Nintendo 3DS Companion “Chat-Pak” Helps You Stay Connected

‘In barely more than a generation, video games transformed from a diversion for the few into a mass medium, helping people live, learn, work, and of course, play.

   ~ The Entertainment Software Association

It’s been a few years now that game sales ($24 billion) have outpaced movie box office sales (just $10 billion per year), but now games are a serious competitor to the entire TV/film industry with game play now eating into even mainstays like television viewing.  I know my daughter prefers to play games or watch her favorite shows on our tablets.  It is interesting how technology has changed the way children watch TV programming and play games. 46% of teens play games on mobile devices, and 71% use dedicated gaming devices.  It is anticipated that future growth in mobile games will involve more multiplayer gaming options. (Source: Big Fish Games).

Nintendo 3DS Companion Chat-Pak Provides Another Level of Entertainment:

One of the things I like about my work is that I get contacted by these up and coming companies who are launching a new product.  Cane Wireless Inc., is releasing a very cool product called the Chat-Pak that was designed for the Nintendo 3DS hand-held gaming system (they are releasing a Chat-Pak for the 3DS XL as well).  The Chat-Pak allows users to communicate between themselves while gaming and doesn’t require a network or cellular connection.  I like that the gaming experience is brought to another level as you are able to “chat” back and forth between players and joke with each other while playing your favorite games.  Every year my husband goes on a golf trip with some long-time friends and most of the fun is the grief they give each other months (yes, months) before the actual trip about how bad the other will play.  This is part of the competitive spirit and Chat-Pak will allow friends and family to have fun (and give grief) while playing their favorite Nintendo games.

The Chat-Pak is  compatible with all FRS and GMRS walkie-talkies so you are connected wherever you go. I like that you are able to stay connected up to 4 miles.  Many times our kids will have their gaming devices with them and it makes life easier having only to send a quick message via the Chat-Pak.  There is a built-in speaker, microphone and headphone jack if you want some privacy.  Not sure what the attraction is with that but my daughter loves to listen to the her favorite shows on the iPad with her headset on.  Chat-Pak is made of durable ABS plastic so it acts as a protective case as well. This is ideal when dealing with little hands!  Our iPad has seen better days and this is due to having it been dropped several times!  This case is so durable you can drop it and it will keep your 3DS safe from impact and normal wear.

 Other Features Include:

• Rugged ABS plastic construction

• Talk Range up to 4 miles*
• 836 available Talk-Groups
• Voice scramble for added privacy
• Built in speaker and microphone
• Auto Power Off to save battery
• VOX for hands-free operation
• Uses 3 AAA Alkaline or optional
• Rechargeable NiMH battery pack

The Chat-Pak 3DS is available in black or white and retail is $49.99 but right now they are offering an introductory offer of 30% off to make it only $34.99. You can order one here. We are excited to be able to offer a couple for our lovely dandelion moms in a giveaway.  And check back, Chat-Pak and some other sponsors will be part of our Summer Launch Facebook Party – details coming soon!

 

We had a chance to speak to the creator and inventor of Chat-Pak, Wayne Phang, about where his inspiration came from.  He is an electrical engineer and distinguished innovator with over 10 utility patents issued by the US Patent Office. He worked for a fortune 500 company for 20 years developing wireless communication products (was part of the team that developed the first FRS consumer radio) before leaving to pursue his dream of owning his own engineering company.

 

Tell us how you were inspired to create Chat Pak?

The idea of Chat-Pak came about during a 17 hour  road trip to the Tennessee Mountains caravanning with my sister’s family for spring break.  My kids were playing on their Nintendo game system and using a walkie-talkie to talk smack to their cousins playing in the other vehicle.  The kids had such a blast chatting and playing as though they were sitting next to each other that the 17 hour journey became an adventure!    It was a no-brainer to combine the two devices and so Chat-Pak was born!

How does the Chat Pak enhance the gaming experience?

Having the ability to voice chat with other players adds a whole new dimension to the gaming experience.   Players can form teams with neighborhood friends to coordinate strategy when having contests or use just to trash-talk to each other during gameplay.  Although not intended to replace a cell phone, once attached, Chat-Pak is an integral part of your game system. It allows  for spontaneous communication with a group of friends, unlike having to fumble for a cell phone to call one friend, making cellphones impractical for gaming.   Simply put, it is much more fun with Chat-Pak,  it allows players to share the game experience with all their friends even when out of sight of each other. 

I like that the Chat Pak can be used with other walkie-talkies on the market – what steps did you take when setting out to design the Chat Pak?

 We wanted Chat-Pak to be affordable, functional and easy to use.   Two-way radios are still the simplest, quickest, lowest cost method to communicate wirelessly.  As a parent, I know how important it is to be able to stay connected with your kids.  With Chat-Pak attached to their 3DS you always have a fast, reliable way to communicate with them when out of sight.   We added advanced features such as VOX (voice operated transmit) for hands-free operation that can be used as a monitor to keep tabs on your kids when playing alone on the patio,  voice scramble and privacy codes to reduce interference and eavesdropping from unwanted listeners  and channel scan to locate or avoid other chat groups.  We also included a call alert function to locate their 3DS if misplaced or to let their friends know when they want to chat.  Chat-Pak was designed to be a rugged protective case for your kids 3DS so you don’t have to worry about them ruining their expensive game unit from a simple mishap.

Any news you want to share with our dandelion moms?

Absolutely!  We are proud to announce that Chat-Pak was recently featured in Yanko Design magazine and was introduced as one of the best in modern international designs:   https://www.yankodesign.com/2014/05/29/nintendo-3ds-chat-companion/.  

Also, we are really excited to receive our first shipment of Chat-Pak and are now taking orders on our webstore at https://www.chat-pak.com .  As a special limited time offer, Chat-Pak can be purchased at a discounted price of $34.99. 

You can learn more about Chat-Pak on their website and on Facebook.

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