Performance Design Products, makers of the Mortal Kombat Tournament Edition gamestick, have released a special indepth product spotlight, revealing the intricacies and inner workings of the special edition pad.

Candace Hinton and Gerry Block -- Community Manager and Senior Product Manager respectively -- sit down to discuss the distinctly American design for the storied American fighter. Arcade authenticity remains a priority, right down to the use of cabinet authentic MDF for the body of the stick, which maintains an MK classic button layout contrary to popular parallel six button layouts.

PDP have even sourced sticks and buttons from classic arcade manufacturer Suzo-Happ -- who contributed parts for cabinets in the original nineties release. The theme carries through to the well noted concave buttons, rather than Japanese convex.

The stick has been carefully designed to allow for flat surface or lap play, with velvet covered memory foam adapting to contoured underlays. Artwork on the board comes courtesy of NetherRealm Studios, emphasising its official status. An easy to use MK latch reveals storage space and simple to access modding zones.

Gamers who missed out on Tournament Edition pre-orders will not need to fret. PDP are selling individual sticks for the Xbox 360 for $129.99, via their website. These same sticks will be featured at the official PDP Mortal Kombat tournament, happening May 14-15 in Las Vegas. Registration is now closed.

Mortal Kombat hits US shelves April 19 for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360! Europe and the United Kingdom can expect their copies to place April 21. European Tournament heats are wrapping up, with the big final happening April 17 [full story]. Follow discussion in the MKO Game Zone!