E3 2012: Nyko Android, PS3 and 3DS gamepads
The thing I love about Nyko is they are the one third party hardware company that actually improves on the first party stuff. They
already announced some mobile gamepads and they have more goodies for us today. First off is a stylish little gamepad for Android phones, the bluetooth
Playpad. The PS3 gets another quality fighting stick with the
Free Fighter, and the 3DS gets a less-than-hideous and more functional circle pad add-on with the
Power Grip Pro. The Power Grip Pro looks much nicer than Nintendo's Circle Pad Pro, and it also adds to the 3DS's battery life. I think Nintendo should just keep Nyko on retainer--they improve on just about every piece of hardware Nintendo makes.
Nyko Introduces Android Tablet Controllers and Arcade-Quality PlayStation®3 Fight Stick at E3
Diversified Product Lineup for Expanded Game Audiences
LOS ANGELES - June 5, 2012 - Nyko Technologies®, the leading gaming peripherals manufacturer, unveiled their latest products at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). A stalwart exhibitor at the game industry’s headline event, Nyko this year announced a bold new product line designed to enhance our experience with the evolving range of consoles, handhelds and mobile devices that today’s gamers enjoy.
“With the tablet evolving into a dedicated gaming platform, it becomes our duty to supply the gamer embracing these devices with the controls and functionality they are accustomed to,” said Chris Arbogast, director of marketing, Nyko Technologies. “At the same time we have introduced our Free Fighter arcade stick that caters to the fans of fighting games who need precision control and customization options.”
Nyko’s E3 2012 product line-up includes:
The PlayPad Pro is Nyko's full-sized wireless Bluetooth® gaming controller for Android tablet devices. The controller features dual analog sticks, a d-pad, face buttons and shoulder bumpers for a console-style control experience on Android devices. Nyko’s complementary Playground app will offer backwards compatibility for other Android games and a variety of button-mapping features, including customized controller layout. The PlayPad Pro will be available at select retail stores nationwide Holiday 2012.
The PlayPad is a travel-sized tablet controller with dual analog sliders, and includes a collapsible tablet stand and carrying case for console-like precision gaming on the go. Like the PlayPad Pro, the PlayPad controller includes Nyko’s Playground app and works with any Bluetooth-enabled device running Android 3.0 or higher. The PlayPad will be available at select retail stores nationwide Holiday 2012.
The Free Fighter for PlayStation® 3 is an arcade-quality fight stick with eight face buttons, and a unique ambidextrous design for right or left-handed use. Compatible with all standard fighting games, the Free Fighter is made with authentic Japanese Sanwa® Denshi arcade-quality parts and includes an expandable base for comfort and security during lap-top use. The Free Fighter includes four fully customizable macro buttons for quick access to combos, as well as two variable speed turbo buttons for fast, slow or user-created tap speed. The Free Fighter will be available at select retail stores nationwide in September 2012 and will retail for an MSRP of $179.99.
The Power Grip Pro for the Nintendo 3DS is an analog slider controller case with extended battery. The hard protective case helps to prevent scratches and dings, and the ergonomic design provides optimal comfort and control. Gamers will enjoy the added control and functionality of the analog slider as well as triple the playtime. The Power Grip Pro for Nintendo 3DS will be available at select retail stores nationwide in October 2012.
The Power Grip for the PlayStation® Vita is an ergonomic grip with built-in rechargeable battery that enables a better hold on the Vita with controller-like grips and up to three times the battery life. The device snaps over the back of the Vita while allowing access to all buttons and the rear touch panel. The Power Grip for the Vita will be available at select retail stores nationwide in August 2012 and will retail for an MSRP of $29.99.
Nyko will also be showing off the latest versions of upcoming items in their Yo Gabba Gabba! product line including Muno Time—the singing, dancing alarm clock charging dock, and the Brobee Hip Pack, a fuzzy, soft carrying case for your handheld or mobile devices. Muno Time will be available at select retail stores nationwide in September 2012 and will retail for an MSRP for $129.99. The Brobee Hip Pack will be available September 2012 and will retail for an MSRP of $29.99.