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60beat's GamePad brings console-style controls to iOS

60beat's GamePad brings console-style controls to iOS

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60beat's GamePad is console-style controller for iOS games that works over your device's headphone jack.

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60beat GamePad Controller
60beat GamePad Controller

Devices like ThinkGeek's iCade have added physical controls to iOS games before via Bluetooth, but 60beat's GamePad has a unique twist: it's a controller that works using your device's headphone jack. Plugging the accessory into your iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch causes the on-screen controls on a supported game to disappear, allowing you to use the GamePad's familiar dual analog sticks, D-pad, and 10 action buttons for a full-screen gaming experience. Even better, the device requires no batteries: it pulls power over the headphone jack, making it a lightweight candidate to have on hand for spur-of-the-moment gaming. The device also ships with an audio splitter, so we're assuming that the controller doesn't completely block your sound. Of course, a controller is only as good as the titles it can be used with, and the selection is currently slim. Only Bugdom 2 and the zombie game Aftermath made it for launch, but 60beat promises more compatible games will be coming by February of 2012. If you'd like to wrap your hands around a real controller the next time you sit down with your iPad, the accessory is available now for $49.99.