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Rock Band 2 standalone instruments set to ship next week
Previously, the ship dates for Rock Band 2 instruments ranged from "sometime within the next few months" to "sometime." Now, however, we're hearing that the standalone wireless drums ($90) and guitar ($70) will begin to ship out next week (at least for the Xbox 360). Additionally, Mad Catz's Fender P-Bass wireless guitar controller ($70) and the wired ION Drum Rocker set ($300) should clutter up floor space around the same time. RB2 party to celebrate the Q3 close? Sign us up.
Mad Catz intros Fender Precision Bass for Rock Band
Just in case you didn't have enough fake instruments cluttering up your living room, Mad Catz has now let loose its Fender Precision Bass for Rock Band, which it helpfully reminds us is the first ever bass guitar for the game. Among other things, this one drops the whammy bar normally found on Rock Band / Guitar Hero guitars (the volume knob does the job instead), and it incorporates a new Split Strum Bar, which promises to let you strum and pluck notes faster than a standard strum bar. Unfortunately, it's only available for the Xbox 360 at the moment, but at least the $70 price tag isn't quite as excessive as some of the other "premium" guitars out there. Now, if only someone would offer a Neil Peart-style drum kit, we'd really be able to do Rush justice, or at least out-do their now infamous performance on The Colbert Report.
Mad Catz Rock Band 2 cymbals, portable drums, premium mic, and more: spy shots galore
We promise this is the last Rock Band 2 post of the day (okay, maybe hour), but we were just pulled aside at E3 to peep some less-than over-the-radar product sheets for some upcoming Mad Catz accessories. First off, the Premium M.I.C. ($50) is said to have "studio quality" sound all the while including control buttons -- something we didn't realize was missing from the original Rock Band mic until we thought about it. Then we spotted the Portable Drums ($60), which is great news for those of you who excel at drums but like to play Rock Band on the road. They can be used on any surface and even come with foldable drum sticks. Next up, the Official Cymbals ($30 for a pack of 3 or $15 each) for the new Rock Band 2 drum kit are coming from Mad Catz. Remember those three 1/8-inch plugs on the back of the drum kit head? Yeah, these plug into those. Finally, the Kick Drum Screen doesn't really do much, but it certainly will make you look like a pseudo-real drummer (depending on the angle). Mad Catz says all of these random accessories will hit store shelves this fall. Oh, and apologies for the image quality -- these were literally taken in the corner of a crowded room with maybe two seconds of view time per page.%Gallery-27964%
Live shots of Mad Catz's full-size Rock Band 2 Fender Stratocaster and Precision Bass controllers
While we love Rock Band 2 as much as the next guy, playing that miniaturized plastic controller will forever look a little dorky (or just make us look like giant men, which is kind of cool). Nothing wrong with looking dorky -- heck, we make a living of it -- but Mad Catz's new full-size Stratocaster and Precision Bass controllers for Rock Band 2 are bringing the cool back. They're exactly what you think they are: actual Fender Squire axes turned into Rock Band 2 controllers, with the size, heft, and weight you'd expect from dad's electric guitar. Of special note was the Precision Bass controller, which has a dual flipper and thumb rest to allow fast pickers to do their thing Entwistle-style. They are also wireless, will come with a foot pedal for overdrive, and the guitar controller will have a whammy bar, of course. Unfortunately, Mad Katz didn't add the optical sensor for display calibration, but we'll forgive them for now. Look for these for $199 in Q1 2009 for both Xbox 360 and PS3. We caught them live at E3, and they look as impressive as they sound. Peep the gallery below if you dare.%Gallery-27952%
Mad Catz apt to release Rock Band instruments next week
Whoa, wait a minute -- Mad Catz signed on to produce Rock Band instruments? Sure enough, the deal was announced shortly before CES 2008 consumed our lives, and now we're hearing whispers that the first products from said agreement could hit stores as early as next week. We're talking a Fender bass ($69.99), Telecaster ($79.99), microphone ($59.99), portable drum kit ($49.99) and a premium drum set ($149.99). From what we can glean, everything listed above will be tethered, but we aren't writing off wireless versions just yet. Oh, and be sure you consult with the SO before you up and purchase a second kit for the den -- you can't afford for that first one to get defenestrated.
Rumor: MadCatz Rock Band controllers arriving soon
January 2008 was the last time we heard anything about Mad Catz's Rock Band controllers. This week, Amazon reportedly posted listings for the third-party controllers, and Rock Band Mods has the reported product descriptions, dates and prices, including: Wired bass guitar with a split strum bar (for two-finger playing) for $70. Xbox 360 version coming June 22, PlayStation 3 on July 15, Wii on August 1. A wireless version for Xbox 360 was listed for September 15. Modeled after Fender P-Bass. Wired microphone with built-in d-pad and face buttons for $60. Reportedly already out for Xbox 360, coming July 15 for PS3. Wired guitar modeled after Fender Telecaster for $80. From the picture, it looks like it also has the split strum bar. Listed only for Xbox 360, release date not shown. Portable drum kit with small quiet pads and foam tip drumsticks. Coming July 15 for Xbox 360 and August 15 for PS3 and Wii for $50. Premium drum kit based on "authentic electronic drum kit" with added hi-hat and foot pedal, a crash cymbal and fully adjustable toms. Due out August 1 for Xbox 360 and PS3, August 15 for Wii. $150. All the listings have since been pulled (including the "already available" Xbox 360 mic). While we're content with our current instruments, if MadCatz somehow makes a drum set compatible with Rock Band and the upcoming Guitar Hero World Tour, we'll be first to pre-order.[Via X3F]
Mad Catz PS3 3-Port HDMI System Selector gets reviewed
We're not entirely sure how large the market for this peculiar PlayStation 3 add-on actually is, but the Mad Catz cooling fan / 3-port HDMI switch has just been reviewed by the kids over at IGN. Essentially, this thing snaps on and bulks up your PS3, adding in a noisy, likely ineffective duo of fans while providing a trio of HDMI / Toslink optical digital audio inputs. For all intents and purposes, the device performed just like any other HDMI system selector, with no noticeable degradation and full support for HDCP / 1080p. Furthermore, you'll find a bundled remote that can control DVD and Blu-ray playback on your console, and there's even a few cables thrown in to make you believe this thing is really worth the $79.99 asking price. According to this writeup, it's not a bad deal for those in need, but be sure to read the article in full before doing the deed.
MadCatz Xbox 360 HDMI Conversion kit now officially available
No, it won't get you "true" HDMI, but older 360 owners looking to get rid of those clunky component cables might want to take note: that MadCatz HDMI Conversion Kit is now official. The $90 adapter comes with cables and supports HDMI 1.3, 1080p, Dolby Digital and DTS -- but there's no telling what the VGA-to-HDMI signal conversion will do to your image quality, so you're probably better off doing the eBay shuffle and getting a new 360 with HDMI built-in.
MadCatz brings portable keyboard with Thumbpad
We have to admit that this peripheral by MadCatz looks like a winner. It reminds us a lot of Xbox 360's chatpad -- this device plugs into the PS3 controller and allows you to type at a whim. Supposedly, the device was released all the way back in May, but it seemingly has fallen out of our grasp.This seems rather ingenious, but user reviews have been negative for one key reason -- apparently, it doesn't work with PS2 games. Final Fantasy XI fans were quite disappointed. But, those of you that enjoy using the web browser and the XMB messaging system may find this $30 peripheral a neat addition to your gadgets collection. See a video, after the cut.[Via PSP GadgetZ]
Cooking Mama and Madcatz component cable for cheap at Amazon
Amazon has had some odd "Deal of the Day" sales lately, and today's deal (a Wii Madcatz component cable) is no exception. If you're in need of a component cable for your Wii, though, it might be worth getting. While many of you are often hesitant to buy non-Nintendo accessories, the customer reviews for this cable are overwhelmingly positive. Also, at today's deal price of $10, the cable is almost $20 less than the Nintendo brand one.Also of note is that Cooking Mama for the Wii is on sale at Amazon for $30. We know what you're thinking: "Wasn't Cooking Mama always $30?" The answer is no, but it should have been. The game is being sold through Target, however, which means you can't take advantage of Amazon's sweet free shipping. We're also not sure how long this deal will last, so if you're interested, we recommend jumping on it as soon as possible.[Via CAG]Read - Madcatz component cableRead - Cooking Mama: Cook Off (Wii)
Mad Catz working on Rock Band peripherals
Mad Catz has announced that the company is creating a suite of new instruments for Rock Band. The products will be officially licensed by MTV Games to work with the game, so have no fear about compatibility issues. Specifically, the company will be creating wired and wireless bass guitars, a wired microphone, and drums with "professional wooden drum sticks." Also mentioned alongside the instruments is the somewhat more ambiguous phrase "other products." We imagine things like instrument skins and the like, but it's possible other products could include other things like effects pedals and whatnot. Peculiarly, the press release specifically identifies the guitars as bass guitars. We're not sure exactly what that means, perhaps the guitars will ship without the extra solo buttons found on the official guitar? Whatever the case, the Mad Catz peripherals should hit the market in the first half of 2008.Oh, and it's probably safe to assume the guitars won't work with Guitar Hero III.
Mad Catz signs on to make Rock Band instruments, accessories
While Activision and Harmonix bicker over the real reason there's still some lingering incompatibility between the two, Mad Catz has inked a multi-year licensing agreement with MTV Networks to "produce and distribute game peripherals and other products" for Rock Band. Reportedly, the third-party peripheral maker has secured the rights to "manufacture, market and sell game accessories, including both wired and wireless bass guitars, a drum percussion set bundled with professional quality wooden drum sticks, and a wired microphone." All in all, we're stoked to see another player entering the Rock Band hardware game, so here's to hoping Mad Catz won't ship out any faulty axes and frail drum pedals during "the first half of 2008."
Mad Catz to make Rock Band instruments
With the absolute flood of third-party guitars for the Guitar Hero series, it's not that surprising that accessory-makers are jumping on the Rock Band-wagon, too. Well, at least one is. Mad Catz today announced a "multi-year licensing agreement" with MTV Games to produce "both wired and wireless bass guitars, a drum percussion set bundled with professional quality wooden drum sticks, and a wired microphone."While having extra options for drum kits and microphones is nice, the addition of officially licensed, wireless, third-party guitars will be welcome news to PS3 owners tired of not being able to use their Guitar Hero III guitars with Rock Band and Xbox 360 owners tired of tripping over wires -- not to mention general Rock Band owners tired of replacing their broken bundled guitars. The instruments will be available in the "first half of 2008," according to the release.While the release specifically addresses Rock Band instruments, it also leaves the door open for other applicable "game accessories." We personally can't wait for the inevitable pyrotechnics launcher that goes off every time you nail a tough solo. Just, er, be careful with it, OK?
MadCatz HDMI converter sells for $90 next month
We have to agree with Joystiq that we're not quite sure to whom the MadCatz HDMI Conversion Kit is supposed to appeal. Of course, not all 360s have HDMI, but we're willing to bet that anyone who really cares about HDMI probably won't want a converter. We're no technical wizards, but we know that unless the signal is HDMI to begin with, it's not really HDMI anyway. It does scale to 1080p, but so does every other available 360 connection option. We suppose there is the possibility that it's simply more convenient, as it replaces multiple RCA connector with one HDMI connector and an optional optical cable. Even then, $90 seems a bit steep just to clear up some cable clutter. Then again, if you're rocking a 1080p TV, another $90 probably isn't that much. Should you desire one of the wonder-devices, they go on sale beginning in January.[Via Joystiq]
MadCatz Xbox 360 HDMI Conversion Kit, $90 in Jan.
We're not sure who the market for these things is. On the one hand, every new Xbox 360 comes with an HDMI port built-in. On the other hand, if you've got an older system, it's more or less guaranteed to fail and the system you get back just may have an HDMI port in it. Process of elimination leaves people who've already had their 360 replaced and are left with fully functioning – yet cruelly HDMI-less – consoles, so we'll direct the remainder of this post to that no doubt highly lucrative demographic. If staring longingly at your pal's HDMI connection has you feeling like less of a man, then consider MadCatz's HDMI Conversion Kit, available in January for the low, low price of $89.99. The device supports resolutions up to 1080p, includes an optical audio port, and comes with both HDMI and optical audio cables. Isn't that worth it for a strong, thick digital video signal? [Via Engadget]
MadCatz's Xbox 360 HDMI Conversion Kit up for pre-order
Well, what have we here? No, seriously, what is this thing? Considering the absolute dearth of information given on GameStop's pre-order page, we're left to surmise that the Xbox 360 HDMI Conversion Kit exists (er, will exist) simply to allow those who purchased their Xbox 360 before the days of built-in HDMI to utilize one of the dusty HDMI sockets on their TV / receiver. Granted, we're sure hoping there's more to this thing than that, or else we're left wondering who's desperate enough to drop $89.99 to free up a single component input.Update: Turns out this thing does indeed support 1080p, and it'll come with "free" HDMI and optical audio cables, too. Check out the PDF here. Thanks, PerfectVirus! [Thanks, David]
Mad Catz purrchases Saitek, Joystiq shoots headline author
And good riddance to that guy. We would have gone with a quip about angry Jazz musicians, but the headline's already gone down the RSS tube.Mad Catz, a name you'll frequently see on third-party console peripherals or sentences ending in "buyer's remorse," has announced its $30 million acquisition of fellow controller constructor, Saitek. The move is seen as part of a "strategic diversification," with Mad Catz gaining access to Saitek's expertise in designing PC peripherals (such as flight sim sticks) as well as a wider distribution network, especially within Europe. It's also expected to open the doors for the purchasing company's foray into PC mice, keyboards, speakers and "electronic chess."It seems Mad Catz is on a bit of a spending spree this year, having previously checkmated Joytech in September. The pessimists among us are already envisioning a monopoly on third-party peripherals (with construction quality on par with Monopoly's board pieces).
MadCatz announces iPhone-compatible AirDrives headphones
MadCatz may be best known for its video game accessories, but it looks like the company isn't about to let the iPhone bandwagon pass it by, with it now announcing that it'll soon release an iPhone-compatible version of its AirDrives "interactive headphones." Helping the phones earn that distinction, it seems, is their use of MadCatz's trademark InAir technology, which lets wearers still hear what's going on around them. New to the iPhone-friendly model (that's the non-iPhone version up above) is an integrated microphone, and the always-useful one-touch music-to-phone capability. Of course, there's nothing to stop you from using them with something other than an iPhone, although if you don't need the headset functionality, you may want to opt for the standard $100 models, as these'll drive a slight premium of $120 when they're released early next year.
Mad Catz supports Breast Cancer Foundation through accessory pack
Did you know that October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month? Mad Catz does, as they've decided to turn over 10% of their profits on their Joytech Nintendo DS Lite Pink Tech Pack. The accessory pack, which can be found at Circuit City, hasn't turned up for us in an online search, but we do know it includes a carrying case, in-car power adapter, USB charger, 2 stylii and two game cases. And it only costs $19.99.Sounds like a win-win situation to us.
Take-Two sells Joytech to MadCatz
As we were making fun of Joytech for some of their more offensive accessory offerings, we bet that you had no idea the company was actually a subsidiary of Take-Two. Well, that's your fact for the day, a new wrinkle for your brain. ... Ooh, actually, wait, you need to go ahead and forget that fact. Take-Two announced today that they just sold the whole thing to Mad Catz.Take-Two says that divesting themselves of Joytech is all part of a plan to focus on its core publishing business. We don't know if it's a financial help, but we know that Take-Two is probably better off spiritually without Joytech in its midst.