Logitech's WingMan RumblePad Now Shipping; USB Game Controller Adds Innovative Vibration Feedback to PC Gaming; Requires No Batteries or Power Supply

Business Wire, July 26, 2000

Business & Entertainment Editors/High-Tech Writers

FREMONT, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 26, 2000

Logitech (Nasdaq:LOGIY) (Switzerland: LOGN, LOGZ), international market leader in human interface devices that define the way people link to information and entertainment in business, at home and online, is shipping the newest member of the WingMan(R) gaming family, the WingMan(R) RumblePad(TM). With a suggested retail price of $29.95, RumblePad will be available at http://www.logitech.com and on retail shelves in August.

RumblePad is a vibration feedback controller that features dual-motor technology for maximum vibration feedback and a richer gaming experience. The vibration effects, which are featured in force feedback games, respond not only with a wide range of intensities and frequencies, but are also able to provide some spatial cues. The unit draws power from the USB port on the PC, eliminating the need for batteries or a separate power supply, a common inconvenience in today's market.

Two ultra-accurate and responsive analog sticks provide precise 360-degree movement. An easy-to-reach throttle is also integrated into the RumblePad design. These controls, coupled with an 8-way D-pad and nine fully programmable buttons, make this gamepad well-suited to virtually any action, sports, arcade, racing or flying game, with or without force feedback.

To build on this versatility, RumblePad includes a mode button that allows quick changes from a sports setup to a setup more suited for flight sims and driving games. In addition, the included WingMan(R) Profiler(TM) Software lets players create and save custom, game-specific settings for all of the controller's features. The software also includes more than 285 game profiles designed by the Logitech(R) WingMan team to provide a great plug-and-play experience for most popular games.

"The RumblePad joins the highly acclaimed WingMan Force 3D joystick, which shipped last month, in giving PC gamers the experience and excitement of vibration feedback controllers at very attractive price points," said Ted M. Hoff, vice president and general manager of Logitech's Interactive Gaming Division. "We will continue to add excitement to the WingMan line with affordable, feature-rich gaming devices."

About Logitech: Founded in 1981, Logitech designs, manufactures and markets human interface devices and supporting software that link people to the Internet and enable them to work, play, learn and communicate more effectively in the digital world. Logitech's interface products include Internet video cameras; input and pointing devices such as optical mice, corded and cordless mice, keyboards and optical trackballs; multimedia speakers; and interactive entertainment products such as joysticks, gamepads and racing systems.

With operational headquarters through its U.S. subsidiary in Fremont, Calif., and regional headquarters through local subsidiaries in Romanel, Switzerland, and Hsinchu, Taiwan, R.O.C., Logitech International is a Swiss public company traded in Switzerland under the symbols LOGN and LOGZ, and in the U.S. on the Nasdaq National Market System (LOGIY). The company has manufacturing facilities in Asia and offices in major cities in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific.

Note to Editors: All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. For more information on Logitech and its products, visit the company's Web site at www.logitech.com.