joypadgameconsoleZell Interactive's Joypad Game Controller was originally released in mid–2011. As a standalone app, it turned the iPhone into a wireless virtual controller for several Mac and iPad games.

Unfortunately, finding games that worked with the iPhone app was a pain, requiring gamers to visit the Joypad website for a list or to stumble across a compatible app on the App Store.

That changed this week, with the release of the Joypad Game Console. The Game Console turns the iPad into a dashboard that lists all of the Joypad enabled apps. It's like an iOS version of Xbox Live, containing a list of featured games, a list of games that are already installed on the iPad, and a full list of all games that Joypad supports.

Users can tap on one of the apps listed in the Game Console to get more information on it, including an app description, YouTube trailer, and a link to purchase said app on the App Store.

After purchase, the Console can be linked via Wi-Fi to the Joypad Game Controller, which was recently updated with Game Console compatibility and all new skins. The Game Console app can also be connected to the Apple TV so that gamers can play their favorite titles on the big screen.


The Joypad Game Console is a handy addition to the Joypad Game Controller because it's a one stop shop for games. The only downside to both products is the limited game selection, which features just 17 titles.

Joypad Game Console is a free download from the App Store for the iPad. [Direct Link]

Joypad Game Controller is free for the iPhone. [Direct Link]

Top Rated Comments

mcstain Avatar
148 months ago
I believe this is how gaming will be implemented on the Apple TV one day. Imagine four player multiplayer with everyone using their iPhones as controllers.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
APlotdevice Avatar
148 months ago
I fear Apple may quickly pull this because of their new app promoting policy.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Glassed Silver Avatar
148 months ago
I believe this is how gaming will be implemented on the Apple TV one day. Imagine four player multiplayer with everyone using their iPhones as controllers.

Hell no.
iPhone doesn't provide any tactile feedback and left feels just like right.

I'll take a good controller over an iPhone any day. The only advantage would be to be ABLE to use it if you wish to do so, or if the iPhone got some kind of tech that makes it have that feedback and differentiation of buttons.

For an iPad this seems like a sweet idea as it at least solves the problem of covering up the on-screen action with your fingers. :)

Glassed Silver:mac
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Defender2010 Avatar
148 months ago
I can see this being done with the apple tv as well. Maybe even use the iphones as some sort of wiimote.

Perhaps it was really pulled because it was too similar to what Apple will offer next year on Apple TV...
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

Delta Feature

Delta Game Emulator Now Available From App Store on iPhone

Wednesday April 17, 2024 9:58 am PDT by
Game emulator apps have come and gone since Apple announced App Store support for them on April 5, but now popular game emulator Delta from developer Riley Testut is available for download. Testut is known as the developer behind GBA4iOS, an open-source emulator that was available for a brief time more than a decade ago. GBA4iOS led to Delta, an emulator that has been available outside of...
iOS NES Emulator Bimmy Feature

NES Emulator for iPhone and iPad Now Available on App Store [Removed]

Tuesday April 16, 2024 11:33 am PDT by
The first approved Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) emulator for the iPhone and iPad was made available on the App Store today following Apple's rule change. The emulator is called Bimmy, and it was developed by Tom Salvo. On the App Store, Bimmy is described as a tool for testing and playing public domain/"homebrew" games created for the NES, but the app allows you to load ROMs for any...
iPhone 15 Pro Action Button Translate

All iPhone 16 Models to Feature Action Button, But Usefulness Debated

Tuesday April 16, 2024 6:54 am PDT by
Last September, Apple's iPhone 15 Pro models debuted with a new customizable Action button, offering faster access to a handful of functions, as well as the ability to assign Shortcuts. Apple is poised to include the feature on all upcoming iPhone 16 models, so we asked iPhone 15 Pro users what their experience has been with the additional button so far. The Action button replaces the switch ...
maxresdefault

Hands-On With the New App Store Delta Game Emulator

Wednesday April 17, 2024 12:19 pm PDT by
A decade ago, developer Riley Testut released the GBA4iOS emulator for iOS, and since it was against the rules at the time, Apple put a stop to downloads. Emulators have been a violation of the App Store rules for years, but that changed on April 5 when Apple suddenly reversed course and said that it was allowing retro game emulators on the App Store. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel ...
iOS 18 Siri Integrated Feature

iOS 18 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Friday April 12, 2024 11:11 am PDT by
iOS 18 is expected to be the "biggest" update in the iPhone's history. Below, we recap rumored features and changes for the iPhone. iOS 18 is rumored to include new generative AI features for Siri and many apps, and Apple plans to add RCS support to the Messages app for an improved texting experience between iPhones and Android devices. The update is also expected to introduce a more...