Techdy is hoping to transform the iPad mini into a dedicated gaming device with the Game D, which is both a case and a controller for the tablet. Game D fits onto the mini like a standard Apple Smart Cover, but provides a d-pad and four action buttons designed for games.

Game D is the project code name for a revolutionary Gaming Device specifically made for iPad mini. It is the most powerful yet the most portable gaming device ever made. It attaches to iPad mini magically as a gaming add-on or as a smart cover. It is designed for both portable gaming and arcade gaming. It is an open source gaming device. It opens up unlimited possibilities to all Gamers and Developers.

techdy2
The aluminum alloy Game D case can be mounted onto the back of the iPad mini with magnets to provide a controller for handheld gaming, or set on a flat surface to be used as an arcade-style platform in both landscape and portrait modes.

At this point in time, the prototype Game D is designed to work with the games that support iCade, but an open source game developer kit will be made available in the future.

Techdy is currently running its own crowdfunding campaign, offering reservations for the Game D at $39. A Pro version priced at $59 includes backlighting, dual analog thumbsticks, and vibration. If the 30-day funding campaign is successful, the developers plan on adding a joystick.


The Game D is still in prototype mode and Techdy plans to let community supporters decide on a final name, custom colors, and an app user interface design.

Reservations for the Game D can be placed on the Techdy website. Orders made during the funding period are set to ship before August 2013.

Top Rated Comments

Apple Knowledge Navigator Avatar
165 months ago
hand gestures and motion sensors seemed to be working just fine.

Nobody said they weren't. What this new accessory will provide, however, is a wealth of
more opportunities for tactile feedback.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Carouser Avatar
165 months ago
Apple might have good reasons for not having a game controller for iOS yet, but the continual push for various such controllers makes me think it would take off if there was some consistency (and clarity!) about support. On that note, it's good to see Techdy is working with iCade.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
gatearray Avatar
165 months ago
Why not Kickstarter????

Because doing it this way makes it easier to scam you out of your money. :)

They are selling this for $39? How on earth can an independent company bring this to market at such a low price? Good luck to anyone who donates their money to this fantasy.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
SteveJobs2.0 Avatar
165 months ago
My thoughts exactly?!

I'm actually intrigued by this, if I could trust them to do a good job at it, I'd really like a controller with physical buttons for my iPad mini.

I don't get why this is on some Kickstarter-clone instead of Kickstarter. Is it because they're not US based or something?

So that when they run away with the money there isn't a well-embellished US company to cover the theft. Also no chance of suing. Then again, I might be cynical.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
APlotdevice Avatar
165 months ago
hand gestures and motion sensors seemed to be working just fine.
Depends on the kind of game; For things like racing and puzzle games, sure those work fine, but for genres like platformers and fighting games you really need a d-pad and buttons.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
UnfetteredMind Avatar
165 months ago
Nice shot of the Mac SE (SE/30?) sitting there in the vid (although not connected and running). I wonder if it's older than these guys :p
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

apple store down feature

Here's Why the Apple Store is Going Down

Thursday November 27, 2025 1:01 pm PST by
Apple's online store is going down for a few hours on a rolling country-by-country basis right now, but do not get your hopes up for new products. Apple takes its online store down for a few hours ahead of Black Friday every year to tease/prepare for its annual gift card offer with the purchase of select products. The store already went down and came back online in Australia and New Zealand, ...
iPhone Pocket Short

iPhone Pocket is Now Completely Sold Out Worldwide

Tuesday November 25, 2025 7:16 am PST by
Apple recently teamed up with Japanese fashion brand ISSEY MIYAKE to create the iPhone Pocket, a limited-edition knitted accessory designed to carry an iPhone. However, it is now completely sold out in all countries where it was released. iPhone Pocket became available to order on Apple's online store starting Friday, November 14, in the United States, France, China, Italy, Japan, Singapore, ...
New Intel Logo

Apple and Intel Rumored to Partner on Mac Chips Again in a New Way

Friday November 28, 2025 7:33 am PST by
While all Macs are now powered by Apple's custom-designed chips, a new rumor claims that Apple may rekindle its partnership with Intel, albeit in a new and limited way. Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo today said Intel is expected to begin shipping Apple's lowest-end M-series chip as early as mid-2027. Kuo said Apple plans to utilize Intel's 18A process, which is the "earliest...
streaming black friday 2025

Best Black Friday Streaming Deals - Save Big on Apple TV, Disney+, Hulu, and More

Thursday November 27, 2025 1:14 pm PST by
We've been focusing on deals on physical products over the past few weeks, but Black Friday is also a great time of year to purchase a streaming membership. Some of the biggest services have great discounts for new and select returning members this week, including Apple TV, Disney+, Hulu, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When...
iphone air camera

iPhone Air Flop Sparks Industry Retreat From Ultra-Thin Phones

Thursday November 27, 2025 3:14 am PST by
Apple's disappointing iPhone Air sales are causing major Chinese mobile vendors to scrap or freeze their own ultra-thin phone projects, according to reports coming out of Asia. Since the ‌iPhone Air‌ launched in September, there have been reports of poor sales and manufacturing cuts, while Apple's supply chain has scaled back shipments and production. Apple supplier Foxconn has...
iphone black friday gold

The Best Black Friday iPhone Deals Still Available

Friday November 28, 2025 6:24 am PST by
Cellular carriers have always offered big savings on the newest iPhone models during the holidays, and Black Friday 2025 sales have kicked off at AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and more. Right now we're tracking notable offers on the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air. For even more savings, keep an eye on older models during the holiday shopping season. Note: MacRumors is...
Apple Foldable Thumb

Foldable iPhone to Debut These Three Breakthrough Features

Tuesday November 25, 2025 7:09 am PST by
Apple's first foldable iPhone is expected to launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models in fall 2026, and it's shaping up to include three standout features that could set it apart from the competition. The book-style foldable will reportedly feature an industry-first 24-megapixel under-display camera built into the inner display, according to a recent JP Morgan equity research report. That...