Mad Catz Interactive, Inc., a leading third-party interactive entertainment accessory provider, announced today the expansion of the Aviator line of flight sticks to include two new models - the Saitek Aviator Flight Stick for Xbox 360 and for PS3.

A highly advanced combat joystick designed to enhance any flight simulation experience, the Aviator Flight Stick has been designed with an oversized flat base for increased stability and features three dedicated Fire Buttons, heavy-duty Combat Trigger and POV (point-of-view) Analog Stick as well as an innovative Throttle Lever positioned to suit ambidextrous gamers.  A two position Mode Switch allows for on the fly changes to button configuration providing ideal controls for selected software such as the Blazing Angels series.  The Flight Sticks have been fully tested to work with the new Ubisoft combat flight simulator Tom Clancy’s: HAWX.  Furthermore both Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 models are fully PC compatible.

The Aviator Flight Stick for Xbox 360 includes an integrated Xbox Live Headset Connector for real time communication with other players.  In addition, the Aviator Flight Stick for Xbox 360 features an Xbox Guide Button, displaying player and Xbox Live notifications.  The Flight Stick is manufactured under license by Microsoft and is fully compliant with Xbox 360 Flight Stick Sub-Type.

The Aviator Flight Stick for PS3 shares identical specifications to the Xbox 360 model, differing only via the integrated Home Button which gives instant access to the PS3 Cross Media Bar.

Darren Richardson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz commented, “The new Aviator Flight Sticks for Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 manages to combine Saitek’s PC Flight Stick heritage with Mad Catz’ next generation console expertise.  The Flight Sticks expand our portfolio of specialty controllers enabling us to reach new consumer demographics.  We believe the Aviator will prove itself to be the ideal controller for gamers requiring an authentic and highly accurate experience when playing flight simulation titles.”

Tom Yu, Brand Manager for Tom Clancy’s: HAWX at Ubisoft added further insight, commenting “The Aviator Flight Sticks provide gamers with levels of accuracy and control that gamepad users can only dream of.”

The Saitek Aviator Flight Stick for Xbox 360 (model: PS41) is expected to ship across North America this month with an MSRP of $49.99.

The Saitek Aviator Flight Stick for PLAYSTATION 3 (model: PS40) is expected to ship across North America this month with an MSRP of $49.99.