SAITEK Cyborg Evo Joystick

Circa 2003

A highly customizable and popular flight controller known for being the first truly ambidextrous flight stick on the market.

Use Case:

Designed for PC gamers involved in flight simulation, space combat, and action games, offering a high degree of adaptability for personalized comfort.

• Adjustability: Key features included adjustable palm rests and a mechanism with metal worm gears and knobs to tilt the stick head left/right and forward/back, allowing users (especially left-handed gamers) to find their optimal position.

• Controls: It included 11 buttons (five on the stick, six on the base), a rapid-fire trigger, an 8-way "point-of-view" hat switch, a precise central throttle on the base, and a twist handle for rudder control (Z-axis).

• Connectivity: It connected via a wired USB port, making it a simple plug-and-play device on Windows systems.

Historical Significance:

Holds a significant place in the history of PC gaming peripherals:

• True Ambidexterity: It was lauded as the first truly ergonomic and easily adjustable ambidextrous stick, a major selling point for left-handed users who were often overlooked by the market.

• Innovation in Design: It shifted from previous Cyborg models that required a tool for adjustment to easy-to-use aluminum knobs and worm gears, greatly simplifying personalization.

• Budget Reliability: While it was considered an entry-level stick, it was praised for its robust, durable design and reliability, becoming a go-to option for new flight simulator enthusiasts who wanted a quality product without a high price tag.

• Legacy: The design aesthetic and technology influenced subsequent models, even after SAITEK was acquired by MADCATZ and later LOGITECH, ensuring the "Cyborg" legacy continued.

(H-24cm x W-20cm x D-20.5cm)