Mad Catz has announced its new L.Y.N.X. 9 controller for PCs and Android devices. This games controller is expected to ship in the USA in March and is available for pre-order right now. However to buy one of these modular controllers you will need to pay quite a hefty amount of cash; $299 in the US and £250 in the UK.
As hinted at above, the Mad Catz L.Y.N.X. 9 is not just a regular games pad. The modular nature of the device allows it to be used and integrated with various devices. Please check out the pictures in this article for examples, but in brief you can use its core controller chassis with a smart clip to hold your mobile, attachable inner handles, a QWERTY keyboard module, a tablet frame and with a HDMI play and charge pack. All these accessories are bundled with the controller when you buy it.
The Mad Catz L.Y.N.X. 9 connects to your device via Bluetooth and is capable of working for up to 30 hours between charges. It automatically goes to sleep if unused so you won't lose all your charge due to forgetfulness. The controller has a built-in microphone for interacting with Google Now or Cortana, for example.
Windows users need to have Windows 7 or newer installed, as well as Bluetooth, and the controller will work well with games that support DirectInput. The PC configuration software included lets users assign keyboard and mouse profiles to buttons and sticks. It is claimed that the joysticks offer "Mouse-Like Control via OFN Sensor". Also, as you can see, the attachable QWERTY keypad could also be useful for PC gaming.
Android users need Android 4.0 or newer. A companion app for Android users allows custom adjustments to the controller, stick acceleration and sensitivity, saving of game profiles, and so on. The way that Mad Catz has made the controller transformable to fit your smartphone, tablet or tablet/HDMI screen combination is rather imaginative.
Mad Catz lists the key features of the L.Y.N.X. 9 as follows:
- Skeletal, Transforming, Modular, & Immensely Versatile
- Keyboard & Mouse Control for Easy Browsing & Media Navigation
- Built-in Mic Supports Voice Search
- Ergonomically Sculpted for Comfort and Precision
- Premium Components Rated at 1 Million Cycles
- Includes PlayBig Cables to Link Your Phone or Tablet to an HDTV
