Over the last year and a half, the iPad has turned in to a popular gaming device. It’s only been around for two years, but already, it’s becoming a serious competitor for console style games.
After all, titles like Infinity Blade deliver console quality gameplay, graphics, and extreme portability at just a fraction of the price. The only thing missing? A good controller.
A controller is the accessory that prevents the iPad from delivering true console style gameplay, and honestly, while iPad controllers still have a long way to come, there are a few options on the market. If you’re looking for a way to get an extreme amount of control when playing iPad games, one of these accessories might just be the ticket.
Fling Joystick ($19.95) – One of the first controllers on the market was the Fling Joystick, which isn’t quite a traditional controller, but it does add an analog joystick to your screen. The Fling is constructed from resin and aluminum, and it fits on to the iPad with suction cups. It fits over the directional pad that is found in any arcade style game, and works with popular titles like Monster Shooter, Aralon: Sword and Shadow, and Paper Monsters.
iCade 8-Bitty ($29.99) – The iCade 8-Bitty is designed to look like an old school Nintendo controller, with a d-pad on the left and four usable buttons on the right. It comes from the company behind the original iCade arcade cabinet, and the controller works with both the iPhone and the iPad. This controller doesn’t work with all games, but it does function with hundreds of retro style apps in the App Store, including Pac-Man, Super Mega Worm, and more. Essentially, it functions with all iCade games, so if arcade titles are your thing, this is definitely going to improve your gameplay experience.
Duo Gamer ($79.99) – The Duo Gamer is a newcomer in the iPad controller market, and while this particular accessory comes with a high price tag, it also offers a great gameplay experience. The Duo Gamer is specifically designed to work with popular Gameloft titles like NOVA3, Modern Combat 3: Fallen Nation and Asphalt 7: Heat. It’s a niche product, but Gameloft does produce a lot of the best console quality games that you will find in the App Store. You can also connect the Duo Gamer to your TV through your iPad, for a complete console gaming experience.
Joypad Game Controller (Free) – If you have an iPhone and an iPad, you can download the Joypad Game Controller to convert your iPhone into a controller for your tablet. The iPhone is actually the perfect size to be a handheld controller, and while it lacks physical buttons, it is easier to use on arcade style games than the traditional touch screen. This is an option that I often use when I run across a compatible game, and there are more than 50 titles in the App Store that work. A few examples: League of Evil 2, Mikey Shorts, Kale in Dinoland, Super Mega Worm, and Bee Leader.
X Phone Gadgets 