Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Mad Catz's Android console now just 'MOJO,' pulls games straight from Google Play]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/14/mad-catzs-android-console-now-just-mojo-pulls-games-straight/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/14/mad-catzs-android-console-now-just-mojo-pulls-games-straight/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/14/mad-catzs-android-console-now-just-mojo-pulls-games-straight/#commentsMad Catz's Android console now just 'MOJO,' pulls games straight from Google Play Mad Catz's recently announced Project MOJO Android micro-console (now just "MOJO") was on-hand at the hardware manufacturer's open-air booth in the middle of E3's West Hall. We learned a great deal more about the device's proprietary publishing ecosystem, or rather its lack of one.

Unlike the Ouya or other Android micro-consoles announced this year, the MOJO runs stock Android and connects to the Google Play store like any smartphone or tablet. This means that, rather than waiting for a game to be ported to the MOJO, it just has be ported to Android in general. It also means that the MOJO is registered to your existing Google Play account as another device, so any games you already own on your smartphone or tablet can be downloaded and played on the MOJO.

"We don't believe we should be restricting you, we want to be as open as possible," Mad Catz senior product development manager Richard Neville told us. "We just want to give people the most powerful hardware they can get, and that then becomes the enabler for the user."

Said hardware, at least on the E3 showfloor, ran on a Tegra 3 processor and featured HDMI output at 1080p, as well as two USB inputs, 16 gigs of on-board storage expandable by mini SD, wireless b/n/g interwebs and both Bluetooth Classic and Bluetooth Smart. The MOJO's processor is expected to change before the micro-console launches this winter, however, when the production unit's specs are finalized around the end of this summer. We were also told that the final version will feature an Ethernet port for hard-wiring into a home network.

No pricing has been announced as of yet, but the console will include a Mad Catz Ctrl-R wireless Bluetooth Classic/Smart controller, which can change between being an Android controller, mouse input or PC gamepad at the flick of a switch.

Gallery: Mad Catz MOJO Android Micro Console and CTRL-R Wireless Gamepad

JoystiqMad Catz's Android console now just 'MOJO,' pulls games straight from Google Play originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Jun 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidctrl-re3-2013mad-catzmicro-consolemobilemojoproject-mojoRichard-NevilleFri, 14 Jun 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mad Catz Tournament Edition 2 FightStick for Xbox One is customizable, out this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/14/mad-catz-tournament-edition-2-fightstick-for-xbox-one-is-customi/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/14/mad-catz-tournament-edition-2-fightstick-for-xbox-one-is-customi/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/14/mad-catz-tournament-edition-2-fightstick-for-xbox-one-is-customi/#commentsMad Catz Tournament Edition 2 FightStick for Xbox One is customizable, out this fall Mad Catz has a brand-spankin-new arcade stick to go along with Microsoft's brand-spankin-new Xbox One: the Tournament Edition 2 FightStick. At first glance, it may look like nothing more than a slightly flashier version of the existing models, but beyond the fact that it comes equipped with the same Sanwa Denshi parts, the TE2 is a whole new beast.

The case opens on a hinge, to start with. Pressing the Mad Catz logo on the front of the unit releases a latch that grants access to the internals of the stick, which has been designed so that nearly every piece of the thing can be replaced or customized with the user's choice of buttons, micro-switches, LED mods or what-have-you. There's even compartments for extra buttons and an on-board screwdriver for removing the mounting bracket that holds the buttons and stick.

We weren't allowed to photograph the inside of the stick as its design isn't finalized, but we're told the final version will also contain storage for spare joysticks and the TE2's detachable cable, which will be sold in varying lengths. What we did see, however, was the stock LED lighting effects under the buttons and on the side panels. The stick is also designed in such a way that the artwork can be replaced without having to remove the joystick or buttons.

Mad Catz was unable to comment on whether replacement side panels will be sold, or if replacement plexiglass inserts will be available for people that prefer different button layouts. The Tournament Edition 2 FightStick will be available alongside the Xbox One at launch, though its price point has yet to be announced.

Gallery: Mad Catz Tournament Edition 2 FightStick (Xbox One, E3-2013)

Gallery: Mad Catz Arcade Fightstick Tournament Edition 2 for Xbox One

JoystiqMad Catz Tournament Edition 2 FightStick for Xbox One is customizable, out this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Jun 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcade-sticke3-2013fightstickmad-catzmicrosofttournament-edition-2xbox-oneFri, 14 Jun 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation 4 incompatible with PS3 Mad Catz Tournament Edition FightSticks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/13/playstation-4-incompatible-with-ps3-mad-catz-tournament-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/13/playstation-4-incompatible-with-ps3-mad-catz-tournament-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/13/playstation-4-incompatible-with-ps3-mad-catz-tournament-edition/#commentsPlayStation 4 incompatible with PS3 Mad Catz Tournament Edition FightSticks Mad Catz's extensive line of PlayStation 3 Tournament Edition FightSticks will not function with Sony's new PlayStation 4, Joystiq confirmed today with Mad Catz senior product development manager Richard Neville. "Playstation 4 will require a whole new set of peripherals," Neville said.

Currently, Mad Catz has announced that it is launching a new and improved Tournament Edition 2 FightStick for the Xbox One when that console is released sometime this year, but the peripheral manufacturer was unable to comment on the availability of future PlayStation 4 sticks.

JoystiqPlayStation 4 incompatible with PS3 Mad Catz Tournament Edition FightSticks originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Jun 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcade-stickE3-2013fightstickmad-catzplaystationplaystation-4ps3PS4tournament-editionThu, 13 Jun 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mad Catz entering Android console market with 'Project M.O.J.O']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/07/mad-catz-entering-android-console-market-with-project-m-o-j-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/07/mad-catz-entering-android-console-market-with-project-m-o-j-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/07/mad-catz-entering-android-console-market-with-project-m-o-j-o/#commentsMad Catz entering Android console market with 'Project MOJO' The burgeoning Android micro-console market's increasingly crowded Thunderdome has found itself another theoretical contestant: Mad Catz, which today announced its intentions to unveil "Project M.O.J.O" during next week's E3 proceedings.

Beyond the fact that Project M.O.J.O has been "designed to interact seamlessly" with Mad Catz's Gamesmart line of peripherals, nothing else is known about the product with regards to its technical specifications, pricing structure or even what its real name is - we're assuming "Project M.O.J.O" won't be going on the box.

Surely, the answers to all (or most) of these questions will be revealed sometime next week, at which point we'll see how Project M.O.J.O stacks up against the Ouya, Gamestick and Gamepop.

JoystiqMad Catz entering Android console market with 'Project M.O.J.O' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Jun 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidconsoleE3-2013hardwaremad-catzmicro-consolemobileproject-mojoFri, 07 Jun 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mad Catz sale includes FightSticks, Rock Band gear and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/mad-catz-sale-includes-fightsticks-rock-band-gear-and-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/mad-catz-sale-includes-fightsticks-rock-band-gear-and-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/mad-catz-sale-includes-fightsticks-rock-band-gear-and-more/#comments If you've been in the market for an arcade stick, cheap wired controller or guitar with hundreds and hundreds of buttons on it, now may be the time to slap down some digitally represented dollar bills.

Mad Catz has applied 37 to 69-percent discounts on a wide range of its peripheral offerings, dropping its branded SoulCalibur 5 and Street Fighter X Tekken FightSticks down to $100 a pop, its SFXT FightPads down to $20 and various Rock Band 3 instrument bundles to over half off. You can also snag a PS3 version of the limited edition EVO 2012 FightStick for $100, in addition to discounted WWE All Stars sticks/pads and Damage Inc. Pacific Squadron WWII flight stick packs.

Sadly, the sale does not include the Sanrio FightStick, which is still both $160 and the cutest ever.

JoystiqMad Catz sale includes FightSticks, Rock Band gear and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Feb 2013 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hello-kittymad-catzmicrosoftnintendoperipheralsplaystationps3rock-band-3sanriosoulcalibur-5street-fighter-x-tekkenwiixboxTue, 12 Feb 2013 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mad Catz's 'Gamesmart' peripheral line connects to phones, tablets, PCs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/06/mad-catzs-gamesmart-peripheral-line-connects-to-phones-table/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/06/mad-catzs-gamesmart-peripheral-line-connects-to-phones-table/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/06/mad-catzs-gamesmart-peripheral-line-connects-to-phones-table/#comments Some Mad Catz stuff that Engadget postedLast week, Mad Catz revealed its "Gamesmart" initiative, designed to create a standard for peripherals across mobile and PC platforms. Now, we have an idea of what that actually means.

Basically, the company is making new versions of its popular mouse, gamepad, and headset accessories that connect via Bluetooth to PCs, tablets, and mobile, with "a simplified setup process, longer battery life, and universal compatibility." The accessories are targeted for "early 2013," and will be shown at this week's CES, where all things that connect to phones live.

While we're dubious of yet another competing standard for mobile phone controllers, if this works, it will be a great money saver for consumers, and a potential standardized input method for developers.

JoystiqMad Catz's 'Gamesmart' peripheral line connects to phones, tablets, PCs originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 06 Jan 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ces-2012gamesmartmacmad-catzmadcatzmobilepcSun, 06 Jan 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Tekken Tag Tournament 2 FightStick available for Wii U, PS3, and Xbox]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/21/tekken-tag-tournament-2-fightstick-s-and-s-now-shipping/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/21/tekken-tag-tournament-2-fightstick-s-and-s-now-shipping/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/21/tekken-tag-tournament-2-fightstick-s-and-s-now-shipping/#comments Tekken Tag Tournament 2 Fightstick S and S now shippingYou can now own an arcade stick for your Wii U, helpfully labeled with the one game you'd need an arcade stick for, Tekken Tag Tournament 2. The Tekken Tag Tournament 2 Fightstick S from Mad Catz is now available for $160. The controller connects to the Wiimote via a 3.3 foot-long controller cable.

PS3 and Xbox sticks are also available, called the "FightStick S+" because of extra foam padding on the bottom and swappable Tekken artwork. They retail for the same price.

Continue reading Tekken Tag Tournament 2 FightStick available for Wii U, PS3, and Xbox

JoystiqTekken Tag Tournament 2 FightStick available for Wii U, PS3, and Xbox originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fightstickmad-catzmadcatzmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3Tekken-Tag-Tournament-2wii-uxboxFri, 21 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Damage Inc. Pacific Squadron WWII demo out now on Xbox Live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/10/psa-damage-inc-pacific-squadron-wwii-demo-out-now-on-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/10/psa-damage-inc-pacific-squadron-wwii-demo-out-now-on-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/10/psa-damage-inc-pacific-squadron-wwii-demo-out-now-on-xbox-live/#comments PSA Damage Inc Pacific Squadron WWII demo out now on Xbox LiveJust in case you've been waiting to see what Mad Catz's grab-bag titled Damage Inc. Pacific Squadron WWII (which used to be the much more feasible War Wings) is like, you're in luck. The game now has a playable demo, available on Xbox Live. The demo is exclusive to Gold members, rings in at just about 770 mb, and can be grabbed for free.

Unfortunately, the demo doesn't come with a free Pacific AV8R flightstick, which Mad Catz will be including with the Collector's Edition of the game, and presumably will be the best way to experience flying around in the Pacific Theater. As Mad Catz says in the press release, this game is part of its goal of "pursuing targeted software opportunities that pose manageable downside risk by complementing our hardware initiatives." Which is corporate talk for: They're making the game to sell the stick.

But if you have another Mad Catz flight stick, it should work, or just a standard controller will probably do what you need as well. If the demo spins your propeller, the game will be out on August 28.

JoystiqPSA: Damage Inc. Pacific Squadron WWII demo out now on Xbox Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Aug 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>damage-inc-pacific-squadron-wwiidealdemodownloadflight-stickgoldmad-catzmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxxbox-liveFri, 10 Aug 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GREE, Mad Catz, and NetDragon Websoft join ESA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/02/gree-mad-catz-and-netdragon-websoft-join-esa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/02/gree-mad-catz-and-netdragon-websoft-join-esa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/02/gree-mad-catz-and-netdragon-websoft-join-esa/#comments The Entertainment Software Association's membership grew by three members this morning, as the ESA announced GREE, Mad Catz, and NetDragon Websoft to have joined its "membership roster." The ESA notes that this brings its membership up to 34 member companies, representing both publishers and developers.

The addition of GREE and Mad Catz is no surprise - both companies have taken a more aggressive approach to game industry visibility in the past few years, and joining the ESA seems like a logical step. NetDragon Websoft, according to our brethren at Massively, is a Chinese MMO developer signed on to bring Ultima Online to China, Hong Kong, Macau, and India with Electronic Arts.

Now that all three companies are card-carrying ESA members, perhaps a congrats are in order? We'll consider sending a fruit basket.

Continue reading GREE, Mad Catz, and NetDragon Websoft join ESA

JoystiqGREE, Mad Catz, and NetDragon Websoft join ESA originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Aug 2012 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>entertainment-software-associationesagreemad-catzmad-catz-interactivenetdragonnetdragon-websoftnetdragon-websoft-incThu, 02 Aug 2012 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MadCatz producing limited edition EVO fightsticks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/06/madcatz-producing-limited-edition-evo-fightsticks/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/06/madcatz-producing-limited-edition-evo-fightsticks/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/06/madcatz-producing-limited-edition-evo-fightsticks/#comments MadCatz producing limited edition EVO fightsticks To commemorate this year's EVO Championship Series World Finals, arcade stick darling Mad Catz has created a limited edition "EVO Championship Series Arcade Fightstick Pro" for the PS3 and 360.

Now, when we say limited edition, we mean exceedingly limited edition: Mad Catz is only manufacturing 600 of these arcade sticks in total - 300 for each system. While the parts used in the stick are not explicitly broken down, the fact that it's part of the manufacturer's Fightstick Pro line implies heavy usage of Sanwa Denshi buttons and sticks.

For all intents and purposes, the limited edition joint appears to be a translucent purple version of Mad Catz's Street Fighter X Tekken stick, and at $159.99 it costs about the same as well. Pre-orders are now active at Mad Catz's GameShark shop.

JoystiqMadCatz producing limited edition EVO fightsticks originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jul 2012 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcade-stickcollectors-editionEVOevo-2012fighsticklimited-editionMad-Catzmicrosoftplaystationps3xboxFri, 06 Jul 2012 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Seen@E3: Atlus' custom Persona 4 Arena arcade stick]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/08/seen-e3-atlus-custom-persona-4-arena-arcade-stick/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/08/seen-e3-atlus-custom-persona-4-arena-arcade-stick/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/08/seen-e3-atlus-custom-persona-4-arena-arcade-stick/#comments SeenE3 The Persona 4 Arena stick that never wasDuring E3, we met with Atlus to check out Persona 4 Arena, among other things, and upon sitting down at the small table in our private presentation room we were surprised to find a P4A arcade stick waiting for us. Immediately, our hearts were all a-flutter with the prospect of a nice limited edition arcade stick.

"There is an official HORI stick in Japan," Aram Jabbari told us, "but this is a Mad Catz that we've customized. There is no official North American stick at this time," and as quickly as they had arisen, our hopes were quickly dashed. Jabbari, who is Atlus' Manager of PR and Sales, said we could post about the stick so long as we promised not to insinuate that it was a real product, or that it was ever going to be released. So! Expect to see it on store shelves before the end of the month.

(But seriously, there is no North American stick at this time.)

JoystiqSeen@E3: Atlus' custom Persona 4 Arena arcade stick originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Jun 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arc-system-worksarcade-stickAtluse3-2012HORImad-catzmicrosoftpersona-4-arenapersona-4-the-ultimate-in-mayonaka-arenaplaystationps3xboxFri, 08 Jun 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[War Wings is now 'Damage Inc,' coming this summer from Mad Catz]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/mad-catz-war-wings-is-now-damage-inc-coming-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/mad-catz-war-wings-is-now-damage-inc-coming-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/mad-catz-war-wings-is-now-damage-inc-coming-this-summer/#comments Mad Catz has revealed that War Wings: Hell Catz, announced last year, has been renamed Damage Inc. Pacific Squadron WWII. As the rather unwieldy title implies, Damage Inc. is a flight combat game set in the Pacific theater of World War II, beginning with the attack on Pearl Harbor and progressing through "23 historically accurate missions and 100+ mission objectives." The game will also feature online co-op and versus multiplayer. Damage Inc. will be released on Xbox and PS3 this summer.

And, if you're still wondering why a peripheral manufacturer would be dabbling in publishing, meet the Pacific AV8R Flightstick. The stick will be included with the collector's edition of Damage Inc, which has yet to be priced. Strangely, the Damage Inc. website showcases a PC version of the stick, though no PC version of the game has been announced.

We'll be giving the game a spin at E3 next month. In the meantime, check out some fresh trailers and screens.

Gallery: Damage Inc. Pacific Squadron WWII

Continue reading War Wings is now 'Damage Inc,' coming this summer from Mad Catz

JoystiqWar Wings is now 'Damage Inc,' coming this summer from Mad Catz originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 May 2012 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>damage-inc-pacific-squadron-wwiimad-catzmicrosoftplaystationps3release-datesummer-2012trickstar-gamesxboxThu, 03 May 2012 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Mad Catz outfits Future Soldiers with Ghost Recon peripherals]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/mad-catz-outfits-future-soldiers-with-ghost-recon-peripherals/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/mad-catz-outfits-future-soldiers-with-ghost-recon-peripherals/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/mad-catz-outfits-future-soldiers-with-ghost-recon-peripherals/#comments ImageWearing a sheet with eyeholes is a great way to look like a ghost, but isn't terribly advantageous for gaming. Luckily, Mad Catz is providing a more sensible way to outfit yourself like a Ghost while you play Ghost Recon: Future Soldier.

This May, the accessory company will launch a Ghost Recon: Future Soldier Pro GamePad and an official 7.1 Surround Sound Headset for both PS3 and Xbox. Both accessories have cool skull logos on them, and both of them light up. That would look really spooky under a sheet.

Gallery: Ghost Recon: Future Soldier accessories

JoystiqMad Catz outfits Future Soldiers with Ghost Recon peripherals originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ghost-Recon-Future-Soldiermad-catzmicrosoftplaystationps3trittonxboxWed, 04 Apr 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Video review: Mad Catz Arcade FightStick Soul Edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/video-review-mad-catz-arcade-fightstick-soul-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/video-review-mad-catz-arcade-fightstick-soul-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/video-review-mad-catz-arcade-fightstick-soul-edition/#comments
A few weeks ago, Mad Catz sent me one of its latest arcade sticks, the SoulCalibur 5 branded Soul Edition arcade fightstick. After daily testing on SC5, Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 and Mortal Kombat, the Soul Edition not only met my expectations, but exceeded them, as you can tell from the review video above.

The company's Tournament Edition sticks have always been excellent pieces of hardware, and the Soul Edition is no exception. It's solidly constructed from arcade-quality parts and is heavy enough to stay in place, regardless of whether you fight on a table-top or your lap. The stick's striking motif and subtle design elements set it apart from every other mass-produced arcade stick on the market; if you want to stand out at your local Ranking Battles without incurring the cost of a custom-made stick, you'd be hard pressed to find a piece of fighting tech that's this unique, right out of the box.

JoystiqVideo review: Mad Catz Arcade FightStick Soul Edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcade-stickfightstickjoystickmad-catzmicrosoftnamco-bandaiplaystationps3sanwasanwa-denshisoul-editionsoulcalibur-5soulcalibur-vxboxFri, 03 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mad Catz shows off MLG Pro controller at CES, for the discerning button pusher]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/mad-catz-shows-off-mlg-pro-controller-at-ces-for-the-discerning/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/mad-catz-shows-off-mlg-pro-controller-at-ces-for-the-discerning/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/mad-catz-shows-off-mlg-pro-controller-at-ces-for-the-discerning/#comments
A controller is a controller is a controller. The most innovative additions to console controllers these days usually involve an extra turbo switch, or maybe a fan in the handles.

Mad Catz' new MLG Pro Circuit Controller stands out, and was first shown off at CES 2012 last week. Mad Catz worked with Major League Gaming players and other gamers to figure out just what it is they wanted a controller to do, and rather than just add some new lights (or those fans), they took a few good steps forward.

The analogue sticks and D-pads are fully removable and customizable, and the controller comes with all sorts of possibilities. With this controller, you can implement the layout you want.

Continue reading Mad Catz shows off MLG Pro controller at CES, for the discerning button pusher

JoystiqMad Catz shows off MLG Pro controller at CES, for the discerning button pusher originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buttonscesces-2012controllercustomizabledpadjoysticksmad-catzmadcatzmicrosoftmlgpcplaystationprops3xboxTue, 17 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mad Catz unveils a suite of Street Fighter X Tekken sticks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/mad-catz-unveils-a-suite-of-street-fighter-x-tekken-sticks/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/mad-catz-unveils-a-suite-of-street-fighter-x-tekken-sticks/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/mad-catz-unveils-a-suite-of-street-fighter-x-tekken-sticks/#comments Mad Catz's Street Fighter X Tekken FightSticks have changed since we last saw them. Not only has the company abandoned the red-and-white colorway, there are now more sticks in the line.

The now-black FightStick Pro is the next evolution of the Tournament Edition stick, with Sanwa parts and internal cable storage. The Arcade FightStick VS. Edition seems to be similar in design, but two of them can be connected with an optional attachment to create a continuous arcade machine-style panel. And the new FightPad SD is 15% smaller than previous FightPads, "inspired by the gaming preferences of legendary Street Fighter producer Yoshinori Ono."

No prices were given for any of these new accessories, but Mad Catz did offer the expected release window: concurrent with the game's March 6 debut.

Gallery: Street Fighter X Tekken FightSticks (Xbox 360, PS3)

JoystiqMad Catz unveils a suite of Street Fighter X Tekken sticks originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcade-stickcesces-2012fightstickfightstick-promad-catzmicrosoftplaystationps3street-fighter-x-tekkenxboxTue, 10 Jan 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Mad Catz ships the Primer wireless headset for Xbox]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/mad-catz-ships-the-primer-wireless-headset-for-xbox/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/mad-catz-ships-the-primer-wireless-headset-for-xbox/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/mad-catz-ships-the-primer-wireless-headset-for-xbox/#comments The Primer Mad Catz has announced that it has shipped the Primer wireless headset. Sold under the Tritton brand, the stereo headset is notable in that it is the first officially licensed wireless headset for the Xbox 360. Nearly identical in appearance to Tritton's Detonator headset -- minus the cables, plus a "base station" -- the Primer utilizes 5.8GHz wireless tech, which purportedly cuts down on interference from appliances, phones and the like.

It's also worth noting that it will work only with the Xbox 360, so keep that in mind before plunking down the $100 asking price.

Continue reading Mad Catz ships the Primer wireless headset for Xbox

JoystiqMad Catz ships the Primer wireless headset for Xbox originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 03:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>headsetmad-catzmicrosoftprimerstereotrittonxboxTue, 10 Jan 2012 03:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mad Catz now shipping Soulcalibur 5 fight sticks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/mad-catz-now-shipping-soulcalibur-5-fight-sticks/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/mad-catz-now-shipping-soulcalibur-5-fight-sticks/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/mad-catz-now-shipping-soulcalibur-5-fight-sticks/#comments It may not be as curvaceous as the fighters of Soulcalibur V, but at least you need not feel ashamed ogling the game's official Mad Catz stick.

As one of two officially licensed fight sticks (the other being a Hori model), Mad Catz's offering will set consumers back $159.99 and is already off to retail as you read this post. Sticks are available in both Xbox 360 and PS3 flavors, but you already knew that because those are the only two platforms on which you can buy Soulcalibur V.

Continue reading Mad Catz now shipping Soulcalibur 5 fight sticks

JoystiqMad Catz now shipping Soulcalibur 5 fight sticks originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fight-stickmad-catzmicrosoftnamco-bandaiplaystationps3soulcalibur-5soulcalibur-vxboxMon, 09 Jan 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New Rock Band 3 bundles from Mad Catz include 5 free DLC songs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/27/new-rock-band-3-bundles-from-madcatz-include-5-free-dlc-songs/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/27/new-rock-band-3-bundles-from-madcatz-include-5-free-dlc-songs/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/27/new-rock-band-3-bundles-from-madcatz-include-5-free-dlc-songs/#comments Rock Band 3 is still alive and kicking, despite everything happening behind-the-scenes, and in an effort to rekindle the world's love for rhythm games and plastic instruments, Mad Catz Interactive has released 5 new instrument bundles for the Xbox 360.

Each bundle includes the game, a DLC code for 5 different Red Hot Chili Peppers songs, and your choice of Fender Mustang Pro-Guitar ($150), normal Stratocaster controller($70), or normal Precision Bass controller ($80, available in three designer colors). Absent from these bundles, as you may have noticed, are the microphone and drum kit controllers known and loved by annoying college roommates the world over; a void the used market will undoubtably step in to fill.

JoystiqNew Rock Band 3 bundles from Mad Catz include 5 free DLC songs originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 27 Nov 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundlefenderinstrumentmad-catzmad-catz-interactivemicrosoftmustangperipheralprecision-basspro-guitarred-hot-chili-peppersrock-bandRock-Band-3stratocasterxboxSun, 27 Nov 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Soulcalibur 5 fight stick coming courtesy of Mad Catz]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/27/soulcalibur-5-fight-stick-coming-courtesy-of-mad-catz/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/27/soulcalibur-5-fight-stick-coming-courtesy-of-mad-catz/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/27/soulcalibur-5-fight-stick-coming-courtesy-of-mad-catz/#comments You'll be able to 8-way-run in style next year, as Mad Catz is introducing a Soulcalibur 5-themed version of its Tournament Edition FightStick, shipping for Xbox 360 and PS3 to coincide with the launch of Namco's latest. Fittingly, it's called the "Soul Edition," though it thankfully doesn't claim to take the soul of its user in exchange.

Like the Soul Edge, however, SC5's fight stick is composed of mythical, unknown parts (Mad Catz isn't telling just yet). The "Soul Edition" fight stick will launch in January 2012 alongside Soulcalibur 5, though we've yet to receive an official price.

Gallery: Soulcalibur 5 "Soul Edition" Fight Stick

Continue reading Soulcalibur 5 fight stick coming courtesy of Mad Catz

JoystiqSoulcalibur 5 fight stick coming courtesy of Mad Catz originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcade-stickfightstickmad-catzmicrosoftplaystationps3q1-2012release-datesoul-editionsoulcalibur-5soulcalibur-vxboxThu, 27 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MadCatz's Tritton Detonator now shipping, detonating]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/01/madcatzs-tritton-detonator-now-shipping-detonating/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/01/madcatzs-tritton-detonator-now-shipping-detonating/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/01/madcatzs-tritton-detonator-now-shipping-detonating/#comments We've all been there: It's 3 am, the guys you share your tiny studio apartment with are zonked out after a hard day's hack-sackin' down on the quad, but you'll be awake for another 6 hours, at least. Now, thanks to the Tritton Detonator from MadCatz and Microsoft, your bitter, sleep-deprived roommates will only hear the sound of your frantic stick waggling and trigger flicking, as opposed to the gunfire and chainsaws they normally have to deal with.

The Detonator is the first in a series of official 360 headphones, and its $80 entry fee delivers a USB cord, stereo sound, a detachable boom mic, voice monitoring capabilities and an in-line volume control for the whole kit-n-caboodle. Its big brother, the wireless, Dolby 7.1 rocking WarHead, is still reportedly on track for a holiday release, although we expect that model to cost a bit closer to the self-imposed $300 limit MadCatz mentioned when the headphones were announced.

JoystiqMadCatz's Tritton Detonator now shipping, detonating originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 01 Oct 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoriesdetonatorheadphonesheadsetmad-catzmadcatzmicrosoftperipheralstrittonUSBWarHeadxboxxbox-liveSat, 01 Oct 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mad Catz fully responsible for relaunch of Rock Band 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/20/mad-catz-fully-responsible-for-relaunch-of-rock-band-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/20/mad-catz-fully-responsible-for-relaunch-of-rock-band-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/20/mad-catz-fully-responsible-for-relaunch-of-rock-band-3/#comments When Mad Catz re-releases Rock Band 3 this holiday, it'll be acting as sole financier on the Xbox 360-only publishing deal. "They're actually doing the retail distribution as well as marketing support, etc. They're acting as de facto publisher for the title," Harmonix CEO Alex Rigopulos explained to me in an interview session late last week at the Tokyo Game Show.

That makes Rock Band 3 one of the first retail Xbox 360 game to be published by Mad Catz, a long-time peripheral manufacturer who is now getting into publishing on Microsoft's console. The company's second title, appropriately named War Wings: Hell Catz, is due to arrive on PCs some time in 2012. It has yet to be announced for the Xbox 360. Additionally, Mad Catz has a rugby title due out later this year.

Rigopulos also noted that the relaunch is aimed at a variety of people, from new audiences who haven't ever played a Rock Band title, to "people who are still playing Rock Band 2 or Guitar Hero players who haven't even entered the genre yet." Rock Band 3 will relaunch with Mad Catz branding and peripherals for the Xbox 360 some time this holiday season.

JoystiqMad Catz fully responsible for relaunch of Rock Band 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Sep 2011 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alex-rigopulosharmonixharmonix-music-systemsmad-catzmicrosoftRock-Band-3tgs-2011tokyo-game-showtokyo-game-show-2011xboxTue, 20 Sep 2011 14:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Mad Catz Street Fighter X Tekken sticks up for pre-order at $160]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/25/mad-catz-street-fighter-x-tekken-sticks-up-for-pre-order-at-160/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/25/mad-catz-street-fighter-x-tekken-sticks-up-for-pre-order-at-160/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/25/mad-catz-street-fighter-x-tekken-sticks-up-for-pre-order-at-160/#comments QCF fierce After we got our hands on Mad Catz' Street Fighter X Tekken controllers earlier this year, and now the company has made them official. So far, the only controllers to be revealed are the FightStick PRO joysticks we saw at E3, though presumably the line will also include FightPads and possibly less professional sticks.

Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions of the FightStick PRO are currently available for pre-order at $160 each. A release date wasn't announced, though Spring 2012 is probably a pretty good bet.

Continue reading Mad Catz Street Fighter X Tekken sticks up for pre-order at $160

JoystiqMad Catz Street Fighter X Tekken sticks up for pre-order at $160 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Aug 2011 23:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mad-catzmicrosoftperipheralsplaystationps3street-fighter-x-tekkenxboxThu, 25 Aug 2011 23:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Mad Catz takes Jonah Lomu Rugby Challenge to North America]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/23/mad-catz-takes-jonah-lomu-rugby-challenge-to-north-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/23/mad-catz-takes-jonah-lomu-rugby-challenge-to-north-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/23/mad-catz-takes-jonah-lomu-rugby-challenge-to-north-america/#comments Mad Catz has recently become a publisher for new flight games and established music games. Its next baffling step into the world of game publishing sees the peripheral maker taking on sports games. Mad Catz announced plans to publish Jonah Lomu Rugby Challenge on Xbox 360 sometime in September.

In this game, Jonah Lomu challenges you to tell him what exactly rugby is. Okay, it actually features 93 different teams and 31 locations, with licensed teams including the New Zealand All Blacks, with whom Lomu played. An online mode will allow you to find all the other Americans who know how to play rugby -- unless they're busy playing the Rugby World Cup 2011 demo.

Continue reading Mad Catz takes Jonah Lomu Rugby Challenge to North America

JoystiqMad Catz takes Jonah Lomu Rugby Challenge to North America originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jonah-lomu-rugby-challengemad-catzmicrosoftrelease-date-q3-2011rugbysidhexboxTue, 23 Aug 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mad Catz making official MLG FightSticks and controllers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/23/mad-catz-making-official-mlg-fightsticks-and-controllers/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/23/mad-catz-making-official-mlg-fightsticks-and-controllers/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/23/mad-catz-making-official-mlg-fightsticks-and-controllers/#comments If you're not good enough at fighting games to make a living in the MLG, but want to look like you are, Mad Catz has announced a line of MLG-branded accessories, starting with a Tournament Edition Arcade FightStick.

The stick is functionally identical to the Super Street Fighter IV FightSticks, with buttons and joystick by renowned parts maker Sanwa Denshi, a button lock for the turbo switches and home buttons, and a compartment in the back for cable storage. It just lacks, you know, Street Fighter imagery, because it's for professionals.

Mad Catz has other new MLG-themed controllers to show off, which it will do at the MLG Pro Circuit in Raleigh, NC this weekend.

Continue reading Mad Catz making official MLG FightSticks and controllers

JoystiqMad Catz making official MLG FightSticks and controllers originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fightstickmad-catzmicrosoftmlgplaystationps3xboxTue, 23 Aug 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band Weekly: Incubus three-pack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/rock-band-weekly-incubus-three-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/rock-band-weekly-incubus-three-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/rock-band-weekly-incubus-three-pack/#comments Did you ever look at your Rock Band music collection and think "Incubus, I wish you were here"? Of course you didn't, because that is really corny. But for those of you who felt similarly without resorting to awful references, three Incubus tracks will be available as Rock Band 3 DLC next week.

Continue reading Rock Band Weekly: Incubus three-pack

JoystiqRock Band Weekly: Incubus three-pack originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Aug 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcharmonixincubusmad-catzmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3Rock-Band-3rock-band-weeklywiixboxFri, 19 Aug 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mad Catz re-releasing Rock Band 3 with its peripherals]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/mad-catz-re-releasing-rock-band-3-with-its-peripherals/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/mad-catz-re-releasing-rock-band-3-with-its-peripherals/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/mad-catz-re-releasing-rock-band-3-with-its-peripherals/#comments When our review called Rock Band 3 "the only rhythm game you'll ever need," we didn't know it'd be taken quite so literally. Mad Catz announced today that it would be releasing a follow-up to the Harmonix masterpiece ... in the form of Rock Band 3. Yes, the peripheral powerhouse has taken over publishing duties and will put the game back on shelves this holiday season.

The re-release may seem like an unconventional deal (and it is) but it's easy to see the logic. For starters, the game's original publisher, MTV Games, doesn't exist any more. Plus, Mad Catz is getting more involved with the publishing world and is already the official manufacturer of Rock Band instruments.

Mad Catz says it will bundle the game with its various instruments including the Fender Mustang guitar/controller hybrid, though not the drum kit as far as we can tell. We're also looking into platforms -- thus far, we know only that Mad Catz has a publisher license agreement for Xbox 360. We've reached out for comment and will let you know what we hear back. Update: For the moment, 360 is the only platform Mad Catz will confirm the rerelease for. Specific bundle details are still to come.

JoystiqMad Catz re-releasing Rock Band 3 with its peripherals originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>harmonixholidaysmad-catzmicrosoftmtv-gamesmusicrock-band-3xboxWed, 10 Aug 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mad Catz announces a set of Gears of War 3 headsets]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/20/mad-catz-announces-a-set-of-gears-of-war-3-headsets/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/20/mad-catz-announces-a-set-of-gears-of-war-3-headsets/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/20/mad-catz-announces-a-set-of-gears-of-war-3-headsets/#comments Did you miss the Mad Catz Throat Communicator? It's coming back, though this time your throat will be saying what's on its mind through a Gears of War 3-branded mic instead of one bearing the Modern Warfare 2 logo.

In addition to laryngeal accoutrements, Mad Catz will also offer Gears-branded accessories for your ears this holiday season, in the form of a "Performance Stereo Headset" and a "Dolby 7.1 Surround Sound Headset." All three are available for pre-order from Mad Catz's online store, and all three have skulls on them.

Continue reading Mad Catz announces a set of Gears of War 3 headsets

JoystiqMad Catz announces a set of Gears of War 3 headsets originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Jul 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Gears-of-War-3headsetmad-catzmicrosoftthroat-communicatortrittonxboxWed, 20 Jul 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mad Catz moves beyond peripherals and into Xbox 360 game publishing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/mad-catz-moves-beyond-peripherals-and-into-xbox-360-game-publish/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/mad-catz-moves-beyond-peripherals-and-into-xbox-360-game-publish/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/mad-catz-moves-beyond-peripherals-and-into-xbox-360-game-publish/#comments We already knew that peripheral maker Mad Catz was getting its proverbial feet wet in the game development business with War Wings: Hell Catz. What we didn't know is that the hardware manufacturer is also interested in Xbox 360 console-specific publishing. Earlier today, the company announced its intentions to step into the ring with the likes of EA and Activision by formalizing an "Xbox 360 Publisher License Agreement," allowing Mad Catz the ability to publish retail titles on Microsoft's console.

"The execution of the Xbox 360 Publisher License Agreement marks an important milestone as we pursue our longer term goal of expanding our participation in developing, publishing and distributing games," Mad Catz President and CEO Darren Richardson remarked in the announcement. It's still unclear whether the company's first game -- the aforementioned War Wings -- will make a debut on Xbox 360 as well as the PC, or whether Mad Catz will pursue other titles first.

JoystiqMad Catz moves beyond peripherals and into Xbox 360 game publishing originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jul 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darren-richardsonmad-catzmadcatzmicrosoftmicrosoft-studioswar-wings-hell-catzxboxxbox-360-publisher-license-agreementThu, 07 Jul 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Street Fighter X Tekken 'FightStick Pro' spotted]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/08/street-fighter-x-tekken-fightstick-pro-spotted/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/08/street-fighter-x-tekken-fightstick-pro-spotted/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/08/street-fighter-x-tekken-fightstick-pro-spotted/#comments Mad Catz is working on a new series of FightSticks, starting with a Street Fighter X Tekken model. Though we don't have details about the internals of the new "FightStick Pro," or the price or release date or really anything, we did see one, play Street Fighter X Tekken with it, and then take the above picture. A Capcom rep informed us that this was a prototype, so despite it looking super fresh, the final version might look different.

A quick inspection of the underside revealed a Comic-Con logo, suggesting that we'll learn more about this accessory at the July 21-24 event.

JoystiqStreet Fighter X Tekken 'FightStick Pro' spotted originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 04:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcome3-2011fightstickmad-catzstreet-fighter-x-tekkenWed, 08 Jun 2011 04:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MadCatz launching 'WarHead' and other fancy Xbox 360 headsets]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/05/madcatz-launching-warhead-and-other-fancy-xbox-360-headsets/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/05/madcatz-launching-warhead-and-other-fancy-xbox-360-headsets/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/05/madcatz-launching-warhead-and-other-fancy-xbox-360-headsets/#comments Hey, Mad Catz ... maybe "WarHead" isn't the best name for something that goes on your head. We kind of don't want war on our heads. But despite the name, Mad Catz's new Xbox 360 headset range might find a receptive audience. These are the first fruits of the company's wireless headset deal.

Mad Catz's audio-focused subsidiary Tritton is introducing a line of 360 headsets, including the wireless WarHead 7.1 and Devastator, and the "entry-level" wired Detonator. The WarHead has 7.1-channel Dolby Digital, Pro Logic II, and Dolby Headphone audio; the other two are stereo-only. The two wireless sets include a base station that connects to the Xbox through USB and either optical or RCA audio connections. Those base stations allow audio to be shared among four headsets, if you're in the middle of a weirdly antisocial gathering.

IGN notes that all three should be out before the end of the year, and none of them should exceed $300 in price. Hey, we just remembered that sometimes headphones cost more than $300! That's an even less appealing thought than putting a "WarHead" on our heads.

JoystiqMadCatz launching 'WarHead' and other fancy Xbox 360 headsets originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 05 Jun 2011 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>detonatordevastatorheadsetmad-catzmicrosofttrittonwireless-headsetxboxSun, 05 Jun 2011 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Flight game 'War Wings: Hell Catz' coming from ... Mad Catz]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/03/flight-game-war-wings-hell-catz-coming-from-mad-catz/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/03/flight-game-war-wings-hell-catz-coming-from-mad-catz/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/03/flight-game-war-wings-hell-catz-coming-from-mad-catz/#comments We think we can all agree that it was pretty weird (but in a strangely sensible way) when peripheral company Mad Catz announced that it had started a development studio, ThunderHawk Studios. Right? Weird?

Okay, now Mad Catz has announced its first game as publisher (not counting MC Groovz), and it's not a ThunderHawk game. War Wings: Hell Catz is a flight combat game developed by Trickstar Games and planned for release next year. It'll be the first in a series of games "that will explore critical eras in aviation combat."

Mad Catz did not name any platforms, nor did it show off media. We'll no doubt learn more during E3.

Continue reading Flight game 'War Wings: Hell Catz' coming from ... Mad Catz

JoystiqFlight game 'War Wings: Hell Catz' coming from ... Mad Catz originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Jun 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hell-catzmad-catztrickstar-gameswar-wings-hell-catzFri, 03 Jun 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mad Catz launches ThunderHawk Studios, gets into flight sim development]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/31/mad-catz-launches-thunderhawk-studios-gets-into-flight-sim-deve/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/31/mad-catz-launches-thunderhawk-studios-gets-into-flight-sim-deve/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/31/mad-catz-launches-thunderhawk-studios-gets-into-flight-sim-deve/#comments Peripheral maker Mad Catz has announced that it's moving beyond just making flight sticks -- it's actually going to make the flight simulations to use them with. Forming an internal development group called ThunderHawk Studios, the company has set its sights on creating massively multiplayer air combat games that CEO Darren Richardson says will "leverage the market share leadership and global distribution enjoyed by our flight simulation hardware products."

"The formation of ThunderHawk Studios is an important milestone as we pursue our longer term goal of expanding our participation in developing, publishing and distributing games," Richardson added. The first title from ThunderHawk is slated to go wheels-up in 2012, and we'd be surprised if we didn't see it in some form at next week's E3 expo.

Continue reading Mad Catz launches ThunderHawk Studios, gets into flight sim development

JoystiqMad Catz launches ThunderHawk Studios, gets into flight sim development originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 May 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>developmentmad-catzmmosimulationthunderhawk-studiosTue, 31 May 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Who-autographed Rock Band guitar controllers auctioned for Teenage Cancer Trust]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/the-who-autographed-rock-band-guitar-controllers-auctioned-for-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/the-who-autographed-rock-band-guitar-controllers-auctioned-for-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/the-who-autographed-rock-band-guitar-controllers-auctioned-for-t/#comments Prolific peripheral manufacturer Mad Catz has again teamed with The Who frontman Roger Daltrey to support the Teenage Cancer Trust -- and this time they've gotten Pete Townshend to leave his mark on this unique charity event. Both legendary rock gods have signed a pair of Mad Catz's Wireless Wooden Fender Stratocaster controllers (no strings attached) for Xbox 360 versions of Rock Band.

These cherry red rarities are up for auction on eBay -- one here and the other here -- until 9PM ET on Sunday, April 3. All proceeds will go to the UK-based Teenage Cancer Trust.

Okay, now can we get a YEEEEEEAAAHHH?!

JoystiqThe Who-autographed Rock Band guitar controllers auctioned for Teenage Cancer Trust originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auctioncharitymad-catzmicrosoftperipheralspete-townshendrock-bandrock-band-3roger-daltreyteenage-cancer-trustthe-whoukxboxTue, 29 Mar 2011 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mad Catz posts record sales, income up 70% in fiscal Q3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/mad-catz-posts-record-sales-income-up-70-in-fiscal-q3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/mad-catz-posts-record-sales-income-up-70-in-fiscal-q3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/mad-catz-posts-record-sales-income-up-70-in-fiscal-q3/#comments Mad Catz has posted record sales for its fiscal third quarter, which ended December 31. Net sales of $92.9 million have been reported by the company, up from $48.7 million during the same period last year. The company reported net income (i.e. profit) of $9.69 million, up from $5.59 million during the same period last year, an increase of over 70 percent.

The report does note, however, that gross profit margin -- an expression of how much money is earned versus how much is spent -- is slightly down over last year. The primary reason for the decreased margin is attributed to "a shift in the Company's sales mix which included higher levels of licensed products." In other words, all those popular game licenses aren't cheap. Still, this marks the second quarter in a row that Mad Catz has posted record results, so we doubt anyone is too broken up about it.

JoystiqMad Catz posts record sales, income up 70% in fiscal Q3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsearningsfinancialfy-2011mad-catzmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3pspq3salessonywiixboxThu, 10 Feb 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mad Catz making replacement FightStick panel for Mortal Kombat]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/06/mad-catz-making-replacement-fightstick-panel-for-mortal-kombat/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/06/mad-catz-making-replacement-fightstick-panel-for-mortal-kombat/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/06/mad-catz-making-replacement-fightstick-panel-for-mortal-kombat/#commentsThe Mortal Kombat Tournament Edition arcade stick is great for Mortal Kombat, but isn't really usable for other games, due to the unique layout. During a Level|Up Live event, Mad Catz's Mark "MarkMan" Julio unveiled Mad Catz's novel Mortal Kombat solution: a replacement panel for current Tournament Edition FightSticks, allowing you to have arcade-perfect controls for multiple games with the same stick.

The Mortal Kombat "Kombat Fight Stick Ultimate Edition Panel" allows users to replace the button layout of the edition Tournament Edition FightStick with one that approximates the classic Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 arcade panel, which is also used in the new Mortal Kombat. The buttons are a little closer together in this version for the sake of ergonomics.

No price or release date was announced, but the panel will be available from Mad Catz's online store.

Continue reading Mad Catz making replacement FightStick panel for Mortal Kombat

JoystiqMad Catz making replacement FightStick panel for Mortal Kombat originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 06 Feb 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fightstickmad-catzmicrosoftmortal-kombatmortal-kombat-2011netherrealm-studiosplaystationps3Warner-Bros-Interactive-EntertainmentxboxSun, 06 Feb 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mad Catz to produce wireless 360 headphones for Microsoft]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/02/mad-catz-to-produce-wireless-360-headphones-for-microsoft/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/02/mad-catz-to-produce-wireless-360-headphones-for-microsoft/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/02/mad-catz-to-produce-wireless-360-headphones-for-microsoft/#comments Mad Catz has announced that it's partnering with Microsoft to produce the first "wireless, licensed and co-branded headphones" for the Xbox 360. The headphones will be manufactured under the Tritton brand and will come in both stereo and Dolby 5.1 varieties. They should hit the shelves in time for the 2011 holiday season.

The press release is short on other details, though hopefully the headphones will pack Microsoft's proprietary wireless tech, allowing them to circumvent the cumbersome setup required by Tritton's current 360 compatible headsets. Like, if the new headsets don't have two AC adapters, that would be great.

Continue reading Mad Catz to produce wireless 360 headphones for Microsoft

JoystiqMad Catz to produce wireless 360 headphones for Microsoft originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Feb 2011 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoriesheadphonesheadsetmad-catzmicrosoftperipheralstrittonwirelessxboxWed, 02 Feb 2011 16:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Marvel vs. Capcom 3 FightSticks shipping in time for the game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/01/marvel-vs-capcom-3-fightsticks-shipping-in-time-for-the-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/01/marvel-vs-capcom-3-fightsticks-shipping-in-time-for-the-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/01/marvel-vs-capcom-3-fightsticks-shipping-in-time-for-the-game/#commentsChances are, a lot of people will be looking to buy an arcade stick with Marvel vs. Capcom 3 next week. Mad Catz, anticipating this obvious interest, is producing one just for such an occasion.

The "Marvel vs. Capcom 3 Arcade FightStick Tournament Edition" keeps the hardware design and Sanwa Denshi brand arcade components from previous Street Fighter IV Tournament Edition FightSticks and adds new, surprisingly restrained Marvel vs. Capcom 3 artwork to the top panel of the stick. Like the most recent iterations of the FightStick, it also includes a locking mechanism to prevent accidental use of the turbo switches.

5,000 MvC3 FightSticks are being produced and will be available from Mad Catz's online store. No price has been named, but previous Tournament Edition sticks have retailed for around $150.

Gallery: Marvel vs. Capcom 3 Tournament Edition FightStick (Xbox 360/PS3)

Continue reading Marvel vs. Capcom 3 FightSticks shipping in time for the game

JoystiqMarvel vs. Capcom 3 FightSticks shipping in time for the game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Feb 2011 21:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fightstickmad-catzMarvel-vs-Capcom-3Marvel-vs-Capcom-3-Fate-of-Two-Worldsmicrosoftperipheralsplaystationps3xboxTue, 01 Feb 2011 21:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Mad Catz to produce Gears of War 3 accessories for Xbox 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/28/mad-catz-to-produce-gears-of-war-3-accessories-for-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/28/mad-catz-to-produce-gears-of-war-3-accessories-for-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/28/mad-catz-to-produce-gears-of-war-3-accessories-for-xbox-360/#commentsMad Catz has announced an agreement with Epic Games allowing the peripheral company to produce Gears of War 3 branded accessories for Xbox 360. Gear of Gears of War, if you will. The accessories, planned for release this holiday season alongside the game, include "specialty controllers, headphones" and other unspecified peripherals.

Unfortunately, the company has yet to release images, so for now you'll just have to imagine, like, a totally manly headset, and an Xbox controller from which Marcus Fenix's face grimaces at you.

Mad Catz and Epic previously partnered on carrying cases and "skinz" for Gears of War and Gears of War 2.

Continue reading Mad Catz to produce Gears of War 3 accessories for Xbox 360

JoystiqMad Catz to produce Gears of War 3 accessories for Xbox 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Jan 2011 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoriesepic-gamesGears-of-War-3mad-catzmicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosxboxFri, 28 Jan 2011 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mad Catz's WWE All Stars 'BrawlStick' and 'BrawlPad' revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/20/mad-catzs-wwe-all-stars-brawlstick-and-brawlpad-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/20/mad-catzs-wwe-all-stars-brawlstick-and-brawlpad-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/20/mad-catzs-wwe-all-stars-brawlstick-and-brawlpad-revealed/#commentsWe were baffled by the announcement that Mad Catz would make premium controllers for WWE All Stars. Mad Catz just sent us the first images of the new "BrawlStick" and "BrawlPad" accessories, and we don't know if it's just because we've had months to get used to the idea, but they aren't too shocking!

Okay, so these are Standard Edition FightSticks and FightPads with exaggerated cartoon pictures of The Rock and Triple H on them. For some reason, we expected to be a lot more weirded out by that sight. They'll be available on PS3 and Xbox 360 alongside the game, with the sticks priced at $79.99 and the pads at $39.99.

Gallery: Mad Catz WWE All Stars controllers

Continue reading Mad Catz's WWE All Stars 'BrawlStick' and 'BrawlPad' revealed

JoystiqMad Catz's WWE All Stars 'BrawlStick' and 'BrawlPad' revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Jan 2011 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoriesbrawlpadbrawlstickfightstickmad-catzmicrosoftplaystationps3WWE-All-StarsxboxThu, 20 Jan 2011 14:40:00 EST