After years of providing personal interface products for PC desktops, Logitech today staked a significant claim in the console gaming peripherals market. With five products unveiled at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), Logitech is bringing its award-winning technologies and industrial design to the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the Nintendo GameCube™, and the Xbox.
“With 20 years of experience in helping people to communicate with their PC in an intuitive manner, we believe we are well positioned to bring this expertise to the nine billion dollar videogame industry,” said Guerrino De Luca, Logitech’s president and chief executive officer. “We intend to create peripherals for all of the top systems, as part of our larger commitment to help people work, play and communicate in the digital world, no matter where they are.
“As with our current family of entertainment products for the PC platform, our focus is to enhance the gaming experience for console fans,” Mr. De Luca added. “We’re combining our experience with our award-winning technologies, such as cordless and force feedback, to deliver quality, innovation, realism, and fun.”
Logitech entered the console market last year, with the launch of its highly successful force feedback steering wheel for PlayStation®2. With today’s announcement, the company’s lineup now includes:
- Logitech® USB Headset for PlayStation 2
- Logitech® Cordless Controller for PlayStation®, PS one™, and PlayStation 2
- Logitech® NetPlay™ Controller for PlayStation 2
- Logitech® Driving Force™ Wheel for PlayStation 2
- Logitech® Speed Force™ Wheel for Nintendo GameCube
- Logitech® Cordless Controller for Xbox
Logitech Cordless Controller for Xbox
Logitech also announced a cordless controller compatible with the Xbox. Scheduled for release later this year, the Logitech® Cordless Controller will allow gamers cord-free control with all of the functionality of a standard Xbox controller.
“We believe the best way to take advantage of the superior graphics and processing speed of the Xbox is with first-class peripherals,” said Ted Hoff, vice president and general manager of Logitech’s Interactive Entertainment Division. “Our 2.4GHz cordless radio frequency technology has allowed us to create an excellent controller – combining precise control and freedom of movement with lag-free performance from virtually anywhere in a room.”
The Logitech Cordless Controller for Xbox utilizes special 2.4 GHz cordless radio frequency technology developed by Logitech to offer Xbox gamers complete freedom of movement. It features the Xbox standard button layout, and its unique design gives gamers a comfortable grip that can accommodate almost any hand size. The controller offers dual vibration feedback for enhanced gaming realism and a 50+ hour battery life that is achieved with four AA batteries. By using the Cordless Controller for Xbox, gamers will no longer be restricted with the cord found in most gaming controllers, and can roam freely around the room while experiencing lag-free gameplay from more than 20 feet away. The receiver includes bays for both a memory card and a headset.
The Cordless Controller for Xbox will be available from retailers and at www.logitech.com for $69.95 (US).
Logitech USB Headset and the LogitechNetPlay Controller
Logitech will show its new product line for the PlayStation®, PS one™ game console and the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. Scheduled for release later this year, the Logitech® USB Headset and the Logitech® NetPlay™ Controller will support online games for PlayStation 2, while the Logitech® Cordless Controller will help PlayStation, PS one and PlayStation 2 fans “keep their wires from getting crossed.”
“Developers for PlayStation continue to stock the system with fun and innovative games, and our goal is to complement this richness of choices with the richest controller experiences possible,” said Ted Hoff, vice president and general manager of Logitech’s Interactive Entertainment Division. “Working closely with Sony Computer Entertainment allows us to develop even more innovative, easy-to-use peripherals for PlayStation fans, complementing the system’s power and flexibility and the quality of its games.”
Logitech® USB Headset
The Logitech USB Headset for PlayStation 2, designed to support voice command recognition, voice over IP, and voice recording, brings a new dimension of interaction to the gamer. Shipping with Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc’s much anticipated team-based online game, “SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs,” the Logitech headset is ideal for online game play. Now, gamers will be able to bark orders, whisper maneuvers to their team and totally engage in the on-screen action.
Logitech Speed Force
Logitech announced the Logitech® Speed Force™, the only true force feedback wheel for Nintendo GameCube, as well as the accompanying Logitech® Accessory Pack for Speed Force, which comes complete with authentic foot pedals and a comfortable lap attachment. Both products are currently under licensing review by Nintendo.
“Nintendo platforms are renowned for their high-quality games and excellent gameplay. With genuine force feedback and precise control, Speed Force complements this focus on gameplay and adds to the entertainment value of driving games for Nintendo GameCube,” said Ted Hoff, vice president and general manager of Logitech’s Interactive Entertainment Division. “Logitech has considerable experience in developing high-quality force feedback wheels -- this ensures that Speed Force will provide a tremendously engaging and realistic driving experience.
“We expect that many gamers will also want the Accessory Pack for Speed Force, which will help create an excellent, arcade-like driving experience at home.”
Logitech Speed Force
Unlike the “vibrating” response of other racing wheels, the Logitech Speed Force for Nintendo GameCube features genuine force feedback, which delivers the most thrilling driving experience to be had on the platform. The Speed Force features analog paddle shifters and a full, easy-to-reach Nintendo GameCube control set, along with contemporary styling, and a sturdy leather-textured plastic grip. Strong and convenient dual clamps allow the wheel to be firmly attached to most tables or desks to ensure the best stability during racing action.
Logitech and Nintendo are working closely with game developers to ensure that there will be a variety of compelling games available which have been enhanced to support the Speed Force wheel. Compatible games will bear an official compatibility logo on their packaging.
Scheduled to ship this Fall, Logitech Speed Force will allow fans of Nintendo GameCube racing games to slam on the brakes, negotiate tight turns, and master tough tracks with realism and accuracy that mimics a true-to-life driving experience. Speed Force will be available from retailers and at www.logitech.com at a suggested retail price of $49.95 (US).
Logitech Accessory Pack for Speed Force
To complete the racing experience, Logitech also offers an Accessory Pack for the Speed Force. Featuring convenient gas and brake pedals with a non-slip base, the Accessory Pack also includes a comfortable lap attachment, enabling the driving experience to be enjoyed in almost any environment. Also available at www.logitech.com at a suggested retail price of $29.95 (US), the Accessory Pack drives home the authenticity of the Speed Force wheel.
Logitech® Freedom 2.4 Cordless Joystick
Logitech® MOMO Racing Force Feedback Wheel
Logitech announced two new PC gaming products. Representing state-of-the-art game controller technology, the Logitech® Freedom™ 2.4 Cordless Joystick and the Logitech® MOMO® Racing Force Feedback Wheel are slated to ship early this fall.
Logitech Raises the Bar for the tried-and-true Joystick
Logitech’s Freedom 2.4 Cordless Joystick combines precision and quick response with cordless freedom. With Logitech’s reliable 2.4GHz cordless radio frequency technology, Freedom 2.4 allows gamers to comfortably sit more than 20 feet away. Now they can play how and where they want, and eliminate irritating clutter from their desks. Three AA batteries provide more than 50 hours of gameplay, while ten programmable buttons, an eight-way hat switch, and a twist handle allow for the ultimate in joystick control. The joystick also includes a pager-sized receiver with a Status Indicator and a USB connector.
Logitech gave the Freedom 2.4 an entirely new and substantially improved design, with a sleek handle, designed for comfort and excellent access to the buttons and hat, that comes mounted on a stable rubber base. There are a number of premium touches as well, from the rubberized hat to the aluminum trigger, throttle, faceplate, and collar. Like other Logitech PC gaming products, Freedom 2.4 includes Logitech® Profiler™ software for total programmability. The joystick will be available from retailers and at www.logitech.com for $69.95 (US).
Logitech Uses the Force
The Logitech® MOMO® Racing Force Feedback Wheel features a sleek, 10” MOMO® designed wheel that is completely encased in rubber for excellent grip and comfort yet also provides 240 degrees of rotation for steering precision.
The MOMO® Racing Force Feedback Wheel also offers extensive and versatile programmable controls. It features six easy-to-reach buttons on the center hub and a pair of sturdy paddle shifters. However, it also sports a MOMO® designed manual shift knob with precise sequential shifting action. The shift knob can be moved by the gamer from the right to the left side of the wheel console and back. Whether gamers prefer American stock car racing, European rally racing, or formula-type cars, this wheel offers an ideal solution for quick, realistic gear changes.
In addition, the wheel has a triple clamping system that locks to prevent it from coming loose, allowing it to be secured to many different surfaces. It is compatible with the Logitech lap attachment (sold separately), an accessory that allows gamers to comfortably use the wheel while seated away from a table or desk.
The full-size gas and brake pedals feature realistic brake feel, a non-slip floorboard and one of the largest, most stable pedal bases on the market today. The base also includes a carpet grip system, which helps keep the pedals firmly in place on carpeted floors.
The MOMO® Racing Force Feedback Wheel will be available from retailers and at www.logitech.com for $99.95 (US).
“These new products emphasize two of the hottest gaming technologies, cordless and realistic force feedback,” said Ted Hoff, vice president and general manager of Logitech’s Interactive Entertainment Division. “The impressive sales of the Logitech® Cordless RumblePad™ proves that our cordless technology is excellent for gaming and that gamers are motivated to ‘cut the cord.’
“The Logitech® MOMO® Racing Force Feedback Wheel is another stride forward in our attempt to offer the best steering wheels on the market at all relevant price points.”