While gamers are free to use the Nintendo Wii U as a traditional console, only playing games while using the TVs in their homes, arguably one of the most desirable features of Nintendo's newest console is the off-TV, GamePad-only play, using nothing but the GamePad's screen as though the device were a handheld.
This off-TV play supports multiple gamers being in the same room at once, or even allows someone to be watching a television program while another person continues to play a game. Wouldn't it be great if that sort of freedom and portability was made even more portable; say, to allow players to keep that game going even while in the car? Thanks to the new MaxPlay power adapter, that dream has now become a reality.
The MaxPlay adapter comes from the folks at MaxBuy, who have created the MaxPlay adapter as a way to bring entertainment to passengers in vehicles over long (or even short) road trips. The MaxPlay adapter costs around $25 when purchased from retailers such as Play-Asia, and for that price, consumers will receive a very user-friendly product that can be hooked up in a matter of minutes using a vehicle's cigarette lighter.
One end of the MaxPlay adapter plugs into the cigarette lighter, while the other end plugs into the Wii U's GamePad. A second cable stretches between the MaxPlay and the Wii U device itself. Even though the Wii U requires less power than the Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3 to operate, it would obviously be best to use the MaxPlay in a moving, operational vehicle, rather than one that's turned off, so as to not drain the car's battery.
Likewise, Wii U gamers on the go should also be wary of using their console to play disc-based games while on bumpy roads. In the case of digital games like those on the Wii U Virtual Console, however, it's all fair game.
While the MaxPlay is used primarily to power the Wii U, it can also charge the GamePad on the go, and can even be used as a USB output charger for many other USB devices, like mobile phones, tablets, and more.
