OT, but fun: Numark and Genius, Inc. has announced the Scratch Deck – a videogame controller for the upcoming Scratch: The Ultimate DJ for the Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3.

Scratch: The Ultimate DJ combines free-form DJ tricks with rhythm game play similar to top-selling rhythm games, and is expected to be available in Fall 2009.

Description:

Scratch Deck combines two essential elements of the DJ and hip-hop experience – a free-spinning, touch sensitive turntable with a crossfader and 5 Akai Pro MPC-style drum pads. The turntable allows players to add their own style and manipulate the songs in real time, while the MPC-style drum pads give players the opportunity to perform and customize tracks by triggering samples. Samples can either be pre-loaded into the game using 60 unique battle records that will ship with the software, or players can record and upload their own samples using a compatible USB microphone.

In addition to the features created by Numark, Scratch Deck also contains standard game controls found in music rhythm games. The turntable features a realistic surface that feels remarkably similar to a vinyl record. The drum pads and the crossfader also deliver an authentic and realistic music production experience. Left-handed DJs will appreciate that Scratch Deck is designed for use in right or left-handed configurations.