Mad Catz® Interactive, Inc. (AMEX/TSX: MCZ), a leading worldwide third-party
interactive entertainment accessory provider, today announced the introduction of
the Pro Flight X65F Control System under its Saitek brand. A premium hands-on
throttle and stick flight simulation device, the X65F utilizes 'Force Sensing'
technology, a world first for a commercial gaming device.

Force Sensing technology simulates the authentic aircraft controls typically found
in modern fighter jets by responding to the pressure exerted on the stick while it
remains still at all times. With the stick remaining still and in-game movements
reacting only to the player's pressure, gamers can command with extreme precision
resulting in realistic, fatigue free response. In addition to the Force Sensing
Shaft and Twist Rudder Controls, the X65F affords gamers the opportunity to adjust
multiple aspects of the Force Sensing system on-the-fly, including adjustments for
each axis of the stick, resulting in customized control without the need to
interrupt game play,

Darren Richardson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz commented, "The
release of the new X65F demonstrates our intent to deliver industry-leading realism
in control systems and accessories for simulation game enthusiasts. We believe the
X65F is an ideal showcase for the innovation and engineering prowess of our Saitek
engineering team and believe that consumers will respond enthusiastically to the new
technology utilized in this product and look forward to its release in time for the
holiday season."

Exhibiting state-of-the-art technology along with premium build quality, the X65F is
constructed from metal, with a high-grade steel shaft containing no moving parts,
thus increasing the product's longevity.

Featuring a separate Dual Throttle with rear Switch Panel controls, the system
allows for finer precision when controlling a twin engine jet and can be locked
together when flying single engine aircraft. Both the Stick and Dual Throttle
Control Unit feature a comprehensive array of hats, buttons, triggers and switches
allowing total control of the most complex of aircraft and when combined with the
additional 5 control switches, Force-Sensing strength selection, mode indication and
mounting points for Saitek Pro-Flight Instrument Panels located on the rear panel,
gamers have access to an astonishing 608 possible commands without the need to ever
remove their hands from the X65F controls!

Ideal as the centrepiece of a premium professional flight simulation installation,
the X65F has been designed to seamlessly integrate with other products in the Saitek
Pro-Flight range, offering full compatibility with the Pro-Flight Instrument Panel
and Pedal System (both sold separately) to deliver an all encompassing flight
experience.

The X65F ships with Saiteks proprietary SST software, allowing users to reconfigure
multiple control aspects of the system to ensure compatibility with virtually all PC
flight simulation or flight action titles. In addition, the X65F is fully
compatible with Windows(tm)7, Vista(tm) and XP(tm) operating systems.

The Saitek Pro Flight X65F Control System is expected to be available across North
America and various European territories beginning in the fall of 2009 retailing for
an SRP of: $399.99 / £349.99.

Thanks for the press release/update; and the photo [RS]Wedge. But unless I win the lottery, this is all window shopping for me. It does seem that this , andthe latest Logitech offering, hve to be sold as a whole package, but it would be sweet to have them as individual components.
Again, thaks for the info.
Regards,
Derek

$400 for a controller with a handful of sims that even feature FSS a/c technology no less. Well here's hoping they make a proper FFB stick still, HOTAS preferably......

Don't get me wrong this looks like a great stick but given this is marketed to high end simmers yet alone ones that fly Falcon or some FSX add-ons exclusively it leaves a lot to be desired for the rest of the sim community. I guess saitek is really banking on modern sims that haven't been released yet? A great looking piece of kit but I think most will be turned off by the FSS technology given the heavy emphasis on non FSS sims available.

Other than the F-16, which civil and military aircraft have force-sensing controls? Of those, how many are represented in high fidelity simulations?

Way overpriced compared to the G940.

This what Saitek have said

They have also said the throttle WILL NOT be available separately

I have an FSSB R1 mod on my Cougar and don't really care for it. I don't hate it but it just doesn't feel right most of the time and especially in BS.

I guess it is their right to test the market but they just have chosen such a niche I don't see how this will be successful! My money, in other words my opinion, would have gone towards a HOTAS with FFB and a split throttle like the G940.

Well I won't be one of those people finding its a joy to use in other non FSS sims. I like a bit of realistic feel (impossible I know) in sims and having a stick that actually moves is part of that realism. Well looks like I'll be modding the Logitech pedals as a stand alone device so I can use the HOTAS with my saitek pedals. Saitek is losing its touch with all the FSX oriented hardware and it seems they're making what they think we need and not what we think IMO.

This post on the Saitek forum sums it up.


How can they get it SO wrong???????