Game Addicts » Gaming Hardware

Razer has new StarCraft II mouse

Edwin — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 05:00:05 +0000

Razer is no slouch when it comes to high performance gaming peripherals, and their latest release would definitely bring joy to fans of Blizzard’s hugely popular RTS – StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty. The latest high end precision gaming mouse would be the Razer Spectre StarCraft II Gaming Mouse, where it will boast the latest APM (Actions-Per-Minute) Lighting System and as well as a gaming-optimized design that was inspired by the StarCraft universe in order to complement the on-screen action. Basically, if you’re an avid gamer of the RTS, you won’t be disappointed with what Razer has to offer with this tie-in.

The Razer Spectre StarCraft II Gaming Mouse, as mentioned earlier, will sport the APM (Actions-Per-Minute) Lighting System that offers the gamer with feedback on performance, where one will be able to enjoy a fully integrated gaming experience which will respond directly to the player’s performance and speed. Not only that, its design was also optimized for gaming, placing a strong emphasis on portability for tournament play, while sporting design elements from the StarCraft universe to help it keep in line with the overall theme.

You will also find yourself potentially mesmerized with its multi-color LED that provides real-time performance feedback through changing lighting hues and adjustable mouse button force settings for optimal mouse click speed and control. Other hardware specifications include a powerful 5600dpi Razer Precision 3.5G laser sensor and a 1000Hz Ultrapolling 1 ms response time for superior performance, leaving you no one and nothing else to blame but your lack of skills in the event you lose your match. It will retail for $79.99 when it hits the market later in the third quarter of the year.

Press Release

Sony announces pricing for PlayStation Move controller at E3

Edwin — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 23:00:35 +0000

Sony decided to make the most out of E3 by revealing the pricing details of their anticipated PlayStation Move motion controller. Now, motion controllers aren’t exactly new in the market, but Nintendo’s Wii has certainly brought the idea to the masses in an extremely fun (and profitable) manner. While Sony and Microsoft initially laughed at Nintendo’s “waggle controls”, it looks like they have decided to swallow their pride and include motion controls into their own respective consoles, with Sony’s effort ending up being known as the PlayStation Move.

Sony Computer Entertainment America will release a PlayStation Move bundle comprised of a PlayStation Move motion controller, PlayStation Eye camera, Sports Champions Blu-ray disc game and PlayStation Move demo disc for $99.99. Additionally, a PlayStation 3 Sports Champion Move Bundle, which includes a PS3 system, PlayStation Move motion controller, PlayStation Eye Camera, Sports Champions Blu-ray game and PlayStation Move game demo disc, will be available for $399.99. The PlayStation Eye camera will also be sold separately for $39.99.

Folks living in North America will be able to get their hands on the PlayStation Move this coming September 19th for $49.99, while our friends living across the pond (as well as other PAL territories) will be able to receive theirs four days earlier for 39.99 Euros. As for folks who reside in Japan, you will have to wait a full month after that, forking out 3,980 yen for this puppy. It would be extremely interesting to see just how the PlayStation Move will make beautiful looking games on the PS3 play even better.

Press Release

Roundtable Concepts to roll out Street Fighter IV HDTV

Edwin — Mon, 24 May 2010 05:00:10 +0000

Roundtable Concepts Inc. is more than ready to roll out the Street Fighter IV HDTV in the coming weeks, where this is no clone device, but is instead an officially licensed Capcom piece of hardware. Guess only fans of the Street Fighter franchise will need apply, as the missus might not be too fond of seeing your favorite Street Fighter characters and/or logo embellished on the bottom two corners of the frame, where you can choose from 32″, 40″, 42″ and 46″ LED HDTV’s. Touted to be the perfect HDTV for the Street Fighter fan, a Street Fighter character that appears on the casing will also make another appearance on the display for a good 8 seconds whenever you power it on – definitely not something folks who want instant access to their TV whenever they press the power button, eh?

According to Seon King, Senior Director of licensing at Capcom, “We are extremely excited to be working with Roundtable Concepts, Inc. on this new initiative. There is such a natural partnership between video games and consumer electronics – especially televisions and monitors – that a partnership like this was a perfect fit. We hope that our Street Fighter fans will enjoy their favorite fighting game on one of these HDTV’s for the ultimate Street Fighter experience.”

Roundtable Concepts (RTC) is excited for the opportunity to work with Capcom and feels this TV would be the perfect fit for the gamer and at the same time create a new standard in the industry. RTC is proud to launch this product with Capcom because of their strong brand recognition and unprecedented quality. RTC is planning for tremendous growth that will allow for other gaming TVs in the future.

There is no word on pricing as at press time, but you can more or less be sure that this is one experience which you won’t want to miss if you’re a huge Street Fighter fan. What will it be – Bison, Ryu or Ken on the front bezel?

Press Release

IntensaFIRE rapid-fire device hits the PS3

Edwin — Sat, 15 May 2010 22:53:06 +0000

Folks who have given the IntensaFIRE rapid-fire device on the Xbox 360 a go in the past would definitely have found it to be a great gizmo that play with, and we suspect that PS3 owners have thrown a glance this way with more than an envious look. Well, those green eyes can be exorcised once and for all now with the IntensaFIRE rapid-fire device that is now available for the Sony PS3. This is one gaming kit for the controller which clicks into place without the need for any glue or soldering, measuring 9/16″ x 9/16″ with a recommended retail price of $69.95. Compared to other similar products in the market, that figure is a bargain considering the rest are going for as much as $199.

The IntensaFIRE modifies PlayStation 3 dual shock 3 wireless controllers, allowing them to transform to a rapid-fire controller. Benefits include: Rapid-fire R1, R2, L1 and the “X” button, along with dual-rapid fire, 8-mode sleeper, works in all PS3 controllers, easy installation, 3-customizable user programmer-mode, does not require a more powerful battery, easy to program for all future games.

Being easy to install, all you need is a screwdriver and you are halfway there already. It is usable in all PlayStation games, ranging from everyday gamer favorites such as Modern Warfare 2, Killzone 2, BattleField Bad Company 2, to all other current and future First Person Shooters or Fighter games, where the IntensaFIRE is touted to elevate your game play to a new level.

Press Release

Razer rolls out Abyssus Mirror Special Edition gaming mouse

Edwin — Tue, 04 May 2010 23:28:08 +0000

Razer knows that they’ve got a pretty large following when it comes to high performance gaming hardware, and this time round the company has introduced its latest Abyssus Mirror Special Edition gaming mouse. Just in case it sounds familiar to you, this mouse is basically the same as the original Abyssus, although this time round it comes with a special edition black chrome mirror finish that will definitely ooze with class and quality, too bad it won’t do anything to improve your natural gaming skills, although using sleek hardware might help increase your performance levels by a notch. At least you will still win points from the audience for having good taste, eh?

The Razer Abyssus Mirror Special Edition was created specifically for gamers that demand the utmost in form and functionality, as well as reliability under the most intense gameplay conditions. The Razer Abyssus Mirror features a glossy finish and is equipped with two large buttons tuned for maximum tactile feedback, as well as Razer’s signature Hyperesponse™ technology. Underneath, Razer has placed two easily accessible mechanical switches—one on-the-fly dpi switch giving the user their choice of 450, 1800, or 3500dpi and one polling rate switch allowing instant adjustment from a standard 125hz to 1000hz Ultrapolling.

Depending on which continent you live on, the Razer Abyssus Mirror Special Edition will cost $49.99 and €39.99, where it will sport the following specifications and features :-

High gloss mirror finish
3500dpi Razer Precision 3.5G infrared sensor
1000Hz Ultrapolling/1ms response time
Mechanical dpi/polling rate switches
On-The-Fly Sensitivity adjustment
Always-On mode
Ultra-large buttons
16-bit ultra-wide data path
60-120 inches per second and 15g of acceleration
Three independently programmable Hyperesponse buttons
Ambidextrous design
Scroll wheel with 24 individual click positions
Zero-acoustic Ultraslick Teflon feet
Seven-foot, lightweight, non-tangle cord
Approx. size in mm 115(L) x 63(W) x 40(H)

Bayer Diabetes Care announces DIDGET blood glucose monitoring system

Edwin — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 05:00:18 +0000

Diabetes is a lifelong disease that thankfully can be managed and treated with the right system in place. Of course, when it comes to kids, getting them to take regular insulin shots could prove to be a challenge (how many times have we adults skipped a dose of medicine, never mind insulin shots, simply because we conveniently forgot?), which is why Bayer Diabetes Care has announced its DIDGET blood glucose monitoring system that will work directly with the Nintendo DS and DS Lite handheld consoles. This is the only blood glucose meter that hooks up to a console, and aims to help kids manage a lifelong disease by rewarding them for building consistent testing habits and meeting personalized blood glucose target ranges.

Bayer’s DIDGET meter links play with purpose for children with diabetes by tapping into kids’ existing passion for handheld gaming. The DIDGET meter positively reinforces consistent blood glucose testing habits by awarding points that kids can use to unlock new game levels and customize their gaming experience. Bayer’s DIDGET meter is intended for use by kids ages 4-14 and grows with the child’s ability to manage their diabetes, offering two testing levels, Basic and Advanced. It comes with Knock ‘Em Downs: World’s Fair that includes a full length adventure game and mini game arcade. The DIDGET meter will connect to Bayer’s DIDGET World, a password-protected Web community that is coming soon, where kids can spend points that they earn from consistent monitoring practices and create their own page.

Interesting, eh? This unique DIDGET meter will retail for $74.99 and can be purchased via leading online pharmacies – take note that it is not sold in game stores. Of course, you can also use the DIDGET meter as a standalone device, but where’s the fun in that then?

Press Release

Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker PSP Entertainment Pack from Sony

Edwin — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:09:47 +0000

Sony has a brand new bundle for the masses when summer comes around, and we’re talking about the Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker PSP Entertainment Pack. Hmmm, not another Sony PSP, you ask? Well, this one is different since it will mark the first Spirited Green colored PSP-3000 system in the US, coinciding with the launch of what most people would deem to be a definite sales success of yet another Metal Gear title. Ever wondered why they did not release it as a PSP Go pack? Well, the PSP Go isn’t exactly performing well in terms of sales, so it is better to stick to something tried and tested, eh?

Available on June 8, 2010, METAL GEAR SOLID: PEACE WALKER is a complete METAL GEAR SOLID game on UMD (Universal Media Disc) and features an extensive amount of gameplay that will revolutionize previous notions of a handheld game experience. The limited-edition package will debut a “Spirited Green” PSP-3000 system, marking the first time the color will be available in North America. In addition, special in-game content such as an exclusive Camouflage Uniform with FOX logos and Stealth Gun feature, both of which will be unlocked early in the game; a PlayStation Network downloadable movie voucher (U.S. residents only; title to be announced); and a 2GB Memory Stick PRO Duo will complete this ultimate portable entertainment package.

Well, how about it? We say that the asking price of $199.99 is pretty reasonable considering you get a whole new color without having to paint it yourself, and not only that, you are able to enjoy Solid Snake in yet another riveting adventure, where your skills stand between a megalomaniac dominating the world, or rescuing it from the clutches of evil. What’s your next step?

Press Release

PlayStation Move announced by Sony

Edwin — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:00:32 +0000

Sony knows that they are lagging behind Nintendo terribly in terms of hardware sales for this console generation despite having superior hardware, but that gap seems to be closing recently (although there is still a long way for Sony to go before they can catch up), and this is due to the Wii’s initial momentum dying off, a lack of quality titles on Nintendo’s platform and better exclusives on the PS3 among others. Well, fast forward to today and we have Sony announcing the PlayStation Move motion controller for the PS3 which will roll out worldwide later thsi fall, boasting a motion-based, high-definition gaming experience unlike anything on the market. Not only that, this launch will also include the PlayStation Move sub-controller which is meant to be used along with the motion controller for intuitive navigation of in-game characters and objects.

The combination of the PS3 system and PlayStation Eye camera detects the precise movement, angle, and absolute position in 3D space of PlayStation Move motion controller, allowing users to intuitively play the game as if they themselves are within the game. PlayStation Move motion controller delivers unmatched accuracy through its advanced motion sensors, including a three-axis gyroscope, a three-axis accelerometer, and a terrestrial magnetic field sensor, as well as a color-changing sphere that is tracked by PlayStation Eye camera. Through PlayStation Move system, both fast and subtle motion can be detected, whether the user is swinging a tennis racket, or painting with a brush. With PlayStation Move motion controller, users can provide direct input through action buttons and an analog trigger, while receiving physical feedback from rumble functionality and visual feedback from the sphere’s ability to display a variety of different colors. Furthermore, PlayStation Eye camera can capture the player’s voice or image, enabling augmented reality experiences.

No word on pricing just yet, but we do know that the PlayStation Move sub-controller will be a one-handed controller and was specially developed to further expand the game play options that PlayStation Move games can offer. Ah well, will these developments make you consider the PS3 to be the king of the hill in due time?

Press Release

Polk Audio ships HitMaster

Edwin — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 05:00:24 +0000

Having the right kind of speaker configuration to go with your gaming rig can be quite a shopping experience since there is a fair number of hardware manufacturers who do roll out pretty solid speakers. Well, Polk Audio jumps on the gaming audio bandwagon with their latest release, the HitMaster which has started to ship. The HitMaster is a new type of speaker which will elevate your gaming experience, especially with titles such as Rock Band and Guitar Hero. Expect to replay all your favorite songs in a new level of depth and detail.

HitMaster, which is available at Polk Audio dealers as well as on the company’s web site (www.polkaudio.com), features a single-point stereo design that includes two 2.5″ x 5.5″ horns with two 1″ neodymium tweeters surrounding a 6.5″ woofer, housed in a cabinet that measures 14″w x 9 1/2″h x 8 1/2″d and weighs 13 lbs. By employing single-point stereo, HitMaster produces a wide, immersive soundfield that brings a live concert sense of realism to the latest crop of music-based games. PolkAudio’s HitMaster plays loud, clear and detailed, pumping out 100 Watts maximum, 80 Watts RMS, with total frequency response rated at 40Hz-20kHz. Maximum PL is rated at 103dB 1M/1W. The HitMaster includes line-level inputs and outputs for daisy-chaining two or more monitors.

In order to further brighten up the festivities involved with the HitMaster’s launch, Polk Audio is giving away one free music game every day through April 15. Best of all is, all you need to do is visit www.polkhitmaster.com without any need for a prior purchase. The Polk Audio HitMaster will retail for $99 a pop, and ought to be a hit with those who love music-based games, although regular games ought to get a kick out of this in the living room as well.

Press Release

Final Fantasy XIII Xbox 360 bundle coming

Edwin — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 14:08:58 +0000

Have you yet to jump aboard the current generation of game consoles, as you did not yet come to a conclusion on whether the Wii, Xbox 360 or PS3 is able to fit your gaming needs? Well, Microsoft aims to persuade you with their latest console bundle which will not only include the Xbox 360, but also Final Fantasy XIII as well, aptly known as the Final Fantasy XIII Special Edition Bundle. Targeting folks who are in the US, you no longer need to import one from Japan if you’re a hardcore fan.

The newly announced Xbox 360 Final Fantasy XIII Special Edition Bundle comes complete with two wireless controllers, a copy of Final Fantasy XIII (naturally), access to exclusive downloadable content (specifically avatars) and, the undoubted highlight, a 250GB hard drive engraved with the Final Fantasy XIII name. Additionally, if you’re really looking to complete the package you could opt-in for a strictly limited edition faceplate, which will be made available ‘promotionally in very limited numbers’ created by none other than Square Enix’s famed character designer, Tetsuya Nomura. The Xbox 360 Final Fantasy XIII Special Edition Bundle with engraved 250GB HDD is set to land on March 9th but, at this juncture, no pricing information has been made available (either for the bundle with faceplate or without).

How much do you think this bundle will cost when available? Considering it is Final Fantasy that we’re talking about here, it would be advisable to get your advanced order in before anyone else, unless you love being disappointed on launch day.

Source: Nexus404