Saitek

Saitek
Company typePC gaming peripherals
IndustryConsumer Electronics
Founded1979; 45 years ago (1979)
HeadquartersWorldwide
ProductsPC Games Controllers, PC Peripherals, Mice & Keyboards, PC + iPod Speakers, Headsets, Flight Simulators.
Number of employees
2500+
ParentLogitech
Websitesaitek.com

Saitek is a designer and manufacturer of consumer electronics founded in 1979 by Swiss technologist Eric Winkler. They are best known for their PC gaming controllers, mice, keyboards, and their numerous analogue flight controllers such as joysticks, throttles, and rudder pedals.

Most Saitek products have been rebranded as Logitech G products since their acquisition by the company.

History

SciSys Chess Companion II (1983)
In 1987, Saitek developed the Pocket Plus in collaboration with Garry Kasparov

Saitek (originally called SciSys until 1987) was founded in 1979 by Swiss technologist Eric Winkler as a manufacturer of electronic chess games. By the 1990s the company had distribution and design offices in the United States, Germany, France and the United Kingdom, as well as a factory in China. In 1994, Saitek acquired Hegner & Glaser's successful Mephisto line of chess computers. Saitek diversified into PC peripherals, focusing on game controllers for flight simulation, driving and first-person gaming. Saitek has also expanded into PC peripherals, with an emphasis on input, connectivity and multimedia. In 2005, Saitek launched a high fidelity audio product line for PC & iPod.

On November 14, 2007, Mad Catz announced that they had purchased Saitek for $30 million.[1]

On September 15, 2016, Logitech announced that they had purchased the Saitek brand and assets from Mad Catz for $13 million in cash.[2]

Products

Pro Flight Controllers

  • Pro Flight Yoke System
  • Pro Flight Throttle Quadrant
  • TPM System

Pro Flight Panels

  • Pro Flight Backlit Information Panel
  • Pro Flight Multi Panel
  • Pro Flight Radio Panel
  • Pro Flight Switch Panel
  • Pro Flight Instrument Panel

Pro Flight Sticks

  • X-56 H.O.T.A.S. System (2018)
  • X-55 Rhino H.O.T.A.S. System (2014)
  • X-65F Flight Combat Control System (2008)
  • X52 Pro Flight Control System (2007)
  • X52 Flight Control System (2004)[3]
  • X45 Digital Joystick and Throttle (2001)
  • X36 Flight Control System (1999), consisting of the X36F Control stick and X35T throttle

Flight Sticks

  • Aviator for PS3, Xbox 360 and PC
  • Cyborg F.L.Y.9 Wireless Flight Stick for Xbox 360/PS3
  • Cyborg F.L.Y 5 Flight Stick for PC
  • Cyborg 2000 Flight Stick for PC
  • Cyborg Evo Flight Stick for PC (2003)
  • ST290 Flight Stick for PC

Pro Flight Rudder Pedals

Accessories

  • Pro Flight Headset

Cessna Controllers

  • Pro Flight Cessna Yoke System
  • Pro Flight Cessna Trim Wheel
  • Pro Flight Cessna Rudder Pedals

Farming Equipment

  • Heavy Equipment Bundle for PC
  • Heavy Equipment Side Panel for PC

Keyboard

  • Saitek Cyborg programmable keyboard for PC

References

  1. ^ "Mad Catz Acquires Saitek™, a Leading Worldwide PC Games Peripheral Provider, for $30 Million" (Press release). 2007-11-14. Retrieved 2017-06-04.
  2. ^ "Logitech Acquires Saitek Simulation Product Line from Mad Catz". 2016-09-15. Retrieved 2016-09-15.
  3. ^ Saitek X52 Flight Control System, ITRNews, 21 December 2004 (in French)