Mad Catz releases high-end transformable L.Y.N.X. game controller for $300

Mad Catz, the folks who brought us the M.O.J.O. micro-console, have just released their new creation at CES 2015. It’s called the L.Y.N.X., and it’s vastly different from any other game controller we’ve ever seen. The controller is meant to be a one-size-fits-all controller, in a sense. It has a built-in microphone, keyboard, smartphone stand, and it can even hold your tablet.

The L.Y.N.X. features three main components (left wing, right wing, and the device’s ‘brain’) that fold out to create a number of different gaming options. The smartphone holder looks just like any other portable gaming controller we’ve seen, but that’s just the beginning of what this thing can do. Keep folding the device outward to reveal the tablet stand, compatible with most tablets 7-inches and smaller. If you aren’t interested in mounting your mobile device to the controller, you can always fold it to make a standard gaming controller, compatible with most set-top boxes. What’s more, Mad Catz has also included a detachable QWERTY keyboard in the box, so you can really bring your mobile gaming to the next level, if you so choose.

While there is no exact battery information available quite yet, Mad Catz is reporting that the controller can last up to 30 hours on a single charge. The Mad Catz L.Y.N.X. is available now for preorder for $300 in black, white and red, though the controllers won’t ship until March of this year. Are there any mobile gaming fans out there that would spend this much money on a portable controller?

[press]SAN DIEGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. (“Mad Catz”) (NYSE MKT/TSX:MCZ) announced today the shipping of the L.Y.N.X. ⁹Mobile Hybrid Controller, a radically different gamepad designed to offer uncompromised control and portability.

“The trend towards mobile gaming continues unabated and is set to explode further into 2015. We believe that a disruptive, high-quality product like the L.Y.N.X. 9 will enable us to further cement our reputation as leaders in mobile gaming and contribute significantly to sales in 2015.”

Designed for the passionate gamer who typically plays across multiple devices, the L.Y.N.X. ⁹ features a patent-pending design which allows it to fold into a compact footprint, fitting into a shirt pocket for travel without compromising on the classic console-style ergonomic feel gamers are accustomed to.

The L.Y.N.X. ⁹ design uniquely enables the controller to be assembled in a variety of different configurations to fit the gamers’ chosen device. Consisting of three primary components (Left Wing, Right Wing and Controller ‘Brain’), theL.Y.N.X. ⁹ can break apart and attach to the included tablet stand, transforming a tablet of up to seven inches into a portable games console! Configure as a standard controller and enjoy living room gaming on a compatible set-top box or PC or attach the mobile clip and dock your smart phone for console quality gaming on the go.

The L.Y.N.X. ⁹ is an ideal companion for Smart TVs and living room browsing. The included QWERTY Keyboard Module attaches simply to the underside of the L.Y.N.X. ⁹ and provides effortless on screen typing. At the top of the controller, the integrated Mouse Sensor Pad and media controls allow for all manner of traditional control and theL.Y.N.X. ⁹ even includes an integrated microphone allowing for voice search with compatible hardware and applications.

“We believe the L.Y.N.X. ⁹ represents a generational leap in mobile game controllers. Today, gaming is commonly format agnostic, with most of us playing games across a variety of platforms and locations. The L.Y.N.X. ⁹ is designed to offer a premium gaming experience in almost any situation. Traditionally a mobile controller meant that comfort had to be sacrificed, unsuitable for sustained play and complex software now being introduced to mobile. Thanks to the ingenious design of the L.Y.N.X. ⁹, Mad Catz has produced a truly portable controller that delivers a full size, uncompromised gaming experience,” said Darren Richardson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz. “The trend towards mobile gaming continues unabated and is set to explode further into 2015. We believe that a disruptive, high-quality product like the L.Y.N.X. ⁹ will enable us to further cement our reputation as leaders in mobile gaming and contribute significantly to sales in 2015.”

The L.Y.N.X. ⁹ is designed for precision performance, featuring hard-wearing metal and premium components, with action buttons rated to one million button presses. Owners of the L.Y.N.X. ⁹ are encouraged to download the free L.Y.N.X. app to their Android^™ smart device. As well as providing gamers with a constantly updated list of compatible software, the app allows gamers to tune the sensitivity of the thumb sticks and triggers, creating a custom feel for their chosen software and ideal for FPS and action titles.

The L.Y.N.X. ⁹ will be debuting at CES Las Vegas 2015 and can be seen via appointment only at the Mad Catz suite, located at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, suite number: 12121. Mad Catz will also be unveiling the L.Y.N.X. ⁹ Controller at the ShowStoppers CES event, taking place the evening of January 6, 2015 at The Wynn, Las Vegas.

For additional information or to order your own L.Y.N.X. ⁹ please visit: http://store.madcatz.com/Mad-Catz-L-Y-N-X-9-Mobile-Controller-for-Android-Smartphones-Tablets-PC.html

About Mad Catz

Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. (“Mad Catz”) (NYSE MKT/TSX:MCZ) is a global provider of innovative interactive entertainment products marketed under its Mad Catz® (gaming), Tritton® (audio), and Saitek® (simulation) brands. Mad Catz products cater to passionate gamers across multiple platforms including in-home gaming consoles, handheld gaming consoles, Windows® PC and Mac® computers, smart phones, tablets and other mobile devices. Mad Catz distributes its products through its online store as well as distribution via many leading retailers around the globe. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Mad Catz maintains offices in Europe and Asia. For additional information about Mad Catz and its products, please visit the Company’s website at www.madcatz.com.[/press]