Frequently Asked Questions
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* How does the GameCycle work?
* Are the Nintendo GameCube and TV components fully integrated into the GameCycle?
* Do you need to have experience with videogames to play the GameCycle?
* Is the GameCycle adjustable to meet the needs of a variety of users?
* Is there a selection of hand grips available?
* Can you have reciprocal cranking (e.g., off-set the cranks) on the GameCycle?
* How much floor space does the GameCycle use?
* Are there research studies on the benefits of using the GameCycle?
* How is cranking resistance applied and adjusted?
* Can videogames be played by cranking backward as well as forward?
* What type of videogames are most compatible with the GameCycle and where can these games be purchased?
* Does the GameCycle work with Play Station and/or X-Box?
* Instead of playing videogames, can the 17" Flatscreen TV be used to view regular TV programming or movies while using the GameCycle?
* Can't find your question answered? Ask us your own questions here.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
* How does the GameCycle work?
The GameCycle simulates hand cycling, but with a twist: When you crank and steer the arm cranks, they serve as a controller for off-the-shelf Nintendo GameCube racing games. When you crank the handles forward, the speed of your cranking controls the speed of the game object (e.g., the speed of a car). To steer the object, you tilt the handles from side to side. If you slow your cranking, you slow the object. If you crank in reverse, the object moves in reverse. It's that simple.
* Are the Nintendo GameCube and TV fully integrated into the GameCycle?
Yes, the Nintendo GameCube and TV are fully integrated into the GameCycle. The GameCycle is a "turn-key" system which incorporates the GameCube and TV and requires no additional components. The GameCycle interacts directly with the GameCube games by simulating a GameCube controller.
* Do you need to have experience with videogames to play the GameCycle?
Absolutely not. In fact, many people, especially seniors, who have never played videogames before enjoy the GameCycle. Because you are not using a standard videogame controller, you need no familiarity or experience at all with videogames or their controllers. Instead, your challenge, and part of the fun, is learning how your own cranking and steering controls the game. Because the GameCycle eliminates the need for complicated game controllers, it actually makes videogames easier to play – all you do is crank and steer. For seniors this is especially important: the GameCycle removes a common barrier to videogames -- the complex and often intimidating set of buttons on a videogame controller.
* Is the GameCycle adjustable to meet the needs of a variety of users?
The GameCycle has many adjustable features including:
1) Adjustable height of the cranks (through a simple gas assist mechanism)
2) 10 different resistance settings to provide a wide range of cranking difficulty
3) A variety of handgrips (see below) for varying hand function
4) Games can be played by cranking forward or backward
5) Through a short calibration procedure, steering sensitivity can be adjusted and the forward and reverse crank speeds required to achieve maximum object speed in the game can be adjusted. Thus, even people whose ability only allows them to crank slow can still play the games.
6) The Gamecycle can be played from any type of chair (including wheelchairs) and can be played standing up.
* Is there a selection of hand grips available?
Yes. While the GameCycle comes standard with horizontal grips, two additional grips are available: vertical grips and "lock-in" grips for users with limited gripping capability.
* Can you have reciprocal cranking (e.g., off-set the cranks) on the GameCycle?
No. Off-set cranks (one crank handle is high while the other is low), interfere with the steering required to play the videogames. As with hand cycles, the GameCycle cranks turn together with the cranks symmetrical to one another.
* How much floor space does the GameCycle use?
The GameCycle is 29” wide, 50” high, and 50” long (max.). The GameCycle has wheels on the front that enable rolling portability.
* Are there research studies on the benefits of using the GameCycle?
Yes, there is. GameCycle research has been presented at scientific conferences and has been published in several scientific journals. The results of these research efforts have provided compelling evidence of the important benefits gained from the way in which the GameCycle combines upper-body exercise with gaming, including improved cardiovascular fitness and better compliance with exercise programs. There is also research evidence that underscores the importance, in general, of upper body exercise. To learn more, please click here.
* How is cranking resistance applied and adjusted?
The cranking resistance system uses a smooth, magnetic particle brake. Resistance is adjusted through simple push button selection of 10 resistance settings (Torque Range: 0-70 lb-in).
* Can videogames be played by cranking backward as well as forward?
Yes, at the press of a button, the user can switch the direction of cranking (backward or forward) that makes the video game object move forward.
* What type of videogames are most compatible with the GameCycle and where can these games be purchased?
Nintendo GameCube games that are compatible with the GameCycle can be purchased off the shelf at any store that carries videogames (e.g., Best Buy, Circuit City, or any videogame store). The GameCycle is compatible with racing style games, and here are some games that we most highly recommend:
- Need for Speed Underground (also 2 and Hot pursuit)
- Monster 4 x 4 - Masters of Metal
- Racing Evolution
- Crazy Taxi
- Nascar Dirt to Daytona
- Mario Kart Double Dash
- SX Superstar
- F-Zero GX
The GameCycle is not compatible with games that require firing buttons because the repetitive use of buttons interferes with the cranking exercise that the GameCycle is designed to promote.
* Does the GameCycle work with Play Station and/or X-Box?
No. At present, the GameCycle only works with the Nintendo GameCube.
* Instead of playing videogames, can the 17" Flatscreen TV be used to view regular TV programming or movies while using the GameCycle?
Yes. The flatscreen TV is fully functional and can also be used to view TV programming or movies from an external source such as a DVD player.
If you have more questions, please let us know by sending an e-mail to CustomerCare@3rivers.com. Thank you.
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