New-Age Gaming with an Old-World Charm!

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Nyko’s Nintendo Switch Labo inspired kit ticks all the right boxes! A beautiful combination of cutting-edge handheld gaming tech and nostalgic design, the Nyko PixelQuest Arcade Kit turns Nintendo’s latest gaming device into something that takes you down memory lane.

The Pixelquest comes made out of cardboard, like all of Nintendo’s Labo accessories, but rather than transforming your handheld gaming device into an instrument, a mecha, or a moving toy, the PixelQuest takes you back in time to an era where gaming devices were large boxy cabinets with eye-level screens and controls that could withstand the abuse of an angry young teenage boy. The PixelQuest docks the Switch Screen, and the two handheld consoles (coming even with a joystick attachment like the old times), allowing you and your mate to play mano-a-mano or against the computer, just like the good old days. It also comes with a cheeky little graphic where the coin slot would be, and given its cardboard construction, can be colored/painted to look like an arcade cabinet from the golden days!

Designer: Nyko for Nintendo

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Nyko Type Pad PS4 Mini Keyboard: QWERTY Awaits

The PS4’s touchpad makes it easier to use the console’s virtual keyboard, but nothing beats the real deal, like Nyko’s new Type Pad for the current gen PlayStation.

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This isn’t the first mini keyboard that fits into the DualShock 4, but it is the first one to have dedicated @ and .com keys. It’s also the only one I’ve seen so far to have an analog nub, though to be fair the nub’s only function is to let you switch between text fields faster.

You can pre-order the Type Pad directly from Nyko or from Amazon for $35 (USD). By the way, if you’re looking for a media remote control for the PS4, keep an eye out for PDP’s officially licensed remote that’s coming out this October. Meanwhile I’m still waiting for L2 and R2 buttons for my gen 1 Vita.

Nyko PS4 Data Bank Adds Room for 3.5″ Hard Drives: Bigger Brain, Bigger Noggin

One thing the Xbox One has over the PS4 is that Microsoft’s console can use external USB drives to store game data. You can upgrade the PS4’s internal drive, but it only has room for 2.5″ drives. Thankfully PS4 users will soon be able to use 3.5″ drives with Sony’s console, via the Nyko PS4 Data Bank.

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The PS4 Data Bank takes over the space of the PS4’s faceplate and drive bay. It comes with an adapter that connects to the PS4’s power input, so you don’t need to plug it into an outlet. Here’s a brief demo of the add on courtesy of IGN:

In case you didn’t watch the video, Nyko told IGN that the PS4 Data Bank will be released on the 2nd quarter of this year for around $30 to $40 (USD). If only Nyko can increase my Internet connection’s speed as well so I can go beyond dreaming of downloading a full game.

[via Pocket-lint]

White Nyko Xbox One/PS4 Charger Is the Very Definition of Style

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Nyko Xbox One/PS4 controller chargers are not exactly a novelty, but the users of these next-gen gaming consoles can now rejoice, as the charging stations made by Nyko will soon be available in stylish white.

As good as the Xbox One and the PS4 may look, there’s still room for a lot of design and functionality improvements. Most of the time, such changes are achieved with aftermarket products such as the recently launched white version of the PlayStation4 DualShock 4 controller charging station, which is a GameStop-exclusive. Apparently, Nyko has made quite a name for itself by creating some high-quality Xbox One and PS4 controller chargers, so the latest addition to its collection can only be regarded as a good thing by gamers.

In the past, using wireless controllers with the previous generation of these consoles was optional, and only chosen for short periods of time for increased convenience. Now, Microsoft and Sony designed their products so that the latency between the console and the wireless controller is unnoticeable. This way, wireless controllers became a mainstay, and Nyko took advantage of that.

The Modular Charge Station and DualShock 4 connector made by Nyko in GameStop-eclusive white successfully replace the USB cable that was previously necessary for charging the PS4 controller.

In the case of the Xbox One Wireless Controller, the AA-batteries, which can run out of power pretty quickly, are replaced with Nyko’s proprietary wireless charging kit battery. Regardless of the type of controller that’s used, users are able to charge two of them simultaneously. The indicators will help you tell if the battery is full or not.

All in all, Nyko’s wireless controller charging stations is a very convenient solution for the ones who can afford spending some more after buying an already expensive video gaming console. The competition is fierce in this industry, and similar or maybe even better solutions might be developed in the near future.

Currently available only for the PS4, the white version of the controller charger will undoubtedly be available for Xbox One users in no time, as it would be a shame to make a discrimination between gamers when it comes to console accessories. It will be interesting to see what other accessories are developed for the two consoles.

Be social! Follow Walyou on Facebook and Twitter, and read more related stories about Xbox One’s support for external hard drives, and EA Access, the unlimited plan for Xbox One.

Nyko PlayPad Pro 2 hands-on

Nyko PlayPad Pro 2

Nyko's PlayPad Pro controllers make gaming on Android much less painful, as anyone who has attempted to control a high-speed Sonic with a touchscreen can attest. So, how does the company follow up a largely successful peripheral that already performs its appointed tasks with aplomb? By changing very little, it appears. The PlayPad Pro 2 has a slightly sleeker and more aggressive design than its predecessor, but at a glance it may be hard to tell the two apart. The most distintive change is the addition of fins along the sides that should help keep your hands from getting too sweaty during extended button-mashing sessions. The biggest change, though, is to the analog sticks, which Nyko has upgraded with components from Alps that feel just about as good as what you'd find on a first-party controller from one of the big three console makers. Switching between HID, mouse, iCade and app modes is also incredibly easy thanks to the switch underneath.

The rubberized grips and soft-touch coating also ooze style in a way that many mobile gaming controllers can't even dream of matching. Impressively, the gamepad is quite well balanced, despite being incredibly light. Though we don't have an official weight, it's certainly no heavier than the original. Our lone complaint is that the directional pad feels a bit stiff, but there's always a chance for Nyko to rectify the situation since we were only handling prototype hardware. The PlayPad Pro 2 will be out later this year for $40. Make sure you check out the gallery below and the PR after the break.

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Nyko’s Smart Clip brings the second screen to your controller (hands-on)

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With Microsoft and Sony making big pushes toward a second screen experience via smartphones and tablets, yet another space is opening up amongst third-party peripheral manufacturers. After all, supplemental information is great and all, but how to access it while gaming? Nyko thinks it's got a solution in the form of the Smart Clip. At first glance, the device looks a fair bit like those bluetooth gaming controls we've already seen en masse. Instead, the add-on clips your phone to your controller so you can, say, check out a map via Smart Glass or the PlayStation App without fumbling for your phone.

We played around with the clip a bit, and while if folds in quite nicely, the prototype still has a ways to go, a gentle jostling knocked the Nyko rep's phone right out. Sorry about that. The rear of the arm has an adjustable device, so you can attach all manner of handsets to your controller. There are also two knobs on the bottom to tighten the arm in place -- nice, as it was a little bit wobbly when we first picked it up. Naturally, Nyko plans to have all the kinks worked out when it launches the Xbox 360, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions later this year for $14.99.

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Nyko’s Xbox One and PlayStation 4 Charge Base peripherals (eyes-on)

Nyko's Xbox One and PlayStation 4 Charge Base peripherals eyeson

All right, all right, so it's not the sexiest thing in the world, but let's face it, those wireless controllers need to be charged. Nyko's got the jump on the next generation of battery drainers, rolling out out new Charge Bases for the Xbox One and PlayStation 4. The two peripherals look fairly similar: strips with two charging ports. The Xbox One version comes packed with two batteries, and the PS4 edition uses a little dongle for charging. In both cases, the systems are just drop and go. Once they're in place, a little display will illuminate an image of the controller to let you know that it's doing its job. No word on pricing on either, but you can treat yourself to a gallery of both below.

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Nyko reveals new accessories for Xbox One, PS4 and NVIDIA Shield

Nyko reveals new accessories for Xbox One, PS4 and NVIDIA Shield

Now that we know mostly everything about the Xbox One and PlayStation 4, it's about time for peripheral makers to start showcasing their planned gear for these next-gen consoles. As such, Nyko's taken to this year's E3 to announce a few products meant to be used alongside Microsoft and Sony's recently announced entertainment boxes -- there's a Smart Clip, a Charge Base and a Headset Adaptor (Xbox One-only). Meanwhile, Nyko also took the time to unveil a little something for the NVIDIA Shield, including a dock that doubles as a charging station, a couple of sleek traveling cases and a kit which provides power to the unorthodox handheld while on the go or at home. Nyko didn't dive into much of the availability (or pricing) specifics, but the trend seems to be that the add-ons will be available later this year.

Follow all of our E3 2013 coverage at our event hub.

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Source: Nyko