Category: Nyko

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Nyko Launch PlayStation VR Accessories Sale

If you are a regular virtual reality (VR) user, particularly a PlayStation VR user, you might have found yourself wishing for a few devices and accessories that make your life a bit easier when engaging in VR. Accessory supplier Nyko are stepping up to that challenge by providing some of its PlayStation VR accessories at a discount.

Nyko have been running a series of sales offers to help videogame fans save a bit of cash during tax season. The 20% discounts have run across various platforms, and has now come around to the PlayStation VR.

Many PlayStation VR titles rely on the PlayStation Move, but keeping them both charged when you only have one spare USB port on your console (with the other obviously being occupied by the PlayStation VR headset cable) can be a challenge. Nyko have two products that can make that task considerably easier.

The first is a AC charging block which allows users to store and charge both PlayStation Move controllers simultaneously. The charger has been designed to allow the controllers to be easily disengaged using only one hand to make it easier to grab them during a PlayStation VR gaming session. Normally priced at $19.99 (USD), the charging block is currently discounted to $15.99.

Also designed for the PlayStation Move is the Charge Link VR cable, a 10 foot USB to Mini USB cable with a y-split end that lets players use both PlayStation Move controllers and keep them charged. This cable is normally $14.99 but is now available for $11.99.

For users who suffer for the scourge of simulation sickness, the VR Motion Bands might be worth a try. A type of wrist strap which affixes tightly to the user’s wrist with an acupressure ball that has been known to ease symptoms of motion sickness. The VR Motion Band is currently available for $10.39, discounted from $12.99.

Finally, if you find yourself lacking a good place to Store your PlayStation VR, the VR stand is available. This comes equipped with four USB forts that can be plugged in to AC power to ensure all your devices are kept charged. The VR stand is discounted to $23.99, down from $29.99.

Further details are available on the Nyko website. Keep checking back with VRFocus for more news on the latest deals and offers on VR products.

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Nyko’s PlayPad VR Lets You Play VR Games With a Controller on the Samsung Gear VR

VRFocus has already covered various virtual reality (VR) accessories you may want to own to make your life easier by Nyko Technologies, such as the Charge Block and Charge Link for the PlayStation VR controllers or the VR Anti-Nausea Wristband. Chris Arbogast, Director of Sales and Marketing for Nyko Technologies showcased the company’s latest range of third party accessories at last month’s Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). In this video Arbogast shows off the PlayPad VR, a wireless Bluetooth controller. Retailing at $49.99 USD it’s set to be released this Fall in the US and will be released internationally at a later date. Any videogames on Gear VR that have controller support will be compatible.

Here are some key features:

  • Slider pads and buttons on the back for clickable sticks enable console controller precision
  • Bluetooth protocol for wireless connectivity to any Samsung phone
  • Built for the latest Android HID controller protocol – no button mapping required
  • Easily clips onto the front of the Gear VR with Controller to replace the normal cover for convenient storage
  • Compatible with previous versions of Gear VR
  • Slim form factor for easy portability
  • Charges via a USB Type-C cable
  • 25- 30 hours on a single charge with a built in rechargeable battery pack.

Checkout VRFocus’ interview with Arbogast to find out more on the PlayPad VR.

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Nyko Wireless Gear VR Controller Announced

Nyko Technologies have announced that the company is now an officially licensed partner of Samsung, and that it will be releasing its first product, a wireless game controller for the Samsung Gear VR, the PlayPad VR.

The PlayPad VR will be available later this year with a retail price of $49.99 and will be demonstrated at E3, where key features will be available for attendees to examine during hands-on demonstrations at the Nyko Technology booth.

“PlayPad VR for Gear VR with Controller is built from our experience creating multiple generations of wireless gaming controllers for Android,” said Chris Arbogast, Director of Sales and Marketing at Nyko. “As an officially licensed partner to Samsung, we’re able to combine our expertise with their deep understanding of the Gear VR with Controller’s design and gameplay experience to offer all the benefits of a console controller. We look forward to supporting Gear VR with Controller’s continued momentum and market success worldwide.”

Key features for the Nyko PlayPad VR are:

  • Slider pads and buttons on the back for clickable sticks enable console controller precision
  • Bluetooth protocol for wireless connectivity to any Samsung phone
  • Built for the latest Android HID controller protocol – no button mapping required
  • Easily clips onto the front of the Gear VR with Controller to replace the normal cover for convenient storage
  • Compatible with previous versions of Gear VR
  • Slim form factor for easy portability
  • Charges via a USB Type-C cable

VRFocus will bring you further information on the Nyko PlayPad VR as it becomes available.

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Nyko Charge Block VR Review: Simple Charging for PSVR Move Controllers

Nyko Charge Block VR Review: Simple Charging for PSVR Move Controllers

The need to keep devices charged occupies roughly 10% of my brain activity each and every day all in the attempt to avoid these situations: “How much phone battery do I have left? Okay, I can put it on the fast charger while I finish getting ready and it should be over 50% before I leave. This PS4 controller is dead? I’ll let it charge while I use the bad one (everyone has a bad one). My Vive wands are dead? Okay, I’ll do something else while they charge.”

Charging docks are important, clearly. But with all that being said, the Nyko Charge Block VR which was originally announced at CES is a weirdly named and oddly marketed product.

Since Sony’s PlayStation VR (PSVR) headset itself plugs directly into the PlayStation 4 (PS4) and corresponding breakout box, it doesn’t actually have a battery to charge. As a result, the Charge Block VR (which has “PlayStation VR” plastered on the box) actually just charges the PS Move controllers. The Move controllers have found a bit of a resurgence as of late as motion-tracked peripherals for Sony’s debut VR HMD, but they’re far from perfect. The tech has actually been around since the PS3 days when Sony was trying capture a small fraction of the Wii-craze.

As a charging dock for the PS Move controllers the Charge Block VR is perfectly serviceable. The devices slide in vertically very easily and fit nice and snug allowing you to charge both at the same time. You can also attach other Charge Block Solo devices (sold separately) so you can charge up your DualShock 4 at the same time and keep all controllers in a tidy single spot.

Perhaps the best thing about the Charge Block VR is the excellent build quality and design. It feels sturdy enough, but not so heavy it’s inconvenient to move or place on top of other objects and devices. It matches the standard PS4, PS4 Slim, and PS4 Pro all very nicely.

You can purchase the Charge Block VR for $19.99 on Amazon, but if you want the Solo adapter to also charge your DualShock 4 you’ll need to spend an additional $14.99 (currently discounted to $11.24). While the Nyko works great and is very like the best choice for a lot of setups when combined with the Solo adapter, I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out a superior, although slightly pricier, alternative.

The Power A Charge & Display Station actually has docks for both Move controllers, a single DualShock 4, and the headset itself with a stand at the back of the unit. All four items sit neatly, charging and displaying themselves, with easy access. However, it is $49.99 typically, with a current discount at $39.99. If you want a spot for your headset as well I recommend taking the slight extra dive for the better unit, but otherwise the Nyko is a great choice.

 

Final Recommendation: Worth It

Since the PS4 itself doesn’t have enough USB ports to charge all of your DualShock 4 controllers, PS Move controllers, and keep everything plugged in (like the PSVR breakout box) you really do need a charging station of some kind. If you don’t care about displaying and storing the headset on a stand, then the Nyko Charge Block VR is a solid choice.

UploadVR was sent a review unit of the Charge Block VR from Nyko for this review.

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