Posts with tag peripherals
120GB HDD pricing analyzed and it's overpriced
Rumor: X360 motion sensing controller by winter, codenamed Newton
According to Jake Metcalf, the blogger who first broke the Bungie / Microsoft split, the Xbox 360 will see its rumored motion sensing controller by the end of this year. The controller, codenamed "Newton" as in Newtonian Physics relating to gravity, inertia and acceleration, uses licensed patents from Gyration, makers of the 3D mouse and co-developer of technology used in Nintendo's Wii remote and the Guitar Hero controller (Patents 5898421 and 5440326).
Citing internal sources in Microsoft's hardware division, Metcalf describes the Newton as being powered by an USB LED sensor bar and having, "an LED sensor on the front accelerometer and gyroscope ... that can detect tilt and motion, rumble motors, wireless two way data communication with the 360 [and includes] a built in Microphone for Xbox Live and voice-activated games."
In January we broke the news that Rare was developing an Xbox Live Arcade game, titled The Fast and the Furriest, which purportedly features "a wand type input device for gesture recognition." The rumored Newton seems to fit the bill nicely for the title and may release along side the peripheral with an included download code, according to Metcalf. At the end of his lengthy post, Metcalf reiterates his confidence in his source and promises that if the Microsoft branded Wii remote-like device isn't out by the end of the year he will donate his Nintendo Wii to charity.
If the rumors end up being true, gamers shouldn't be surprised. With the popularity of the Nintendo Wii reaching a large segment of, traditionally, non-gamers, the market has opened-up considerably. With Microsoft's recent work to clear hardware shortage issues and Nintendo's constant sell-out rate, an Xbox 360 style Wii-mote could end up being a smart move and then it will be a matter of time before a new Arcade SKU is released that includes the rumored controller.
Wireless Rock Band Stratocasters now shipping
[Thanks, Matt]
360 gets its first third party wireless guitar
Sporting a "working" whammy bar, five multi-colored frets and a d-pad that looks like a black hole ... how could you go wrong? Heck, even the guitar's wireless functionality is unique as it requires a baby monitor sized USB wireless adapter to fully rock out. Best of all, it isn't licensed by Rock Band or Guitar Hero, so your guess is as good as ours to whether it'll actually function or not. Also note that if you actually purchase one of these sad excuses for guitars, then expect to be whacked over the head with a NERF bat. Rock on!
[Via Xbox 360 News, Thanks craig]
MadCatz HDMI converter sells for $90 next month
We have to agree with Joystiq that we're not quite sure to whom the MadCatz HDMI Conversion Kit is supposed to appeal. Of course, not all 360s have HDMI, but we're willing to bet that anyone who really cares about HDMI probably won't want a converter. We're no technical wizards, but we know that unless the signal is HDMI to begin with, it's not really HDMI anyway. It does scale to 1080p, but so does every other available 360 connection option. We suppose there is the possibility that it's simply more convenient, as it replaces multiple RCA connector with one HDMI connector and an optional optical cable. Even then, $90 seems a bit steep just to clear up some cable clutter. Then again, if you're rocking a 1080p TV, another $90 probably isn't that much. Should you desire one of the wonder-devices, they go on sale beginning in January.
[Via Joystiq]
Get another wireless GHIII Les Paul in early 2008
Today, Activision announced that the not so white Guitar Hero III wireless Les Paul guitar controller will be available separately at retail stores starting in early 2008. No price or exact date were revealed in the press release, but you can bet your left leg that they'll try to get it onto store shelves rather quickly and at a price that will be semi-hefty compared to the bundle. But it's a small investment to be rockin' wireless and rockin' with a friend, because that's how real rockstars roll.
[Via Joystiq]
Orange LIVE at 5IVE controller makes us jealous
[Via Gamerscore Blog]
Arcade-In-A-Box releases arcade stick for 360
Arcade-In-A-Box's new Xbox 360 Arcade Stick just released yesterday and with the bare bones version commanding a $149 price tag, it's quite the investment. But don't let the hefty price tag scare you off completely, this piece of peripheral work is made to last, highly customizable and "should" give you an edge in any XBLA or fighting game. Convinced and feeling like you can spend more? Then we suggest going for the dual stick controller, so you and your friends can throw down arcade stick style. And at $299, why not? (We'll take two.) In all seriousness, this joystick peripheral from Arcade-In-A-Box looks very professional, well made and will make certain games a lot more enjoyable. You'll just have to weigh the pros and cons, because this is one big financial undertaking that may leave you sleeping on the couch for a few weeks.
[Via Ninja Entertainment Network]
Snag a black controller and play & charge kit for $44 [update]
Update: Grrr, we take back anything nice we said about Amazon.com or its Deal of the Day junk. They decided to switch this great deal to something more DS based and did it mid-day. Stupid Amazon.com. But we'll make it up to you fellow X3F reader, we'll find another great deal even if it paralyzes us for the rest of our waking lives. No joke.We love Amazon.com lately and their gaming Deal of the Day program. For some reason we get all jolly and happy when we see an Xbox 360 product appear, so much so that we sometimes break out into a Riverdance mid-day. And that exact scenario just may play out in the next twenty-four hours, because today's Deal of the Day is a 360 combo pack including a spiffy black Xbox 360 wireless controller and a play and charge pack (with battery) for only $44. This combo pack usually retails for $69, so take advantage of the savings and pick up an extra controller if you're in need. We're feeling the urge ... the urge to Riverdance.
[Thanks, Phillip]
Note for Blizzard: play WoW with a 360 controller
Questions aside, the software actually does look like it makes the controller fairly functional. Of course, in game chat will be a little difficult if you're not near the keyboard, but it might be useful for everyday grinding -- we're not exactly banking on it spurring Blizzard to start 360 development though. The software is available for free at the official website. It's also worth noting that the software is pre-configured for WoW, but is customizable and will presumably receive more downloadable configurations for other games in the future.
[Via WoW Insider]
Today only, get a 120GB HDD for $139
[Thanks, Ben Koca]
Messenger Kit not delayed, we repeat, not delayed
There has been a half a dozen or so rumors floating around the internets as of late surrounding the release of the Xbox 360 Messenger Kit. The kit should have been available September 4th, but some are saying that they've received emails from online retailers stating the item has been pushed back into October while others say that they simply can't find them in stores. Well, it's our duty to find you answers and we went straight to the source ... Major Nelson.Major confirmed with the Messenger Kit product manager that the product is not delayed, has shipped to retailers and is readily available. So, the September 4th release still stands. Though, you should know that hardware is treated a little differently than its software counterpart as peripherals are usually only shipped on the release date. As a result, such items like the Messenger Kit may not make it onto store shelves until a few days later. Happy Messenger Kit hunting!
Messenger Kit gets unboxed and exposed
Chatpad and Halo 3 accessories arrive next week
Microsoft has announced that both the Chatpad and the special Halo 3 accessories, which include a wireless headset and two controllers with artwork by Todd McFarlane, will be available starting next week on September 4th. While we've known about the Chatpad's launch date for a while now, the McFarlane controllers previously had a launch date of September 18th and the wireless headset was listed only as "early September." Maybe Microsoft figured gamers would want a new controller to go with their new Chatpad. The controllers also come with a limited edition figurine of Master Chief, which may cause Halo fans to overlook the less than stellar artwork. The controllers and headset will run for $59.99 each, and the Chatpad -- which includes a special wired headset -- will retail for $29.99.
Gallery: Halo 3 accessories
Hands on with the Chatpad and Messenger Kit
