of you spotted is for output, letting you plug the two-octave (C3 to C5) velocity-sensitive keytar directly into MIDI sequencers for non-gaming use. It'll set you back $80, with an optional stand to be sold separately (no price given) alongside the game's launch. Buying the keyboard / game bundle will be $130, or about $10 off individual purchases. Oh, and if you want to feel a bit more techno, this puppy can be used as the guitar / bass input.
MIDI PRO-Adapter: Want to use your own keyboard or electronic drum set? Here's the mediator you need, from MIDI to USB to console, and it sports the D-pad and other necessary gamepad buttons as well as velocity sensitivity adjustment controls. Asking price is $40.
Pro Cymbals Expansion kit: three cymbals, apparently rejiggered from RB2's offerings for quieter play and a pre-defined 10 degree angle. It's $40 for this hi-hat, crash, and ride pack.
Wireless Fender Mustang Pro Guitar Controller: Not the Squier hybrid we saw, this one actually sports a multitude of buttons for each string, spanning 17 frets (102 buttons in all). Actual strings are used for the plucking and strumming, and here's something interesting -- the axe has a MIDI output for software sequencers. This behemoth is $150, or approximately 1.5 Benjamins in your local currency.
Pictures of each instrument -- and the yet-to-be-priced Squier -- in the gallery below, as well as a few screen caps of Pro mode so you can get an idea how exactly it'll "correct you" on proper Bohemian Rhapsody finger picking.
http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/11/r...port-midi-out/
22:53
June 11th, 2010
Posted By: wraggster
Mad Catz, the videogame accessories company, has announced its fiscal 2010 results posting a $4.4 million profit - a swing from last year's loss of $32.6 million.
The change has been brought about by a reduction in operating costs to the tune of about 10 per cent, while sales were up 5.7 per cent to $119 million.
"Our top priority in fiscal 2010 was positioning Mad Catz to emerge from the severe economic downturn as a far stronger company, while continuing to invest in areas and activities that position Mad Catz to drive top and bottom-line growth in the quarters to come," said CEO Darren Richardson.
"Despite the many challenges we faced during the year, we accomplished our primary goal and our focus for fiscal 2011 is on achieving further top-line growth and improved profitability even as our business continues to face the challenges of the global economy - in particular, the impact of the strength of the US Dollar."
Mad Catz, which also owns the Saitek brand, recently signed a multi-year licensing agreement with Harmonix to become the official peripherals partner for Rock Band, while also renewing a deal with Activision for continued Call of Duty accessories.
The majority of the company's business is done in North America - 56 per cent in total - a region which saw a fall in sales over the year. But this was more than offset by a stronger performance in Europe, where sales were up 18 per cent to $49 million.
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...to-2010-profit
22:43
June 11th, 2010
Posted By: wraggster
Music sequel Rock Band 3 will get a range of new Mad Catz peripherals to accompany the game’s release this Q4 – with the option of using MIDI instruments to play. Rock Band 3 was previously confirmed in March and will be available on Xbox 360, PS3, Wii and DS in time for Christmas. The new accessories will be compatible with home consoles and not the DS.
For the first time players will be able to buy a wireless keyboard controller which can be used on a flat surface or strapped over a shoulder. It will be available as a standalone product for $79.99 or bundled with the game for $129.99.
In addition a real Fender Mustang PRO-Guitar controller ($149.99) and three new drum cymbals ($39.99) have been added to the range. Adapters will also be available allowing gamers to use their MIDI keyboards or drum sets to play Rock Band 3 ($39.99).
The game itself features a new 83-song set list including Ozzy Osbourne’s ‘Crazy Train’, Them Crooked Vultures’ ‘Dead End Friends’ and The Vines ‘Get Free’. The entire Rock Band DLC back catalogue is compatible as well as expansions such as Green Day: Rock Band and LEGO Rock Band, offering players access to 2,000 songs at launch.
Peripherals manufacturer Mad Catz has said it will produce revised guitar, drum and microphone accessories in the coming months.
Rock Band 3 will also go head-to-head with its Activision rival Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock – currently due for release this autumn.
http://www.casualgaming.biz/news/302...ories-revealed
01:31
June 11th, 2010
Posted By: wraggster
xbeefsupreme writes with news that Harmonix has officially demonstrated Rock Band 3's 25-key MIDI keyboard. From USA Today:
"During the game, green, red, blue, yellow or orange keys flow on a 'stream' representing the notes to be played on five corresponding keyboard keys. In a new authentic Pro mode meant to help players segue to actual instruments, all 25 keys are used; the streams shifts left and right to cover the correct keys. The keyboard also works as a MIDI keyboard that can be connected to a computer. 'This is a real instrument and a real device,' says senior designer Sylvain Dubrofsky."
The game will also support more advanced "real" guitar controllers, which have six actual strings you can strum.
http://games.slashdot.org/story/10/0...-MIDI-Keyboard
00:34
June 11th, 2010
Posted By: wraggster
While next week at E3 both Sony and Microsoft will be devoting plenty of time to their upcoming motion controllers, it seems the general public isn't really interested.
According to a study done by Research firm OTX, less than 10% of the console market is interested in buying either motion controller:
Research firm OTX's U.S. tracking study GamePlan Insights polled a group of 2,000 gamers between May 23 and June 5, 2010, and found that 8 percent of the Xbox 360 market intends to buy Natal, and 6 percent of the PlayStation 3 market intends to purchase Move.
Of the people that are already planning on buying Natal and Move, 25 percent plan to preorder the controllers.
Both companies shouldn't worry too much yet though, as it seems that the low percentages are mostly due to lack of information and awareness which should be fixed after E3:
The GamePlan Insights study also said that 15 percent of the Xbox 360 market is aware of Natal, while the same percentage of the PS3 market is aware of the Move.
Still... only 6% of PS3 owners interested in Move and 8% of X360 owners in Natal? Hardly impressive for new hardware that's supposed to prolong the lifespan of either console.
http://www.fragland.net/news/Researc...control/23484/
01:08
June 10th, 2010
Posted By: wraggster
back in 2008, Gibson Guitar hoped to cash in on the Rock Band craze with a slate of patent infringement lawsuits of dubious quality, and though the firm lost to Activision a year later, its suits against Harmonix, Electronic Arts, Viacom, and six major retailers stirred something in Nashville's rock gods. Though exact terms weren't disclosed, the parties reached a settlement in a Tennessee federal court this week, and plan to bring the lawsuit to an end by June 14th. Meanwhile, we hear Harmonix v. Konami is meeting a similar end; retailers should be able to sell cheap plastic guitars with a infinitesimally cleaner conscience in a little over three months.
http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/09/g...way-or-anothe/
23:19
June 9th, 2010
Posted By: wraggster
Seven45 Studios has announced that its upcoming rhythm-action title Power Gig: Rise of the SixString will feature a drum-less drumkit peripheral.
The AirStrike Drum Controller uses a wireless sensor that sits on the floor to pick up your drumming actions, and can tell whether you're using your left or right hand at any given time, too.
"We know that people may be sceptical of the AirStrike drums at first glance when they see there's no actual drums and can't understand how that's a match to our SixString guitar which is a fully-functioning electric guitar," Seven45 CEO Bernard Chiu acknowledged.
"But we also know that as soon as people sit down to play it, they are going to see how much more real and authentic it feels to be moving much the same way true drummers do when they play, without the limits of the drum kits already on the market. Just like our guitars, the AirStrike drums are a step forward for authenticity in the band game genre."
It also has a secondary pedal used to trigger "mojo" according to Destructoid's preview.
Seven45's guitar peripherals have six actual strings that you strum while placing your fingers on coloured parts of the fretboard that correspond to the patterns requested by the game.
Power Gig has signed up songs from Eric Clapton, Dave Matthews Band, Kid Rock, Jet and The Donnas. The game's due out for PS3 and Xbox 360 in October.
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/po...m-less-drumkit
23:19
June 8th, 2010
Posted By: wraggster
This year's E3 will be the litmus test for Microsoft's Project Natal and Sony's Move motion controllers, as the industry gathers to judge the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 peripherals.
Wedbush Morgan's Michael Pachter said that the new technologies have the potential to boost hardware sales for both companies, as well as new software sales for third-party publishers, although he doubted pricing details would be set in stone.
"After a difficult year in the videogame industry, next week’s E3 Electronic Entertainment Expo has the potential to turn the tide of investor concerns and start a wave of positive momentum for the videogame industry for the rest of 2010," said Pachter in a preview of the event.
"The much-hyped Natal and Move motion controllers have the potential to drive meaningful incremental hardware and software sales upon their releases, and the entire videogame industry will be anxious to see whether the new devices are game changers or gimmicks."
Microsoft's Project Natal has the higher profile after a full-year of hype and media coverage, although the company has only shown a limited demo of the system - mainly consisting of the mini-game Ricochet - highlighting the family-friendly audience the company hopes to capture.
As well as the usual press conference, Microsoft is hosting an event dedicated to Natal, and last week Microsoft's Molly O'Donnell confirmed the system would get a rebranding in time for release. No price has been given for the device.
"At E3 Natal will have a real name, a real consumer-facing name, real games, real experiences," she said. "E3 is like our big Natal coming out party, we'll be unveiling the future of fun."
Although shown at an early stage at E3 last year, Sony's Move was only named back in February but the company did say that in the US it would retail for under $100.
Pachter said that Wedbush does not expect the pricing of the devices to be finalised at E3, and Microsoft is more concerned about attracting new customers than profits from sales of Natal.
"We do not expect pricing to be resolved at E3, and think that Microsoft continues to weigh the lifetime value of a new Natal customer against the profits that can be made by the initial hardware sale."
While Sony and Microsoft go head-to-head with motion controllers, Nintendo has said that it will reveal more solid details of its new 3D handheld, the 3DS. It's also expected that a price cut on DS hardware in the US will be announced, following the Japan and UK cuts last week.
Pachter added that he didn't expect share prices to be impacted by E3, with the upside of Natal and Move negated by uncertainty as to which publishers could be successful on the systems.
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...rs-or-gimmicks
21:18
June 7th, 2010
Posted By: wraggster
Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock will see the launch of a new, transformable guitar controller,
The new guitar controller will essentially be a standalone neck and fret board, but consumers will be able to customise the device with a range of separate body parts that attach to the central controller.
The first two designs, spotted by Gizmodo, are inspired by rock ‘n’ roll and metal, with the latter currently exclusive to anyone that pre-orders Warriors of Rock at GameStop. They will be available for the Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii versions of the game.
Activision is expected to release more body parts for the guitar controller in the future, although it has yet to announce pricing for the standalone controller or individual parts. Existing Guitar Hero customers can use any of their previous controllers with the new title.
Warriors of Rock will be released this autumn and shakes up the Guitar Hero formula by introducing a fantasy story mode narrated by Gene Simmons, character powers and a focus on rock ‘n’ roll.
http://www.mcvuk.com/news/39319/Tran...aded-to-retail
23:52
June 6th, 2010
Posted By: wraggster
The rumours were right; Activision has unveiled Guitar Hero 6 as Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock. The game's due out this autumn.
Headline features are an "all-new, story-driven Quest Mode" narrated by KISS front man Gene Simmons; a redesigned, "rock-inspired" controller; the biggest on-disc selection of rock music so far and a "Quickplay+" mode.
Quest mode has turned to the fantastical, as eight new characters and a Demi-God of Rock go from New York digs to molten lava fields to battle against The Beast and save rock and roll. Ridiculous powers can be unlocked on the way, and a new art style has been employed.
Quickplay+ mode provides 13 quick-fire challenges for every song - even the old, imported ones. These challenges range from band streaks to high scores and to power challenges, where campaign characters use unlocked abilities to reach impossible scores.
Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock features over 90 songs from bands like DragonForce, Megadeth, Black Sabbath, Slipknot, Queen, Muse and Kiss. The first announced songs are listed below.
The new controller reflects the game's new art style and has been made specifically for "shredding".
Neversoft's making the game for PS3 and 360 while Vicarious Visions develops for Wii.
AFI - "Dancing Through Sunday"
Avenged Sevenfold - "Bat Country"
Black Sabbath - "Children Of The Grave"
Buzzcocks - "What Do I Get?"
Children Of Bodom - "If You Want Peace... Prepare For War"
The Cure - "Fascination Street"
Def Leppard - "Pour Some Sugar On Me (Live)"
Dethklok - "Bloodlines"
DragonForce - "Fury of the Storm"
Drowning Pool - "Bodies"
Foo Fighters - "No Way Back"
Foreigner - "Feels Like The First Time"
Jane's Addiction - "Been Caught Stealing"
KISS - "Love Gun"
Megadeth - "Sudden Death"
Metallica & Ozzy Osbourne - "Paranoid (Live)"
Muse - "Uprising"
My Chemical Romance - "I'm Not Okay (I Promise)"
Queen - "Bohemian Rhapsody"
Rammstein - "Waidmanns Heil"
The Rolling Stones - "Stray Cat Blues"
Silversun Pickups - "There's No Secrets This Year"
Slayer - "Chemical Warfare"
ZZ Top - "Sharp Dressed Man (Live)"
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/ac...rriors-of-rock
22:21
June 2nd, 2010
Posted By: wraggster
Arkos] gutted an RC car from his childhood and made it into a dog-taunting remote platform. An Arduino replaces the original circuitry with a Bluetooth module for connectivity. He uses an Xbox 360 controller and has added a small speaker to act as a siren. But for our money it’s the camera that makes this hack. It streams video back to a laptop and because it’s mounted on a couple of servos the left stick controls where the lens is looking. The next evolution should replace the Arduino for a standalone microcontroller but what he’s come up with as a first prototype is delightful.
http://hackaday.com/2010/06/02/rc-ca...s-best-friend/
19:36
June 2nd, 2010
Posted By: wraggster
Third-party console accessory maker Mad Catz has acquired fellow Californian company Tritton, a creator of high-end audio headsets.
In the deal, struck yesterday, Mad Catz gains 100 per cent ownership of Tritton, in exchange for $1 million up-front and a promise of up to $9 million across five years, dependent on the headset manufacturer's sales performance.
As part of the acquisition, Mad Catz will be creating roles for Tritton founder and CEO Christopher Von Huben, and a 'limited number' of other key Tritton employees.
"We are thrilled to be joining the Mad Catz organisation," said Von Huben. "Tritton has built a successful brand and lineup of gaming audio headsets and computer peripheral products. I am confident that with Mad Catz' global capabilities we can significantly increase our market penetration and more rapidly grow the Tritton brand."
Mad Catz has previously acquired game controller manufacturers Saitek and Joytech, and in February revealed Christmas 2009's profits were up 19 per cent on 2008's, with a net profit of $48.8 million.
In April, Mad Catz signed a multi-year deal with music game developer Harmonix to create all future accessories for the Rock Band franchise - including the upcoming Rock Band 3. It is possible that Tritton's audio device technology will be leveraged for this purpose.
Tritton's range of headphone and microphone all-in-ones retail for between $69.99 and $169.99, many of which offer wireless and surround sound support, and are compatible with all current-gen gaming platforms. The company also manufactures several video output devices for the PC. In 2009, the firm generated $8 million in revenue.
"The gaming headset category is one of the fastest growing within the gaming sector, and the acquisition of Tritton significantly enhances Mad Catz' opportunities in this very attractive market segment," said Darren Richardson, President and CEO of Mad Catz.
"Tritton has developed an attractive portfolio of premium products and a brand that resonates strongly with gaming enthusiasts. Additionally, this acquisition further diversifies Mad Catz' revenue base and is consistent with our strategy to create shareholder value by leveraging our global capabilities with high-value products that enhance the gaming experience."
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...m-deal-article
15:48
May 28th, 2010
Posted By: wraggster
[JP Carrascal] hacked his guitar by adding motion control while removing the need for wires. He’s using a dual-Arduino system with an Mini Pro inside the guitar and a Duemilanova for the receiver connected to a computer. Wireless is provided by the XBee module seen above and a gutted Wii remote accelerometer is in there for motion sensing. Check out the artfully blurry demonstration of the motion effects after the break.
While he added some potentiometer-based controls there is also an automatic power-down feature. [JP] replaced the mono pickup with a stereo one and used the extra conductor as a switch to activate the additional electronics. We wonder if he also winds his own pickups or builds his own effects pedals.
http://hackaday.com/2010/05/28/embed...e-in-a-guitar/
22:44
May 27th, 2010
Posted By: wraggster
Look, we've no qualms with keyboards -- Elton John is permanently embedded in our playlists, it'll be the first instrument we teach our robotic children, and it's easily the most underrated part of Justin Bieber's spectacularness. But there's no arguing that having a keytar peripheral is far, far more awesome in the grand scheme of things. According to the same mole on ArsTechnica that has correctly nailed a new PS3 bundle, the PSP go and Xbox 360 price cuts, Rock Band 3 will feature a new keytar peripheral, which will undoubtedly destroy our productivity for an indefinite amount of time. We're also told that Mad Catz will be taking over the production of RB hardware, leaving Harmonix only responsible for touching up the software. There's still no indication of when this mythical device will be hitting your local Game Stop, but it's certainly safe to slide your pre-order alert system to Orange.
http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/27/r...infinite-amou/
21:02
May 26th, 2010
Posted By: wraggster
And you thought your Driving Force GT was pricey. Thrustmaster is today introducing its newest gaming accessory, a startlingly expensive new racing wheel designed to give PlayStation 3 and PC gamers the chance to feel as if they truly are screaming ahead in hopes of being first to fly under the checkered flag. The Ferrari Wireless GT Cockpit 430 Scuderia Edition is a complete wireless cockpit ensemble, requiring far more space than an NYC studio apartment affords to completely unfold, and given that it weighs 23 pounds, you may need to bust out your Ricky Bobby uniform to make sure you aren't roughed up when leaning hard into turns. The wheel itself measures 11-inches in diameter, and it's said to be an exact replica of that found on the Ferrari 430 Scuderia ("down to the smallest details," we're told), and the all-metal pedals should provide quite the sensation to those who prefer to roll shoeless. Check it this June if you're having trouble ridding yourself of disposable income.
http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/26/t...ckpit-430-scu/
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