SAITEK STEPS INTO THE FUTURE WITH LEFT-HANDED CONTROLLER THAT DOES DOUBLE DUTY

Saitek's $29.95 Action Pad Designed for Speed and Strategy

LOS ANGELES - (October 6, 2000) A surge in popularity of games requiring keyboard and mouse commands presents a dilemma for gamers: How to get an edge when using a keyboard (designed in 1885 to slow typists down). 
Very little has been available to help these gamers using the keyboard.  Microsoft introduced the Strategic Commander, but that was only for strategy and role-playing games.  But nobody offered a left-hand controller suitable for strategy and action games, until now. 

For the price of a mouse, Saitek has introduced the Action Pad, designed for use along side the keyboard, a controller that performs superbly with strategy and fast action games.  Ultra-responsive, lightning fast, and featuring soft touch buttons that are as quiet as a mouse, the Action Pad does double duty for the extremely low suggested retail price of only $29.95.

Based on extensive research, Saitek identified a high level of frustration about controllers among gamers who like to play many different types of games.  With that in mind, Saitek developed the Action Pad, the first left-handed controller to offer gamers a total solution to controlling keyboard and mouse.  The Action Pad works equally well for strategy games such as Age of Empires and action games that require fast response such as Quake 3, Unreal and Half-Life.

The new Action Pad lets strategists program moves, select units and scroll maps.  In contrast, the action gamer needs the speed, a key feature of the Saitek pad.  Also compatible with Macintosh OS9, the Action Pad features USB (Universal Serial Bus) for quick and easy setup.  The Action Pad comes with powerful Saitek Gaming Extensions software that allows players to create new game maneuvers to outwit the enemy.

Ergonomically designed, the Action Pad has an 8-way hat and six programmable buttons that work with the shift key to produce 38 commands.  The thumb wheel adds even greater game control. "For the price of a mouse, Saitek's Action Pad is a double duty, left-handed controller that works alongside your keyboard," said Nicolas Gibbons, managing director of Saitek.  "Products like Strategic Commander work for strategy titles, but many gamers do not want to invest in a controller limited to a specific class of games." Gibbons added.

Based on the popular GM2 Action Pad and Game Mouse, Saitek's new Action Pad is available at most major retailers.  The product can also be ordered from Saitek's online store at www.saitekusa.com or by calling Saitek at 1-800-452-4377.

Saitek Industries initially built its reputation on smart products, establishing itself as the market leader with its Kasparov chess computers. Saitek has continued to build on its success with award-winning game controllers. Saitek's vertical integration has allowed the company to react quickly to emerging market demands and ensure the highest quality control standards.

Saitek Press Release

SAITEK UNVEILS THE NEW GOLD STANDARD FOR AN INCREDIBLY LOW $40!

New Cyborg 3D Digital Stick Gold Features USB and Gamport Connections

LOS ANGELES - (July 25, 2000) Based on the widespread popularity of the Cyborg 3D Digital Stick, the first joystick to convert for left-handed gamers and adjust for any hand size, Saitek Industries has unveiled the Cyborg 3D Digital Stick Gold.

This new joystick features dual connections: USB and Gameport. The Cyborg 3D Digital Stick Gold comes packed with the proprietary Saitek Gaming Extensions (SGE), the world's most powerful game controller programming software. Personal computer gamers who loved the look and feel of the original Cyborg 3D will be awestruck by the classy gold tones of the Cyborg 3D Digital Stick Gold. Ergonomically designed for prolonged game play, the Cyborg 3D Digital Stick Gold features eight fire buttons, two shift buttons, a lever throttle, an eight-way hat switch and a 3D rudder twist function. "Saitek's new joystick truly sets the standard in gold," said Nicholas Gibbons,
chief operating officer of Saitek in the United States. "The kids will love the hand size adjustability and the expert gamers will be doing handstands over how easily they can program with Saitek's software," he said.

The Cyborg 3D Digital Stick Gold carries a suggested retail price of $39.95.  To order from Saitek, call 1-800-452-4377 or visit the online store at www.saitekusa.com. Saitek Industries initially built its reputation on smart products, establishing itself as the market leader with its Kasparov chess computers. Saitek has continued to build on its success with award-winning game controllers. Saitek's vertical integration has allowed the company to react quickly to emerging market demands
and ensure the highest quality control standards.