iControlPad - The Future of iPhone Gaming Beckons

Within the last 24hrs following an article written by Forbes' Brian Caulfield, the internet has exploded with debate as to whether the iPhone or iPod Touch can compete or even kill the Nintendo DS. Having played around with the iPhone SDK personally, I can confidently assure you that it will over deliver come Monday and that the second generation iPhone along with its App store will be one of the most hyped devices this year. But even with this combination, many consider that the lack of physical buttons on the device renders it "unfit for competition" with the DS. One upcoming developer however has found a way to circumvent this seeming handicap for Apple's devices to compete in the gaming world.

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you iControlpad.

(Click to enlarge)

Though still in early developmental stages, the iControlpad quickly rose to celebrity status over the last couple weeks after news of the concept took wind in the Apple underworld. The developer's blog has documented the success of the prototypes and recently released renders of what the device will possibly look like. Needless to say we at MAG are quite impressed.

Electronic Arts already makes games for the Apple iPod and will undoubtedly be releasing many more after Monday's WWDC announcement (including the much anticipated Spore). Plus, there are countless other companies that will be porting their games over to the iPhone. With the iControlPad, your iPhone or iPod Touch will be transformed into the ultimate portable gaming device.

So with this combination, what can the device offer gamers. Here are a couple:

• No need for physical 'game cartridges'. The iPhone will have all your favorite games available whenever you want them.
• The Screen is a no brainer, the iPhone's screen is nonpareil
• Multi touch, physical buttons plus accelerometer in one.

Currently, the iControlPad requires a jailbroken iPhone unfortunately. This problem however may be solved later in its development and after the release of the iPhone 2.0 firmware. To keep up to date with the latest on the iControlPad, visit the developer's blog.

But honestly now, don't these renders look great?!