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InterAct Readies Accessories For New Platforms

HUNT VALLEY, MD. — InterAct Accessories plans to use next month’s Electronic Entertainment Expo to unveil a host of accessories for PlayStation 2 as well as forthcoming platforms Xbox and GameBoy Advance.

For the currently shipping PS2, InterAct said it will offer the Memory Manager Plus, memory management and expansion software that will eliminate the need for dozens of memory cards.

InterAct, a Recoton company, said its Memory Manager Plus will give gamers the ability to store 10 times more data on a standard PS2 memory card. By expanding an 8MB-memory card into a 64MB memory card with room to spare, InterAct said it feels the product is an easy and cost effective solution to memory management and file storage for PlayStation2 games.

The Memory Manager Plus, which will be available in May for a suggested $9.99 retail, is a feature-packed CD-ROM that lets gamers load, compress, copy, delete, archive and store PS2 game saves with simple clicks of their controller.

By clicking on a save file, the data is condensed so that it can be stored on any PS2 memory card or transferred to any USB compatible hard drive, zip drive or storage device.

Memory Manager Plus is preloaded with 100 free game saves for the top PS2 titles and is packaged in a DVD-style storage case to hold PS2 memory cards and Memory Manager Plus software.

Meanwhile, the company plans to unveil a line of accessories for Nintendo’s Game Boy Advance platform. The accessories will be ready for market by the June 11 launch of the GBA hand held player.

A GBA version of the company’s GameShark device will give players codes to temporarily enhance and alter their game play. Preloaded with codes for the newest GBA titles, the GameShark will give GBA players access to hidden weapons, characters and levels. It will include a PC linking cable and software to enable GBA players to download codes from the Internet as new games are launched. The GameShark for GBA will carry a $39.99 suggested retail price and will include a GBA interface, Windows compatible software and 6-foot USB link cable.

Also slated for release are a selection of carrying cases, ranging from basic game storage cases (at a $4.99 suggested retail) to a Sport Shell Hard Case ($14.99) that offers space for the GBA player, software and accessories.

A new Bumper GBX will sell for $9.99, including rubber casing and detachable carry strap, and the Travel Pak ($14.99) carry bag will store the GBA player, up to eight games, accessories, manuals and other items.

InterAct will also carry two lights: The SharkLight ($9.99) is a shark-shaped adjustable battery-powered light with a built-in reflection cup and the GlowGuard ($9.99) will offer both lighting and scratch protection for the screen.

Three power packs are planned, including the 15-hour PowerPak ($14.99) with cradle/stand; the PowerPak EX ($19.99) for 20 hours of operation and an AC adapter; and the PowerRumble ($24.99), which features 15 hours of power, two controllable stereo speakers, hand grips and rumble vibration.

Also slated in the GBA series are two cables: The five-foot PlayLine Link Cable ($7.99) with daisy chain capability, and the PlayLine X4 Multiplayer Link Cable ($9.99) that enables four-player game play. A GBA Cleaning Kit ($7.99) will include wet/dry paddles, cleaning fluid and cotton swabs.

Meanwhile, InterAct said it has signed a licensing agreement with Microsoft to develop a line of accessories for the forthcoming Xbox. The company will unveil the first products at E3. Among its Xbox products are a racing wheel that was “driver tested and approved by Dale Earnhardt Jr.” and a gamepad.

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