PS3 Fanboy

The cheaper 40GB is missing a few features, the most noteworthy being backwards compatibility with PS2 games. However, it has a few other minor quirks. For example, it only has two USB ports, instead of four, and it's missing some memory card readers. (The 20GB launch machine is also missing memory card readers.) Well, Nyko will have none of that nonsense!

From the press release: "We found that many of our customers who had purchased the popular 40 GB version of the PS3, which has less USB ports and no media card reader, were looking for an affordable solution to expand with these features," said Chris Arbogast, Director of Marketing at Nyko Technologies. "With the Media Hub, an additional three USB ports and a media card reader are now possible for all PS3 models, allowing consumers to enjoy the full capabilities of their multimedia system no matter which model they choose."

The Media Hub is expected to hit stores in August, with a rather steep asking price of $20.

We'd have to admit, these controllers by Nyko are rather unfortunate looking. However, if you want a spare controller around in case a friend you don't like so much comes over, you can't beat these.

The controller isn't without its merits; it is cheap, it includes a both a rechargeable battery and a AA battery pack if you don't wait for the controller to charge, it also claims to have "Six-Direction Tilt & Vibration." Keep in mind, though the controller is wireless, it isn't Bluetooth. The color of the controller is also determined randomly. Did we mention it is ugly?

[Via Slickdeals.net]

The popularity of games like Rock Band and Guitar Hero has created an extraordinary demand for guitar peripherals. However, many PS3 fans are left cold knowing that their Guitar Hero controllers won't work in Rock Band, and vice versa. It seems ridiculous to have a small army of guitar controllers lying around to play these two games. Thankfully, Nyko has an excellent solution.

The Front Man guitar is an excellent option for those looking for an extra guitar. Unlike the official options from Activision and Harmonix, this third-party solution allows for playback on both games, with a simple flip of a switch. For those looking for one guitar that works with both music games, this is obviously an ideal choice.

However, we found that the Front Man guitar is simply the best guitar available on the PS3. Like other guitars on the platform, you will need to connect a dongle to the system for it to work wirelessly. The dongle is rather cute, looking like a guitar foot pedal. There are lights on the front of the pedal, each corresponding to the five buttons you can press on the guitar. They light up according to what you're pressing down. Neat!

Nyko's Zero controller beats Sony's DualShock 3 to the US market. Unlike any other third party controller out there, Nyko's Zero features both tilt and rumble functionality. We received our test unit today, and found it satisfactory. For the impatient that need rumble now (and don't want to bother importing a DualShock), the Zero will undeniably satisfy. However, there are a number of flaws in its design that make it hard to recommend whole-heartedly.

Firstly, we commend Nyko for creating such easy-to-open packaging. With a simple cut of a sticker, we were able to get the controller out -- no plastic wrap packages that threaten to cut your fingers off. Another thing we were pleasantly surprised by: the use of a detachable battery pack. Two are included in the package: the standard rechargable pack, and one that accepts AA batteries. We appreciate the flexibility.

Continuing the unboxing, we were disappointed to see that the Zero uses a dongle, just like Guitar Hero III. You will need to sacrifice one of the USB ports on your PS3 in order to use this controller. For owners of the 40GB system, this simply won't do. Sony's Bluetooth solution is obviously much more elegant, as it allows the USB ports to be free, and it makes it possible to turn on the system by pressing the PS button. The Zero cannot do that.

As you could probably deduce from the subject line, Nyko has unleashed their third-party rumble and motion controller upon the world. Before we even get our hands on a first party controller (besides importing), no less. So, if you really want to, you can purchase the wireless monstrosity pictured above. It retails for $59.99, which is $5 more than the DualShock 3 will retail at. (Note: It's currently $50 on amazon.com.) It's your call, but for some people the size might actually be a plus. For you see, some people are used to handling giant tools in their hands. And by tools we, of course, mean controllers.

Expect a full hands-on shortly.

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.

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.

Want to use something other than the PS3 controller to control movies on your system? Well, you can pick up Nyko's "Blu Wave" remote for a shockingly low $10 from amazon.com. However, there's one crucial flaw that prevents it from being an all-around great deal: the lack of a power button. You can, as some have done, use the RF adapter to teach other universal remotes (such as the Harmony) to interface with the PS3. Or, you can go for Sony's more expensive, but more elegant solution for $25.

[Via CAG]

We've gotten a press release from Nyko detailing some new peripherals they're about to launch. Curious? First, let's have a little story to set the mood for the first item. A lot of people complained about the Bluetooth technology pushed by the PS3. When they experienced the sheer awesomeness of the Sixaxis controller, they complained to their friends, "Why in the world can I still play the game from in the upstairs bathroom? This is stupid!" Well, Nyko has your back with their new BluWave remote control supporting infrared technology. It's designed specifically for the PS3 as well, so you can easily control all those features Blu-ray movies have to offer without scrolling through that weird interface the controller forces upon you. We prefer the official Sony one, however.

Nyko also released a ChargeBase peripheral that helps you keep your Sixaxis collection charged up. It's a relatively compact device and can rapidly charge up to four controllers simultaneously. Instead of relying on USB power, you've got an external power supply (read: plug) which means you can charge your controllers, but have the PS3 actually turned off. That's pretty handy. We'd definitely say this would be worthwhile, unless the quick charging starts to decrease your average battery life rapidly. It shouldn't, but weirder things have happened.

Nyko has something that claims to keep your PS3 chilled enough to stave off overheating problems experienced on other next-gen consoles. Their Intercooler is similar to the Xbox 360 version in that it features power pass-through, though we hope the similarities end there. Overall, the design is clean and matches the overall matte of the PS3, so you needn't worry about the aesthetics. The only notable downside is the added noise pollution from the extra fans. Seeing as how the PS3 is so quiet on its own, this is something to consider.

Although we have yet to experience a cooked PS3, the Intercooler offers prevention of this perceived threat. But after considering the replacement nightmares from melted Xbox 360 owners, we'd be happier to prevent experiencing the whole PS3 replacement process altogether. We're already skipping the purchase in lieu of new titles on the PLAYSTATION Store, but what are your thoughts on this product? Worthwhile investment, or silly way to shell out $30.00?

[Via Joystiq]