Belkin JoyPod Game Controller for iPhone with App Support?

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)


http://images.macrumors.com/article/2008/08/31/152923-belkin.jpg


At TouchArcade (http://toucharcade.com), we have posted an image (http://toucharcade.com/2008/08/30/belkin-joypod-iphone-gaming-controller-with-app-store-support/) of what appears to be a Belkin gaming controller accessory for the iPhone. The ad copy of the accompanying image claims that the new "JoyPod" will provide App Store support. If true, this means Apple will be incorporating official support for the accessory in the iPhone SDK. Other features listed include:

- 8 buttons total (6 on the front)
- Audio output
- Dock connector for power and syncing

iControlPad (http://www.icontrolpad.com/) is another control pad accessory for the iPhone that has been under development, but without Apple's involvement, that controller may be limited to Jailbroken apps.

Article Link (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/08/31/belkin-joypod-game-controller-for-iphone-with-app-support/)

[c-Row]

I really hope to see something like this soon since it would make for a far better input device for a wide range of (then possible) games on the iPhone/iPod Touch. :)

[iTeen]

Huh.

That is the point of the iPhone...to get away from buttons. :confused:

I would never waste my money on that.

[gutefahrt]

Looks like my Tapwave Zodiac:
http://regmedia.co.uk/2004/09/16/zodiac_1.jpg

[kntgsp]

Huh.

That is the point of the iPhone...to get away from buttons. :confused:

I would never waste my money on that.

I think the idea of playing the hundreds of NES/SNES ROMS is enough for me to buy it.

Hell I'd pay for this thing to be able to have real controls for Super Mario, etc. Long train/plane rides would be easier. Saves you from having to buy a full fledged portable gaming device and all the discs and crap that go with it.

Anyone who tried the NES ROM emulator with jailbreak knows how crappy it is when you don't have real buttons.

[Raidersmojo]

so I have this cool iphone with an accelerometer, touch screen controls, and other bells and whistles then I'd want to take out this nintendo NES looking controller to play some iphone games?

LMAO

this thing will flop hard, if I saw anyone with one of those I couldn't stop laughing

[abhimat.gautam]

Why the screenshot of cover flow? Do they want us to control cover flow with buttons?:eek:

[darklyt]

http://citizens4ethics.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/tstevensmain.jpg

NO!

Imagine answering your phone with the joystick poking you in the ear...

[Santa Rosa]

Gonna call fake or epic fail on this one.

[paulshephard]

http://citizens4ethics.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/tstevensmain.jpg

NO!

Imagine answering your phone with the joystick poking you in the ear...

Ahaha :)
That thought just made me laugh out loud.

[The General]

That doesn't mean Apple will support it officially through the iPod connector.

It might just run an adhoc network that the iPhone would have to connect to and they could provide some sort of API for developers to use the controller over wifi.

And there'd be nothing Apple could do about it. Though I dunno why Apple would ever want to block the use of controllers. :rolleyes:

[kornyboy]

Wirelessly posted (iPhone: Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 2_0_2 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/525.18.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.1.1 Mobile/5C1 Safari/525.20)

Though I don't think this item is for me, I do hope that Apple opens up the SDK a bit more so that develoopers can use the dock connector for input devices.

[WoFat]

Oh, if I could imagine the joy of being juvenile again I might get one.

[arn]

That doesn't mean Apple will support it officially through the iPod connector.

If it's coming from Belkin, I'd guess it was officially Apple supported.

arn

[jackfrost123]

I don't understand the knee jerk negative reaction.

I don't play games and wouldn't buy it probably, but it has its uses. It doesn't mean that because you took away the buttons with a touchscreen that you can't have a specific add on for a certain purpose. ACTUALLY ONE OF THE PURPOSES OF TAKING BUTTONS AWAY MIGHT BE TO BE ABLE TO ADD ANY CUSTOM CONFIGURATION ACCORDING TO THE USE THAT ONE WISHES? HUH? HOW ABOUT THAT? ANY OF YOU NEGATIVE GENIUSES THOUGH OF THAT FLEXIBILITY? Say you take away the keyboard but can add a specific keyboard for programers, a special pad for designers, etc. etc.

And it beats having the f. solver as the no. 1 rumor of the moment, and if the whole mac community were hanging by the balls of some developer "aknowledging" us and delivering the solver.

[CoreWeb]

IF Apple were to support something like this -- and that's a sizable IF -- then it is likely that support would be generic in nature, using some form of standardized (by Apple) controller communication protocol, meaning many companies could make them.

However, I think Apple may want to hold off on something like this for a little while yet, as, while advanced controls like that may be needed for some more advanced games, game developers need to adapt to writing touchscreen based applications first. If developers are given something like this to play with, chances are they'll use it too much as a crutch and won't innovate.

[jackfrost123]

If it's coming from Belkin, I'd guess it was officially Apple supported.

arn

Hey arn, is that because of the ties of the two cos are so close? I didn't know that, they have special status.

[arn]

Hey arn, it that because of the ties of the two cos are so close? I didn't no that, they have special status.

It's just based on the fact that Belkin is a very large accessory manufacturer, and they do freqently work with Apple on accessories. It just seems unlikely that Belkin would waste resources on an "unofficial" accessory with niche support. In that if Belkin is going on their own on this, they would have to recruit developers themselves to modify their apps to support this accessory specifically.

(this, of course, is under the assumption that this rumor/image is true, which has not been confirmed)

arn

[jackfrost123]

ok, very lucid explanation, thanks bro!:apple:

[nagromme]

Pretty cool. I wouldn't want to see games depend on it, since I'm really liking the small size without it. But as an option to enhance certain games that can also get by without, why not?

[DavidLeblond]

Love it. The iPhone is a great platform, with awesome 3rd party support and not ALL games are meant to be controlled with the accelerometer + touch. "Onscreen touch controls" are weak as hell. Even a big number of Nintendo first party games don't use the waggle Wii-mote.

If this opens more doors for devs, I say bring it on.

[HiRez]

I'd be surprised if Jobs would officially support something that ugly. Seriously. And you know Teh Steve has final decision on everything related to iPhone. Then again, there was the Motorola ROKR (http://www.livingroom.org.au/cameraphone/Motorola-ROKR-E1.jpg)...

I do think Apple would be wise to build in maybe 4 edge or corner buttons on the iPhone, which would be programmable and not have a fixed use. They could be low profile and stay out of the way when not needed but apps would be able to use them if they wanted to. Only thing is that screws up all the cases.

[MattJessop]

I quite like the idea of this, and it does look very cool imo. Maybe thats just because I play games a lot, but oh well :D

One thing I really hope that they do not go down is having apps that 'require' a certain accessory to work. That to me would really start cluttering up the app store and have stupid compatability issues. Please just make it optional to use this on some apps.

[Brianstorm91]

iControlPad is possibly the worst product name that I've ever come across.

[Trip.Tucker]

Huh.

That is the point of the iPhone...to get away from buttons. :confused:

I would never waste my money on that.


The point is to expand upon the current functionality of the iPhone for a particular area, in this case games, for those that want it. i.e. mobile gamers.

This doesn't force you to use it all the time or even force you to buy it continue to play games. The everyday computer can play a console-esque game or flight simulator with the mouse and keyboard only but adding a mash-pad and joystick and pedals adds so much more to the game. For those people only using the computer for non gaming activities, the mouse and keyboard are fine. Those wanting a little more can get it.

[fleshman03]

This really could usher in a new era in portable gaming.

Just think, when you want to play an SNES, NES, SEGA or whatever ROM you want, just pop your iPod Touch/iPhone into the controls.

If you want to play one with touch sensors, then just use the touch sensors. It really could be a nice little add on for those who would use it.

Plus - Bring in some cash for old games that aren't selling anymore.

[bdkennedy1]

That is ugly as shi*

[BRLawyer]

Ahaha :)
That thought just made me laugh out loud.

Yep, this is absolutely ridiculous...is there really a market for such a hideous thing? An iPhone is an iPhone, period...if you wanna game on it all the time, you should a portable console, not a phone...:rolleyes:

[elmateo487]

Imagine this though.

What if it added a huge external battery for the iPhone, allowing extra game time on the device. Then if Apple teamed up to allow companies to sell their emulators, Sega would be back in business! Think about it... Although its kinda farfetched. But Gameboy, Gamegear, Sega CD, Sega, Nintendo, etc.

Plus to answer your calls you would have a headset in and could just answer the call that way.

[kjs862]

Sweet

[ltldrummerboy]

iControlPad is possibly the worst product name that I've ever come across.

Ever heard of MobileMe?

[alphaod]

If anyone's used a Nokia N-Gage they know this is a really bad idea.

[Yixian]

I'd definitely consider this product but the current design is absolutely awful.

[BiikeMike]

Wirelessly posted (Treo: Opera/9.50 (J2ME/MIDP; Opera Mini/4.1.11328/546; U; en))

I'm for it. If it means Apple is opening up the platform, just think of the possibilities.

My qestion is how is it going to work with the orig iPhone, 3G iPhone, iPod Touch, and the rumored iPod touch redesign? They are all different dimentions and shapes, would there be possibly 4 controllers? Or one that will snap on to all the devices?

[thestaton]

good lord that's fugly.

[ImNoSuperMan]

It is very cool to play games on the iphone with the accelerometer and the multi touch screen but it falls way short when compared to the real buttons. I tried the unofficial emulators on the iphone and believe me those games are completely unplayable with the touch screen controls.

Games developed from scratch for the iPhone will never need these buttons but such games are going to be very few compared to the massive library of nes/snes/sega games. These are the only games/software which can take advantage of such controllers. And thats the problem. I find it kind of hard to believe that Apple will have any interest in helping people use such emulators for nes/sega roms which in most cases(if not all) are illegally downloaded from the internet.

May be Apple might strike a deal with Nintendo/Sega etc and start selling these roms and the emulators through the App store. Very unlikely to happen but this is the only reason Apple might allow such accessory to be created for iPhone.

Huh.

That is the point of the iPhone...to get away from buttons. :confused:

I would never waste my money on that.
I definitely would if the thing is good enough and I can get to play all the great nes/snes games on the iPhone.It will be very impractical to carry this case every where I go but I`ll definitely take it with me while travelling just like I take the iPod FM transmitter, Aux out cable, car charger, Video out dock. These accessories never get out of the closet for weeks but they really make my life easier on those long boring trips. So there`s atleast one customer confirmed Belkin/someone else gets it right.

[macaron1]

I don't really play games on the iPhone but do see the potential of this idea.

Touchscreen gestures will not work satisfactorily with some game genres, and this type of a dock/controller seems to be a good solution. (Virtualizing controls on the screen is another route, but that takes up screen estate and probably is not intuitive enough.)

[tiggery2k3]

http://citizens4ethics.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/tstevensmain.jpg

NO!

Imagine answering your phone with the joystick poking you in the ear...

remember the n-gage now when I saw anyone with one of them it was hillarious

[tiggery2k3]

Sorry, double post

[jackfrost123]

Ever heard of MobileMe?

ha,ha,ha...good one!:D

[illitrate23]

good lord that's fugly.

quite weird that the icontrolpad actually looks like a reasonable design that follows the styling of the iPhone, where as the 'official' Belkin version looks so awful

[ArtOfWarfare]

I love it. (The concept, not necessarily the looks.)

I need physical buttons for my game... virtual buttons just aren't going to cut it in a fast paced shooter where you need to rapidly switch weapons.

[The Phazer]

I'm all for anything that suggests Apple is finally making some meaningful development at getting things working with the dock connector.

Maybe this means they'll get the radio remote working at some point too...

Phazer

[freeny]

while there are some cool games that utilize the accelerometer, the majority (99%) are unplayable without actual conrolls.

When can I buy one?... :)

[mikes63737]

NO!!!

Anyone but Belkin. They should just stick to cables and surge protectors. Everything else they make is crap and fails within a year.

[mixel]

haha, the negative response from some posters is strange.. Touch and accelerometer are great for some types of game, but gaming didn't start with the iPhone. I'm all for optional traditional controls, they'll seriously increase the potential for gaming on the platform - a lot of long term gamers will take it more seriously too.

Falling block games work better with real controls, traditional fighting games do too.. All but the slowest paced or weirdly designed platform games would benefit from this.. Bomberman etc need them for accuracy.. So there's definitely a Market as long as it doesn't interfere with other funtions.

Imagine you've been used to eating with a knife and fork your entire life, then someone wants you to use a straw as it's "more efficient and sleek" You either have to blend all your food, or only have soup from now on. You'd be glad if they handed you optional cutlery, you could eat more traditional, meaty meals.

That made sense in my head. XD


Anyone ignoring the potential of the platform for traditionally controlled games seems to be ignoring all the untapped power of the machine, and turning their back on decades of gaming standards. Something like castlevania for iPhone would be amazing- more so with optional dpad controls.

[Monty1]

what the flip is this thing supposed to do

[Quartz Extreme]

I don't understand the knee jerk negative reaction.

I don't play games and wouldn't buy it probably, but it has its uses. It doesn't mean that because you took away the buttons with a touchscreen that you can't have a specific add on for a certain purpose. ACTUALLY ONE OF THE PURPOSES OF TAKING BUTTONS AWAY MIGHT BE TO BE ABLE TO ADD ANY CUSTOM CONFIGURATION ACCORDING TO THE USE THAT ONE WISHES? HUH? HOW ABOUT THAT? ANY OF YOU NEGATIVE GENIUSES THOUGH OF THAT FLEXIBILITY? Say you take away the keyboard but can add a specific keyboard for programers, a special pad for designers, etc. etc.

And it beats having the f. solver as the no. 1 rumor of the moment, and if the whole mac community were hanging by the balls of some developer "aknowledging" us and delivering the solver.

Caps lock is cruise control for cool.

[Yvan256]

Is that supposed to be a real gamepad or one of those awful "analog stick" on the left?

[mike12806]

it's so effin ugly! blah!

[gkarris]

I'd new they'd come up with a better way of playing Quake!

Now for Wireless and Internet Multiplayer... :eek:

[SFgadgetman]

This type peripheral will succeed. Hopefully a full size fold up keyboard won't be far behind. Go ahead and laugh but there is a market for both. :p

[mattniles007]

Huh.

That is the point of the iPhone...to get away from buttons. :confused:

I would never waste my money on that.


I am glad to see I am not the only one who is puzzled by this

[babyj]

What if it added a huge external battery for the iPhone, allowing extra game time on the device. Then if Apple teamed up to allow companies to sell their emulators, Sega would be back in business! Think about it... Although its kinda farfetched. But Gameboy, Gamegear, Sega CD, Sega, Nintendo, etc.

There is no way there will ever be a legal emulator for any of the Nintendo platforms on the iPhone, nor will any Nintendo games get ported. It would take a major deal (or merger) between Apple and Nintendo and that ain't going to happen - Nintendo are stronger now than they've ever been.

Sega will port their catalogue to any platform there is. I'm sure they're just waiting for something like this and then they'll test the market.

Whilst the controller seems like a good idea on paper I can't see there being that much of a market for it. There would have to be a lot of them sold before it would be worth while for any serious developers to develop for it and no one will buy them until there is decent games for it - catch 22.

If you want to play games with a controller on the move you buy a Nintendo DS, if you haven't already got one. I just don't see the attraction in being able to play them on an iPhone and drain the battery even quicker.

Nice idea, could (and maybe should) be a massive success, but it won't be.

[Cleverboy]

If it's coming from Belkin, I'd guess it was officially Apple supported.

arn Not necessarily. If you think about it... right NOW... signals are sent to iPods to raise and lower the volume for devices connected to it. Also signals for "prev/next song" and "pause/play toggle". My question, is can normal iPhone SDK applications TRAP these communications in anyway and "repurpose" them, if written properly? I'm thinking the answer is "YES".

Something LESS LIKELY is that you could add a device that expands functionality... like a GPS. But if you're simply using "existing" functionality, trapping it, and utilizing it in a different way... the idea sounds very plausible.

Someone else might attempt to "add" new functionality... but trapping existing functions and repurposing them... while limited... it can easily fit the bill.

~ CB

[sanPietro98]

There is one MAJOR problem with this device... BELKIN.

Belkin has never made a product that was any good. Every Belkin accessory I have ever purchased has been returned to the store for a refund due to defects or lack of usability. It would be nice if another company tried making a similar device.

[ezekielrage_99]

Looks like my Tapwave Zodiac:
http://regmedia.co.uk/2004/09/16/zodiac_1.jpg

Beat me too it :cool:

But Duke Nuken on an iPod would be awesome. Hail to the king baby :D

[johnasmith1914]

Looks good.

[thechidz]

it will sell... just like the iphone originally eliminated the need to carry a phone and an ipod, this eliminates the need to carry a psp... it will sell a million with all the new teenage iphoners out there... brilliant.

[johnasmith1914]

does this have the same games as the PSP? same quality?

[ratattak]

I kinda like the idea.

A month ago when I purchased Bomberman, the very first thing I said was "dammit, I wish I had a standalone control for this." And really, it would work great with games like that. Or pacman, etc.

[thechidz]

does this have the same games as the PSP? same quality?
you own a psystar? is that the open pro? how is it? do you have a youtube vid up of it? I am very interested in them...

[gcmexico]

Looks like my Tapwave Zodiac:
http://regmedia.co.uk/2004/09/16/zodiac_1.jpg
*
exactly this is a little too much for my liking

[dontwalkhand]

LOL Not only is this invention stupid, its HIDEOUS! Come on, its UGLY? Get to it Belkin, if you are going to make a device for the iPhone, at least make it look semi-decent!

[ZiggyPastorius]

I was looking forward to the iControl Pad for so long. It never came, but this looks pretty cool. I don't have any use for it, since I needed it for emulators and such while jailbroken, but, it's useful to have in case I ever need buttons again.

On another thought...It'd be cool to see a full-size keyboard that can connect to the slot in the bottom of the iPhone so that people who really needed to type quickly with their iPhone could do it. Maybe not the most practical, but it'd be cool...Or one of those mini-keyboards people used to have for Pocket PCs.

[isMEheNG]

haha~anybody know when this baby gonna to released? it gonna be fun while playing game with it:p

[cyberakuma]

I don't believe such an accessory would be desirable for Apple to approve, for the same reason that they didn't ship a multi-button mouse for so long, for the same reason songs in iTunes are all the same price - you want to eliminate how much the customer needs to evaluate before purchase.

Imagine I don't have a joypod iphone strap-on, and I'm shopping around the store. How will I know which games I can use without buying the accessory? How will I know which games which say they work either way, but really only had touch control added as an afterthought?

The touch interface is the primary way of interacting with the device, a brand new metaphor. Adding a secondary, more traditional interface would become a huge crutch for developers who do not want to map their ideas into a new paradigm.

But on the bright side, it looks like another company, already linked on this thread, is considering making such a device for jailbroken phones. Thats where the emu crowd really needs it anyway.

[Anonymous Freak]

Looks like my Tapwave Zodiac:
http://regmedia.co.uk/2004/09/16/zodiac_1.jpg

heh... Glad I'm not the only one. (Although my Zod has gone almost completely unused since I got my iPhone. Now that there are games for the iPhone, I'm sure the Zod will be eBayed sooner or later.)

[wizard]

Imagine this though.

What if it added a huge external battery for the iPhone, allowing extra game time on the device. Then if Apple teamed up to allow companies to sell their emulators, Sega would be back in business! Think about it... Although its kinda farfetched. But Gameboy, Gamegear, Sega CD, Sega, Nintendo, etc.

Plus to answer your calls you would have a headset in and could just answer the call that way.

Great minds must think alike, atleast about the battery thing.

As a far as games go though that is a diffferent story. I see the big potential in new games using new technology. Cobine that with Apple delivering an iPod Touch turbo. That is with a touch that doubles clock rate and RAM would leave Apple in a leadership position as far as portable gaming goes.

As to that doubling of clock rate - yes I think it is possible and still keeping power under control. That would take some integration and a lot of skill with power management from PA Semi. I think many people here would be very happy with a Touch that ran at 800 MHz instead of 400. Add in mesh networking and the fate of the other gaming handset manufactures is sealed.

Very optimistic on my part I know. But let's face it to do the low end of the market Apple has to drop features along with price. However what everybody is missing is that just because Apple needs lower price Touches doesn't imply that they will drop out of the high end. All Apple needs to do is add features that justify the higher price. Of course on an iPod part of that price always means more flash space but let's also face that that isn't of concern to everybody. Touch at the high end will offer unique features to draw purchases!

Dave

[bizzaregood]

I personally don't think its ugly... but then again, your going to have to look at it when your hands are covering it up. You know?? (haha)

But on a more serious note. I think apple should just call up the icontrolpad people and cut a deal with them. they dont have a bad design, the are past a working prototype, So why not?

[GottaLoveApple4]

what I don't get is why they haven't made the proximity sensor available as a button yet??? It would be perfect for racing/jumping/shooting games so you would not have to touch the screen as a button and block your view. I'm really surprised they didn't think of that yet...:confused:

[Bubba Satori]

Gonna call fake or epic fail on this one.

"Fail fail fail. I don't want it. You don't need it. You can't have it."

How much more do we have to endure this pretzel logic ? Everytime something new comes out or something isn't available on an Apple product we hear the zombie crypto luddites chant that something is stupid or will fail. :rolleyes:

[senorFunkyPants]

"Fail fail fail. I don't want it. You don't need it. You can't have it."

How much more do we have to endure this pretzel logic ?
Great album.

[Michael CM1]

I quite like the idea of this, and it does look very cool imo. Maybe thats just because I play games a lot, but oh well :D

One thing I really hope that they do not go down is having apps that 'require' a certain accessory to work. That to me would really start cluttering up the app store and have stupid compatability issues. Please just make it optional to use this on some apps.

Sounds about like what I'd say. The controls for Cro-Mag Rally are virtual buttons and they're kinda hard to use at times, but doable. I would be worried about a lot of games requiring numerous accessories, but maybe this could be done on a limited basis.

[OS X Dude]

Looks like a Gizmodo - hopefully not an indication of iPod touch/iPhone gaming to come.

[Dr. Cabrera]

lets see its an apple supported accessory but the best use would be achieved only by a game emulator which is not supported... what to do


I seriously hope they don't choose an analog stick.. nothing beats a d-pad for precise controls ( street fighter anyone ? )

still if this device comes out, consider adding me to the jailbreak camp ( super metroid on the go... droool)

[alhasa]

I don't understand the knee jerk negative reaction.

I don't play games and wouldn't buy it probably, but it has its uses. It doesn't mean that because you took away the buttons with a touchscreen that you can't have a specific add on for a certain purpose. ACTUALLY ONE OF THE PURPOSES OF TAKING BUTTONS AWAY MIGHT BE TO BE ABLE TO ADD ANY CUSTOM CONFIGURATION ACCORDING TO THE USE THAT ONE WISHES? HUH? HOW ABOUT THAT? ANY OF YOU NEGATIVE GENIUSES THOUGH OF THAT FLEXIBILITY? Say you take away the keyboard but can add a specific keyboard for programers, a special pad for designers, etc. etc.

And it beats having the f. solver as the no. 1 rumor of the moment, and if the whole mac community were hanging by the balls of some developer "aknowledging" us and delivering the solver.

lol... well said man. :)

[franzmueller]

So... with such a device I need to really push buttons in order to steer my player in : for example Cromag rally ?

NO thanks

Saludos

[Yvan256]

[...] Combine that with Apple delivering an iPod Touch turbo. That is with a touch that doubles clock rate and RAM would leave Apple in a leadership position as far as portable gaming goes. [...]

Nintendo has always had the slowest portable console and has always been the leader in the portable console area.

Also, your idea would fragment Apple's market (two different systems) instead of making it stronger (a single platform).

And as far as this "game controller add-on" goes, optional controller accessories have never been successful on any console.

Also, don't forget battery life. Playing games on my iPod touch seems to drain the battery way too fast.

[Coleco]

iControlPad is possibly the worst product name that I've ever come across.

Agreed. Sounds like a Stayfree or Depends product.

[reallynotnick]

Really my only concern is battery life, as I would love to be able to game on my iPhone. The screen is awesome and it is even more powerful then a PSP.

I do think the icontrolpad is a lot better designed but hey this isn't real at least yet. It would cool to get some official support for these kind of pads in the App Store. I might have to pick up the icontrolpad if the price is right, which it sounds like it will be.

[whooleytoo]

Not sure why they didn't go with two thumbsticks instead of just one D-pad.

It'll be interesting how this works with games that require rotation/flipping though. I guess if you have to flip the iPhone around, you just avoid using the D-pad?

I'll probably buy one - maybe at 3.0 or 4.0 :)

[JG271]

The gaming market is probably the next section of the market for apple to aim at i guess.

[WindowsGuy]

Yep, this is absolutely ridiculous...is there really a market for such a hideous thing? An iPhone is an iPhone, period...if you wanna game on it all the time, you should a portable console, not a phone...:rolleyes:

Do you use a dock to get great stereo sound from your iPod or iPhone?

Isn't this an add on that gives additional functionallity or do you use the great speakers that come with the iPhone?

It's a tool that gives people a familiar way to play games. What's the theme of the forum.

IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT...
DON'T BUY IT!
:cool:

[Pigumon]

There are currently more negative votes for this than positive. Why are you such babies?

Did you buy the iphone for its functionality, or just because it makes you think you look cool?


This is a GREAT idea, pure and simple. What kind of people are you who think playing is juvenile?

I believe the saying goes "work hard, play hard".

As good for business as the iPhone is, why not make it great for leisure.

Wow, a joystick is near my ear, oh for shame, how will I ever live it down?! Maybe by hanging up and getting back to playing. :mad:

[bigmc6000]

That's freakin' genius! I'm assuming it's going to work with the Touch as well. For those complaining about putting the phone up to your head with this thing on there's a reason the iPhone earphones come with a mic - use it. If I'm ever on the phone for more than just a couple mins I use the headphones. This also opens up the iPhone to all the traditional games which is a big time plus. So now we've got 6 buttons, a joystick AND accelerometer support. I actually think racing games would be better with this having buttons as the accelerator/brake and weapon fire if that's an option. That's just too many things to have to touch the screen for and it takes away screen real-estate.

Anyway - if you don't like it - don't buy it, the rest of us will be very happy having PSP functionality by simply putting a sleeve on our iPhones/Touches. :)

[The Tall One]

What? Am I missing something here? Why the hell would you want this extraneous piece of technology? I thought the point of an iphone was for its compact versatility. If you want to play hand held video games get a DS.

[sunfast]

What? Am I missing something here? Why the hell would you want this extraneous piece of technology? I thought the point of an iphone was for its compact versatility. If you want to play hand held video games get a DS.

I think the point is that you can play hand held games with this add-on, price of which I'd expect to be <<< DS

[BRLawyer]

Do you use a dock to get great stereo sound from your iPod or iPhone?

Isn't this an add on that gives additional functionallity or do you use the great speakers that come with the iPhone?

It's a tool that gives people a familiar way to play games. What's the theme of the forum.

IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT...
DON'T BUY IT!
:cool:

I know, I am just not interested, and think that an add-on gamepad looks silly. And no, I don't have an iPhone (as I still await for Sunrise to offer it), and I only listen to iPods with my headphones...

[puffnstuff]

they should add a camera to it too

[rockinthecave]

alibaba is selling cases fot these already it might be happening...

here's the link to a pic:

http://sz-jinlichang.en.alibaba.com/product/50219123/206796209/Accessories_for_iPods/Aluminum_cases_for_game_player.html