So there it is. Finally, after how long? The iControlPad is entering production. Only 3000 units are being produced to start, which are expected to go quickly, and no word yet on what games support it, but we could finally have tactile controls on the iPhone like a real game system. Of course, the down side is that it's a bit on the fugly side and rather bulky. Still, four main buttons, two shoulder buttons (kinda), two analog pads and a digital D-pad. I could get behind this. Anyone planning on getting one when they go up for sale?
Those ribbed edges give it a NES/SNES/Genesis game cart vibe. I don't think I'd bother with it personally, I bought an iPod Touch for the touch side of gaming, I've got buttons covered already with my DS and PSP.
I don't think I'll get one either. I feel like I've become accustomed to touch controls now, especially for 3D games where swipe control is used like a mouse (i.e - FPS/action games). And with the accelerometer and gyroscope, racing games wouldn't benefit from this control pad. I suppose it would be good for arcade and RPG games, but I don't play many of those types of games.
Looks clunky and well.. quite uncomfortable to use. Although I've never held one and this is just from the presentation of the video.
i actually like more the first design eventhough it doesn't have analogs which i think unnecessary for iDevices what the iDevice needs is a physical controller that can blend well with touch controls you should be able to use the controller while you can still use your finger for the screen and i don't you can that on the final design...just my opinion
Yeah I don't personally plan on getting this (not that I have an iPod anymore any ways) but it doesn't look too bad thats for sure.
Yup, this is the big issue. Honestly, we can complain about the design/size/etc, but I think they're still doing a great thing for the iOS scene. The lack of physical controls are always going to hinder certain genres of games on the iOS, and this is a step in the right direction. Even if the iControlPad doesn't do well, maybe future iterations of other controller attachments could improve on it. (I know, wishful thinking.)
If developers could use a standard bluetooth profile that works with iCade, keyboards and iContolPad then I could see it taking off. The reality is that until Apple themselves creates a bluetooth controller standard everyone can copy physical controls for iOS games will unfortunately never catch on in a meaningful way.