Review NaN of 3
, from FL
Price Paid:
$20.00
from K-Mart Summary:
Interact's PowerRumble FX is a nice little add-on that enhanced my gameplay more than it was intented to do. My biggest reason for getting it was to add some size to the overall GBA device, making it easier to grasp (I'll explain later). I will say this right up front, just to let you know: you will need to charge the device for at least 12 hours before you first use it. So if you're getting it before going on a trip, be sure to keep this in mind. Oh, and another thing... this device does not block or connect to the extension slot at the top of the GBA, so it will not interfere with multiplayer or worm-light usage.
The PowerRumble FX has three main functions. First: it enhances the sound by providing a little more powerful speakers. Second: it provides a rumble feature (same type as in the Dualshock controllers for Playstation). The rumble keys off of the sounds that the games make, not any built-in feature that the games have. (You can adjust the sensitivity/force of the vibration). Louder sounds will tend to make the game rumble more. Third: it provides a rechargable power source.
The PowerRumble FX is a device that is the exact width of the GBA, with it's speakers extending beyond the bottom of the GBA. It's about as thick as the GBA and when attached will approximately double the size and mass of the unit. (The 2 units become one larger unit when placed together.) It snaps right onto the back of the GBA through the battery port. In essence, you will remove the batteries as there are 2 battery sized grooves that fit into the back of the GBA.
The PowerRumble FX has it's own fully rechargable power source. The manual says it takes 10 hours to recharge and should provide up to 20 hours of power. Note the operative phrase "up to". Obviously the amount of time the power lasts depends upon whether or not you use a worm-light, whether the sound is on, whether you use the vibration, etc. Still, given identical playing variables, the PowerRumble FX will outlast even the best AA batteries. And, obviously Interact provides (supplied along with the Rumble FX in the box) an AC adapter to recharge the unit. The AC adapter also allows you to play the GBA (when the Rumble FX is attached) from the power of a standard outlet, even if the Rumble FX unit itself is depleted of power.
In addition, there is a small plug that goes directly into the GBA's headphone jack, to allow the sound to be played through the Rumble FX's speakers. The speakers provide a little louder sound than the ones on the GBA. And yes there is also a headphone jack on the Rumble FX itself to plug headphones in. There is a switch that allows you to choose sound only, rumble only, or both. Of course, you don't have to use the rumble or speakers. You can just use the Rumble FX device as a powersource and still use the GBA's own speakers or headphone jack.
The best feature for me was the hand grooves on the back of the device that helped me hold the console better. The whole device just adds some thickness to the GBA, making it fit better into the hands of an adult. I don't know about you, but my hands get cramped after only 20 minues on the GBA console. With Rumble FX attached, I can play much longer. If your're finding it hard to handle the small GBA, then consider getting this device
So, the PowerRumble FX is the ideal add-on for the GBA, and should allow you to play it without any batteries. I doubt anyone would play more than 20 hours a day of GBA (imagine the tendinitis from that!!). You hop in the car, your kid plays the GBA for your 10 hour car ride. You stop at the motel and plug it in when there. Then you unattach the GBA and recharge overnight. Report this review >>
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5 of 5
