Gaming peripheral maker Nyko has transitioned from a maker of game pads and other accessories for PCs and Macs to an accessory maker for Xbox 360 and Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP). Its PSP accessories include a device that allows you to display the contents of your PSP on a television screen.
The Play on TV Adaptor for PSP, contrary to its name, isn’t really meant to let you play games on your TV using the PSP. It’s more intended for watching movies on a TV. The device snaps on to the front of the PSP without modification and connects to the headphone jack and power port. The Play on TV Adaptor uses a CCD-based camera to display the image on the PSP. It charges the PSP while you play, and it outputs video and stereo audio to your TV or entertainment center using RCA cables. It costs $80 and is shipping now.
Also new for this year is the Power Tuner. The $20 adapter plugs into your vehicle’s cigarette lighter and provides power to the PSP; it also transmits the PSP’s audio to a nearby FM radio. The device has a three-position switch that lets you tune to three different FM frequencies.
The Charger Grip is a $20 accessory that snaps onto the back of the PSP. It provides hand grips similar to a Sony Dual Shock Analog controller — the controller Sony includes with the PlayStation 2. A Nyko rep said it’s more comfortable and likely to induce less hand fatigue than the PSP on its own. It also features a built-in lithium ion battery that offers up to an additional five hours of battery charge.
The $80 Theater Experience is an all-in-one case and speaker system that also sports an internal battery that provides up to seven additional hours of battery charge. It also features built-in speakers and the ability to prop the PSP up so you can watch movies and videos without removing it. If you’d prefer to use the PSP to play games but you still want to use the Theater Experience’s battery and speakers, Nyko also includes power and audio extension cables.