New wireless controller for Xbox Arcade users

July 3, 5:18 AMSacramento Xbox ExaminerBrad Cook

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Dream Arcades new wireless "Dream Stick"

Dream Arcades, a Sacramento based company, is the first to offer a commercially available wireless arcade control panel compatible with the Xbox 360.  Dubbed, The Dream Stick 360, this new product promises to offer Xbox gamers with a nostalgic trip down memory lane, by allowing them a return to the big-button, single analog stick of days gone by.

Ah, the good old days!  Long summer breaks, warm valley nights, vacations, BBQs, and of course the long awaited State Fair and world-class funnel cakes.  A time when Indiana Jones had nothing to do with Aliens, the venerable Alec Guinness was still the only Obi-Wan, and Transformers and G.I. Joe were either just favorite toys or Saturday morning cartoons.  It was an era when the local video arcade was more than just a way to burn through an afternoon and a mountain of quarters, it was a veritable shrine to all those who heard the siren call of the great neon cabinet.  A glorious time of Pinball Wizards and Dragon’s Lair junkies!

Once, not so long ago it seems, such places were everywhere, not relegated to big family-fun centers and pizza parlors, or the meek samplings available at the local cinema or quickie mart, but instead, full blown centers in their own right.  A place of colorful wonder and excitement, flashing lights and chiming music, all cascading into a cacophony of searing sights and sounds as they blurred their way into the minds of young video game addicts everywhere.

While these mystical places may slowly be going the way of Tolkien elves, and though there are the few exceptions available for those who choose to quest for them, it doesn’t mean that the “old school” experience need die without a fight.

Enter The Dream Stick 360, a joystick designed for the home gamer who values convenience, but still wants that classic feel to their games.  While its true that arcade sticks for Xbox have been around for awhile, this time they are finally going wireless.  The manufactures claim it is designed for both fighting and old school arcade games, offering real arcade controls based upon the 6 button Street Fighter layout.  Being wireless up to 35 feet, and sized for laptop use, it is also compatible with most headsets (adapters available separately) and features Xbox navigation buttons for easy user interface.

Designed primarily for arcade games, the Dream Stick is reported to also work well with old school "stick fighters".  While this does seem to limit its functionality for games that use both Left and Right analogs, it will likely meet the needs of the gamer seeking that special feel to their controls.  Up until now, gamers who have sought an arcade stick have been saddled with the old “ball & chain” of a control system that was umbilically linked to the console.  No longer.  Let freedom reign!

Priced at $159, the stick may seem to be an overindulgence, but considering specialty sticks often carry sticker prices into and above the $200 range, it could be worse.

Dream Arcades also offers a wide assortment of products of interest to arcade aficionados.  Founded in a Folsom garage, and since becoming a world-wide distributor, the company focuses their product line on producing prefabricated arcade systems for the home consumer in a wide assortment of designs and options.  Ever wanted a dual player Pac-Man or Centipede cocktail arcade, but haven’t found an original in working condition or within price range?  Dream Arcade is offering one.  In addition, gamers can choose from a wide assortment of classic games, in some cases including hundreds of titles and with the option of adding more in the future, all programmed into the system and ready to use whenever the urge beckons.  Gamers can even choose to include high priced components like monitors or game systems as part of the package, or piece it together to meet their individual needs.  The cabinets themselves can be issued fully assembled, or for a cheaper price, bought as a kit and assembled easily by hand.

Dream Arcades' projector enabled Dream Arcades Vision 120 kit

Whatever the desire of the consumer might be, Dream Arcades has a wonderful list of available options ranging from controllers, to sleek styled cabinets, to projector enabled systems that would undoubtedly satisfy all of those old child-like wishes of arcade lovers from years gone by.

And best of all, no more waiting in lines or stacking quarters on the screen.

Dream Arcades is located at 805 Reading St Suite K, Folsom CA, 95630.  Hours vary, so it is best to call or e-mail beforehand.  Customers are welcome to pickup their online orders.

For more info:
www.dreamarcades.com
www.dreamarcades.com/dreamstick.shtml