Mad Catz went through a tumultuous period not so long ago, with the company on the verge of being dissolved following bankruptcy. Having been in the industry for decades, they were known for their range of affordable aftermarket game controllers and peripherals. Fortunately for us, they were revived, and have been reinvented as manufacturers of high-quality PC gaming keyboards, mice, gaming surfaces and more.
Subtle isn’t in Mad Catz’s vocabulary. If you like your gaming hardware to have outlandish styling, cutting edge design and deep customisation options, the Mad Catz range is definitely worth considering.
Since they began their new journey into hardware, Mad Catz haven’t made a new game controller, but they are looking to rectify that with the C.A.T. 3 and C.A.T. 7 game controllers.
C.A.T. 7
The C.A.T. 7 shares the same layout and button designation as the Xbox controller, but brings a whole lot more customisation. With an OLED display integrated within the controller, you can program macros and adjust sensitivity, and built-in memory allows you to save your configuration profiles to the controller. This is definitely on our wish-list for 2020.
C.A.T. 3
Mirroring the PS4 analogue layout, the C.A.T. 4 has a sleek, ergonomic profile. With dual Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connectivity options, this flexible controller is ideal for those looking to bring the familiarity of the PS4 to their PC gaming setup, with the advantage of further control customisation options. The only thing we’re unsure of is the unusual button labelling, however, with regular use, it’s sure to become second nature before long.
If you need a new mouse, Mad Catz have also brought a whole load of design and technical innovation to their range.
R.A.T. DWS
Dual connections of Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless ensure low latency, while the battery life is a vaunted 80 hours between charges, which is superb. While the matte-black and metallic-silver trim looks superb, the numerous controls and innovative thumb-scroll wheel complete the package and make the R.A.T. DWS a desirable mouse.
R.A.T. 8+ ADV
Following on from the hugely popular R.A.T. 8+, the updated version for 2020 comes in a striking gloss-red colourway. A 20,000 CPI optical sensor looks to offer precision, while the 11 programmable buttons offer complete, programmable control. Premium switchgear rated for 60 million clicks make this a durable offering. If you want a mouse that will last you for years of intensive gaming, the R.A.T. 8+ could be the mouse for you.
In addition to expanding and updating their regular line-up, to celebrate the year of the Rat, Mad Catz has also announced a limited edition version of the excellent R.A.T. Pro X3 – the Pro X3 Supreme.
R.A.T. Pro X3 Supreme
Not entirely dissimilar to the Wraith tanks from Halo, the Pro X3 Supreme has unprecedented levels of customisation, with over 100 different physical configurations. A 16,000 CPI optical sensor, 10 programmable buttons and over a dozen adjustable accessories, the Pro X3 Supreme is the ideal mouse for anyone who appreciates futuristic design and insane amounts of options.
R.A.T. Air S
Another notable addition to the Mad Catz mouse range is the R.A.T. Air S, which is an update to the popular Air S from 2019. Featuring a resonance wireless charging pad, that can be rolled up for gaming on the go, you will never have to worry about your mouse running out of charge at a critical time again.
Another completely new product coming to the Mad Catz lineup is the S.T.R.I.K.E. 13 mechanical keyboard.
S.T.R.I.K.E. 13
The S.T.R.I.K.E. 13 has configurable RGB, Cherry Red mechanical switches, an ergonomic keypad and a comfortably sloped keyboard tilting angle. The other keyboards from Mad Catz have been very good, so we’re looking forward to trying this one out.
F.R.E.Q. 4 Gaming Headset
We love a good gaming headset here at TGA, and the Mad Catz F.R.E.Q. 4 ticks all the right boxes. Full RGB lighting, USB connectivity, virtual 7.1 audio processing, and the obligatory 50mm drivers make this definitely a headset to keep an eye on.
E.G.O. Arcade Fight Stick
Rounding out this exciting lineup of new products is a surprise announcement. In an unexpected return to fighting game controllers, the E.G.O. features genuine high-quality Sanwa Denshi® arcade components, an eight-directional joystick, eight-button arcade layout and customizable faceplate. We can see this being a very popular purchase for fight fans!
As you can see, Mad Catz have a superb range of products coming to complement and update their range. Highlights for us are the C.A.T. 7 controller, the R.A.T. Pro X3 mouse and the F.R.E.Q. 4 headset. Join us when all these new products release in 2020 for our coverage and reviews!
What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments!