Atari announced a partnership with GSD Group to build video game-themed hotels in the United States, with the first location breaking ground in Phoenix, AZ later this year. They aim to offer a unique lodging experience that combines the iconic brand with a one-of-a-kind video game-themed destination, complete with the latest in VR and AR (Virtual and Augmented Reality). Plus, select hotels will also feature state-of-the-art venues and studios to accommodate eSports events. Read more for another picture and additional information.
Photo credit: Giacomo Zangani
Most know of Nintendo’s Joy-Con, which are the primary game controllers for the Switch, consisting of two individual units, each containing an analog stick and an array of buttons. They can either be used while attached to the main console unit, or detached and played wirelessly; when detached, a pair of Joy-Con can be used by a single player, or divided between two as individual controllers. Giacomo Zangani’s Clippad may not have the two player functionality, but when not in use, this smartphone game controller easily slips into your pocket. Read more for an animation, additional pictures and information.
SEGA announced today that it will be rolling out Sega Catcher Online, a service that lets people to play real UFO Catcher machines online via their iPhones and Android devices. Simply put, this service enables users to control real crane game machines, such as UFO Catcher online, and can be played whenever and wherever, 24 hours a day. Prizes won in-game will be delivered to a specified address for free. Read more for a video showing how it works and additional information.
Unity teased The Heretic at the Game Developers Conference last year, and today, they released the full 7-minute short film made entirely with the game engine. Simply put, it features a virtual human exploring the underworld using a combination of 3D and 4D scanning to obtain high-quality textures. Read more to watch.
Photo credit: Doug DragoX
We’re still many months away from the launch of Microsof’t Xbox Series X, but leaked images of a prototype console have already surfaced on Twitter. From what’s visible, we can see an optical audio port, two USB-A ports, Ethernet, power, a single HDMI port, a rectangular slot for diagnostic reporting and lots of vents. Read more for a video render based on this leak and additional information.
Photo credit: X-Sim
This most certainly isn’t the first homemade full-motion flight simulator we’ve featured, but definitely the first that incorporates a virtual reality headset. To be more specific, it was designed for carrier launches and light aerobatics, complete with DOF 360° movement and Valve Index VR. Read more for a video showing this beast in-action.
Microsoft first debuted its Xbox Console Streaming for Xbox One last year, but now, all members o the Xbox Insider Program can try out the preview. Anyone with an Xbox account can sign up to join the program, but currently the Xbox Console Streaming app is only available on Android (6.0 or higher) phones and tablets, so iOS users will have to wait a bit longer. Read more for a how to get started video and additional information.
ASMR, or autonomous sensory meridian response, has become quite popular over the years, and the latest to get in on this craze is the official Pokemon YouTube channel. They released two videos today featuring Charmander and Chespin, with the former using their tail to ignite a campire, while the latter is enjoying some tasty treats. Read more to watch both.
The Razer Basilik V2 gaming mouse not only has a 20,000 DPI Focus+ optical sensor with 99.6% resolution accuracy, but 11 programmable buttons as well, including the highly touted multi-function paddle and customizable scroll wheel resistance. By enabling Hypershift technology, gamers can also double the number of customizable controls at their disposal. Product page. Read more for two videos and additional information.
Photo credit: The Verge
The FCC has just published images of a Jigglypuff-shaped Bluetooth speaker by GameStop’s ThinkGeek brand, and this may hint at a line of Pokemon-themed gadgets to come in the near future. No technical specifications have been officially released, but if you read through the filing, it connects to compatible devices via Bluetooth 5.0 or 3.5mm headphone jack, while offering 4-10 hours of battery life on a full charge depending on volume. Read more for up-close images and additional information.