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Nyko Zoom Case for DSi unleashed upon the world

by James Ransom-Wiley { Oct 29th 2009 at 3:00AM }

Click for 2x ZOOM!

The last of Nyko's Big Three from E3 has hit the marketplace, and it's a doozy. The "Zoom Case" is, uh, well, it's a protective case for the DSi with, yep -- that's a gigantic camera lens attached to it. And would you look at that? Nyko saved up enough for a real-life model. She really helps to sell the image of a social networking enthusiast. Don't you think?

No, seriously, the Zoom Case "improves upon one of the landmark features of the DSi, enabling gamers to take higher quality images, which is perfect for the growing suite of social networking capabilities available on the platform," says Nyko marketing director Chris Arbogast.

Ohhh ... that explains it!

Gallery: Nyko Zoom Case (DSi)

The very serious story of Invizimals

by Andrew Yoon { Aug 19th 2009 at 1:02AM }

Invizimals was one of the biggest surprises for us at E3. Shown only behind closed doors, we were captivated by its unique camera-based, Pokemon-inspired gameplay. It felt "magical," and we think you'll agree once you see this story trailer. As you can see, these critters are real, only visible through the PSP camera. But what if the energy of these invisible animals could be weaponized? Terrifying, isn't it? As the trailer shows, this is serious, Academy Award-winning stuff. You will not witness truer human drama.

Eye of Judgment seen on PSP

by Andrew Yoon { Aug 18th 2009 at 2:10PM }

There's yet another game coming out that will take advantage of the PSP camera beyond Invizimals. SCEE announced Eye of Judgment will make its way to the PSP, and will be playable at GamesCom. Originally a PS3 game, Eye of Judgment allows players to use real trading cards in a dueling game not unlike Yu-Gi-Oh!. The creatures printed on the cards are detected by the camera and rendered on-screen in 3D. While unconfirmed, the PSP version is likely to operate in the same way.

We do have a few questions regarding the PSP version of Eye of Judgment. For example, will PSP owners be able to use the same cards from the PS3 version? Will PSP owners be able to compete online against PS3 owners? Hopefully, all will be answered later at GamesCom.

Sony's earliest Motion Controller plans included Teletubbies, X-Men

by Andrew Yoon { Aug 3rd 2009 at 12:00PM }

The PlayStation Motion Controller was one of the big highlights at this year's E3. However, it shouldn't have come as a surprise -- considering Sony's been working on the controller since the beginning of the millennium. A look back to GDC 2001 reveals a presentation from Richard Marks about "using video input for games." Noting that "simpler interfaces are needed to reach a broader audience," Marks wanted to create an interface for casual non-gamers, one that would be "intuitive, simple, enabling and enjoyable." Sound familiar to you?

Some of the prototypes developed by the EyeToy team include "Misho the Witch" (pictured above), a virtual pet simulation that has players using a ball-and-stick controller to play with the on-screen witch. Ideas from this demo have ended up in both EyePet and the upcoming Motion Controller itself. Other ideas thrown around included a magic duel, where players could write spells using gestures, and games inspired by Casper the Friendly Ghost and the Teletubbies.

While gamers have been spared from a motion-sensing game based on the Teletubbies, another idea seems to have been left on the wayside: games based on various superhero properties. Marks' presentation revealed plans to recreate the powers of the Fantastic Four and the X-Men through the PlayStation camera. We're not sure how far those ideas went, but a superhero game that takes advantage of the Motion Controller would make perfect sense as a launch game for when the controller (finally) debuts next year.

[Thanks, Bradley M.!]

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Iwata: Nintendo passed on camera technology

by JC Fletcher { Jun 10th 2009 at 11:00AM }

For all the talk about Microsoft's Project Natal, one man isn't impressed -- in fact, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata told the Financial Times that he's quite literally seen it before. Or, at least, he's seen motion-sensing cameras before.

Iwata told FT that Nintendo had previously experimented with camera-based motion sensing, but found better results with the accelerometers that became the basis of the Wii Remote. "Until they say when they're releasing it, how much it costs and what software it comes with," Iwata said, "we won't know whether that is the route we should have taken. However . . . I think they couldn't choose to release exactly the same thing."

Of course, it must be noted that pretty much everyone has seen motion-sensing cameras in games before, because Sony sold a lot of them starting in 2003. The idea isn't new, and thus it's not at all surprising that Nintendo has tried it. It's even less surprising that Iwata is psyching out Microsoft by downplaying the technology.

[Via Seattle PI]

Impressions: Invizimals

by Andrew Yoon { Jun 8th 2009 at 7:00PM }

While conducting some tests for SCEI, a researcher at Sony's HQ in Japan realized that the PSP Go!Cam could see a visual spectrum far beyond human vision. Scattered throughout the world is a mystical energy that only the PSP camera could detect. Clearly, this is the beginning of something big!

However, what if this energy fell into the wrong hands? Couldn't someone harness the energy for the purposes of evil? What if someone were to create a weapon with this mysterious energy?

This meta-story sets the stage for Sony's upcoming camera-required PSP game, Invizimals. Those lucky to see the behind-closed-doors demonstration at E3 were charmed by its high-tech devilry and innovative concept that many have been quick to call "Pokemon ... on crack."

Gallery: Invizimals

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Impressions: EyePet (PS3)

by Andrew Yoon { Jun 4th 2009 at 8:30AM }

It's real, folks. We first learned of EyePet over a year ago, and approached it with both excitement and skepticism. When we had a chance to see EyePet running on PS3 live, we were blown away at how what we originally thought was a concept video had been completely real all along.

For those not in the know, EyePet is a virtual pet simulator that takes advantage of the PlayStation Eye. With the addition of a "magic card," players will be able to play with a virtual monkey that lives in augmented reality. The television will display what the PlayStation Eye sees: you, and your body. Your on-screen pet will then be able to respond to all your actions. You'll be able to virtually pet the creature on the head, grab a bowl of food and feed it, and play a variety of mini-games. The tactile sensation of owning a pet will be gone, but in its stead will be an unworldly adorable creature that uses tech that feels like it's from the future.

Perhaps it's best summed up with video, as EyePet truly needs to be seen to be understood. You can do so many things with the critter, and his incredibly detailed and lifelike animation makes this "game" all the more believable. For example, you can try sweeping your arm across the bottom of your TV view, and the pet will jump over your arm. When your pet goes to sleep, you can clap loudly and get it to wake up ... (although it might be grumpy!)

Gallery: EyePet

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Your Shape determines your shape with a camera

by Mike Schramm { Jun 1st 2009 at 10:22PM }

Ubisoft has revealed a camera-based fitness game, coming this holiday season for the Wii. Your Shape comes with a custom USB camera that plugs right into your Wii, and will use the visual input to determine whether you're slim or sloppy, and then give you a trainer-based workout designed to send you in the right direction.

It's a good thing Ubisoft is being so innovative here -- the Wii fitness market is virtually untapped so far. Could a game with a casual interface designed with the promise of a more healthier lifestyle actually sell? We'll have to wait and see -- the bundle is due out sometime this year.

WSJ: Microsoft prepping Xbox 360 motion control camera

by Jason Dobson { May 13th 2009 at 8:35AM }

Rumors of Microsoft's intent to ride on Nintendo's motion-sensitive coattails are nothing new, and while nothing has been announced, the Wall Street Journal suggests that a new motion-detecting camera from Microsoft could be unveiled as early as next month's E3.

Citing unnamed sources reportedly close to the project, the rumored camera captures a player's body motion and translates it onto the screen. The functionality reads more like the EyeToy than the Wii, though the WSJ's sources say that the rumored peripheral will offer "more accurate control over games" than other cameras. Microsoft was said to be in talks to purchase 3D camera company 3DV earlier this year, tech the sources say is behind the camera. Whatever the case, the camera, if true, is likely a ways off, with the WSJ's sources further noting that the device won't see the light of retail until sometime next year.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

You can play piano on your DSi, kinda

by Griffin McElroy { Apr 13th 2009 at 10:00PM }

Has your long-held habit of carrying a baby grand piano with you everywhere you go begun to cause irreversible damage to your easily pliable spinal cord? The Monday Night Crew gang discovered an easier way to tickle ~~ivories~~ touchscreens on the go by using a neat trick in the "Graffiti Mode" on your DSi. Basically, the music note stamp in graffiti mode makes a sound that changes pitch depending on where you place it on the screen. By placing these stamps over a cleverly crafted grid, you can wow your friends with MIDI renditions of your favorite songs. It's a neat trick, and far less damaging on the ol' sacroiliac. Check out a video demonstration after the jump!

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DS Daily: Keeping a record

by Alisha Karabinus { Oct 24th 2008 at 8:58AM }

While we're still not fully convinced the DSi is the second coming of awesome, some of the features are undoubtedly neat. We spoke a little about the camera and some of the photo manipulation possibilities the other day, but another feature of the DSi (that also has nothing to do with gaming) is the ability to create an album-of-days, or basically, a photo diary on your DSi.

It's a neat idea, considering a lot of people carry their handhelds around nearly everywhere, though it certainly won't convince anyone to buy the reimagined handheld by itself (probably). What do you think of the feature? Is it something you would use, provided you had a DSi?

The DS Life: i

by Eric Caoili { Oct 22nd 2008 at 11:59PM }

As far as the Nintendo DSi's new features go, most of the opinions we've heard seem to think unkindly of the upcoming hardware's cameras -- some calling it a gimmick that needlessly raises the system's price, others describing it as an absent-minded addition that hardly competes with their digital cameras or phones.

As someone who runs a column on photographs about handheld gamers, however, I'm thrilled about the whole deal! I expect to see a lot more image submissions from our readers after next, um, April, when the updated handheld finally comes to the States.

With only eight days before the DSi debuts in Japan, Nintendo has put out a trailer with a guide for the portable's new features, including the camera and image manipulation capabilities. Join us past the post break for the four-and-a-half-minute clip.

Gallery: Nintendo DSi

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DS Daily: Camera games

by Alisha Karabinus { Oct 12th 2008 at 10:30AM }

Whether or not you're excited about the DSi's camera(s), it's sure to have some potential for future fun. Is there anything you'd like to see done with the handheld's included cameras? Any particular apps? Do you want to make faces? Wave things in front of the camera? Just take random pictures of friends who don't realize that's what you're doing with your DS?

Gallery: Nintendo DSi

Turn your PS Eye into a working webcam

by Andrew Yoon { Sep 29th 2008 at 10:30PM }

With the exception of LittleBigPlanet and The Eye of Judgment, there hasn't been much reason to dust off the Eye. Well, put it to work! Get the camera off its lazy butt and have it become a fully functional PC webcam. The NUI Group is offering detailed instructions on how to get the Eye camera to work on your PC, with easy to install drivers.

[Via N4G; Thanks, Jon K.!]

DS Daily: What would you have done?

by Alisha Karabinus { Sep 28th 2008 at 10:25AM }

Last night's breaking rumor about a DS redesign came seemingly out of nowhere, but with the next Nintendo conference right around the corner, maybe it's not such a surprise as all that. What we did find surprising were the purported changes in the redesign. Camera? Music? Interesting, sure, but how many of us are already strapped with devices that handle those functions just fine? Is this what you would have chosen for the next DS?