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Recommended Reading: 'Wonder Woman' is a timely superhero movie
Wonder Woman, Heroine of the Post-Truth Age Megan Garber, The Atlantic Wonder Woman may be set in the time of World War I, but the movie's themes are particularly relevant right now. The Atlantic analyzes how a female superhero rescues a solider on the run before taking on a much bigger foe -- and what all of that means for in the present day. That Lasso of Truth sure would come in handy for us in 2017.
Mad Catz has a gaming pad for Samsung's Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge
Now that the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge are officially out of the bag, it's time for peripheral makers to introduce products for Samsung's latest flagship smartphones. Not surprisingly, Mad Catz is spearheading that movement. The company has brought a refreshed version of its S.U.R.F.R mobile gamepad and media keyboard to Mobile World Congress 2016, and it works perfectly with the new S7 and S7 Edge. While the add-on has been around since last year, this model is part of Mad Catz's recent commitment to the Designed for Samsung program, an effort by the Korean tech giant to offer quality control guidelines for accessories.
MadCatz cutting a third of staff after 'Rock Band 4' flop
Peripheral maker Mad Catz has posted yet another disappointing financial report, sparking executive resignations and major layoffs. The filing is the first full quarter since Rock Band 4 was released last year, and the game helped sales increase to $65 million, 114 percent higher than the year before.
Harmonix caught posting five-star 'Rock Band 4' reviews on Amazon
When is it a good idea for employees to post reviews of their own company's game? Most people would probably say "never," but that didn't stop Harmonix employees working on Rock Band 4 from doing it. A suspicious Reddit user found at least seven 5-star reviews by Harmonix employees, including from one user who said she was a "new fan," but is actually the company's "legal and music coordinator." Others including a project manager, consultant and senior designer also gave it top marks. Amazon ratings are crucial for such a family-oriented game, given that the online retailer may be the only place casual buyers will look for them.
Confessions of a 'Rock Band 4' drum queen
"Drums are hard." That was the verdict from my boyfriend after a raucous night playing Rock Band 4 with a group of friends. He's a guitarist, in both the physical and digital realms, and to him, Rock Band 4's drums are an anomaly. The rhythms are somehow tricky and repetitive at the same time; landing the bass pedal takes nearly perfect timing; it's a big rig that requires big motions; and the entire instrument takes a ridiculous amount of coordination. This is why my boyfriend doesn't enjoy playing the drums in Rock Band 4 -- and it's precisely why I love it.
'Rock Band 4' final setlist boasts REM, Mumford, Skynyrd, more
Rock Band 4 guitar gods, songstresses and drum demons, here are your weapons in the coming music-game war. Rock Band 4's complete setlist includes legendary and modern artists and songs, including Cake's Short Skirt/Long Jacket, Brad Paisley's Start A Band, Gin Blossoms' Follow You Down, Fleetwood Mac's You Make Loving Fun, REM's The One I Love, Mumford & Sons' The Wolf, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones' The Impression That I Get, Lynyrd Skynyrd's That Smell, Rush's A Passage to Bangkok and Van Halen's Panama.
'Rock Band 4' will be co-published by hardware company Mad Catz
Rock Band creator Harmonix is bringing a roadie along for this year's release of Rock Band 4 -- Mad Catz, the peripheral manufacturer, will co-publish the game on Xbox One and PlayStation 4. Mad Catz is in charge of making all of the wireless instruments in Rock Band 4, but as a co-publisher the company will also lead global sales, promotions and distribution, Global PR Director Alex Verrey says. Harmonix and Mad Catz intend to release Rock Band 4 simultaneously in the US and European territories, Harmonix PR Lead Nick Chester tweeted to a curious fan today.
This is what a $300 game controller looks like
Yes, really. This is really a $300 game controller. It's extremely modular -- you can use it with a PC, or a tablet (up to seven inches), or a TV outright (via MHL cable). It folds down to a tiny little oval. There's an attachable keyboard. It's bizarre. I cannot stress that enough. Who created this madness? Mad Catz. Of course it was Mad Catz. Maybe you'd like to know more? I encourage you to visit the gamepad's website, which is also full of madness. Including that $300 price, which is outrageous. But maybe you really like expensive crazy things? Head below into our gallery for some up-close-and-personal shots of it.
Mad Catz's Android console nabs OUYA games and 4K UHD support
Things have been relatively quiet with OUYA, but yesterday's announcement of a subscription service apparently isn't all that's coming out of Julie Uhrman's Android gaming company this week: you can finally access OUYA games through Mad Catz's Android console, the M.O.J.O. Sure, the appearance is a bit tardy but it means you're aren't stuck playing games with the OUYA's contentious controller any longer. Additionally, the latest M.O.J.O. update adds more than just another place to play Towerfall. The console now has bragging rights over the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One too, because, unlike those more expensive systems, it supports 4K UHD output for games and video right now. When the latest from Sony and Microsoft will gain that functionality still isn't clear. But hey, at least you can play Halo and LittleBigPlanet 3 on those this fall, right? [Image credit: Associated Press]
Mad Catz' STRIKE M gaming keyboard fits in your pocket, cramps your fingers
Diminutive Bluetooth keyboards? Yeah, we've seen those before, but we've never really been able to fault them for their size. These tiny peripherals are meant for light work at best, but the Mad Catz STRIKE M wears a facade that outpaces its utility. From its skewed angles, to its collection of quick keys, under its backlit keycaps and behind the highlighted WASD keys -- the STRIKE M wears the colors of a serious gaming keyboard. It isn't one. Excusing its appearance, the STRIKE M is actually a decent little HTPC keyboard. It has a suite of media keys, an embedded scrollwheel and even an thumb mousepad -- but the actual keyboard layout is just too small to match its design language. Laying hands on the keyboard's home row required us to mash our fingertips tightly together, offering a cramped, uncomfortable typing experience. These tiny keys leave no room for error, and require precision to a degree that makes the red-accented WASD seem ridiculous. Showing off the keyboard at Expand NY, Mad Catz' representative actually agreed, saying it's more of a media keyboard than a gaming one. Still, he showed us the one advantage its size offers: the device fits comfortably in a jacket pocket. It's something, at least.
Mad Catz working with NVIDIA to bring GameStream to MOJO
Remember that PC streaming feature Mad Catz' MOJO is supposed to be getting sometime after launch? It might be powered by NVIDIA's GameStream technology. "We're talking to NVIDIA and we hope to enable GameStream soon after the launch of the console," Alex Verrey, Mad Catz' Global PR Director told Engadget at Expand NY this weekend. Right now, the technology is only available on NVIDIA's own Shield handheld -- if the Mad Catz deal pans out, it would be the first appearance of GameStream on a third party device. Verrey stopped just short of confirming the partnership, but suggested that the company was looking at other platforms, too. "We're also very excited for Steam and we look at all these opportunities with interest."
Mad Catz announces S.T.R.I.K.E.M keyboard for gamers on the go
Mad Catz is no stranger to gaming keyboards of course, but it had yet to bring its S.T.R.I.K.E branding to the mobile market. That changes today, however, with the launch of the S.T.R.I.K.E.M, a keyboard specifically made for portable devices such as its own M.O.J.O micro console for Android. Like the rest of the company's GameSmart devices, the S.T.R.I.K.E.M keyboard is equipped with Bluetooth for wireless connectivity, but it also features NFC technology for quick and easy pairing with compatible products. Frequent gamers will appreciate the micro P.U.L.S.E scissor keys underneath as well as an Optical Finger Navigation (OFN) mouse sensor. Other features include a rechargeable lithium polymer battery, backlighting for those late night gaming sessions and dedicated media keys. The S.T.R.I.K.E.M will be available in glossy black, white and red. We're not sure yet how much it'll cost or when it'll be available, but rest assured it'll likely arrive before the end of the y.e.a.r.
Mad Catz M.O.J.O. Android console will stream PC games to your TV
When Mad Catz made pre-orders for its M.O.J.O. Android gaming console live, it did so with a curious bit about support for PC streaming. But any mention was quickly removed from the site and, when contacted for comment, the company remained silent. Now, however, Mad Catz has confirmed to Engadget that, yes, the M.O.J.O. will allow users to stream PC games to their TVs and the ability will be enabled via a software update "available shortly after launch." We've also received final specs for the micro-console which you can find after the break, although it all falls in line with what's been reported previously, so don't expect any new revelations. Does the addition of PC streaming -- a feature included in NVIDIA's Shield and planned for Valve's planned Steam Machines -- make the $250 M.O.J.O. a more attractive holiday purchase? Feel free to sound off in the comments below.
Mad Catz M.O.J.O. Android console shipping December 10th for $250
After previewing its Android micro-console at this year's E3, Mad Catz is finally ready to attach a ship date and price to the M.O.J.O. Clearly meant to take on rival efforts like the Ouya and Shield, the M.O.J.O. is an open platform that's compatible with Tegra Zone (thanks to the Tegra 4 inside), Google Play and Amazon Appstore games. In fact, the console will come pre-loaded with both Google and NVIDIA's dedicated games portals when it ships on December 10th. Mad Catz has also shed some light on what's going on within the M.O.J.O., revealing the aforementioned Tegra 4 CPU running Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean, along with 2GB RAM, 16GB of internal storage (expandable via SDXC to an additional 128GB), as well as support for Bluetooth 4.0 and WiFi a/b/g/n. As for ports, the M.O.J.O.'s backside is loaded up with 1x USB 3.0, 1x USB 2.0, HDMI out for 1080p support, a slot for microSD, 3.5mm headphone jack and Ethernet. Previously, the company's site also made mention of support for PC-based streaming (see the image embedded after the break), as originally noted by Gamasutra, however any mention of said functionality has currently been stripped and Mad Catz has yet to issue a comment on the matter. Regardless, when the M.O.J.O. and its C.T.R.L.R. controller (which can be used as a standalone with supported Android phones) ships later this year, it'll only be in "limited quantities." Meaning you best plunk down $250 (or £220 in the UK) for a pre-order now or risk a holiday season without the comfort of big screen Android gaming.
IRL: Mad Catz's Rat M portable gaming mouse
Welcome to IRL, an ongoing feature where we talk about the gadgets, apps and toys we're using in real life and take a second look at products that already got the formal review treatment. We suppose if there are folks who'd prefer a gaming laptop as their primary PC, then there must also be a market for portable gaming mice. But would you pay $115 for one?
Mad Catz's Force Feedback Racing Wheel for Xbox One: only straight ridahs need apply
With the next-generation Xbox and PlayStation nearing their release dates, third-party peripheral makers are now working full force to launch gaming products that can be used alongside the new consoles. Mad Catz, for one, has already shown us its Arcade Fightstick, and now we can add the Force Feedback Racing Wheel to the company's lineup of Xbox One add-ons. The newly announced driving rig comes with twin Force Feedback motors, a replaceable wheel face and an adjustable pedal set, making it easy for gamers to fine-tune it to make it as comfortable as possible -- because you need to feel extra cozy during Forza Motorsport 5 time. Pricing and availability for the Force Feedback Racing Wheel are still unknown, but surely we'll find out those details as we get closer to the holiday season.
Mad Catz F.R.E.Q. 4D headphones ears-on
In keeping with its propensity toward acronymed products, Mad Catz today showed off its F.R.E.Q. 4D headphones. The peripherals are notable for a couple of reasons: first is that the company dumped the line's mic arm for an internal version -- without, the company promises, sacrificing sound quality. Even more notable are the included ViviTouch actuators, which bring rumbling feedback directly to your ears, so you can feel those explosions where it really counts. We tried the headphones on, and while they were pretty comfortable, we can't say that we were particularly impressed with the promised rumbling delivered via a bass test. Perhaps it was the sound being used -- or that the headphones are still in beta -- but ultimately we didn't feel all that much. We're sure Mad Catz will have that figured out for the final version -- if not, however, they may just serve as cool-looking head massagers.%Gallery-191133%
Mad Catz Arcade Fightstick for Xbox One eyes-on (video)
The M.O.J.O. may be Mad Catz's star of this year's E3, but the peripheral-maker's pretty darn excited to show of its latest massive gamepad, if for no other reason than the fact that the controller made a rare appearance at Microsoft's press conference, the other day -- in fact, during our time in the company's booth, a Redmond rep popped by and gave it a thumbs up (and casually mentioned that Mad Catz happens to be the only company other than his own that happens to have the Xbox One it its booth). The controller, as you can no doubt tell in the above image, is a bit of a beast -- you may well need both hands to onto it. Along the top, you find six buttons in two rows and a joystick, as well a mystery panel on the top -- something Mad Catz apparently isn't ready to talk about. The controller has a detachable cord on the back and will open up use a button on the front, making it easier to change artwork on the thing. Between the buttons and the sides, there's a lot glowing space on the FightStick. Check out a video of that and more, after the break.%Gallery-191125%
Mad Catz M.O.J.O. Android console, C.T.R.L. Wireless GamePad hands-on (video)
We shoved our way through the floor-opening scrum and made a bee-line to Mad Catz's booth at E3 this morning, after catching word of the peripheral maker's new M.O.J.O. Android gaming console, a box the company promises will be the most powerful in its class when it arrives this holiday season. The rep we spoke with wouldn't talk specific specs on the thing -- in fact, the company assures of that those are still in the works, and while it doesn't actually know itself, it promises to blow the competition (*cough* OUYA) out of the water. While everything's still in beta at the moment, things seem to be working all right. We played a quick round of Riptide, and things went swimmingly (well, save for the fact that we're not all that great at Riptide). Also a bragging point is the relative openness of it all, eschewing the walled-garden approach to give users direct access to the Google Play and Amazon app stores, so you're good to go with the games you've already purchased, and while Mad Catz may not be working directly with most of the game makers, it's promising compatibility via open standards. As for the box itself, it's not a bad looking object. It's palm-sized and extremely light, with a bit of an angular, beveled appearance and the company's scratch-marked logo along the top in red (as well as a few accidental scuffs on it shiny surface).%Gallery-191118%
Mad Catz confirms M.O.J.O. Android 'micro console'
Mad Catz CEO Darren Richardson may have already let slip about the forthcoming Android M.O.J.O. console, but now it's been made official. The firm stopped short of giving us all the specifications, but we can tell you that it supports Bluetooth 4.0, and will ship with the company's GameSmart C.T.R.L.R. wireless GamePad. Thanks to the images, we also get a clue at some of the connectivity, which includes two regular USB ports, one micro-USB, an HDMI out, headphone connector and microSD slot. The wedge-like device is out there in the wild at E3, so we'll be sure to give it the full hands-on once it's spotted in its natural habitat.%Gallery-191069%