Belkin n52te SpeedPad
Built for speed. Built to dominate. Built to destroy. That's the slogan for Belkin's strange keypad gadget, the n52te. The device is obviously designed for right-handed gamers, placing a set of keys under the left hand's fingertips and several buttons under the thumb (meaning it physically won't work with the right hand).
As for features, the keypad is backlit, contains 15 programmable keys, and provides an additional scroll wheel. There's also an adjustable soft-touch wrist pad, nonslip rubber pads, and a programmable eight-way thumb pad with removable joystick. Additionally, gamers can easily toggle between three keymap states.
GS-1 Tactical Helmet
Looking for a way to promote your guild or clan? Gameskulls has the perfect gaming helmet, the GS-1 Tactical. It features 50 mm headphone drivers and an adjustable headband to accommodate any size noggin. "All of our headgear is compatible with standard audio and microphone jacks found on all computers, even with onboard audio," Gameskulls says. Gamers can also use the headset helmet with the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 by following a few instructions. The helmet isn't really all that expensive, priced at $49.95 for one or $134.95 for a pack of three.
Toshiba's Full Face Helmet
Apparently, this was a prototype developed by Toshiba back in 2007. The company was experimenting with a new way for consumers to watch TV and play video games by projecting the imagery on the dome in front of your face. When the wearer tilted his/her head, the picture also moved. Very little else is known about the device, like if users could see through the forward dome or if the device proved too heavy over long periods of use. Based on the provided image, the description doesn't really make sense.
But still, BioShock anyone?
eDimensional Access Controller
Want one device for the PC, PlayStation 2, and PlayStation 3? The eDimentional Access Controller, in association with modder Ben Heckendorn (BenHeck), might be your ticket to expandability. The peripheral features a patented modular design that allows the user to switch out or rearrange controller components. According to the company, each of the five modules can be removed and replaced; they simply pop in and out.
Two modules feature thumbsticks, while one provides a D-pad. There's also a module with reduced trigger buttons, a module with Sony's four-button PlayStation configuration, and a cap that covers a sixth, unused module socket. A portion of the proceeds, and some of the units, will go to children's hospitals and veterans affairs medical centers. eDimensional also offers an adapter for the Xbox 360 console.
Sound Blaster World Of Warcraft Headset
You have to admit that even if you're not a World of Warcraft gamer, the Sound Blaster World of Warcraft headset series looks hot (Ed.: I actually play World of Warcraft and I don't think they look hot!). Available in wired and wireless editions, the headset has two sets of interchangeable lenses featuring Horde and Alliance artwork that are backlit by LEDs. It also features a detachable "professional-grade" microphone tainted with custom World of Warcraft-themed voice presets, THX TruStudio PC technology, oversized padded earcups, and built-in headset controls. For the wireless version, Creative incorporated a built-in rechargeable battery and uncompressed wireless audio technology. There's also an optional Sound Blaster World of Warcraft Tap Chat device sold separately to provide hands-free push-to-talk functionality.
Razer Sixense Motion Control Controller
At CES 2010, Razer demonstrated a motion controller for the PC, mimicking the Nintendo Wii by creating a similar remote and nunchuck device. In conjunction with Sixense, the input device will use magnetic motion-sensing technology that computes exactly where the controller is located and how it's oriented at all times with millimeter precision.
According to the company, the controller then reports these values with no shadowing or drift. "In gaming that's the difference between guiding a character and actually being that character," Razer says. Up to four controllers link to a compact base station that generates a magnetic field. The controllers sense changes in this field and compute position and orientation relative to the base station. Razer's motion controller is expected to launch later this year.
Buffalo USB Nintendo PC Gamepad
Want to go a little retro? The Buffalo USB Nintendo PC Game Pad is a $22 trip back into time when Nintendo ruled the home-based gaming industry with the NES. Shaped like the original controller, the peripheral is actually based on the Japanese version, the Famicom, with a deep red and gold color scheme (unlike the U.S. gray and white scheme).
The controller connects to a USB 1.1 port and offers eight buttons and an additional turbo button for automatic firing. But don't let this classic controller fool you. It's compatible with the latest operating systems, including Windows 7 (32- and 64-bit), Windows Vista (32- and 64-bit), Windows XP, 2000, and ME.
Psyko 5.1 PC Gaming Headset
Now here's something crazy: the Psyko 5.1 PC gaming headset. Gamers won't need head-related transfer functions to alter the sound for immersive audio. Instead, the headset provides five speakers and a subwoofer positioned around your ears, as if you were wearing a 5.1 surround sound system on your head. According to Psyko, you hear precisely where every sound originates, the way you are supposed to. "You get naturally immersive sound with no hassles, no latency, and no limits to where and when you want to play," the company says. The headset also features patent-pending ear cup vents that pivot open and closed, allowing for open air flow that keeps your ears cool and sweat-free. There's little worse than ear sweat.
USB Putt Returner
Unlike the other peripherals seen in this article, the USB Putt Returner is more of a desktop game for golfing geeks than a companion device. The concept is simple really: putt the little ball into the hole and the device shoots it back after a couple of seconds. Unfortunately, this cool little $20 gadget is no longer available, but it originally included two miniature putters and six miniature golf balls along with the device. Interested desktop golfers may be able to locate the gadget somewhere online.
