Interact has announced that it will provide gamepads for the Xbox Development Kits (XDK). The controller, called Hammerhead FX, is currently available for the PC, and it retails for US$29.99. This dual analog, dual vibration gamepad translates Direct X force feedback protocols into vibration. Additionally, it has ten programmable buttons and a programmable eight-way directional pad. The actual Xbox controller is currently in design and development, and it will share some of its functionality with the Hammerhead FX controller.

　　"As a developer and marketer of accessories for gamers, there is no higher compliment than to be invited to support the development efforts of a new gaming system," said Todd Hays, founder and president of InterAct. "It is a testament to our product quality and leadership position in the video game peripherals arena. We are excited about the potential of Xbox, and we plan to provide a full line of leading-edge peripherals and accessories that will complement and enhance this powerful new gaming console."

　　"The distribution of the XDK is one of the first steps we will take to roll out Xbox to the public; it is possibly one of the most important steps," said J Allard, Microsoft's general manager for the Xbox. "We wanted to ensure that Microsoft is supplying game developers with the best possible tools for the creation of Xbox titles, and the InterAct Hammerhead FX is a critical component."

　　To date, Interact has provided more than 2,000 Hammerhead FX controllers for inclusion in the Xbox Development Kits.