Mad Catz Street Fighter IV peripherals are slick

8:40 AM on 01.08.2009   |   Brad Nicholson

37 comments

A good Street Fighter player once told me that the only way to play the game was with an arcade stick, not a D-pad.  He also informed me that even if I got an arcade stick, I still wouldn’t stand a chance against him. It’s an odd dynamic. Why get the better gear if you’re doomed to failure?

Mad Catz recently aggravated my dilemma by revealing their peripheral and accessory line-up. These are licensed products that will ship on the same date as Capcom’s Street Fighter IV. In the gallery you’ll notice the big-ticket items, two arcade sticks and two game pads. They feature a six-button layout, perfect for tossing people stuck with a rudimentary controller.

If those gloriously decorated and expensive peripherals aren’t enough to sate your desire to own everything SF IV, then you’ll be glad to know Mad Catz is also controller and faceplate skins for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 as well as a massive wall scroll to cover up those nicotine-stained walls.

The press release for all of these items is included after the break. It is Fei Long and extremely detailed.

Mad Catz® Announces Licensed Street FighterTM IV FightSticks, FightPads and Collectible Accessories

San Diego, January 6, 2009

Mad Catz® Interactive, Inc. (AMEX/TSX: MCZ), a leading third-party interactive entertainment accessory provider, today announced a full range of licensed Street Fighter™ IV accessories which are expected to ship alongside the release of the first dedicated next generation release in February 2009.

Produced in close collaboration with Capcom®, the Mad Catz Street Fighter® IV range of accessories has been created to support the game’s unique button mapping out of the box and enhance game play for casual and dedicated fans alike.

Products expected to ship in the range are as follows:

• Official Street Fighter IV Arcade FightStick – Xbox 360® and PLAYSTATION®3

Designed to offer authentic arcade style play, the Street Fighter IV Arcade FightStick offers gamers precision control and quality engineering complete with stunning official artwork. Dual-speed Turbo functionality for each button complete with LED Indicators allows gamers to execute moves with lightning speed while the eight-button Street Fighter IV arcade configuration means that those familiar with the arcade will feel instantly at home. An integrated D-Pad switch allows gamers to alternate between D-Pad and Analog Sticks for maximum control flexibility, while the ergonomic slanted top panel ensures maximum comfort during sustained play. Start and Select/Back Buttons have been moved to the rear of the FightStick thus minimizing the risk of accidental interruption during play and specially created ‘Character Cards’ ship with the Arcade FightStick which insert into the top panel and display a selection of special moves.

• Official Street Fighter IV FightPad – Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3

Ideal for gamers favoring a traditional console controller without wishing to compromise on features, the Street Fighter IV FightPad features an enlarged circular eight-way floating D-Pad and arcade style six-button configuration. An integrated D-Pad switch allows gamers to alternate between D-Pad and Analog Sticks and combined with official artwork featuring an assortment of famous Street Fighter® characters, the Street Fighter IV FightPad is destined to be the controller of choice for discerning fans and those seeking a competitive advantage.

• Official Street Fighter IV Arcade FightStick: Tournament Edition – Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3

Designed for the serious Street Fighter enthusiast, nothing brings the arcade experience closer to home than the Street Fighter IV Arcade FightStick: Tournament Edition. Overseen by Capcom and legendary producer Yoshinori Ono, the Tournament Edition features an unparalleled level of detail and uses arcade quality components. Sourced directly from arcade manufacturer Sanwa Denshi™, the FightStick: Tournament Edition uses the same Japanese style ball-handled joystick and 30mm Action Buttons found in the official Street Fighter IV Vewlix™ arcade cabinet, marking the first time such components have been used for a commercial product outside of Japan. With the D-Pad control switch, dual Turbo functionality for each button, and exact button layout matching the Vewlix Street Fighter IV arcade panel, the FightStick: Tournament Edition delivers an experience unlike any other arcade styled controller. Complete with detailed touches such as screw on rubber feet for solid surface play, unobtrusive placement of the Start and Select/Back Buttons along with a locking mechanism preventing accidental activation of Turbo settings for tournament play, the FightStick: Tournament Edition represents the best possible choice for the hardcore and dedicated Street Fighter fan.


• Official Street Fighter IV Faceplate and Console Skinz™ – Xbox 360

Featuring custom Street Fighter IV artwork, the highly collectible Faceplate and Console Skinz allow gamers to customize their Xbox 360 console. Safe and totally removable, the Console Skinz wrap around the top and bottom of the console and when combined with the Faceplate, create a stunning Street Fighter IV backdrop. Available in a choice of two striking designs, the Street Fighter IV Faceplate and Console Skinz present an eye-catching addition to any gamer’s living room.

• Official Street Fighter IV Controller Faceplate and Console Skinz - PLAYSTATION®3

Featuring custom Street Fighter IV artwork, the highly collectible Controller Faceplate and Console Skinz allow gamers to customize their PLAYSTATION 3 consoles and official controllers. Safe and totally removable, the Console Skinz adhere to the top of the console and provide a stunning Street Fighter IV themed landscape. In addition, the Controller Faceplate attaches quickly and safely to the official PLAYSTATION 3 controller providing matching artwork to the console.

• Official Street Fighter IV Wall Scroll

A perfect finishing touch to any gaming environment, the Street Fighter IV Wall Scroll features a breathtaking intricate design utilizing official Street Fighter IV artwork. Highly collectible, the quality vinyl scroll provides a unique addition to any fan’s collection.

Darren Richardson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz commented, “Street Fighter is the fighting franchise by which all others are judged. Mad Catz is excited about the opportunity to leverage our years of experience in designing and manufacturing controllers and extend our portfolio to include what we believe will be seen as market leading FightSticks and FightPads which include designs and unique feature sets, never before seen within a commercial product in the USA”

“Capcom is pleased to work with Mad Catz to provide the highest quality controllers possible to the Street Fighter community,” said Christian Svensson, vice president business development & strategic planning at Capcom Entertainment, Inc. “Capcom has a long history of supporting it’s fan base with quality content and Mad Catz Street Fighter IV peripheral controllers will astound the Street Fighter community.”

The Mad Catz range of licensed Street Fighter IV accessories is expected to be available across North America and key European territories from February 2009.