[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyTcXdEmy1o[/youtube]
In the last few years, Mad Catz has been fairly quiet when it comes to Nintendo accessories. Sure, we’ve had a few carrying pouches and other smaller items, but nothing spectacular. This year however, the company will be putting out a full range of different accessories that are both stylish and utilitarian.
PowerUp Charge Dock
Version Tried: Wii U
Platforms: Wii U
Release Date: Wii U Launch
Nintendo has been silent about any details of what the Wii U will come with, be it charging dock or stand for the GamePad. Mad Catz seems to be betting that you’ll want to upgrade from the official box offerings and go with their charging solution for the GamePad. The PowerUp Charge Dock will be officially licensed, as apparent with a metal Wii U logo cut out in the back. This stand holds the GamePad relatively well while looking sleek and something you wouldn’t mind having in your living room. It also didn’t feel cheap when I was moving it around on the table and has a solid feel. To compliment this, Mad Catz is also producing the PowerUp Remote Charge Dock.
PowerUp Remote Charge Dock
Version Tried: Wii U (Wii Remotes)
Platforms: Wii U (Wii Remotes)
Release Date: Wii U Launch
Although the PowerUp Remote Charge Dock won’t be licensed, it will match well with its brother, the Charge Dock. It has the same nice metal feeling, but instead of charging the GamePad, it will charge Wii Remotes. There are no holsters or annoying cords to hook up to your Wii Remote to charge either. Instead, there is a magnetic surface that the batteries will adhere to and will allow it to stick while charging. It’s a very simple process with minimal fumbling around trying to figure out how it place a controller. Together with the Charge Dock, you can put the two together to create a space where the Wii U console itself could theoretically go. The two together have a simple yet elegant look about them that I personally wouldn’t mind having sit in front of my TV.
FlipStand Protective Cover
Version Tried: Wii U
Platforms: Wii U
Release Date: Wii U Launch
Those of us who own tablets know that having a case for it can be important. Thinking along those same lines, Mad Catz feels you may want to do the same with the Wii U GamePad. With that in mind, they are introducing the FlipStand Protective Cover. The cover isn’t a case in the traditional sense due to it only providing protection over the touch screen area. Instead it provides protection where it needs to while allowing easy access to the controls. The padding it uses on to cover the screen is soft and specially made for surfaces such as touch screens. When you’re not using the cover, it can be folded behind the unit into a stand of sorts. The sample they showed me wasn’t anywhere near the final product, but was more of a proof of concept unit than anything. Even with that in mind, the unit was quite light and didn’t add much bulk to the tablet.
Kunai
Version Tried: Nintendo 3DS
Platforms: Wii U, Nintendo 3DS, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita
Release Date: Fall
Tritton has been making decent headsets for sometime and now that they’re apart of the Mad Catz family, it’s no different. At E3, I was introduced to the Kunai line of headsets. The headsets seem budget friendly in nature, but don’t lack in quality. I tried on a pair of Kunai for Nintendo 3DS which felt comfortable on my head, without giving too much of a squeeze. It’s also fairly light, so it may not lead to fatigue that heavier sets lead to. Since not all 3DS games use the microphone they had the foresight to make it removable on the Kunai. With a simple twist and pull, the microphone boom can be removed and you’re left with just the headset.
I was able to pull out my LG Optimus Slider to give the headset audio a whirl. The audio I heard from the video I played didn’t seem to have too much bass or treble and was fairly balanced. Out of curiosity, I also tried making a phone call to test the microphone capabilities and even with this 3DS branded pair, it worked flawlessly. The call was clear and the other party heard me with ease. All in all a well rounded package from what I’ve tested so far.
