Game Gadgets

Virginian-Pilot

Play your old Nintendo favorites with new console

Retro Duo Console

$49.99, www.innexinc.com

Tired of blowing on cartridges and lighting candles to the ancient Nintendo goddess in hopes that your old systems will work? The Retro Duo console might be your solution, because it combines the technologies of the original Nintendo Entertainment System and Super Nintendo Entertainment System into one slick package. Unfortunately, the Duo doesn't work perfectly with both systems' full libraries, but it will play a lot of your favorite titles such as: "Metroid," "Castlevania II: Simon's Quest," "Legend of Zelda," "Star Tropics," "Chrono Trigger," "Earthbound," "F-Zero" and "Star Fox," to name a few.

Size matters when it comes to Piranha headset

Razer Piranha

$79.99, www.razerzone.com

Fans of smaller gaming headsets might want to check out Razer's Piranha. It comes with a nice, 3-meter-long cable, produces some clear, full sound and has an adjustable mic that requires only a little bit of volume tweaking. The Piranha's biggest fault is only apparent after several hours of use. Because of the headset's small can size, the ear cups don't fit over your ears and can result in some discomfort. If not for that detail and the unit's higher price point, this would be a sure bet.

Logitech's Bluetooth keyboard plus mouse useful if you need it

Logitech Cordless MediaBoard Pro

$79.99, www.logitech.com

Logitech's newest version of its MediaBoard Pro now includes Bluetooth so there is no need for a USB dongle. We tested the unit and it worked well (to around 30 feet) and the integrated touch pad with vertical scrolling provides a nice mouse-free solution. Still, this is just a keyboard, and a fairly expensive one at that, therefore probably only of interest to those who do a lot of Web browsing or text messaging on their PS3. You know who you are.

World of Warcraft gets its day as art

Sideshow Collectibles WOW Diorama

$299.99, www.sideshowtoy. com

Sideshow Collectibles is getting ready to release its first dioramas in a line inspired by some game called "World of Warcraft." This Blood Elf Rogue vs. Draenei Paladin statue might be a little pricey, but at a 1:9 scale it stands 18 inches tall and weighs 20 pounds. Each piece is also hand-cast and hand-painted to meet Blizzard's authenticity standards. If you've actually heard of this obscure PC game, this might be worth checking out.

- Game Informer Magazine Retro Duo Console

$49.99, www.innexinc.com

Tired of blowing on cartridges and lighting candles to the ancient Nintendo goddess in hopes that your old systems will work? The Retro Duo console might be your solution, because it combines the technologies of the original Nintendo Entertainment System and Super Nintendo Entertainment System into one slick package. Unfortunately, the Duo doesn't work perfectly with both systems' full libraries, but it will play a lot of your favorite titles such as: "Metroid," "Castlevania II: Simon's Quest," "Legend of Zelda," "Star Tropics," "Chrono Trigger," "Earthbound," "F-Zero" and "Star Fox," to name a few. Razer Piranha

$79.99, www.razerzone.com

Fans of smaller gaming headsets might want to check out Razer's Piranha. It comes with a nice, 3-meter-long cable, produces some clear, full sound and has an adjustable mic that requires only a little bit of volume tweaking. The Piranha's biggest fault is only apparent after several hours of use. Because of the headset's small can size, the ear cups don't fit over your ears and can result in some discomfort. If not for that detail and the unit's higher price point, this would be a sure bet. Sideshow Collectibles WOW Diorama

$299.99, www.sideshow toy.com

Sideshow Collectibles is getting ready to release its first dioramas in a line inspired by some game called "World of Warcraft." This Blood Elf Rogue vs. Draenei Paladin statue might be a little pricey, but at a 1:9 scale it stands 18 inches tall and weighs 20 pounds. Each piece is also hand-cast and hand-painted to meet Blizzard's authenticity standards. If you've actually heard of this obscure PC game, this might be worth checking out.

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