The very first thing that we covered on Wednesday was surprisingly enough not a game or system but accessories.  The fine folks at Nyko were nice enough to invite us to their special office set aside from the show floor to show and demo for us their latest products for the PSP and Xbox 360.




The first device we were shown was the Intercooler, an Xbox 360 accessory that attaches to the back of the unit and adds assisted cooling through 3 extra fans.  While users that own current models would have no use for this device as overheating was only an issue with the first batch of consoles, those that do own one of those could really get some use out of this.  To be perfectly honest this could also act as sort of an insurance policy incase later models suddenly started having heating issues, better to be overly cautious than sorry.  Operation is very easy, the unit plugs onto the back of the system and draws its power directly from the 360.  I asked the spokesperson if this device on the back would allow for the official Microsoft net adaptor that goes there and was informed that this new revision of the original design leaves just enough room so no need to worry there.
The Intercooler retails for $19.99.


The next device shown was the Intelligent Remote, a cheep alternative to the more expensive universal remotes out there for the 360.  It was simple and functional.  This easily programmable remote could control your entire home entertainment center in addition to the xbox 360 and its DVD functions.  The most attractive feature of this device was its price point which should be even lower to similar remotes that only cover the 360's functions.
The Intelligent Remote retails for $19.99.


Next up was a USB device for the 360 called the Multi Reader.  As those of you that are familiar with the 360 know, it has plug and play support for most USB devices that don't require the installation of drivers.  This Multi Reader is covered in ports and allows you to read memory cards on your 360.  So digital camera pictures, home movies, music, etc are all available at your fingertips.  There are also 3 extra USB ports on the front giving you space for even more USB devices.  This is a very neat item that could get lots of use from those of us that use the 360 as a multi media device as well.
The Multi Reader does not have a set price as of yet.


Last but not least on the 360 front was the Game Face.  Many of us who hated the default eggshell white faceplate that the 360 came with have not had much in the way of quality alternatives to choose from.  Well now with the Game Face we can make our own custom faceplate designs with ease.  The kit comes with a plastic faceplate, blank inserts, and a CD with an editing program.  You simply drop an image or design into the editor and print it out, Game Face is that easy!
The Game Face retails for $19.99.



When it came to the PSP there was one very cool device that Nyko had to show us and that was the Play TV adaptor.  It's a special device that connects to the front of the PSP and connects to your TV's RCA ports displaying the PSP's image on your television.  This is a great device since the PSP does not have a TV out connection on it.  Now you can just hook this to your PSP and play your games or movies on your normal TV.  Now the image isn't as sharp as a direct connection due to the fact that the device is a mirror and a camera setup, but it still looks pretty nice.
The Play TV adaptor retails for $79.99.


The Power Tuner for the PSP was a great dual function device allowing you to charge your PSP in the car while listening to FM stations.  Some companies sell devices for the same price that do only one or the other, but this one has great dual functionality at a cheep price.
The Power Tuner retails for $19.99.

Some people with larger hands or longer fingers find the PSP painful to hold onto during extended play times, with the Charger Grips you add Dual Shock style controller handles to the PSP that also charge the unit while you play.  It feels quite familiar and comfortable to those that own PS2s and the added benefit of the built in battery is a very large plus.
The Charger Grips retails for $29.99.

More good work. That Face Plate seems pretty nice, if I ever buckle down and get a 360, thatll be a must.