Gaming manufacturer Nyko Technologies was at the 2014 E3 Convention to unveil its newest line of PlayStation 4 and Xbox One accessories, introducing consumers to its soon-to-be-released charging and temperature control products.
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Founded in 1996, Nyko realized early success via focusing on video game controller charging products. However, the LA-based company was forced to adapt as its competition increased, ultimately leading to the creation of its current line of Modular Stations.
GameNGuide had the opportunity to speak to Michael Quiroz, Nyko's Business Development and Marketing Manager, who acknowledged the company's early challenges.
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"We've made a mark with charging accessories in the last generation with our charge bases for controllers, but a lot of competitors came out with similar products so we wanted to do something totally different. No one else has had anything like our modular stations that look like the consoles and attach seamless," he said.
After addressing Nyko's evolution, Quiroz began delving into lineup for the summer and fall, starting with its Media Remote for Xbox One.
The respective remote allows its users to efficiently navigate media streams and various other applications.
"This is a fully functional Xbox One remote. You can power the system on and off with it, control the menu navigation, watch blu-rays, DVD's, and any app content like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Instant," he explained.
The Media Remote, priced at $14.99, also comes equipped with a built-in IR receiver and needs no additional software. When accompanied with the Kinect, it can control other standard features such as the volume on one's TV.
"If you have Kinect we can navigate your cable through Xbox One. You can pull this up and navigate your channels. The remote should be out in a month or two; late summer, early fall," Quiroz said.
Next up was the PS4 Power Pak; a rechargeable battery set that gives users up to two times more battery life on their Dual Shock 4 controllers. The accessory attaches via Micro USB port, and can simultaneously recharge controllers while in use.
"The power pack clips on to the underside of the controller. The usual battery life of a Dual Shock is only about 8-10 hours. Most gamers get about 30 hours out of a controller because the big light on the top is doing a lot of power. You put on the 1000 mAH battery, which is the same size as the controller's so you're doubling its capacity. It transfers its power into the controller itself," he explained.
Quiroz went on to introduce Nyko's modular products, which attach to the consoles with ease and allow users to more effectively maintain them.
"We'll be releasing a whole new line of modular accessories. They all attach to the console itself, and they provide a function, whether it's charging, cooling, cleaning and work by themselves, but also in tandem with the rest of the modular pieces," he said.
The Modular Power Station for the Xbox One will retail at $29.99, and should be available in Q4. It connects to the console's side USB port.
The product will allow Microsoft users to recharge included batteries for their controllers and also feature storage compartments. To top it off, it has a button that syncs other additional controllers with no other plugs or cords required.
"This front of our modular power station is meant to look and feel like the console itself. There's a hidden button in the front, and you've also got a hidden compartment for two rechargeable battery packs. Which will start out with a 1000mAh and move up to 1400mAH," Quiroz said.
Quiroz moved on to PS4's Modular Charge Kit, which stores two retractable and compartmentalized USB cables for an optimal rate.
"For twenty bucks you're getting two cables, so it's almost like getting the housing and the cleaning stuff as added bonuses," he said.
For effective upkeep of the Sony console, the top of the product also holds a removable cleaning brush with a detailing edge for eliminating dust, smudges and fingerprints.
"The top of it is actually a cleaning brush so you can clean off the top of your system, and the bottom part slides out. These are made with nice, glossy finishes. Underneath, the compartment, includes two retractable charging cables," he explained.
When queried about what lies ahead for Nyko Technologies, Quiroz said that the company has various other accessories up its sleeve as well.
"We're announcing a couple more modular items after the show in a couple months," he said.
Quiroz also stressed the importance of standing out in the video game market, knowing full well that Nyko must do so in order to thrive in the current market.
"There's a lot of controllers and headsets and stuff like that out there, but this is truly unique stuff," he said.
