Mad Catz Interactive Inc. has rolled out a swath of new gaming peripherals. These include a high-performance, highly configurable mouse, a unique controller for mobile devices, and several high-end headsets for both gaming and general audio use.
All of these new devices feature the typical Mad Catz styling, with wild colors, oddly angular shapes, and extensive customizability.
Headsets
The F.R.E.Q. 9 Wireless Surround Headset is the new flagship in Mad Catz' headphone line-up, aimed at gaming and most any other audio application.
The F.R.E.Q. 9 headset allows gamers to hear "expansive wireless surround," using AM3D Audio technology, said to be "the same virtual surround technology used in mission critical missile warning systems by an F-16 Falcon jet fighter."
An integrated mic enables online chat, as well as use with smartphones or tablets, without obstructing movement like the typical boom mic.
The F.R.E.Q. 9 headset uses 50mm Neodymium drivers, and is powered by a rechargeable Li-ion battery with claimed 20-hour life. It's said to be compatible all major game consoles, as well as Android, iOS and Windows phone devices. It can connect to any Bluetooth device, and includes an adapter box for connecting to 3.5mm wired sources.
Also included is Digital Active Noise Cancellation (D-ANC), as well as Binaural Monitoring, to allow some local sound back into the earcups. Two mics monitor outside sound, and two more monitor audio inside the earcups to optimize pass-through of local sounds.
A travel case is included, and an app is available for iOS and Android to monitor battery life and control settings. Retail price is US$299.99.
Mad Catz has also shiopped the F.R.E.Q. TEStereo Gaming Headset for PC and Macintosh, as part of its Tournament Edition line. It incorporates a uni-directional boom mic, designed to eliminate background noise for LAN gaming, and uses 50mm drivers.
Memory foam earcups improve passive noise blocking, and enhance comfort for long gaming sessions. Audio input is via standard 3.5mm jacks. On-ear controls allow adjustment of both chat and game volume.
Colors include matte black, gloss black, gloss white and gloss red.. Retail price is US$79.99.
The TRITTON Swarm Wireless Mobile Headset is aimed at more of a "fashion gaming or lifestyle gaming" market. It's compatible with most Bluetooth or wired audio devices, including gaming consoles as well as smartphones and tablets. And it incorporates AM3D surround audio capability.
The TRITTON Swarm headset offers a choice of four iridescent metallic finishes, and retails for US$149.99.
Controllers
Mad Catz' controller line has been extended with the new R.A.T. Pro X Gaming Mouse. Billed as "the most advanced gaming mouse in the world," it features swappable Modular Sensor Units, to allow customization and upgrading as new sensors become available.
The R.A.T. Pro X also has a newly designed scroll wheel, with adjustable resistance on the wheel click, and the ability to swap out the wheel itself. There's also a new "analog strafe" feature, offering configurable control over the horizontal movement of the wheel.
The R.A.T. Pro X is being shown by appointment only at CES, and is scheduled to launch in the spring.
For serious gamers, Mad Catz has introduced the G.L.I.D.E. TE Gaming Surface, said to provide "significantly improved tracking performance" compared to previous mouse pads.
The G.L.I.D.E. TE offers an oversize surface, said to be 150% larger than the average mouse pad. A heat-bonded cloth surface is designed to minimize friction while enhancing mouse tracking for either lasor or optical sensors. The pad is intended to roll up for easy transport, and unroll flat without any residual curl.
List price is US$39.99.
For mobile gamers, Mad Catz is launching the L.Y.N.X. 9 Mobile Hybrid Controller. A patent-pending design allows the unit to fold up and fit into a shirt pocket.
The L.Y.N.X. 9 can be assembled in various configurations, to fit a variety of mobile devices. Separate Left Wing, Right Wing and Controller ‘Brain' can attach to a smartphone or tablet, turning it into a portable games console.
An integrated Mouse Sensor Pad and attachable QWERTY Keyboard Module offer convenient control for more conventional tasks.
The L.Y.N.X. 9 is now shipping, at a retail price of US$299.99.