Rock Band 2 clearly commands a great deal of attention at E3 2008, but the unsung heroes of the game are its peripherals. Of course, being a hardware guy, I feel that way about all doodads. But in this case, the guitars, mics, and drums really do contribute to the feel of the game. So when we found out that Harmonix partnered with Mad Catz for peripherals, we were totally thrown for a loop.

Most of us know Mad Catz for their budget oriented controllers. However, both companies stated in no uncertain terms that all products related to Rock Band will be made with the utmost quality in mind. We were told that around eighty percent of Mad Catz's resources were thrown at perfecting Rock Band related products. The folks at Harmonix also said that there had been lots of back and forth between the companies. Mad Catz plans to release an entire line of premium Rock Band peripherals, and even some totally new designs that are exclusive to them.

At E3 2008, Novint came to show off their new Pistol Grip for the Falcon controller. We covered the Novint Falcon in depth a little earlier this month. If you're not familiar with the Falcon, the realistic tactile feedback is its biggest selling point. The controller simulates the kickback of guns so you know if you're firing a shotgun or a Magnum. The controller even does a great job of simulating different walks, runs, and jumps, amongst many other effects.

Rock Band 2 clearly commands a great deal of attention at E3 2008, but the unsung heroes of the game are its peripherals. Of course, being a hardware guy, I feel that way about all doodads. But in this case, the guitars, mics, and drums really do contribute to the feel of the game. So when we found out that Harmonix partnered with Mad Catz for peripherals, we were totally thrown for a loop.

Most of us know Mad Catz for their budget oriented controllers. However, both companies stated in no uncertain terms that all products related to Rock Band will be made with the utmost quality in mind. We were told that around eighty percent of Mad Catz's resources were thrown at perfecting Rock Band related products. The folks at Harmonix also said that there had been lots of back and forth between the companies. Mad Catz plans to release an entire line of premium Rock Band peripherals, and even some totally new designs that are exclusive to them.

At E3 2008, Novint came to show off their new Pistol Grip for the Falcon controller. We covered the Novint Falcon in depth a little earlier this month. If you're not familiar with the Falcon, the realistic tactile feedback is its biggest selling point. The controller simulates the kickback of guns so you know if you're firing a shotgun or a Magnum. The controller even does a great job of simulating different walks, runs, and jumps, amongst many other effects.