The moment an iOS game shows off some virtual buttons, I’m preparing to delete it. That’s not to say there aren’t some games that pull off virtual buttons a-okay, but it just seems to miss the point.
One popular solution has been to accessorize Apple’s devices with physical buttons, but the problem there lies in developer support. Joke-turned-actual thing iCade has found success in recruiting support on iPad, and creator ION Audio is hoping to extend that onto the rest of Apple’s devices with iCade Mobile.
The add-on was announced at the Consumer Electronics Show, which kicked off today, and includes a four-way d-pad, four front buttons and four shoulder buttons. It’s a pretty complete package, and it’ll be available later this year for $79.99.
The first screens for iCade Mobile show off Velocispider and Super Mega Worm, suggesting it’s already booked up both of those games. If ION Audio can get more developers on board, this thing may have some life.
woot
Man, are Nintendo and Sony boned.
I've been wondering why there isn't something like this out already...
With Steve Jobs gone what if Apple starts officially licensing a game controller add-on?
Kind of fitting that you post that ridiculous 3G pricing model for the Vita just a little bit before this, can that thing look any more dead on arrival?
No one will buy that for 80$
The Lynx is back!
Pfff...Ben Heck's already got this covered.
@ajamafalous said:
I'd say that's pretty high praise. Looks like something the Atari Lynx division would've coughed up
@Lokno said:
Meh, I don't know about that. But I find completely retarded the fact that the next natural step in the demise of handheld gaming is to make its killer look like a handheld console.
This evokes the design of the Game Boy Micro. Neat, I guess?
Doesn't look very portable...
Seems to have the same problem most iPhone controllers have, in that it removes the major form factor benefit of the device. $80 and you'd probably have to have a bag to carry it around when not in use. No thanks.
Gross.
@Moncole said:
ION, eh? That's the manufacturer of my old drumkit. Huh
That's pretty neat. I'd buy one for no more than a quarter of that price.