Creative Tech Hardware
Creative Technology recently introduced the Blaster GamePad(TM), a new digital PC game controller that has been optimized for faster response time, enhanced control and extensive compatibility with current and next-generation PC games and with Creative's new 3D Blaster(TM). With an estimated street price of $39, the new PC gaming hardware combines with a collection of PC shareware game titles and patches that allows these games to operate optimally with it.
By further extending its support for the latest direct input of Windows 95, the GamePad offers a complete solution for PC game enthusiasts at a very low price. The Blaster GamePad represents an entirely new approach to digital interface technology that greatly reduces processing time -- which dramatically heightens player action when compared to traditional PC controllers. The unique approach allows for a single input to be “split” for two GamePad connections for head-to-head play and two-player competition.
“The Blaster GamePad is designed to give players a more intense level of action and enjoyment from their PC games, and especially next-generation games,” said the vice president of U.S. software and product marketing for Creative Labs, Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of Creative Technology, Ltd. “The best solution was to optimize the digital inputs, so that players could play against each other as they would with more traditional dedicated gaming machines, but with faster response times and greater control.”
The GamePad's patent-pending architecture takes full advantage of the existing digital inputs of the PC's gameport to offer instant response and more precise control than traditional analog controllers. The new interface streamlines the command sequence to sharply reduce processing time when compared to a regular joystick, which can require up to nine times longer. And the GamePad complements Creative's new 3D Blaster, the world's first accelerated graphics card for next-generation PC games. A total of 14 touch-sensitive buttons offers complete control: an eight-position direction array, three major firing buttons, three minor firing buttons, two buttons for start and select, and a left and right index button located on the sides of the GamePad for a more arcade-like experience. Every button can be configured to a player's own individual preference. The Blaster GamePad was designed with a natural feel for firing and button selection for hours of rigorous, painless gaming. The durable plastic construction resists shock and impact from accidental drops or tosses. The Blaster GamePad supports more than 100 of the most popular PC games. A setup program enables players to quickly and easily configure the GamePad to non-standard games, encompassing virtually every game title currently available, as well as future releases. Creative has released the design characteristics of the GamePad to the software development community for the creation of powerful new games that take full advantage of the GamePad's superior characteristics.
Gaming PC
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