CES 2015: Gamevice Controller Releasing in March for iPad Mini and iPad Air

It’s almost here. The Gamevice, the first ever controller-case style MFi controller for the iPad, is scheduled to hit stores this March. Even bigger: while the controller was originally announced as an iPad Mini exclusive, Wikipad will also be releasing a version for the iPad Air. This is especially good news in light of the massive performance gap between the latest versions of both tablets.

The Gamevice connects to the iPad via Lightning, and includes an integrated battery, audio output via an integrated DAC, Micro USB charging, and full Extended format MFi controls with an actual Plus-style d-pad. Prices are expected to start at $99, though it’s unclear whether different versions of the Gamevice will retail for different prices.

Interestingly, the iPad Air and iPad Mini will each be receiving two versions of the Gamevice. In addition to the regular version, a new 4G version is also in active development. This version is capable of acting as a 4G hotspot, and includes a 1600mAh battery, as opposed to the standard 800mAh battery. This use of an MFi controller is absolutely unprecedented; to my knowledge, nobody anywhere has attempted to combine a MFi controller, backup battery, and 4G hotspot before. Consider me excited!

Wikipad will be demonstrating the Gamevice at CES in Las Vegas, and I’ll be there on the scene to get my hands on one as soon as possible. Barring some sort of horrible catastrophe, I’m honestly hoping this will become my go-to iPad controller for the foreseeable future.