NV

The NVs are mind control devices that appear in Crash: Mind Over Mutant, invented by Dr. N. Brio and mass-produced by Dr. Neo Cortex. The helmet initially performs services like checking the news, sending texts, or viewing entertainment. According to the cutscene "N Faux Mercial", it can also access any file, talk to friends, and create (bad-tasting) julienne fries. Dr. Cortex mentions that the NV has other features, but neglects to explain them. Most likely he is referring to the NV's deleterious long-term effects: after a time, the helmets turn their users into ferocious mutants completely obedient to Cortex and N. Brio.

The Bandicoot family received free NVs in the mail which brainwashed and mutated Coco and Crunch, setting off the events of the game's plot. Crash was unable to experience the NV's effects, as the one he got malfunctioned and kept shocking him. Aku Aku wasn't able to fit one over his head (though it may not have had an effect anyway, simply because he's a mask.)

Trivia

 * In the DS version of Mind Over Mutant, the NV looks almost identical to the helmet that Nina Cortex used to brainwash Coco in Crash of the Titans.
 * The NV's role in the story parodies consumerist culture, specifically wasteful obsession with having "the latest technology".