Apple originally announced integrated support for standardized game controllers back in 2013 with iOS 7. Since then there have been plenty of companies that have taken up the challenge to make Apple-approved controllers through the official MFi (Made for iPhone) accessory branding. But despite that, iOS gaming has never really had the same kind of button-based successes that, say, Nintendo’s 3DS has. But that hasn’t stopped people from trying, which is why Gamevice announced today its latest Gamevice for iPhone controller. Gamevice has been making iOS gamepads for iPhones and iPads for a while now, but the newest iPhone model adds a number of improvements to the accessory. First up is iPhone 7 support, which in addition to a slightly redesigned exterior also includes a built-in 3.5mm headphone jack, along with a new passthrough Lightning port for charging your phone directly through the Gamevice. Additionally, the new Gamevice no longer needs to be separately charged, instead drawing power directly from the iPhone — Gamevice claims that the drain is no more than that of an average pair of headphones. Gamevice also makes a Gamevice Live app, which is designed to help users actually find iOS games that are designed to work with controls. But even with Apple instituting a standardized API for physical game controllers, it remains that case that most of the iPhone’s best games still remain optimized for touchscreen, not physical buttons, so it’s worth considering what games you’d be using a controller with before you buy. That said, if you’re interested in picking up a new Gamevice for iPhone, it’ll cost $99.95 when it comes out on January 31st. Source: The Verge
