But if I hadn’t gotten booted, maybe I would’ve been able to make this...

Look like this:

That right there is a papercraft version of the new Wing controller for the Wii, made by Nyko. Normally, I wouldn’t blog about third-party controllers – but I was lured to this press event by the residual guilt I feel at being cast out of arts and crafts all those years ago, and by the promise of hands-on with Mega Man 9.

Well, Nyko delivered. I got my time with Mega Man 9, although it was the same build Capcom demoed at E3 (where they were caught on live feed by IGN, epically failing at their own game, apparently). And I also got to try out their new controller – which syncs with your Wii mote to take the place of that itsy-bitsy Classic Controller.

I wasn’t too impressed with Mega Man 9 – but that’s just because I hate dying over and over again until I learn something. As evidenced by getting kicked out of arts and crafts, I hate learning.

But I do dig the retro graphics and I’m really looking forward to the evil robot chick. It’s about time Mega Man had some gender equality in the villain lineup. According to Capcom PR dude Tim Ng, there were going to be two female robot villains – but the second girl was scrapped because the developers didn’t want fans to feel like the series was changing too much. (Oooh, scary! Two grils!)

Something that needed to change, though, was that Classic Controller. It’s just too damned retro. We didn’t like the SNES controllers all that much to begin with (which is why they evolved into N64 controllers), so why shove a throwback down our throats when we want to play retro games?

The Wing is out this October and look for Mega Man 9 this month.

The thing when I demoed Wii Sport Resort I noticed that the controller was longer now and asked Nintendo if the charger would still work. Ask Nyko was their reply, so I did.

Unfortunately, it won't work, at least not while the Wii Motion Plus device is attached. The Nyko guys told me they were already looking at ways to solve the problem. They added that they believe the Wii Motion Plus attachment doesn't contain batteries, meaning it likely draws power from the Remote, which would likely reduce the battery life for the controller.

Bad news all around.

Somehow I don't think that's their natural hair color.

This little gadget plugs snugly into one of your PS3's USB ports, looking for all the world like it was meant to be there. The hub not only adds three more USB ports, bringing the total to either 4 or 6 depending on which system you own, but it also adds a card reader slot that handles both SD cards and Sony's own memory sticks.

Very nicely done, Nyko. A peripheral that people actually need that doesn't screw with the form factor of the system. The Nyko Media Hub should be in stores next month with an MSRP of $19.95.

NYKO Media Hub Announced for the PlayStation 3™
Details Surface on Upcoming Three Port USB Hub with Multi-Card Reader

LOS ANGELES - July 2, 2008

Nyko Technologies®, the premier gaming peripherals manufacturer, today revealed details for its upcoming Media Hub for the PlayStation 3™. The Media Hub easily attaches to the console, adding three additional USB ports and a media card reader slot that supports SD cards and Memory Sticks. Compatible with all PS3 models, the Media Hub matches the color and contour of the system to expand its media capabilities while maintaining a clean form factor.

The all-new Media Hub from Nyko attaches to any available USB port and enables the connection of three additional USB devices including flash drives, PSP, MP3 players and additional controllers. Its unique design requires no tools or internal modifications, draws its power directly from the PS3, and easily installs in just seconds.

“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.”

Nyko’s Media Hub for PS3 is expected to hit store shelves by August 2008 for the suggested retail price of $19.99. Please visit www.nyko.com for more information.

Nintendo Sues Nyko Over Copies of Wii Nunchuk Remote [Bloomberg]

Zero PS3 [Nyko via Gaming Blog]

Nyko expects to ship the thing in February, carrying with it a $19.99 price tag. Press release, if you want it, after this.

Nyko Announces Cord-Free Wireless Adapter For Wii Nunchuk

New Adapter Offers Wireless Convenience for Wii Nunchuk Owners

LOS ANGELES - January 29, 2008 - Nyko Technologies ®, a premier peripherals manufacturer, today announced that they will release the Cord-Free wireless adapter for the Wii Nunchuk this February.

While the highly anticipated award winning Wireless Nunchuck for Wii is a brand-new standalone product, the Cord-Free wireless adapter for Wii Nunchuk differentiates from its sibling by converting your standard wired Nunchuk into a wireless peripheral. The adapter adds a convenient self-standing sleeve for the wired Nunchuk and a wireless signal dongle to the bottom of your Wii Remote. A small dongle provides lag-free wireless connection between your Wii Remote and Nunchuk and adds up to 15 feet of wireless range. The self-standing Nunchuk sleeve features a convenient compact cord management system keeping the existing Nunchuk cord organized and out of site. The Cord-Free wireless adapter for the Wii Nunchuk runs on two AAA batteries (included) and provides up to 60 hours of continuous gameplay.

"Nyko is dedicated to providing outstanding wireless solutions for Wii gamers," said Chris Arbogast, Marketing Director at Nyko Technologies. "We want to provide multiple options for those looking to untangle their Wii experience."

Nyko's Cord-Free wireless adapter for the Wii Nunchuk will be available at retailers nationwide for a suggested retail price of $19.99.

About Nyko Technologies, Inc.

Nyko Technologies ® develops, manufactures and markets innovative peripherals to enhance the digital lifestyle. The company's mission is to deliver products that solve problems and improve user experience for work and play. Nyko specializes in interactive entertainment, computing, consumer electronics, portable audio, as well as online and wireless technologies. The company has distribution through major U.S. and Canadian retailers, along with distributors worldwide. Founded in 1995, Nyko is headquartered in Los Angeles, Calif. Please go to www.nyko.com or call 1-888-444-6956 for more information.

I have no idea how it feels, but Nyko's Perfect Shot for the Wii remote certainly looks kick ass. My only issue is that I tend to forget about controllers that I have tucked away in elaborate cases, like the one still sitting dormant in my Guitar Hero controller.

Cnet has posted their the nominees for their annual best of CES Awards. The awards include a gaming category which lists, this time around, a wireless nunchuck from Nyko, Gateway's FX gaming desktops and that mammoth Alienware curved monitor everyone is going gaga over.

Hit the jump for the run down of the three gaming nominees and the link to see Cnet's full write up on the products and the entire Best of CES nominee list.

Nyko Wireless Nunchuck
The Nintendo Wii uses a wireless remote to begin with, but that remote still manages to use a cord half the time. Most Wii games use both the Wii Remote and the Wii Nunchuck, an analog stick peripheral that plugs into the base of the remote via a long cable. Nyko first cut the Wii cord with the Wireless Sensor Bar and is taking away yet another tether with the Wireless Nunchuck. The Nyko Wireless Nunchuck connects to the Wiimote via a little wireless dongle that clicks into the controller's accessory jack.

Gateway FX7020
Gateway bowed two new gaming desktops at the show today, the high-end FX540, and the more modest FX7020. The former is an update to Gateway's year-old customizable, semi-high-end Intel-based PCs. The FX7020 packages a quad-core AMD Phenom chip in to a relatively affordable $1,099 package. Gateway's FX7020 represents the type of PC we expect to see a lot of in 2008: the $1,000 to $1,500 gamer that finally has the graphics horsepower to handle the newest 3D PC games.

Alienware's Curved Display
Alienware put on what it termed a "technology statement" in Vegas tonight with the aptly named "curved display." That's its unofficial name. It also has no price yet, and no release date more specific than "second half of 2008." What we can tell you is that after the brief minute or so we spent with this monitor, we think high-end PC gamers are going to be excited for it. The specifics are that it's a rear-projection DLP screen that can run at a resolution of 2,880x900 pixels (wider than a 30-inch LCD, but not quite as tall).

Best of CES [Cnet]

I stopped by Nyko's CES suite this morning to try it out and walked away impressed, very much looking forward to the controller's March release date. Despite generally avoiding third-party accessories, Nyko's Frontman looks to do a serviceable job of addressing some of the issues inherent with Rock Band's default guitar controller. Fret buttons are more Guitar Hero-like, as is the strum switch which clicks instead of squishes like the official Rock Band ax.

For sixty bucks American, it might be the best option for those who have grown tired of waiting for an official solution or those who simply wish to whittle down their toy guitar collection. Unfortunately, though, for those who are wondering, the Frontman does not make any of the Guitar Hero games for the PlayStation 2 playable on the PlayStation 3.

Amazon [via cheapassgamer]

But the best part is, of course, the chip holder. Nyko told us that they were going to re-evaluate the design and increase the size (making it deeper and wider) to accommodate more chips. The amount in there is enough for one person, but as a party tray it's fairly under-stocked. But the idea is great.

There are LCD scoreboards (so you can keep track of which one of the four of you is winning), Wiimote holders, a drawer for Nunchucks, a fan (like the bowling alley) for sweaty gamers, four freezable soda cup holders (with built-in gels to maintain coldness), and a chip and dip holder for, obviously, chips and dip. We didn't eat any of their chips, because it was presumably sitting out all day getting poked at by sweaty journalists.

The soda holders were nice and solid, and has the gels on the inside so it keeps your soda cold for a while longer outside the fridge. The tray holds two Nunchucks, which is usually enough for most four-player games. The LCD scoreboard wrks by manually adding or subtracting a point depending on whoever won a game (works for every game, obviously). The fan's definitely a great touch for everyone who's throwing the Wiimote thanks to sweaty palm syndrome.

The current version's still just a prototype, but they plan to release a final version in the next couple months.

In addition to having the fantastic Wii Party Station, Nyko also had a bunch of other accessories for all three consoles. First, a wireless Xbox 360 Guitar Hero guitar, which is still in the prototype stage and may not even make it to market. Their wireless guitar may hit a whole three months sooner than the official Guitar Hero III wireless guitar, but there are a couple caveats. One, you need a wired controller to hook the whole thing up.

Instead of using the default Microsoft wireless controller scheme, which Microsoft's still being stingy about, Nyko's gone and made their own wireless scheme. It requires an adapter box (included), and a wired controller (it can be a regular controller or even a wired Guitar Hero guitar) to be plugged in while in use. The good news is that all the functions, including whammy and tilt star power actually works.

Nyko's still not sure on the price or whether they want to bring it to market at all, since the official controller will be wireless and won't have the limitation of requiring a wired controller.

Other accessories are the PlayStation 3 controller Nyko controller [photo], which has 6-directional motion sensing, and even a removable battery pack for external charging. It also charges via miniUSB, like the original SIXAXIS.

Then there's the Nyko Cooler for the Wii [photo], that attaches to the back of your Wii in order to add another fan for cooling. It's a passthrough design, like the Xbox 360's intercooler, which means it's going to be sucking some power away from the Wii. We saw how well this worked with the Xbox 360 (it bricked some), so this may or may not be a good idea. Hard to say now.

A more useful product, we think, is their classic controller attachment grip [photo]. This hooks to the classic controller and gives you a nice DualShock/SIXAXIS-like grip on each hand. It also has a place to attach your Wiimote on the back, and a cord wrapper so you can get that out of the way.

For the PS3, there's the IR remote and adapter [photo], which we talked about before, that allows you to either use this remote or universal remotes—most of which are IR and not Bluetooth—to control your Blu-ray and DVD movie playback.

Lastly, there are the Nintendo DS travel cases [photo], which comes with the case, car power adapter, two styluses, and what looks like a belt clip.

I've been intrigued by Nyko's various charge stations since they were announced at CES earlier this year. The idea of a device that both organizes and charges your next-gen console controllers seems like a great idea, and for the most part it is.

Nyko recently sent me their charge station for the Wii remote and I suspect it is probably the best of the bunch, not because of design issues with the others, but the problems it happens to fix with the Wii's Remote.

The kit doesn't just come with the stand to charge and display two of your remotes, it also comes with replacement battery covers which have rubberized backings, making it harder for them to slip from your hand. It also includes two rechargeable battery packs for the remotes.

Once you upgrade the remotes with kit you're left with controllers worthy of a next-gen system. The recharger station also works quite well, giving your remotes a full charge in a relatively short time. The only complaint I have is that those of us who have multiple systems might find it hard to figure out where to plug the thing in, since it requires a AC plug rather than a USB port. Brian Crecente

Nyko reps explained to us in an e-mail earlier today:

Current technology makes it impossible to properly pass the special functions of the guitar controller to the PS3 with its existing protocol. Features like the whammy and strum bars do not function properly. Being adamant players of Guitar Hero we know how important precise controls are to fans of the series. We will not produce a product if it falls short of those expectations.

We are disappointed that we need to shelve this product as it has been one of the most requested items since its announcement at CES 2007 with numerous inquiries from consumers on a daily basis. If new technology or a firmware update is released that enables us to provide full support for Guitar Hero 1 and 2 on the PS3 via the Play Adaptor, we will reactivate the development of this product.

Again, we would like to express our regret for needing to put this product on hold as we know many people were looking forward to its release.

Unfortunately, I'm going to set realistic expectations for myself and others looking forward to Guitar Hero I and II on the PS3 and cast doubt upon a firmware update addressing this any time soon. Back to waiting for Guitar Hero III, then! Michael McWhertor

Today, it appears I was unfortunately justified in having my doubts.

Citing "limitations in the PlayStation 3 hardware" the company says it has been "prevented from releasing this product with support for Guitar Hero." Given this hardware roadblock, Nyko reps say that "the product has unfortunately been put on hold indefinitely."

Guess we'll have to keep those PS2s hooked up just a bit longer. Great thanks to Jon M. for the info assist. Michael McWhertor

What the...

Didn't I just see this somewhere.

Oh yeah, one of our reader's had already come up with the idea. Man, I'd be pissed.

Nyko's Classic Controller grip attaches a classic controller to the remote and also holds onto all of that extra cord, all for $15. Nyko's also selling a replacement battery cover for the remote for $5. It's all rubbery, making it easier to keep your hands on the thing. Jump. Release. Brian Crecente

LOS ANGELES - February 23, 2007 - Nyko Technologies , a premier peripherals manufacturer, today announced that they will release the Classic Controller Grip and Click Grip for the Wii this Spring.

Nyko's Classic Controller Grip brings comfort and convenience to the Wii Classic Controller by adding specialized grips with a Wii remote dock and cord-management system. Together, these features make it easy to use the classic controller and Wii-Remote simultaneously. Using an easy snap-on assembly, the Classic Controller Grip attaches to the Wii Classic Controller, giving it a more form-fitting and ergonomic feel, while the underside of the product features a clear plastic docking fin where a Wii remote can be attached for easy menu navigation. The Classic Controller Grip also features a useful cord management system, allowing the Wii Classic Controller cable to be organized in a safe and convenient way. Nyko's Classic Controller Grip will be available at retailers nationwide this April for a suggested retail price of $14.99.

Nyko's Click Grip is a substitute for the standard Nintendo Wii remote battery cover, replacing it with a rubberized cover with textured grip. This new material gives gamers a secure hold on the Wii remote, ensuring that the controller stays in their hands, keeping gaming sessions safe and more comfortable. For gamers looking for personalization options, the Click Grip also comes in three colors, blue, pink and gray. The Click Grip will come in packs of two and be available this March from retailers nationwide for a suggested retail price of $5.99.

The Click Grip and the Classic Controller Grip are compatible with one another, giving gamers the ultimate in comfort, convenience and safety no matter if they are playing the newest Wii titles, or experiencing a classic all over again.

"The Classic Controller Grip and Click Grip represent our commitment to giving consumers access to cutting-edge products that enhance their gaming experiences," said Chris Arbogast, Marketing Manager at Nyko. "Whether you're looking for a way to keep a better handle on the Wii-Remote or an easier way to manage your Classic Controller and Wii-Remote simultaneously, Nyko has the solution for you."

Fortunately, I was wrong. I stopped by the Nyko suite yesterday at CES to get it from the source. Unfortunately, no working demo was available for me (of little faith) to try out, but the Nyko marketing dudes confirmed it flat out. Yes, the Nyko Play Adaptor will let you use your guitar controllers on the PlayStation 3, courtesy of a magical little toggle switch that solves the current hardware and software issues that are keeping thousands of PlayStation 2s still hooked up.

Hopefully, I'll get Nyko to get us a working sample. I currently have e-mails firing off every hour on the hour begging for one. Michael McWhertor

PS3 Charging Base, PS2 Controller Adapter Coming [Kotaku]

Nyko shows off some of their cool upcoming accessories in this clip. My favorite two, I think are the Wii charging station and new PS3 controller. Though some of that DS Lite stuff is cool too. Brian Crecente

While there are a couple of products that piqued my interest, the most interesting by far is the Play Adapter which will let you use Dual Shock controllers, racing wheels and yes, oh yes, a Guitar Hero controller on your Playstation 3. I know these are already out there, but they are impossible to find right now, so hopefully this will ease that problem. The Play Adapter will sell for $15.

The Charging Base is another cool idea. It lets you charge up to four PS3 controllers with a wall outlet and sells for $40. There's also a two controller model that sells for $25.

Another cool item is the Blue Com Wireless Headset for the PS, which uses Bluetooth 2.0 for in-game chatting. It's going to be $60.

The press release on the jump also details the PS3 Intercooler, an HDMI cable, a non-HDMI cable and a 10-foot-long cable for PS3 charge and play. Brian Crecente

LOS ANGELES - January 8, 2007 - Nyko Technologies(R), a premier peripherals manufacturer, unveiled today their line-up of accessories for Sony's PlayStation 3 console that will debut at this year's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. The new products are built specifically to tap the full power of Sony's next-generation platform and expand consumer options for high-definition gaming, battery power, optimal console performance and in-game communication.

Nyko's Intercooler for PS3 uses patent-pending technology that works with the systems internal fans to cool the 2 key heat zones of the PS3. The Intercooler contains five high-efficiency, variable speed fans that dramatically increase internal air flow and allow the console to run at optimal temperature levels. The devices unique 2-piece design targets the two primary heat zones of the console while mimicking the sleek lines and glossy surface of PS3. The Intercooler for the PS3 will be available between a suggested retail price of $19.99 and $29.99 at major retailers.

Built specifically to keep extended PlayStation 3 gaming sessions going strong, Nyko's patent pending Charge Base for PS3 allows up to four SIXAXIS(TM) wireless controllers to be charged simultaneously via one simple device. The unit's 6 foot cord plugs into any standard wall outlet, providing a rapid charge to each controller without taking up any of the console's USB ports or having to leave the system on for extended periods of time while charging. The Charge Base for PS3 ensures that all of your PlayStation 3 controllers are charged, organized and ready to use at a moments notice. The Charge Base for PS3 has a suggested retail price of $39.99.

For gamers who want ultimate control when it comes to their PlayStation 3, the Play Adapter for PS3 is the perfect product. Allowing the use of PlayStation 2 accessories with the PlayStation 3, the adapter enables consumers to experience PlayStation 2 titles with Sony's Dual Shock 2 controller. The adapter can also be used to connect your favorite PlayStation 2 accessories to the PlayStation 3, including racing wheels and guitar controllers, expanding the compatibility options of Sony's new console. The Play Adapter for PS3 will have a suggested retail price of $14.99.

The patent pending Dual Charge AC for PS3 features dual-USB ports, allowing two PlayStation 3 controllers to be charged simultaneously from any standard wall outlet using the two included four foot Mini USB cables. The compact unit features collapsible prongs for easy storage and can also be used to charge any USB compliant electronic devices, such as digital cameras and MP3 players. The Dual Charge AC for PS3 will sell for a suggested retail price of $24.99.

The Charge Link for PS3 provides a simple charging solution for the SIXAXIS(TM) wireless controller, allowing gamers to charge and play with the controller simultaneously. The extra long 10 foot cable can not only be used to charge PlayStation 3 controllers, but also any other USB-compliant device. The Charge Link for PS3 has a suggested retail price of $14.99.

For gamers who want to take advantage of the PlayStation 3's high-definition capabilities, Nyko offers the HDMI Cable for PS3. Capable of full 1080p video output, the HDMI Cable offers true high-definition video and audio quality at a reasonable price. Sharper images and more realistic, immersive sound await players craving the most out of their next-generation console. The HDMI Cable for PS3 has a suggested retail price of $29.99.

For gamers without HDMI-enabled televisions, Nyko offers the HD-Link for PS3. Capable of displaying video signals up to 1080p, the HD-Link provides a high-quality video option that takes the video capabilities of the PlayStation 3 to a higher level. The HD-Link also includes high-quality audio cables and comes in at a length of 8 feet, making it an optimal choice for any home entertainment setup. The HD- Link for PS3 has a suggested retail price of $19.99.

The Blue Com Wireless Headset for PS3 provides an easy-to-use means of in-game communication while offering unparalleled performance. The small form- fitting headset utilizes the latest Bluetooth 2.0 technology, boasting a battery life of 8 hours, without the need for extraneous cables and cords. After a simple synchronization setup, the Blue Com Headset is ready to use with any PlayStation 3 title that supports in-game voice chat. The Blue Com Wireless Headset for PS3 will have a suggested retail price of $59.99.

"The PlayStation 3 is a console built around the idea of taking gaming to the next level and Nyko is ready to support that ideology with a lineup of innovative accessories for the new console," said Chris Arbogast, Marketing Manager at Nyko. "Whether you're looking for charging solutions, high-definition video features, or a way to extend the life of your console, Nyko has the product to meet your needs." Nyko will offer hands-on demos of all of its PlayStation 3 products at this year's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada.

You may have heard the rumors going around about the Nyko Intercooler. What was meant to help your Xbox 360 from overheating is actually causing it's own kind of burnout. Reader Ben M. sends in these pictures of the Intercooler he bought for his system along with the horror story of what happened when he put it in use.

As you can see, this product, although a great idea and it actually works, can be a serious fire hazard. Just check out what it did. Not to mention it melted one of my Xbox360 power connector covers which is still inside the Intercooler. Burnt, may I add.

From what I can gather, this has been happening to a lot of people and I certainly hope that NYKO will do a recall of these defective apparatus. If not, I hope they are ready to pay for repairs on all those burnt out 360's. Flynn De Marco

This looks less like a PSP to Television converter to me and more like a cybernetic implant from The Lawnmower Man, but nevertheless, it seems to fulfill the former function. Designed by Nyko and sold for $80 bucks, you clamp a screen scanner onto your PSP and then beam it into your television through standard video cables.

The only use for such a device is obviously to watch UMDs on your television: you certainly can't use it to play games (which would be the more interesting application). Of course, why would you want to? The format sucks and DVDs are cheaper. Still, it must be scratching some itch. Florian Eckhardt

PSP to TV [Aeropause]