In case you ever wanted to wear a rumble pack, Nuby created a vest-like device back in the late '90's that allowed you to do exactly that.  While catering to this small market, Nuby made a really odd accessory for both the Nintendo 64 and Sony PlayStation.

[img width=700 height=525]http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/ae295/blcklblskt/Reality%20Vest%2064/P1010001.jpg[/img]

When wearing the Reality Vest, you not only feel like a complete moron, you look like one too.  However, once you plug it into your controller, you may actually have a bit of fun with it.  This beast takes 2 AAA batteries to power the rumble pack-shaped connector in the controller, and 4 AA batteries to power the six vibration packs on the vest.  The vibration packs are placed on the left and right sides of your body: two on your chest, two on your shoulders, and two on your lower back.  There is also a switch that alternates the vibration patterns of the rumble packs.

The vest is surprisingly comfortable, and it looks like it will fit many different body sizes.  There are a few different adjustment straps to pull the vibration packs close to your body.   What seems like phone cable (no joke) connects the individual vibration packs (6 in all) to the battery holder, which also has the switch for controlling the vibration patterns.  Another phone cable coming out of the battery holder leads to the rumble pack-shaped connector, which you plug into the Nintendo 64 controller as you would any other rumble pack.  Although you really wouldn't want to be see walking in public with it, at least it doesn't affect your ability to play (aside from crippling you with laughter once you take a look at yourself during a reflective black TV screen ).

[img width=700 height=524]http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/ae295/blcklblskt/Reality%20Vest%2064/P1010004.jpg[/img]

I tested the Reality Vest 64 while playing Star Fox 64, and I had a blast with it.  In every instance where the game would vibrate a normal rumble pack, such as getting hit by an enemy laser, the Reality Vest would vibrate in perfect sync with the game, including the rumble pack-shaped connector in the controller.  It was a pretty neat feeling when I played with the cockpit view, too.  It felt pretty cool looking out of the cockpit and feeling the rumble around your upper body.  It almost felt like you were getting hit inside the ship.

With that being said, I cannot really recommend it unless you find all of this really neat.  It is good for a few laughs, but I haven't touched it since I played Star Fox a few weeks ago.  It takes too many batteries, and will probably end up getting in the way of something else in your game room.  I only spent $2 on my Reality Vest with the box, and I'm happy at that price.  I haven't been able to find too much information on them, so I'd imagine they're somewhat rare (I can't imagine why ).  If you can find one cheap locally, you may want to give it a try just because it is so weird.

This lovely piece of hardware can be found in our database here: http://www.rfgeneration.c...fo.php?ID=U-064-H-00420-A with a few pictures of it.  I also have some additional pictures on my photobucket account here: http://s981.photobucket.c...lskt/Reality%20Vest%2064/

I hope you enjoyed my blog on this odd Nintendo 64 accessory.  My next blog will feature The Glove by Reality Quest, so stay tuned!

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