Fans of the iCade gaming arcade can now also indulge in retro-styled gaming on the go with the help of the latest ThinkGeek iCade 8-Bitty controller. Meant for Android and iOS based smartphones and tablets, this latest ThinkGeek product claims to enhance the gaming experience on handheld devices.
The pocket-sized device unveiled at the Toy Fair 2012, is a wireless controller featuring a D-Pad and buttons. Its layout reminds us of 8-bit retro gaming consoles. Similar to the iCade, this controller comes embedded with the said directional game pad as well as eight buttons. It draws power from a battery and is capable of establishing wireless connection with the mobile device.
“We’re excited to extend on the success of the original iCade. And with millions of iOS and Android devices in circulation it only makes sense to widen the field and bring the fun of iCade to every possible device,†quoted Ty Liotta, head of ThinkGeek’s GeekLabs.
The 8-Bitty extends support to a number of iCade games inclusive of Super Mega Worm, Pac Man, Atari Classics collection and many more. Also, with the assistance of the public API specification, developers can make most Android and iOS games compatible with this wireless controller. The iCade gaming arcade from the company was designed for the Apple iPad, and this desktop-sized cabinet comes embedded with retro-styled buttons and joysticks.
The ThinkGeek iCade 8-Bitty is expected to hit store shelves towards the end of this year. It will carry a price tag of $24.99 (approx. Rs. 1,230).
