@toptiergamingtv @markman23

Top Tier Gaming posted a video in which they spend some time with Mad Catz’s Mark “Markman” Julio. An interesting video to watch as we get to hear about some of the smaller details of the new sticks such as the Fight Stick V.S.’s larger compartment for the cord and its translucent black body. Check it out below.

The previously announced FightStick: SOUL Edition from Madcatz is now hitting the streets. If you aren’t familiar already I’ve included some pics. If you have been waiting, now is the time to head over to the Gameshark Store to grab one.

SAN DIEGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. (“Mad Catz”) (AMEX/TSX: MCZ) announced today the shipping of the SOULCALIBUR™V Arcade FightStick Soul Edition, a Tournament Edition fighting game controller designed for use with the upcoming SOULCALIBUR V videogame from Namco Bandai Games Inc®. The Soul Edition FightStick features the Namco® Noir button and stick layout along with custom artwork and is expected to be released for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system from Sony®.
“We are pleased to be working with Namco Bandai Games and supporting the launch of SOULCALIBUR V with our portfolio of fighting game controllers,” said Darren Richardson, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. “As market leader in the FightStick sector, it is important we partner with the leading fighting game franchises and continue our long-term strategy of supporting the product category and community by delivering specialty products for the passionate consumer.”
Additional information available at: www.madcatz.com/soulcalibur
About Mad Catz
Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. (AMEX/TSX: MCZ) is a global provider of innovative interactive entertainment products marketed primarily under its Mad Catz® (casual gaming), Cyborg™ (pro gaming), Tritton® (gaming audio), Saitek® (simulation), and Eclipse™ (home and office) brands. Mad Catz also develops flight simulation software through its internal ThunderHawk Studios™; operates flight simulation centers under its Saitek brand; operates a videogame content website under its GameShark® brand; publishes games under its Mad Catz brand; and distributes games and videogame products for third parties. Mad Catz distributes its products through most leading retailers offering interactive entertainment products and has offices in North America, Europe and Asia. For additional information please go to www.madcatz.com.
Social Media
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MadCatzInc
Twitter: http://twitter.com/MadCatzInc
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/MadCatzCompany
Safe Harbor
This press release contains forward-looking statements about the Company’s business prospects that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information or future events or developments. You can identify these statements by the fact that they use words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “should,” “plan,” “goal,” “believe,” and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are the following: the ability to maintain or renew the Company’s licenses; competitive developments affecting the Company’s current products; first party price reductions; the ability to successfully market both new and existing products domestically and internationally; difficulties or delays in manufacturing; or a downturn in the market or industry. A further list and description of these risks, uncertainties and other matters can be found in the Company’s reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Canadian Securities Administrators.
SOULCALIBUR™ V & © 2011 NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc.
This product is manufactured under license from Microsoft Corporation. Microsoft, Kinect, Xbox, Xbox LIVE, Xbox 360, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.
PlayStation is registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
All other trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners.

Contact:
Mad Catz Communications:
Alex Verrey, +44 (0) 1908 336 538
Global PR and Communications Manager
averrey@madcatz.com
Investor Relations:
Jaffoni & Collins Incorporated
Joseph Jaffoni, Norberto Aja, Jim Leahy
+1-212-835-8500
mcz@jcir.com

@MadCatzInc @MarkMan23 #SFxT

Mad Catz just dropped some serious news if you are fan of arcade sticks. At CES they announced that they will be releasing several new products based on Street Fighter X Tekken. This included new smaller than previous Fight Pads, New Fight Stick Pros and an all new product, the Fight Stick V.S.

The V.S. would be the most interesting of the new products as it allows you to buy a connector kit and combine two sticks to better simulate a real arcade machine.

Ours hats go off to Mad Catz as they continue to innovate when it comes to arcade sticks.

Below you will find pics, video and the press release.

Press Release

Mad Catz® Announce New Range of Street Fighter® X Tekken® Fighting Game Controllers
New FightStick V.S. is First to Allow for Single or Dual Play Tournament Configuration

SAN DIEGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jan. 10, 2012– Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. (“Mad Catz”) (AMEX/TSX: MCZ) announced today a new range of Street Fighter® X Tekken® fighting game controllers, due for release to coincide with the upcoming Street Fighter X Tekken videogame from Capcom® expected to launch on March 6, 2012 on consoles.

Due for release on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, the new range of fighting game controllers includes the Street Fighter X Tekken FightPad SD, the Street Fighter X Tekken Arcade FightStick PRO and the flagship Street Fighter X Tekken Arcade FightStick V.S.

“We are excited to support the Street Fighter® and Tekken® franchises with our new range of fighting game controllers,” said Darren Richardson, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. “Our new V.S. FightStick and FightPad demonstrate our ability to continue innovating in this category and we believe that the fighting game community will react enthusiastically to our new product designs.”

The Street Fighter X Tekken Arcade FightStick V.S. features genuine Sanwa Denshi™ arcade components. The unique chassis allows gamers to join two sticks together via the Arcade FightStick V.S. Connector Kit (sold separately) for a highly realistic arcade presentation.

The Street Fighter X Tekken FightPad SD features a 15% smaller chassis than previous FightPad designs, inspired by the gaming preferences of legendary Street Fighter producer Yoshinori Ono.

Additional information is available at http://www.madcatz.com/SFXTekken.

About Mad Catz

Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. (AMEX/TSX: MCZ) is a global provider of innovative interactive entertainment products marketed primarily under its Mad Catz® (casual gaming), Cyborg™ (pro gaming), Tritton® (gaming audio), Saitek® (simulation), and Eclipse™ (home and office) brands. Mad Catz also develops flight simulation software through its internal ThunderHawk Studios™; operates flight simulation centers under its Saitek brand; operates a videogame content website under its GameShark® brand; publishes games under its Mad Catz brand; and distributes games and videogame products for third parties. Mad Catz distributes its products through most leading retailers offering interactive entertainment products and has offices in North America, Europe and Asia. For additional information please go to http://www.madcatz.com.

About CAPCOM

Capcom is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment for game consoles, PCs, handheld and wireless devices. Founded in 1983, the company has created hundreds of games, including best-selling franchises Resident Evil®, Street Fighter®, Mega Man® and Devil May Cry®. Capcom maintains operations in the U.S., U.K., France, Germany, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Korea, with corporate headquarters located in Osaka, Japan. More information about Capcom and its products can be found at http://www.capcom.com or http://www.capcom-unity.com.

Social Media

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MadCatzInc

Twitter: http://twitter.com/MadCatzInc

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/MadCatzCompany

Street Fighter is a registered trademark of Capcom U.S.A., Inc. Capcom, Devil May Cry, Mega Man and Resident Evil are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Capcom Co., Ltd.

This product is manufactured under license from Microsoft Corporation. Microsoft, Kinect, Xbox, Xbox LIVE, Xbox 360, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.

“PlayStation” is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

Safe Harbor

This press release contains forward-looking statements about the Company’s business prospects that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information or future events or developments. You can identify these statements by the fact that they use words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “should,” “plan,” “goal,” “believe,” and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are the following: the ability to maintain or renew the Company’s licenses; competitive developments affecting the Company’s current products; first party price reductions; the ability to successfully market both new and existing products domestically and internationally; difficulties or delays in manufacturing; or a downturn in the market or industry. A further list and description of these risks, uncertainties and other matters can be found in the Company’s reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Canadian Securities Administrators.

Source: Mad Catz Interactive, Inc.

Mad Catz Communications:
Alex Verrey, +44 (0) 1908 336 538
Global PR and Communications Manager
averrey@madcatz.com
or
Investor Relations:
Jaffoni & Collins Incorporated
Joseph Jaffoni, Norberto Aja, Jim Leahy
+1-212-835-8500
mcz@jcir.com

#UMVC3 @Team__Hori

The arcade stick game is heating up. Mad Catz was the main player in town when it came to the licensed sticks but Hori just grabbed a big one, Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3. The stick is based on their HRAP.V line. I’m a firm believer that compitition makes things better for the consumer so I’m all for it.

soulcalibur

Well i said I’d be showing you the pic of the Soulcalibur V Arcade FightStick Soul Edition as soon as I could. Well here’s the first shot.

Pretty sick right?

@focusattack

I recently had the chance to do a little Q and A with Focus Attack’s owner/founder Jaleel Beck. If you don’t know already, Focus Attack is an online store completely dedicated to the Fighting Game Community. Check it out below and then head over to Focus Attack and pick yourself up a few items.

Tell us where the idea for Focus Attack came from and what are your main goals with the site.

Good question. Like most people these days, I was looking to earn a little bit of extra spending money while currently employed. Before this, I was selling Ralph Lauren shirts on ebay. It was very profitable to say the least, but you can imagine those finely tailored suits at Ralph Lauren didn’t like the idea. The business was shelved by eBay, and I learned some valuable lessons since then. If I was to create another business, I’d create a legitimate one.

Focusattack.com was borne out a desire to build a business based on something I knew, or thought I knew: fighting games. It was from this venture that some additional hard-knocks were offered and accepted. When I started Focusattack.com two years ago, the goal was to become one of the biggest sources for imported fighting game merchandise. This included posters, manga and art books, figures, statues, and plenty of colorful nick-knacks this side of Akihabara. It was a grand vision for someone with 20/100 eyesight and glasses thick as a Harry Potter book. Starting this business was a lot like playing offline. You *think* that you’re hot sh*t, until you head online and are swiftly thrashed by a Daigo Umehara or Justin Wong. I haven’t played them yet…I think my BP doesn’t meet the minimum height requirements.

It was then that the goals – and subsequently the business plans – changed. Sales at the original Focusattack began on eBay, but didn’t pick up until I started offering MadCatz TE joysticks worldwide. Upon that revelation, I gradually ventured into the fighting game community to better understand what kind of people besides myself played these games. A valuable lesson learned since then was that core players aren’t necessarily interested in the storied history, appearance or even fan-appeal of the characters they played. It was how well they competed with those characters; how well they won with those characters. It was here that I learned about frame data and why it was so critical. I’d head out to tournaments and watch young men and women play footsies and cancel moves into others that I didn’t think were possible to cancel. They knew the game, and were there to win. The only place where a character was displaying was on their joystick. Their joystick served as both badge and tool of the trade. It was highly customized in the same manner that car enthusiasts trick out their rides.

From there, I decided to learn out more about the fighting game community, and to offer a means for players to get creative with their joysticks. My BP is still laughable, but since offering arcade parts and good customer service, I’ve gained a little respect. No, Daigo and Justin still won’t return my calls.

Focus Attack seems to be a site that serves two types of Street Fighter fans. you have the products such as the Magna and Artbooks for the fans of the characters and you have the equipment for the hardcore player. Do you plan on continuing to serve both groups or do you see it leaning towards one or the other?

Over time, I learned that fighting gamers are a unique group of people. They are often young, resourceful, confident to a fault, and…did I say resourceful? It was one thing to know that core players are more interested in improving their Chun-Li game as opposed to loving Chun-Li’s thighs, but they also know where to shop. Amazon sells anything – from books to bathwater. You can get it there, and you can get it cheap. All sorts of fighting game merchandise is showing up on Amazon, much less the games and widely available joysticks such as the HRAP or TE. It’s safe to say that if Amazon itself started selling individual joystick parts, I’d be out of business. Eventually some widely-available fan-appeal merchandise will be phased out and I’ll concentrate on unique, easier-to-install items to build a better joystick. However, I’ll note that original items, such as the sick line of character pins and t-shirts designed by SINIX (@sinix077 on Twitter), plus other community-designed items will remain a part of Focusattack.com. It’s these great fan-made items that I hope to offer more in the future.

Lets talk products. Focus Attack offered a lot of cool stuff for joystick modders. tell me about some of the newer stuff that you are going to be pushing such as parts for custom LED modding.

Sure thing. One aspect of the modding community that I’m slowing learning is that soldering has almost become a requirement in some projects. If you wanted to get some sweet lighting effects for your buttons, you had to weild a soldering iron like you handle a fork. For a while, you either know how to do it, or you learned how it’s done. It’s a worthwhile skill to make the most of your joystick config, but some don’t have the time or inclination to learn it. I wanted to release products that made it easier to install effects like LED lighting, so I teamed up with Paradise Arcade (thank you 32teeth!) and with their help launched a pre-wired version of their Uila series button LEDs. These button LEDs are built with a wiring harness that connects to the Sparky PWM LED controller or FGWidget. The Uila S-Flash has a unique mix of both RGB and white LEDs that can be lit independently. No other LED PCB does this. The Uila S and Uila Budget are also pre-wired, and competitively priced, giving you the best bang for your buck when adding LEDs.

Speaking of the Sparky, Paradise Arcade worked with Eugene Andruszczenko (SRK’s 32Teeth) to develop a compacted version of his high-quality Sparky PWM LED controller. This is a great addition to the Uila-Series LEDs and its software and manually programmable interface creates fantastic color effects. The Sparky PWM will come with a specially made wiring harness for an easy install. We are releasing this controllerthis month, and priced similar to 32Teeth’s version.

For LED balltops, we are releasing both normal and extended hollow steel joystick shafts for the Sanwa JLF and Seimitsu joysticks, courtesy of Paradise Arcade. Those will also launch this month.

On target for that same week are wiring harnesses with insulated .110 quick-disconnects. These will come in 8 colors, and you can buy them in pairs of a specific color or all 8 colors in a pack of 16. This should make PCB to button wiring projects very easy to perform and organize.

While I mentioned most products for the following 2 weeks, I don’t want to leave out some great parts we’re offering for joystick and button modders in October. Joystick and button microswitches can sometimes need swapping, as opposed to the entire joystick. Starting Monday October 3rd, you’ll find several new replacement parts. For example, you can now buy the TP-MA PCB for Sanwa JLF, GT-8F square gate, MS-0-2P microswitches for the JLF, SW-68 button microswitches, plus JLF-SF springs. On the Seimitsu side, you can now get the LS-32-01 spring, PS-14-D microswitch (fits PS-14-K snap-in buttons) and PS-14-G switch. This fits the PS-14-KN screwbutton. Last but not least, we’ll start carrying quick-disconnects (QDC) at .110, .187 and .250 sizes. Sanwa snap-together QDC insulation clips are also coming.

QanBa has been our official fully-constructed joystick product, and for good reason. The Q4RAF is a 3-in-1 joystick that supports the major consoles + PC, contains official Sanwa parts, a great Hori-VLX inspired design, and a low price of $150. We anticipate restocks as soon as we can get them, plus carrying some of the color variations. Mind you, we’re still a growing company, so we have to acquire product variations for these joysticks when financially possible. These move fast enough to sell out pre-orders before they arrive, so we’ll continue to carry them. We also plan to carry the Qanba color joystick shafts and dustwashers, giving you even more ways to customize your stick.

We’re also talking with FoeHammer, maker of professional-quality wood joystick cases, and will start distributing those later this year. Doug Johnson, the designer behind these top-quality cases, is working on an exclusive Focus Attack case that we’re very excited about.

Sanwa OBSC-30 buttons are also on our targeted lists for November or sooner. We plan to offer both translucent, plus clear rim and color plunger buttons. Some other arcade parts stores are offering their stash of the translucent buttons, which is fine. We’ll have them, too.

Finally, we aiming to become one of the biggest distributor of Akishop’s upcoming do-it-all PCB, the PS360+. This PCB is compatible with the two major consoles, but now adds other consoles via a software-upgradable interface and RJ45 + USB cable-based output. We now know that the first additional consoles that are supported are the PSOne and PS2, and will use an RJ45 to PS2 cable. We are working to provide players with the cables as well. This project has been in the works for several months, and I’m with everyone who is patiently awaiting more details and a release date. Akishop has been keeping a tight lip on both, but promises us that we’ll have enough in stock to meet pre-order and release demand. We expect those to move fast.

Seems like a person can not turn around without running into a event that has been sponsored by Focus Attack. Can you talk a little about how Focus Attack is involved with the community now and how it will be going into the future?

Right now, Focusattack.com mostly partakes in tournament sponsorships such as Seasons Beatings, NEC, Shadowloo Showdown. We’re also sponsoring Team Dominion Gaming Method as members such as PR Balrog, Dr. Chaos, Inthul, BurnYourBra, and Kor as they take some of the top spots at many tournaments including EVO.

Mind you, we try to help with as many tournaments as feasible, but those can get expensive, so we’re potentially looking for new ways to support the community. For one thing, I’m considering a way to assist prominent joystick builders that venture to tournaments and offer their services. A tight-knit community of builders and modders already make up SRK’s Tech Talk community and really help out their colleagues. I’d just like to be a part of it.

One thing we’re big on are contests. There aren’t many arcade retailers that offer contests to win new stuff, and we love giving things away when it becomes available. The last contest we ran offered a MadCatz TE joystick, Uila button LEDs, Sparky Jr LED Controller, Seimitsu buttons & bubbletop, and an Akishop PS360 PCB. Before that, we offered two Qanba Q4RAF joysticks. People love the chance to win prizes. We’re sure to have another one (Hint: Darkstalkers)

Lastly, while it is obvious Focus Attack is on the move. Where do you see the company 5 years from now?

I’ll need to be totally honest with my answer here. Like any company, its future is potentially uncertain. Focusattack is still a very small company. I’ve kept another job while managing the store because in these times and competition with other arcade retailers, one can’t guarantee success. If players wonder why my XBL or PSN gamerscore is so low, it’s because between FA and the job there’s very little time to play. That said however, I believe that FA has tried to offer great customer service and fast turnaround. Many of the questions that customers ask are personally answered by me, and I always try to respond within 24 hours. If something is broken, missing or otherwise mixed up, we do our best to address it quickly. Customer satisfaction is our highest priority. You’ll see that in our reply messages, but it’s true. I think that quality has helped us stand out.

A few weeks ago, we ran a contest that asked players to suggest additional joystick-building products that we should carry at Focusattack.com. The suggestions we received, such as blank cases, plexis, specific wiring and electrical components, tools and so forth are being compiled into a plan, and we’re already following up on many of the top requests. We hope to continue with many of those suggestions, and will likely launch another contest. With some luck and a few more hard-knocks from the fighting game community, Focusattack.com will be around for a few more years. Who knows, even my BP might rise above “Free” status.

Thanks again to Jaleel Beck for his time.

@MarkMan23 @madcatzinc

Just caught word via Twitter that Mad Catz is running a pretty decent sale on its fighting game products. Check out the release and then go take advantage of the sale!

This weekend, Mad Catz (MarkMan) will be wandering around Los Angeles for the World Cyber Games Grand Finals ! Some of the best gamers from all around the world will be in attendance! We’ll also be cheering on the finalists for the critically aclaimed prime time reality TV show on the SyFy channel: WCG Ultimate Gamer 2!

Right now on our GameShark Store, take advantage of 20-30% off all fighting game related products! Use coupon code SUPERWCG (case sensitive) for 20% off all new Super Street Fighter IV Arcade FightSticks and FightPads (including the NEW Chun-Li TE “S”)! Use coupon code WCGGF for even more savings with 30% off all fighting game related products (excluding parts & Super SFIV products).

Also to celebrate the weekend, the GameShark store has another deal for Fighting Game fans! By using coupon code ROUND2 you save $50 on both the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 models of the Street Fighter IV ROUND 2 Arcade TE FightSticks! We’re also throwing in FREE GROUND SHIPPING! Don’t miss out on your chance to own one of these highly regarded, award-winning SFIV controllers!

These promos expire end of day Monday, Oct. 6th!

Make sure to follow us on Facebook and twitter for more deals & promotions in the future!

Also follow MarkMan on twitter for a chance to get some free swag (shirts, sticks, keychains + more) while at the event!

@MadCatzInc @princessaura

[Destructoid]

I’m loving this! First we got Chun Li and Ryu Nike Dunks and now we are getting a Akuma version of the P-Rod 4. These sneaks come in the same blue as Akuma’s gi and have his imfamous kanji ‘ten’ (天) on the back. Though these are not as elaborate as the other Akuma kicks we’ve seen, they are still pretty hot. And if you see them, then grab them because these are going to be limited to 400 pairs.

[N-SBorg]

I’ve been covering the Street Fighter Dunks for a while. It seems like many people felt the shoes “weren’t Street Fighter enough” because basically the only thing that lets you know the shoes have anything to do with Street Fighter is the insole. If you are a person that felt like that then you should check out these custom Akuma Air Force Ones from the guys at Clashofthecustomizers.

These shoes are Akuma top to bottom. It doesn’t just stop with the paint job on the shoe either. Twine rope is used for the laces which looks very much like the belt Akuma wears. Also his signature beads appear on the front of the shoe. These joint of off the meter!

No word on how much these would go for but as soon as I find out, I’ll pass it along.

[Device Magazine]

If you are a sneaker head and a Street Fighter fan, this may be a dream come true for you. Nike has teamed up with Capcom for some official Street Fighter inspired Nike Dunks! (more…)

Check out the following video which is of someone unboxing a Mad Catz New Super Street Fighter IV “S” Tournament Edition Fight Stick

There are some people out there that believe there is only one way to play Street Fighter and that’s with a joystick. And if you are going to use a joystick you want the best right? (more…)

In the video below you will see a DJ by the name of Immuzikation showing off some of his skills. One of the odd things one may notice about the equipment that he uses is that he is adding smaple via a Mad Catz Tournament Edition stick. Though I can’t figure why someone would want to do this, I can’t say it’s not cool.

[Capcom Unity & Midifighter]

Mad Catz seems to be doing well these days. At least that is what their most recent earning statement is saying. Earnings in the neighborhood of $48.8 million to be more exact. Things have changed from the days of old where the only people who had Mad Catz controllers were kids who’s parents were too cheap to buy them the first party controllers. Now Mad Catz is not only selling those cheapo controllers but high end heavy duty ones like the the FiightSticks they released for Super Street Fighter IV.

The Mad Catz earnings report even hints at a new Super Street Fighter IV edition of the standard FightStick to be sold in addition to the Super Street Fighter IV “Tournament Edition S” FightSticks (shown above).

So who out there is willing to fork over the money for that new FightStick?

[Joystiq]