Saitek

Last updated
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+
Parent Logitech
Website saitek.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.

Contents

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

History

SciSys Chess Companion II (1983) SciSys Chess Companion II, Endorsed by the World Chess Federation, Model No. 204, Made In Hong Kong, Copyright 1983 (Chess Computer).jpg
SciSys Chess Companion II (1983)
In 1987, Saitek developed the Pocket Plus in collaboration with Garry Kasparov Kasparov POCKET PLUS aPressureSensoryChessComputer.jpg
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 Panels

Pro Flight Sticks

Flight Sticks

Pro Flight Rudder Pedals

Accessories

Cessna Controllers

Farming Equipment

Keyboard

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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)