Xbox 360 Wireless Controller

 

The standard wired controller that ships with the  Xbox 360 can wear out after many hours of heavy use and play. Buttons can jam, analog sticks can stop working and you may need to think about replacing your tired Xbox 360 controller with a new one. By far, the most popular replacement controller is the Xbox 360 Wireless Controller.

The Xbox 360 Wireless Controller is a lot more convenient and natural to operate than the standard wired controller. No more wires and cables to get in your way. And you can more easily and naturally move about the room and stay focused on your game play with up to a 30 foot wireless range.

Xbox 360 Wireless Controller Features

• Communicates with the Xbox console using 2.4GHz wireless technology with a 30-foot range
• You can play with up to four controllers simultaneously on one Xbox console
• Adjustable vibration feedback extends longer battery life
• Includes an integrated headset port for Xbox LIVE play
• Easy to use left and right shoulder buttons
• Xbox 360 Guide button lets you keep track of your friends, access games and media, and power your Xbox 360 console on and off

The Xbox 360 Wireless Controller promotes ultra high performance gaming. You can even plug the Xbox 360 Headset into the wireless controller for full two-way voice communication. This is an Xbox 360 gaming wireless first.

The controller is powered by two AA batteries, and can operate for up to 40 hours before a recharge is needed. The battery charge won’t last as long if you have the vibration feedback at full tilt. A vibration feedback control lets you adjust the level of vibration which helps extend the battery life.

The wireless controller has a battery charging unit on the inside, about the size of two AA batteries. The standard battery charger does not allow you to continue to use the wireless controller while the batteries are re-charging.

A separate “Play and Charge Kit” is available that does allow you to continue playing while you charge the batteries. As the batteries begin to run low, you’re given ample warning time so you can connect a “Play and Charge Kit” for uninterrupted play. With the separate “Play and Charge Kit” you plug the charger into the back of the wireless controller, and the other end attaches to the USB port located on the front of the Xbox 360 console.

For multi-user play, you’ll want to get your hands on more than one Xbox 360 wireless controller. You can play with up to four wireless controllers on one Xbox 360 console. These smaller, more compact controllers also help keep your gaming area free of clutter. Wireless controllers are definitely the way to go for multi-user gaming with your friends.

Available: Amazon

Price: $35.99 (Play and Charge Kit extra)

 

Thrustmaster Ferrari F1 Wheel Integral T500

 

I am a gamer and I enjoy games, especially ones that involves car racing, hot wheels and police pursuit (come on, you know what game I mean). I usually play games on my computer or my laptop and the arrow keys are my main control keys. But, pressing up and down or left and right doesn’t really satisfy my need for more excitement in the game. That’s where Thrustmaster Ferrari F1 Wheel Integral T500 comes in.

As most people know, Ferrari is a well know sports car manufacturer. The Trustmaster Ferrari F1 wheel integral T500 is designed to replicate F1 car power. Imagine yourself racing (via PC or game console of course) with a built-in industrial-class engine (150 mNm torque, 3000 rpm, 65 W, Ø 52) delivering force feedback effects that could can literally give you the realistic feeling of racing an actual car. Its designs and gadgets mimic the real deal and this may be as close as you get for most of us who can’t really afford a real Ferrari.

The wheel is also equipped with an internal dual belt that gives you the feel of flexibility and that smooth ride. If that isn’t enough, the wheel is also equipped with H.E.A.R.T. I don’t mean that the wheel is emotional, no. H.E.A.R.T stands for HallEffect AccuRate Technology providing you with precision in your steering. No more pressing up for acceleration, or pressing left and right to steer. The pure adjustable metal pedal and the smooth wheel of the Thrustmaster Ferrari F1 Wheel Integral T500 will satisfy your need for speed.

Available: Amazon

Price: $159.99

 

The Guinness World Records Board Game

 

In this century, with hectic schedule and technology advancement, it is important to have quality bonding time with you family and friends. Wouldn’t it be good if there is a fun activity that you do with them in the comfort of your own home or cafes – and learn about interesting facts at the same time?

The Guinness World Records Board Game could give you just the thing. The board game is built based on the Guinness World Record book- in case you are unsure about what the book is about, it is an annual arbiter of the fastest, longest, tallest and other strange superlatives.

The Guinness World Records Board Game like the name suggests is the board game version of the book – which calls for family and friends to attempt answers to absurd trivia. These trivia is the main selling point to make the Guinness the bestseller since the year 1955. Some of the question that may be attempted includes “how did Charlie bell move 37 pounds of maggot in one hour?”.

As you and your family (or friends) move about the board, all of you will have the chance to set some of your own records (within the household, or your circle of friends). Some examples of records that you may attempt include tying the most knots on a rope, placing the most dominoes on the edge, or even performing the chicken dance! The best part is that you do not have to look far for the tools for these records, as the rope and dominoes are included in the package.

This board game is suitable for children from 8 years of age onwards. The size of the game is 11” in height, 11” in width, and weighs 4 and a half pounds.

Available: Hammacher

Price: $39.95

Atari Arcade Duo-Powered Joystick

 

Imagine my brother’s joy if I were to get him the Atari Arcade Duo-Powered Joystick for him this Christmas. It will definitely fit his iPad perfectly, which he got from our dad for his recent birthday. And this will surely compliment it perfectly.

My brother is an arcade gaming addict. He spends most of his waking hours at the arcade daily, and that was why our dad got him the iPad so that he would stay at home more often instead. And with me getting him this, he is surely to be staying put in the house all day long. This Atari Arcade Duo-Powered Joystick does provide the arcade-like experience with its joystick and four buttons. With these features, it allows the players to play classic arcade games such as the Centipede and Asteroids.

With the iPad comfortably resting on top and connecting to the joystick easily with the 30-pin connector of the iPad, players are good to start gaming their way. One good feature that the joystick has is that the iPad can be swap out freely from this device and no cabinet is needed especially for it. Hence, flexibility is at play here and added with some vintage feel of the real arcade gaming machine. The simple on/off switch on the side of this device also makes it easier to be operated.

Unfortunately for many of the gamers out there, there is currently no release date or any pricing information available for this awesome Atari device, but I am hoping to land my hands on it in time before Christmas. My brother will sure be jumping for joy when he sees this amazing piece!

[Source: Discovery Bay Games]

U.S. Presidents Talking Game

 

Remember the last time junior placed his thumb in his mouth just to try how dirt may taste? Kids are natural, curious beings and their learning experience has constantly been improved so that it could be made as engaging as possible. Coming in a form of a table, The U.S. Presidents Talking Game allows kids to not only learn through sight and sound but also by pushing the 44 buttons that represent the different U.S. presidents. Introducing their motor skills could further enhance their learning capabilities where they’ll be able to fully benefit from the whole learning process.

The table is designed in a way that kids are able to view the buttons at a glance with an easily accessible switch to toggle gaming modes from time to time. There are 4 game settings that are found on the portable tablet, allowing kids to master their own response to the different game modules. The different presidents are explored through trivia bites in the Fun Face mode.

Kids will learn about the notable details of each president and learn about their achievements in this mode. If kids are ready to proceed on to more serious facts, there’s also a mode which teaches them the birth dates, vice presidents and also first ladies of all the presidents. There will also be a Quiz mode to test your kid’s memory on the various facts they’ve learnt.

Overall, it’s an interactive game where parents may find themselves learning a new fact or two. And who knows, junior may also be inspired to run for the next presidential elections.

Available: Hammacher

Price: $39.95