Thrustmaster announced today that they will be releasing three new gamepads, the new "Dual Trigger" series for the PlayStation 2. The three new gamepads; Advance Wireless Dual Trigger Gamepad, Wireless Dual Trigger Gamepad, and the Dual Trigger 2-in-1 which is dual compatible with both PC and PS2, are equipped with progressive programmable triggers located on the back side of the controller. The unique mapping system will allow the buttons and mini-stick axes to be programmed onto the triggers.



"By integrating these two triggers, our motivation was to offer PC and PS2 gamers the ability to carry out ultra-precise, progressive actions that are perfectly proportioned and therefore much more realistic than has been possible up until now," states Gilles Raulet, Producer at Thrustmaster. "This new trigger technology is compatible with any game on the market. When racing in a rally game, the 2 triggers allow users to perfectly and simultaneously balance their acceleration and braking to perform and control powerslides. When playing hockey, the triggers provide users with full control over how hard they shoot the puck, just as though they were really on the ice! If you're sniping, pull the trigger for an incredibly fluid zoom with total precision. In fighting games, you can shift your position by pulling the right trigger and hit your opponent at the same time by pressing the buttons."



The controllers are based on advanced 2.4GHz Radio Frequency technology, powered by 2 AA batteries (and of course; not included). The life of the Wireless Dual Trigger is about 60 hours with vibration, or 100+ without vibration. The Advance Wireless Dual Trigger though will include 2 rechargeable batteries for your endless battery life needs. That's not all... hate it when you just can't seem to memories what button is what? This sucks when trying to play it at night, problem solved, this gamepad has integrated back-lighted buttons and D-pad. The suggested retail for the Advance Wireless Dual Trigger is $39.99 and for the Wireless Dual Trigger is $29.99. The Dual Trigger 2-in1 will be sold for only around $19.99, set to be released in late October 2004, and has compatibility with both your PC and PS2.



Release Dates are expected around early 2005.