Itching for the Nintendo Switch? This iPhone controller may tide you over

Mobile gaming peripheral maker, Gamevice, has announced a slew of new controllers for the iPhone, iPad Mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pro. Although Gamevice has been in business for some time, it’s attempting a resurgence shortly after the Nintendo Switch system was announced, which has controllers that look similar.

We had our first look at Gamevice controllers back in 2015 and they looked much the same then. They featured face buttons, joystick controls, triggers, shoulder buttons and an additional directional pad, looking very similar to Nintendo’s twin Joy-Con controllers for the Switch.

Recommended Videos

The timing of this new launch which has us raising our eyebrows. While we don’t doubt that Gamevice has been working on its controllers since then, it does seem like quite a coincidence that it’s launching new versions shortly after the Switch reveal.

Originally designed for the iPad Air and Air Mini, this time around Gamevice has expanded its list of supported hardware, offering versions for iPhones and various iPads. As before, though, instead of being split and attaching in two halves like the Nintendo Switch’s Joy-Cons, Gamevice’s controllers are attached together behind the screen.

Polygon reports that the new Gamevice controllers are supported by more than 900 games on iOS and are charged using the tablet or phone’s own power. However they do come with a Lightning port, and can be charged directly if you prefer.

One addition that could be of real interest to iPhone 7 users: the Gamevice controller will add a 3.5mm headphone jack to the phone.

You can now order yourself the new iPad Air and Pro versions for $100 each, and we’re told that the iPhone and iPad Mini versions of the new Gamevice controllers will become available on January 31.

Do any of you take your iPhone or iPad gaming seriously enough to order one of these?

Editors' Recommendations

Jon Martindale is the Evergreen Coordinator for Computing, overseeing a team of writers addressing all the latest how to…
Apple accidentally revealed a big iPad Pro display upgrade

iPad Pro 2022 Joe Maring / Digital Trends

Apple is already past its usual upgrade cycle for the iPad Pro after the previous model was released in October 2022. Latest reports hint at an announcement now set for "early May" this year where Apple will unveil the new iPad Pro and iPad Air models, even though a proper event seems unlikely. Despite Apple's suggested lack of fervor, these purported new iPad models are expected to bring significant changes, especially to the display.

Read more
Why you should buy the iPhone 15 Pro Max instead of the iPhone 15 Pro

If you want the best iPhone money can buy in 2024, you have two options: the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro Max. They have the same chipset, similar display technology, nearly identical cameras, etc. It's a really close battle, save for the fact that the iPhone 15 Pro is $200 cheaper.

It might be tempting to save some cash and choose the iPhone 15 Pro, but I recommend you splurge for the larger (and more expensive) iPhone 15 Pro Max. Why? Let me explain.
It's a big iPhone you won't hate using

Read more
This one thing could make iOS 18 the best iPhone update in years

Apple’s WWDC 2024 is just a couple of months away. As with every WWDC, we’ll see what Apple has in store for the next generation of software across its hardware portfolio, including the iPhone with iOS 18.

Rumors have been swirling about iOS 18 and how it will be “one of the biggest updates yet.” We know some features like RCS support in Messages are definitely coming, with other whispers of big home screen customization changes and more.

Read more