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Next-generation video game consoles boast of all kinds of expandability options, but they come packaged with only the bare essentials as far as accessories go. That means add-ons to game consoles at the point of purchase are generally very healthy. The top game accessory manufacturers plan to be ready for the planned launches of the Microsoft Xbox, and Nintendo Game Boy Advance and Game Cube later this year with a full complement of accessories from the get-go. They'll be demoing, displaying or announcing these accessories along with those for the PC and Sony Playstation 2 at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) 2001.
One of several gaming accessories companies to announce a licensing agreement with Microsoft for Xbox, Mad Catz will design, manufacture and market a controller, memory unit, racing wheel and other accessories for Xbox. The accessories will be Mad Catz branded, but also carry the Xbox logo. The company's exclusive Panther joystick is a combination of joystick and trackball. Additional Xbox accessories, such as light guns and fishing rods will launch in tandem with specific compatible software, but Mad Catz said a full slate of Xbox accessories would be ready for the console's scheduled launch in the fall.
Mad Catz will also debut 11 new peripherals for Nintendo Game Boy Advance at E3, all of which will come in the colors Indigo, Arctic and Glacier to match the colors of the game machine itself. The peripherals include:
* Battery Grip, an ergonomic grip with an AC adapter for recharging the 15-hour NiCad battery;
* Multi-Link Cable, which connects Game Boy Advance machines for multiplayer games or data transfer;
* Light & Magnifier, which illuminates the screen and magnifies it up to 150 percent;
* Docking Station, which recharges two battery packs for up to 15 hours of play each and includes AC adapter
* MP3 Player, a cartridge that uses Smart Media cards to store music;
* Travel Bag; Car Adapter and Stereo Earphones.
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