Just when I think to myself "gee, I already own close to 40 joysticks--maybe I can quit now...," something like this comes along. The rumors were true, and the fabled Marvel Vs Capcom 2 stick has arrived.

I was playing one of these bad boys at the GameStop managers show, and of course it features all the top-of-the-line components and construction you've come to expect from the Tournament Edition line, plus fresh new art, an extra-tough black case, and deliciously yellow buttons and stick!

MVC2 was the game you demanded, and this is a stick worthy of the game.  Pick up yours today--I'm guessing these are also going to be gone pretty quick.

Hit the jump for the full press release.

Mad Catz® Announces
Marvel™ VS Capcom® 2 Arcade Fightstick: Tournament Edition


San Diego, September 10, 2009

Mad Catz® Interactive, Inc. (AMEX/TSX: MCZ), a leading worldwide third-party interactive entertainment accessory provider, today announced a Marvel™ VS Capcom® 2 (MvC2) Arcade FightStick: Tournament Edition for the Xbox 360® and PLAYSTATION® 3 systems.

Compatible with the smash-hit Marvel VS Capcom 2 (available for download now on Xbox LIVE® and PlayStation™ Network (PSN™)) as well all other fighting games, the Arcade FightStick is being produced in close collaboration with Marvel and Capcom, and has been designed with never before seen artwork. The Arcade FightStick allows for kinetic gameplay which brings the arcade game to life.

Full product details are as follows:

•    Official Marvel VS Capcom 2 Arcade FightStick: Tournament Edition – Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3

Created to appeal to the serious fighting enthusiast, nothing brings the arcade experience closer to home than the Marvel VS Capcom 2 Arcade FightStick: Tournament Edition.  Approved by Marvel and Capcom and presented in individually numbered ‘Collector’s Edition’ packaging, the Tournament Edition FightStick uses arcade quality components sourced by legendary Japanese arcade manufacturer Sanwa Denshi™.  Featuring a Japanese style ball-handled joystick, 30mm Action Buttons and button placement matching the Vewlix™ arcade cabinet configuration, fighting fans will feel right at home.  The D-Pad Control Switch and Dual-Turbo functionally add twin levels of turbo control to any of the Action Buttons, enhancing the arcade experience for both new and seasoned players.  Complete with detailed touches such as screw on rubber feet for solid surface play, unobtrusive placement of the Start and Select/Back Buttons, a locking mechanism preventing accidental activation of turbo settings for tournament play and authentic Marvel VS Capcom 2 artwork, the Arcade FightStick: Tournament Edition represents the best possible choice for gamers and comic book fans alike.

Darren Richardson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz commented, “Marvel VS Capcom 2 is a classic title which has long been at the top of gamers’ wish lists.  We are excited for our relationship with both Marvel and Capcom by once again delivering a product which reflects the quality of the franchises and truly enhances game play.  We believe that the FightStick will further cement our reputation for high-quality fighting controllers.”

“Capcom has demonstrated that by working in close collaboration with Mad Catz, we are able to produce fighting controllers which deliver the level of performance and authenticity that our fans demand,” said Christian Svensson, vice president business development & strategic planning at Capcom Entertainment, Inc.  “We’re delighted to further our relationship and continue the evolution of this range to encapsulate the Marvel™ VS Capcom® franchise and look forward to the fans reaction upon release.”  

“Marvel and Capcom continue to seek out opportunities to collaborate on a range of merchandise for collectors, gamers, and fans alike and this high-end Collector’s Edition FightStick from Mad Catz is an amazing way to kick off our efforts in this regard” said Seth Lehman, vice president, digital licensing at Marvel.

The Mad Catz Marvel VS Capcom 2 Arcade FightStick: Tournament Edition is expected to be available exclusively at U.S. GameStop stores (www.gamestop.com), Capcom’s online store (shop.capcom.com), and Mad Catz online store (store.gameshark.com) fall 2009.

About Mad Catz Interactive, Inc.

Mad Catz is a global leader in providing innovative peripherals for the interactive entertainment industry.  Mad Catz designs and markets accessories for videogame systems and publishes videogame software, including the industry-leading GameShark videogame enhancements, under its Mad Catz, GameShark and Joytech brands.  Mad Catz also designs and markets mice, keyboards, headsets, PC gaming controllers and other PC peripherals through its Saitek brand, and designs, manufactures and markets proprietary portable earphones under its AirDrives brand.  Mad Catz distributes its products through most of the leading retailers offering interactive entertainment products and has offices across Canada, Europe and Asia.  For additional information please go to www.madcatz.com, as well as www.gameshark.com,  www.airdrives.com, www.saitek.com, and www.joytech.net.

Safe Harbor for Forward Looking Statements: This press release contains forward-looking statements about the Company's business prospects that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information or future events or developments. You can identify these statements by the fact that they use words such as "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "project," "intend," "should," "plan," "goal," "believe," and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are the following: the ability to maintain or renew the Company's licenses; competitive developments affecting the Company's current products; first party price reductions; the ability to successfully market both new and existing products domestically and internationally; difficulties or delays in manufacturing; or a downturn in the market or industry. A further list and description of these risks, uncertainties and other matters can be found in the Company's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Canadian Securities Administrators.

TM & © 2009 Marvel.. STRIDER: ©MOTO KIKAKU. ©CAPCOM

Street Fighter is either a registered trademark or trademark of Capcom U.S.A., Inc., in the U.S. or other countries. Capcom is either registered trademarks or trademarks of Capcom Co., Ltd., in the U.S. or other countries.  All other trademarks are owned by their respective owners.