Let’s be honest, predicting what’ll make an Engadget reader’s circuits sing is a fool’s errand. But sometimes, just sometimes, the universe aligns. Case in point: Ground Control Audio just dropped the UwU at NAMM 2024 – a Tamagotchiinsidea guitar pedal. Yes, you read that right. Prepare for peak gadget obsession.
Let’s face it, buffer pedals aren’t exactly sexy. They’re the beige minivan of the pedalboard world, easily overshadowed by shimmering reverbs and face-melting fuzz. They make tuners look like rockstars. But, before you dismiss them as tone-sucking accessories, consider this: If your pedalboard resembles a small city, or your cables could double as jump ropes, a buffer might be your sonic savior. Think of it as a tiny, tireless Sherpa for your guitar signal, giving it the oomph it needs to conquer the long journey, preserving every sparkling high-end detail from the dreaded “tone suck.” Unsung hero? Absolutely. Boring? Maybe not.
UwU enters the multi-effects arena with a twist: a virtual pet sidekick straight out of the Tamagotchi era, sprinkled with addictive mini-games. Imagine shredding a solo while your pixelated pedalboard pal grooves along, leveling up with every note! This isn’t just a pedal; it’s a nurturing musical companion. Watch in amusement as your feline familiar evolves through 30 stages of unique animations, a visual reward for your sonic explorations. The big question: what happens at level 30? The suspense hangs in the air. The creators are still plotting the grand finale, and with shipments not slated until March, the possibilities are endless.
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But the UwU doesn’t stop at being a virtual pet for your pedalboard. It’s also a time machine back to the golden age of cellphone gaming! Crammed inside this quirky little device are three mini-games: Long Cat, a delightful homage to Snake; Fishy Blox, a quirky Tetris reimagining; and Neko Invader, a feline twist on Space Invaders. Sure, the minuscule monochrome OLED screen and itsy-bitsy buttons aren’t exactly a gamer’s paradise (and let’s be honest, hunching over your pedalboard isn’t the most ergonomic position), but that’s precisely the point. It’s a charmingly imperfect, nostalgic trip to simpler gaming times, a delightful distraction purr-fectly suited for those in-between song moments.
Terrence O'Brien / Engadget
Staring at your guitar, asking “Why bother?” Flip the script! The real question is, whynotunleash your inner rockstar? Let’s face it, life’s a whirlwind, whether you’re a student juggling a million things or a parent buried under work and family. The UwU is your secret weapon against guitar neglect. It’s a daily dose of musical motivation. A few minutes of playing keeps your little UwU thriving, and let’s be honest, it’s way more fun than folding laundry. Seriously, picture this: If I’d had an UwU back when I was a know-it-all teen, too cool for music theory, I might actually be shredding solos by now. Don’t make my mistakes. Embrace the UwU.
The UwU isn’t just another buffer; it’s a transparent sonic lifeline. Forget muddying your meticulously crafted tone – this tiny titan boasts 18v of headroom, ensuring pristine signal preservation. And its minuscule footprint? Fitting it onto even the most densely populated pedalboard is a breeze. Say goodbye to signal degradation and hello to pure, unadulterated tone, no matter how packed your rig is.
The UwU virtual pet buffer is available now for preorder directly from Ground Control Audio for $139.
Terrence O'Brien / Engadget
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