A welcome result of a licensing partnership with Zeemote, the SteelSeries Ion wireless gaming controller has been unveiled for our consideration. The device uses Bluetooth as a connectivity medium and is compatible with PCs as well as touchscreen mobile devices like smartphones and tablets.
The company describes the design of this device to be only as big as a deck of cards. The length and breadth measure 108mm and 55.5mm, respectively, while the thickness is 18mm. The offered dimensions seem comfortable enough to allow it to be carried around. The Bluetooth connection with any of the aforementioned compatible gadgets is indicated by a white LED light on the controller.
“For PC users, the SteelSeries Ion is a convenient alternative, especially if they want something other than their mouse or keyboard as their tool. And for consumers with tablets and smartphones, it really is an ideal accessory,†believes Bruce Hawver, SteelSeries CEO. “Whether you’re sling shooting birds or playing a word game with friends, there are games that are ideal for touch screen. Those types of games however, are not the only games available; there are a number of first-person shooter and RTS games that aren’t downloaded or played as frequently as they could be, because the touch screen doesn’t provide an optimal experience. The SteelSeries Ion provides the advantage for those types of games.â€
Incorporated with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, the SteelSeries Ion offers up to 20 hours of wireless use. But in case users run out of juice, they can simply plug it into the PC or handheld device and play while simultaneously charging it up. The body of this gaming controller shows off 2 mini-joysticks, a left side Dpad button, and 2 trigger buttons with one at each shoulder. A four-button layout on the right as seen on Nintendo, Xbox 360 and PlayStation consoles has also been provided.
The SteelSeries Ion release date and price have not been revealed yet. However, the product is expected to be launched commercially in the third quarter of 2012.
