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History
Xing Inc. was founded on 6 May 1992 with the goal of expanding the karaoke business beyond traditional limits through technology, including online services, health-related applications, and mobile services. Their first product, JOYSOUND, was one of the world’s earliest on
line karaoke systems, released the same year as competing systems such as the X2000.
The company continued to develop karaoke systems and related services. In 2006 it launched UTASUKI, a karaoke social network that later grew to more than 10 million members. Xing had also previously created karaoke software for the Nintendo Wii.
When the Wii U was released, Xing saw an opportunity. The Wii U GamePad’s touchscreen made it an ideal controller for song selection and system navigation, while the console’s audiovisual capabilities provided a solid foundation for a commercial karaoke machine. Xing therefore decided to base a new professional karaoke system on modified Wii U hardware. The system was specifically targeted at retirement homes, banquet halls, hotels, and similar venues that typically could not afford full-scale commercial karaoke installations.
Xing also, being focus around health services, decided to focus this device around usage in retirement home, banquet halls and hotel.
Release
The JOYSOUND FESTA was released in May 2013. The complete package, priced at ¥1,580,000, included the main unit (JOYSOUND FESTA Commander, model JS-FWSP) and a dedicated mobile rack (JC-FW1) that housed a mounted screen and speakers. The Commander unit was also available separately for ¥1,280,000.
An online subscription was required. Subscribers gained access to a library of approximately 90,000 songs, along with built-in activities such as quizzes, origami, yoga, singing practice, and various exercises. The system could also be rented for ¥30,000 per month.
Demise
The JOYSOUND FESTA performed reasonably well in its intended market. However, when Nintendo discontinued the Wii U, Xing needed a new platform. In 2018 the company released the JOYSOUND FESTA2, a successor that was no longer based on video-game hardware.
Software & Content
The system ran a modified version of the Wii U operating system that did not allow standard Wii U games or external software to be played. Content was limited to the built-in karaoke library and the various health- and activity-oriented mini-games provided by Xing. Check out gameplay video to see the software in action.
Technical Specifications
- Base hardware: Modified Nintendo Wii U console (both 8 GB and 32 GB models were used)
- Operating system: Custom/modified version of the Wii U OS that auto-boots into the karaoke software and blocks standard Wii U games
- Controller: Wii U GamePad (used as the primary song-selection and control interface); also supports Wii Remote
- Storage: 2 TB hard disk drive (for song library and content)
- Display (full package): Built-in rotatable monitor (approximately 22 inches in the dedicated rack)
- Audio: Built-in amplifier (maximum output 150 W at 8 Ω)
- Connectivity: Online subscription required for song library and content updates
- Power: AC 100 V, 50/60 Hz
- Power consumption: Approximately 190 W (Commander unit, service outlet unused)
- Dimensions (Commander unit – JS-FWP): 420 × 274 × 380 mm (W × H × D, excluding protrusions)
- Weight (Commander unit): Approximately 14.5 kg (including power cord)
- Song library: Approximately 90,000 titles (at launch)
- Additional content: Health & recreation programmes (exercises, quizzes, yoga, etc.), scoring systems, Mii support
Video