E3 2016: NYKO drops some new gear and jumps into VR face first
NYKO has always been at the forfront of coming up with solutions for gamers that the console manufactures do not always provide. At E3 today, the company announced several new and updated product lineups that will cover gamers on a go forward basis, including those that are taking the plunge into VR.
Speaking of, the new VR products announced are the VR Guardian and the VR Motion Band. The VR Guardian is boundary system designed to keep you in a “safe zone” while you are moving about with your VR rig on. It uses four Bluetooth sensors to establish a grid to the payers design and comes with wristbands that alert you if you are too close to the edge. The VR Guardian is slated for a fall 2016 release with an MSRP of $99.99. The second product was the VR Motion Band which is designed to act like one of those copper bracelets and stave off motion sickness. It uses an acupressure bead on the underside of your forearm to keep the sickness away. It is also expected to ship in fall 2016, and will be a one-size-fits-all device and have an MSRP of $9.99 each.
In addition to the new VR items, NYKO announced several updated and new console accessories for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Included are new single controller chargers for the Xbox One and PS4 called the Charge Block Solo, along with a new Charge Block Dual for two controllers. The Solo will have an MSRP of $19.99 each, includes a 1200 mAh battery and will ship in September 2016. The Charge Block Duo will two 1200 mAh batteries, also ships in September and will have an MSRP of $24.99 for PS4 and $29.99 for Xbox One.
A couple of new products announced for each console was the Intercooler Grip and the SpeakerCom. The Intercooler Grip is an add on device that plugs into the bottom of the controllers and provides cool air to the inside of your palms while playing. This looks to be a pretty cool item for those that play for long hours and are looking for some relief from sweaty palms. It will have an MSRP of $19.99 for both consoles and is slated for a fall 2016 release. The other new product was the SpeakerCom, which plugs into the same slot as the Intercooler Grip, but instead uses the headphone jack to give you a hands-free mic and speaker right in the palm of your hands. This will also ship in fall 2016, with an MSRP of $24.99.
As usual, NYKO had some intriguing items announced that we will try to get a closer look at as the year goes on.
E3 2016: Nyko Debuts Accessories for VR, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One
Nyko to showcase latest line of accessories for VR and game consoles at ED3 2016, West Hall Booth #4500
LOS ANGELES - June 14, 2016 - Inventive video game accessories manufacturer Nyko Technologies today debuted its first ever line of virtual reality gaming products at the 2016 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles. The new VR accessories include the VR Guardian, a Bluetooth-powered boundary system that creates a “safe zone” for floor-scale gameplay, and a VR Motion Band designed to reduce nausea. In addition, the company also unveiled new console gaming accessories for the Xbox One™ and PlayStation®4, including the Charge Block Solo featuring a modular design that can be used individually or combined to charge controllers for both consoles, and an Intercooler Grip and SpeakerCom for the PS4. All products are set to launch within the 2016 calendar year.
Hands on demos are available from Tuesday, June 14 to Thursday, June 16 at Nyko’s exhibition booth in the West Hall, #4500. Members of the press interested in scheduling a personal demo can contact nyko@triplepointpr.com for an appointment.
“VR gaming has achieved significant traction in the past year and presents greater opportunities for us to do what we do best - improve upon the overall gameplay experience through smart design and useful applications,” said Chris Arbogast, Nyko’s head of sales and marketing. “We spent a lot of time in the product research and development phase identifying the key issues facing gamers with VR. These new products address nausea and call for improved safety, especially with respect to not-so-imaginary walls and furniture, while playing in a virtual world.
Nyko’s VR Accessories Debut
VR Guardian
VR’s unparalleled immersion is incredible, but when a virtual space starts to feel like reality and the boundaries of your world feel entirely arbitrary, it can also be hazardous. VR Guardian is a complete VR boundary system that lets users designate a “safe zone” for floor-scale gameplay, using sensors and wristbands to alert you before you trip over a couch or run into a wall. The VR Guardian uses four Bluetooth sensors to form a user-defined grid. The sensors are paired with two adjustable wristbands that vibrate and alert the user when they begin to encroach on the designated boundary. When not in use, the sensors and wristbands can be neatly stacked together for easy storage and simultaneous charging. VR Guardian is compatible with all VR systems, and will begin shipping in fall 2016 for an MSRP of $99.99.
VR Motion Band
Designed to address the unfortunate pesky side effects of prolonged VR headwear use, the VR Motion Bands use an acupressure bead to stimulate the anterior surface of the forearm (a key pressure point) on both wrists to potentially reduce nausea, dizziness, and headaches. By applying pressure on this point, the wristbands help release muscular tension and stress, promote the circulation of blood, and enable the body to relax. The VR Motion Band is an adjustable one-size fits all band for an MSRP of $9.99. The product is expected to ship in fall 2016.
Console Customization
Charge Block Solo for PlayStation®4 and Xbox One™
The Charge Block Solo is a versatile solution for quick, easy controller charging - it can plug into any wall outlet, USB port, or even another charge block for simultaneous charging. The power cable can also disconnect for separate charging--it’s a standard micro USB that can be used to charge a controller while playing or with any other USB device like a cell phone, allowing you full control and flexibility for your charging needs. The Charge Block Solo for PlayStation 4 (MSRP of $14.99) comes with Nyko’s patented micro-USB dongles for charging, and will be available for pre-order online on GameStop and Amazon. The Charge Block Solo for Xbox One (MSRP of $19.99) includes a 1200 mAh battery and will be available for pre-order on GameStop and Amazon. Both products will begin shipping September 2016.
Charge Block Duo for PlayStation®4 and Xbox One™
The Charge Block Duo is designed for easy, rapid dual controller charging. Like the Charge Block Solo, it can draw power from a wall outlet, USB port, or other charge blocks, and can be split into two separate charge blocks per user convenience. The Charge Blog Duo for PlayStation 4 (MSRP of $24.99) comes with Nyko’s patented micro-USB dongles for charging, and will be available for pre-order on GameStop and Amazon. The Charge Blog Duo for Xbox One (MSRP of $29.99) includes two 1200 mAh batteries, and will also be available for pre-order online at GameStop and Amazon. Both products will begin shipping September 2016.
Intercooler Grip for PlayStation®4 and Xbox One™
The Intercooler Grip is a controller attachment designed to deliver cool air to your hands using multiple integrated fans, perfect for avoiding the discomfort of sweaty palms and the tactical disadvantage of slippery trigger fingers during summertime gaming marathons. Intercooler Grip for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One will both begin shipping in fall 2016 for an MSRP of $19.99, and are now available for pre-order online. Intercooler Grip for PlayStation 4 will be available for pre-order on GameStop and Amazon. The Intercooler Grip for Xbox One will also be found online at both GameStop and Amazon for pre-order.
SpeakerCom for PlayStation®4 and Xbox One™
The SpeakerCom is a high quality speaker and microphone attachment for your controller. This patented technology lets you strategize with your team or goad your opponents without having to deal with clunky headwear. The SpeakerCom for both the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One are now available for pre-order online for an MSRP of $24.99, and will begin shipping in fall 2016. The SpeakerCom for PlayStation 4 will be available online on GameStop and Amazon for pre-order, and the SpeakerCom for Xbox One will also be available online at both GameStop and Amazon.
