CES 2012: ION's New iCade Product Line Is Impressive
by Jamie Young
January 13, 2012
We've previously told you about some of the iCade products coming to the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). We got to visit the ION booth and look at some for ourselves. Check out the photos of our experience below.
The iCade Mobile controller was one of the first items we saw. Here's some info from ION:
Gamers of all ages will love iCADE MOBILE’s classic controller configuration, designed to play modern and retro games the way they were meant to be played. iCADE MOBILE’s four-way directional pad, four front-facing action buttons and four shoulder buttons are designed to withstand even the most fierce button mashing. iCADE MOBILE gets your fingers out of the way and gives you a full view of the action with a specially designed cradle that ensures safe loading and unloading of your iPhone or iPod touch, while also providing a solid, secure fit even during the most intense game-play sessions.The iCade Mobile controller for the iPhone is any gamer’s dream. It is expected to be on sale this year at the ION website and other retailers for about $79.99. Next, we were able to see the iCade Core: a stream-lined version of the iCade cabinet.
iCade Core’s specially designed cradle ensures safe loading and unloading of a user’s iPad, while also providing a solid, secure fit for even the most intense gameplay sessions. Beneath the cradle is a custom-designed pass-thru slot, which allows users to charge the iPad with their standard 30-pin cable. The cradle also swivels to allow either portrait or landscape so that orientation is never a problem. iCade Core’s top-quality arcade controls quickly connect to the iPad using Bluetooth wireless technology. Once the iPad is in place, simply launch any compatible app and it’s game-on.The Core can also be used with any iDevice and is expected to be on sale this year at the ION website as well. We also saw the iCade Jr. which is, you guessed it, is a mini version of the original iCade. This one is made, not for the iPad, but for the iPhone. Too cute, huh? However, I bet it’s ridiculously difficult to control the thing … unless you have freakishly tiny hands.
That was what we saw, as far as gaming accessories go, at the ION booth at this year’s CES. Are you going to be purchasing any of these sweet new gaming peripherals?
