Gaming News Round-Up: February 16th, 2005

Today's wrap-up includes news of an odd new game controller, as well as another volume of Midway's Arcade Treasures compilations. - Novint Technologies unveiled their new Falcon controller at the Scottsdale, Arizona DEMO conference this week, and it sports a rather intriguing design. Appearing to consist of a handle mounted on a horizontal tripod, it's difficult to see without using it how it would work in a game setting. However, Novint claims that the device -- originally designed by Sandia National Labs and used in a variety of diverse applications -- is versatile enough to perform well in all manner of games. The Falcon controller will retail for $100 when it goes on sale in early 2006; initially, it will be only for PC, but Novint may manufacture console versions if the device is a success. - Midway has announced a third volume in their Midway Arcade Treasures retro compilation series; Midway Arcade Treasures 3 will spotlight the company's archive of racing games. The lineup includes Badlands, Hydro Thunder, Off Road Thunder: Mud, Sweat, and Gears, Race Drivin', San Francisco Rush the Rock: Alcatraz Edition, San Francisco Rush 2049, S.T.U.N. Runner, and Super Off Road. Online support for Xbox Live is also included in the form of worldwide score rankings.