New iOS controllers give you that Nintendo Switch feeling

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GV140-Minecraft-min
The new Gamevice controller for iPad mini.
Photo: Gamevice

If you like the idea of the new Nintendo Switch but you do all your gaming on iOS, the latest controllers from Gamevice are going to be right up your alley.

Like Nintendo’s latest console, they slap physical buttons and analog sticks onto the sides of your iPhone and iPad. They’re also powered by your iOS device so there’s no need to charge a battery, and they bring the headphone jack back to your iPhone 7.

Control pads can greatly improve the gaming experience on iOS, but many choose to ignore them because they can be clunky — especially if you’re gaming on the go. But Gamevice wants to change that by making its controls a part of your device.

The controller comes in two halves, which slide onto the top and bottom ends of your iPhone or iPad. Because they’re powered by the Lightning connector, there’s no internal battery that needs charging (which means they’re lighter than other controllers), and no fiddly Bluetooth.

Whether you opt for the iPhone or the iPad version, the new Gamevice controller has all the buttons you need to play iOS games — including two analog sticks, a d-pad, four action buttons, triggers and bumper buttons on the left and right shoulders, and a menu button.

Gamevice on iPhone 7
Gamevice on iPhone 7.
Photo: Gamevice

They also boast built-in Lightning connectors, so you can charge your iPhone or iPad while you’re playing — and their own headphone jacks. “You couldn’t put a more comprehensive experience in your backpack,” Gamevice says.

You can buy the iPad Air and iPad Pro versions of the Gamevice controller today, while the new iPhone 7 and iPad mini versions are coming January 31. Each one is priced at $99.99, and they’re available from the Apple online store.

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