This morning, Mad Catz released some new information on their licensing deal with Sega. The agreement is Sega's first deal with any third-party peripheral manufacturer for the Dreamcast. Basically, Sega will license technology and other intellectual property to Mad Catz for the creation of Mad Catz branded peripherals. As a result, the peripherals manufactured for the Dreamcast should be of an even higher quality. Read on for the official press release.

Mad Catz, Inc., a GTR Group Inc. company, today announced that they have signed a licensing partnership with Sega Enterprises, Ltd. Under this agreement, Sega will license technology and other intellectual property to Mad Catz for the creation of Mad Catz branded peripherals for the critically acclaimed 128-bit, Internet ready Sega Dreamcast video game console.

This is the first agreement made by Sega with any third party peripheral manufacturer for the Sega Dreamcast. The agreement allows Mad Catz to design, manufacture and market licensed peripherals for the Dreamcast system in North America, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Chile and Europe.

"This agreement is very significant for Mad Catz", said Whitney Peterson, Vice President, Corporate Development for Mad Catz. "Not only does it allow Mad Catz to make sure our peripherals are 100% compatible with all Dreamcast games, but it also serves to greatly strengthen the relationship between Mad Catz and Sega. Initially, ten Mad Catz peripherals will be licensed, including Mad Catz' highly successful Steering Wheels, the critically acclaimed 6-button Control Pad, the Blaster, Force Pack a PC keyboard converter, and a Memory Unit. Additional licensed products will come on line next year. "

"Sega is pleased to be working with Mad Catz under this licensing agreement," said Shoichiro Irimajiri, president, Sega Enterprises, LTD. " This shows a significant commitment by both companies to bring consumers the best gaming peripherals possible on Sega Dreamcast."

"This agreement is further evidence of the success of Mad Catz's strategy to work cooperatively with first parties in the industry, Mr. Peterson added. "Working with Sega allows us to take full advantage of the enormous potential of the Dreamcast system, especially as online games for Dreamcast are released. We are working closely with Sega to create innovative and exciting peripherals using proprietary technology that will visibly enhance the online gaming experience that experts predict will catch fire among Dreamcast users."