Of course all of this realism makes for a pretty heavy kit, but I think it's worth it. The controller works with both the PS2 and PS3 and comes with wireless and wired options. I'll make sure to weigh in with my opinion after I've had some time to go a few round with it on the Playstation 3.

I crave this like I have craved no other plastic musical instrument before, to the point where I'm completely bypassing my own built-in safeguards against buying Mad Catz products and actively considering making the purchase. Scary, I know!

Mad Catz Ships the First-Ever Rock Band™ Bass Guitar
Fender Precision Bass Guitar Kicks Off a Full Line of New Rock Band Products

SAN DIEGO—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. (AMEX/TSX: MCZ), a leading third-party interactive entertainment accessory provider, announced today that it has begun shipping its Fender™ Precision Bass guitar for the Xbox 360™, the initial offering under its license with Harmonix and MTV Games to produce and distribute game peripherals and other products for the critically acclaimed Rock Band™ game.

“We are excited to be providing an opportunity for the millions of Rock Band fans to enhance their game-playing experience with our Fender Precision Bass guitar,” commented Darren Richardson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz. “This is the first in a series of Rock Band products we expect to release this fall, each of which we believe will add to the realism and enjoyment of this immensely popular game.”

This premium bass guitar provides gamers with a licensed, authentic Fender Precision Bass guitar to complete their ensemble. Compatible with both Rock Band and the upcoming Rock Band 2 games, the Fender Precision Bass can be used to play both lead and bass guitar portions of a selected track. Incorporating all the features of the standard guitar, including Solo Keys, Whammy, and Overdrive Mode, the Fender Precision Bass comes equipped with innovative features designed to enhance the Rock Band experience.

The unique Split Strum Bar allows gamers to strum and pluck notes faster and with more precision, vital for fast tempo tracks. The genuine Fender Precision Bass does not have a whammy bar. To respect the accuracy of the bass, Mad Catz has engineered whammy compatibility by discreetly incorporating it into the volume knob of the bass, providing gamers with essential functionality when playing both lead or bass guitar portions of the track while preserving the timeless authenticity of the original design.

Published by MTV Games and developed by MTV Network’s Harmonix Music Systems, Rock Band is a leading platform for music fans and gamers to interact with music, challenging users to master the lead/bass guitar, drums and vocals as solo artists or cooperatively as part of their own band. Built on deals with the world’s biggest record labels and music publishers, the music featured in Rock Band spans all genres of rock and includes many master recordings from the greatest songs and artists of all time. Rock Band is currently available for the Xbox 360, Wii™, PlayStation® 3 and PlayStation® 2 consoles in North America and for the Xbox 360 in Europe. Rock Band 2 will make its debut on Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft this September and have an exclusive launch window in North America. Rock Band 2 will be available for the PLAYSTATION® 3 and PlayStation® 2 computer entertainment systems and Wii™ later this year.

Eric Ruckman was so desperate to give the DS port of Guitar Hero the thrashing it so richly deserves that he scooped out the innards of his PS2 guitar and melded it with a DS. The DS touch screen is still used for strumming - the plectrum stylus works even better in this context - and the crafty sod even bolted on an FM transmitter to pump stereo sound through his hi-fi.

Hack Guitar Hero DS into a guitar controller [Hack-A- Day via Engadget]

Follow the jump for a video of the mod in action

That's right, Mad Catz are making the Street Fighter IV fighting sticks. I hope that makes you as nervous as that makes me. I've never been a big fan of Street Fighter on a console. Why? Because frankly it's not a game meant for console gaming. Sure you can play around with it at home, but SF is a arcade cabinet game and it always will be. Don't bother arguing with me, I will stubbornly refuse to listen and may even start making blah, blah, blah noises.

So when I started talking to the Capcom folks about Street Fighter IV (Ok, gushing), I told them how I fully expect the console version to suck. Really suck. No Brian, they told me, that's not true. Wait until you see the controllers. They're really going to be something special. Then comes the news today, Mad Catz is making them. Lies, LIES, I tell you. But after a bit of hyperventilating I touched base with some friends in the know and have been reassured (at least they tried to) that the controllers are still going to be filled with delicious awesome.

I wait, arms crossed sternly in front of chest, to be surprised.

Press Release: Mad Catz to make Street Fighter IV line of controllers

SAN DIEGO - (Business Wire) Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. (AMEX/TSX: MCZ), a leading third-party interactive entertainment accessory provider, announced today that it has secured a license from Capcom®, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of videogames, to produce branded controllers and accessories based on the Street Fighter® IV, Bionic Commando® and Resident Evil® 5 videogame properties. The agreement gives Mad Catz North American and European rights to a range of accessories for all current videogame platforms, including the PC.

“We are excited to partner with Capcom to create branded controllers and accessories based on three of the videogame industry’s most popular and enduring franchises,” said Darren Richardson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz. “We look forward to offering unique and exciting accessories to fans of these games, as we continue to grow and diversify what we believe to be the industry’s leading portfolio of branded videogame accessories.”

“This is a real collaboration between Mad Catz and Capcom,” said Germaine Gioia, senior vice president, licensing, Capcom. “We are developing a broad variety of game peripherals for a wide game-playing audience — from the casual to the most loyal, core fan. These innovative peripherals will maximize the overall experience that comes from playing Capcom games.”

About Mad Catz Interactive, Inc.

Mad Catz is a global leader in providing innovative peripherals for the interactive entertainment industry. Mad Catz designs and markets accessories for videogame systems and publishes videogame software, including the industry-leading GameShark videogame enhancements, under its Mad Catz, GameShark and Joytech brands. Mad Catz also designs and markets mice, keyboards, headsets, PC gaming controllers and other PC peripherals through its Saitek brand, and develops, manufactures and markets proprietary portable earphones under its AirDrives brand. Mad Catz distributes its products through most of the leading retailers offering interactive entertainment products and has offices across Canada, Europe and Asia. For additional information please go to www.madcatz.com, as well as www.gameshark.com, www.airdrives.com, www.saitek.com and www.joytech.net.

The thing when I demoed Wii Sport Resort I noticed that the controller was longer now and asked Nintendo if the charger would still work. Ask Nyko was their reply, so I did.

Unfortunately, it won't work, at least not while the Wii Motion Plus device is attached. The Nyko guys told me they were already looking at ways to solve the problem. They added that they believe the Wii Motion Plus attachment doesn't contain batteries, meaning it likely draws power from the Remote, which would likely reduce the battery life for the controller.

Bad news all around.

While it may look like a snazzy Wavebird-style controller shell, what we think we're seeing is merely the original patent for the Wii Classic Controller. That device thankfully dropped the need for multiple controller shells — others in the style of SNES and NES pads are also in the patent — and kept the Wii Remote tethered to the controller by a cord, not slotted in as seen above.

Feel free to poke around the patent, linked below, for drawings of Wii controller patents that you can color and make your own!

Game Controller Device [USPTO - thanks, Jim!]

Hit the jump for close-ups and a quick explanation of each new feature.

The Slider: The new guitar controller's coolest feature lets players muck with sustained notes with finger slides up and down the slider strip area. It can also be used to tap out notes like a virtual Eddie Van Halen for those note heavy Dragonforce moments. In Guitar Hero World Tour's music editor, the slider acts as an arpeggiator, playing rapid-fire notes with in the Music Studio mode's various arpeggio styles.

The Knob: It's a knob. And it's definitely the least exciting new aspect of the updated guitar controller. Hey, it looks cool. Let's talk about The Accelerometer instead. That little piece of hardware can be used to adjust the pitch of your notes in the game's music editor, doing double duty as the device that sense you want to engage Star Power mode. But if you like to keep things level...

The Bridge: See that "Star Power" line of text on the new bridge button? Yeah, that's how you'll activate Star Power, should you not feel like erecting your axe with a quick thrust. In the game's music editor, it'll let you add palm-muted notes to your tracks for a little variety. Cool.

The ultimate game controller [Cnet]

the ultimate xbox 360 arcade controller [Technabob, via Gizmodo]

With the R2 button hanging by a thread, a sweeping upward motion is required to press it. The R1 button is missing entirely, and thus unusable. The L1 button has been knocked off its axis a bit, although it still works. And the PS button is stuck in the depressed position. Analog stick functions seem to work fine, as does patented SIXAXIS tilt control, insofar as patented SIXAXIS tilt control works at all.

I'm not the controller flinging type, though I do frequently threaten to toss consoles out my window; still, it's a funny (and perhaps relevant, depending on your play style) read.

Control Pad Stress Test: PlayStation 3 SIXAXIS, Control Pad Stress Test: Xbox 360 Control Pad, Control Pad Stress Test: The Wii Remote [Insult Swordfighting]

Verdict? It's 1960s Playboy magazine centerfold sexy: a bit dated for real use, but alright to look at for its historical significance.

eBay Listing [via gamelife]

The sexy, almost DS or PSP, looking device is actually a new wireless keyboard, remote controller from Logitech that happes to also work with the Playstation 3. The diNovo Mini includes a backlit keyboard, a click pad for pointing, scrolling and clicking and Bluetooth. It's not 100 percent clear what all you can do with your PS3 using this device, but I'm sure it will be a lot of fun finding out.

Logitech DiNovo Mini Wireless Keyboard Controls Windows Media Center and PS3 [Gizmodo]

[via: Digital Battle]

WiiShaft [via gizmodo]

[Image courtesy Gaming Nexus]

Forums on GameSpot and the official Guitar Hero site are getting hit with a number of complaints about faulty Guitar Hero III controllers. Apparently some of the buttons will flake out over time with some controllers. It seems that a lot of gamers suspect that the guitar's detachable neck is to blame.

There's a lot of speculation so far, but no official word from Activision or RedOctane, which is unfortunate. I contacted the company this morning for a comment and they've yet to get back to me. We'll update or do another post once we hear some sort of official word. What about you, have you had any problems? The 360 I demoed with was fine and the Wii guitar had a momentary problem but seems fine again.

Guitar Hero III: Problems with the Detachable Neck [Law of the Game]

Otherwise wasted button-pushing energy is transformed into a massage and the addicted game player becomes an inexhaustible masseur.

Massage Me [via nextgen]

I thought you might want to take a peek at the new Xbox 360 controller for Ace Combat 6. The flight stick is made by Hori, so it's not surprising that along with the slick look, it is packed with useful buttons and has a nice heft to it. I can't talk about how Ace Combat 6 is yet, but that embargo lifts soon enough.

Product Page [via pocketgamer]

Wandering the already teeming halls of Tokyo Game Show Thursday I stumbled upon what can only be described by abusing the English language: A broom video game controller that you actually ride to play.

The demo was in Japanese, as was the pamphlet, but it looked as if you played by sitting on a small bicycle seat, dangling your legs down on either side of the broomstick mounted beneath it. The player apparently leans forward to get a hold of the controller and a better view of the screen. According to the pamphlet for Online Mega's Parse Rorunpe you can also tilt the seat forward and backwards 10 degrees. I'm not sure if this is for controlling the game or just so you can pretend you're riding a pony instead of the most awesomest controller ever. Oh and they're are witches, though I'm pretty sure the game doesn't feature any touching. Don't tell Ash.

My son has been on the verge of crawling for a couple weeks, but what finally got him to push himself over the top was the tantalizing promise of an Xbox 360 controller, which I cruelly had to take from him afterward for fear he'd slobber it to death.

The only catch is that the mod only works with 3rd or 4th gen iPods. But that's all right. It was all downhill after generation three when build materials became cheaper, and buttons transformed into a "click wheel."

NES Controller iPod Remote [via playgadgets]

The only element we're not sold on is the whammy bar which, though coated with with rubber "to prevent screen damage," doesn't seem to work next to the strum bar. Activision, Harmonix, whoever-the-hell has the rights now—let's make it happen. But an FYI: as long as the fret buttons are in tact, I can just strum with the buttons. You know, if that will help or something.

Concept by Dan Moore.

I took apart a small switch, put a broken drill-bit into the upper part of the switch (not the electric, but the mechanical), because it is hard, so it won't break (it will be pushing the buttons). After that i cut the trigger-pad in half, soldered it (common GND!!) glued the button gums to the trigger pad, placed it to the switch as seen on the pic and glued the whole thing. It works perfectly!!!!!

How to make a PS2 Guitar Hero controller out of scratch [via engadget]

Part of the Real Gear Robots line, it's due to hit stores next month. The rest of the line transforms into things like watches, digital cameras, and other consumer electronics mainstays— even one that looks like a Bluetooth headset. I'll assume that one is a Decepticon. And a total dick.

Get Hooked on expensive Wiimote decoration [Wii Fanboy]

How-To genius and hacker Ben Heckendorn whipped up this cool little Playstation 3 design on spec.

Some (angry?) Playstation 3 gamer paid Heck to stuff the guts of two Playstation 3 Sixaxis controllers into two Xbox 360 controller cases. The end result, a mind-warping Sixaxis controller ala Microsoft. Brian Crecente

PS360 Controller [Ben Heck]

Lurking deep in the Craftster forum is a very dedicated individual who has figured out how to take two ugly chairs from work (free of course) and turn them into eBay millions.

Boingo82 has put together a very impressive NES controller chair that is sewn together with vinyl (very pro, you need a pretty heavy-duty sewing machine to do this, and a lot of patience) and industrial foam. The stitching detail is really very good and it looks like a chair that can be sat in, not just for show.

Hat's off to you! Kim Phu

NINTENDO chair-UPDATE - DONE! [Craftster via Tanooki]

Let's bust out the controller's measurements: 100cm by 43cm. This elephant-sized NES control pad was created from balsa wood, styrene plastic and foam by deviant artist Eyes5. The artist explains:

There's a nifty used games store that just opened up near me called Gamedeals. I got to know the proprieter pretty well and he asked me to make a big NES controller for his window display. I say, sure no problem, and two weeks later this is the result. And no, it doesn't actually work to play NES games.

Bummer! Make a jumbo NES Zapper, and you'll be forgiven. Brian Ashcraft

Giant Controller [Deviant Art via The Last Boss]

As we dig in for the evening, here's a collection of retro game controllers, joysticks, dpads and whatnots. Don't really care if you can name 'em, but rather, if you have 'em. Okay, so which of these do you own? Bragging rights in the comments section. Brian Ashcraft

Name That Pad [Urban Retro Lifestyle]

Using motion controls is so 2006. Using your brain to dictate game play is teh future. Australian star-up Emotiv created a mind-reading game controller prototype called Project Epoc that's getting over a million dollars in funding from the Australian government. From Emotiv's website:

Project Epoc is a headset that uses a set of sensors to tune into electric signals naturally produced by the brain to detect player thoughts, feelings and expression. It connects wirelessly with all game platforms from consoles to PCs. Project Epoc now makes it possible for games to be controlled and influenced by the player's mind.

Engaging, immersive, and nuanced, Emotiv-inspired game-play will be like nothing ever seen before.

Jacking into the Matrix! We should really strap on Plunkett's head to see what the hell happens. Luke, thoughts? Brian Ashcraft

Brain Controller [Emotiv via Med Gadget]

Want to dress up those SIXAXIS analog sticks? Me neither. But for those of you who do (and, really, why?), here are sets of ten analog stick-covers. There are five different kinds which range to standard black, silver, white, blue and pink. And the point of these rubber caps being...? Brian Ashcraft

PS3 Analog Covers [Famitsu]

That sweet custom crafted Guitar Hero controller that Joel Johnsn was selling on eBay for his Child's Play Funde Razor wrapped up recently, bringing in another $1,026 to the charity. That pushes the charity drive to more than three times what it made last year. Brian Crecente

Xbox 360 Wireless Controller [Amazon]
[via: Bits, Bytes, Pixels and Sprites]

The proceeds for the guitar, made by Joel Miller ID, will be given directly to Child's Play.

The guitar being auctioned is the red-and-black model with flames. (The other two guitars were raffled off at the event.) It has been tested to work with both Guitar Hero and Guitar Hero II and includes a wireless dongle. It uses batteries which can be replaced by removing a screw-off panel on the back. The headstock features a custom F nde Razor II logo, making this a unique change to own a part of F nde Razor II history. (Okay, that doesn't mean much, but still...)

Winners will receive the guitar, dongle, a strap, a soft case, and a guitar stand. They will also receive the warm feeling of knowing that they're getting a totally radical guitar and helping to buy toys and games for the children treated at the Montefiore Children's Hospital in the Bronx.

I entered the first $50 bid only to find that the auction hadn't yet met the minimum. Damn you Joel, damn you to hell! Brian Crecente

Custom Crafted Guitar Hero Controller in Real Guitar [eBay]

God. Damnit. IGN has attempted, and failed, to get the newly released PlayStation 2 title Guitar Hero II to work on their shiny new Sony monolith, only to be foiled by a forehead-smackingly bad design decision.

We assumed that Guitar Hero and its sequel would work perfectly well on the PlayStation 3. Unfortunately, that doesn't seem to be the case. When you pop in a PS2 or PSone game, you're prompted to tap the PlayStation button on the controller. For what reason, we're not sure, but as Guitar Hero's SG controller doesn't have this button, you can't actually activate it. You also can't quick-swap from one controller to another as the second part of the problem lies in that you need to turn on analog control, but again, the SG guitar doesn't have an on/off button for analog play.

Surely their must be a way around this! This is, like, apocalyptically bad news.

I guess I'll keep my old North American PS2 around for a little while longer. But while we cry out to the heavens for mercy, let us pray that the folks at Sony are working diligently this weekend on a fix. Michael McWhertor

Guitar Hero II Compatible with PS3? [IGN]