Nyko has a wide range of hardware and peripherals for gamers.

by Matt Eberle

E3 2005 - Nyko brings quality hardware and peripherals straight into gamers’ hands. Everything from console controllers to PC hardware solutions, Nyko has excellent variety. From console stations to hand-held gamers, basic controllers to wireless handsets, Nyko has a wide number of hardware accessories for your favorite gaming systems.

Nyko’s peripherals for the Xbox are high quality. Just looking at them made me think that this is something I would want to use. Their controllers, both wireless and standard corded models, include the “Air Flow” system. Ever get slick hands as you played an intense game? Dealing with a slippery controller is a thing of the past with the Air Flo controllers. Built-in fans provide a constant flow of air across your palms to keep your hands dry. The fans themselves have variable speeds, allowing gamers to choose the speed and noise level they are comfortable with.

The wireless controllers available from Nyko have all the features that make their standard controllers so useful. The wireless system for the Xbox has a fifty foot range and eight distinct channels. Up to eight players can join in the fun with these controllers and never have to worry about interference from one another. The hardware is built with an eye for the expanding field of wireless technology. Nyko designed the systems so that players won’t have to worry about cordless phones, cell phones, or other wireless devices from causing bleed-over into their gaming.

With the expanding world of online-gaming with the Xbox system Nyko has developed a wireless, hands-free headset. The headset has a twenty foot range from the receiver, built in volume controls, and a mute button. Again, no need to worry about bleed-over from other wireless systems. When you’re done talking you can always hit the mute button and turn the headset off.

Already moving into the field of PSP peripherals, Nyko has designed a number of useful gadgets that on-the-go gamers will appreciate. The PSP charger case is a prime example. This aluminum carrying case for the PSP works as a recharger and an adapter. Gamers can plug their PSP into the case and then plug the case into the wall. Power will flow straight into the PSP, recharging its batteries. Even on its own the PSP charger case can recharge the batteries on the PSP, adding up to 5 hours of game time. The design uses “intelligent” energy management. The first thing to receive charge is the PSP, and when you’re playing with the PSP in the case, the case gets drained first.

Building on the charger case, Nyko’s Theater Experience system includes all the features of the charger case and an angle stand. Gamers can prop their hand-held unit up at a convenient angle for watching movies, for example. Completing the system are a set of stereo speakers and a trio of headphone jacks. In a crowded area gamers can still listen to their PSP. If you’re traveling with friends there’s two more headphone jacks available so they can listen in as well.

The last PSP peripheral I was shown was the Screen Armor. This ingenious device is a small, aluminum screen that clips onto the PSP. It protects the screen’s surface from dust, dirt, and accidental scratching when the PSP is not in use. About the size of a standard poker card, the screen’s clip arms that hold onto the PSP fold flat when it is not in use. Its easy to fold up and hide in a pocket or the PSP carrying case. If you’re using the PSP to listen to your favorite music you can slip the armor screen back on easily to protect the screen while you are on the go.

For the PC, Nyko has a line of Air Flo controllers similar to their Xbox controllers. Compatible with any PC game, the programmable buttons can capture and play any single keystroke. The menu for configuring the controller is simple and easy to use. While the controllers cannot record macros, they can learn any options for your game you want to program into them. The Air Flo controllers for the PC and Mac feature a ten foot cord so you don’t have to worry about sitting on top of your computer to play.

Nyko also offers a desktop multi-hub system. Sporting 6 bit Firewire, 4 bit Firewire, keyboard, mouse, and monitor connections the multi-hub allows you to plug multiple pieces of hardware into your desktop machine easily and conveniently. The multi-hub is not a KVM switch for dealing with multiple computers with a single set of hardware. It allows the gamer to expand their options for playing on their computers with ease and efficiency.

Nyko has made a name for itself with its peripherals and hardware attachments for gaming consoles. It is easy to see why with the wide range of peripherals they offer gamers. No matter your preferred console, Nyko has something for you. Everything they design is built for convenience, making things much easier for gamers. If you’ve just gotten the new PSP and are planning on getting some attachments for it you should definitely check out their hardware.

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