Nyko Zoom clings to Kinect in August

Have too small a space to use Kinect? Nyko is preparing a peripheral that supposedly lets Kinect operate with "40% less space."

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"You are the controller," Microsoft's ad campaign for Kinect claims. However, pay attention to all those advertisements: everyone in those commercials have gigantic living rooms. Gamers that live in a more confined space may find it impossible to use the camera peripheral. According to Microsoft, you'll need at least six feet of space in front of the TV to use the device. However, Popular Science notes that this is "the bare minimum" and, in practice, requires eight feet of space to properly enjoy.

Nyko is attempting to address this issue with its Zoom peripheral, a clip-on lens that attaches to the face of the Kinect sensor. According to the press release, the Zoom will let Kinect operate with "40% less space." If the math holds true, it should theoretically work with only five feet of space. That should, hopefully, make Kinect a bit more palpable, especially for Asian video game bloggers that live in an apartment in the Lower East Side of Manhattan.

Without testing it, it's hard to substantiate Nyko's claims. However, if you have an unused Kinect camera lying in a box collecting dust because you don't have the space this use it, the Zoom might be a worthwhile investment. It will be available on August 23rd for $29.99.

Andrew Yoon was previously a games journalist creating content at Shacknews.

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  • reply
    July 6, 2011 5:00 PM

    Andrew Yoon posted a new article, Nyko Zoom clings to Kinect in August.

    Have too small a space to use Kinect? Nyko is preparing a peripheral that supposedly lets Kinect operate with "40% less space."

    • reply
      July 6, 2011 5:12 PM

      Omg, I might need to buy this. I'd feel less inadequate about my tiny... living room.

    • reply
      July 6, 2011 5:31 PM

      My brother pre-ordrered one of these. If it works; I'll get one.

    • reply
      July 6, 2011 6:52 PM

      If this does its job, I might be able to finally move my Kinect into my bedroom. Child of Eden while I'm sitting in bed :)

    • reply
      July 6, 2011 8:40 PM

      So they gave it glasses for Hyperopia.

    • reply
      July 7, 2011 3:41 AM

      I wonder if the distence can be reduced further with stronger lenses.

    • reply
      July 7, 2011 3:41 AM

      I wonder if the distence can be reduced further with stronger lenses.

    • reply
      July 7, 2011 6:17 AM

      When asked by another publication about this, Microsoft rolled out the standard statement about this not being a licensed accessory.

      Microsoft can go... buy me a suburban Bellevue house with an entertainment room huge enough for unobstructed Kinect.

      Microsoft Japan should be thankful for this accessory making it possible to play Kinect in apartments that barely encompass the minimum required Kinect playspace area.

      • reply
        July 7, 2011 6:22 AM

        I agree completely. Microsoft can fuck themselves. It's a well known issue which they've failed to address. I'm not about to let my Kinect go the way of my Wii where it just sits there un used.

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