It doesn’t require batteries, plugs into your iPad or iPhone’s audio jack, and sports a total of twelve action buttons for getting your game on. 60beat’s GamePad isn’t dissimilar from a Logitech controller you may have picked up for occasional PC gaming, featuring four shoulder buttons, a d-pad, two joysticks, a mode toggle, and an ergonomic design. As the GamePad does require a free headphone port, it does come with an audio splitter if you want to wear headphones while blasting baddies.
60beat’s controller, while compelling, is currently only compatible with a couple games on the App Store: Bugdom 2 ($2.99) and Aftermath ($1.99). Games written to be compatible with the controller allow you to quickly connect and disconnect the gamepad without interrupting gameplay. When the GamePad is connected, the on-screen controls will be hidden so you can be fully immersed in the experience.
The 60beat GamePad only works with a couple games, but provided it gains adoption, it might become a compelling accessory for iOS gamers. It isn’t cheap — the GamePad will set you back $49.99 — but for the convenience of shoulder buttons and physical joysticks, it may be worth the asking price if titles like GTA III ever pick it up.
[via TouchArcade]
