Oh! Gizmo

By Andrew Liszewski

The Nintendo Wii just doesn’t come across as a highly portable gaming system to me. I think it’s mostly because the majority of the games require you to be some distance from the screen so that you can flap and wave your arms without the risk of causing any damage. So while this 7 inch LCD display that attaches to the Wii is kind of cool, I’m just not sure when it could be used. The website suggests using it in a car, but I wonder if playing the Wii in a moving vehicle is even possible given all the bumps and motion.

As you can see in the photo the LCD attaches to the back of the Wii console with a rather large connector that makes the whole unit about an inch longer. It includes cloned versions of all the ports on the back of the Wii that end up getting blocked, and even adds an extra set for connecting an additional AV device to the screen. I like that the screen is attached via a ball and socket joint so that it can be pivoted and rotated around as needed, however, I’m not sure if the screen has an integrated Wii sensor bar. If it doesn’t, where are you supposed to mount one?

You can find it at Chinavasion for about $101.

[ Nintendo Wii LCD Monitor 7 Inch ] VIA [ Coolest Gadgets ]

By Andrew Liszewski

The debate over whether or not you actually need a steering wheel accessory for playing the upcoming Nintendo Wii version of Mario Kart has already begun, but if you’re on the ‘yes’ side you’ll be happy to know there are already some better alternatives to the one Nintendo includes with the game. Thrustmaster, a company I once associated only with joysticks has apparently branched out considerably over the years and are now selling the T-GoKart NW steering wheel accessory for the Wii.

Besides looking a lot cooler than the included Mario Kart wheel, the T-GoKart has a rubber grip and strategically positions the Wiimote so that you can still push the buttons while your hands are at the ideal ‘10 and 2′ positions. It also has holes on either side allowing you to use the Wiimote for pointing while it’s in the wheel or for connecting the Nunchuck controller when necessary.

It will be available in April in time to coincide with the release of the game, and will retail for about $10.

[ Thrustmaster T-GoKart NW ] VIA [ I4U News ]

By Andrew Liszewski

While video games have traditionally been a passive experience, the Wii changed things up by forcing players to get up and get active. Now I’m not saying that being forced to stand is a good thing, but games like Wii Tennis and Wii Bowling are considerably more fun when you’re not laying on the couch. And to make it easier to see your flat screen TV while standing, Thanko has created the ‘Electric Up and Down Big TV Stand’ which can be used to lift your display up to 130 cm.

It can be operated remotely with an included wireless and wired controller and it’s apparently able to lift displays that are up to 110 lbs in weight, which is pretty impressive. But like most things you’ll have to decide if the convenience and improved sight line when playing your Wii is worth the $675 price tag for the stand.

[ Thanko Electric Up and Down Big TV Stand ] VIA [ Digital World Tokyo ]

By Andrew Liszewski

Wow! What a morning it’s been. Not only did I wake up to videos of satellites gettin’ ’sploded, but also this fantastic news that Commodores 64 games will soon be available on Wii’s Virtual Console. While I haven’t felt the need to purchase any games from the VC as of yet, it’s mostly because my N64 and Super Nintendo are still hooked up and running. But my Commodore 64 is buried in a box in my parent’s basement, and quite frankly, I’m happy to leave it there.

For some reason the games will only initially be available on the European Wii Shop Channel, and will be priced at 500 Wii points, or £3.50. At launch International Karate, Uridium and a handful of other titles will be available, but more will soon follow. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for Law Of The West, Radar Rat Race and Test Drive. Not even Gran Turismo can reproduce the excitement of perpetually driving around a mountain like TD could.

Any particular titles you’re hoping to see?

VIA [ IGN: Commodore 64 Boots up on Virtual Console ]

By Shane McGlaun

Not too long ago we talked about the dreamGEAR Soft Sports kit for the Nintendo Wii. dreamGEAR is back again with another Wii accessory for the holidays. The Wii Game Blaster is compatible with any Wii FPS or shooting title. The $34.99 Wii Game Blaster combines the Wii Remote and Nunchuck into a wireless gun.

The Game Blaster is designed to break down at the touch of a button to allow you to go from shooting to throwing things like grenades easily. From the sounds of the Game blaster, breaking it into two pieces is easy, but I wonder how hard it is to reassemble. That could prove a problem while zapping zombie hoards. The Game Blaster has an ambidextrous design so all gamers should be able to use it.

VIA [ dreamGEAR ]

By Shane McGlaun

dreamGEAR announced a new Wii accessory today called the Wii Soft Sport Kit that includes soft foam bat, golf club, and tennis racket. Bonus items in the kit include a Wii fan to help keep your system cool and a Wii remote glove to give you a better grip.

Any parent who has played Wii Sports with a couple kids can tell you that after a while, someone usually ends up getting bashed with this sort of sport kit. The good part about this is that when one gamer bashes another with the soft foam equipment the likelihood of someone being harmed is much less. Plus next time my hands slip while playing Tiger Woods maybe the TV won’t get killed. The price for the kit is $34.99 and it is available now.

VIA [ dreamGEAR ]