ThinkGeek's iCade 8-Bitty brings NES gamepad feel to iOS
updated 12:00 pm EST, Mon February 13, 2012
ThinkGeek unveils iCade 8-Bitty at Toy Fair
ThinkGeek picked the American International Toy Fair to bring out the iCade 8-Bitty, a much more portable alternative to the iCade cabinet. The wireless iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch gamepad is conspicuously styled like (though not identical to) the original NES controller with four face buttons, Select and Start, although it also has two shoulder buttons. It works with the same iCade-friendly titles, such as Atari's Greatest Hits, as well as any others wanting to use the freely available support.
The gamepad runs on a pair of AAA batteries (not in the box). ThinkGeek hasn't said how long the 8-Bitty runs on a charge, although it appears to use Bluetooth and has a power-saving mode to avoid draining when it's not in use.
A launch is only mentioned as coming sometime later this year, although ThinkGeek has been willing to commit to a $25 price.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Apr 1999
Sweet!
Looks like they even copied the razor-sharp D-pad, so you can make your left thumb bleed, just like old times.