While there’s still no official word from Nintendo on anything but white Wii-motes, there is now a third-party option for those of you bored with the standard-issue models.

Snakebyte is one of the first companies to offer a third-party substitute for the Wii-mote (called the Riimote), and will be offering them in colors not offered by Nintendo. Functionally, these controllers look pretty much identical to the authentic Wii-motes, although the button designs are a little more modern in styling. The initial models will come in either a gloss black or a dramatic bright purple, which really jumped out at me when I first saw it. They should be available for purchase early in February.

Unfortunately, it looks like Snakebyte hasn’t been able to get their costs down to what Nintendo has since they’re not producing as many, so the price of €39.99 (appx. $59 USD), is a bit hard to stomach. That’s too bad, since they do look really cool.

[via Wii News Daily via Play Gadgets]

[UPDATE: Nintendo Wii Fanboy has posted a number of additional photos of the Riimote and matching Nunchuks.]

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As much as I love my iPhone, I can’t stand getting fingerprints all over the phone’s beautiful glossy screen. So I was jazzed when the guys over at Norway’s Elliptic Labs let me know about their new touchless user interface technology.

  The system is capable of detecting movements in 3-dimensions without ever having to put your fingers on the screen.

Their patented touchless interface doesn’t require that you wear any special sensors on your hand either. You just point at the screen (from as far as 5 feet away), and you can manipulate objects in 3D.

Elliptic says the technology is compact enough that it could eventually be embedded into mobile devices. Representatives of the company will be on hand at the upcoming GDC show in San Francisco this February to show off their system in person.

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Sure, there are lots of devices which are starting to embed motion sensors or touch screens to power new user interface paradigms. But this is the first time I’ve seen a motion-sensitive device which is designed to be operated entirely with one hand.

KEYnetik’s motion interface system uses multiple accelerometers to detect not just the direction of movement, but to triangulate where force originates from. The dual-sensor design is also immune to minor, unintentional motions (a.k.a. “motion interference”). The system can detect user gestures and translate them into on-screen interactions. By combining the motion-based interface with side-grip finger controls and joysticks, an entire device can be controlled with just one hand, freeing your other digits for, um, whatever you need them available for.

An added benefit of the design is that it’s totally ambidextrous. Just flip a KEYnetik-powered device over, and it’ll automatically get its bearings and adjust the interface appropriately.

In addition to the prototype device (above), KEYnetik has already completed a proof-of-concept implementation on the Nokia N95 (below), called “RockNScroll”. N95 owners will be able to download RockNScroll for free by registering on the KEYnetik forums.

 The gestures in these prototype videos are arguably a bit exaggerated, but hopefully they’ll find a way to tone them down and keep users from ending up with some nasty repetitive strain injuries.

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I was buzzing about over on Flickr earlier today when I came across this excellent Atari 2600 inspired pastry.

While I normally wouldn’t eat a cake with black icing on it, this one looks too good to pass up. Flickr contributor Fredrick Johnson says the fabulous retro Atari joystick cake was made by his pastry chef friend, Lisa. After you chow down on this sugary delight, you might need to play a round or two of VCS (not so) classic Tooth Protectors to prevent cavities.

Lisa, wherever you are, won’t you please bake a matching 2600 console cake and a couple of paddle cupcakes?

If you’re like me, you’re a big fan of Nintendo’s groundbreaking Wii-mote controller design. Now you can carry your files on a tiny Wii-mote inspired USB storage device.

Created by SolarMemo, the petite Wedisk flash drive looks like a wee Wii-mote, but press the “A” button, and the USB connector pops out of the top of the controller for you to plug into your computer.

The Wedisk is available in capacities from 1GB to 8GB, but is currently only available in custom production runs (especially if you happen to work for Nintendo). So if you’ve got a bunch of Wii-having friends, take up a collection and order up a couple thousand of these puppies.

[via Gizmodo]

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In the last year, we’ve gone from nary a Wii gun controller to a veritable plethora of available shooter accessories for Nintendo’s little white box. Still, with all the variety that’s to be found these days, this is the first time I’ve seen one with a built in laser sight to help you aim your shots.

The WiiMax (not to be confused with WiMAX) is one substantial light gun controller, designed to flip between “machine gun” and “rifle” modes thanks to a folding front grip. It’s got a fitted slot for holding your Wii-mote, and lets you plunk your Nunchuk into the handle. The laser sight runs on a pair of AAA batteries, and can be easily removed if it gets in your way.

Sure, if you’re willing bring out your inner MacGyver, you could just duct tape a cheap laser pointer onto any light gun. But for about $21, you might as well just pick up one of these, all ready to go. You can grab the WiiMax Wii Light Gun from DealExtreme.

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Next time you head to your job over at Chotchkie’s, your boss won’t have anything to complain about since you’ll have tons of these awesome video game badges pinned all over your suspenders.

  Created by Alexander Pfaender of Augenbluten/ITF, these fun 1-inch round buttons offer whimsical renditions of classic gaming systems and controllers from 1977 through 2006.

Featuring bold icons for classic gaming systems from the Atari 2600 to the Nintendo Wii, the series of 22 video game buttons offers something for everyone. You can find the entire collection of badges from Prickie for $2.99 a piece.

Looking for a way to bring your gaming obsession into the bedroom? What better way but with a couple of these video game controller pillows on your bed.

Perfect in bed or on your sofa, these 20″ x 20″ pillows from Tofu Design ($40 each) are covered with images of controllers from just about every gaming console you could want. Every system from the Atari 2600 to the Intellivision to the NES to Wii is represented here. Heck, even the never released PS3 boomerang controller makes an appearance on these spectacular pillows. Can you guys name them all?

What’s not to like? As soon as you’re ready to rest your weary head on a couple of comfy cushions, head on over to Upper Playground and place your order. If pillows aren’t your thing, be sure to check out Tofu’s matching controller hoodie and t-shirt designs.

[via Apartment Therapy]

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If you just can’t get enough of Link’s Crossbow Training for the Wii, have I got an accessory for you. Sure the hour-long game already comes inside the package with Nintendo’s Wii Zapper, but that’s not really a crossbow, is it?

What’s kind of wacky about the weapon is that they’ve actually covered up the tip of the “arrow” with a dumb looking plastic ball, taking all the fun out of shooting an arrow through your TV screen. On the other hand, the crossbow does feature a laser sight which should do a fine job reflecting off your display and blinding you.

Priced at about $28, the plastic crossbow is more expensive than the Zapper and Link bundle, making it pretty impractical since that’s the only Wii game I can think of that has a crossbow as its primary weapon.

If you’re still convinced that just have to have this, head on over to DealExtreme to get your hands on one.

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