Below are excerpts from an interview done with Chris Arbogast, marketing manager at Nyko Technologies. The interview was arranged during our trip to CES in January and prepared by myself and Charles Husemann, Editor-in-Chief of GamingNexus. The full interview can be found HERE.
GN/XBA = Question from GamingNexus/XboxAmerica
NYKO = Chris Arbogast reply
GN/XBA - Currently, the FrontMan is marketed for the Playstation 2 and a unit will be coming out for the PS3. Can we expect to see a wireless version for the Xbox 360 when the game debuts in March?
NYKO - Nyko is always researching new ideas and ways to expand successful product lines to various platforms. However, at this time we have not announced any plans to release a FrontMan controller other then the current PS2 SKU at this time.
GN/XBA - NYKO seems to be dedicated to removing the stigma that third-party accessory makers make low quality products. What was the motivation in changing the perception?
NYKO - Nyko has always been a company that listens to gamers in an effort to help solve problems or fulfill a need, from lighting the screen of a GameBoy, to cooling next-gen consoles. Hardcore gamers demanded higher quality accessories and service, and Nyko listened.
GN/XBA - Any thoughts on the love-hate relationship the Xbox 360 community has with the 360 version of the Intercooler? There appears to be people who will say or do anything to discredit the product, while others will defend it to their last breath.
NYKO - Any good consumer device that makes such bold statements as the Intercooler is bound to have those that disagree. But with the Intercooler consistently being the number 1 selling third-party accessory for the Xbox 360 every month, it is pretty clear that the majority of users prefer the Intercooler and recognize its benefits.
GN/XBA - One of the cool things about the Zero line of controllers is that it standardizes control schemes, how did you come up with the concept? What kind of response have you had so far?
NYKO - The Zero concept came about from wanting to eliminate the negative connotation that 3rd party controllers have received over the years. We strove to release an original, unique and stylish 3rd party controller that hard-core gamers could appreciate. We felt one of the best ways to do this was to come up with our own ergonomic and industrial design that was unique yet still felt comfortable in the hands of any gamer regardless of the platform their used to. Thus far the Zero for PS2 has been incredible well received, and the recently announced Zero for PS3 and Xbox 360 has continued to spark major interest from the press and consumer alike.
GN/XBA - Any hints on what the next NYKO product will be after the Zero controller line for Xbox 360 and PS3 hit the market?
NYKO - The best way to predict what Nykos next product will be is by using your consoles. If there is a specific need, problem or issue that is consistent and widespread, you can bet Nyko is working on a solution for it.
GN/XBA - With so many classic arcade games hitting Xbox Live arcade and the PS3 Store, are there any plans to develop an Arcade style joystick for the PS3 and/or Xbox 360? Are there any other needs in the console market that you dont think are being met right now?
NYKO - Nyko is always researching new and innovative ideas for all of the major consoles. But at this time, no arcade-style joystick has been announced.
GN/XBA - Where does NYKO go from here? With no major console launches planned in the near future, will NYKO begin to explore the rapidly growing Phone and handheld device (Zune, Ipod, PDAs) segment or jump back into PC?
NYKO - Nyko is always looking into new platforms and technologies for future products. With re-designs, new platforms and new technology always emerging, there is still plenty of exciting and new hardware platforms left to explore and Nyko intends to be on the front lines continuing to produce innovative, high-quality products for them.
Charles and I would like to thank Chris for taking time out of his busy schedule to answer our questions.
Have a question or comment, post it below....
GN/XBA = Question from GamingNexus/XboxAmerica
NYKO = Chris Arbogast reply
GN/XBA - Currently, the FrontMan is marketed for the Playstation 2 and a unit will be coming out for the PS3. Can we expect to see a wireless version for the Xbox 360 when the game debuts in March?
NYKO - Nyko is always researching new ideas and ways to expand successful product lines to various platforms. However, at this time we have not announced any plans to release a FrontMan controller other then the current PS2 SKU at this time.
GN/XBA - NYKO seems to be dedicated to removing the stigma that third-party accessory makers make low quality products. What was the motivation in changing the perception?
NYKO - Nyko has always been a company that listens to gamers in an effort to help solve problems or fulfill a need, from lighting the screen of a GameBoy, to cooling next-gen consoles. Hardcore gamers demanded higher quality accessories and service, and Nyko listened.
GN/XBA - Any thoughts on the love-hate relationship the Xbox 360 community has with the 360 version of the Intercooler? There appears to be people who will say or do anything to discredit the product, while others will defend it to their last breath.
NYKO - Any good consumer device that makes such bold statements as the Intercooler is bound to have those that disagree. But with the Intercooler consistently being the number 1 selling third-party accessory for the Xbox 360 every month, it is pretty clear that the majority of users prefer the Intercooler and recognize its benefits.
GN/XBA - One of the cool things about the Zero line of controllers is that it standardizes control schemes, how did you come up with the concept? What kind of response have you had so far?
NYKO - The Zero concept came about from wanting to eliminate the negative connotation that 3rd party controllers have received over the years. We strove to release an original, unique and stylish 3rd party controller that hard-core gamers could appreciate. We felt one of the best ways to do this was to come up with our own ergonomic and industrial design that was unique yet still felt comfortable in the hands of any gamer regardless of the platform their used to. Thus far the Zero for PS2 has been incredible well received, and the recently announced Zero for PS3 and Xbox 360 has continued to spark major interest from the press and consumer alike.
GN/XBA - Any hints on what the next NYKO product will be after the Zero controller line for Xbox 360 and PS3 hit the market?
NYKO - The best way to predict what Nykos next product will be is by using your consoles. If there is a specific need, problem or issue that is consistent and widespread, you can bet Nyko is working on a solution for it.
GN/XBA - With so many classic arcade games hitting Xbox Live arcade and the PS3 Store, are there any plans to develop an Arcade style joystick for the PS3 and/or Xbox 360? Are there any other needs in the console market that you dont think are being met right now?
NYKO - Nyko is always researching new and innovative ideas for all of the major consoles. But at this time, no arcade-style joystick has been announced.
GN/XBA - Where does NYKO go from here? With no major console launches planned in the near future, will NYKO begin to explore the rapidly growing Phone and handheld device (Zune, Ipod, PDAs) segment or jump back into PC?
NYKO - Nyko is always looking into new platforms and technologies for future products. With re-designs, new platforms and new technology always emerging, there is still plenty of exciting and new hardware platforms left to explore and Nyko intends to be on the front lines continuing to produce innovative, high-quality products for them.
Charles and I would like to thank Chris for taking time out of his busy schedule to answer our questions.
Have a question or comment, post it below....
