If this ever comes out it will be interesting to see how they deal with the variable thickness of the iDevices. A 16 gig 3G is twice the thickness as an 8 gig iPod Touch.
I agree, for those without the controller, they can use virtual buttons a la Real Soccer or Hero of Sparta or Funky Punch. For those who own the controller, they can enjoy playing it without screen clutter. In this case, maybe the 'de facto' standard should only include D-Pad, 2 buttons, and 1 pause button. Otherwise the virtual buttons would fill up the whole iDevices screen. Yes, but it nevertheless opens way for some games that are 'compromised' on iPlatform, and giving option is always nice for those who want it. I personally love all the unique games like ZB and Sway, they've defined the platform. But I grew up with 8-bit consoles, so a Mario Bros, Sonic or Street Fighter would be nice. Again, with control options so I can play them with or without this pad. btw, why is almost every debate in TA now a bit heated? It was a warm and friendly place before.. hopefully it's just the lack of tone expression and we're actually all calm.
Probably they'll ship an accessory for each one, just like how each ipod comes with an accessory to fit into a dock. I'm hoping for triggers, for some real FPS'ish games. Can't imagine LiveFire without it! EDIT: That is not to say LiveFire is playable with a control pad. I just wish it were.
A controller would always be a nice alternative. IMO On the go, you wouldn't need it, but at home its always nice to have that extra option. Unless the developers themselves make both the controller and the game (trying to make money off of both), developers should assume the average iPhone user is without one. Therefore, I wouldn't worry too much about lack of innovation due to an add-on controller. Btw, with bluetooth unlocked for headsets in 3.0, could we expect wireless controllers? Or perhaps wireless (RF) controllers that attaches a RF transmitter to the iPhone? Until, someone comes out with a slick looking controller (w. dual analog sticks) that does not add much bulk to the phone, I'd prefer the wireless way.
I know this is impossible, but it would be great if we can connect our iDevices wirelessly to TV and play it on big screen with our iPhone working as wireless controller. Freeverse did a Motochaser demo of this but with the RCA cable. But it's gonna work with very limited games, which is not good. eg: Fastlane, Katamari and SnailMail would work, but ZB, Sway, Fieldrunners, Dizzy Bee, Scoops, Labyrinth, Skybound wouldn't. It's not a good idea though interesting
I'm interested in using game pads with our games, but I don't think games like SciFly will work with a DPad. It's going to need analog control like the PSP (or any modern console).
I like accelerometer controls better with racers and fliers. Dunno why. It feels better. Excite Truck on the Wii was a hell lotta fun. But I guess if you're feeling to lazy to tilt this way and a-thata way, a control pad would be a nice option.
Think it would be great to have but it would have to be standard and sold enough for devs to consider making games with it mostly in mind. There are definitely game types that need it so you dont have a virtual keypad or buttons that block your view which I really find annoying and shows the iphone/touch's limitations. But I honestly dont see this happening.
I DON'T WANT ANY GAME PAD. That would be against exactly everything the iPhone / iPod touch is standing for. People who want that just want to stick to their habits and should keep playing PSP or DS. I love my device for being a perfectly simple all-in-one device with a wonderful multi touch where devs have to use all their creativity to invent some cool new controls. And this is happening. And I don't want to step back for some people who need they normal stuff being used to for ages. Why don't you cry for a plastic keyboard or simply swith the device? Simplicity is the key. No need of having several stupid add ons to carry around with... Sorry, but this topic makes me angry
You're looking at it too narrow, it has it's usage. The perfect examples are the on screen, d-pad and buttons, those games were made with this in mind, if it'd detect it, it would remove the on screen stuff then you'd have a full screen. If you're a JB'er, then emulators will work fantastic and it will still be smaller then a PSP. lol
Not sure if this is your conclusion even after reading earlier posts, but I'll say it again. MOST people with an iPhone will not have a controller. Only a few percentage are hardcore gamers, and feel the need to have one. It wouldn't be smart for game developers to make a game that is playable only with an external controller. Therefore, such controllers will NOT prevent innovation or go against what the iPhone stands for.
There's nothing wrong with a game controller .. if a game demands it .. and it's not on i phone for the sole reason being the multi touch feature .. why not ?? this discussion can head both ways
And I a PS3 game demands a dress to wear, I would love the people buying it...just because the game demands it Games have to be built FOR a device, not against it. You can't multitouch a DS, should hardware developers now invent multitouch overlays that finally game devs can bring the right games?
So basically, Apple is pushing a little harder into the handheld game market... sounds like the other competitors will have to react
Still, this percentage is way more than on other platforms (I'd bet even than compared to Symbian's Next Gen N-Gage) - don't forget the iPhone is a MUCH better gaming phone than ANYTHING else out there (both hardware and software-wise). I really hope noone else than Apple comes up with an external solution; preferably with one that allows for holding the phone while in a protective case. Or, they open up Bluetooth so that Symbian's WiiRemote and Symbian / BlackBery's Zeemote (see http://www.smartphonemag.com/cms/blog/9/zeemote-–-right-now-best-bluetooth-game-controller-–-winmo-iphone-soon ) can be made compatible.
I doubt it cause the iPhone games are low quality compared to other handhelds, the only game I really liked on the iphone was need for speed True if you are talking about phones only, because the sony psp and nintendo ds are better gaming platforms