> Hardware Reviews

An Overview of the Wii Zapper
Nintendo introduced the final version of the Wii Zapper in July of 2007. But what is it, exactly? This article takes a look at the basic features of the Nintendo Wii Zapper; what it does, how it does it, and whether or not you'll likely want to own it this Christmas season.

Review: Waterfield Nintendo DS Lite Carrying Case
The Nintendo DS is extremely portable, but its glossy exterior is easy to damage if it's thrown into a backpack or purse without protection. The Waterfield Nintendo DS Lite carrying case helps shield the system from damage, and is one of the most stylish cases I've ever seen. Yet, at the steep price of $39.99, it's a bit outside the average gamer's price range.

Review: The Nintendo Wii
After months of hype, the Nintendo Wii has finally hit the streets. With its magical waving wand and motion sensing controls, how well does it do? After a week with the system, here's my opinion of what you can expect from the Nintendo Wii when you finally get home and plug it into your TV.

Game Peripherals That Can Save Your Life: The Kilowatt SPORT and DDR
It’s hard to play games and claim you’re doing something meaningful at the same time. Arguing that you need five minutes in the entertainment room for emotional health is rarely considered a legitimate reason for extra time on your GameCube. We check out two peripherals that change that, making your game systems into certifiable exercise machines to help you shed weight without ever leaving the glow of your TV. We help you put together the most entertaining exercise equipment money can buy.

DK Bongo GameCube Controller Review
Nintendo is it if you're interested in new ways of interacting with your games. Between the DS's touch screen and all the crazy rumors running around about their Revolution game system, Nintendo is certainly presenting new things that you can do with your game systems. With the DK Bongo, you can beat, pound, and clap your way through certain titles. Should you be interested in this unique game experience? Check out our review to find out.

Nintendo WaveBird Wireless Controller Review (GCN)
Cords suck. They get in the way, they catch your feet, they slow you down when you're trying to answer the phone in a hurry. In general, cords are one of the more annoying elements of having a game system in the middle of your living room. Luckily, Nintendo's WaveBird Wireless Controller will soon make cords a thing of the past. As long as you don't mind that missing rumble feature, and replacing the batteries from time to time, the WaveBird is a great addition to any GameCube.

Your Guide to the Kilowatt Game Controllers
The Kilowatt game controllers plug into your game system so that you can push, pull, and work yourself into better shape while playing virtually any game. Halo 2 makes you stronger? Yep. There are now several models of the controller designed for different people on different budgets. We help you figure out which new system is right for you with this easy comparison.

Nintendo 1019 Memory Card Review (GCN)
If the GameCube can't have a hard drive like the other systems, the least Nintendo can do is offer gamers some decent sized memory cards. Nintendo's answer to that call is the 1019 Memory Card, the largest available for the GameCube. Is it big enough to solve all your saving troubles? Probably not, but it's a heck of a lot better than the smaller alternatives. Read our review.

Phillips MX6050D 5.1 Surround Sound/DVD System Review
The Phillips MX6050D is a reasonably priced 5.1 surround system and DVD player built into one unit, a one-stop-shop for high quality music and movies. The Wal-Mart system sounds good, is easy to set up, and is a perfect example of why all-in-one sound systems aren’t always right for your gaming needs.

Xitel SOUNDaround Review
Brought out at CES 2005, the SOUNDaround aims to produce 3D surround sound out of any two stereo speakers. Trumpeted as being a viable alternative to a regular 5.1 sound system, the SOUNDaround attempts to fool the brain into hearing directional sound and deep, resonate bass by mixing mid-range signals that won’t overdrive your typical speaker. Can it compete against an equivalently priced 5.1 system? Read our in-depth review to find out.

How to Build Your Own Video Projector for Only $300
It’s fairly easy to find a decent sound system without giving up a year’s salary, but even with dropping prices you’ll be hard pressed to pick up a competent home-theater projector for less than $900.00. Tom’s Hardware Guide has a tutorial on how to build your own projector for under $300, their video tutorial and screen shots make one of the best such tutorials on the web.