Mad Catz is at E3 2014 in Los Angeles, where it has shown Pocket-lint two new products expected to release this year: one is a gaming peripheral, while the other is better suited for mobile device use.
The first product on display at Mad Catz's E3 booth was the CTRLi (stylised C.T.R.L.i) mobile gamepad/controller for iPhones. It looks and basically acts just like the Mad Catz mobile gamepad for Android....only it's white (or our demo unit was), $10 more expensive, and of course is compatible with Apple's iPhone.
This new gamepad from Mad Catz will bring a much-welcomed choice to the iOS gaming controller market that is currently limited to a few devices like the SteelSeries Stratus, Logitech PowerShell, and MOGA Ace Power.
The CTRLi will connect to any iOS 7 device through Bluetooth and features a spring-loaded mount that fits the iPhone 5, iPhone 5S, and iPhone 5C. It also has console-style controls, which includes a directional pad, two analog sticks, four face buttons, shoulder bumpers, and left and right triggers, and works with any controller-compatible game in the App Store. Example titles include Rayman Fiesta Run, Dead Trigger 2, and Asphalt 8: Airborne.
Mad Catz's iPhone controller requires two AAA batteries and should offer "around 50 hours of power". The peripheral, which is expected to ship in the coming months for $59.99, comes with a removable phone clip that screws on to the top of the controller (allowing you to dock a device). You will also be able to grab the controller in multiple colours, including: white, black, red, blue, and orange. We thought the gamepad looked and felt nice, though we especially liked its ability to plug into a display with a certified adapter from Apple, allowing you to game on the big screen.
And finally, Mad Catz also showed us the STRIKE (stylised S.T.R.I.K.E.) M wireless keyboard. It is compatible with practically any device - including Android, Windows Smart Devices, PC, Mac, and iOS. The company hinted that the keyboard is more for mobile users who'd like to either consolidate control of their Bluetooth-enabled devices or simply use their devices with a larger display. The wireless keyboard offers Bluetooth connectivity, naturally, and a host of media functions as well as backlit keys, tactile feedback, an Optical Finger Navigation sensor, and dedicated mouse buttons.
The keyboard's pairing button quickens the pairing process and will link up to four accessories. You can then use Mad Catz' peripheral to browse the web or even play touch-based games with the built-in trackpad. It's also an ideal portable office. And you won't have to worry about it dying on you either, because a rechargeable Lithium polymer battery supposedly provides up to 45 hours of moderate use. You can pre-order the keyboard today for $99.99. The gloss black version will ship starting 20 June, with a USB to micro-USB charge cable, device stand, and travel case.
We thought the STRIKE M wireless keyboard was a neat gadget that hardcore mobile device users would certainly love. The price is admittedly a little steep, but it also seems like you'll get a lot of bang for your buck. Check out the gallery below for more images.