Nyko to unveil wireless 360 controls at CES
by Richard Mitchell 
{ Jan 4th 2007 at 1:30PM }
Nyko has announced that it will unveil its Zero line of controllers for the PS3, Xbox 360 (PS2 version pictured) at the Consumer Electronics Show this month. The control promises wireless play, backlit buttons, and "heat dissipating" aluminum panels. The most interesting aspect of the controller is its wireless connectivity. 360 Fanboy readers will know that Microsoft has yet to allow any third parties to use its proprietary wireless technology, making Nyko a potential first. Of course, it's possible that it will be wireless via an adapter akin to the PS2 version. The most surprising part, though, is the price. Nyko announced a suggested retail price of $49.99 for the controllers. Typically, 3rd party controllers are offered as a cheaper -- and not as well constructed -- alternative to 1st party controllers. It looks like Nyko has decided to take a different route, offering premium products in the hope that users will prefer them to 1st party offerings. If the favorable reviews of the PS2 Zero controller are any indication, Nyko may succeed.
Would you be interested in trading your 360 pad for a premium 3rd party product? Do any of you own the PS2 Zero controller?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
VOS @ Jan 4th 2007 1:47PM
Correct me if I'm wrong but I thought MS hasn't released their "wireless protocol" so that 3rd party companies can use this on their products. I hope this is true so that we can see more wireless products from other companies. I am waiting on a wireless arcade fighting stick.
Haqq @ Jan 4th 2007 1:48PM
I dont know it'll feel different from the original -.-
WarriorDyke @ Jan 4th 2007 1:53PM
if the 360 version looks anything like the ps2 version, then it'll be a no buy for alot of players...looks way too much like the old 'duke' controller that was hard to handle.
cherdman @ Jan 4th 2007 2:29PM
maybe if the D-pad is improved...
mietha CAG @ Jan 4th 2007 2:40PM
Uh, no. It looks like ass....
hppymnky @ Jan 4th 2007 2:42PM
The PS2 version review says the d-pad has improved by feeling more tightly connected and giving a satisfying, almost click mechanism. I guess that'd be my one complaint about the official controllers, whenever I assign weapons to them it always seems to register a few degrees off to my right.
Neon Jebus @ Jan 4th 2007 2:56PM
Will they take my Intercooler back and give me a credit towards the purchase of one of these?
Right now that's about the only way I would give them my business again.
J.Goodwin @ Jan 4th 2007 3:23PM
You can pretty easily find authentic 360 controllers for 35 dollars online. Kind of makes 3rd party useless at that point (couple bucks more than a wired 3rd party controller).
Joe @ Jan 4th 2007 6:13PM
This pad looks huge!! What a mess. Also the graphic designer who did the "ZERO" logo should be castrated!! Maybe Stevie wonder designed the pad and the logo!? None of these 3rd party companies seem to employ good designers. Just buy 1st party gear.
jkdoug @ Jan 4th 2007 3:46PM
I'd prefer if the D-pad on my MS 360 controllers were a bit nicer, but other than that, I'm loving my MS wireless controllers.
Since I got a bad Nyko charger with crappy batteries (and promptly returned it), I don't think I'll be buying any more Nyko junk, especially if the price isn't any less than the MS brand.
Ciaran @ Jan 5th 2007 6:18AM
depends on price. I won't mind an adapter hanging out of the USB port if it's cheap!
SuicideNinja @ Jan 5th 2007 4:14AM
If the d-pad is better....SOLD. Black and Silver would look better than boring old white anyway.
Ithilis @ Jan 4th 2007 7:02PM
If the D-Pad was improved (see: usable), I may pick one of these up. I'm a huge fighting game fan, and although the 360 controller is stellar for FPS games, it's not so great for fighters. With Virtua Fighter 5 and possibly Tekken 6 on the horizon for 360 gamers, we need access to a much better D-Pad.
AJ @ Jan 4th 2007 10:24PM
dude... this looks tight! backlit buttons! obvious it won't look like that huge you dummys...
Murc @ Jan 6th 2007 1:26AM
I would be nice is MS came out with an improved controller...with a good D-pad, and backlit buttons...and make it so (throught the 360's Dashboard) you can alter the backlights brightness...Like a 0 to 100 thing, 100 being some bright ass buttons, and 1 being barely noticable, and 0 for off.