Saitek Goes Full Throttle! Saitek's X45 is the Perfect ``Co-Pilot'' for New Microsoft Flight Simulator

Business Wire, July 28, 2003

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

TORRANCE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 28, 2003

Saitek Industries Ltd. (www.saitekusa.com) announced that it is increasing production of it's top selling two-piece flight control stick and throttle to coincide with the much anticipated release of Microsoft's new Flight Simulator 2004 software title. Saitek's X45, touted by many as the world's most advanced flight controller, introduces an unparalleled degree of reality to the flying experience -- user's will swear they are in the cockpit as they throttle up for their flight. Built to precision engineering specifications and combining pro-feature content with authentic aeronautical styling, the X45 delivers an impressive instrument-set to facilitate the most complicated of maneuvers.

Saitek's advanced X45 Digital Joystick and Throttle is a true HOTAS (Hands-On Throttle and Stick) gaming device -- which means all important pilot controls can be used without the use of the keyboard. The X45 features six-axis control with its joystick, throttle, rudder and two-rotary controls for unparalleled accuracy. In addition, there are three selectable program modes, pinkie shift control, three eight-way hats, mouse cursor control and 14-digital inputs for unlimited programmability of 276 functions. A rubberized finish and ergonomic feel complete the package for total hand control.

Saitek's Smart Technology Software makes programming simple by including profiles for popular games and offering automatic profile download and installation. New mechanical features include a smooth constant-force spring joystick gimbal, back-lit joystick and throttle buttons, removable pinkie switch extension, and a launch button safety cover.

Smart Technology Software is compatible with Windows 98, SE, ME, 2000 and XP.

    Stick Features                Throttle Features

    --  4 Fire Buttons            --  2 Fire Buttons

    --  Missile Launcher          --  4-way Hat Switch

    --  2 X 8-way Hat Switches    --  Throttle Control with Detents

    --  Pinkie Switch             --  Full Rudder Control

                                  --  2 Rotary Analog Controls

                                  --  8-way Mouse Controller

    System Requirements:

    --  PC Pentium 133MHz or higher with USB port/Microsoft
        Windows(R)

    --  98Me, 2000 and XP/DirectX(R) 8.1 compatible

Sales

Stores and other vendors interested in carrying Saitek's award-winning line-up of products may contact Saitek directly at sales@saitekusa.com.

About Saitek

Founded in 1979, Saitek entered the computer games controller market in 1993 and since then has grown to become a major brand in gaming peripherals for the PC; with its extensive range of award-winning products that are designed and manufactured by Saitek, purely to help gamers win.

This season sees the release of many exciting products -- the flagship being the Cyborg evo. To celebrate one million sales worldwide of sticks carrying the Cyborg brand, Saitek introduced the next evolution of this enduring range. The company has taken all the favorite customization elements, which have made the Cyborg name, and has created a stick with a modern, sleek design for the new century.

To build on this continued success, Saitek has expanded beyond PC, and now offers a complete range of controllers for use with PlayStation(R)2, Xbox(TM) and GameCube(TM), a complete range of mice and a brand new range of PDA accessories. Saitek's award-winning controllers for PC and Console are produced in its wholly owned ISO 9002-certified factory and distributed worldwide.