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Mad Catz unveils a suite of Street Fighter X Tekken sticks
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-143998%
The Joystiq Joystick, chapter 1: Parts
You see that video up there? That was taken at Arcade UFO in Austin, TX, during its 2011 fall Ranking Battle tournament series. The fight was between me and the arcade's owner, Ryan Harvey, and took place on a custom built Mortal Kombat arcade cabinet, one of the few in existence at the time. I'm the guy playing Kitana, and if you watch the whole thing, you'll see that I'm also the guy who loses. That's all right though, because I should have lost that fight. Fubarduck (as Ryan is known in the fighting game community) is an exceptional fighting-game player, as his multiple Top-8 finishes at EVO will attest, and his combo execution was far more solid than what I was laying down with Kitana. Ryan had won, I had learned something about fighting Johnny Cage, and we all moved on. Right? Well, in a perfect world yes, but unfortunately we live in a world where this fight is available on YouTube. By now I've watched it dozens of times, and at this point I can pinpoint every single mistake I made over the course of those matches. Most of them were strategic mistakes, granted, but there were also execution errors: Because the arcade parts Ryan uses in his cabinets are far superior to the parts in the $35 fight stick I practice with at home, I was at a disadvantage. High quality joysticks and buttons are light, accurate and require very little manual force to move. Cheaply made parts, on the other hand, are stiff and less responsive, and as such require a lot more effort. My hands, being acclimated to a sub-standard stick, were expecting to work a lot harder than they needed to. I was forward-jumping instead of dashing, doing directional normals instead of neutral normals ... The whole fight was a mess, looking back. It was a good fight, though, because it made me realize how important it is to own a proper fight stick once you get serious about competitive fighting games. After all, a craftsman's tools are as important as the skill he has acquired, as far as the final result is concerned. To that end, I'm going to build my own, custom fight stick, and you're coming along for the ride.
Mad Catz proves its soul still burns with Soul Calibur V Arcade FightStick Soul Edition
If you're a fan of arcade-style fighting games, you're surely hip to MadCatz's FightStick Tournament Edition for PS3 and Xbox 360. As it's done with Street Fighter in the past, the company is back with another variation of the arcade stick, this time officially themed for the upcoming Soul Calibur V. Launching near the game in January 2012, the Soul Calibur V Arcade FightStick Soul Edition features the usual masher-friendly eight button with joystick layout, but sports a casing endowed with visuals inspired by the game -- and an extremely unfortunate mix of hues. The crazy Cat hasn't announced a price yet, but considering these have gone for about $150 in the past, we'd imagine this one won't be too far off. Full details in the press release after the break.
Soulcalibur 5 fight stick coming courtesy of Mad Catz
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-137701%
Razer building Xbox 360 arcade stick, with help from people who know arcade sticks
Razer, which just expanded into the luxury laptop market, is also trying its hand at arcade sticks. During TGS, it announced what is likely its most Japan-focused product: an Xbox 360 stick being designed with input from pro fighting gamers and other "community" members. The concept is actually a "closed beta," launching at TGS, in which modders and fighting game enthusiasts will be given sticks and asked to provide feedback and improvements. The prototype of the stick shows that Razer's already on the right track -- it's hinged, and can be opened up easily for modding. Check out the prototype in the gallery below while we to try to go mess with the hardware in person at TGS. And if you're skeptical about Razer being able to pull off an arcade stick, think about how you felt the first time you heard that Mad Catz was doing it.%Gallery-133886%
Razer unveils arcade fightstick prototype at TGS, looks to gaming community to hammer out the details
It seems like the folks at Razer are taking the company's "for gamers, by gamers" motto to heart, today unveiling a new customizable PC / Xbox 360 arcade stick at Tokyo Game Show that won't even hit production until the fightstick community disassembles, mods, and judges the heck out of it. The yet-to-be-named arcade controller will first make its way to select applicants of a closed beta program, putting the rig in the hands of some 200-plus gamers who, after having their way with it, will provide the outfit with tips on how to fine-tune the final product. Razer's TGS staff gave us a brief overview of the unit, and let us swap around wires, pop out buttons, and fiddle with the rig's faceplate. The prototype unit is built with Sanwa Denshi components, but Razer tells us that mod-minded gamers are free replace, modify, or otherwise tinker with any of the controller's major parts without fear of voiding its warranty -- only the stick's control board is off limits. Beta registration is already open, and the first test units should ship out sometime next month. Check out the gallery below for an eyeful, or point your peepers up top for a demo straight from the TGS show floor. Want more text? Hit the break for an official press release. %Gallery-133861%
Hit Box stickless fight stick makes for malicious Mortal Kombat mayhem
Run of the mill controllers work just fine for hanging out with a group of scrubs friends and frantically beating the hell out of each other, but serious, tournament-ready fighters have to either invest the coin in a well constructed stick, or build one themselves. If your fighter of choice is Mortal Kombat, however, Hit Box says you're better off with no stick at all. As we discovered last year, Hit Box manufactures custom controllers for fighting game enthusiasts which eschew traditional joysticks for more buttons. Thanks to Mortal Kombat's relatively simplistic input philosophy (all directions, no circle movements), the Hit Box is capable of some blindingly fast and accurate maneuvers. Be sure to teleport past the break for a second video showcasing the Hit Box's capabilities as a destroyer of worlds.
Atari Arcade is the $60 answer to iCade (review)
iMAME4All gains experimental support for iCade, iOS gamers gain infinite happiness MadCatz proves its soul still burns with Soul Calibur V Arcade FightStick Soul Edition Gameloft bringing a dozen iPad games to Jetstar flights, curbing in-flight boredom with UNO Yearning to relive the classics (Lunar Lander, anyone?) on your iPad, replete with that authentic arcade feel? It wasn't long ago that we reviewed ThinkGeek and Ion's formidable iCade, but at $100, it was -- and still is -- a pricey portion to stomach for an occasional retro gaming fix. Fast forward to the present, and Atari's paired with Discovery Bay Games to create their own official spin on an iPad arcade adapter, fittingly dubbed the Arcade Duo-Powered Joystick. Unlike the iCade, it doesn't use Bluetooth and requires no batteries -- you simply dock your iPad into its 30-pin connector. The joypad is specifically made to work with Atari's Greatest Hits app, and it's set to land in early October for a slightly more wallet-friendly price of $60. We were able to slam its controls a bit while playing through various levels of Major Havoc and the like, and you'll find our impressions after the break. %Gallery-132833%
Mad Catz Major League Gaming controllers offer swappable thumbstick layouts, fancy arcade buttons
If we didn't already know those cats were mad about customizable controllers, we just got a reminder: the Mad Catz Major League Gaming Pro-Circuit Controllers. These professional-grade PS3 and Xbox 360 controllers allow competitive gamers to adjust the gamepad's weight and swap out key components -- such as exchanging the controller's analog stick for a D-pad. Want your PS3 controller to have a Xbox 360 layout? No problem. If the insane kitty's ambitious Onza competitor isn't your thing, check out the MLG Tournament Edition Fightstick, featuring the same Sanwa Denshi components used in Japanese arcade cabinets. It may not have its sibling's stick-swapping action, but its 13-foot controller cable, classic layout, and left-right stick toggle mode (for emulating the missing analog thumbstick) still aims to please. The Arcade Fightstick can be had now at the GameShark store to the tune of $160, but the Pro-Circuit gamepads aren't due out until closer to the end of the year. Hit the break for a pair of extra pictures and the standard PR.
Modder turns RROD-stricken Xbox 360 into PS3 arcade controller, awesomeness
In the most recent of Xbox 360 hacks, a modder named Morris has crafted a PS3 controller out of none other than -- as ironic as this may seem -- a dead Xbox 360. That's right, somewhere out there, a PlayStation 3 has slain its mortal enemy, mercilessly gutted the internals and now has a modded Xbox as its eternal slave. The case contains all of the buttons you need to partake in a classic beat-'em-up -- a joystick, the four PlayStation buttons, R1 and R2. There's plenty more to gander at in the source link and enough in the way of detail and instruction to get started on your own arcade stick too.
Finally, an arcade stick for the fashion-conscious
Are arcade sticks too gaudy and affordable for you? You're the target audience for the utterly implausible "Hoon vs. Neo Legend" arcade stick, designed by Hoon, a Parisian jewelry and leather clothing company, in collaboration with the "arcade shop" Neo Legend. The stick is built by hand out of "lacquered oak wood and corners cased in ostrich leather" and contains hardware made by trusted Japanese arcade parts company Sanwa Denshi. It's designed for PS3, Xbox 360 and PC. The sticks will be available both from the Neo Legend store and from Hoon's website on February 18. If you have so much money that you can confidently buy electronics from a fashion designer without knowing the price, Hoon is currently accepting pre-orders by email request. And for the rest of you, we've inquired as to the price -- and we'll be sure to share the shocking news when it comes in.%Gallery-115575% [Thanks, David]
ThinkGeek Joystick-It brings arcade-style fun to your otherwise mundane tablet gaming experience
We've seen many arcade-style joysticks for video game consoles over the years, and the trend is making its way to the tablet market. The ThinkGeek Joystick-It attaches to your tablet's screen in a position of your choosing so that you can game on your shiny new slate in a decidedly retro way. The joystick is all-aluminum, works with any game that has an on-screen control pad, and does its thing without the use of batteries. We don't know how the device actually attaches to the display, but we do know that it is more aesthetically pleasing than other tactile control solutions we've seen at CES this year. The Joystick-It will cost $24.95 and be available by the end of January, so if old-school gaming is your thing, check out the demo video after the break. [Thanks, Jessica] %Gallery-113014%
Lenovo turns your laptop into a far less portable arcade machine
Technabob has spied a delightful (not so) little laptop case mod from Lenovo during a CES preview. Designed by modder Dean Liou, the case allows you to turn your adequately sized laptop into an arcade machine in seconds, by sliding it underneath the dock's fight stick controller, and plugging said controller into your computer's USB port. Sadly, Lenovo is just showing off the dock as a proof of concept -- as of right now, there are no plans to take the mod to market. Sure, this thing would completely eliminate the portability of your lap-sized computer, but, come on. Look at it! It's like an arcade machine for babies. Could you imagine anything cuter than that? Well, an arcade machine for puppies, we guess -- but modern consumer entertainment hardware science is decades away from perfecting that kinda technology. For now, check out a video demonstration of this human laptop arcade mod posted after the jump.
PDP discusses American-style design of Mortal Kombat arcade stick
According to Gerry Block, senior product manager for PDP, the differences between the arcade stick packaged with the $150 Tournament Edition of Mortal Kombat and the popular Street Fighter FightSticks produced by Mad Catz is culturally based. "Mad Catz did some good work with the Tournament Edition (Street Fighter IV) sticks," Block told Kotaku, "but those are Japanese style sticks for a Japanese game. We thought it would be a lot of fun to respond with an American style stick for an American fighting franchise." That's why the MK stick has parts more traditionally associated with American arcade machines: a bat-top stick instead of a ball-top, concave buttons instead of convex, and parts made by Happ instead of Sanwa. That should make it the ideal stick for the American Mortal Kombat -- and only for Mortal Kombat, thanks to the wacky button layout that game uses. Other design elements aren't so much America-focused as just nice. The internal components are encased in easily removable transparent plastic for modding, and the bottom of the stick has a memory foam pad for comfortable use on your lap.
Mad Catz creating FightSticks and FightPads for WWE All Stars
Mad Catz has created FightPad and FightStick accessories for fighting games like Street Fighter IV and Marvel vs. Capcom 2. It has now announced a partnership with THQ to produce ... WWE-branded FightSticks and FightPads, for the upcoming WWE All Stars game. All Stars is supposed to be more arcade-like and feature "combination sequences" (according to its original announcement), so ... no, this just isn't going to make sense no matter how hard we try. Mad Catz intends to produce the accessories for PS3, Xbox 360, and Wii, which means that if you missed out on the Tatsunoko vs. Capcom FightStick, you'll have another chance to get a Wii arcade stick, albeit one with pictures of wrasslers all over it. Mad Catz has declined to offer images or specific details for the devices, so we're just going to have to dream for now.
Modder creates controller fighting pad with arcade stick buttons
Imagine that you're a diehard fighting game enthusiast who's cursed with a love of a conventional controller's directional pad, but also an arcade stick's clicky, satisfying buttons. No controller has ever met your odd, bipolar needs -- until now, that is. Behold: The Frankensteinian peripheral seen above, crafted by modder "rtdzign" from a Sega Saturn control pad and some homemade arcade buttons. You can check out a few more pictures of the mashed-up controller on Shoryuken. The question that remains is what you'd call this bad boy. An "Arcade Pad?" A "Control Stick?" A "Stick Pad," perhaps? How about "Gorgonth, the Combiner and Destroyer of Worlds?" No, that's a tad wordy. [Thanks, Keits!]
BlazBlue: Continuum Shift FightStick is blazing, blue
click to enter our Tournament Edition Gallery Do you want a Mad Catz Tournament Edition FightStick, but ... bluer? Mad Catz and Aksys have just announced a BlazBlue: Continuum Shift FightStick, featuring imagery from the upcoming BlazBlue sequel. Like the latest revision of the Super Street Fighter IV stick, this controller features genuine Sanwa parts and internal storage for the 13-foot cable. Only 3,000 sticks will be produced: 1,500 each for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. The only place you'll be able to get one is through Aksys's online store. Pre-orders will ship in June for $199.99. With those limited quantities, if you want one, you should probably look into that soon. We're holding out for a BlayzBloo DS arcade stick. %Gallery-92122%
Street Fighter champion Daigo Umehara joins up with Mad Catz
After completely rebuilding its image with the well-received Street Fighter IV FightSticks, and securing the rights to produce the official controllers for future Rock Band games, Mad Catz is set to further position itself as a high-end controller company through a very targeted celebrity endorsement. Daigo "The Beast" Umehara, last seen battling US champ Justin Wong at Capcom's Fight Club, is considered one of the best Street Fighter players in the world. He'll now use and promote Mad Catz's arcade sticks at tournaments. That's great for him and all, but the partnership benefits us as well: in addition to acting as a pitchman, Umehara will offer his considerable expertise to Mad Catz during the design process on future joysticks. Usually, we'd roll our eyes at a "pro gamer" attaching his name to peripherals, but there's a promise of really nice arcade sticks here! Source [PDF]: Mad Catz Announces Champion Gamer 'Daigo "The Beast" Umehara' Joins Team Mad Catz
New Hori arcade sticks are large
Hori has finally revealed details about the mysterious giant arcade stick it had on display at Tokyo Game Show. The Real Arcade Pro Premium VLX series will be released in Japan this March in Xbox 360 and PS3 versions, for ¥30,000 ($330) -- a price that ensures that it's for fighting game nerds only. But what do said nerds get for their money, besides obvious proof that they've spent a lot? An enormous controller patterned after the control panel in Taito's Vewlix arcade cabinet -- the cabinet used for Street Fighter IV machines. It comes equipped with arcade-standard Sanwa buttons and joystick, and features a flip-up panel for wiring access and extra button storage (in case you want to remove some to create an authentic button layout for a particular game). Importer Play-Asia will carry both versions of the VLX, but currently has no pricing information. Expect to pay a lot for shipping, on account of the bigness.
Mad Catz reveals teased Super Street Fighter IV accessories
After teasing us with half an image last night, Mad Catz and Capcom have announced a new "Tournament Edition" arcade stick is in development, branded with new art featuring Super Street Fighter IV. The stick will be made available in two flavors (check them out below!) for the Xbox 360 and PS3. Alongside the "Tournament Edition S" sticks, Mad Catz "anticipates" releasing four new FightPads for consoles, branded with new art. Considering the supply and demand issues the original batch of controllers saw, we "anticipate" Mad Catz will flood the market with the new batch of peripherals. Unfortunately, Capcom recently pulled Super Street Fighter IV from its Q1 release window; however, we can only presume the controllers will be made available within the same time frame as the game itself. When we pried a Mad Catz rep for a release window on the new controllers they would only confirm it's slated for a release this spring. Hopefully that means we'll get our hands on both items in time to shield us from the April showers. %Gallery-82028%
