Here we get our first look at the Mad Catz Modern Warfare 2 lineup. First announced last month, it consists of custom controllers for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, that lovely Cyborg keyboard and a mouse for the PC, the obligatory decals, and a couple of communicators for the console versions.

Perhaps the most intriguing is the Xbox 360 throat communicator, modeled after the same ones the military uses to facilitate clear communication in combat situations. Now I'll be able to hear other Xbox Live users calling me a dickhead with a clarity I've never before experienced! I can't wait.

Yes, there will be console skins and branded controllers from Mad Catz, but that's just a small selection of the merchandise Mad Catz has up its sleeves. Hell, even the branded controllers are something special, with both the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions sporting two additional buttons on the rear, perfect for shifting melee and sprint away from the analog control sticks.

Both consoles are also getting unique communication options - a Bluetooth headset for the PS3 and a military design throat microphone for the 360, which sounds like an excellent solution for those gaming in high-noise environments.

On the PC side of things, Mad Catz is rolling out a game pad, a mouse, and two keyboards, one of which is built off of the Saitek Cyborg line of gaming keyboards, which is the one I currently use. $99 is a bit steep, but I've been extremely satisfied.

For a full listing of products and prices, simply scroll down. The full line is expected to release in conjunction with the game this November.

• Modern Warfare™ 2 Combat Controller – Xbox 360

Complete with a host of features designed to customize the in-game experience, the Modern Warfare 2 Combat Controller has Rubber Grips and a soft-touch finish for extended gaming sessions. Featuring two unique buttons located on the rear of the Controller, players can re-map Action Button or Thumbstick commands empowering players to shift melee or sprint to the rear buttons in order to maintain full motion control on the analog sticks. Immersive Analog ThumbStick Backlighting enhances the in-game atmosphere while Dual Vibration Feedback allows the user to experience every shot and explosion. Lastly, the fully braided connection cable provides a robust and latency free connection with the console.

MSRP: $49.99

• Modern Warfare™ 2 Throat Communicator – Xbox 360

Based on authentic military design, the Modern Warfare 2 Throat Communicator allows gamers to comfortably communicate with teammates and other Xbox LIVE® players. Fashioned in authentic graphics, the unique microphone design reduces background noise and allows gamers to clearly communicate with each other, bringing them closer to the field ops experience. The Throat Communicator is fully compatible with the official Microsoft® controller as well as the Mad Catz Modern Warfare 2 Combat Controller.

MSRP: $29.99

• Modern Warfare™ 2 Faceplate and Console Skinz – Xbox 360

Featuring custom Modern Warfare 2 artwork, both the highly collectible Controller Faceplate and Console Skinz allow gamers to customize their Xbox 360 and official controller. Depicting official in-game art, the Console Faceplate attaches simply and safely, transforming your console in seconds and the removable Console Skinz wrap around the sides of the Xbox 360, providing a fully immersive themed landscape.

MSRP: $29.99

• Modern Warfare™ 2 Wireless Combat Controller – PS3™

Modern Warfare 2 Wireless Combat Controller for PLAYSTATION 3 utilizes a secure 2.4 GHz wireless link to connect with the console for accurate wire-free action. Featuring two unique buttons located on the rear of the Controller, players can re-map Action Button or Thumbstick commands empowering players to shift melee or sprint to the rear buttons in order to maintain full motion control on the analog sticks. The Controller features Immersive Analog ThumbStick Backlighting and an internal Rechargeable Battery that allows for charging directly from the console's USB port and provides up to 60 hours of game play from a single charge.

MSRP: $49.99

• Modern Warfare™ 2 Wireless Headset with Bluetooth® Technology – PS3

Sophisticated, discrete and fashioned with Modern Warfare 2 graphics, the Headset for PLAYSTATION 3 allows for wire-free communication with teammates and PlayStation Network™ (PSN™) users. Featuring a high-quality, noise-reducing microphone, ideal for frantic game play, the Headset utilizes Bluetooth 2.0 wireless technology, and operates at a range of up to 30 feet from the console.

MSRP: $39.99

• Modern Warfare™ 2 Controller Faceplates – Xbox 360 & PLAYSTATION 3

Depicting official artwork from Modern Warfare 2, the highly collectible Controller Faceplate allows gamers to customize their official Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 controllers in style. Highly durable and featuring a high-gloss finish, the safe and removable Controller Faceplate attaches in seconds to the official controller and features authentic artwork to support the game (Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 Controller Faceplate sold separately).

MSRP: $14.99

• Modern Warfare™ 2 Combat GamePad – PC

For those who enjoy gaming on their PC but prefer the feel of a gamepad over a keyboard and mouse, the Modern Warfare 2 Combat GamePad provides a comfortable and highly ergonomic method of play. Featuring full analog control, the Combat GamePad is fashioned in authentic Modern Warfare 2 artwork and comes complete with a complement of four Action Buttons and four Trigger Buttons as well as a stable eight-way D-Pad delivering precision and accuracy where fast response is crucial to survival. Pre-programmed for Modern Warfare 2, the Combat GamePad ships with software that allows gamers to reprogram the four Action Buttons to suit their personal preferences or for use with other software titles. The Combat GamePad is compatible with Windows™ 7, Vista™ and XP™.

MSRP: $24.99

• Modern Warfare™ 2 Sniper Mouse – PC

Fine-tuned for razor-sharp assault, the Modern Warfare 2 Sniper Mouse allows for precision in-game control. Instantly adjustable DPI (‘Dot Per Inch') allows gamers to adjust the speed of the mouse cursor at any time, ideal for a multitude of missions and varying styles of play. A built-in weight cartridge allows gamers to add or subtract weights from the Mouse tailoring the feel for personal preference. Fashioned in fully authentic graphics, the Sniper Mouse is certain to be the weapon of choice for PC enthusiasts. Pre-programmed for Modern Warfare 2, the Mouse ships with software that allows gamers to reprogram the Mouse Buttons to suit their personal preference or for use with other software titles. The Sniper Mouse is compatible with Windows 7, Vista and XP.

MSRP: $49.99

• Modern Warfare™ 2 Combat Keyboard – PC

The Modern Warfare 2 Combat Keyboard features ‘Anti-Ghosting' in key action areas and a Windows Key Lock to prevent accidental disruption to game play. Easily accessible Media Keys provide instant access to volume control, play/pause and other essential media-related functions and a weighted base with strategically placed large rubber feet that prevent the keyboard from slipping off the desk. Pre-programmed for Modern Warfare 2, the Combat Keyboard ships with software that allows gamers to reprogram Function Buttons to suit their personal preference or for use with other software titles. The Combat Keyboard is compatible with Windows 7, Vista and XP.

MSRP: $49.99

• Modern Warfare™ 2 Elite Keyboard – PC

Built on the successful ‘Cyborg™' Keyboard platform, the Modern Warfare 2 Elite Keyboard is ideal for those who take their gaming seriously and will prove to be an essential ally in the field. Multi-Color backlighting, including adjustable brightness and ‘Tru-Vu™' illumination, provides gamers with the ability to set ambient lighting, ranging from red through to amber and green. Touch-Sensitive Back-Lit Dashboard controls provide access to keyboard lighting and media functions. Further aiding in the custom nature of the keyboard, the WASD, cursor, ‘Cyborg™' and NumPad keys can all be lit independently from the rest of the keyboard, allowing players to highlight keys commonly used in-game. One-touch ‘Cyborg' mode instantly disables the Windows™ keys and adjusts the keyboard illumination to desired settings for simple set-up and no fewer than twelve Cyborg keys can be programmed to replicate any sequence of keyboard presses in a single button. Durable Metal-Plated key caps provide reinforced strength on the most commonly used gaming keys and gold-plated connectors for USB and microphone inputs allow other accessories to be passed through the keyboard without accessing the PC. Pre-programmed for Modern Warfare 2, the Elite Keyboard ships with software that allows gamers to reprogram Keyboard Buttons to suit their personal preference or for use with other software titles. The Elite Keyboard is compatible with Windows 7, Vista and XP.

MSRP: $99.99

The new lineup is an expansion of Logitech's gaming G-series.

“The G-series product line is all about seeing how far we can push the envelope, giving gamers extraordinary, engineered-to-win features developed as a result of our deep connection with the gaming community,” said Ruben Mookerjee, Logitech’s director of product marketing for gaming. “With each one of these new G-series products, gamers gain exceptional benefits; but most importantly, they can transform their gear to suit their gameplay.”

The G19 keyboard features a tiltable 320-by-240 pixel color GamePanel LCD that can display in-game details from more than 60 games. Yes, including World of Warcraft. The display can also show computer details, void data and even pictures or videos. The keyboard also includes 12 programmable keys, with three macros per a key, a game mode switch that disables the Windows key, and two 2.0 USB ports.

They keyboard, due out in March, will sell for a whopping $200.

The G35 surround sound headset includes 7.1 surround sound support, a microphone, six voice-morphing options, three programmable keys on the left earpiece to control voice morphing, and volume, microphone mute and surround sound controls. The headset also comes with three swappable headbands.

The headphones, also due out in March, will sell for $130.

Finally, the G9x Laser Mouse includes on-the-fly adjustable dpi from 200 to 5000 dpi, two interchangeable grips, onboard memory for up to five profiles, a weight-tuning system and custom-color LEDs.

The G9x, due out in April, will sell for $100.

From the looks of it, the remote-sized 3-in-1 wireless keyboard remote functions as your standard Blu-ray disc remote, with a slide-out keyboard complete with tiny dual-analog sticks to help move yourself about. As a person who currently uses a wired USB keyboard for PlayStation Home and has lost his Blu-ray remote, this seems like a lovely solution, especially at only $28. And just look at the product reviews!

Works great and very cheaper.Once I was landing this website , I didn't want to get down ! I wish I can carry all products in breast and take them home!

I dare you to find a more glowing recommendation than that.

PS3 3in1 Wireless keyboard controller remote [Success HK - Thanks Wraggy!]

..NO! Heresy! Microsoft and Sony were never meant to be combined in this way! That is right up there with co-habiting dogs & cats, that is.

A depraved hardware modder over at AcidMods has taken an Xbox 360 Chatpad and performed unholy rituals upon it to make it work with the PSP. There was probably solder involved. Solder and goat's blood.

PSP Phat and Slim Open Keyboard in action!!!!! [AcidMods via PocketGamer]

The guys over at Epileptic Gaming have put together a couple of quick videos to show off just how easy it is to import Unreal Tournament 3 mods from your computer to your Playstation 3. Hit the jump for a video that shows you how you can add mouse and keyboard support for the PS3 version of the game.

Epileptic Gaming

Gizmodo had a chance to go hands on with that sexy OLED keyboard that can change each key to whatever you want instantly. The good news is that the Optimus Maximus keyboard itself functions like it should, it's responsive, snappy, but not too noisy. The ability to customize your keys also seems pretty locked-down. The only downside I could see from the hands-on at CES was that the keyboard gets greasy "very greasy" when you use it. That sounds like a HUGE issue to me. As someone who uses his keyboard so much the letters actually wear away, I couldn't stand having a board that was tactilely disagreeable, which is a pretty big disappointment for me because I've been jonesing for this keyboard since it was first announced back in the 1500s.

Hands on With Optimus Maximus Keyboard [Gizmodo]

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]

"Female gamers have an incredibly high set of standards when it comes to quality as well as design," said Bob Costlow, director of sales, WOLFKING. "You can't just paint something pink and say it's for girls. The Girl Gamer products give women access to fully functioning, hardcore gaming devices, but with an aesthetic touch."

And that's it. They added pink. This makes it for girls.

I was going to go into a lengthy tirade about the differences between girl gamers and guy gamers basically coming down to genitalia and sometimes facial hair, neither of which currently affect your ability to play a video game, but every time I talk about women and men, someone takes it the wrong way and I end up getting lambasted for being some kind of chauvinist. Instead, here's a picture of a pony. His name is Lucky. Incidentally, don't Google Image Search the phrase "lucky pony" without your adult filters firmly in place.

(Update): WOLFKING sent me pictures of the items, seen above. As you can tell it is a more subtle pink. Not sure if that's better or worse.

WOLFKING Creates Line of Custom Designed Gaming Devices

Girl Gamer WARRIOR and TROOPER with Flamingo Pink Accents Available Exclusively Through Dell

(Englewood, NJ) - November 20, 2007 - WolfKing, a world leader in the innovation and creation of gaming input devices, today announced it is customizing its award-winning WARRIOR gaming pad and TROOPER gaming mouse to appeal to female PC gamers. The specially designed gaming devices, which will be sold exclusively through Dell, provide the same high level of quality that consumers have come to expect from WOLFKING.

The Girl Gamer WARRIOR (MSRP: $34.99) features the same 54-key circular layout and USB 2.0 plug-and-play capability as the original WARRIOR, but now features a Flamingo Pink accent gradient on top of a full stealth black matte finish, with polished deep black audio keys. It offers all the functionality of the WARRIOR, but with a feminine touch.

The Girl Gamer Gear TROOPER (MSRP: $39.99) also features the Flamingo Pink accent over a 6.4 megapixels-per-second laser mouse with a dpi range of 800-2200. The sense of style doesn't compromise the high-end gaming mouse functionality gamers expect from the TROOPER.

"Female gamers have an incredibly high set of standards when it comes to quality as well as design," said Bob Costlow, director of sales, WOLFKING. "You can't just paint something pink and say it's for girls. The Girl Gamer products give women access to fully functioning, hardcore gaming devices, but with an aesthetic touch."

That's about it. There are some stability updates in the browser, hyperlinks can now be messaged and the "Everybody Votes" channel now allows users to ask questions of their own (via the new keyboard support). Meanwhile, my PS3 has already been crowned runner up to my laptop in Living Room Porn Machine of Choice. And until Wii gives me something more than keyboard support, that's the way it will stay. Quick poll: Is anyone out there really browsing on their consoles? I have a 46" HD and web pages look nice, but I still prefer the easier, known interface of my laptop running Firefox.

Wii 3.1 firmware upgrade now avaliable, includes USB keyboard support [opposablethumbs]

Razer showed off a new gaming keyboard and headset toay at the World Cyber Games 2007 Grand Finals in Seattle this week. The Lycosa has backlit keys, super-fast response times and a number of other gaming features while the Piranha supports stereo sound and features a noise-filtering microphone.

I'm not so sure about Razer. I've been using their DeathAdder mouse for awhile now and not only does it not seem that sensitive to me, it actually sometimes acts up. I also tested out their Barracuda sound card and headphones and both have major issues, so I've stopped using them. I'm starting to suspect that they make average products and just slap a neat name on it. What sort of experience have you had with their products?

Lycosa
• Keytop with non-slip rubber finish
• Backlight illumination with WASD cluster lighting option
• Fully-programmable keys with macro capability
• Gaming cluster with anti-ghosting capability
• Slim keycap structure with Hyperesponse™ technology
• TouchPanel™ easy access media keys
• Gaming mode option for deactivation of the Windows key
• 10 customizable software profiles with on-the-fly switching
• 1000Hz Ultrapolling™ / 1ms response time
• Earphone-out and microphone-in jacks
• Detachable wrist rest
• One integrated USB extension port

Piranha
• Stereo sound with true-to-life audio quality with superior clarity and bass
• Adjustable, noise-filtering microphone for clearer in-game communication
• Comfortable, ergonomic and adjustable earphones suitable for prolonged use
• In-line remote control with convenient volume and microphone muting adjustments
• Single-sided cable for hassle-free usage
• Durable braided fiber cable protection
• Compatible with VoIP communication applications like TeamSpeak, Ventrilo and Skype
• Compatible with most major operating systems
• Usable with CD, DVD and digital audio players (via 3.5mm minijack)

Logitech's new Cordless Bluetooth Vantage Headset is a high quality, noise-filtering device that runs up to 12 hours on rechargeable batteries. That's the length of some multiplayer fests for many of our readers, but Bluetooth sucks the battery power. And besides, it will match your keyboard beutifully. Both peripherals are priced at a hefty $80 and will be in stores this November.

Logitech Accessories [gizmodo]

I only have two keyboard purchasing criteria myself. Coolness factor, and clickiness. Give me a sleek machine under my fingertips with far too many buttons clicking so loud that cicadas get hot and bothered. Strangely enough, I happen to own winners in all three of ET's main categories, so I'm doing something right. The MERC gaming keyboard from Ideazon tied with the Wolf Claw Type II for best gaming keyboard, the Saitek Eclipse II with stylin purple backlit keys takes home the general crown, and the WolfKing Warrior runs circles around the other gaming keypads.

Don't worry, I didn't spoil all the fun! Head over to ExtremeTech to see the winners for weirdest, most innovative, most ergonomic, and most over-hyped keyboards of 2006. Michael Fahey

Keyboard Kraziness: Best and Worst [ExtremeTech]
Or maybe you're a mouse man?

The XFPS people just shot me three clips showing off their XFPS device. The XFPS allows you to play Xbox 360 shooters with a mouse and keyboard.

This first clip shows the device in action. The next two, after the jump, shows the process of setting up the device and configuring keys.

Yes, mouse and keyboard gaming have come to 360 games, for better or for worse. Brian Crecente

Connecting

Configuring

If you're one of "us", the XCM 360 XFPS (great name, guys) might be what you need. Here's what it supports (clearly English is not their first language):

We will release the XCM 360 XFPS very soon, the function of XCM 360 XFPS: 1.Can let your xbox 360 controller has auto fire function. 2.Compatible with PS 2 Dual shock 2 (you can use PS 2 Dual shock 2 controller on Xbox 360 console) 3.Compatible with PC mouse and keyboard, it might be able to use on Halo 3.

[SIC]

Keep in mind that not every game will support KB&M controls, so this may be a crap shoot. Pre-orders are open now, but I'd hold off for a solid review. Michael McWhertor

XCM Official Site [via MaxConsole]

You will be happy to hear that both the Playstation 2 keyboard by Logitech and the PS2's EyeToy work on the Playstation 3.

The keyboard, and I believe this is true of all USB keyboard, allows you to enter text in any text field and requires no set-up. You can go into the accessory settings on the console to tweak the settings if you'd like to, but you don't need to.

With the EyeToy, I plugged it into a USB port and went to Accessories and then Test Camera on the console's menu. In Test Camera it first said no device found, but a few seconds later a live image from the camera popped up with the words USB Camera next to it. This makes me think that any USB camera might work and that it's not the EyeToy specifically being detected.

I tried using the Xbox 360's Vision Camera and while it detected that a USB device was plugged in, it didn't work. Too bad, that would have been hilarious.

While the EyeToy sends live video to the PS3, I couldn't find anything to do with this ability, so I suppose we'll have to wait and see how they make use of it down the line. According to the online user manual for the PS3, once the network launches we will be able to both voice and video chat, so I suspect the EyeToy or any USB camera will work with that.

It's kinda cool that Sony left it open for gamers to use any USB device for things like the keyboard, camera and headset. I also love that you can use any Bluetooth headset with the console. Very neat. Brian Crecente

Microsoft is playing around with the idea of creating a new 360 controller that is more precise for playing shooters, Shack News reports. Speaking at Gamefest in Seattle, Msoft hardware manager Robert S. Walker said that while Msoft has no plans for future keyboard and mouse support for the 360, they are looking at ways to "modify the right analog stick on the controller to make it more conducive to the precise movements used in shooters and various other genres."

The new controller, if it was created, would not replace the current 360 controller, just be another option, he said. I don't see this as something that really needs any work. Microsoft just needs to get over the whole keyboard and mouse thing and allow developers to create games that support it. Final Fantasy Online already does and it works fine. Brian Crecente

Microsoft to Revise Xbox 360 Controller? [Shacknews]

The DS Lite? A problem for Sony? Pfff. Whatever. Sweat off Sony's back. Wanna know why? Sony's Sony that's why. The company's John Koller tells game site Joystiq:

There has been no impact on sales. We have had steady sales since before the DS Lite and to today. Looking at it objectively they've had a very successful launch, obviously, and I think they're seeing a lot of Nintendo loyalists jump back in the market and there's a lot of retail initiatives to trade in your old DS for a DS Lite. If you look at the numbers, they did very well in June. But, if you look at our numbers since launch until now, we have outsold the DS by approximately 900,000 units in North America. Statistically speaking they had a holiday head start on the PSP, so in terms who have sold more overall has been a back and forth.

He then goes on to say the DS is "more kid friendly" and that the top three things consumers want for the PSP are PS3 connectivity, a digital camera and instant messaging that can be accessed via the internet. I thought the top three user requests were a keyboard, a keyboard and a keyboard. Brian Ashcraft

More Here [Joystiq]

Oooooh, I know what I want for my birthday. ExtremeTech reports that the ultra-sexy Optimus OLED keypad is now shipping to customers who preordered them. I almost wet myself when I read the news, but then I saw it's only the mini, three-key variety. So lame. I still sorta want one, but what I really want is that hot full-sized OLED keyboard.

The mini is selling for $120 until Aug. 1, after that the price jumps to $160, leaving me to wonder just how expensive the full keyboard is going to run. This thing only has three keys. Three!

According to the site, the keyboard won't be shipping until closer to the end of the year. Brian Crecente

Optimus OLED Keypad Gets Ship Date, Price [Extreme Tech]

One of the Thumb Bandits Crew came up with her own logoed Xbox 360 Keyboard. Kinda cool. Unfortunately, like the rest of us, she can only use it to input text messages and to type in saved game names.

Thumb Bandits [Official Site]