Thrustmaster and Hercules have an excellent strategy for their 2010 product lineup. Thrustmaster is introducing many new accessories for console gaming; Hercules is further penetrating the PC Disc Jockey space. Let’s see what they have in store for us in 2010!
T-Freestyle NW (Wii)
Disappointed with Tony Hawk Ride? Tired of buying a peripheral that only works for one game? Then your disappointment will soon be removed and you’ll have a peripheral that works for multiple games. Thrustmaster’s T-Freestyle NW is a skate/snowboard shaped board constructed out of genuine maple (just like real boards) and makes use of an accessory you probably already have, the Wii Balance Board. T-Freestyle NW sits atop of the Wii Balance Board allowing you to easily rock or lean side to side. The Freestyle also features oversized stops on each end to prevent you from tipping over in those serious hairpin turns.
I had some hands (err, feet) on time with the Freestyle. The demo game was Shawn White Snowboarding and even though I’ve never snowboarded, I was able to hop on the Freestyle and tear up the slopes! Best of all, the Freestyle will only set you back $29.99.
Ferrari F430 Force Feedback Racing Wheel (PC/PS3)
Being able to drive a Ferrari is no longer only reserved for the elite. Thrustmaster’s Ferrari F430 Racing Wheel is an exact replica of what you’d find in the real F430. The Ferrari F430 racing wheel also features a ‘Manettino’ button. The ‘Manettino’ button allows you to store up to 5 different wheel configurations which can be changed on the fly.
The wheel itself has an amazing grip and the force feedback is spot on. Also, the Ferrari F430 Racing Wheel will work with the PS3 right out of the box. The MSRP is around $160 but with some conscious shopping you can score it for less.
Hercules DJ Control MP3 E2
As a DJ of more than 10 years, I was excited to test out the new Hercules controller. Hercules DJ Control MP3 E2 is an entry level DJ kit, but it comes packed with features that easily make it an amazing product at an amazing price. The MP3 E2 uses a special version of VirtualDJ dubbed the Control MP3 E2 Edition. This special edition makes it very simple to mix not only MP3 tracks but also music videos. In other words, there’s no need to throw down thousands of dollars on DVD turntables if you want to do video mixes, the DJ Control MP3 E2 does it right out of the box!
Cues, looping, effects, EQ knobs, auto-sync, quick load buttons and much more, the DJ Control MP3 E2 has enough buttons to satisfy DJ’s of all skill levels. Also, it’s extremely easy to use any one of these features. It’s pretty much just press the button on the controller and go. In fact, after you load up the VirtualDJ software, you will probably never touch the keyboard or mouse again. All of your DJ’ing needs, including music library navigation and loading of songs is done right from the controller. At a price point of $129.99, the Hercules DJ Control MP3 E2 is sure to be an excellent tool for beginners and still be a product that even the most advanced DJ’s can enjoy.
