Just in time for the release of a slew of racing games for the Playstation 3, not the least of which is the long-awaited launch of Gran Turismo 5, HKS and InterWorks have collaborated on a creating a unique game controller that's tailor-made for all racing gamers out there.

With a controller that looks nothing like the standard controllers of the PS3 console, the Hipermax III rids itself of analog joysticks in favor of a thumb wheel on the left side and throttle and brake buttons on the other side. The "wheel" also comes with a center stripe to assist in the steering of the gamer's race cars, as well as an odometer of sorts in the center of the controller that registers the digital readouts of the car being driven in the video game.

The best piece of news about this ground-breaking new racing controller? Unlike other pedal and wheel contraptions that come with price tags that could be a little too steep for most people, the Hipermax III only retails for an estimated price of just south of $55.

Press Release after the jump

erformance Auto Label HKS USA and InterWorks Unlimited Partner to Innovate Precision Racing Controller

City of Industry, Calif.-June 2, 2010-InterWorks Unlimited Inc., the fastest-growing distributor of innovative gaming peripherals, today announced they have entered into an exclusive deal with HKS USA, Inc., the premier manufacturer and supplier of premium automotive performance systems, to co-develop for a line of professional racing video game controllers.

“HKS deploys advance racing techniques through their performance products,” said Michael Kidakarn, executive creative director of InterWorks. “We are sharing these professional racing technologies and precision control processes, such as heel/toe drifting, and integrating into our game controller.”

Only with these advanced racing controllers, gamers can easily execute these real-world racing techniques, gaining the competitive gaming advantage.

“InterWorks passion for innovation aligns with HKS passion for drivingperformance,” said Rick Lafferty, president of HKS USA, Inc. “Their newvideo game controller will take racing games to a new level of challenge andrealism by allowing players to replicate the bets driving techniques used byrace drivers.”

The HKS® Racing Controller for PlayStation®3 computer entertainmentsystem will be shown by appointment only at the InterWorks booth at theupcoming Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles, June 15-17, 2010.

About HKS USA, Inc.

HKS USA, Inc. is a leading manufacturer and supplier of premium automotive aftermarket performance systems, parts and accessories. Delivering itsproducts to both the import and domestic car markets, HKS has beenrecognized for its engineering and performance excellence in the automotiveindustry since 1973. Established in 1982, HKS USA, Inc. is a wholly-ownedsubsidiary of HKS Company, Ltd. Japan and distributes its products throughits worldwide dealer network. For more information about HKS USA., visitwww.hksusa.com.

About InterWorks Unlimited

Based in City of Industry, InterWorks Unlimited Inc. distributes a wide rangeof high-quality gaming peripherals and software under several brands andlicenses, including Eagle3 and Photo World. For more information, please visit

www.eagle3.com.