CES 2004: Logitech Flight Force Joystick debuts
by VGLN Staff

Friday, January 9, 2004

Force feedback joystick coming to PS2 by next month.

Logitech is introducing its latest controller for the PlayStation 2 - the Logitech Flight Force joystick - during this week’s 2004 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. With a suggested retail price of $49.99 in the U.S., this force feedback joystick lets gamers experience the sensations of flight combat, including weapon recoil, explosions and other effects, in compatible games for PlayStation 2.

Logitech Flight Force features a twist handle with versatile handgrip positions for easy rudder control and improved hand comfort in a variety of tense game situations. Four action buttons on the handle, plus two on the base, and a trigger provide a broad range of control options. The handle buttons and an eight-way hat switch are designed for quick access. A high-precision throttle provides accurate power modulation, while the substantial base, that contains steel weights, ensures stability when the going gets exciting.

"Joysticks are all about precise and natural control of flight and space combat games," said Fred Swan, director of marketing for Logitech’s Interactive Entertainment and Audio Business Unit. "Beyond excellent control, Flight Force provides the exciting immersiveness of Logitech force feedback technology, as well as the reliability and proven quality for which Logitech is known."

Logitech Flight Force connects to PlayStation 2 computer entertainment systems via a USB port. It will be available in U.S. retail outlets and online at http://www.logitech.com in early February. The first game to be released in the U.S. with Flight Force compatibility is Airforce Delta Strike from KONAMI, also scheduled to ship in February. Additional compatible games are expected to be available soon.

--- Kit