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Mad Catz: Microsoft ceasing production of Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel
"I have to use my words carefully -- you'll have to check with Microsoft for further information," began Alex Verrey, Mad Catz global PR manager, in an interview with Joystiq today, "but it's Mad Catz's understanding that Microsoft are exiting the wheel market. So, Microsoft are no longer going to be producing their first-party wireless wheel for 360." (We've contacted Microsoft for further details.) Of course, this revelation follows Mad Catz's E3 announcement of its own "Mad Catz Wireless Racing Wheel" (pictured) for Xbox 360, designed by its Saitek division (also known as the Mad Catz UK-based R&D group). Saitek is Mad Catz's "pro gaming" brand and specializes in simulation equipment. "We tried very hard to make it not look or feel like a toy," explained Verrey. "It's got a real industrial design." The Mad Catz wheel is licensed to use the same wireless technology employed in first-party Xbox 360 peripherals and is estimated to operate some 40 hours off of three AA batteries. The wheel has "tiptronic" gear shift paddles in the back, but also includes an interchangeable gear shift that can be secured to either side of the base, as well as an accelerator and brake pedal attachment. Additionally, the package includes a desk mount and lap-rest supports. The Mad Catz Wireless Racing Wheel is expected to be released "before the holiday season" this year and won't be tied to a specific racing game or franchise, confirmed Verrey. It will retail for $130.
Microsoft's Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel now $99
Time's running out, folks, and if you've got an Xbox 360 gamer in your life that you've vowed to spend a C-note on (and nothing more, tax notwithstanding), here's a bright idea. Microsoft has just cut the price of its Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel by $30 to a manageable $99, and it also comes bundled with a driver disc and a demo of Forza Motorsport 2. So, what are you waitin' on? No, really, what's the holdup?
Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel dropped to $100
Just in time for a last minute holiday present, Microsoft has dropped the price of their Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel from $130 to $100. It was previously dropped $20 in May following the launch of Forza 2. We can only imagine great racing titles like DiRT and PGR4 are wrapped up neatly under plenty of gamer's trees this year and , with Burnout Paradise not far off (the demo's already here), it seems like a fine time to drop some gift card on a giant hunk of (newly improved) racing peripheral.
Microsoft discounts Wireless Racing Wheel to $99
Happy day racing fans, because Microsoft is spreading the holiday cheer by announcing that they've cut the price of the Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel to $99. W00t to that!The 360 Wireless Racing Wheel peripheral previously retailed for $129 (before that $149) and now, with a $30 price drop and plastic that doesn't start on fire, the wheel is ready to take over PGR, Forza and NASCAR fans' living rooms. Then again, this racing wheel bundle has been discounted at retailers for the past few months and, in some cases, selling for even less than $99. But who cares, it's an official price drop and if Microsoft says a $99 Wireless Racing Wheel is a good deal then darnit, you're obligated to buy. That's just how it works around here. Vroom!
Microsoft offers retrofit for Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel
Microsoft has announced plans to provide a free retrofit for its Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel which fixes a malfunction in the chassis that may cause the device to "smoke" when the AC/DC power supply is being used. According to Redmond, there haven't been any reports of fire, personal injury, or property damage -- though clearly the game-maker wants to address this problem before it's got a pile of lawsuits on its hands. Apparently, the wheel works just fine with battery power (which Microsoft suggests you use until the repair is made), though plugging it in could be a little dangerous. Unfortunate owners of the faulty product should get themselves over to the company's Xbox support page to get the ball rolling on their wheel surgery.[Thanks, Arneh]
$104 wireless racing wheel spotted
While out and about this weekend our fanboy eyes were programmed to find two things: delicious looking food and great gaming deals. Both were found (the teriyaki chicken was superb) as we spotted the recently discounted Xbox 360 wireless racing wheel for the rock bottom price of $104.24 at Sam's Club. It looked as if they were clearancing out the racing wheel similar to how they are treating the 360's HD DVD player. So, if you're in the market for a cheap racing wheel, give old Sam a visit as the prices vary from store to store. Or you could always pay a little more and get it online for a reasonable $119.82. Happy bargain hunting.
Forza 2 racing wheel tuning possible through DiRT
Over on the Forza Motorsport 2 forums members are investigating a way to change the 360 racing wheel's force feedback in the Forza 2 demo. Currently, the Forza 2 demo does not allow customizable racing wheel options, but the Colin McRae DiRT demo does allowing players to change various settings. And, as such, some forum members are reporting that the DiRT demo's force feedback settings magically transfer over to the Forza 2 demo. So, if you're feeling the need for more force feedback in Forza 2, fire up DiRT, customize your racing wheel options and see if it helps your Forza 2 demo situation. Although, all this confusion could be avoided if Microsoft would integrate some sort of racing wheel options menu through the dash. You hear us Microsoft? [Thanks, thermodynamic]
Even cheaper racing wheel deals pop up
With today's announcement that the Xbox 360 wireless racing wheel received a price drop, we're seeing even lower prices hit the internet. Best Buy and Future Shop in Canada are both offering the racing wheel for a rock bottom price of $99 and website PC Nation dropped their price to roughly $104 including free shipping. We're sure there are a bunch of other deals making their way online with the news that broke today and if you find such deals please let us know. We're always up for saving a few bucks or in this case $30.[Thanks, Chris G and Tom D]
Forza 2 inspires racing wheel price drop
As Forza Motorsport 2 heads to retailers on May 29, Microsoft has slashed slightly reduced the price of the Wireless Racing Wheel to $129.99 (normally $149.99). Yes, for the price of a DS Lite, you can experience true force feedback in your favorite racing titles. There are plenty of other special events planned around the release of Forza 2, including Xbox Live contests, developer play sessions, and a leaderboard tournament.So, with a marginally reduced price, is anyone out there ready to take the plunge and pick up the wheel?[Via Joystiq]
Wireless Receiver for Windows available now
For those of you who can't wait to use your Wireless Racing Wheel, controller, or headset on their PC, we wanted to inform you that the Xbox 360 Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows is currently popping up on store shelves. In fact, Fanblogger David Dreger (Illeisms FTW) came across some receivers in a local London Drugs on the 13th, and we've received a tip from reader Joseph that EBgames displays them as available. Although, upon calling his local outlets, they had none in stock. So, if you're looking for some Wireless PC gaming, hopefully you will be able to find the receiver with little trouble. Go forth and be fruitful, young fanboys.
Microsoft announces prices, dates for Xbox 360 peripherals
Clever Microsoft's been stringing us along since May with the pricing and release dates for the launch of their new 360 peripheral line, but it looks like we've got the final details, announced today at the Leipzig Game Convention. The Live Vision camera will launch September 19th in the US and October 6th in Europe, either "alone" (for $39, which includes one month of Live Gold service, a headset, and Uno and TotemBal;) or bundled in the Video Chat Gold Kit (for $79, which includes 1 year of Live Gold service, headset, Uno, TotemBall, Robotron, and 200 Microsoft points); the Wireless Racing Wheel will go for $149 and comes bundled with a force-feedback edition of PGR3 when released in November; the Wireless Headset will launch at $59, also in November; the Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows will go for $20 in late December (remember, this is the one that lets you use your wireless 360 devices on your PC). Still no word on the grandaddy of all 360 peripherals, the HD DVD drive, but we think it's pretty clear by now what kind of price it should retail for, and when.
$40 XBL Vision camera & UNO bundle detailed by MS source along with prices & dates for other 360 accessories
Our friendly anonymous source at Microsoft has provided us with a few more details concerning the 360 accessories announced back at E3.Perhaps the most important involves the bundling of the Xbox Live Vision camera with a wired headset, the popular Live Arcade title UNO, and a month of Live Gold service for $39.99 when it releases in the States on September 19, 2006.Granted, this is still an unofficial report (based on a leak of "official" info), so understand that you're probably not gonna get much confirmation from MS until they're good and ready to give it. If you'd like information on what other peripherals are coming out "Holiday 2006" (so sometime in the 4th quarter) and at what price, read on for more.
