Games

iControlPad turns smartphones into personal gaming devices

iControlPad turns smartphones into personal gaming devices
The iControlPad Bluetooth gaming controller offers mobile gamers a similar level of control for smartphones, tablets, and computers as that experienced on consoles
The iControlPad Bluetooth gaming controller offers mobile gamers a similar level of control for smartphones, tablets, and computers as that experienced on consoles
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The built-in 1350mAh battery not only powers the iControlPad but can also juice up a user's smartphone via a USB adapter
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The built-in 1350mAh battery not only powers the iControlPad but can also juice up a user's smartphone via a USB adapter
The front of the controller will be familiar to most console gamers - featuring a directional pad, four action buttons, two analog gaming controls and Select and Start buttons - while left and right trigger buttons also feature on the rear
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The front of the controller will be familiar to most console gamers - featuring a directional pad, four action buttons, two analog gaming controls and Select and Start buttons - while left and right trigger buttons also feature on the rear
Instead of relying on limited touchscreen controls, the iControlPad gives users a console-level degree of control
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Instead of relying on limited touchscreen controls, the iControlPad gives users a console-level degree of control
The universal holder positioned to house an iPhone
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The universal holder positioned to house an iPhone
The iControlPad Bluetooth gaming controller offers mobile gamers a similar level of control for smartphones, tablets, and computers as that experienced on consoles
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The iControlPad Bluetooth gaming controller offers mobile gamers a similar level of control for smartphones, tablets, and computers as that experienced on consoles
The universal smartphone holder can be adjusted to fit different models and removed when not needed
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The universal smartphone holder can be adjusted to fit different models and removed when not needed
The main board of the iControlPad - with the two analog buttons in place and showing the Bluetooth unit
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The main board of the iControlPad - with the two analog buttons in place and showing the Bluetooth unit
View gallery - 7 images

Many people now carry pocket-sized computers around in the shape of smartphones, and the processing power and graphics capabilities offered by modern devices means that gamers can now enjoy a mobile experience that's not too far removed from console gaming - albeit on a much smaller scale. Unless you've opted for Sony's Xperia PLAY, though, smartphone gaming can be distinctly lacking in the level of control that console gamers are used to. With six face buttons, two rear trigger buttons and a digital D-pad, the iControlPad Bluetooth gaming controller aims to address this issue. It's compatible with just about all smartphones, and there's even an adjustable metal clamp to hold the phone securely in place above the controller.

Originally developed as a clip-over, wired smartphone gaming controller by a self-funded team of mobile gaming enthusiasts, the iControlPad has since gone stand-alone and wireless thanks to a built-in Bluetooth module, and can also be used with almost any tablet or computer - it's even compatible with fully-grown gaming consoles. The front of the controller will be familiar to most console gamers - featuring a directional pad, four action buttons, two analog gaming controls and Select and Start buttons. Left and right trigger buttons also feature on the rear.

The front of the controller will be familiar to most console gamers - featuring a directional pad, four action buttons, two analog gaming controls and Select and Start buttons - while left and right trigger buttons also feature on the rear
The front of the controller will be familiar to most console gamers - featuring a directional pad, four action buttons, two analog gaming controls and Select and Start buttons - while left and right trigger buttons also feature on the rear

A universal holder was recently developed for the controller, that's been tested with a long list of mobile devices for compatibility - such as the Blackberry Torch, Samsung's Galaxy2 and 2S, the iPhone, HTC's Desire HD and the LG Optimus S - and can be added or removed as needed. The built-in 1350mAh battery not only powers the iControlPad but can also juice up a user's smartphone via a USB adapter. It also features a flash chip that's ready and waiting for future upgrades.

Manufactured in the UK and Germany, the controller offers iCade emulation to cater for jailbreak-free iDevice gaming and is compatible with a growing number of multi-platform apps and emulators. It can also function as a Bluetooth mouse, keyboard, and Human Interface Device (HID) joypad.

The iControlPad Bluetooth smartphone controller package with included universal phone clamp costs US$62.49, but there are other configurations available to suit different needs.

View gallery - 7 images
1 comment
1 comment
Max Kennedy
this type of \"add-on\" functionality for a display should be further developed. For example a display could be used for a gps, fishfinder etc away from net connectivity by adding the appropriate attachments rather than always bying a new display for each application.