222w ago - Just in time for the impending release of Street Fighter IV, owners of the standard MadCatz FightStick are reporting several problems with the peripheral.

Reported on the Shoryuken.com forums (linked above), the various problems include the joystick itself sticking in certain positions and sticky buttons.

Other users are reporting that the controller may fail to register certain directions on the stick or certain button presses, with at least one user reporting that the stick stopped registering all inputs entirely.

Certain users have attributed the stuck joystick inputs to a metal washer that actually grinds away at the inner workings of the stick while in use.

In a statement to Joystiq, Mad Catz Global PR & Communications Manager, Alex Verrey, said, "There are no major problems with the Street Fighter range of products. Customers can buy with complete confidence."

"As with all complex precision-engineered products, there is always a chance that a tiny percentage of product may exhibit a fault," said Verrey, adding, "This is TOTALLY normal and not at all unexpected.

Usually this is due to circumstances beyond our control but this does NOT mean that there is any kind of inherent fault with the design or manufacture of the product." Verrey advises...

230w ago - Courtesy of MarkManSDT via YouTube comes a video showing the unboxing of the official Street Fighter IV Arcade FightStick: Tournament Edition today.

The video is available below, and the caption reads as follows:

The official Street Fighter IV FightStick Tournament Edition controller by Mad Catz, Inc. was designed for fighting game fans to recreate the quality, gameplay and precision found in arcades.

Using the exact Sanwa joystick and 30mm buttons found in official Street Fighter IV arcade machines, along with realistic spacing and an eight-button layout, the Street Fighter IV FightStick Tournament Edition brings the true arcade experience right into your home.





With separate turbo settings for each button and the best components, prepare yourself for hours of competition, no quarters necessary.

Very limited quantities available. Compatible with most fighting games including PC games.