Earlier this month, Microsoft released a Wireless-N network adapter for the Xbox 360, bringing faster speeds to users who've up until now been stuck with 802.11g. Now Mad Catz is shipping its own adapter with a suggested retail price of $79.99 to Microsoft's $99.99. The Wireless-N Gaming Adapter connects directly to your console's ethernet port, allowing you to position it for the best possible. And since it uses an ethernet cable, it can be plugged into the PlayStation 3 as well, giving PS3-owners a bit of a speed boost as well.

Darren Richardson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz commented, "With more HD entertainment content and online gaming being delivered via Xbox Live® and PSN™, we anticipate the need for Wireless-N gaming adapters will increase. Our Wireless-N Adapter allows Xbox 360 users to access the network wirelessly and for PS3 users to upgrade their wireless technology to the faster N standard."

I actually have my apartment wired, as I cannot stand the slow speed of wireless when compared to a direct connection, but for those of you averse to tripping over cables, this seems a fine way to go. The adapter should be shipping to retailers in North America and key European territories as we speak.

Is it worth buying a piece of plastic to slap onto your controller? Let's see.

Loved
Fanboy Look: If you're a big fan of Modern Warfare 2 and want everyone to know it, this is a great wait to do that. The vinyl faceplate snaps tightly onto the controller leaving very little to tell it's an aftermarket add-on.

Feel: Once locked in place, the faceplate doesn't really change the feel of the controller at all. And that's a good thing. The only seam you'll notice lines up with where the controller halves are screwed together, so it even looks like your controller came splashed with Modern Warfare 2 art.

Hated
Flimsy Alone: If you plan on not leaving this faceplate on all of the time you'd better be careful where you store it. The thin vinyl feels like it could snap if bent, sat or stepped on.

I'm not a big fan of customizing my gaming equipment to advertise a particular title, but if I were this $15 faceplate seems like a pretty good option.

Modern Warfare 2 Combat Controller Camo Faceplate was developed and produced by Mad Catz for the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 on Nov. 10. Retails for $14.99 USD. A camo Playstation 3 faceplate was given to us by Mad Catz for reviewing purposes. Played several games for several hours with the faceplate snapped onto a controller.

Confused by our reviews? Read our review FAQ.

While the PSPgo may not need a case, the slip on faux leather Traveler Case could still be worth the small investment.

Loved
Design: Constructed of stiff, faux leather, the Traveler case fits the PSPgo like a glove. A velcro latch hold the case tightly closed when not in use. The small footprint doesn't get in the way of gameplay or movie watching and the relatively hard exterior certainly provides extra protection from accidental drops.

Look: The smooth, lightly textured case adds a bit of class to the already sexy looking PSPgo. Better still, it does so without adding pocket-bursting bulk to the svelte portable.

Hated
Not Always Convenient: For the most part, the PSPgo Traveler Case is the sort of thing you would never take your PSPgo out of. Unless you happen to pick up Sony's power-charging, sync-supporting Cradle. Unfortunately, as tightly as the case wraps around the PSPgo, it still adds enough bulk to make it not fit in the cradle. I was also disappointed to find that claims that the case can double as a stand to watch movies were greatly exaggerated. Unless you flip open the case on carpet, the smooth finish can't get enough grip to hold your PSPgo up at a good viewing angle.

I like my electronic cases to be a form-fitting as possible, which is why I'm so enamored with the Traveler Case. Unfortunately, my other big case pet peeve is that it has to work with whatever system I use to charge the device. I hate having to take an electronic out of its case to charge it. In the case of the PSPgo, it's going to have to be the Cradle or the Traveler Case, but not both.

The Traveler Case was designed by Sony for the PSPgo. Retails for $19.99 USD. A Traveler Case was given to us by Sony for reviewing purposes. Tried it out a week.

Confused by our reviews? Read our review FAQ.

Don't expect to see too many of these classic Sega consoles lighting up butts. They're only available for order until November 6 and for the steep asking price of 10500 yen, about $114 USD, each. Of course, if you light your cigars with hundred dollar bills anyway, we're sure you won't mind dropping that much on a Sega lighter.

We've mentioned Nyko's Wand controller several times in the past, somewhat fascinated by the promise of their Trans-Port technology, which allows for digital signals to be passed along the expansion port along with the Wii remote's standard analog ones. Interesting technology, but not the best selling point in the world. Now coming in pink, purple, and blue, on the other hand - that's a selling point. Not only are the candy-colored (licorice is a candy!) controllers pretty, they are safe as well, coming packed with matching controller condoms. Classy!

The four new colors are now showing up at Wal-Mart stores around the country with a suggested retail price of $29.99, with other retailers following suit soon after.

Here we get our first look at the Mad Catz Modern Warfare 2 lineup. First announced last month, it consists of custom controllers for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, that lovely Cyborg keyboard and a mouse for the PC, the obligatory decals, and a couple of communicators for the console versions.

Perhaps the most intriguing is the Xbox 360 throat communicator, modeled after the same ones the military uses to facilitate clear communication in combat situations. Now I'll be able to hear other Xbox Live users calling me a dickhead with a clarity I've never before experienced! I can't wait.

Yes, there will be console skins and branded controllers from Mad Catz, but that's just a small selection of the merchandise Mad Catz has up its sleeves. Hell, even the branded controllers are something special, with both the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions sporting two additional buttons on the rear, perfect for shifting melee and sprint away from the analog control sticks.

Both consoles are also getting unique communication options - a Bluetooth headset for the PS3 and a military design throat microphone for the 360, which sounds like an excellent solution for those gaming in high-noise environments.

On the PC side of things, Mad Catz is rolling out a game pad, a mouse, and two keyboards, one of which is built off of the Saitek Cyborg line of gaming keyboards, which is the one I currently use. $99 is a bit steep, but I've been extremely satisfied.

For a full listing of products and prices, simply scroll down. The full line is expected to release in conjunction with the game this November.

• Modern Warfare™ 2 Combat Controller – Xbox 360

Complete with a host of features designed to customize the in-game experience, the Modern Warfare 2 Combat Controller has Rubber Grips and a soft-touch finish for extended gaming sessions. Featuring two unique buttons located on the rear of the Controller, players can re-map Action Button or Thumbstick commands empowering players to shift melee or sprint to the rear buttons in order to maintain full motion control on the analog sticks. Immersive Analog ThumbStick Backlighting enhances the in-game atmosphere while Dual Vibration Feedback allows the user to experience every shot and explosion. Lastly, the fully braided connection cable provides a robust and latency free connection with the console.

MSRP: $49.99

• Modern Warfare™ 2 Throat Communicator – Xbox 360

Based on authentic military design, the Modern Warfare 2 Throat Communicator allows gamers to comfortably communicate with teammates and other Xbox LIVE® players. Fashioned in authentic graphics, the unique microphone design reduces background noise and allows gamers to clearly communicate with each other, bringing them closer to the field ops experience. The Throat Communicator is fully compatible with the official Microsoft® controller as well as the Mad Catz Modern Warfare 2 Combat Controller.

MSRP: $29.99

• Modern Warfare™ 2 Faceplate and Console Skinz – Xbox 360

Featuring custom Modern Warfare 2 artwork, both the highly collectible Controller Faceplate and Console Skinz allow gamers to customize their Xbox 360 and official controller. Depicting official in-game art, the Console Faceplate attaches simply and safely, transforming your console in seconds and the removable Console Skinz wrap around the sides of the Xbox 360, providing a fully immersive themed landscape.

MSRP: $29.99

• Modern Warfare™ 2 Wireless Combat Controller – PS3™

Modern Warfare 2 Wireless Combat Controller for PLAYSTATION 3 utilizes a secure 2.4 GHz wireless link to connect with the console for accurate wire-free action. Featuring two unique buttons located on the rear of the Controller, players can re-map Action Button or Thumbstick commands empowering players to shift melee or sprint to the rear buttons in order to maintain full motion control on the analog sticks. The Controller features Immersive Analog ThumbStick Backlighting and an internal Rechargeable Battery that allows for charging directly from the console's USB port and provides up to 60 hours of game play from a single charge.

MSRP: $49.99

• Modern Warfare™ 2 Wireless Headset with Bluetooth® Technology – PS3

Sophisticated, discrete and fashioned with Modern Warfare 2 graphics, the Headset for PLAYSTATION 3 allows for wire-free communication with teammates and PlayStation Network™ (PSN™) users. Featuring a high-quality, noise-reducing microphone, ideal for frantic game play, the Headset utilizes Bluetooth 2.0 wireless technology, and operates at a range of up to 30 feet from the console.

MSRP: $39.99

• Modern Warfare™ 2 Controller Faceplates – Xbox 360 & PLAYSTATION 3

Depicting official artwork from Modern Warfare 2, the highly collectible Controller Faceplate allows gamers to customize their official Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 controllers in style. Highly durable and featuring a high-gloss finish, the safe and removable Controller Faceplate attaches in seconds to the official controller and features authentic artwork to support the game (Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 Controller Faceplate sold separately).

MSRP: $14.99

• Modern Warfare™ 2 Combat GamePad – PC

For those who enjoy gaming on their PC but prefer the feel of a gamepad over a keyboard and mouse, the Modern Warfare 2 Combat GamePad provides a comfortable and highly ergonomic method of play. Featuring full analog control, the Combat GamePad is fashioned in authentic Modern Warfare 2 artwork and comes complete with a complement of four Action Buttons and four Trigger Buttons as well as a stable eight-way D-Pad delivering precision and accuracy where fast response is crucial to survival. Pre-programmed for Modern Warfare 2, the Combat GamePad ships with software that allows gamers to reprogram the four Action Buttons to suit their personal preferences or for use with other software titles. The Combat GamePad is compatible with Windows™ 7, Vista™ and XP™.

MSRP: $24.99

• Modern Warfare™ 2 Sniper Mouse – PC

Fine-tuned for razor-sharp assault, the Modern Warfare 2 Sniper Mouse allows for precision in-game control. Instantly adjustable DPI (‘Dot Per Inch') allows gamers to adjust the speed of the mouse cursor at any time, ideal for a multitude of missions and varying styles of play. A built-in weight cartridge allows gamers to add or subtract weights from the Mouse tailoring the feel for personal preference. Fashioned in fully authentic graphics, the Sniper Mouse is certain to be the weapon of choice for PC enthusiasts. Pre-programmed for Modern Warfare 2, the Mouse ships with software that allows gamers to reprogram the Mouse Buttons to suit their personal preference or for use with other software titles. The Sniper Mouse is compatible with Windows 7, Vista and XP.

MSRP: $49.99

• Modern Warfare™ 2 Combat Keyboard – PC

The Modern Warfare 2 Combat Keyboard features ‘Anti-Ghosting' in key action areas and a Windows Key Lock to prevent accidental disruption to game play. Easily accessible Media Keys provide instant access to volume control, play/pause and other essential media-related functions and a weighted base with strategically placed large rubber feet that prevent the keyboard from slipping off the desk. Pre-programmed for Modern Warfare 2, the Combat Keyboard ships with software that allows gamers to reprogram Function Buttons to suit their personal preference or for use with other software titles. The Combat Keyboard is compatible with Windows 7, Vista and XP.

MSRP: $49.99

• Modern Warfare™ 2 Elite Keyboard – PC

Built on the successful ‘Cyborg™' Keyboard platform, the Modern Warfare 2 Elite Keyboard is ideal for those who take their gaming seriously and will prove to be an essential ally in the field. Multi-Color backlighting, including adjustable brightness and ‘Tru-Vu™' illumination, provides gamers with the ability to set ambient lighting, ranging from red through to amber and green. Touch-Sensitive Back-Lit Dashboard controls provide access to keyboard lighting and media functions. Further aiding in the custom nature of the keyboard, the WASD, cursor, ‘Cyborg™' and NumPad keys can all be lit independently from the rest of the keyboard, allowing players to highlight keys commonly used in-game. One-touch ‘Cyborg' mode instantly disables the Windows™ keys and adjusts the keyboard illumination to desired settings for simple set-up and no fewer than twelve Cyborg keys can be programmed to replicate any sequence of keyboard presses in a single button. Durable Metal-Plated key caps provide reinforced strength on the most commonly used gaming keys and gold-plated connectors for USB and microphone inputs allow other accessories to be passed through the keyboard without accessing the PC. Pre-programmed for Modern Warfare 2, the Elite Keyboard ships with software that allows gamers to reprogram Keyboard Buttons to suit their personal preference or for use with other software titles. The Elite Keyboard is compatible with Windows 7, Vista and XP.

MSRP: $99.99

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says the Wii Remote chargers, distributed by Griffin International of Minneapolis, "can overheat, posing a burn or fire hazard to the consumer." About 220,000 of these scorchers were sold at Target, Toys R Us, Amazon.com and Best Buy.

Psyclone will be offering a replacement. Details at their web site.

220,000 Wii recharging stations recalled [MSNBC - thanks, Marcus!]

It's interesting that Blizzard is going to Razer to create official peripherals for StarCraft II, seeing as they've maintained and still maintain a strong relationship with the Steel Series folks. I suppose there's plenty of Blizzard to go around. Why Razer?

"Razer's high-quality gaming products have long been popular among our global community of players, and we're pleased to now be collaborating with them directly," said Paul Sams, chief operating officer of Blizzard Entertainment. "Through this partnership, we're looking forward to working with Razer to develop a line of peripherals that will complement the fast-paced action of StarCraft II."

Currently the only product Razer is showing is the nifty StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty messenger bag pictured here, but they've keyboards, mice, and headsets on the way, the last of which should be great for communicating over the internet with people you were supposed to be connected to via LAN.

If I were a big face of racing games on the iPhone and had really large pockets, this product might be right up my alley. Your iPod Touch or iPhone fits snugly in the middle of this plastic wheel, creating an apparatus that while a great deal less portable, delivers a driving experience a bit closer to actual driving than simply holding a plastic and metal rectangle in your hands does. It comes complete with multiple adapters, so your device will fit no matter what generation it might be.

The steering wheel comes in two flavors, both with and without the suction cup base. I'm not finding pricing details on the items in the official announcement, but can you really put a price on this sort of functionality? Head over to CTA Digital's website for more product information and a listing of stores carrying their products.

Visitors to the San-Diego Comic-Con this week will have a chance to pick up one of 500 of these exclusive Street Fighter IV accessories, with 250 each split between the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions of the controllers. According to Mad Catz Art Director Roentgen D. Reyes, Sagat and his nasty scar were the inspirations behind the design, which definitely has an angry orange-owie feel to it.

When we set out creating the Limited Edition artwork we knew that we had to create an impactful design that was radically different from the previous imagery and color schemes. With that in mind we chose not to concentrate on a group of characters but instead produce something targeted to the fan community. After working through a number of designs, we focused on one of the strongest ‘fan-favorite' characters in the game, Sagat. The character is renowned for his large scar which game legend tells us was caused by archrival Ryu. In my mind, playing Street Fighter® IV evokes the player's competitive nature, with rivalry a key element of the experience."

The hefty Tournament Edition sticks will be available exclusively through Capcom at Comic-Con for $179.99, while the pads will be available at the convention and on the Mad Catz Gameshark website for $49.99.

This is the Blaze 3-in-1 Game Selector, and while it looks a little clunky, it makes up in handiness what it lacks in attractiveness. Working like a switchbox, the device replicates the cartridge slot of your DS and clips to the back of your handheld, allowing you to insert three DS carts at once. A small lead then runs from the device to your DS's actual cart slot, and you change games by flipping a small switch on the top of the unit.

The 3-in-1 Game Selector runs for about $13, and if you're stuck playing DS games in a spot where it's inconvenient to keep bending down and rummaging through your bag to change a game (standing on the subway?), that's not a bad price.

blaze 3-in-1 selector lets you switch nintendo ds lite games on the go [technabob]

It's manufactured by Chinese company Areus, and seems to be their "21 in 1" pack with a few additions, namely what looks like a fishing rod, a baseball bat, golf clubs and even some little Wii Remote/mobile phone charms.

When will this Wii accessory arms race end? With a "100 in 1" pack featuring Vitality Sensor rubber condoms and blood pressure monitors?

Kit With Wiimote Accesories for 38 Sports You Will Never Practice In Real Life [Gizmodo]

Manufactured and distributed by Bensussen Deutsch & Associates, Inc., licensed by LucasArts and Nintendo, and marketed under BDA's Power A brand, the three new accessories sport Star Wars-ish detail, perfect for those of you who just can't by with the controls Nintendo provided for games like the upcoming Star Wars The Clone Wars: Republic Heroes.

The lightsaber comes in both Anakin and Yoda flavors, with different colors representing the different...colors...of their lightsabers. I'm not all that up on lightsaber lore, okay? It's a piece of plastic you stick your Wii remote into so you can make realistic whooshing noises with your mouth while you play.

The Clone Trooper Blaster, much like any non-Clone Trooper blaster, features slots for both the Wii remote and the nunchuk, allowing for quick double-trigger action and a feeling of otherworldly power. It also comes with customization stickers, in case that is a feature you were looking for.

All three bits will be out this fall exclusively for the Nintendo Wii, as nothing else fits inside those holes quite so well. Prices weren't listed, but I'm sure they'll fall within the normal $20 range for stuff such as this.

That may explain the steep price. The Brick and Question Mark block extensions — in 1ft to 6ft configurations — go for just $20, but the actual USB drives that plug into the extension are $55 a pop. The mushroom, goomba and koopa drives are still for sale, but it looks like the Mario one is long-gone.

Get 'em while you can and hopefully before Nintendo finds out.

Sgedra.etsy.com [via Gizmodo]

It should keep the old grey matter from getting all foggy. But that, then, creates another problem: how to go adventuring through rainforests and ancient temples and Nazi-infested deserts cradling a small piece of consumer electronics?

He could do it with this, an oiled leather DS case. It's splash-proof, it's rugged, he can clip it on his belt next to his gun holster and it'll look like it belongs. Whether the smaller game cases will look so natural strapped to his leg is another matter.

Oil Leather DSi Case [Jaca-Jaca, via Tiny cartridge]

BDA today announced a whole line up of Power A DSi doodads and whatnots. But sadly no unmentionables.

The collection includes, in BDA's own words:

Folio Starter Kit
This kit provides everything a gamer needs to get started with their Nintendo DSi, including a faux leather mini folio carry case, car adapter, earbuds, three styli, two screen protectors and two tri-fold game cases.

Clean & Protect Kit
The Clean & Protect Kit will keep the Nintendo DSi in mint condition and comes with one Game Tagger case, three styli, two screen protectors and one cleaning cloth.

Sleeve Kit
The Nintendo DSi is slightly thinner than the Nintendo DS™ Lite, and POWER A's Sleeve Kit provides sleek and slim protection. The kit includes a sleeve, one tri-fold game case, two styli and two screen protectors. The game case can hold up to four games.

Voyager Case
In addition to protecting the Nintendo DSi, POWER A also recognizes the consumer's desire to express their individuality. The Voyager case is a perfect example of fashion meeting function – the faux leather case holds the Nintendo DSi and up to three games.

Stylus 3 Pack
Having a few extra styli on hand is an absolute necessity. POWER A Stylus 3 Packs come in a rainbow of colors.

System Wallet
POWER A's System Wallet is a stylish way for gamers to protect the Nintendo DSi from any unforeseen mishaps – the case also holds three game cartridges.

Car Adapter
For gamers on the go, POWER A's Car Adapter will keep the system charged and ready for marathon gaming sessions.

Take the shape of Cobalt Flux's "Dark Ops Wii Light Gun", for example. It's different. Like, it's not a shark. And the finish. It's not white. Finally, look at the modelling on show here. Kinda of dorky, sure, but at least they're trying.

Dark Ops Wii Light Gun [Cobalt Flux]

The company said they have Rock Band and Wii Fit accessories to thank for the big jump in revenue for the company. Mad Catz is now shipping their Rock Band accessories throughout North America and Europe. They also expect big sales for their Street Fighter IV controllers and accessories in the coming quarter.

Mad Catz said that the bankruptcy of Circuit City, higher royalty expenses and more product development costs cut into their bottom line.

So it's sobering today to see the company's line of Resident Evil 5 accessories, which amount to six separate pieces of extraneous crap. There are ugly controller skins (360 & PS3, $20) ugly console skins (360 & PS3, $30), an ugly bluetooth headset ($50) and a somewhat ugly, horribly expensive messenger bag ($50).

Because We Need Resident Evil 5 Everything…[Siliconera]