When Mr USB invented his now ubiquitous peripheral port he spoke of his wish that it would one day be used to alleviate boredom by powering countless childish desktop games. Okay, he didn't, but he might have if he'd seen USB Desktop Dunk in action.

This mini USB-powered basketball game is based on the hoop-shooting thingamajigs found in fairgrounds and arcades across the globe. The difference is you won't win an oversized teddy bear or a goldfish if you're spot on target. What you will win, however, is the respect of fellow slackers because USB Desktop Dunk is one of the most addictive desktop diversions since someone realized chewed up paper could be flicked at colleagues with a ruler.


Complete with 4 mini basketballs, an LED scoreboard and interactive sound FX, USB Desktop Dunk allows you to choose between practice mode (continuous gameplay) and competition mode (2 minutes of hoop-shooting). Before you can say 'Meadowlark Lemon' you'll be whistling Sweet Georgia Brown and dribbling, flicking and rebounding like a pro.

You can even hold intra-office tournaments (most baskets in 2 minutes wins) or play one of those shoot-for-a million-dollars competitions (although shooting for a couple of coffees is probably more realistic). Scoring a basket earns you 2 points and every time you score 10 points you'll hear a fanfare. It's just like being an NBA pro, minus the money, the fame, the adulation, the bling and the ability to jump really high.


Despite its simplicity USB Desktop Dunk is one of the most excruciatingly addictive little games we've ever come across and its one-more-go-factor is off the scale. It really is the ideal gift for basketball fans and anyone who'd rather shoot hoops than work (ie: everyone). Now all you need are some suitably garish shorts and a Dennis Rodman hair-don't.