【MADCATZ】Now Operating as Mad Catz Global! What Kind of Company is the Famous Gaming Device Brand, MADCATZ?

To all gamers who love video games. What comes to mind when you hear the name Mad Catz? Their uniquely designed game controllers? Or their sponsorships that revolutionized the fighting game scene? This brand, which once faced bankruptcy but rose again like a phoenix, is more than just a gaming peripheral manufacturer. In this article, we will delve into the tumultuous history of Mad Catz and uncover its unique appeal.

Mad Catz was founded in 1989 in San Diego, California, USA. At that time, official peripherals were considered the gold standard, but Mad Catz challenged that notion. By offering products that were cheaper than official ones yet uniquely designed and comfortable to use, they won over gamers.

In particular, Mad Catz made a name for itself in the fighting game and rhythm game communities. Their arcade sticks brought the feel of the arcade to home gaming, becoming a favorite among professional gamers. Their momentum peaked in the 2010s.

In 2010, Mad Catz made a significant impact on the Japanese fighting game scene. They signed a sponsorship deal with Daigo Umehara, a living legend in the fighting game community. This made Umehara Japan’s first professional fighting game player, opening new doors for the esports scene. Mad Catz was not just a hardware manufacturer but also played a crucial role in shaping professional gaming careers.

At the time, Mad Catz arcade sticks became the weapon of choice for top players like Umehara. At the EVO fighting game tournaments, many players wearing the Mad Catz logo claimed victories. This was a symbolic moment proving that Mad Catz was not just a peripheral manufacturer but a company that contributed to the growth of esports culture.

However, Mad Catz’s success did not last forever. In the mid-2010s, they made critical missteps. Poor sales of their dedicated controller for Rock Band 3 and the failure of their own gaming console, Mojo, led to a rapid financial decline. On March 30, 2017, they filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, entering liquidation proceedings.

As a result, Mad Catz Japan also went bankrupt in April of that year. Gamers were shocked, with many believing that the Mad Catz era had come to an end. However, this was not the end of the brand’s story.

Mad Catz made a comeback in 2018. The newly established Mad Catz Global Limited in Hong Kong acquired the brand’s trademark and announced its revival. While inheriting past product concepts, they developed new gaming devices with refined designs and the latest technology. They re-entered the Japanese market, once again captivating longtime Mad Catz fans.

Today, they continue to offer gaming mice, keyboards, headsets, and controllers for gamers. Their design and concept still strongly retain the DNA of the original Mad Catz, continuing to meet the expectations of those seeking cutting-edge gaming devices.

The appeal of Mad Catz is not just about making gaming peripherals. Their products are always infused with a spirit of challenge. With a uniqueness not found in major manufacturers, meticulously designed features tailored for players, and a commitment to supporting the gaming scene itself—this is why Mad Catz is beloved by so many gamers.

If you’re looking for gaming devices that stand out from the rest, give Mad Catz products a try. Within them lies a passion for gaming that goes beyond mere “tools.”