Duo Games has teamed up with well-known iOS games developer Gameloft to launch a game controller to enable a more console like gaming experience on the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. The new controller, which is known as the Duo Gamer will connect to your device via Bluetooth and comes with two analogue sticks, a D-Pad and six buttons.
Duo Gamer is a Bluetooth-enabled wireless controller that allows gamers to play fast-paced console-style games on their iOS device, with the familiar controls of a handheld controller. Simply dock your iOS device in the handy Duo Gamer stand, connect wirelessly via Bluetooth, launch your favorite Gameloft game, and then game away using Duo Gamer. In addition, gamers can connect their iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch to a TV for an even more immersive gameplay experience.“We’ve worked closely with Gameloft to ensure that Duo Gamer is optimized to the fullest extent for their rich, immersive game apps,” said Mike Sievert, CEO of Duo Games. “By providing gamers with the first and only console-style gamepad controller for iOS, we are giving them the ability to enjoy a 'kick back' experience while still harnessing the power and graphics capabilities that iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch offer. This will be a game-changer."
The Duo Gamer is compatible with iPad 1, iPad 2, new iPad, iPhone 5, iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPod touch (5th generation), and iPod touch (4th generation). It costs $79.99 and will be available from October 5th at Apple.com, Amazon.com and and Target. It is currently compatible with Gameloft's Asphalt 7, Modern Combat 3, Fallen Nation, Order & Chaos Online, Brothers in Arms 2 and N.O.V.A. 3 – Near Orbit Vanguard Alliance.
There is no question that the Duo Gamer is a really nice accessory and one that I would be extremely interested in getting hold of. The problem is that the only games that it supports are games from Gameloft. That is a pretty major flaw with the Duo Gamer and the main reason why other game controllers have never become mainstream. Without support for all games, you are severely limiting your market and there will just not be enough interest to make it a success. Getting every developer to support your game controller is impossible for a third party to manage; only Apple has the ability to do this by including it in the iOS SDK. Until that happens, game controllers are always going to be a niche product.
Source: Duo Games
