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Nyko GameFace 360
Manufacturer: Nyko
Site: Buy from Nyko
Price: $20-28

Overview : Get your Game Face on! Personalize your Xbox 360 with the GameFace customizable faceplate and skin kit. This two piece faceplate houses personalized templates placed between a high-grade clear polycarbonate front plate and a stylized base plate. Download the easy to use design software at www.nyko.com and instantly create faceplates using your favorite game characters, images, photos, patterns and more. Print the final creations on the 15 blank templates using any home printer or try one of the 6 pre-printed designs also included in the kit. The templates fit snugly between the faceplate pieces and snap into place on the front of the Xbox 360. With the GameFace 360, you get everything you need to make up to 16 custom faceplates right away all from the comfort of home.

Features :

• Personalize your Xbox 360 with your favorite game characters, bands, photos, drawings and designs
• Includes base plate and clear front plate, 15 blank templates and 6 pre-printed designs
• Includes easy-to-use Game Face software. Create and print your own designs
• High quality construction, designed for easy installation and removal
• Software downloadable here. Requirements: PC or Mac computer, internet connection, home printer

Minimum System Requirements :

• PC with Windows XP/2000 or Macintosh with OS 10.2 or higher
• Dial up/broadband internet connection and compatible browser
• Home Printer (with 8 1/2" x 14" compatible tray)

Quality/Usability : One of the nice unique features of the Xbox 360 was the ability to customize your console faceplate. With that, Nyko released the GameFace 360 which retails for $20, to help those with a sense of creativity and those who want a unique system that is different from the rest.

The Nyko GameFace 360 consists of a silver back plate and a clear front plate. In between the two plates, you place one of six preprinted paper templates or a custom design printed on one of the 15 included blank sheets. Each paper template has punch-out holes for the Xbox 360's disc tray, memory card and all face ports.

Although the included preprinted templates are nice, they arent the best looking things. If you're looking to pick up the GameFace 360, you're not looking to get it for its preprinted templates but to customize it with your own style and image.

In order to print your own design to be used with the GameFace you must download the GameFace software from Nyko's Web site. The software is compatible with Windows PCs and Macs. The software itself is fairly simple. Just download the program, extract it and start the application. Once the program has launched, a blank document in a shape of a faceplate is shown with a few editing options for you to choose from. The software allows you to import JPEG, GIF, Bitmap or TIFF files. Once you have loaded an image, you have the ability to rotate the image, scale the image, increase or decrease the contrast and brightness, inverting colors, adding grayscale and blurring images. The application is like a mini-Photoshop.

Speaking of Photoshop, if you happen to have the program on your computer, Nyko offers a downloadable PSD template for you to use for you more advanced Photoshop users.

Printing the templates are easy. Removing the template off the template can take a little patience as they can tear easily. Once you have removed the template, placing the paper template on the clear faceplate may be difficult as it doesnt line up with perfectly and may result in the paper being creased. Removing dual faceplate/sheet combos is a little difficult as well since you wont be able to remove all three at the same time. Be sure to take your time as you only have a limited amount of templates (15) to play with.

Conclusion : Overall, the Nyko GameFace 360 is a great product for those who would like to give their Xbox 360 a unique and stylish look. Nyko offers a great range of flexibility when it comes to customizing the faceplate by either using their software or using Photoshop. Although you are limited to 15 blank templates, Nyko will be releasing replacement templates for those who have run out of the allotted 15.

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Datel Wii Max Vii Guitar Controller
Manufacturer: Datel
Site:
Price: £29.95 / 49.90€


Overview : Guitar games are currently the hottest property on the current generation of consoles, and Nintendo’s Wii is no exception. Trouble is, some of the guitar controllers out there just don’t look the part. Thankfully, with a Wii Max Vii Guitar around your neck, you look every inch the budding rock star, but do you have what it takes to beat the best in Guitar Hero III?

Boasting an exciting ‘flying V’ design, Wii Max Vii Guitar is a wireless controller, so there are no cables to tangle up as you play. It’s powered by the Wiimote that snaps into the body of the guitar, so you need no batteries either. It has five contoured fret buttons, a responsive strum bar and a working whammy bar. The neck of the guitar is detachable from its body, so it’s easy to transport, and the supplied strap fits either side of the fret board, so you can play left-handed as well as right-handed. It’s the perfect control solution for your Wii guitar games.

Features :

• Exciting design.
• Strap included.
• Wireless controller.
• Responsive strum bar.
• Functional whammy bar.
• No batteries required – powered by Wiimote.

Quality/Usability : The Datel Wii Vii Guitar Controllers gives Guitar Hero controllers a whole new look. The Wii Vii gives a 'V' shaped look. The Vii has a glossy look to it and not a dull black casing like the original Les Paul controller.

The strum bar, SELECT and START buttons, strap holder and whammy bar all have a chrome look to it. I like that the SELECT and START button is upside down when you look at it head on. But if you're holding the guitar as if you were playing and you look down, you'll be able to read the SELECT and START perfectly. The SELECT and START button is located slightly higher. I usually use my palm to activate the Star Power and if the button is higher, this throws me off.

Unlike the Les Paul controller that was included with Guitar Hero, there is no small compartment for the wrist strap. You have to shove it in the back. There is also no UNLOCK/LOCK mechanism. The locking and unlocking mechanism is actually at the bottom of the neck. When pushed in to the guitar, the PRESS button pushes down and it pops out and locks the neck in place. If you want to remove the neck, you simply press the button and pull the neck out. The buttons on the neck are full colored (Green, Red, Yellow, Blue and Orange).

One thing I dont like about the design is the 'V' shape. I like to rest my palm on the guitar. Since its a 'V' shape, my wrist hangs off the end of the guitar and makes playing uncomfortable. Yea, I can move my hand closer to the edge closest to the neck but would feel awkward. Those who have big hands and rest their palm on the guitar will definitely find their palm hanging off the guitar.

The controls worked great. Didnt notice a lag. The colored buttons didnt have the clicky feel to it. It felt more mushy when pressing the buttons. But the buttons registered when playing a game. The strum bar had a nice clicking feel to it.

Conclusion : Overall, the Datel Wii Max Vii Guitar Controller worked as it should but I felt that the design has its flaws. I like to rest my palm on the guitar and since this is 'V' shaped, my palm hangs over the edge. Those with big hands and likes to rest their hands on the guitar will experience the same thing I did. You wont be able to change the faceplate considering there is nothing to change.

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Wii SNK Neo Geo Arcade Stick 2
Manufacturer: SNK Playmore
Site: Buy from Goldenshop
Price: $59.00


Overview : Fans of the old school Neo Geo console have been getting their fix of their favorite games the Wii’s Virtual Console for a while now. But playing those classic games using a Wii-mote or crummy gamepad controller just can’t compare to the Neo Geo’s original arcade controller.

The Neo Geo Wii arcade stick 2 can be compatible with all your virtual console games. It connects directly to your Wii and lets you play your favorite old games properly. The stick is based on the original Neo Geo controller, complete with arcade joystick and a great button layout for playing fighting games and the like.

Features :

• Official Nintendo product
• Size: 270mm (L) x 190mm (W) x 65mm (D)
• Uses the communication function of the Wii Remote Control
• Arcade style fighting controller.
• Based on SNK's Neo Geo stick.
• Suitable for Virtual Console games.

Quality/Usability : My hands have been itching to play Neo Geo games. Yes, they are available on the Nintendo Wii's Virtual Console but its not the same playing it on a controller. How can you play Puzzle Bobble or World Heroes on a controller or let alone on the Wiimote? Someone from SNK Playmore must of been reading my mind because SNK has released an arcade stick called the Neo Geo Stock 2. It resembles the original Neo Geo Stick for the Neo Geo...even the black color. Since this is two different consoles, there are some minor cosmetic changes.

The Neo Geo Stick 2 has the same four round buttons (B, A, Y, X) which are laid out in a slight curve. At the end of these buttons, there are two additional buttons on the bottom and top of the four buttons (ZL, L and R, ZR respectively). The top contains the SELECT and START. To the left is the eight directional joystick.

First game I had to try was Puzzle Bobble. When I was young, I loved this game so much that I would play this game everyday after school at my local comic book shop. I used my WiiPoints and purchased the Virtual Console game. It was not the same playing it on the WiiMote or classic controller. With the Neo Geo Stick 2, it brought back memories whoever, the stick wasnt as smooth as the arcade. Than again, the arcade stick was used a lot more than the NGS2 so it was broken in. Like all console arcade sticks, the joysticks have a clicky feel to it but that didnt stop me!

Next game I had to try was a fighting game. I went and purchased World Heroes and Fatal Fury. World Heroes was another favorite of mine when I was growing up. I wasn't a big fan of fighting games and still probably not. I was a button smasher when I was growning up playing video games. I probably still am. The controls were great and was able to get my moves off...from what I can remember without having to smash buttons =).

And my all time favorite....Metal Slug. Your Virtual Console and Neo Geo experience is not complete with this classic! I've owned this game at one time or another on the Neo Geo Pocket, DS, PS2, Xbox, etc. Like the previous games, the NGS2 controlled great and I had no problem shooting enemies or aiming/controlling my weapon.

The quality of the controller is very high. Buttons, joystick and the base was very sturdy. I dont lightly tap my arcade sticks...I pound on them. The NGS2 connects to the Wiimote just like the Classic Controller. There is no rumble support but would of been a nice feature.

Conclusion : Overall, the Wii SNK Neo Geo Stick 2 is a must for those who have Neo Geo Virtual Console games. Playing Neo Geo games is not complete until you have this arcade stick. It would be nice if all these arcade sticks that are available dont have a clicky joystick. That's just my preference. This arcade stick was released only in Japan so you can only order this from videogame importers. No word or plans to release this else where. Price is also steep at $59 but well worth it.

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Wii 1800mAh Rechargeable Battery Pack
Manufacturer: PEGA
Site: Buy from Brando
Price: $14.00

Overview : This Wii Recharge Battery Pack is specially designed for Wii Remote controller. You can get easy to recharge the battery via USB after played.

Features :

• Recharge battery pack via USB
• USB charging cable included
• LED indication during charging
• Battery Capacity: 1800mAh
• This is not an official Nintendo Product

Quality/Usability : Probably the most important and needed accessory for the Nintendo Wii is rechargeable batteries. If you play on a regular bases, you'll know that you go through batteries like no tomorrow. Unless of course you have rechargeable AA batteries. But even so, you have to take them out just to charge. This should of been on Nintendo's drawing board to include a rechargeable battery pack (it probably was but was left out due to whatever reason).

Its OK though because 3rd Party manufacturers will pick up the slack and this gives them something to help out the gaming community. With that said, PEGA has released their first rechargeable battery pack for the Wii remote control.

With the battery pack, you no longer have to remove any batteries from the controller. The battery pack is just a battery cover with two rechargeable batteries attached to it. On the front side of the remote is where the the USB cable will be inserted to charge the batteries. The battery pack fits the back of the Wii remote perfectly. There is also an LED to let you know when the battery is being charged. Unfortunately, it doesnt turn off to let you know when its fully charged.

If you want to recharge the batteries from the Wii's USB port, you will need to have the Wii turned on. You can not charge it while the Wii is OFF/standby. Although, you can charge the remote through your computers USB port or if you have one of those USB wall adapters.

Conclusion : Overall, the Wii Rechargeable Battery Pack is a great product. A downside is that you can not charge the battery pack with the Wii off. So if you want to charge the battery pack, you'll have to have the Wii turned on (how can you play now?) or you can use your computers USB port. It would of been nice if the battery packs LED light can turn off to let you know that it is fully charged.

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D2CKey Wii Modchip (D2C only)
Manufacturer: D2CKey (aka WiiKey)
Site: Buy from OzModChips
Price: $60.00 ($64.90 AUD)


Overview : D2CKey is the worlds first Wii modchip that is compatible with D2C consoles. D2C is the name of the chipset that the Wii modchips need to exploit in order to work. Before D2C it was a lot easier to mod a console as there was a massive security flaw left open by 'the Big N'. They have now closed this flaw, and for 2 months, people with D2C console had to sit there with their thumbs in their mouths. That is until the D2CKey team (a spinoff of WiiKey) figured it out. If you know WiiKey, you know that they are perfectionists, and don't bring out hardware that isn't perfect.

Many people think it is a curse to get a D2C console, but with the D2CKey, you actually might be the lucky one. The modchip features an Actel chip, which is known for its reliable and stealth features.

Access control LEDs

• LED 1: disc access indicator.
• LED 2: data patching indicator
  
  • Flashes smoothly during disc insertion and detection
  • Lit when backup is detected (after disclogin)
  • Off when original is detected

DVD media compatibility

• DVD+-R
• DVD+-RW
• Dual-layer DVD (movies and GCOS)

Game disc support

• Direct boot of Wii original and backup games from the same region
• Direct boot of Gamecube original and backup games from the same region
• Direct boot of different NTSC region Wii and GC games on USA and JAP consoles
• Partial region free support on Wii and GC original and backup games with different videomode (ie PAL<->USA, JAPAN)
• Improved readsettings for recordable media
• Supports running GC games at Wii diskspeed
• GC Audiostreaming Fix
• Supports full-size DVD and DVD9 discs for GC homebrew
• Supports GC multigame discs
• Supports Wii and GC multidisc games

True stealth mode

• Does not modify RAM, making it virtually undetectable for the Wii
• Full command set emulation

Quality/Usability : For those who purchased a Nintendo Wii with a D2C chipset have been sitting at twiddling their thumbs waiting for a way to play homebrew and other games on their Nintendo Wii. Nintendo has revised the Wii to prevent modchips whether it be revising the motherboard, new chipset or cutting legs. But like all hackers/modders, they are reluctant to give up.

The D2CKey is the worlds first D2C modchip for the Nintendo Wii and the first to be able to bypass Super Mario Galaxy's encryption that prevented current modchips to not be able to play the game (WiiKey, CycloWiz and others have released upgraded firmwares to be able to play Super Mario Galaxy). D2CKey is brought to you by the same team who released the well known WiiKey.

D2CKey only and I mean only works on D2C Wii's. If you have a DMS, D2A or D2B, use the WiiKey. The WiiKey will not work on D2C Wii's, that is why there are two different modchips. If you dont know what chipset you have or if it has the cutlegs, you can find out by entering your Wii serial number into the WiiTracker database and it would give you an estimation of what is inside your console. You can also help out by adding your serial number along with origin, whether or not pins are cut, missing WiiKey solder pad #3, and if you're a modder/hobbyist or installer/repairer. This will help expand the database for those searching.

The D2CKey is built on a high quality PCB board with a Actel chip that powers it.

Installation : I wont go into detail on installation but let me start off by stating that the installation is NOT for the novice and should not be performed if you are a newbie or have little experience in soldering. I have no soldering skills so I had a friend who is experienced perform the installation on a recently purchased Wii. Reason for this is because installation requires 31 wires to be soldered. You can find installation guides at D2CKey's Resource page.

To enter region free compatibility, you will need to close the jumper(s) JP1 and/or JP2 on the D2CKey to match the region of your Wii. If you do not close JP1 or JP2, there will be no region override. Closing JP2 will patch PAL. Closing JP1 will patch USA (NTSC) and if both JP1 and JP2 are closed, this will patch Japan (NTSC).

Once installation is completed, whats different about the D2Ckey from the rest of the other modchips is that there is no need to set up, reflash, upgrade, or fiddle around. D2Ckey automatically detects what kind of disc is inserted, and configures the drive accordingly.

There are two LEDs on the D2CKey. This will inform you when discs are being read and detected. Of course, this is only visible when you still have the Wii disassembled. Once you close up your Nintendo Wii, you wont be able to see it unless you have the chip hanging on the outside.

Wii/GameCube Compatibility : All original Wii games booted up and flawlessly. Testing backups of the original games also resulted in a flawless boot up. Testing GameCube games posted the same result. But I noticed if you're switching from a GameCube game to a Nintendo ...

Wii Dust Prevent Cover
Manufacturer: PEGA
Site: Buy from Brando
Price: $7.00

Overview : Prevent dust gets into the Wii console.

Features :

• Prevent dust gets into the Wii Console
• Extend your Wii Life.

Quality/Usability : Purpose of this product is well, you know...prevent dust. The Wii Dust Prevent Cover comes with two covers. One for the bottom of you Nintendo Wii and one for the back of your Nintendo Wii. The covers are made of plastic but the filter themselves are similar to that you find in your air conditioner.

The covers clip onto the Nintendo Wii in order to stay on. The covers don't get in the way of any cords or the base stand for the Nintendo Wii. With the covers on, there is still enough air flow to keep the Nintendo Wii cool but at the same time, prevent any dust from entering and damaging your precious Wii.

Since the covers are made of plastic and so are the clips that clip to the inside of the Nintendo Wii. Excessive removal of the dust covers may weaken the clips thus resulting the clips to fall inside the Wii.

Conclusion : Overall, the Dust Prevent Cover does what its suppose to do. But the clips that clip onto the Wii are a little iffy. They seem fragile. If you remove them too much or happen to add too much force to them, they might snap off and fall into the Wii, which isnt a good thing. Besides that, it allows enough air flow and at the same time, prevent dust from entering.

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Wii Double Charger & Nunchuk Stand
Manufacturer: Panther Lord
Site: Buy from Goldenshop
Price: $19.00


Overview : Charges two Wiimotes at the same time as well as hold one Nunchuk.

Features:

• High quality 3rd party product.
• Comes with 2pcs of 1800mAh rechargeable batteries for the Wii remote controls - no need to take out the battery when charging.
• No need to add extra power supply - get the power from the USB port of the Wii console.
• 2pcs of Wii remote controls can be charged simultaneously.
• Extra space for storing the Nunchuk.
• Comes with a extra USB socket for other device.
• Light indicators to show the charging status.
• No need to take away the hand straps when charging.

Quality/Usability : Like majority, if not all of the Wiimote charging stations, it draws its power from a USB port whether it be from the Nintendo Wii or from your computer.

The Wii Double Charger & Nunchuk Stand gets its power from the USB port and includes two (2) 1800mAh rechargeable batteries. Each battery has an opening to access the SYNC button easily.

The USB cord is attached to the charging station. On the left of the dock is a holder for one (1) Nunchuk and to the right of it are two docks for two Wiimotes. In between the Wiimote docks are two LEDs. This will tell you when the Wiimotes are charging. When the LED lights is green, the Wiimotes are done charging. When the LED lights are red, then the Wiimotes are charging.

Whats makes this different charging station different from the rest is that you do not have to take the wrist strap off in order to charge. You can actually just leave it on and charge. But you still have to take off the silicone case on your Wiimote if you have one on.

Charging took about 2 hours but the batteries lasted as long as it took to charge. The batteries lasted about 2.5-4 hours.

Conclusion : Overall, the Wii Double Charger & Nunchuk Stand isnt any different then the current charging stations out on the market. But the ability to charge without having to remove the wrist strap is a plus. The lack of play time kind of hurts the Double Charger Station.

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Wii DDR Dance Advance Mat
Manufacturer: Dragon
Site: Buy from Goldenshop
Price: $14.00


Overview : Play your dance game with an arcade feeling with this dancing mat compatible with Nintendo Wii and Gamecube. Made of high quality material, slip proof and durable, it is perfect to enjoy dancing games to the most!

Features :

• Amazing and funny
• Non slip, high quality and comfortable dance mat surface
• Ideal for physical exercise
• Compatible with any version of Nintendo Wii and Gamecube dance games

Quality/Usability : Having purchase Dance Dance Revolution Hottest Party, it only comes with one Official Konami dance pad. Its hard to find an extra Konami dance pad that is sold separately. Luckily, 3rd party manufacturers are always there to pick up the slack of official products. Dragon has released a dance pad that is compatible with both the Wii and GameCube. So now, I can get my friends to join in with me instead of taking turns.

The pad is made durable plastic similar to that of the official pads. Size is the same and the plug connects to the Gamecube port. The mat measures 925mm x 790mm. You have the usual UP, DOWN, LEFT and RIGHT arrows. On the top left corner is a "B" button and top right is a "A" button. The middle of the pad has a silhouette of Mario break dancing from the Mario version of DDR that was released on the GameCube.

The Wii recognizes the dance pad and during gameplay, it does pretty well. It was able to recognize my stomps or dance, if you want to call it that. There were times where it wouldnt recognize but that could be user error as we all miss the arrows in the heat of a dance off.

Conclusion : Overall, the Wii DDR Dance Advance Mat performed on par with the Official Konami dance pad. Personally, I'm the type that prefers official products. The price of an official dance pad of $40-$50 is a bit pricey compared to the $14 3rd party accessory that works just as good. I paid $60 for Official DDR pads a long time ago for my PS2 DDRs and ended up selling them for more than half of what I paid. So if you're the type to get rid of your games or trade them (via Goozex.com or Goozex.eu) and dont care if its official product so as long it works, I definitely suggest picking this up. It will save you some money.

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Rock Thunder Guitar for Guitar Hero and Rock Band
Manufacturer: Talismoon
Site: Buy from Divineo US / Buy from Divineo China
Price: $64.99


Overview : One guitar rocks them all!

The Talismoon Rock Thunder Guitar brings you the newest in convenience. Completely wireless, and with all the features you need! It works for all versions of Guitar Hero and Rock Band on the Nintendo Wii.

Features :

• Compatible with all versions of Guitar Hero for Nintendo Wii
• Compatible with all versions of Rock Band for Nintendo Wii
• 10 fret buttons
• Tactile feedback strum bar
• Wireless
• 5 positions switch or choosing guitar effects
• Good for left and right handed people
• Sleep mode saves batteries
• Motion sensor to launch bonus time or to "savior" a fellow player
• Whammy bar for heightening cool effects
• 2.4GHz transmitter technology
• Foldable neck for easy transportation
• RoHS certified
• CE compatible

Quality/Usability : I dont know about most people, but when it comes to video game and accessories, I dont have much room to store them. Especially when it comes to big accessories like guitars and drums. Its worse when you're a big gamer and a HUGE fan of games like Guitar Hero and Rockband and you have two guitars, one for each game and they dont work together. One guitar is specific to Guitar Hero and the other guitars is Rock Band only. Ok, so that isnt that bad. Two guitars. But what if you want multiplayer action!? Now you have to buy another Guitar Hero guitar.

Talismoon has helped the elimination of having multiple guitars. The Rock Thunder Guitar for Guitar Hero and Rock Band is one guitar, for both games. The guitar comes with instructions on how to sync the guitar with Rock Band as well as an instruction manual. Like other guitars, you'll need to insert a Wii controller into it. The Rock Thunder requires 2 AA batteries and there is a USB receiver (included) that needs to be connected to one of the USB ports on the back of the Wii. After 10 mins of no operation, it will go into sleep-mode. To wake up the guitar, press the button next to the joystick.

To use it with Guitar Hero, you simply insert the Wii Remote, slide the power toggle switch to GH and you're ready to go. If you are using the guitar for Rock Band, you will have to detach the Wii remote as it is not needed. Plug in the USB wireless receiver into the Wii. Turn on the Wii and the receiver will begin to flash. On the guitar, simply slide the switch to RB, press the connect button on the guitar and receiver at the same time. When the RX indicator stops flashing, the connection is complete.

There are blue LEDs around the strum bar. This lets you know when the guitar is ON. If you dont see the lit up, guitar is not ON. To change between Rock Band and Guitar Hero, there is a switch "RB" and "GH", respectively. The chrome switches and the thumbstick located near the wii remote only work when you are playing Guitar Hero, and when the wii remote is plugged in. You don't have the wii remote plugged in when you play rock band, so, they don't operate at that time. You must use a separate wii remote to operate the basic game functions. If the guitar is not sync with Rockband, hold down the green fret button on the guitar while a song is starting. If the green fret bar indicator on the screen stays solid, you have a good sync. If it blinks, then you have a bad sync. Unplug the dongle from the Wii and plug it back in again. re-sync the guitar. Try the fret button test described in the first two sentences again.

Syncing and getting the controller set up is not as bad as it seems. Might get annoying just removing the controller but thats no big deal at all. The wireless receiver offers a good range. What interests me is that there is a LAN adapter. Its like a phone plug. What does this do or what is it for? I have no idea. It was not mentioned as to what the purpose of this was for except that there was a LAN plug.


Conclusion : Overall, the Rock Thunder Guitar for Guitar Hero and Rock Band works pretty good. It cuts down on space of having multiple guitars for multiplayer experience. For the price of $64.99, you get 2 guitar controllers. But may cost more if you have to constantly replace the 2 AA batteries. The batteries lasted a good while but I always use rechargeables. I didnt have problems syncing but switching from GH to RB, you will have to resync each time.

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