Although we have yet to officially review the Nintendo 3DS, we’re hearing (and reading) that the battery life totally blows.  At best you’ll supposedly get about 3 hours of gaming out of the portable gaming console, where upon you’ll have to jack it back into the grid for a recharge.

However, Nyko will launch a replacement battery pack, called the Power Pak+, that purportedly doubles the battery life of the 3DS.  It will retail for $19.99 on March 27th and a week later an accompanying charging base will hit shelves for $29.99.  Until then you can use the 3DS’ AC adapter to juice up its cells.  

Too good to be true?  Sort of.  It attaches to the rear of the 3DS with 4 screws, so you won’t be able to hot swap batteries at a gaming moments notice and it adds some girth to the handheld.  A caveat we’re willing to accept for much needed gaming time on those long road trips.

Nyko Doubles the Juice with New Charge Base and Power Pak+ for Nintendo® 3DS

LOS ANGELES – March 8, 2011

Nyko Technologies today announced two new accessories set to debut with the launch of the new Nintendo® 3DS handheld system this March. On launch day Nyko will release the Power Pak+, a high capacity rechargeable battery pack for Nintendo 3DS that offers double the capacity and battery life of the original 3DS battery. One week later Nyko will release the newest Charge Base, designed to store your Nintendo 3DS and make sure it’s always fully juiced with easy drop-in charging.

“Every new console or game system launch is an opportunity for us to find ways to improve the user’s experience with the device through innovative technology,” said Chris Arbogast, director of marketing, Nyko Technologies. “We are proud to be able to bring our robust knowledge of charging technology to the 3DS user base by providing users the ability to substantially increase their play time.”

The Nyko Power Pak+ for Nintendo 3DS is a high-capacity rechargeable battery pack that offers double the battery life of the original 3DS battery. The Power Pak+ features debossed finger rests for improved control and comfort. The Power Pak+ will be available March 27 for $19.99.

The Nyko Charge Base for Nintendo 3DS is a drop-in charging and storage solution for the new handheld device. Each Charge Base includes a Power Pak+ rechargeable battery pack. The Charge Base features an on/off switch as well as LED indicator lights that let you know when your battery is charging and when it has finished. The Charge Base for Nintendo 3DS will be available shortly after the system’s launch for $29.99.

Both the Power Pak+ and the Charge Base utilize the standard 3DS AC adaptor for recharging.

Connect with Nyko for a chance to win exciting Nyko prizes at @nykotech or on Facebook.

About Nyko Technologies, Inc.
Nyko Technologies ® develops, manufactures and markets innovative peripherals to enhance the digital lifestyle. The company’s mission is to deliver products that solve problems and improve user experience for work and play. Nyko specializes in interactive entertainment, computing, consumer electronics, portable audio, as well as online and wireless technologies. The company has distribution through major U.S. and Canadian retailers, along with distributors worldwide. Founded in 1995, Nyko is headquartered in Los Angeles, Calif. Please visit www.nyko.com or call 1-888-444-6956 for more information.

We’ve seen our fair share of video game controller charging stands, but none have looked as appetizing as Nyko’s Charge Base IC.  Through the magic of high end induction technology you’ll never have to remove those fiddly silicone sleeves to power up your Wiimotes, or any other accessory for that matter.  Adding to its aesthetic score are a set of glowing blue LEDs to indicate charging and a pair of magnets the almost suspend the Wiimotes in midair.  The rear of the device, the bits you can see, include an AC power port pass through and a powered USB port for charging your iPhone and other USB compatible kit.

Sorry, no word on a price or release date.

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Word is that the black Nintendo Wii will never make it US shores.  A sad and sore disappointment for many, but perhaps Nintendo felt that having a black and white offering was just too Xbox or that they didn’t wanna mess with a good thing.

Well, if you’re still lusting after some color variation in your social gaming life, Nyko announced a slew (9 to be exact) of new colors for their Wand device (a Wiimote alternative), which are to be released later this month in Japan.  Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that the color variations will be coming to the States or UK, but at least the export door hasn’t been shut on this one.

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Cameras these days can be added to just about any consumer electronic product.  After all, it not only does it add a useful feature to the device, but provides incentive for the user to purchase once again.  Case in point, the iPod camera rumor. But more often than not these camera can’t zoom, limiting their usefulness.  Enter the Nyko Zoom Case for the Nintendo DSi.  It provides up to 8x optical zoom and the lens itself can be detached while the case can remain on protecting the DSi from bumps and scratches.  No word on a release date or price.

[Thanks, Jan]

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Features:

• Full rumble support with 6-direction motion sensing
• Metal-resign design, wireless connectivity, rechargeable NiMH 25 hour battery

Buy it: Playstation 3 Zero Wireless Controller – $15

Features:

• Metal polymer hybrid design for a touch exterior
• Rechargeable NiMH battery with 25 hours of life and USB plug
• Backlit LED button and heat dissipated aluminum panels

Buy it: Nyko Zero Wireless PS3 Controller – $22