XCM Multi-Console Component Cable v2
Manufacturer: XCM
Site: Buy from Play-Asia / Buy from Divineo US / Buy from Divineo China
Price: $22.99

Overview : XCM Multi-Console Component Cable V2 (PS2, PS3, Wii, Xbox 360). Not compatible with Xbox 1.

Features :

• Fully Compatible with Xbox 360™, Wii™, PS3™ , PS2™ and any TV system.
• Support Component Signal (Stereo Function)
• Support AV Signal (Stereo Function)
• High Quality and High Speed for Transfer Signal.
• Support Dolby Prologic.
• Support DTS 5.1 Channel System.
• Support DOLBY Digital and Surround Sound
• Support Stereo Sound
• Support Optical Signal (Xbox 360)
• Compatible with Surround Receiver or Integrated Amplifier
• Support CRT, Plasma, LCD or any HDTV System
• Support D2 (480i/480p); (720i/720p) & D4 (1080i/1080p) technology.

Quality/Usability : XCM has released their multi-console component cable that supports Xbox360, Wii, PS2 and PS3. This is pretty much an all-in-one cable for your whole entire entertainment center. Like always, XCM impresses us with their quality of products.

There are three plugs for your console: Xbox360, Wii, PS2/PS3. On the other end are the AV inputs that connect to your TV. On the "switcher" itself, you have four switches: 360HD, 360 Y/Pb/Pr, Wii and PS2/PS3. Of course, which ever system you are playing, you'll have to switch to that system. For those that dont know, 360 Y/Pb/Pr is like a standard component cable.

The visual quality of each system is pretty good. I didnt notice much of a difference between this cable or the standalone component cable that you purchase separately for each system. When switching to a difference system, there is a 2-3 second delay.

The cable itself is fairly long so you dont have to worry about having the systems close to the TV but you will have to have your systems near each other in order for the cable to reach each console.

Conclusion : Overall, the XCM PS2/PS3/Wii/Xbox360 Multi-Console Component Cable is a neat product. Those looking to cut down on cables may want to look into this. It would have been nice if XCM had added a few inches more to the console cables so that the systems dont have to be so close to each other and for those who put their systems into entertainment centers. It would have been also nice if the 360HD and 360 Y/Pb/Pr had swapped places.

Images via comments ...

Penguin United PS2/PS3/Wii/Xbox360 Multi-Console Component Cable
Manufacturer: Penguin United
Site: Buy from Penguin United
Price: $21.99

Overview : Fully Compatible with Xbox 360™, Wii™, PS3™ , PS2™ and any TV system with component input. The Final High-Definition Solution for all your Next Generation Gaming Consoles. Avoid the Hassle of switching cables behind your television or dealing with tangled cables from all your Consoles, not to mention the saving from buying 1 cable instead of 3. Support D2 (480i/480p); (720i/720p) & D4 (1080i/ 1080p) technology. Actual resolution displayed will be determined by the technology supported by the Console in use.

The three AV plugs for each console should NOT be connected to their respective consoles simultaneously. Only one console should be connected for the cable to function properly. If more than one consoles are connected, even if it is set to "off" loss of audio or video may occure, but there will not be any damages done to the console.

Cable is 8 foot long or 2.4 meter in length.

Features :

• Support Component Signal (Stereo Function)
• Support AV Signal (Stereo Function)
• High Quality and High Speed for Transfer Signal.
• Support Dolby Prologic.
• Support DTS 5.1 Channel System.
• Support DOLBY Digital and Surround Sound
• Support Stereo Sound
• Support Optical Signal (Xbox 360)
• Compatible with Surround Receiver or Integrated Amplifier
• Support CRT, Plasma, LCD or any HDTV System
• Support D2 (480i/480P); (720i/720P) & D4 (1080 i/1080 P) technology.

Quality/Usability : This is the second multi-console component cable we will be reviewing. The first review coming from XCM. We have reviewed a couple of Penguin United's Wii Component Cables already (Regular / Gold / Premium). All of them were pretty good for a new 3rd party peripheral manufacturer.

There are three plugs for your console: Xbox360, Wii, PS2/PS3. On the other end are the AV inputs that connect to your TV. Unlike the XCM multi-console component cable, there is no switch on the cable that allows you to switch to whatever system you are going to play with. You will have to plug each plug into the system if you want to play with the console.

The visual quality of each system is pretty good when connected one by one. I didnt notice much of a difference between this cable or the standalone component cable that you purchase separately for each system.

The cable itself is fairly long measuring approximately 8 feet long. The cables for each console once split from the cable itself is fairly long enough but you will still have to have your consoles near each other.

Conclusion : Overall, the Penguin United PS2/PS3/Wii/Xbox360 Multi-Console Component Cable is another alternative to those looking to eliminate cables and is looking for a all-in-one source. The quality of the product is great just like all of the other products Penguin United offers. My only complaint was having to insert the plug into the console I want to play each time. Would of been nice if there was a switch of some sort where I can easily switch back and forth without having to keep on removing the cables.

Images via comments ...

Zoozen Action PRO Toolkit v2
Manufacturer: Zoozen
Site:
Price: $19.95


Overview : If you have ever attempted any repair or improvement of any kind, you know that the right tools can make the difference between a good experience and a bad one. The Access Pro Toolkit by Zoozen has everything you need to get into your console and accessories. It is the only toolkit that includes tools for every console and handheld on the market today. And it includes unique and custom tools that are only available from Zoozen.

This tool kit includes the tools you need for the:

· Microsoft products, including: Original Xbox, Xbox 360 and accessories like the Xbox 360 wired controller, and the Xbox 360 wireless controller. Special tools: the OneSnap, the only one-piece Xbox 360 case separator, and a special long neck tamper resistant Torx bit.

· Nintendo products, including: the Nintendo Wii, GameCube, GBA, DS, DS Lite, and most accessories like Nintendo Cartridges, Gamecube controllers, and power supplies. Special Tools: Triwing bits in two sizes and two sizes of rare Linehead Nut Setters in hardened steel. Also has the correct tools for most of the retired Nintendo game machines (those not currently for sale in the marketplace).

· Sony Products, including: PS3, PS2, PStwo, and PSP and many accessories (for example: Sony controllers).

· The Access Pro Tool Kit also has the correct tools to open most third party products.

The tools are all housed in a convenient plastic case that keeps all the parts just where they belong. And, duplicates of most bits are provided, just in case you drop a bit behind your desk during a critical procedure.

Includes:

• 1pc Easy grip screwdriver handle
• 1pc Magnetic Tweezers
• 1pc "OneSnap" tool for opening Xbox 360
• 1pc Linehead nut setter (small size)
• 1pc Linehead nut setter (large size)
• 1pc Flathead bit, Long
• 2pcs Torx Size 6, Tamper Resistant
• 2pcs Torx Size 8, Tamper Resistant
• 2pcs Torx Size 10, Tamper Resistant
• 2pcs Torx Size 15, Tamper Resistant
• 2pcs Torx Size 20, Tamper Resistant
• 2pcs Hex Size .05
• 2pcs Triwing Bit
• 2pcs Phillips #000
• 2pcs Phillips #0
• 2pcs Phillips #1
• 2pcs Slotted 7/64

Quality/Usability : Those who mod consoles or want to start modding, the Zoozen Action PRO Toolkit v2 will help you out tremendously. The Zoozen Action PRO Toolkit v2 has tools for Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo products ranging from console to games and accessories. This toolkit will open even the new nex-gen consoles.

Xbox 360 – Torx T8, T6, T8, T10, Hex 0.05, Slotted 7/64, OneSnap and a Long Slotted Screw Bit
Xbox – Torx T10, T15, T20
PS3 – Torx T10, Phillips 0, Phillips 1, Phillips #000
PS2/Two – Phillips 0, Phillips 1
PSP – Phillips #000
Wii – Triwing, Phillips 0, Phillips #000
Gamecube – Linehead Nut Setter #8
DS/DS Lite – Triwing #00, Tripoint #0, Phillips #000
Gameboy – Triwing #00, Tripoint #01
Nintendo Cartridges – Linehead nut setter #6

The screwdriver handle is made of a rubberized grip instead of plastic like some screwdrivers are made of. This allows for easy gripping. Each bit that was placed was held in place very tight.

Each bit unscrewed each screw nicely without stripping the screws. Screwing each screw back into place worked wonderfully as well.

Dropped a screw and cant reach it or need to hold a wire or LED in place? Zoozen also included a magnetic tweezer to help hold those thin wires or screws that may be too small to hold in your fingers.

Conclusion : Overall, the Zoozen Action PRO Toolkit v2 is a modders dream come true. Everything you need to help open your mod frenzy finger is all in this Zoozen Action PRO Toolkit v2. Add a dremel and a soldering iron and this would be the Ultimate modding tool! It would also have been useful if the bits were magnetic to pick up the small screws. The price of $19.95 is definitely well priced and worth it.

Images via comments ...

Moxia USBCell Rechargeable Battery
Manufacturer: Moixa
Site: Buy from Moixa
Price: $17.00 (2 pack)


Overview : This NiMH AA cell can be used like a normal battery and can be recharged simply by plugging into a USB port.

With over 15 billion Alkaline batteries made and thrown away each year - wasting resources, C02 and creating toxic Landfill - USBCELL offers a eco-friendly alternative as can be re-used hundreds of times as no charge adaptor or cable is needed, saving you money, hassle and waste.

Features :

• Rechargeable AA NiMH Battery 1.2v 1300mah
• 90%+ Charged after 5 Hours by powered USB
• Built in Intelligent Charger
• Charge by powered USB
• Also can be charged in approved NiMH Chargers

Quality/Usability : Majority of today's electronics such as digital cameras, portable devices such as MP3/CD players, remotes, flashlights, and controllers all use alkaline batteries.

No more need for disposable batteries. Yes, there are lots of rechargeable batteries on the market but in order to recharge them, you will need a charger. What happens if you dont have a charger on your? USBCell is similar that it is rechargeable but to recharge them, its different. The name of the product can give you a hint as to how it would recharge...USB. But you can also charge in any rechargeable battery charger as well

The design of the USBCell is unique. With USB ports on PC, laptops and even game consoles, it is fairly easy to find USB ports to recharge. To charge, you simply, pull of the green cover. The green cover is attached to the battery with an elastic band so you wont lose the cover by accident. Once the cover is off, a USB plug is explosed. Pull back on the cover and insert the USB plug into any USB port.

Once inserted into a USB port, a green LED light is lit up to inform you that it is charging. When the battery is fully charged, the LED will turn off.

Having charged the USBCell batteries for the recommended 5 hours, I was about to get a little more than 20 hours with the Wiimote before the battery died. Although a Xbox 360 controller is pictured with the USBCell, I was unable to fit both batteries into the Xbox 360 wireless controller but I was able to fit one into the plastic holder. Even with the one battery, it felt a little snug.

Conclusion : Overall, the Moixa USBCell Rechargeable Battery are probably the most unique product we have reviewed. There are some problems that I see. If you have a USB port that is recessed or further in to your device, the USBCell may not reach. Another problem is the mAh. Although 1300mAh is perfect for devices that doesnt draw a lot of power but when used with devices such as digital cameras, people prefer 2000mAh or higher for high powered devices. But these would come in handy as a temporary backup solution. Other sizes are are planned to be released but no further information has been mentioned.

Price of the USBCell is a bit pricey. For maybe double the price or less (depending if there is a deal), you can probably get a charger, four batteries and a higher mAh battery such as 2500mAh.

Images via comments ...

Jimi Game Shell Case
Manufacturer: Mr Smith
Site: Buy from Jimi
Price: $9.95


Overview : Jimi™ Game Shell is compact, water resistant and shockproof, and you can attach it to your backpack, lanyard or keyring. Within its recyclable sanoprene liners, each case securely holds two Nintendo DS games, two Wii (SD) cards, or two PSP (ProDuo game or music) cards.

Jimi™ Game Shell's translucent outer skin is made from 100% recycled and recyclable polypropylene. Combined with the cushioning sanoprene lining in planet purple, gunmetal grey, or fire red this splash proof shell makes it ideal for storing your DS and PSP game cards, music or camera memory cards, and it looks really sweet to boot.

Quality/Usability : There have been a couple of vacations where I carried my PSP and DS around with me. Each portable system in its own dedicated case but no place to carry my extra games or memory sticks.

Jimi may be your solution and even mine as well. Jimi is made of durable plastic with sanoprene lining (rubber). You can attach the Jimi to your keyring, bag or string for easy portability. The Jimi is small enough to fit in your pants pocket and light weight that you wont notice it. Jimi comes in three colors of sanoprene lining: Red, Grey or Purple. The plastic shell is all the same clear color.

The sanoprene is removeable. The mold of the sanoprene allows you to hold up to two Pro Duo memory sticks or two SD cards (one on each side) or one of each. Above the memory cards, you can hold two DS games. The memory sticks and DS games are held in place securely. Even if you only had one DS game and the other slot was open and was holding either a Pro Duo or SD, they wont come out unless it was banged on hard.

Conclusion : Overall, the Jimi Game Shell Case is a nice solution to holding your memory sticks and DS games at once and together. I'm not sure if it was my shipment only but it did not come with a keyring like the Jimi Multi-Media Memory Case as that came with a keyring. The price of the Game Shell Case is fairly reasonable as well.

Images via comments ...

The increasingly negative, argumentative attitudes of many gamers and critics is stifling creativity and discouraging developers from taking risks with their games, so says Call of Duty: Black Ops developer Treyarch.

Speaking in an interview with NowGamer, community manager Josh Olin cited the troubling trend as the biggest problem the industry faces today.

"Personally, as a community manager who lives in the media or social media world every day, I think the social culture of video games is moving in a more negative direction as technology and social media continues to grow," Olin explained.

"Rather than growing with it, the trend seems to be devolving. More and more gamers seem to forget what this industry is all about.

"It's a creative industry – the most creative form of entertainment in existence," he continued. "Too many developers who try new things are getting burned by 'pundits' and angry entitled fans who look to be contrarian, sometimes simply for the sake of being contrarian.

"The only thing this attitude aims to achieve is stunt that creativity and innovation even further, which is something that no rational gamer looking to be entertained would want to do."

Fair point? Harmonious, generous-of-spirit readers of Eurogamer, you decide.

Of course, Treyarch knows what it's talking about when it comes to disgruntled gamers. There has been plenty of mud slung in its direction recently over the current state of Black Ops on PlayStation 3.

Maybe the First Strike DLC pack, out today, will help smooth things over.

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/20...fle-creativity ...

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.

Images via comments. ...

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.

Images via comments. ...

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.

Images via comments ...