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Mad Catz announces Rock Band 3 peripherals

Mad Catz announces Rock Band 3 peripherals

Mad Catz has unveiled their range of Rock Band 3 peripherals.  Not content to provide “more of the same”, the new line provides gamers opportunity for a level of realism not available in previous incarnations of the controllers.  President and CEO of Mad Catz, Darren Richardson stated:

“We believe that Rock Band 3 will prove to be a revolutionary title in the rhythm music game genre and are excited to be working with Harmonix and MTV Games to help bring the game to life with this new line of products.  The accessories we are announcing today will allow gamers to interact with music games like never before and when used alongside Rock Band 3, we believe they will set a new standard in realism and authenticity.”

First up is the newest instrument to the franchise—the Wireless Keyboard Controller. It will be playable either flat or strapped to the shoulder in the same manner as the guitar controller (though you’ll likely never hear Harmonix refer to it as a keytar).  Not content to be a one-trick pony, the keyboard controller can also be used to play the lead guitar or bass parts of the game, making this the most versatile peripheral in the franchise. (MSRP $79.99)

Next is the Wireless Fender Mustang PRO-Guitar Controller.  The new guitar allows for a close approximation of a real guitar when playing in Rock Band 3’s new Pro mode thanks to 17 frets with six buttons at each fret (simulating the neck of a real guitar), a six-string strumming area which allows discrete string picking, and a touch sensitive string box allowing players to simulate a palm mute on the strings. (MSRP $149.99)

Third is the Wireless PRO-Cymbal Expansion Kit.  The kit contains three cymbals which promise quiet operation thanks to noise-dampening rubber on the full surface.  In standard modes the cymbals operate as standard inputs, but under Pro mode they function separately as Hi-Hat, Crash, and Ride.  The kit is available separately or as part of the Rock Band 3 Wireless Drum and Cymbal Kit. (MSRP $39.99 for the cymbal kit)

Finally, the Rock Band 3 MIDI PRO-Adapter allows real MIDI keyboards or drum sets to play Rock Band 3.  The device plugs into the console via USB and translates the devices into console controller data which then is transformed into game input.  The PRO-Adapter has a full D-Pad and buttons for menu navigation, and has a removable clip, allowing the device to be held on a belt for convenient access. (MSRP $39.99)

All peripherals will be available for Playstation3, XBox 360, and Wii, and should launch alongside Rock Band 3.

Comments

  1. BuddyJ
  2. mertesn
    mertesn I have to admit that I wasn't looking forward to RB3, but after seeing the new instruments I may have changed my mind. That guitar is freaking expensive though.
  3. Annes
    Annes That keytar WOULD look rad in my living room.

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