Tag: Hardware
News Polymega Slips Into Early 2020, But It's Bringing Some Cool Stuff With It
Intelligent patches! New screen filters! Impressive compatibility!
Polymega's been in the oven for quite some time now, and, like so many new hardware projects, has been subject to a few growing pains. This ambitious system is aiming to be the ultimate retro box, allowing you to not only use your original games and controllers but also download your...
Guide How To Fix A Drifting Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Analogue Stick
Several solutions to fix drift and put Joy back in the Con
Switch has proved to be a roaring success since launching in 2017 and Nintendo deserves credit for delivering a console to suit multiple purposes and lifestyles. Its popularity as a portable device relies on it being hard-wearing and – on the whole – it’s a solid, durable bit of kit...
Video A Closer Look At Some Of Nintendo's Bizarre Unreleased Gaming Peripherals
A NES knitting machine, anyone?
Of all the major companies in the gaming world, Nintendo is commonly seen as the most out-there and unconventional of the bunch. It often designs consoles which are unexpected, which go against the trends of the industry, and frequently launches quirky controllers or design concepts to fit alongside them. In recent...
Hardware Review How Does The Carby GameCube Component Cable Compare To The Real Deal?
Component or HDMI, that is the question
If you're of a certain age you'll understand the struggles we went through to get the absolute best picture quality out of our consoles back in the day. The GameCube was no different; in fact, we remember paying well over the odds for a modified Component-to-RGB Scart cable in order to get our NTSC GameCube...
Guide Where To Buy The New Nintendo Switch With Better Battery Life And Screen
Want the new Switch SKU? We're here to help you track it down
You have probably heard about a new version of the Nintendo Switch that's on store shelves now, and we don't mean the handheld-only Switch Lite that launched in September. Over the summer Nintendo rolled out an update to the standard Switch model with some changes under the hood which...
Guide Best Nintendo Switch Controllers
Play in comfort and style
The Nintendo Switch is an incredibly versatile console, with many different controller options to suit your mood. When playing in handheld mode, nothing beats the convenience of the Joy-Con, of course, but when docked or in Tabletop mode there are a plethora of controller choices on the market these days for your...
News You Might Want To Put The Brakes On Nintendo's Black Friday Switch + Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Bundle
Always read the small print
Yesterday Nintendo released its list of Black Friday bargains in the US, with $20 off the price of a whole bunch of quality games and a Switch console bundle that throws in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe 'free' for the price of the standard console. Not a bad deal on the face of it, although after checking the small print (as...
Reminder The £200 Capcom Home Arcade System Launches Today, Have A New Trailer
What is this “Death Stranding” of which you speak?
Even though it’s not a Nintendo game, we imagine that many of you reading this will be aware that today sees the arrival of Hideo Kojima’s much-hyped epic, Death Stranding – which, according to our friends over at Push Square, is rather good. 10/10 good, in fact. However, today also sees...
"Our focus right now is absolutely on our dedicated platforms"
The NES and SNES Classic Editions have done incredible business for Nintendo, and have triggered a wave of similar consoles from the likes of Sega, Capcom,
Guide How To Connect (And Disconnect) Wireless Nintendo Switch Controllers
Pairing wireless Joy-Con and Pro Controllers with your Nintendo Switch
If you're new to the world of Nintendo Switch, you may have found connecting wireless controllers such as the detachable Joy-Con or the official Pro Controller a bit of a faff. Pairing them in the first place is usually easy enough, but what do you do if they connect in the wrong...
News Is Sharp About To Challenge Nintendo With Its Own Portable Gaming Device?
New patent reveals a unique approach
Despite its recent financial woes, Japanese electronics company Sharp has a long and proud history of innovation and has worked with Nintendo in the past on components for its games consoles. However, a new patent hints that Sharp could be looking to enter the gaming space and become a rival to Nintendo. The...
News Grab An Officially-Licensed Pink Sega Controller And Join The Fight Against Breast Cancer
Pre-orders go live today
Retro-Bit has announced a partnership with Sega and Limited Run Games to release a collection of officially-licensed - and bright pink - Sega controllers. A portion of the proceeds will go towards fighting breast cancer. There are four different controllers available - two for the Sega Genesis, and two for the Sega Saturn...
Rumour Nvidia's New Tegra X1+ Chip Could Make Switch Performance "Up To 25% Faster"
Is this the chip we've been waiting for?
In June, there was a rumour the new Nvidia Shield device – now known as the Nvidia Shield TV Pro – could potentially share the same chipset as the rumoured 'Pro' model Switch. With less than a few weeks to supposedly go until Nvidia's latest product is released, a now-removed Amazon listing has revealed...
News Who Needs A Game Boy Classic Edition When You've Got The Analogue Pocket?
The maker of the Super Nt and Mega Sg is back
Hardware specialist Analogue is famous for its reference-quality clones of retro systems and has already made a name for itself with products like the Super Nt and Mega Sg, both of which harness FPGA technology to replicate the performance of classic systems on a hardware level. The company has today...
News Nintendo Switch Is Getting A The Witcher 3-Themed Controller
Pre-orders now open
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is now well and truly available on Nintendo Switch - and well worth playing, too - but there's even more Witcher goodness to come. That's right, you'll soon be able to play the game with an officially licensed controller (or any other game, for that matter). The controller comes from accessory maker...
News A Revised Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Has Been Spotted In Stores
But it doesn't look like much has changed
Over the last few days, we've been seeing reports of a new, revised Switch Pro Controller model being spotted in stores. With the recent Switch console revision being pretty significant, some will no doubt expect that a new Pro Controller could be worth picking up too, but it doesn't actually seem like all...
News Atari's Attempt To Relaunch The VCS Has Just Hit Another Brick Wall
Will this troubled system ever see the light of day?
Atari was once the king of video games, and at one point was close to working with Nintendo to bring its Famicom system to the west. Those days are a long time ago now, and the company exists only in name – a name which has been passed around from owner to owner, its importance diminishing with...
Feature Digging Through Nintendo Patents
Ideas that surfaced or sank without trace
The recent discovery of a patent for Joy-Con controllers with hinges set tongues wagging with speculation as to what it could mean for Switch and potential future directions for the platform. Will Switch ‘Pro’ feature a curved screen? Is the angle of the two parts measured and translated into the game?...
News 8BitDo Reveals Cute And Portable Controller Designed For Nintendo Switch Lite
Available to order now
Gaming accessory maker 8BitDo is back with a new controller designed specifically for the new Nintendo Switch Lite, and you can get your orders in right now. If you're not familiar with 8BitDo, the company has created many a fine controller over the last few years, many of which offer more affordable and very practical...
Poll Is Your Switch Lite Suffering From Joy-Con Drift?
Or should that be 'Joy-Con-less drift'?
Hmm. Unfortunately, it appears that our fears about the Switch Lite experiencing the dreaded 'drift weren't unfounded as reports are popping up of the first instances of the phenomenon occurring in Switch Lite consoles just days after launch. If you're an owner of a shiny new Switch Lite, we'd like your help...
News Sorry, But There's No Hidden Workaround To Connect Your Switch Lite To A TV
The necessary hardware "does not exist"
Now, we all know that the new Nintendo Switch Lite is designed purely for dedicated handheld play, with no obvious way of 'docking' the console for use with a TV or monitor like the original console, but that doesn't mean that many weren't still hoping for some other solution or workaround. Maybe there's some...
News SNK's New Neo Geo Might Not Be What You Were Expecting
Update: All pre-loaded games revealed!
Update (20th Sep, 16:15 BST): SNK has now revealed the 20 games that will be pre-loaded on the Neo Geo Arcade Stick Pro. Here's the full list: The King of Fighters '95 The King of Fighters '97 The King of Fighters '98 The King of Fighters '99 The King of Fighters 2000 The King of Fighters 2002 Fatal Fury...
Feature Nintendo Hardware Refreshes Through The Ages
Switch Lite is just the latest in a long line of updates
Mid-cycle hardware refreshes may sometimes feel like a relatively recent development, but console manufacturers have been releasing revised versions of their consoles since video gaming first entered the home. You might associate Nintendo hardware refreshes mostly with handheld consoles thanks...
News Prototype Wii Nunchuk Controller Included A Rumble Motor, According To New Photos
Before the Revolution
Last year a prototype controller for the GameCube came up for auction on Yahoo Japan and shed a little more light on the evolution of the Wii Remote. A grey prototype version of the controller plugged into the console directly, as did a large IR bar similar to the one which would eventually ship with the Wii. A familiar looking...
News Razer's New Gaming Tablet Is One Of The Most Blatant Nintendo Switch Clones Yet
On the cutting edge?
Gaming-focused hardware maker Razer has made a name for itself with its range of computer, tablet and smartphone devices, and it would appear the company is about to release a product which takes inspiration from the Nintendo Switch. The Singapore-based firm filed a patent for a 'gaming controller for mobile device and method...
PSA Remember To Update Your Joy-Con And Pro Controllers Today, As Well As Your Switch
Controller updates arrive with Version 9.0.0
Just as a quick reminder, or as a new piece of info if you were unaware, that any new Switch firmware update brings with it a relatively high chance of further updates for your controllers, too. With Switch's Version 9.0.0 firmware update now well and truly out in the wild, it's also time to give your...
News That Hidden LED Light On Your Nintendo Switch Controller Finally Has A Use
After two and half years
The Nintendo Switch has been on the market for more than two and half years now, but one of its available functions hasn't had any use (officially, at least) in all that time. Now, though, the time has finally come for that little function to shine. On your right-hand Joy-Con and your Pro Controller, you'll notice that the...
Poll How Would You Like To See Dreamcast Classics Arrive On Switch?
Dreamcast turns 20 today in North America
9/9/99. It'll be a very long time until we reach a cooler date to launch a console (or anything else for that matter). Yes, it was twenty years ago today that Sega's Dreamcast landed in North America on a date that ranks alongside Sonic 2sday and Mortal Monday in the annals of video game history. Although...
Feature 30 Weird And Wonderful Peripherals From Nintendo's History
Playing with power... and a whole lotta plastic
Nintendo’s history as a manufacturer of playing cards and toys means the company has always been very comfortable with expanding out from with video game console under the TV into the wider world of peripheral accessories and novelties. These extra lumps of plastic and electronics that interface with...
News Pre-Orders Go Live For The Evercade Retro Handheld System
More than 100 games already confirmed
As promised, pre-orders for the upcoming Evercade console have now gone live. If you're looking to get your hands on one, keep reading! With an expanding library of cartridges that already includes the likes of Namco Museum (Pac-Man, Dig-Dug and Galaxian), Atari (Asteroids, Centipede and Pong), Interplay...
News Japanese Stores Are Quickly Selling Out Of The New Nintendo Switch Model
People want that juicy battery life
Over the last few weeks, Nintendo's revised Nintendo Switch console with improved battery life has been appearing in stores worldwide. You can tell the difference thanks to the new, bold red packaging, and while many won't feel the need to upgrade, there are plenty of Switch owners who have been trying to get...
Video Nintendo Welcomes Switch Lite To The Family With Flashy Console Trailer
Are you getting one?
We can't quite believe that it's already September, but boy do we have a cracking month ahead of us. As you'll probably be aware, The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening is heading to Switch, alongside other intriguing titles like DAEMON X MACHINA, Untitled Goose Game, and even
News This Exclusive Evercade Console Is Looking Pretty In Black
Pre-orders go live next week
UK-based online retailer Funstock is selling an exclusive black edition of the upcoming Evercade console - perfect for any dark mode fans out there. Releasing on the same day as the standard model (20th March, 2020), the black edition will be available in a Premium Edition bundle or in an All-In Edition bundle. The...
Random Not All Joy-Con Are Created Equal
We'll pass, thanks
The Switch is a pretty smart-looking bit of kit; whether you opt for the sophisticated grey model or put yourself out there with a set of vibrant neon Joy-Con, the hardware consistently looks sleek and elegant - and considerably more refined than its Wii U Gamepad predecessor. Not all Joy-Con are quite as nice as Nintendo's own,...
Video Digital Foundry Takes A Detailed Look At The Updated Switch SKU
More battery life for your buck
We've been keeping a very close eye on the new Nintendo Switch SKU that's in the process of hitting store shelves, and it certainly seems to make multiple minor improvements to the launch model, but is it worth buying as a replacement if you already own a Switch? After taking delivery of a new model fresh from the...
News Nintendo Switch Lite Accessories Ready For Launch From HORI
Pimp your Switch (Lite)
HORI has announced its initial line of officially licensed accessories for the upcoming Nintendo Switch Lite. From cases to screen protectors, it's all here, and it's all accessory-y: Screen Protective Filter for Nintendo Switch Lite - $7.99 USD MSRPDuraFlexi Protector for Nintendo Switch Lite - $12.99 USD MSRPHybrid System...
Poll Have You Ever Had Problems With Nintendo Hardware?
Is Joy-Con drift just a blip on Nintendo’s score sheet?
With Joy-Con drift making headlines again over the past month thanks to lawsuits filed in the US, it’s easy to see the phenomenon as a potential disaster for Nintendo. Many gamers have had absolutely no problems with Switch's detachable controllers, but a huge percentage have encountered...
News New Purple/Orange And Blue/Yellow Joy-Con Now Available To Pre-Order In The UK
Must. Resist. Purple. Joy-Con.
On 4th October, the fancy new Purple/Orange and Blue/Yellow Joy-Con are launching for Nintendo Switch. Pre-orders for both sets have finally appeared in the UK, so if you're after a new pair of controllers for your console, here's where to go. We've stumbled across several options in the UK - GAME, Smyths and the...
News Pichu And Jigglypuff Are Getting Their Very Own Switch Controllers
GameCube-style for a Smashing good time
Accessory maker PDP is back once again, this time with two more controllers which star Pokémon's very own Pichu and Jigglypuff. The controllers will join the company's Wired Fight Pad Pro range. Styled to look and feel like a Nintendo GameCube controller - and therefore digging into that Super Smash Bros...
News This Tiny Nintendo Switch Dock Has Just Obliterated Its Kickstarter Goal
Now your dock is portable, too!
Product developer Human Things has started up a Kickstarter campaign for its latest gizmo, the Genki Covert Dock. It's only been live for a day at the time of writing, but the campaign has already raised more than £300,000. Following in the footsteps of the company's popular Bluetooth audio adapter - which lets you...
News New Switch Models To Reportedly Benefit From Sharp's Energy Efficient IGZO Displays
Another welcome update
With Nintendo Switch Lite launching next month, as well as an upgrade to the already-existing machine now appearing in stores, we're starting to be presented with new hardware options which offer improved performance over the flagship model. A report from th
Random You Can Always Rely On Your Parents To Find A Clever Use For The Wii Fit Balance Board
Don't throw yours out
Where's your Wii Fit Balance Board? That's a question we asked many years ago when the popularity of Nintendo's fitness-focused peripheral was on the wane, but now, several years later, it fills us with joy to know that this unique interface still has a purpose in the world. That purpose? Weighing gas canisters. Given the...
News SNK's New Neo Geo Console Will Boast "A Modern Design And Wonderful Play Feeling"
Will also connect to the Neo Geo Mini
Earlier this year, SNK announced that it was working on new console hardware after the Neo Geo Mini had sold better than expected. Two new system variants were confirmed, and it was stressed that these would be 'new' and would be independent of the existing Neo Geo Mini system. Today, the company has posted a...
News New And Improved Nintendo Switch Model Reportedly On Sale In Australia And Hong Kong
The upgrade is here
Last month, a new revision of the standard Nintendo Switch model was spotted on the company's official website which was said to bring an improved battery life. Now, it would appear that those consoles are starting to hit store shelves. Reports have come in from both Australia and Hong Kong stating that the new model - which can...
Guide How To Improve Your Switch's Internet Connection
WiFi or wired, there's ways to get better
It's been no secret for some time now that the Switch, whilst lovely in so many ways, doesn't have the best relationship with the world wide web. Spotty WiFi, lag, it's far from perfect for many people, but there are a number of things you can do to improve it. Let's start from the top shall we? Five is...
Video What Actually Causes Switch Joy-Con Drift?
The science behind the issue
Talk of Joy-Con drift (where your control stick fails to operate correctly and causes incorrect inputs in-game) is everywhere at the moment - partly because Nintendo has recently had a class-action lawsuit filed against it on behalf of consumers, but also because the issue appears to be becoming more prominent as time...
Guide Where To Pre-Order The New Joy-Con: Purple/Orange And Blue/Neon Yellow
We *need* that purple one
On 4th October, fancy new Joy-Con controllers for your Nintendo Switch will be released into the wild. If you're hoping to pick up a pair for yourself, here's where you'll find them. At the time of writing, the new pairs have appeared on both Amazon and Play-Asia; we'll make sure to update this guide with more stores (such...
Gallery Gorge Your Face On These Images Of The First Evercade Prototype
Retro ridiculous
The Evercade is promising that ever-so niche but ever-so dedicated market of retro-leaning types who want more and more ways to play their old games rather than just firing up the consoles for which they were made something rather special. Unique multi-carts of games from proper publishers, which is certainly a bold idea, and one...
News New Standard Nintendo Switch Revision Offers Significantly Improved Battery Life
Appears cosmetically identical to the current model
A new revision of the standard Switch SKU is being shown on Nintendo's Japanese website and its American counterpart. Not to be confused with the Nintendo Switch Lite, this hardware variation would appear to rejig some of the consoles innards for better battery performance. Available in mid-August...
News Polymega TurboGrafx-16/PC Engine Module Includes Five Pack-In Games
Moto Roader! Double Dungeons! Shockman!
It's been announced that the TurboGrafx-16/PC-Engine module (or the EM04 “Turbo” Element Module Set to give its full title) for the upcoming modular retro console Polymega will include five licensed pack-in games playable from the module itself. The five bonus titles are Moto Roader (NA and JP versions),...
