Numark, Genius reveal Scratch deck controller

With E3 just around the corner, the Turntable-based Game Wars are coming to a head. In one corner, we have Activision’s much-talked-about DJ Hero; in the other, Genius Inc.’s Scratch. Both set for release later this year, and both of which we’ll see at next week’s E3.

Today, we present to you the controller for Scratch. The controller features a free-spinning, touch sensitive turntable with a crossfader, along with “5 Akai Pro MPC-style drum pads” (this means “buttons,” to us gamers). The turntable will be used to manipulate music in real time, with the drum pads used to trigger game samples. The game will ship with pre-loaded samples, but you’ll also be able to record your own, using a compatible USB microphone (which, from how it sounds, won’t be shipping with the game).

So what do you think of the look of the Scratch deck versus what you’ve already seen from Activision’s offering? Next week, we’ll have a chance to (literally) go for a spin with the deck. I think it’s ultimately all about the gameplay; let’s hope it holds up that end of the bargain.