Madcatz Flight Sticks for PS3, 360 and PC landing for H.A.W.X. release

3 New models for Flight Sim fans everywhere – finally.

by XboxOZ360:

©2009 Grant Smythe.

March is going to be the best month for flight sim fans everywhere. Not only will Tom Clancy’s H.A.W.X. be released from Ubisoft, but we’ll see the release of 3 new models of flight sticks from Madcatz with their Saitek Aviator and Cyborg X Flight Stick range.

Saitek were acquired by Madcatz in 2007 to broaden their range of peripherals in both Console and PC gaming. It certainly looks like the Saitek guys at Madcatz have been hard at work somewhere hidden in the basement or back room. And it looks sweet-as.

• Saitek Aviator Flight Stick [XBOX360 model PS41] = $US49.99
• Saitek Aviator Flight Stick [PS 3 model PS40] = $US49.99
• Cyborg X Flight Stick [PC model: PS38] = $US49.99

The press Release from Madcatz is below, but my main area of interest is that finally flight sim fans can get a proper flight stick at a decent price. Unlike the earlier, and very hard to get one which I still have sitting in Toronto awaiting shipping. Which will cost 2 times as much as this unit costs . . ahhhh!

Tom Clancy’s H.A.W.X will be one of the premier flight games for 2009, and hopefully Namco Bandai will come forward with their next iteration of Ace Combat. Ace Combat: Fires Of Liberation was one of, if not the best flight sim combat game out on any console yet this generation.

However, H.A.W.X. will be using Google Map satellite imagery for the background shots, and I have to say they look almost real; well, they are, but they aren’t, if that makes sense.

• IL2 Sturmovik, Birds of Prey on Xbox 360 and PS3

Namco Bandai will have their work cut of for them with the next iteration of Ace Combat as it will be going going head to head with Tom Clancy’s H.A.W.X. and yet another great PC-centric title now moved across to the consoles. It’s one game many gamers have not seen a great deal of, and one that will definitely suit the Saiteck Aviator Flight Stick.

I’m taliking about the WWII Flight Combat Sim IL-2 Strumovik: Birds Of Prey being developed and produced by PC Combat Flight Game legends 1C Company / Gaijin Entertainment which will ship early in 2009, within the 2nd quarter if I’m not mistaken. So we have yet another contender for this little beauty that will bless our table-tops this year.

• Tom Clany’s H.A.W.X. Game Teaser #2

While on H.A.W.X, here’s what Ubisoft had to say regarding the Saiteck Aviator Flight Stick:

Ubisoft’s Tom Yu, Brand Manager for Tom Clancy’s: HAWX commented that “The Aviator Flight Sticks provide gamers with levels of accuracy and control that gamepad users can only dream of.” While Darren Richardson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz stated, “The new Aviator Flight Sticks for Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 manages to combine Saitek’s PC Flight Stick heritage with Mad Catz’ next generation console expertise. The Flight Sticks expand our portfolio of specialty controllers enabling us to reach new consumer demographics. We believe the Aviator will prove itself to be the ideal controller for gamers requiring an authentic and highly accurate experience when playing flight simulation titles.”

Good Flight Combat Sims are a rare breed on consoles, and only a few have made it through to the upper levels of gamers ‘must-keep’ shelves. PCs used to reign supreme in that area, hopefully with such periferals and PC developers moving to the consoles, we will see more high-end flight sims head or way.

©2009 Grant Smythe.

Mad Catz(R) Introduces New Saitek(R) Aviator Flight Sticks for Xbox 360(R), PC and PLAYSTATION(R)3

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 7, /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Mad Catz(R) Interactive, Inc. (“Mad Catz” or “the Company”) (AMEX: MCZ; TSX), a leading third-party interactive entertainment accessory provider, announced today the expansion of the Aviator line of flight sticks to include two new models – the Saitek(TM) Aviator Flight Stick for Xbox 360(R) and the Saitek Aviator Flight Stick for PLAYSTATION(R)3.

A highly advanced combat joystick designed to enhance any flight simulation experience, the Aviator Flight Stick has been designed with an oversized flat base for increased stability and features three dedicated Fire Buttons, heavy-duty Combat Trigger and POV (point-of-view) Analog Stick as well as an innovative Throttle Lever positioned to suit ambidextrous gamers.

A two position Mode Switch allows for on the fly changes to button configuration providing ideal controls for selected software such as the Blazing Angels(TM) series. The Flight Sticks have been fully tested to work with the new Ubisoft(R) combat flight simulator Tom Clancy’s: HAWX(TM). Furthermore both Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 models are fully PC compatible.

The Aviator Flight Stick for Xbox 360 includes an integrated Xbox Live(TM) Headset Connector for real time communication with other players. In addition, the Aviator Flight Stick for Xbox 360 features an Xbox Guide Button, displaying player and Xbox Live notifications. The Flight Stick is manufactured under license by Microsoft(R) and is fully compliant with Xbox 360 Flight Stick Sub-Type.

The Aviator Flight Stick for PLAYSTATION 3 shares identical specifications to the Xbox 360 model, differing only via the integrated Home Button which gives instant access to the PLAYSTATION 3 Cross Media Bar.

Darren Richardson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz commented, “The new Aviator Flight Sticks for Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 manages to combine Saitek’s PC Flight Stick heritage with Mad Catz’ next generation console expertise. The Flight Sticks expand our portfolio of specialty controllers enabling us to reach new consumer demographics. We believe the Aviator will prove itself to be the ideal controller for gamers requiring an authentic and highly accurate experience when playing flight simulation titles.”

Tom Yu, Brand Manager for Tom Clancy’s: HAWX at Ubisoft(R) added further insight, commenting “The Aviator Flight Sticks provide gamers with levels of accuracy and control that gamepad users can only dream of.”
Marking the tenth anniversary of the Cyborg range of Flight Sticks, the new Cyborg X represents the flagship of the range, offering state-of-the-art design and a host of innovative new features providing PC gamers with groundbreaking levels of comfort and flexibility. The Cyborg X Flight Stick is compatible with most flight simulator and air combat games.

The Cyborg X delivers impressive levels of adjustability, allowing gamers to find their optimum positions for maximum comfort and control. Handle length can be increased or decreased to fit the gamer’s hand, the angle of the handle itself can be pivoted forwards or back, and the head can also be angled forwards or backwards to optimize button positions for extended game play.

Another adjustment screw also allows the buttons on the stick head to be brought closer to or further from the fingers. For convenience, one of the Cyborg X’s feet features a compartment which houses the tool used to loosen or tighten the adjustment screws.

As well as multiple adjustment options, the Cyborg X features a heavy duty trigger and eleven programmable buttons with a shift function to double the number of programming options. Controls also include twin levers which can function as throttles for multiple engine aircraft or as a combination of throttle/flaps, as well as a scroll wheel for functions such as flaps or trim. For complete customization, the Cyborg X buttons can easily be remapped using Saitek’s SST (Saitek Smart Technology) software, included in the pack.

A first for the range, the Cyborg X utilizes components which detach or fold away, saving space and enhancing ergonomics when not in use. The Flight Stick handle attaches to the base with a secure screw collar and the left and right feet of the tripod base fold in and out of the body using an ingenious gear mechanism. When extended, the legs click into place to create a secure and stable platform for the stick.

• The new Cyborg X Flight Stick (model: PS38) is expected to begin shipping worldwide in Q1 of 2009 with a U.S. MSRP of $49.99.

• The Saitek Aviator Flight Stick for Xbox 360 (model: PS41) is expected to ship across North America this month with an MSRP of $49.99.

• The Saitek Aviator Flight Stick for PLAYSTATION 3 (model: PS40) is expected to ship across North America this month with an MSRP of $49.99.

For further information please contact: 

Media
Alex Verrey: Global PR & Communications Manager – t. +44 (0) 1908 336 538
e. averrey@madcatz.com – Michael Greco: Vice President of Marketing – t. +1-619-321-3564
e. mgreco@madcatz.com – Investors
 Joseph Jaffoni, David Jacoby – Jaffoni & Collins Incorporated – t. 212/835-8500
e. mcz@jcir.com

About Mad Catz Interactive, Inc.
Mad Catz is a global leader in providing innovative peripherals for the interactive entertainment industry. Mad Catz designs and markets accessories for videogame systems and publishes videogame software, including the industry-leading GameShark videogame enhancements, under its Mad Catz, GameShark and Joytech brands. Mad Catz also designs and markets mice, keyboards, headsets, PC gaming controllers and other PC peripherals through its Saitek brand, and designs, manufactures and markets proprietary portable earphones under its AirDrives brand. Mad Catz distributes its products through most of the leading retailers offering interactive entertainment products and has offices across Canada, Europe and Asia. For additional information please go to www.madcatz.com, as well as www.gameshark.com, www.airdrives.com, www.saitek.com and www.joytech.net.

Safe Harbor for Forward Looking Statements: This press release contains forward-looking statements about the Company’s business prospects that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information or future events or developments. You can identify these statements by the fact that they use words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “should,” “plan,” “goal,” “believe,” and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are the following: the ability to maintain or renew the Company’s licenses; competitive developments affecting the Company’s current products; first party price reductions; the ability to successfully market both new and existing products domestically and internationally; difficulties or delays in manufacturing; or a downturn in the market or industry. A further list and description of these risks, uncertainties and other matters can be found in the Company’s reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Canadian Securities Administrators.

SOURCE Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. 
01/07/2009
CONTACT: Media, Alex Verrey, Global PR & Communications Manager, +44 (0) 1908 336 538, averrey@madcatz.com, 
or Michael Greco, Vice President of Marketing, +1-619-321-3564, mgreco@madcatz.com, both of Mad Catz Interactive, Inc.; 
or Investors, Joseph Jaffoni, or David Jacoby, of Jaffoni & Collins Incorporated, +1-212-835-8500, mcz@jcir.com Web address: http://photoarchive.ap.org PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com. Web Site: http://www.airdrives.com Web Site: 
http://www.gameshark.com Web site: http://www.joytech.net – Web site: http://www.madcatz.com – Web site: – 
http://www.saitek.com /
(MCZ MCZ.)

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Filed under: Console gaming, Hardware News, Industry News, New Game Information, Xbox 360, Xbox 360 3rd Party Games, Xbox 360 News Tagged: | Aviator flight stick, Birds of Prey, Google Maps, IL2 Sturmovik, Madcatz, madcatz aviator flight stick, PC model: PS38, PS 3 model PS40, ps3 hawx aviator stick, Saitek, Tom Clancy's H.A.W.X Madcatz Flight stick bundle, Tom Clancy's HAWX, XBOX360 model PS41