Hardware developer CTA’s kiosk featured an array of third-party Playstation, Playstation Move™, Wii, DSi and Kinect peripherals on the CES floor, from induction charge stations to gun controller and bowling ball modifications.

CTA’s product lineup suggested a willingness to take risks. While the concept of induction chargers isn’t a brand new one, CTA is releasing a line that mixes up the formula. Their Nintendo branded unit charges Wii remotes, as well as a DS, their PS3 focused unit charges 3 and includes external USB battery-packs that both allow for induction charging and extend play lifetime.

CTA is also developing several peripherals for the Kinect, designed mostly to make interaction easier. These included a playing mat with distinct zones for the solo or first and second player, and a plastic prototype for a handheld steering wheel.

The Brooklyn-based developer specializes in online retail aimed at the US market.



Trauben’s Impressions

Some of the products on display here were kind of interesting. It seems an interesting statement on playing the Kinect that what amounts to specially-designed models serve as peripherals for it, while WiiMote and Move™ peripherals are housings built around the basic controller.

The induction charger was a neat idea. I’m new to those.

Huneycutt’s Impressions

CTA’s biggest strength is its ability to unapologetically hurl itself at fun. Their products, from their Wii Bowling Ball to their line of their replica Gun controllers for the PS3 shows a gleeful design aesthetic with little concern for any criticism that their products may attract.

And while some of their products aren’t of the highest-order of build quality, they’re an energetic and pleasant group of people who have an obvious love of their line, and that’s to be lauded. The fully-functional PS3 Gun Controller is a very different way to play an FPS, and their chargers are in many ways a curve ball: while its the same product, and achieves the same end, the means are subtly different. The inflatable Kart its unabashed fun, if unnecessary and a little impractical. But ultimately, that’s what makes CTA fun and interesting, and there are far worse things to be.

And at the end of the day, all I really have to say is . . . inflatable Jet Ski for Wii.

That’s right, I dropped that bomb. I cannot WAIT for a review copy of that. Check back at www.pixelatedgeek.com for updates of CTA’s product line!



